Bridging Theory and Practice: A Three-Day MBA Industry Excursion in Southern Germany
News
As part of the MBA in International Management program, our 3rd semester students embarked on a three-day excursion designed to connect their academic learning with the realities of global business. Through visits to leading German companies across sectors such as packaging, optics, ceramics, and automation, students gained valuable exposure to sustainability initiatives, process optimization, digital transformation, corporate strategy, and global leadership.
Day 1 – Sustainable Innovation and Operational Excellence
The excursion began at Gerhard Schubert GmbH, a pioneer in automated packaging solutions. The visit focused on how technological innovation and sustainability drive long-term competitiveness. Students explored the company’s Mission Blue initiative, which integrates environmental responsibility into business strategy, echoing MBA discussions on corporate sustainability and responsible management. The sessions also delved into process management and lean production, giving students a practical look at efficiency improvement, innovation-driven culture, and data-supported decision-making in a global manufacturing context.
Day 2 – Technology Leadership and Strategic Transformation
The second day offered deep insights into Germany’s high-tech and digital industries. At the ZEISS Group, students learned how innovation and precision engineering form the backbone of the company’s success. Presentations on semiconductor technology demonstrated the importance of continuous R&D investment and technological foresight, topics that connect directly to MBA courses in Strategic Management, Technology, and Operations. The visit also emphasized how a strong innovation culture sustains ZEISS’s leadership in competitive global markets.
In the afternoon, students were hosted by TeamViewer, a leading company in remote connectivity and digital transformation. MBA alumnus Rohit Singh shared his professional experiences in sales strategy and program management, illustrating how data analytics and agile strategy support organizational growth. Discussions on corporate acquisitions and integration strategies offered students an applied perspective on financial and strategic decision-making. The visit underscored how digitalization and innovation are reshaping business models and leadership approaches in a globalized economy.
Day 3 – ESG, People Development, and Collaboration in a Global Context
The final day brought visits to CeramTec and Festo, both globally recognized for their technological excellence and commitment to people-centered leadership. At CeramTec, students, welcomed by alumna Laura Görich, explored the company’s approach to ESG topics and global human resource development.
At Festo, students participated in an interactive workshop on “Effective Global Collaboration in a VUCA World,” focusing on how leaders can build trust, adaptability, and innovation in complex international environments. The day highlighted the growing importance of soft skills, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative leadership, key competencies emphasized throughout the MBA program.
Across all three days, this excursion exemplified the value of learning beyond the classroom. Students not only deepened their understanding of industry practices but also strengthened professional networks and reflected on how management theory translates into real-world business challenges.
Our sincere thanks go to all the host companies for their generous time, openness, and insightful contributions.
