Many manufacturing companies today operate globally distributed production networks in which value creation processes are closely linked across multiple locations. However, this dependence on international networks also makes companies vulnerable to disruption. Current geopolitical conflicts and socio-economic developments have highlighted the fragility of these networks.  

In order to remain competitive in the long term, companies must be able to react to external influences at an early stage and make strategic decisions based on sound risk assessments. "Even the loss of one location can be extremely disruptive to the ability to deliver. If I don't keep an eye on how these risks develop, I simply run the risk of being completely out of business," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Friedli, Professor of Production Management and Director of the Institute of Technology Management.

In order to find solutions to these challenges, the Institute of Technology Management at the University of St.Gallen, in collaboration with the companies Endress+Hauser, Phoenix Contact, Weidmann and IT-Logix, has carried out an innovative research project funded by Innosuisse.

The aim of the project was to develop a systematic approach for identifying and assessing country risks in global production networks. The focus was on the development of tools with which country risks can be identified and future risks can be better managed. As part of the project, IT-Logix developed a dashboard with two features:

• Various visualizations for monitoring and analyzing country risks at site and network level.
• A "what-if scenario" function with which companies can simulate strategic decisions based on external influencing factors and country risks.

Supporting companies in identifying risks

Integrated into a software solution, the newly developed approaches enable the data-based analysis of country risks at various levels. By being able to map scenarios for future country developments, companies can make more informed strategic decisions on product allocation and location selection and thus pursue a more robust risk management strategy. The most important results at a glance:

• Strengthening the resilience of global production networks: The project shows how companies can use innovative approaches and software solutions to make their production networks more resilient to geopolitical and socio-economic risks. This increases the long-term competitiveness of Swiss companies on global markets.
• Data-driven risk management strategies: Thanks to the newly developed dashboards and "what-if scenarios", companies can make well-founded, data-based decisions regarding country risks. This improves their ability to react quickly and strategically to external influences.
• Promoting innovation through practical research: The Innosuisse project illustrates how close collaboration between science and industry leads to practical solutions that sustainably strengthen the innovative power of the Swiss economy. It also shows that practical research can help companies to position themselves for the future and effectively put innovations into practice.

Course of the project

These solutions were developed in close cooperation with the project partners during workshops. They comprise successive work packages ranging from theoretical research to practical implementation.

After completion of the project, the project and the results will be presented to a broad specialist audience at the Production Management Conference on October 15-16, 2024. The results will be discussed with industry experts and show how companies can make their networks more resilient to global risks. In addition, the project team is also open to new project partners in order to jointly develop further progress and practical solutions.

Source: www.it-logix.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/hochschule-st-gallen-und-it-logix-erarbeiten-risikomanagement-loesung-fuer-globale-produktionsnetzwerke/

As a proponent of innovative mobility concepts, Andreas Burgener understands the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. His expertise in mobility change will significantly enrich the strategic direction of KSU A-Technik AG. In addition, he has always been committed to promoting forward-looking technologies and contributes his in-depth knowledge to the further development of mobility and the vehicle industry.

Andreas Burgener grew up in Bellach near Solothurn. He began his career as a truck mechanic and briefly as a truck driver. He underpinned his professional career with further training and a degree in automotive engineering, followed by a postgraduate degree in business management and an MBA at the HSG. At the beginning of December 2003, he took up the position of Director of Auto-Schweiz and led the association until 2024. During his time at Auto-Schweiz, he dealt intensively with the challenges and opportunities of electromobility and future-oriented solutions in the field of mobility. He was also Chairman of the Board of Directors of DTC Dynamic Test Center AG in Vauffelin BE.

KSU Chairman of the Board of Directors Robert Stäuber is delighted about the collaboration: "With Andreas Burgener, we have gained another personality who not only has extensive industry knowledge and a strong network, but also wants to actively shape the future topics of mobility. Together, we want to advance KSU A-Technik AG's position as an innovative partner in the vehicle and workshop sector"

Source: www.ksu.ch

The internet provider was already named test winner in this study in 2020 and 2022. SIQT conducts an analysis of tariffs, range of offers, transparency and convenience by independent experts. In addition, iWay support was tested by qualified test persons. In the current study, iWay achieved the best result of the 12 Internet providers tested, with an overall score of 5.5 and 89.5 percent target achievement. The company was thus able to improve on its already excellent test result from 2022 (overall score of 5.3 and 85.3% respectively).

With iWay, customers do not have to wait on hold on the support hotline and always have a direct contact person on the phone immediately. In addition, unlike most other providers, iWay always automatically passes on price reductions to existing customers. "We are extremely pleased to have been voted the best Internet provider for the third time in the study conducted by the renowned SIQT quality institute. This confirms our efforts to be a fair and transparent provider with the best service for our customers," says iWay CEO Markus Vetterli. "The results reflect the feedback we receive from our customers and the market. We are delighted that this has once again been confirmed by an independent party."

Source: www.iway.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/iway-zum-dritten-mal-siqt-testsieger-der-internetanbieter/

57% of respondents stated that they perceive business trips as a special privilege, especially in times of video conferencing. Unsurprisingly, 28% of respondents also reported that their companies had encouraged them to replace travel with virtual conferences in the past twelve months, while 22% complained of reduced travel budgets.

Business trips have a positive impact

Overall, the survey shows that employee benefits relating to mobility are important to employees, above all flexible working arrangements (71%). In the DACH region, the approval rate is as high as 75 percent. 56% of European respondents consider company cars and mobility allowances to be important. The German-speaking countries bring up the rear here with an approval rating of 48. Business trip-specific benefits and the option to combine business and private travel ("bleisure", "workation") are rated as important by just under half (49% and 45% respectively).

All these benefits tend to be valued more by younger employees from generations Y and Z than by baby boomers and generation X.

Business trips still serve as a status symbol

Business trips are seen as a status symbol by many respondents, as the survey suggests. People who go on particularly exclusive business trips are seen as privileged by more than half of those surveyed (51%). A good third (37%) have already felt particularly important or superior in their social environment because of a particular business trip. Likewise, 37% of respondents consider people who frequently take business trips to be particularly important.

Differences between the generations and genders can also be seen here. Men and younger respondents from generations Y and Z tend to see travel more as a status symbol, while the corresponding statements are relatively less popular with women and baby boomers.

Business trips still a male domain

Overall, business travel appears to be a lower priority for women, as they predominantly agree less with the corresponding statements than the men surveyed. Unsurprisingly, according to the AirPlus Business Travel Index, women traditionally only make up around 20 percent of travelers on business flights.

Source: www.airplus.com

EHS Switzerland AG, based in Hitzkirch, Lucerne, and its 17 employees have been a leading supplier of high-quality electrical components and solutions for industrial automation for over 60 years. In addition to its focus on quality and reliability, the company offers a wide range of products and services for various branches of industry.

Ronald Grolimund, one of the two previous owners of EHS Switzerland AG, will continue to drive the business forward as Managing Director. Together with Sonepar, the portfolio will be expanded and know-how deepened. Combining the strengths of both companies will create synergies and further increase innovative strength.

David von Ow, Managing Director of Sonepar in Switzerland, explains: "The acquisition of EHS Switzerland AG is an important step in our growth strategy. EHS Switzerland has built an excellent reputation for quality and innovation and we are excited to benefit from this know-how. Together we will be able to offer our customers even more comprehensive and innovative solutions."

Ronald Grolimund, Managing Director of EHS Switzerland AG, says: "We are very pleased to become part of Sonepar. This partnership will enable us to expand our market presence and offer our customers even better solutions."

Source: www.somepar.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/sonepar-uebernimmt-ehs-switzerland/

Prof. Dr. Brian Rüeger spent more than a decade establishing and heading the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and driving its development into the largest university-level continuing education institution in the field of marketing in Switzerland. For his outstanding achievements, he was honored internationally as "Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year" (Runner-up) by ACEEU in 2022.

Previously, he gained entrepreneurial experience as a consultant for international companies in the field of new markets and technologies, as a serial entrepreneur for various start-up companies in the high-tech sector and as Managing Director for EMEA for a listed American company. He received his doctorate from the University of Zurich in 2015 in the field of service innovation and service management of Swiss companies.

"Companies in Switzerland need a university that helps them to master current and future challenges. HWZ graduates are already extremely attractive on the job market because they are equipped with the latest tools at all levels. This has been confirmed to me by numerous decision-makers from various industries and is also reflected in the impressive careers of former graduates," says the new Rector Brian P. Rüeger. Excellent work is being done at all levels at the HWZ. The speed and proximity of the HWZ to companies make it a reliable academic partner for all companies. "We will continue along this path and become the most entrepreneurial university in Switzerland," says Rüeger.

Rüeger takes over from Rüegg

"In Prof. Dr. Brian P. Rüeger, we have found the ideal candidate. His impressive track record and entrepreneurial experience make him the perfect successor to Prof. Matthias Rüegg as Rector of the HWZ. We are very much looking forward to working with him," says Sascha M. Burkhalter, Delegate of the Board of Directors of the HWZ.

Prof. Dr. Rüeger succeeds Prof. Matthias Rüegg, who led the HWZ with great success for many years. Under Prof. Rüegg's leadership, the HWZ was able to sustainably strengthen its position as the leading university for part-time study programs in Switzerland. During his tenure, the HWZ has implemented numerous strategic projects, including the introduction of new future-oriented degree programs and the expansion of partnerships with the business community. Thanks to his prudent leadership and his instinct for future developments, he has made the HWZ an indispensable player in the educational landscape.

"It has been a great honor to accompany the HWZ on its growth path in recent years and to make the university what it is today - a dynamic and innovative institution that works closely with the needs of the economy and society. I am convinced that Prof. Dr. Rüeger will lead the HWZ into a successful future with his experience and vision," says outgoing Rector Matthias Rüegg.

In a personal tribute to his time in office, Rüegg adds: "The last few years have been characterized by challenges and opportunities that we have successfully mastered together as a team. It fills me with pride that we have established the HWZ as an entrepreneurial university that offers practice-oriented degree programs and at the same time ensures high academic quality. I would like to thank all staff and students for their tireless commitment and passion. Now the time has come to pass on the responsibility and I am sure that the HWZ will develop an even greater charisma under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Rüeger."

Prof. Matthias Rüegg has left a lasting mark on the HWZ and made a significant contribution to the further development of the Swiss education system.

Source: www.fh-hwz.ch

Perfectly designed, but too expensive?

The show kicks off with Julien Gallina from Biel (BE), who presents an ergonomic laptop stand with his start-up Smart Stand. His mission: to create more comfort at the workplace and at the same time counteract back and neck problems. The "Travel" version, which Julien has developed for working on the move, is particularly practical. Not only is it extremely lightweight, it can also be folded flat and transported in a bag - ideal for mobile professionals who often commute between different work locations. Thanks to CHF 100,000 in support from the Canton of Bern Economic Development Agency, Julien was able to take his idea further and launch the Smart Stand collection in his own online store and on sales platforms.

He is now looking for 100,000 francs in capital for the next growth phase and is offering the lions 16 % of the shares in the newly founded Smart Stand AG. But the lions are critical. Tobias Reichmuth is the first to express his doubts: "I don't see a great deal of innovation here", and drops out. Felix Bertram is also skeptical as to whether the holder is really practical in everyday life, as you also need an external keyboard. Julien counters that this could even be an additional sales boost for retailers like Brack.ch, as customers could equip themselves with a keyboard straight away.

While Tobias and Felix do not see an investment opportunity, Lukas Speiser and Roland Brack praise the design, especially the lightweight and foldable version of the "Travel" stand. Lukas emphasizes that he has already tested similar products, but none that are so flat and light. Nevertheless, they both agree that the price of 129 francs is too high. Julien explains that the costs are still relatively high due to the current low production volumes.

Despite the technical finesse and positive feedback on the product, the lions ultimately stood by their assessment that scalability and internationalization would be difficult. Although Roland Brack does not see the product as a suitable investment, he holds out the prospect that the Smart Stand could be sold on Brack.ch.

Buying cars is just as easy as buying shoes

With Farie, Johannes Weirather, Tobias Peschke and Pascal Kappeler from Bannwil (BE) want to revolutionize the used car buying process. Their aim is to handle the entire purchase process online, including delivery to the doorstep, a guarantee and the option to return the vehicle within 14 days. The business model promises a customer-friendly and uncomplicated solution for the used car market. The founders offered the company's Lion 1 % for 150,000 francs. 

Johannes explains how time-consuming and nerve-wracking buying a used car can be - from the test drive and negotiations to the resale of the old vehicle. Farie is designed to save customers time and stress. Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous 310-point check, comes with a warranty and is delivered within three days of purchase. If the car doesn't fit after all, it will be collected free of charge - as long as it has been driven less than 250 kilometers. "Buying cars is as easy as buying shoes" is the motto.

The Swiss market seems ready for the concept: since its launch two and a half years ago, Farie has already sold 1,800 vehicles and generated sales of 19.9 million francs in 2022. This figure was also 20.5 million francs in 2023. The gross margin was 1.2 million francs in 2022 and 50,000 francs in 2023 due to a weaker market. 

Felix Bertram praises the concept, but feels unable to invest in the automotive market. Nicole Büttner also opts out because, as a convinced non-car driver, she has no suitable connection to the business model. Lukas Speiser, on the other hand, is enthusiastic: "You are the online marketplace for cars on steroids." It is clear to him that the business model has potential. The Farie founders are delighted with the deal and have secured one of Switzerland's leading e-commerce experts in Lukas Speiser.

Success with one click?

Matthias Schmid from Altdorf (UR) enters the lions' den with an invention that appeals to dog lovers in particular: the Clicino, a dog clicker in the shape of a ring. The clicker is used to reinforce desired behavior in dogs - and Matthias has managed to turn it into an internationally successful business. The advantage of his clicker over conventional models lies in its ease of use: the Clicino is worn on the finger so that the dog owner has both hands free to guide the dog or hold a toy. Thanks to the improved ergonomics, the timing, which is crucial during training, is much more precise.

Matthias is looking for an investment of 200,000 Swiss francs for 15 %s from his company. The lions are impressed by his international success: since 2019, Matthias has already sold almost 60,000 Clicinos in around 20 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia and many European countries. The retail price of the Clicino is 13.90 francs. The production costs amount to 3.50 francs per piece. "I didn't expect you to have sold so many," says Roland Brack in amazement.

Lukas Speiser is also impressed by the sales figures, but expressed concerns about the valuation of the company. "You've made around 500,000 francs in sales in four years. How did you come up with the valuation of 1.4 million?" Matthias explained that with professional guidance and the support of an investor, he saw the potential to achieve significantly more. However, the high valuation and the lack of protection against potential copycats make the lions skeptical.

Felix Bertram expresses concern that the product is easy to copy. Lukas Speiser and Jürg Schwarzenbach also see the valuation of 1.4 million francs as a problem and drop out. Roland Brack agrees with the other lions, but offers high praise: "I have the utmost respect for what you have achieved. As an investor, it didn't click with me today, but I hope to see the Clicino in our range soon."

A refreshing success - but with a shareholder problem

Patrick Switzer, former skateboard downhill world champion from Canada, has moved to Switzerland for love and presents his fermented green tea drink Nÿcha to the lions. The kombucha he has launched on the market delights the lions with its refreshing taste, but that's not all. Patrick has brought the drink to Swiss retailers single-handedly and without major distribution, impressing the investors.

Switzer explains: "Nÿcha is tea-based, low in calories, slightly caffeinated and, thanks to the natural fermentation process, has a complex taste with a low alcohol content. It is probiotic, antioxidant and vegan." The European market for kombucha is growing and Switzer wants to expand into other countries. He is looking for 175,000 Swiss francs for this expansion and is offering 10% company shares in return.

Nicole Büttner wants to know what sets Nÿcha apart from other products. Patrick explains that it is a very natural product with high-quality ingredients that is still affordable. A bottle costs 3.45 francs in retail outlets and up to 8 francs in restaurants, while the production costs per bottle are 1.10 francs.

However, Nÿcha's shareholder structure is a cause for concern for the lions. Patrick only holds 33% of the company, although he manages the operational business alone. Lukas Speiser sees this as a problem: "For us as investors, it is important that the driving force also has a significant stake." Another hurdle for the lions is the still young market in Switzerland. Tom Zimmermann sees the growth potential more in international expansion and is therefore dropping out. Bettina Hein and Nicole Büttner are also withdrawing, as they see their expertise in other areas.

Felix Bertram, on the other hand, is impressed by Patrick's career and has a soft spot for his story. As someone who now abstains from alcohol, he sees great potential in Nÿcha. Felix makes an offer: "I'll give you the 175,000 francs, but I want 15 % of the company in return." Patrick happily accepts the offer and secures Felix Bertram as a strong partner who even wants to offer the drink in his own restaurants.

Good shoes, but risky business

Michael Sommer from Obfelden (ZH) presents a new type of running shoe to the lions that is specially adapted to the wearer's running speed. The Vimazi shoes, which are available in different models depending on the speed, are aimed primarily at amateur runners. The lions try out the shoes and like the idea, but there are reservations.

As the exclusive distributor of Vimazi in Europe, he is looking for 250,000 Swiss francs for 20 %s from the company in order to further expand the business. He has already achieved initial success in Switzerland: A warehouse and an online store have been set up, and he has been able to conclude his first dealers and central settlement agreements with major retailers. He now wants to expand into the European market.

Bettina Hein asks what exactly the distribution rights look like. Michael explains that he has an exclusive contract for 20 years. He emphasizes that the entire brand management and finances are in his hands. However, the lions doubt how much control he actually has over the brand.

Michael buys the shoes, which he sells for 240 francs, from the manufacturer for around 25 % of the retail price. However, Roland Brack and Felix Bertram are concerned about the dependence on a contract with the manufacturer. Brack explains that such contracts often do not offer long-term security: "Such contracts are not even worth the paper they are written on if the manufacturer suddenly changes the terms." Felix Bertram agrees and warns: "They can take you apart if they want to. You simply don't have the 20-year warranty."

Although the lions consider the product to be innovative and good, they see too many risks in the business model. Bettina Hein and Jürg Schwarzenbach drop out because they cannot properly assess the brand's potential and find the valuation of 1.25 million Swiss francs too high. Lukas Speiser recognizes the potential in the growing market for running shoes, but does not see a clear exit for an investor and is therefore also out.

The oldest founders of the cave present their product

With Halluxus, Switzerland's oldest founding team enters the lions' den: Fernand Rohner, a former teacher, and his former students Hans Peter Rohner, Jean-Marcel Rohner and his son Markus Tanner have developed a cuff that enables people with hallux valgus to walk without pain. Fernand Rohner, now 86 years old, began working on a solution because of his own problems with his hallux. The product consists of a soft cotton cuff with a plastic insert, which transfers the pressure away from the hallux and thus prevents inflammation. The cuff is made by hand in Appenzell.

The founders are looking for 200,000 Swiss francs for 20 % of Halluxus GmbH to further develop and expand the business. In the first three months, they generated sales of around 70,000 Swiss francs thanks to a strong media presence, with a gross margin of 75-80%. The main sales channel is currently the company's own web store, supplemented by sales in some drugstores and specialist stores.

The lions are impressed by the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of the older founders, but there are also concerns. Felix Bertram, who appreciates the medical benefits of the product, believes that the price should be lowered in order to reach more customers. He suggests a price of 20 francs. Lukas Speiser and Jürg Schwarzenbach, on the other hand, think the current price of just under 40 to 45 francs is reasonable, as people are willing to pay more for pain relief.

Despite the positive feedback and the convincing idea, the lions drop out due to the high valuation of one million francs. Lukas Speiser is impressed by the start-up at an advanced age, but feels that a turnover of 70,000 francs does not justify such a high valuation. Roland Brack and Tobias Reichmuth also recognize the product's potential, but recommend working with established companies in the medical sector to establish the product in drugstores and pharmacies. In the end, all the lions drop out, but admire the team's entrepreneurial spirit and determination.

You can watch the program here: https://www.oneplus.ch/catalog/1000604

At this year's Annual General Meeting of Expertsuisse, the Swiss Association of Experts for Auditing, Tax and Fiduciary Services, Ilona Nellen, Head of Auditing, and Christoph Brunner, Head of Fiduciary Services, Member of the Executive Board and Partner, were elected to the important Professional Ethics Committee. They succeed Hans-Jürg Steiner, Head of Tax Consulting Oberwangen BE and Partner, who is stepping down from the committee after many years of dedicated service.

Back in September, OBT AG announced that Joël Pfyffer, Team Leader Audit Zurich, and Thorsten Kleibold, Head of Audit St.Gallen/Weinfelden, had also been elected to other Expertsuisse sections. OBT AG thus continues to be represented in key Expertsuisse committees and actively contributes to shaping the future of the industry and exerting a positive influence.

Source: www.obt.ch

In 2006, the founder and dermatologist Dr. Felix Bertram came to Switzerland and laid the foundation for Skinmed. Always visionary and driven by innovation, Skinmed today offers a holistic range of skin treatments - from dermatology and plastic surgery to cosmetology. Due to increasing demand in recent years, the clinic has continued to develop and now employs around 180 staff at four locations. In addition, Dr. Felix Bertram has been part of the jury of 'Die Höhle der Löwen' Switzerland since 2023, which is currently airing its sixth season. The ORGANIZER reports weekly about the format.

The collaboration

Professionally managed human resource management and the associated personnel selection and development are of central importance to Skinmed. Since the summer of 2024, the Skinmed HR team has been successfully using the OPTO test procedure from Master Management, which is based on the Big Five Model. As a sparring partner for the optimization of HR processes in the area of personnel selection and development, we are pleased to accompany Skinmed and its HR team on their further journey.

The Master Management AG

Master Management AG specializes in personnel diagnostics in Switzerland. The company has been operating successfully with its various instruments since 1992. National and international companies use the Master instruments from selection to personnel development and outplacement. With the modern, web-based platform, the selection process is professionally supported and the 'time-to-hire' is significantly reduced - a decisive success factor in today's working world.

Source: www.master.ch

This year, the FHNW School of Engineering awarded a total of 399 diplomas to graduates from the Engineering, Computer Science and Optometry degree programs. The newly qualified specialists celebrated their graduation in the Campus Hall in Brugg-Windisch with their families and guests of honor. For the first time this year, the graduation ceremony was held in two parts.

Actively shaping the future

The two co-directors of the FHNW School of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Doris Agotai and Prof. Dr. Peter Flohr, opened the ceremony and took the opportunity to personally welcome the attendees and congratulate the graduates on their successful completion.

Dr. Thomas Schneider, Co-Owner of the Great Place to Work organization, was a guest. He gave the new graduates some thoughts on the world of work: a trust-based workplace culture leads to satisfied employees. Always starting with a positive message or letting things go completely were further practical tips from his many years of experience.

Prof. Dr. Ruth Schmitt, Head of Education at the FHNW School of Engineering, led through both parts of the ceremony. She emphasized that a degree means more than just specialist knowledge. "Over the past few years, you have not only acquired in-depth knowledge, but also learned how innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. You are now in a position to actively shape the future - be it through new technologies, sustainable solutions or pioneering ideas that make our world a better and more liveable place," she explained in her speech.

Award for practical application of artificial intelligence

Following the presentation of the diplomas, the diploma prizes were awarded, which are given to the best graduates in each degree program. This year, the regional Siemens Excellence Award, a special prize worth CHF 4,000, went to a graduate of the Systems Engineering course: Joël Alfeld's work showed that artificial intelligence is not just an abstract concept, but can have very tangible applications in industry - for example in cement production, where used tires are often used as fuel. Alfeld developed an AI-based tire recognition system that can be used to control the use of used tires more efficiently, thus significantly reducing energy consumption and emissions in cement production.

Winners of the diploma prizes

BSc Data Science

1. Prize: Jan Neele Zwicky
2. Prize: Cédric Künzi

BSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

1. Prize: Jonas Johannes Bussmann
2. Prize: Marc André Hochuli

BSc Energy and Environmental Engineering

1. Prize: Felix Martin Eichenlaub
2. Prize: Marco Andrea Giovanelli

BSc Computer Science

1. Price: Manuel Patrone
2. Prize: Julien David Jungo

BSc Computer Science - Profiling iCompetence

1. Prize: Alison Catherine Fersch
2. Prize: Milena Katja Rudig

BSc Mechanical Engineering

1. Prize: Pascal Roger Weber
2. Prize: Janis Gabriel Zürcher

BSc Optometry

1. Prize: Tabea Barbara Schneiter
2. Prize: Larissa Anniina Paulasto

BSc Systems Engineering

1. Prize: Jonas Pechlaner
2. Prize: Janis Udry

BSc Industrial Engineering

1. Prize: Lukas Tschannen
2. Prize: Monja Wyss

Master of Science in Engineering

1. Prize: Patrick Albrecht
2. Prize: Katja Sarah Pott

Siemens Excellence Award

Joël Eduardo Alfeld, Systems Engineering degree program

The 2024 graduation ceremony in figures

Degrees by study program

BSc Data Science: 12

BSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology: 37

BSc Energy and Environmental Engineering: 47

BSc Information Communication Systems trinational: 2

BSc Computer Science: 58

BSc Computer Science - Profiling iCompetence: 37

BSc Mechanical Engineering: 53

BSc Optometry: 30

BSc Systems Engineering: 34

BSc Industrial Engineering and Management: 62

Master of Science in Engineering: 27

Degrees by sponsoring canton

Aargau: 176

Basel-Land: 52

Basel-Stadt: 20

Solothurn: 40

Source: www.fhnw.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/hochschule-fuer-technik-fhnw-verleiht-399-diplome/

Antoinette Feh Widmer will be Skyguide's new Head of Public Affairs from January 1, 2025. She studied political science with a focus on Swiss politics at the University of Zurich, followed by a doctorate in Swiss politics at the University of Bern and a CAS in Public Governance & Administration at ETH Zurich.

After two years in public affairs agencies, Antoinette Feh Widmer began her career at Swiss Post in Berne. She currently heads the Regional Politics and Communication team there. In this role, she played a key role in anchoring the new "Swiss Post of tomorrow" strategy in direct exchange with cantonal parliaments and was responsible for the public affairs process in the regions.

"With her many years of national and cantonal political experience, Antoinette Feh Widmer is the right person to represent skyguide in the political arena. I am convinced that she is an ideal addition to the communications team and I am delighted to welcome her to our company soon," says Eva Maria Bieda, Skyguide's Chief Communications Officer.

"I am delighted to be part of the skyguide family and to be building a bridge between air traffic, politics and the public as Head of Public Affairs. Working in such a dynamic and highly professional environment inspires me to strengthen skyguide's public image even further," adds Antoinette Feh Widmer.

Source: www.skyguide.ch

Around 600 participants listened intently to the presentations and panel discussions at this year's Expertsuisse annual conference, which focused on the topic of "Artificial intelligence - will auditing, taxation and fiduciary services be revolutionized?". A highlight was provided by Federal Councillor Beat Jans, who was elected to the Federal Council in December and took over responsibility for the Department of Justice and Police from Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider at the beginning of the year. In his guest speech, he emphasized corporate responsibility and gave an outlook on the challenges facing our state and our economy.

The speakers and plenary agreed that artificial intelligence is like electricity that will be everywhere and change the world - a statement by Stanford professor Fei-Fei Li. But how do we deal with it and how will it change our world and our work?

The use of artificial intelligence can lead to negligence

Sabine Bienefeld, industrial and organizational psychologist and lecturer at ETH Zurich, pointed out the responsibility that experts bear today and tomorrow and that must be subject to control. Effective control requires that people with a comprehensive understanding of the process are always involved in this system. The use of artificial intelligence in conjunction with cognitive overload can lead to negligence. She sees dangers in the loss of contextual knowledge and expert intuition as well as in the fragmentation of work, which can lead to demotivation and exhaustion.

Frank Eilers, an expert in digitalization and new work, is also convinced that artificial intelligence will revolutionize auditing. It will reduce human error and increase efficiency. However, the biggest challenge for auditing companies will not be the implementation of AI, but the adaptation of corporate culture to this new reality. Auditors will not become superfluous, but their role will change drastically.

Artificial intelligence is still in its infancy

In the panel on the use of artificial intelligence in auditing, Florian Häller, Director, Audit Corporates, gave an insight into specific application examples at KPMG and then discussed with Max Schmolke, Transformation Manager at DataSnipper, and Alexander Grimm, Co-Founder and CEO of aspaara, what it takes to ensure that it does not just remain an idea, but that it is successfully implemented.

Kevin Schawinski, CEO of Modulos and lecturer at ETH Zurich, brought a new perspective to the discussion on whether humans or machines will take control, noting a certain disillusionment with artificial intelligence. However, he emphasized that it is only just beginning and that the fears associated with it are unfounded. At the moment, development is strongly influenced by geopolitics. He sees a race between the USA and China when it comes to controlling AI. It is undisputed that artificial intelligence must be subject to certain regulations. However, this is less about consumer protection and more about strategic dimensions.

"As a child in elementary school, I had to write an essay on the topic "What will the world look like in the year 2000?". Much of what my teacher dismissed as the result of my exuberant childhood imagination is now reality - a quarter of a century after the turn of the millennium. At this year's Expertsuisse annual conference, the various speakers showed us where the road ahead will lead. However, the discussions made it clear that expert knowledge and expert intuition will remain indispensable in the age of artificial intelligence," says Peter Ritter, President of Expertsuisse.

Source: www.expertsuisse.ch