From AI to ergonomics in the workplace

Linking theory with practice and making a real contribution - in the project workshop in the fourth semester of the bachelor's degree programme in International Business Administration the students worked in teams to develop solutions for the current challenges facing regional organizations. They use the specialist and methodological knowledge acquired in the first three semesters to solve real-life Business and Management problems.  "By working closely with companies, they optimally combine theory and practice and take the opportunity to expand their network," explained coordinator and lecturer Florian Buehler.

The project work usually takes place on site at the respective partner company. The students contribute the specialist and methodological knowledge they have already acquired in the respective subject area of the specialization   "Overall, the project workshop offers students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice and also to deepen their skills in teamwork, communication, project and process management," summarized programme director Martin Hebertinger . This year, the students dealt with a wide range of topics such as cost recovery and pricing, optimizing knowledge management systems, using artificial intelligence to improve the customer journey, strategic personnel development, improving warehouse logistics, developing business models, analyzing personnel requirements, identifying relevant topics for employee surveys, ergonomics in the workplace, developing new business administration key figures, market analysis and digitizing traditional tourism offers.  

Real task

The companies and organizations from the Lake Constance region were the sponsors and clients of the project workshop. The aim of the teaching and learning project was to systematically work on a real task from practice in a team. Project mentors and/or project clients in the company and coaches at the FHV accompanied the students. The project work was carried out in the six specializations Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Sales, Accounting and Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Human Resources and Organization as well as Digital Transformation. "It is a lot of fun to apply the basics from the lectures of the first three semesters in practice. This is a valuable learning experience," summed up student Pascal.  

Cooperation projects

Partners from the region presented the students with practically relevant Business Administration questions and supported them in systematically working on them as a team. The project workshop was carried out in cooperation with the following companies and organizations from the Lake Constance region:

• SV-Ebnit
• aks Gesundheit GmbH
• Wagrain-Kleinarl Tourism + Austrian Post
• Tridonic
• Integra Vorarlberg GmbH
• Project Klingel - Climate-adapted and healthy living
• Dornbirn Hospital and Bregenz State Hospital
• Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH
• Caritas / Carla Tex Hohenems
• TGS Technischer Gebäude Service GmbH
• Horntools
• Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH