Bernd Schenk, director of the Information Systems MA course at the University of Liechtenstein, has received an award on the occasion of the SAP TechEd conference in Berlin as a ‘Visionary Member’ of the SAP University Alliance. The award is given to members of the SAP University Alliance for an exceptional track record in passing on SAP knowledge to students.
Bernd Schenk, director of the Information Systems MA course at the University of Liechtenstein, has received an award on the occasion of the SAP TechEd conference in Berlin as a ‘Visionary Member’ of the SAP University Alliance. The award is given to members of the SAP University Alliance for an exceptional track record in passing on SAP knowledge to students.
Dr Bernd Schenk, director of the SAP University Alliance programme at the University of Liechtenstein, was extremely pleased to receive the award – which shows once again that the multifarious activities in the field of information systems at the University of Liechtenstein make a positive impression, and are valued even beyond the region. ‘For many years SAP has been a reliable partner for us – one who makes it a top priority to encourage the students’ acquisition of new skills,’ said Dr Schenk, expressing his appreciation of the partnership.
Business IT in Liechtenstein
Many companies in Liechtenstein rely on software from the market leader SAP for managing their business processes. So knowledge about business software generally, and SAP systems in particular, plays an important part in the BA and MA courses of the Institute of Information Systems at the University of Liechtenstein. The close partnership with the SAP company makes it possible for students to develop an enthusiasm for the subject beyond the limits of their university course. Last year some students took part, at SAP’s invitation, in innovation competitions (‘InnoJams’) in Hanover and Las Vegas. And SAP has also organised Design Thinking Workshops at the University of Liechtenstein, where students can contribute to the development of creative software solutions.
Dr Bernd Schenk of the University Liechtenstein receiving the Visionary Member award of the SAP University Alliance from Ann Rosenberg, Head of SAP Global University Alliances
Practical knowledge with a view to a career
As a university lecturer at the Hilti Chair of Business Process Management, Dr Schenk has been promoting the subject of business software over the years, and is responsible for its forming an essential part of the BA and MA courses. ‘The knowledge they have acquired about business software helps graduates when they are starting out on a career, and boosts the productivity of companies. As a result of our courses, students will be in a position to apply conclusions derived from research in developing practical solutions,’ says Schenk, explaining the basic idea of the university’s partnership with SAP.
The SAP further training course ‘Train ERP in 10 days’ has for years been an established feature of the university’s calendar of events. More than 150 students have already acquired extensive knowledge of SAP software solutions over and above their official studies as a result of this course, and have received an SAP ‘Business Associate’ certificate. The next course will be starting soon – it takes place in February 2015, in partnership with FH Vorarlberg [Vorarlberg Technical College].