STEPPING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM CMU’s SAP University Alliance Program provides students with a range of opportunities to engage and learn beyond the classroom, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business world. In 2013, CMU was the first university in the country to adopt the real-time business simulation software ERPsim as another classroom tool that allows students to practice and develop their technical skills. The ERPsim software is also used as the foundation for an annual competition where teams of students are able to showcase their technical, communication, and teambuilding skills while being mentored by professionals in the industry. At the 10th annual competition in 2023, over 150 students competed on 35 teams that were each coached by an employer.
CMU RECOGNIZED FOR PROCESS MINING SUCCESS Business Information Systems faculty member Vishal Shah was honored by leading process mining company, Celonis, as the 2022 Celonis Educator of the Year. The honor recognizes his work in implementing process mining education at Central Michigan University. “Integrating data process mining has allowed CMU to excel to the same level as top universities across the globe,” Shah said. “This program has provided students with the resources to become top professionals in the ever-changing field of business.” CMU also has been named a Premier Process Mining University in North America by Celonis for its efforts to implement this valuable skill focusing on business acumen and technical expertise. Since 2021, the university has trained more than 1,000 CMU students via the globally accredited Process Mining Professional Certification Program.
12 | Central Michigan University
As an SAP Next-Gen Chapter and Lab — one of only 12 universities nationwide — CMU also is at the forefront of SAP’s latest technology and innovation. The SAP Next-Gen Lab serves as a hub to connect industry, academics and students. The main goal is to produce applied research meaningful to all stakeholders. Students get an enriching experience working directly with firm managers while faculty can engage in potentially publishable applied work. The work of the SAP Next-Gen Chapter and Lab focuses on Industry 4.0, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and fostering technology education.
NOT STOPPING YET As the field grows and changes, CMU is committed to adapting its research and teaching goals. Continued collaboration with the CMU College of Science and Engineering and other programs on campus is critical as the university explores the intersection of technology with areas of research and business, including the internet of things, robotic process automation, data analytics, cybersecurity, business process improvement, business integration, and sustainability. “We are optimistic that the SAP University Alliance program will grow as we adapt and deliver education in an ever-changing technology landscape,” said Vishal Shah, Business Information Systems faculty member and associate director of CMU’s SAP University NextGen Program.
