Event details

19. March 2025

Successful cooperation between Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and Birkenstock Productions Sachsen GmbH

Current cooperation between F-MK and industrial partners in occupational health management

The picture shows a group of young adults sitting around a conference table on which various materials and drinks are placed, while two people stand at a presentation wall. In detail, the picture shows a large group of about 20 young adults, mainly women, sitting around a long, white conference table. Most of the participants are dressed casually but smartly. The table is covered with various objects: several notebooks, bottles of water, small bottles of drinks (perhaps juices or liqueurs), glasses and a large brown surface, apparently made of leather, which is probably a presentation element and shows various pieces of leather and materials - possibly in connection with the Birkenstock logo visible on the presentation wall. The atmosphere is relaxed and collegial, more like an informal meeting than a strict conference. In the background, two people are standing in front of a presentation wall with the Birkenstock logo and the words "Presentation of results of cooperation work", suggesting a meeting in connection with a project or collaboration. The lighting is bright and neutral. The overall mood is positive and productive.

Successful cooperation between Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and Birkenstock Productions Sachsen GmbH

Author: Daniel Reimann M.A.

The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has implemented a successful cooperation project in the field of occupational health management (OHM) together with Birkenstock Productions Sachsen GmbH in Görlitz. A total of 20 students from the Master's degree in health care management and the Bachelor's degree in international business communication took part in this collaboration.

The project was carried out in the winter semester from 01.10.2024 to 28.02.2025. The cooperation took place within the modules "Health Sciences" and "Research Seminar - Health-oriented Business Management" at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The project manager on the part of the university was Daniel Reimann, M.A., who led the implementation and coordination of the collaboration as a lecturer. The project was supported by the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

During the project, the students gained valuable insights into various aspects of occupational health management and were able to gain practical experience. At the same time, Birkenstock Productions benefited from the students' new perspectives and was able to gain innovative approaches for its own corporate health strategy.

The picture shows a group of about 18 young adults sitting around a long conference table in a modern office and taking part in a meeting. The picture shows a group of about 18 young adults sitting around a long, white conference table in a bright, modern office. The participants appear to be attending a meeting or workshop. They are dressed in informal clothes, some wearing jackets, others sweatshirts or shirts. There are numerous objects on the table: Water bottles, glasses, notebooks, pens, presentations on laptops, as well as some materials that suggest some kind of workshop (e.g. leather samples). Some participants are looking at the laptop, others at each other or into the room. The atmosphere is focused and professional, but also relaxed and friendly. The lighting is bright and artificial, the walls are painted white. A large work of art with a pink object in the water can be seen on the wall. The overall look is modern, bright and friendly. It gives the impression of a dynamic and professional working environment.

A special feature of this project is the bilingual employee structure at Birkenstock. This provides an exciting basis for analyzing intercultural communication. The students on the International Business Communication course are investigating these linguistic and cultural dynamics. They analyze how communication works in this environment and develop strategies for successful integration. The result is a practical approach to intercultural business communication.

"We rate the cooperation with the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the Master's students very positively. The students have succeeded in analyzing and working through specific issues that we can take into account and incorporate into our OHM measures in the future," says Ronny Löchel, HR Business Partner at Birkenstock Productions Sachsen GmbH, looking back on a successful collaboration.

This successful collaboration will continue in the future in order to further deepen the mutual exchange of knowledge and learn from each other. Birkenstock Productions is actively involved in regional training in Görlitz, thereby strengthening the development of skilled workers locally. At the same time, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences promotes networking with regional companies and promotes the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice.

The cooperation project impressively demonstrates how university and business can work hand in hand to provide students with practical experience and enrich companies with fresh ideas.

Further links:

www.hszg.de/studium/unsere-studiengaenge/master/management-im-gesundheitswesen

Professional contact person

Dr. rer. medic.
Daniel Reimann
Daniel.Reimann(at)hszg.de
Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies
02826 Görlitz
Furtstrasse 3
Building G IV, Room 2.05.4
2nd upper floor
+49 3581 374-4947
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