Deglobalization, nationalization, regionalization – a look at the political and economic situation of the world reveals tendencies toward retreat. Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr, Heike Siebert, and Alexandra Hofmann from the Department Economics at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) contrast this with a transatlantic business simulation – and have received the Hessian University Prize for Excellence in Teaching for their work.
The English-language module "International Business Simulation (Blended)" has combined a virtual project phase with in-person weeks in Giessen , and Russellville, USA, since 2023, training students from Germany, the USA, and now also Finland in intercultural project management. The transfer of subject-specific knowledge is intentionally somewhat subordinated to the development of interdisciplinary and intercultural skills.
Löhr and Siebert launched their initiative at a time of unprecedented uncertainty: In the "age of video conferencing," they were already anticipating the post-pandemic era in 2021, when virtual and real-world interaction would converge in international business. Together with Gabriele Haulmark, responsible for international relations at Arkansas Tech University (ATU) in Russellville, they initially offered a joint online event, which was enthusiastically received by students from both universities. Following this success, they developed a course centered around a virtual project simulation that provided a realistic glimpse into the modern economy. "We simulate the working conditions in globalized companies," explains Löhr: real-time communication in English across time zones and under time pressure. "We invite students from all over the world to step outside their comfort zones and broaden their horizons."
In 2023, they welcomed their first guests from Russellville, followed by a return visit later that same year. Even the Governor of Arkansas welcomed the students from Central Hesse. This mobility is financially supported by Erasmus+, with approximately €100,000 already raised. "Thanks to this funding, we have the opportunity to offer our program to students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them the entirely new experience of a transatlantic study trip. We also emphasize interdisciplinarity and diversity," reports Heike Siebert.
The exchange weeks build upon the content of the online sessions. They combine elements of the simulation with expert lectures, guest presentations, and cultural experiences. In Germany, for example, the program includes visits to cities like Marburg and Cologne, company tours such as Leica in Wetzlar, and a trip to Frankfurt to visit the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange. "For us in Europe, such mobility may seem normal. But many ATU students have never left Arkansas—let alone the USA," explains Alexandra Hofmann, highlighting the significance of the module for many students.
Curiosity, sociability, stress resilience, and self-organization are just some of the key skills fostered through travel. "We don't understand culture in a one-dimensional way as national culture; rather, the students develop a shared, overarching culture over the course of the program—regardless of whether they come from Germany, the USA, Finland, Nigeria, Iran, Sri Lanka, or Pakistan," explains Hofmann. This made it easy to integrate Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK), a Finnish university with students from various countries of origin, into the program at the beginning of this year. Also new to the program is Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, which invited all THMparticipants for a study trip in the fall—an inspiring conclusion for the current participants.
Their enthusiasm is shared not only by the presidents of the participating universities, who are supporting the project to the best of their ability and exploring opportunities for cooperation beyond its immediate scope, but also by the jury of the Hessian University Prize. They praised the "high level of reflection and didactic depth," which is expressed, for example, in the challenge-based learning principles or the "constructive alignment" approach, which coordinates learning objectives, teaching and learning methods, and assessment formats right from the module planning stage. The combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching elements, and the alternation between online and in-person phases, also creates a "direct link to the globalized world of work." The method of assessment also received praise: Instead of traditional exams, students write learning journals with individual feedback, supplemented by reflection tasks and creative presentations.
The four award-winning projects “promote critical thinking, empathy, and team spirit – and create learning environments that encourage trying new things,” said Hesse’s Minister of Science, Timon Gremmels, in his laudatory speech. “Especially in times when our democracy is under pressure, we need teaching formats that awaken curiosity and foster a strong sense of purpose.” With this in mind, the jury selected the most compelling ideas from 38 applications submitted by 13 universities. The second prize, which includes a grant of €30,000 to be used directly for the project’s sustainability, was awarded to the “International Business Simulation (Blended)” project by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr, Heike Siebert, and Alexandra Hofmann as an example of excellent university teaching.
A video about the project can be found on the Webseite HMWK.
