As the summer semester 2026 ends today, we would like to look back on some of the teaching, research, and MIBS-community highlights of the past few months.
Teaching Highlights
Once again, our students benefitted greatly from the expertise and commitment of our external lecturers, who have now become highly valued lecturers in the “Master International Business Studies” program and regular visitors at the department.
We would particularly like to thank Muriel Durand, PhD, from EM Normandie. During this summer semester, she once again offered the Master’s course Global HRM and Ethical Challenges in Asia and Europe, providing students with important insights into international human resource management and the ethical challenges organizations face across different institutional and cultural contexts.
Our sincere thanks also go to Dr. Carina Friedmann-Schneider from Wavestone and Dr. Susanne Scherer from Audi, who have now taught the course Strategic Transformation in European Firms for several semesters. By combining academic perspectives with their extensive professional experience, they offer our students valuable insights into how organisations design and implement complex transformation processes.
Another highlight was our seminar Advanced Methods in Management Research conducted by Professor Holtbrügge together with members of the department. Together with nine students, we explored how multinational enterprises navigate geopolitical tensions and conflicts. The students developed and conducted their own research projects, applying advanced research methods to a topic that is both academically relevant and highly important for international business practice.
Research Highlights
The semester was also characterized by a wide range of research activities. Professor Dirk Holtbrügge and members of the department presented and discussed their current research at several international academic conferences, such as the Academy of International Business Annual Meeting in Manchester, UK or the Philosophy of Management Conference at the campus of EM Normandie in Paris, France. These events provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues and scholars from different institutions, receive feedback on ongoing projects, and develop new research collaborations.
A further highlight was our joint doctoral colloquium at the University of Hamburg, together with Professor Marion Festing’s Chair of Human Resource Management and Intercultural Leadership at ESCP Business School Berlin and Professor Nicola Berg’s Chair of Strategic Management at the University of Hamburg. The colloquium offered doctoral researchers the opportunity to present their projects, discuss theoretical and methodological questions, and receive constructive feedback. Our sincere thanks goes out to Nicola Berg and her team for the organization of this two-day colloquium. We look forward to hosting you in Nuremberg.
Beyond the Classroom
Beyond teaching and research, the semester also offered several opportunities to strengthen the “Master in International Business Studies” community.
In June we organized a small MIBS Get-Together, where interested students and members of the department came together in an informal setting to connect beyond the classroom.
Another memorable event was the MIBS Study Tour to Berlin in June. During the two-day field trip, students gained first-hand insights into organizations and institutions operating at the intersection of business, politics, and public administration. The tour also provided valuable opportunities for discussion, networking, and shared experiences within the MIBS community.
We would like to thank all students, lecturers, colleagues, and external partners who contributed to the many activities and experiences of this semester. We wish all our students every success in their examinations and, afterwards, a relaxing and enjoyable semester break!
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