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Volker Ahrens is a Professor of Production Management at NORDAKADEMIE since 2007. He also serves as Head of the Industrial Engineering (B.Sc.) program and the International Business & Administration (B.Eng.) program, while acting as Coordinator of the Department of Engineering. His career spans academic and industrial roles, including leadership positions in medium-sized industrial companies and editorial work on VDI standards. Education: Diplom-Ingenieur in Mechanical Engineering (1989, Universität Hannover); Doktor-Ingenieur (1997, Universität Hannover) Industrial Experience: 10 years of executive management in industry, including König Metall GmbH & Co. KG and Wilhelm Schröder GmbH His research focuses on Systems Engineering and Production Management, with emphasis on lean production, quality management, and Industry 4.0. His publications since 2025 explore systemic approaches to socio-technical systems, cardboard engineering for collaborative design, and human-technology interaction in production environments. He has contributed extensively to process modeling, simulation of production systems, and meta-process frameworks like PDCA cycles. The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in systemic production design, lean manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 applications. Key keywords include Systems Engineering, Production Management, Lean Production, and Quality Management. Subfields span socio-technical systems, simulation techniques, human-centered design, and cyber-physical system integration across industrial contexts. Volker Ahrens is actively involved in teaching, serving as a lecturer at Hochschule Karlsruhe (1998–2013) and Fachhochschule Vorarlberg (since 2017). He contributes to academic governance as a member of the NORDAKADEMIE faculty and chairs VDI committees on simulation standards for production systems. His advisory roles include peer reviewing for quality assurance agencies like FIBAA and ZEvA.

• Systems Engineering
• Production Management
• Lean Production
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. habil. Katrin Giller leads the Department of Molecular Nutrition Science (140a) at the University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, Bio Building I, Room 151, Stuttgart. Her research focuses on livestock nutrition, with specific interests in methane mitigation, antioxidant mechanisms, and metabolic syndrome in agricultural animals. Department: Molecular Nutrition Science (140a) Contact: katrin.giller@uni-hohenheim.de Office Hours: By appointment Her work spans nutritional biochemistry , ruminal fermentation , and sustainable livestock systems , often examining interactions between dietary compounds (e.g., spirulina, polyphenols, n-3 fatty acids) and animal physiology. Recent studies investigate antioxidant gene expression , transgenerational metabolic impacts , and feed efficiency . Current advisees include B.Sc. Viola Gauly, Fernando Giugno, Jana Kornherr, Mira Kühn, Daniel Obermüller, and Helen Pötzsch. The department's website details research projects, teaching events, and publications.

• Nutritional Sciences
• Animal Nutrition
• Molecular Nutrition
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Moritz Petersen is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Practice and Co-Director of the Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains (CSLS) at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg, Germany. His academic career began at Hamburg University of Technology, where he completed his doctoral studies in 2017 under Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kersten, and he has been at KLU since 2016. Research Focus: Decarbonization of logistics, Circular Economy, Blockchain applications in supply chains, and sustainable product development Teaching: Courses on Supply Chain Sustainability, Circular Product Development, and Lean Logistics Operations across KLU’s Bachelor to MBA programs Outreach: Co-hosts the podcast “Das Gleiche in Grün?!”, collaborates on educational children’s books about logistics, and frequently speaks at industry events like the Deutscher Logistik-Kongress Research Trends from his 15 most recent articles center on: Blockchain technology’s role in sustainable logistics Decarbonization strategies across maritime and road freight Circular economy implementation through product design and waste stream analysis Behavioral and organizational barriers to sustainability Public-private partnerships in European logistics Information sharing as a CE enabler Scientific Awards: 2020 Best Paper Award, International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM) Research Projects include: CREAToR: EU Horizon 2020 project on polymer recycling GATE: German Ministry of Economy-funded GHG emissions data exchange HANSEBLOC: Blockchain applications in logistics ChainLog: Blockchain use cases Development of Logistics Competence Assessment Toolkit

• Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Circular Economy
• Decarbonization
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Höck serves as a University Professor at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg , holding the Chair of Industrial Management/Production Economics, Logistics within the Faculty of Business Administration . His academic career spans over two decades, with affiliations at institutions including Purdue University and GISMA Business School. Current: Chair of Industrial Management (since 2008) Past: Visiting Assistant Professor at Purdue University (2005-2006, 2002) Past: Professor at GISMA Business School (2007) Education : Habilitation in Industrial Management (2005, University of Hamburg) PhD in Business Administration (1997, University of Hamburg, summa cum laude) Research Interests focus on optimizing industrial systems and service operations. His work bridges production economics with logistics, emphasizing flexible manufacturing, service innovation, and operations strategy. Publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches to process optimization and quality management. Contact : Michael.Hoeck@bwl.tu-freiberg.de | Office hours: Wednesdays 17:00-18:00

• Industrial Management
• Production Economics
• Logistics
• +3 more

Dr. Christian Lerch is a prominent researcher and coordinator at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI in Karlsruhe, specializing in innovation management, industrial transformation, and digitalization. He holds a PhD from Freie Universität Berlin and lectures at Zeppelin University and the University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe, focusing on service economics and business model innovation. His work bridges academic and applied research, emphasizing servitization, Industry 4.0/5.0, and sustainability in manufacturing. Affiliations: Fraunhofer ISI (since 2008), Zeppelin University (lecturer), University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe (lecturer). Education: PhD in Innovation Management from Freie Universität Berlin (2014), studies in Economics Engineering at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Research Interests: His work centers on innovation dynamics in manufacturing industries, digital transformation, AI-readiness, platform-based business models, and resilience strategies. He explores how firms adapt to trends like servitization, Industry 5.0 human-technology synergy, and green economy challenges. Recent studies focus on policy implications of China's industrial strategies and the role of competence management in fostering innovation. Articles Trends: His publications emphasize the interplay between technological advancements and human-centric approaches, particularly in Industry 5.0. Key themes include AI-driven resilience, platformization pathways, and the evolution of production paradigms. He also analyzes digital servitization maturity models and the socio-economic impact of collaborative economy models in manufacturing. Awards: Recognized with a Best Paper Award (2015) for research on digitalization's role in manufacturing's service transformation. Active in professional societies like the Deutsche Gesellschaft für System Dynamics. Grants & Labs: Led projects on AI-readiness, Digital Maturity Checks, and the economic relevance of B2B platforms. Involved in the European Manufacturing Survey (EMS) network. Coordinates the Business Unit Industrial Change and New Business Models at Fraunhofer ISI.

• Innovation Management
• Digital Transformation
• Manufacturing Industries
• +4 more

Thorsten Schmidt is Professor of Mathematical Stochastics at the University of Freiburg, succeeding Prof. Ernst Eberlein in the summer semester of 2015. He also serves as Senior Financial Engineer at MathFinance. Previously, he held professorships at Chemnitz University of Technology (2008-2015), Technical University Munich (2008), and University of Leipzig (2004 onwards). From 2017-2019, he was a Research Fellow at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) in a joint research group with the University of Strasbourg and USIAS on the topic of Linking Finance and Insurance. His research focuses primarily on financial and actuarial mathematics, stochastic processes, and statistics, with recent work on machine learning methods and their applications in financial mathematics and AI regulation. In Freiburg, his goal with his young team is to tackle complex challenges with improved mathematical models and apply these methodologies to various fields. Key Research Areas: Financial mathematics and credit risks Pricing and hedging of derivative financial products Statistics of stochastic processes Energy markets and nonlinear filter theory Machine learning applications in finance and insurance His recent publications show a strong trend toward integrating machine learning with traditional mathematical finance, particularly in risk management, insurance-finance arbitrage, and robust financial modeling. His work increasingly addresses ethical considerations in AI applications within finance, reflecting his broader interest in responsible AI development. Notable Awards: IDA Award Finance (2015) FRIAS-USIAS Research Fellow (2017/2018) IDA Award Machine Learning and AI (2020) MAPFRE Research Grant (2020) Luis Bachelier Fellow (2021) As Editor-in-Chief of Statistics and Risk Modeling and Associate Editor for Mathematical Finance and International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Finance, Schmidt plays a significant role in academic publishing. He leads the CRC 'Small Data' research center with Harald Binder, focusing on medical problems where disease progression must be estimated with few data points per patient. His LeanAI project, funded by the Vector Foundation, explores the connection between machine learning and theorem-proving software LEAN, aiming to develop AI that can translate between mathematics and formal proof systems. His laboratory work centers around the application of stochastic methods combined with machine learning to solve problems in finance and insurance where data is limited ('Small Data' initiative), with significant funding from DFG (€12 million for CRC Small Data) and the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

• Financial Mathematics
• Actuarial Mathematics
• Stochastic Processes
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg is a Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Strategy at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) since 2017, where he also served as Department Head of the Operations and Technology Department from 2017 to 2023. Prior to joining KLU as an Associate Professor in 2012, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Cologne (2010–2012) and a strategy consultant at Booz & Company (2006–2010). His research interests span supply chain analytics and technology integration inventory modeling for intermittent demand digital transformation in operations management additive manufacturing in after-sales services human-machine interaction in forecasting pharmaceutical supply chain challenges IoT-enabled vendor-managed inventory behavioral aspects of operations . Recent publications highlight empirical studies leveraging machine learning for semiconductor order fulfillment, typologies for additive manufacturing adoption, and process mining applications in SCM. His work frequently combines theoretical modeling with real-world validation, including partnerships with firms in food manufacturing, postal services, and medical devices. He earned a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Münster University (2006) and a Diplom in Industrial Engineering from Paderborn University and Monash University. He has held visiting scholar roles at institutions like Cornell, NUS, Oxford, and Stellenbosch.

• Supply Chain Analytics
• Inventory Modeling
• Digital Transformation in Supply Chains
• +7 more

Marcel Gebhardt (born 1987) is a Professor in the Department of General Business Administration at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences since April 2022. His expertise spans B2B Marketing, Technical Sales, and Data-driven Marketing & Sales, with a focus on Digital Sales and Business Performance Methods. University: Mannheim University of Applied Sciences School: Faculty of Industrial Engineering Rank: Professor Research Interests: Digital Marketing & Sales Marketing & Sales Analytics Data-driven Marketing & Sales Cost Management in Industrial Engineering Publications Trends: His research focuses on data-driven approaches in B2B marketing, lead scoring models, cost analysis for engineering changes, and optimization of production systems. His work bridges academic theory with industrial applications, particularly in machine building and laser technologies. Scientific Awards: Dissertationspreis der Péter Horváth-Stiftung (2018) Other Contributions: Gebhardt has served as a researcher and consultant in public and industry-funded projects, including roles at the International Performance Research Institute (IPRI).

• Digital Marketing & Sales
• Marketing & Sales Analytics
• Marketing & Sales Biases
• +3 more

Thomas Korne is a Professor of International Logistics Management at htw saar (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes) since 2012. He teaches logistics, supply chain management, and related disciplines in business administration programs. His research focuses on sustainable and digital transformation in production processes, logistics 4.0, green supply chains, and circular economy initiatives. Education: Studied Mechanical Engineering at Saarland University, earned a doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) in 2004 under Prof. Helmut Bley. Professional Experience: Previously worked at an American automotive manufacturer (1998–2012) in production, planning, and supply chain management, including Six-Sigma leadership. Current Research Projects: ABAKOS: Battery logistics in electric vehicle production (2024–2028). GREATER GREEN Plus: Green Tech solutions and circular business models (2024–2028). INCLUREG: Inclusion of people with disabilities in Industry 4.0 and logistics (2024–2028). PRODPILOT: Digital platform for productivity improvements in production/logistics (funded by Interreg, 2018–2022). GRIHSU: Climate-neutral production via digitalization and environmental technologies (funded by BMBF, 2020–2021). University Roles: Ombudsman for science, Senate member, organizer of international study trips. External Roles: Member of BME (German Procurement & Logistics Association), Scientific Director of AKJ Automotive, shareholder in Institute for Production & Logistics Systems.

• International Logistics Management
• Sustainable and Digital Transformation in Production Processes
• Supply Chain Management
• +3 more

Professor Matthias Lederer serves as a faculty member at the Weiden Business School of Ostbayerische Technical University Amberg-Weiden, specializing in Business Informatics with a focus on Process Management. His academic position is complemented by extensive industry experience across multiple sectors including IT services, manufacturing, and consulting. Dr. Lederer's research spans four interconnected domains: process analysis and optimization, IT process management, agile process transformation, and didactics for process digitization. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, particularly in business process management (BPM), digital transformation, and the integration of agile methodologies into organizational structures. His research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated applications of data science and artificial intelligence in process optimization. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical implementations of business process management, with particular emphasis on agile transformations, data-driven process design, and the application of AI in business contexts. His work consistently addresses the intersection of academic research and industry practice, with publications appearing in both academic journals and professional conference proceedings. The research demonstrates growing attention to digital platforms, smart manufacturing applications, and sustainable business practices. His scientific recognition includes: Best Program Director award from ISM International School of Management Project Award 'Innovative LernOrte' from OTH Award for Good Teaching from the Bavarian State Ministry Best Paper Award at the 2014 International Conference on Information Systems Multiple professional certifications including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and OMG-Certified Expert in Business Process Management Professor Lederer has developed significant academic leadership through his role as Chairman of the Institute of Innovative Process Management. His teaching approach integrates practice-integrated methodologies, reflecting his belief in connecting academic concepts with real-world applications. His extensive consulting background with organizations like REHAU AG + Co. and the Bavarian Ministry of Justice informs his academic work and student mentorship.

• Process Management
• Business Process Optimization
• Agile Methodologies
• +3 more

Dr. Sönke Knoch is a researcher affiliated with the Ubiquitous Media Technology Lab (UMTL) at the Saarland Informatics Campus and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) GmbH . His work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction , Activity Recognition , Process Mining , and Industry 4.0 technologies. Current Affiliation: DFKI GmbH (Saarland Informatics Campus) Academic Role: Researcher Research Interests span digital twins, augmented reality in manufacturing, and safety-critical systems. He leads projects like RZzKI (AI and Digital Transformation) and BaSySafe (risk assessment via management shells). His work addresses zero-defect manufacturing and cognitive support for impaired workers . Recent Publications focus on digital twins for industrial safety, AR-based task adaptation , and AI quality management in smart factories. Key themes include human-centric AI , real-time process conformance , and context-aware systems . Leadership includes contributing to the WALL-ET project for autonomous logistics and co-developing the PARTAS system for cognitively impaired workers.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Activity Recognition
• Process Mining
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Johannes Wolf is a Professor of Business Administration (Dual Study Program) at the Hamburg Distance Learning University (since 2012) and previously served as Chancellor of the university (2013–2020). He also held roles as Professor of Logistics Management and (Founding) Dean of the Logistics Management Department at the European University of Applied Sciences (EUFH) in Brühl. His career includes over 30 years of academic and professional experience in logistics, supply chain management, and business systems. Education: Johannes Wolf holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Fernuniversität Hagen (1986) with a thesis on industrial energy use and production planning, following a degree in Business Administration from the University of Cologne. Research interests focus on logistics management, supply chain optimization, ERP system implementation, dual study programs, and educational frameworks for business and logistics disciplines. He has contributed to over 50 publications, including handbooks and peer-reviewed articles on topics like IT systems in logistics, risk management, and competency development. He is a member of the Federal Association of Logistics (BVL) and the German Informatics Society (GI), and has served as an external expert for institutional accreditation reviews by the German Science Council. Key professional roles include management consultancy work (1993–2003) and early career roles in organizational controlling and energy procurement in industry.

• Business Administration
• Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Management
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Wanja Wellbrock is a Professor at Heilbronn University's Faculty of Economics, focusing on Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and Circular Economy. She leads the cooperative doctoral program with Tallinn University of Technology, focusing on 'Innovative Supply Chain Management in the Context of Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Management.' Her research spans funded projects like the 'Emission-free campus transport' (€200,000) and collaborations with organizations such as Hendricks, Rost & CIE and Lumics GmbH. Her academic roles include membership in the Senate Committee for Research, Transfer and Innovation, the Ethics Committee, and the Contact Point against Racism. She supervises doctoral students at the Schwäbisch Hall campus and actively contributes to international conferences and journals, including the 'Supply Management' symposium and 'GSI Journals Serie C.' Key research themes include sustainable procurement, risk management in supply chains, and digital technologies in logistics. Recent work explores circular economy innovations, cross-cultural communication, and the environmental impact of consumer choices. Research Collaborations: Philips University of Marburg (Innovative Supply Chain Management) Lumics GmbH (Process Orientation and Disruption Management) Grants: €200,000 from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for 'Emission-free Campus Transport.' Her publications address sustainability in various sectors, including automotive, construction, and retail, with a focus on practical case studies and policy implications.

• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainability
• Circular Economy
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Ronald Gleich is an active Professor and Chair, Head of Institute at EBS University of Business and Law, specifically within the EBS Business School's Department of Organization, Strategy & Leadership. He leads the DEKRA Institute for Industrial Service Management and has been a prominent figure in industrial management research since the early 1990s. Born in 1962, he maintains an active research and publication profile focusing on controlling systems and innovation management across various industries. Professor Gleich's research primarily centers on Industrial Management with specialized focus on Controlling Systems, Innovation Management (particularly in Service, Machinery and Automotive Industries), and Performance Measurement including Balanced Scorecard methodologies. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, developing measurement systems that organizations can implement to improve performance. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of innovation networks in the automotive sector and developed approaches to performance measurement that integrate both financial and non-financial indicators across diverse business contexts. His extensive publication record reveals consistent research themes focused on performance management systems, innovation processes in industrial settings, and advanced controlling methodologies. Gleich's work shows a clear evolution from traditional controlling approaches toward more dynamic, integrated systems that respond to changing business environments. His research particularly emphasizes practical applications in the automotive, machinery, and service industries, with numerous empirical studies validating his theoretical frameworks. Nomination for the AWF-PhD-Award (Committee for Economical Manufacturing, 1996) Founder and scientific mentor of the annual Best Paper Award Innovation Management (since 2006) Professor Gleich has held significant editorial responsibilities throughout his career, including serving as editor of the journal "Performance Excellence – Journal for Controlling and Innovation Management ZfCI" from 2006 and editor of the "Controlling Consultant" journal from 2007. He has also contributed to numerous research projects and publications, often collaborating with industry partners to translate academic research into practical business applications. His work with the DEKRA Institute demonstrates strong industry-academia collaboration. As Head of the DEKRA Institute for Industrial Service Management, Professor Gleich leads research initiatives focusing on innovation and performance measurement in industrial service contexts. His institute serves as a bridge between academic research and practical business applications, particularly in the automotive and machinery sectors where Germany maintains global leadership.

• Industrial Management
• Innovation Management
• Controlling Systems
• +4 more

Prof. Dennis Kolberg serves as Professor of Industrial Engineering at Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, holding dual leadership roles as Head of Industrial Engineering Bachelor/Master programs and Head of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Business Development (IEBD). His career uniquely bridges academic research and industry implementation, with recent executive experience as Chief Product Officer at DIGIMONDO (2020-2023) and co-founding SPARETECH (2019). M.Sc. Industrial Engineering, University of Bremen (2007-2014) Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Technical University of Kaiserslautern (2014-2018) focusing on Industry 4.0 and Lean Management Vocational Training as Industrial Clerk, RK Rose+Krieger (2004-2007) His research pioneers the integration of lean production methodologies with digital technologies , specializing in Industry 4.0 implementation and OT/IT convergence for manufacturing environments. Key contributions include developing reference architectures for cyber-physical production systems and optimizing human-machine interfaces through lean automation principles. Current work emphasizes digital transformation in B2B contexts , particularly for software startups in industrial settings. Publications from 2015-2022 reveal a consistent trajectory from foundational CPS architectures toward applied IoT solutions, with recent focus on digital twins for production optimization. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks and practical implementation , demonstrating how lean principles enhance digital transformation outcomes in manufacturing. Kolberg actively supervises bachelor's and master's theses at Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, with students registering via email for thesis topics. His industry background informs practical research directions, though specific grant funding isn't detailed in available sources. As IEBD Director, he drives academic-industry partnerships focused on digital entrepreneurship. Leading the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Business Development, Kolberg oversees initiatives connecting academic research with business development in digital manufacturing. Previously at DFKI's SmartFactory KL, he directed research on changeable cyber-physical production systems, establishing methodologies now applied in his current industry collaborations.

• Industry 4.0
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• OT/IT Integration
• +4 more