Meet us. Meet Excellence. Meet Future: Navigating Responsibility and Digital Transformation

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Meet us. Meet Excellence. Meet Future: Navigating Responsibility and Digital Transformation

On November 28, 2024, the Faculty of Business Administration at LMU Munich celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special symposium titled “Meet us. Meet Excellence. Meet Future: Navigating Responsibility and Digital Transformation.” Held in the magnificent Great Aula of the main building, the event brought together renowned scholars, alumni, and guests to honor the past and shape the future of the faculty.

The symposium began with a ceremonial welcome address by LMU Vice President Prof. Dr. Hans van Ess, who skillfully connected personal milestones from his past with the history of the faculty. His vivid storytelling honored the faculty's achievements while emphasizing LMU’s role as a pioneer in addressing future challenges alongside the LMU Munich School of Management.

Dean Prof. Dr. Christian Hofmann provided a deeper look into the faculty’s history, reflecting on its evolution over time. He received particular applause for honoring the “Golden Doctorates” of alumni who earned their doctorates 50 years ago, highlighting their enduring impact on the faculty's legacy. He then introduced the afternoon program, which showcased the breadth and depth of the faculty’s academic excellence through its five clusters. Leading scholars shared their insights on groundbreaking topics, with each presentation introduced by professors from the respective clusters who shared highlights from their current research.

The academic sessions featured a distinguished lineup of speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Alfred Wagenhofer (University of Graz) opened with his lecture, “Accounting for Sustainability,” exploring how sustainability can be integrated into corporate reporting—an indispensable topic in an era of global responsibility.
• Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Josef Zechner (Vienna University of Economics and Business) analyzed the impact of political preferences on financial markets in his talk, “Political Preferences and Financial Markets.”
• Prof. Dr. Karin Hoisl (University of Mannheim) addressed “Women in Artificial Intelligence,” highlighting the critical role of women in AI research and their significance for innovation.
• Prof. Dr. Sascha Raithel (Free University of Berlin) tackled the timely topic of corporate crisis management in his presentation, “Balancing Act? Navigating Effective Product Recall Management Amid Customer Safety Concerns.”
• The symposium concluded with Prof. Dr. Christine Legner (University of Lausanne), who explored the transformation of data management in organizations in her lecture, “The Changing Role of Data in Organizations.”

The symposium was a resounding success, providing a platform to connect tradition, innovation, and the challenges of digital transformation. The LMU Munich School of Management reaffirmed its commitment to forward-looking scholarship and societal responsibility. Additionally, the event fostered meaningful interactions during the coffee break and the closing reception featuring drinks and finger food. Participants formed new connections, engaged in lively discussions, and exchanged ideas. The festive atmosphere offered the perfect setting to reflect on the day’s themes, celebrate the anniversary, and strengthen professional networks.

Special Thanks

This symposium would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of many individuals. Special thanks go to the Management Alumni team, whose dedication and professionalism ensured flawless organization, and to the numerous internal contributors, including the Dean’s Office, the Communications Team, the Dean’s Assistants, the FIT team, and those who supported the preparations, setup, and operations on the day. Their commitment made this event a truly unforgettable experience.

With this symposium, the LMU Munich School of Management marked a significant milestone in its history—a day that not only celebrated the past 50 years but also looked ahead to the future: focusing on responsibility, innovation, and the advancement of science.

Further Information

The anniversary brochure offers a comprehensive overview of the faculty's offerings and a glimpse into its history. Available as a PDF download (PDF, 7,713 KB) or in print from the Dean’s Office.