Prof. Dr. Johann Nils Foege has held the Professorship for Innovation, Strategy, and Organization at the Center for Management at the University of Münster since October 1, 2024. The institute's key focus areas include digital innovation, digitalization, innovation collaborations and platforms, artificial intelligence, sustainability strategy, sustainable consumption, and top management teams. In our interview, Prof Foege reveals what he would like to focus on, what characterises good teaching for him, and why he is delighted to be returning to his alma mater in Münster.

Prof. Dr. Johann Nils Foege ist seit dem 01. Oktober 2024 Inhaber der Professur für Innovation, Strategie und Organisation am Centrum für Management. Zu den Schwerpunkten des Institutes gehören unter anderem die Bereiche digitale Innovation, Digitalisierung, Innovationskooperationen und -plattformen, Künstliche Intelligenz, Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie, nachhaltiger Konsum und Top Management Teams. Im Interview verrät Prof. Foege, welche Schwerpunkte er setzen möchte, was gute Lehre für ihn auszeichnet, und warum es ihm eine große Freude ist, an seine Alma Mater in Münster zurückzukehren.

Das Europäische Forschungszentrum ERCIS der Universität Münster hat gestern eine wegweisende Kooperationsvereinbarung mit dem Sparkassenverband Westfalen-Lippe und weiteren Partnern unterzeichnet und damit die Gründung eines gemeinsamen Labs für Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) besiegelt. Die Einrichtung mit dem Namen „Flow Factory“ widmet sich der Erforschung von KI mit Blick auf die Transformation und Innovation von Prozessen in der Finanzwirtschaft und wird ihre Arbeit sofort aufnehmen.

At the end of 2024, the Department of Information Systems was well represented at ICIS 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand by numerous PhD students, postdocs, and professors. ICIS – The International Conference on Information Systems – is one of the world’s leading conferences for information systems, bringing together researchers from around the globe to discuss the latest research findings.

During the conference, many of our researchers had the opportunity to present their work in workshops, paper sessions, and teaching cases:

- Dr. Lea Püchel participated in a paper development workshop, attended the SIG Grounded Theory Method and presented the teaching case ‘Developing Digital Sustainability Skills through the Grunenfeld Microgrid Project?’ in a paper session, on which she worked with Prof. Tobias Brandt and Tao Yue (https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2024/learnandiscurricula/learnandiscurricul...).

- Matthias Werner presented the paper ‘Riding Two Horses at The Same Time: Paradox Responses for Navigating Exploration and Exploitation in Small and Medium-Sized IT Consulting Firms’, which was co-athored by Dr. Jan Stockhinger, Prof. Stefan Klein and Prof. Dragos Vieru (https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2024/general_is/general_is/13/)

- Dr. Sebastian Reiners presented the DSR Academy (https://dsr-academy.org) in a TREO Talk with his team (Dr. Michael Gau, Gregor Kipping, Fabian Tingelhoff, Prof. Jan vom Brocke, Prof. Tuure Tuunanen, Prof. Jan Marco Leimeister).

- Shariga Sivanthan presented her current research at the pre-ICIS workshops and was Docoral Student Co-Chair at the ICIS 2024.

- Gregor Kipping presented the paper ‘Towards a Reference Model for Designing Micro-Credentials in Higher Education’ as part of the session ‘Methods and Techniques for Impacting Learning Outcomes’ (https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2024/learnandiscurricula/learnandiscurricula/8/). Together with Dr. Michael Gau and Prof. Jan vom Brocke, Gregor explored ways to support higher education organisations in the adoption, design, and communication of just and inclusive micro-credentials.

- Miriam Möllers presented the two papers co-authored with Prof. Benedikt Berger: ‘Machine Learning as a Second Opinion: Understanding Cross-Departmental Differences Through Technological Frames’ and ‘Seeking Augmentation of Knowledge Work through Machine Learning: A Case Study in the Field of Financial Planning’ (https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2024/digtech_fow/digtech_fow/24/).

- Prof. Benedikt Berger participated as a mentor in a Faculty Roundtable of the Doctoral Student Corner.

 

Die Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät sowie ihr Ehemaligenverein, AlumniUM, präsentieren die „Alumni Stories“ – eine Interviewreihe, in der Absolventinnen und Absolventen der Fakultät ihre Karrierewege und Erlebnisse an der Universität Münster teilen. In Teil 12 der Alumni Stories gibt uns Christian Osterhold, Referent im Bundesministerium der Finanzen in Berlin, spannende Einblicke in seine Arbeit im Bereich der europäischen Finanz- und Wirtschaftspolitik. Dabei erfahren wir auch, welche internationalen Erlebnisse Herrn Osterhold besonders in Erinnerung geblieben sind und wir erhalten seine Einschätzung zur aktuellen Diskussion über die Zukunft des Wirtschaftsstandorts Deutschland.

The Department of Information Systems has elected Prof. Jan vom Brocke as its new Managing Director effective 1 January 2025. He succeeds Prof. Jörg Becker, who served as Managing Director for 30 years until now. In June 2023 Jan vom Brocke was appointed Professor and Chair of Information Systems and Business Process Management. He studied Information Systems at the University of Münster and is recognised internationally as a highly respected researcher in the field of Information Systems.

Das Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik hat Prof. Jan vom Brocke mit Wirkung zum 01. Januar 2025 zum neuen geschäftsführenden Direktor des Instituts gewählt. Er folgt auf Prof. Jörg Becker, der das Institut über 30 Jahre mit großem Engagement geleitet hat. Jan vom Brocke ist seit 2023 Professor und Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Wirtschaftsinformatik und Geschäftsprozessmanagement und hat selbst Wirtschaftsinformatik an der Universität Münster studiert. Er gilt als einer der führenden Wissenschaftler:innen auf dem Gebiet der Wirtschaftsinformatik.

The Department of Information Systems has elected Prof. Jan vom Brocke as its new Managing Director effective 1 January 2025. He succeeds Prof. Jörg Becker, who served as Managing Director for 30 years until now.

In June 2023 Jan vom Brocke was appointed Professor and Chair of Information Systems and Business Process Management.

He studied Information Systems at the University of Münster and completed his doctorate under Prof. Dr. Heinz Lothar Grob. Following his habilitation at the School of Business and Economics, he held the Hilti Chair of Business Process Management and was Director of the Institute of Information Systems at the University of Liechtenstein. During this time, he and his team were also associated partners in the ERCIS network, contributing to numerous collaborative research projects, publications, teaching events and conferences. Today, he is Director at the ERCIS - European Research Center for Information System.

He is also recognised internationally as a highly respected researcher in the field of Information Systems, particularly in the area of Business Process Management. He regularly publishes in leading journals at A and A+ level as well as in outlets of the Financial Times Top 50 Journal List and independent international rankings consistently place Jan vom Brocke in top positions in both Information Systems and Economics. Additionally, he brings valuable teaching experience from prestigious international business schools.

We warmly welcome Prof. Jan vom Brocke to his new role and look forward to the continued success of our department under his leadership. At the same time, we would like to thank Prof. Jörg Becker most sincerely for his outstanding achievements and successful leadership of the department over the past three decades.

 

The School of Business & Economics and its alumni association, AlumniUM, present the "Alumni Stories" – an interview series where graduates of the School share their career paths and experiences at the University of Münster. In part 12 of the Alumni Stories, Christian Osterhold, Economist at the German Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin, provides fascinating insights into his work in European financial and economic policy. He also shares memorable experiences from his international career and offers his perspective on the current debate surrounding the future of Germany as a business location.

The stabilization of financial markets, doping in elite sports, the impact of a universal basic income: these are just some of the diverse topics addressed in the award-winning dissertations recognized with the "Dr. Andreas Dombret Dissertation Award" at the University of Münster. What these dissertations share, alongside their "summa cum laude" evaluations, is their ability to connect theoretical knowledge with economic policy practice. The Dissertation Award has been presented since 2007. In 2014, it was solidified through the establishment of the first foundation fund created under the umbrella of the University of Münster Foundation. The "Dr. Andreas Dombret Foundation" now awards this €2,000 prize twice annually.

Ende vergangenen Jahres fand die Absolventenfeier der Bachelor- und Masterabsolvierenden im Wintersemester 2024/25 statt. Der Dekan der Fakultät Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer überreichte den 150 Absolventen und Absolventinnen ihre Abschlusszeugnisse. Die Veranstaltung wurde musikalisch durch die Band „Trials of Life“ begleitet und auch in diesem Jahr von der Fachschaft Wirtschaftswissenschaften organisiert. Neben zahlreichen Reden standen auch die Verleihung der Lehrpreise und die Auszeichnung des besten Abschlusses auf dem Programm.

Die Stabilisierung des Finanzmarkts, Doping im Spitzensport, der Einfluss eines bedingungslosen Grundeinkommens: Um so unterschiedliche Themen geht es in den mit dem „Dr. Andreas Dombret-Promotionspreis“ ausgezeichneten wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Arbeiten an der Universität Münster. Gemeinsam ist den Dissertationen neben einer „summa cum laude“-Bewertung, dass sie theoretisches Wissen und wirtschaftspolitische Praxis miteinander verbinden. Den Promotionspreis gibt es bereits seit 2007. Seit 2014 ist er durch den ersten Stiftungsfonds verstetigt, der unter dem Dach der Universitätsstiftung Münster gegründet wurde. Die „Dr. Andreas Dombret-Stiftung“ verleiht die mit 2.000 Euro dotierte Auszeichnung jährlich zweimal.

The DFG research group " Future Digital Towns " has reached the halfway point of its first funding phase – the perfect time for an interim review! Two weeks ago, the group gathered to reflect on the progress of its six sub-projects during an inspiring workshop held in the idyllic setting of the Rothenberge country house.

The intense discussions between the principle investigators and team members focused on the current state of research and the connections between the sub-projects. Particularly stimulating was the collaborative work on the central research framework, based on the capability approach by Sen, which provides a common theoretical foundation to all sub-projects.

But the group’s focus extended beyond the present. With great commitment, they also laid the groundwork for the future. A key topic was the preparation of the extension proposal for a second funding phase, with the goal of taking medium-sized city research to the next level and opening up new perspectives.

After two intensive days of productive discussions and creative inspiration, the group returned with fresh ideas and a clear vision. The unique atmosphere of the country house not only facilitated their work but also strengthened the group's cohesion. A powerful step forward – for the research group and for the field of mid-sized towns research as a whole!

Further information about the research group can be found here.

Vom Wechsel an der Spitze des Dekanats, über das 20-jährige ERCIS-Jubiläum bis zur Vorstellung des 4-Tage-Pilotprojektes - 2024 ist viel passiert an der Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fakultät. Der soeben veröffentliche Jahresrückblick zeigt eindrucksvoll die Vielzahl an Aktivitäten, mit welchen unsere Professorinnen und Professoren, Mitarbeitenden, Studierenden und Ehemaligen unseren Fachbereich auch in diesem Jahr geprägt, entwickelt und gestaltet haben.

From the change in leadership at the dean's office, to the 20th ERCIS anniversary and the presentation of the 4-day pilot project – 2024 has been an eventful year at the School of Business and Economics. The recently published annual review impressively shows the wide range of activities through which our professors, staff, students, and alumni have shaped, developed, and contributed to our School this year. The bilingual review is divided into the chapters Organization and Strategy, Teaching and Learning, Research, Knowledge Transfer, International Affairs, Alumni, and Awards.

Die Competition Policy Conference 2024, gemeinsam organisiert vom DICE (Justus Haucap, Paul Heidhues und Christian Wey) und der Universität Münster (Markus Dertwinkel-Kalt), fand vom 5. bis 7. Dezember in Düsseldorf statt. Sie brachte nationale und internationale Experten für Wettbewerbspolitik und Kartellrecht zusammen. Weitere Teilnehmer von der Universität Münster waren Martin Watzinger, Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Volkswirtschaftslehre mit Schwerpunkt Innovationsökonomik und Unternehmertum; Daniil Larionov, PostDoc am Lehrstuhl für nachhaltige Marktdesigns; und Maximilian Schmetzke, Doktorand am Lehrstuhl für Verhaltens- und Digitale Ökonomik.

The Competition Policy Conference 2024, co-organized by the DICE (Justus Haucap, Paul Heidhues, and Christian Wey) and the University of Münster (Markus Dertwinkel-Kalt), took place from Dec 5 to 7 in Düsseldorf and was a
big success, bringing together national and international experts in competition policy and competition law. Additional participants from the University of Münster included Martin Watzinger, Chair of Economics with a focus on Innovation Economics and Entrepreneurship; Daniil Larionov, PostDoc at the Chair of Sustainable Market Design; and Maximilian Schmetzke, PhD student at the Chair of Behavioral and Digital Economics.

Prof. Dr. Martin Watzinger hat einen Ruf der Universität Saarbrücken abgelehnt und sich dazu entschieden, seine Tätigkeit an der Universität Münster fortzusetzen. Er ist seit 2021 Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für VWL, insbesondere Innovationsökonomik und Entrepreneurship, und zudem Direktor des Münster Center for Economic Policy sowie Research Professor am REACH – EUREGIO Start-up Center der Universität Münster.

Letizia Tschetsche has joined the team of the Junior Professorship for Digital Transformation and Society as a research assistant on November 1, 2024.

Ms. Tschetsche completed a master's degree in “Psychology - Human Performance in Socio-Technical Systems” at the Technical University Dresden. In the coming years, she will continue to do research on issues related to humans at work as part of her doctoral thesis. Her research will focus on the use of (generative) artificial intelligence in organizational development and its impact on structures, processes and culture, as well as on the employees themselves and their cooperation.

Her interest in this topic stems from her previous research activities: She has already investigated the use of digital technologies in healthcare through a systematic literature review, as well as the use of explainable artificial intelligence in fault diagnosis in a simulated computer experiment.

We wish her the very best and are looking forward to working together!

Collaboration between the Chair for Transformation of Work, the Junior Professorship for Digital Transformation and Society and BASF Coatings

Das Rektorat der Universität Münster hat in einer Feierstunde in der Schloss-Aula 14 Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und -wissenschaftler mit dem Dissertationspreis des Jahres 2024 ausgezeichnet. Neben der wissenschaftlichen Exzellenz müssen die Dissertationen ein hohes Maß an Originalität aufweisen und einen bedeutsamen Beitrag zur aktuellen Forschung leisten. Rektor Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels sowie die Prorektorinnen Prof. Dr. Maike Tietjens und Prof. Dr. Monika Stoll verliehen die Preise, die mit jeweils 3.500 Euro dotiert sind. Unter den Preisträger:innen befindet sich auch Dr. Pascal Büsing von der Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fakultät. Seine Arbeit mit dem Titel „Reference Points and Expectations in Financial Decision Making“, betreut von Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer, untersucht, wie Referenzpunkte und Erwartungen finanzielle Entscheidungen beeinflussen.