International Collaboration in Action: Successful Cooperation Project with The Hague University of Applied Sciences

For many years, the International Business and Management, B.A. programme has maintained a successful and vibrant partnership with The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Once again, this international cooperation project took place during the summer semester under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Philipp Schorn and Fabian Dargel, M.Sc., providing participating students with a unique opportunity to experience international collaboration in a practical setting.

This year's project focused on current challenges in Human Resource Management (HRM) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). International student teams explored topics such as Employer Branding, Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Benefits, and the use of Artificial Intelligence and HR Analytics. Their objective was to develop sustainable HR strategies for selected companies and critically analyse these organisations from the perspective of external consultants.

The personal exchange began with a three-day kick-off event in Kleve, where students from both universities met, formed their project teams, and started working on their initial concepts. The programme also included a funny “Planwagenfahrt” through the Lower Rhine region, providing an excellent opportunity for students to get to know each other beyond the classroom. In the following weeks, the international teams continued their collaboration through virtual meetings and further developed their analyses.

The highlight of the project was the concluding three-day excursion to The Hague. There, the students presented their project results to faculty members and fellow students from both institutions. The high quality of the presentations and reports clearly demonstrated the success of the international teamwork. In addition to delivering well-founded and innovative solutions, the teams impressed with their intercultural cooperation, creativity, and professional approach.

The project once again highlighted the significant value of international cooperation within higher education. Participants not only expanded their knowledge in the field of Human Resource Management but also developed key future-oriented competencies such as teamwork, intercultural communication, problem-solving skills, and project management.

The project team would like to thank all participating students as well as both institutions for their excellent cooperation and commitment. We are already looking forward to continuing this successful international project in the coming year.