Prof. Dr. Dirk Weitzel has been teaching Business Informatics in the Department of Economics since early September 2020
Professor Weitzel, what prompted you to move to Mainz University of Applied Sciences?
After completing my studies at what was then Mainz University of Applied Sciences, I worked for over 20 years as an IT executive in the business world. However, my research activities in recent years as part of my doctoral studies, along with my teaching experience, made me realize that I would like to dedicate myself to research and teaching at a university. Here, I can combine practice-oriented research with the knowledge I’ve gained in the field and my international management experience, and pass this on to students through my teaching.
Since I know Mainz University of Applied Sciences very well, both from my studies and my teaching experience, the decision to accept the professorship offered to me was a very easy one. The excellent opportunities at the university for practice-oriented research, the strong organizational structure, the modern facilities and teaching spaces, the international exchange programs with other universities, but also, in particular, the strong ties to the business community and the dual degree programs are just a few of the reasons why I was very happy to choose Mainz University of Applied Sciences. And the fact that I can conduct research and teach at the university that perfectly prepared me for my professional life is, of course, an additional source of motivation.
What appeals to you most about your new position?
The professorship in Business Informatics—specifically the design and operation of enterprise application systems—is a perfect fit for my career path. Throughout my professional career, I have always worked at the intersection of IT and business administration, which has allowed me to gain familiarity with all aspects of business informatics—from providing strategic IT consulting to academic departments, to designing application systems, to executing implementation projects, and finally to taking on operational responsibility for running the application systems.
In the process, I have observed, among other things, that in many companies there is still an insufficient mutual understanding between the IT organization and the other corporate functions. This is particularly true in the context of the digitization of business processes, the design and implementation of application systems, and the use of modern operational concepts. As part of my professorship, I am particularly excited to explore the development of new IT concepts and innovations, assess their practical applicability within companies, and share the insights gained—combined with my practical experience—with students.
What topic would you like to discuss with students in an informal setting?
I would find it extremely exciting to discuss the topic of IT innovations and their impact on future societal, economic, and sociopolitical developments from the students’ perspective. But I’d also be interested in discussing specific topics, such as changes in work models (like working from home)—which have really gained momentum due to the pandemic—in connection with the opportunities and risks of innovative technologies.
Under the heading “Three Questions for…,” we’ll be introducing newly appointed professors from time to time and asking them about their interests, their areas of focus, and what they hope to discuss and advance at Mainz University of Applied Sciences.
