Earlier this month in September 2025, MBA students from Belgium and Germany met at UC Louvain in Louvain-la-Neuve for a joint module that turned business learning into a hands-on experience. Guided by Prof. Jan Freidank and Prof. Simon Kiesel from THM Business School, German students mixed with the MBA of BMI Brussels @ Louvain School of Management. The heart of the three-day program was a business simulation game that covered the entire value chain of a company. Students had to purchase raw materials, plan production capacity, manage finances, set prices, and develop marketing strategies — all while competing against other teams in the simulated market.
At first glance, the colorful board, tokens, and spreadsheets might look like a friendly game of Monopoly. But behind the playful setup was a serious challenge: how to make smart, data-driven decisions under time pressure. The simulation demanded not only a grasp of operational details but also a sense for long-term strategy — when to invest in additional capacity, how to respond to market shifts, and how to balance profitability with growth.
For many students, this was a highlight of the MBA experience so far. “It was fascinating to see how all the moving parts of a business connect,” one participant reflected. “Making a decision in production immediately had consequences in finance, logistics, and marketing. It was a safe environment to make mistakes and learn from them.”
The module also emphasized the value of intercultural collaboration. Teams were intentionally mixed, bringing together Belgian and German participants (some with further international background) who had to find common ground, align decision-making styles, and leverage their diverse perspectives. These moments of negotiation and cooperation mirrored real-world international business settings — and often led to lively discussions and creative solutions.
Outside of the classroom, students had time to enjoy the charming university town of Louvain-la-Neuve and even make a short trip to nearby Brussels. Shared meals, group exercises, and informal conversations added a social dimension to the program, strengthening the international network that MBA students will carry with them into their careers.
In the end, the module was more than just a simulation. It was an opportunity to experience the complexity of running a company, to reflect on leadership and teamwork, and to appreciate how diversity enriches decision-making. It proved that learning business can be practical, strategic — and yes, even fun.
Author: Simon Kiesel
Photos: Jan Freidank
Dear members of the "MBA Alumni e.V.", former and current MBA students at THM,
This year, the MBA Alumni Association of the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen proudly celebrates it's 20th anniversary – a milestone we would like to share with you.
On this special occasion, we are delighted to invite you to our anniversary event in cooperation with our long-standing Italian exchange partners. The celebrations will take place in Naples, October 3-4 2025, featuring a festive program as well as inspiring opportunities to reflect on two decades of alumni networking and international collaboration.
Why Attend?
🔗 Reconnect: Expand your professional network with fellow THM MBA alumni.
💡 Learn: Gain insights from global experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural strategy.
🌍 Engage: Experience Naples’ inspiring innovation ecosystem through site visits and cultural activities.
Featured Speakers
👤 Prof. Michele Simoni – Innovation & Business Design, University of Naples Parthenope
👤 Prof. Marco Ferretti – Corporate Strategy & International Technology Transfer
👤 Prof. Chiara Cannavale – Cross-Cultural Management & International Marketing
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Michele Simone Full Professor of Innovation and Business Design at the University of Naples Parthenope and director of the PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. | Marco Ferretti Corporate strategy professor and expert in R&D and International Technology Transfer projects, with extensive leadership experience. | Chiara Cannavale Full Professor of Cross-Cultural Management and International Marketing at the University of Naples "Parthenope" and Chair of the Parthenope Evaluation University. |
This jubilee is more than an alumni reunion. Held on October 3rd — German Unity Holiday — it symbolizes unity beyond borders. Celebrated in Naples, a city where history, culture, and innovation meet, the summit creates a truly memorable and international experience.
Event Highlights
🎤 Keynotes & Panels – Learn from internationally recognized experts.
🤝 Networking – Strengthen connections with peers and industry leaders.
🏛 Innovation Site Visits – Explore Naples’ dynamic business ecosystem.
🍷 Cultural Experiences – Enjoy the traditions and flavors of Southern Italy.
✨ Join us in Naples for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! ✨We look forward to celebrating this remarkable journey with you and to shaping the future together.
Registration
If you intend to participate, please register the soonest: Deadline: August 31st, 2025
- Please book your flights individually. We can suggest you some hotels that have a price agreement with Parthenope University. Please, look for accomodation close to Medina Street, Toledo Street and Plebiscito Square. They are 5 to 10 min on foot far away from Parthenope University.
- Fill-in the survey under this link with your data and the part(s) of the event you will attend: https://www.survio.com/survey/d/R5S9N8I4E8R5T6Q2A
- Tranfer the participation fees on the association account:
THM Business School – MBA Alumni
IBAN: DE41 5139 0000 0046 3082 04
BIC: VBMHDE5F
Volksbank Mittelhessen
Participation fees Alumni Day on October 3rd:
- Members, member companions who will attend the Alumni Day, members of partner universities: 60€/person
- Non-members, non-members companions who will attend the Alumni Day: 100€/person
The fees include the Alumni Day on October 3rd, lunch on October 3rd, bus transfer and visit at SPICI.
Participation fees sightseeing tour on October 4th:
- Members, member companions, members of partner universities: sightseeing tour is included
- Non-members, non-members companions: 20€/person
Authors: Ketut Adnyana, Simon Kiesel
Pictures: Ketut Adnyana
Our MBA program will pause in 2025, so there will be no new cohort starting in winter semester 2025/26.
But here’s the good news! There’s a great new alternative for ambitious students:
The consecutive full-time Master’s program “Digital & International Marketing” (DIMA) at THM Business School now offers an optional Double Degree in partnership with IAE Montpellier – one of France’s leading business schools, part of the University of Montpellier, consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide.
How it works:
You study two semesters full-time at the THM Business School in Gießen, a lively student town north of Frankfurt am Main. If you choose the "international" focus in your second semester, courses are all taught in English, covering digital and international knowledge. In your third semester, you can spend several months studying in France. All courses in France are also taught in English and cover high-demand topics such as digitalization, international business, and management. The fourth semester is reserved for writing a master's thesis. By the end, you will graduate with two degrees:
- 🎓 Master of Science in Digital & International Marketing from THM Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen
- 🎓 Master of Business Administration from IAE Montpellier
Why this matters:
An MBA is globally recognized as a prestigious qualification that enhances leadership, strategic thinking, and business management skills. It can open doors to international career opportunities, accelerate promotion prospects, and expand your professional network across industries and countries. Graduates often benefit from higher earning potential and increased mobility in the global job market.
And the best part: The MBA add-on currently costs less than €1,000, while the THM Master’s remains tuition-free (apart from semester fees for services such as transportation tickets and cafeteria access). Two working days are usually kept free during the lecture period, so that students can work up to 20 hours per week as a working student in addition to their full-time studies.
📅 Applications for the DIMA program are open until September 1 (for students with international Bachelor degree until June 15th each year) – don’t miss this unique chance to combine a free German Master’s degree with a French MBA at a fraction of the usual cost.
More info 👉 DIMA program at THM Business School and the information about the double degree with Montpellier in the third semester.
From left to right: Stephan Senger, Chris Ko, Ahmet Dilci, me Ketut Adnyana
This photo captures a memorable moment from our MBA group presentation in the Strategic Management course, taught by Professor Freidank. Our team was honored to receive the highest grade of 1.0—a recognition of our ability to successfully deliver a compelling, well-structured presentation that not only satisfied but also convinced both the audience and the professor. It was a proud achievement that reflected our teamwork, strategic thinking, and dedication to excellence.
Studying international marketing is one thing – experiencing it firsthand is another. From February 20-22, our group of 16 MBA students from Germany, led by Professor Jan Freidank, joined Italian marketing students in Bergamo for an intensive three-day learning experience.
Through company visits, expert lectures, and hands-on negotiation exercises, we explored real-world marketing strategies, cross-cultural business practices, and industry-specific insights in sectors like beauty, machinery, and food production. This trip not only deepened our understanding of international markets but also connected us with professionals who brought theoretical concepts to life.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the 20th graduation ceremony of the part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) was held at the picturesque Restaurant Johannisberg in Bad Nauheim. The event marked a significant milestone for us graduates who balanced demanding careers with intensive studies over two years.
The 20th cohort was a very diverse group, representing many nationalities including Germany, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, Albania, Russia, Poland, USA and Brazil. This international group brought together professionals from various industries such as IT, engineering, sales, logistics, tax advising, sports journalism, and chemical production.
In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, building and maintaining sustainable relationships is crucial for THM MBA Alumni. These connections provide long-term value, fostering both career growth and personal development. On Friday December 13, 2024, alumni from various generations organized a series of mini events at the Frankfurt's only rooftop alpine hut above the rooftops of the city, including a visit to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, to maximize networking opportunities and inspire engaging conversations.
In October 2024, we – 18 students from two MBA classes – came together for the first time in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our destination? The THM Global Conference on Advanced Business Development, hosted by Belmont Abbey College. What began as an academic endeavor soon became a journey of collaboration and connection. The week-long conference, led by Dr. Mary Beth Chambers, an expert on advanced business development and strategy, was all about diving into advanced business development with a focus on sports management while building strong relationships between us students, who most of us had not met before. From the first day we knew this week would have a significant impact on our personal and professional development.
On November 2, 2024, MBA graduates and current students of THM Business School came together at the Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt to exchange ideas and gain new impulses at this year's Alumni Day under the motto “Artificial Intelligence meets Sustainability”, merging two of today’s most pivotal forces: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability. This thematic shift made the event more than a simple reunion, it became a forward-looking platform for discussing how AI could drive innovations in sustainability and reshape the future of business in meaningful ways.
The event focused on AI as a catalyst for sustainable innovation aligned with the broader global movement towards digital transformation and environmental responsibility. Many organizations are now seeking ways to use AI not only to improve business efficiency but also to address global challenges like climate change, law enforcement, and waste management.
THM Business School has welcomed the new MBA cohort 2024 with great anticipation! The newly enrolled 19 students begin their journey into an intensive and practice-oriented course of study that optimally prepares them for leadership roles in the business world. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program also offers many practical projects that establish a direct dual connection to the business world. Located in Friedberg, close to Frankfurt am Main, the location offers good accessibility for the Rhine-Main region.
A highlight of the part-time MBA program is the small class size, which enable students to work closely with professors and fellow students and build a strong network. The program not only covers traditional topics such as business administration, leadership, and corporate management, but also modern topics such as digital transformation, innovation management, sustainability management and digital marketing.
A particular focus is on the opportunity to participate in two modules abroad, a valuable opportunity to gain new perspectives and expand your professional network.
Welcome to THM Business School and good luck to the new cohort on their way to responsible management positions!
For the first time, MBA students of the UC Louvain / BMI Executive Institute class and MBA students from the THM Business School in Germany had a joint module in September 2024. Located near Brussels (Belgium), Louvain-la-Neuve is the university town of the Université catholique de Louvain. It has a young population and is characterized by an innovative urban planning concept that severely limits car traffic and gives pedestrians and cyclists plenty of space. The center is traffic-free and offers numerous green recreational areas. Louvain-la-Neuve is also famous for its museums, including the Hergé Museum dedicated to the creator of “Tintin” ("Tim und Struppi" in German), as well as its lively cultural and student scene. The welcome and address to the mixed group of students by Prof. Matthieu de Nanteuil, Dean of the Faculty at Louvain School of Management, was particularly nice.