On April 7, 2025, the School of Business and Economics and the Department of Information Systems bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörg Becker during his “last” lecture. Since 1990, Jörg Becker has significantly shaped the department and the field of Information Systems. His research has left a lasting impression in the areas of process management, data management, e-government, information modeling, retail information systems and hybrid value creation.

Am 7. April 2025 verabschiedeten die Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät und das Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörg Becker im Rahmen seiner „letzten“ Vorlesung.  Seit 1990 hat Jörg Becker das Institut und den Bereich Wirtschaftsinformatik maßgeblich geprägt. Seine Forschung hinterließ in den Bereichen Prozessmanagement, Datenmanagement, E-Government, Informationsmodellierung, Handelsinformationssysteme und hybride Wertschöpfung einen bleibenden Eindruck.

In the new ranking of the online platform research.com, the University of Münster is ranked 8th among the ‘Best Business and Management Universities in Germany 2025’ (267th worldwide). With Prof Dr Jan vom Brocke in 12th place and Prof Dr Thorsten Hennig-Thurau in 26th place, two of our professors are among the top 30 ‘Best Business and Management Scientists in Germany’.

Im neuen Ranking der Online-Plattform research.com wird die Universität Münster auf Rang 8 der "Best Business and Management Universities in Germany 2025" gelistet (weltweit Rang 267). Mit Prof. Dr. Jan vom Brocke auf Rang 12 und Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hennig-Thurau auf Rang 26 zählen gleich zwei unserer Professor:innen zu den Top 30 der "Best Business and Management Scientists in Germany".

On April 7, 2025, the Department of Information Systems bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörg Becker during his “last” lecture.

Since 1990, Jörg Becker has significantly shaped the department and the field of Information Systems. His research has left a lasting impression in the areas of process management, data management, e-government, information modeling, retail information systems and hybrid value creation.

He is also the founder of the European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) and currently heads the research group “Digital Mittelstadt of the Future”, which researches innovative solutions for the digital transformation of municipalities and local administrations.

As part of the farewell, colleagues, long-time companions and former and current doctoral students looked back on three decades of academic excellence, leadership and mentorship - all wrapped up in a creative and inspiring program.

Fortunately, this is not really a farewell, as Jörg Becker will remain with the department as a senior professor. We would like to thank him warmly and look forward to the next chapter!

On April 1st, around 200 new Bachelor's and Master's students, as well as nearly 40 international incoming students, began their studies at the School of Business and Economics under bright sunshine. The Dean, Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer, opened Orientation Week which was organized by the student council. The incoming students, who are spending a semester abroad in Münster, were welcomed by Sina Heidtke from the School’s International Relations Center. At the Leonardo Campus, the Master's students in the Information Systems program were greeted by program manager Dr. Lena Clever. 

Am 01. April starteten rund 200 Bachelor- und Master-Erstsemester sowie knapp 40 internationale Incomings bei strahlendem Sonnenschein ihr Studium an der Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fakultät. Der Dekan, Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer, eröffnete die O-Woche, die von der Fachschaft Wirtschaftswissenschaften organisiert wurde. Die Incomings, die in Münster ein Auslandssemester absolvieren, wurden von Sina Heidtke vom International Relations Center der Fakultät willkommen geheißen. Am Leonardo-Campus wurden die Master-Studierenden des Studiengangs Information Systems von Programmmanagerin Dr. Lena Clever begrüßt.  

On March 31, 2025, members of the Department Board Meeting gathered for a strategy day at the REACH EUREGIO Start-up Center to shape the future of the department.

The day began with a vision workshop, using the innovative “Lego Serious Play” method. This hands-on approach encouraged creative and collaborative thinking and led to several inspiring models that reflected visions for the future of the department.

In addition, there were stimulating discussions on topics such as teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. Together, participants explored new approaches to strengthen the department’s impact and further development in the field of Information Systems.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas, creativity, and commitment!

The first (virtual) Town Hall Meeting took place on 28 March 2025 to provide information on organizational and administrative topics and changes, as well as new projects and similar topics at the department. The aim is to improve the flow of information at the department.

The agenda included new staff members, among them a new acting professorship with Dr. Johannes Sedlmeir and numerous new doctoral students from the various chairs. Other topics included teaching, news from the ERCIS, and internal processes.

The meeting also offers employees the opportunity to discuss questions and specific concerns. In future, the Town Hall Meeting will take place once a semester.

Die geplante Einführung des digitalen Euros sorgt für kontroverse Debatten, insbesondere in sozialen Netzwerken. Während Verschwörungserzählungen von einer drohenden „digitalen Diktatur“ sprechen, weisen Fachleute darauf hin, dass bislang keine endgültigen Entscheidungen getroffen wurden. So äußert sich auch Prof. Schneider, Professur für Finance an der Universität Münster, in einem Beitrag der Tagesschau.

In der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung (FAZ) vom 31. März ist ein gemeinsamer Gastbeitrag von Prof. Peter Kajüter, Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für BWL, insbesondere Internationale Unternehmensrechnung, an der Universität Münster, und Barbara E. Weißenberger, Inhaberin des Lehrstuhls für BWL, insbesondere Controlling und Accounting, an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf erschienen.

In Part 15 of the Alumni Stories, we take a look at the career of Stefan Kooths, Director of the Business Cycle and Growth Research Center at Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel). After studying economics at the University of Münster, his path led him from research and teaching to applied economic analysis and policy advising. In the interview, he shares insights into the challenges of economic forecasting, explains why reliable predictions are crucial, and reflects on the experiences from his studies that still influence him today.

In Teil 15 der Alumni Stories werfen wir einen Blick auf die Karriere von Stefan Kooths, Direktor des Forschungszentrums Konjunktur und Wachstum am Kiel Institut für Weltwirtschaft (IfW Kiel). Nach seinem Volkswirtschaftsstudium an der Universität Münster führte ihn sein Weg von der Forschung und Lehre bis hin zur angewandten Wirtschaftsanalyse und Politikberatung. Im Interview erzählt er, welche Herausforderungen die Konjunkturforschung mit sich bringt, warum belastbare Prognosen so wichtig sind und welche Erfahrungen aus seiner Studienzeit ihn bis heute begleiten.

In the upcoming summer semester, we are pleased to once again welcome international guests to our institute, who have been accompanying us for many years in research and teaching.

Their expertise will provide not only our students but also the entire academic community with new perspectives and valuable insights.

As part of our International Visiting Professors Program, we are honored to welcome:

Prof. Isabel Ramos (University of Minho, Portugal)

Visit period: April 1 to May 31, 2025

Prof. Sirkka Jarvenpaa (McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin, USA)

Visit period: May 2 to June 15, 2025

Prof. Dr. Dragos Vieru (TELUQ University of Quebec, Montreal, Canada)

Visit period: June 2 to June 10, 2025

Prof. Dr. Russell Haines (Appalachian State University, Boone NC, USA)

Visit period: June 1 to July 31, 2025

Dr. Nathalie Mitev  (Université Paris-Dauphine, France) 

Visit period: June 16 to June 30, 2025

The “CARE-FLOW” project is being funded with 4.5 million euros by the Interreg VI program to enhance cross-border cooperation in the healthcare sector between Germany and the Netherlands. The aim is to develop innovative, data-driven solutions that optimize patient flow and capacity planning in emergency services, hospitals, and care facilities. Using AI algorithms and data analysis, resources such as ambulances, intensive care beds, and staff will be used more efficiently to provide patients with faster and better care.

An important aspect of the project is the consideration of exceptional events such as pandemics in order to make the healthcare system more resilient. In the border region, cooperation between the two countries is crucial to better coordinate resources such as available beds or ambulances – an important step in the light of  demographic changes and staff shortages in healthcare.

The consortium is led by the University of Twente and includes partners such as Stokhos Emergency Mathematics BV, L2R GmbH, ORTEC (Rhythm b.v.), University of Münster (ERCIS Competence Center for Crisis Management by Prof. Bernd Hellingrath and Dr. Adam Widera), and University Hospital Muenster. Together, they are developing software solutions and mathematical models that integrate real-time data from various healthcare institutions, improving resource planning.

The project will run until Spring 2029, with a total budget of 4,5 million euro, of which 2 million euro is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“CARE-FLOW” is an important step towards better healthcare and stronger cooperation between the neighboring countries.

Dr. Felix Hoch and Philip Nicolai Zilke from the University of Münster have received an invitation to the internationally renowned Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. For more than 70 years, this prestigious event has served as a globally recognized forum for exchange between Nobel Laureates and outstanding young scientists. The selected young scientists attending the Lindau Meeting represent the next generation of exceptional researchers. To be invited, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous, multi-stage application and selection process. Dr. Felix Hoch and Philip Zilke have successfully passed this selection process.

Die Wirtschaftswissenschaftler Dr. Felix Hoch und Philip Nicolai Zilke von der Universität Münster haben eine Einladung zur international renommierten Lindauer Nobelpreisträgertagung erhalten. Die Veranstaltung dient seit mehr als 70 Jahren als weltweit anerkanntes Forum für den Austausch zwischen Nobelpreisträger:innen und herausragenden Nachwuchswissenschaftler:innen. Die eingeladenen Lindauer Nachwuchswissenschaftler:innen stellen die nächste Generation exzellenter Wissenschaftler:innen und Forscher:innen dar. Um an einer Tagung teilnehmen zu können, müssen sie einen mehrstufigen Bewerbungs- und Auswahlprozess durchlaufen. Diesen Prozess haben Dr. Felix Hoch und Philip Zilke nun erfolgreich bestanden.

SAP hat ein umfassendes neues Leistungsbewertungssystem eingeführt – und damit eine breite Debatte ausgelöst. Mitarbeitende werden künftig in drei Kategorien eingeteilt: die Außergewöhnlichen, die Zufriedenstellenden und die, die sich verbessern müssen. Prof. Dr. Martin Artz, Lehrstuhl für Controlling und Unternehmenssteuerung, gibt in einem Beitrag der Süddeutschen Zeitung eine Einschätzung aus wissenschaftlicher Perspektive dazu. Er beschäftigt sich seit Jahren mit Leistungsbewertungssystemen in Unternehmen und sieht in SAPs Reform eine Entwicklung mit doppelter Wirkung: „Solche Systeme können motivieren – aber sie bergen auch das Risiko von Leistungsdruck und Demotivation.“

In einem gemeinsamen Gastbeitrag in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung (FAZ) haben sich Martin Watzinger, Monika Schnitzer und Ariel Dora Stern zur Chance geäußert, vermehrt US-Spitzenforscher:innen nach Deutschland zu holen. Denn, so die drei Professor:innen, die neue US-Regierung hat nach ihrem Amtsantritt Maßnahmen ergriffen, die zu drastischen Kürzungen in der Wissenschaftsfinanzierung führen werden. Sie sprechen sich dafür aus, diese Wissenschaftler:innen für deutsche Universitäten und Forschungseinrichtungen zu gewinnen.

People Make the University – with this message, the University of Münster publishes its 2024 yearbook, honoring twelve outstanding individuals from research, teaching, and student engagement through personal portraits. Three of them come from the School of Business & Economics. In their portraits, Maximilian Sommer, Prof. Dr. Andreas Pfingsten, and Prof. Dr. Julia Backmann each highlight – in very different ways – just how diverse and vibrant the schoool is.