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Preparing the Next Generation for a Data-Driven World
from CMU College of Business Administration - Fall 2023
by Central Michigan University College of Business Administration
Preparing the Next Generation for a Data-Driven World
In today’s data-driven business landscape, understanding how to effectively analyze and improve processes using advanced technologies is critical to success.
Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration is a pioneer in training professionals in enterprise resource planning and continues to prepare the next generation of business leaders with classroom training and applied learning opportunities outside of the classroom to meet the needs of today’s employers.
TRAINING STUDENTS IN CUTTING-EDGE SOFTWARE FOR 25 YEARS
Just over 25 years ago, leaders at CMU joined a select group of colleges and universities across the country dedicated to preparing their students to be hired by — and provide direct benefit to — the businesses adopting a cutting-edge software quickly making waves in the business world.
This software, from SAP, connects different functional areas of businesses and is now the world’s most widely used enterprise resource planning program.
“We were breaking ice into unknown disciplines,” Frank Andera, founding director of CMU’s SAP University Alliance Program, said of joining the alliance in 1997.
The SAP University Alliance program is a global initiative comprised of more than 3,000 colleges and universities worldwide. Participation provides students with a unique skill set and access to the latest SAP software solutions to explore and understand business integration.
ANSWERING INDUSTRY DEMAND
SAP education has been integrated throughout the College of Business Administration curriculum, ensuring that every student — regardless of their major — is exposed to this critical tool.
“As faculty, we recognize the ever-changing industry needs and strive to stay on the leading edge of technologies for all of our students,” said Stephen Tracy, director of the SAP University Alliance Program.
Companies around the world have taken notice, with many regularly recruiting and hiring CMU students. Among them are industry giants such as Dow, Deloitte, Ford, Accenture and Eli Lilly.
“As the 2022-23 president of the SAP Student User Group, I worked with other student leaders to strengthen our robust network of SAP-focused companies, leading to many of our students gaining invaluable real-world experience and even receiving interview invitations and job opportunities,” said Krishna Nair, a graduate student studying information systems.
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.
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.
