AI Management BIP: An inspiring week in Kajaani
- 20.01.2026
- International
Participants in the Blended Intensive Program AI Management in International Business in Kajaani: Students and teachers from Finland, Germany, and Austria come together for an inspiring, international project week.
44 students, three countries, a real-life case study from PUMA: In Finland, participants spent a week working intensively on AI strategies for international business. What ideas emerged – and why Kajaani will be remembered.
At the end of November 2025, a total of 44 students from three countries – 12 from Finland, 22 from Germany, and 10 from Austria – gathered at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) for a week-long Blended Intensive Program (BIP). Together with lecturers from KAMK, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences, and Kufstein University of Applied Sciences, they worked intensively on the topic of AI management in international business and exchanged ideas in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
A Blended Intensive Program (BIP) within the framework of Erasmus+ is a short-term program that combines a brief period abroad with virtual learning phases, enabling students and university staff to gain international experience in a flexible, innovative format.
PROJECT WORK: AI MANAGEMENT AT PUMA
On site, the students worked together in mixed teams and benefited from the diversity of perspectives and experiences. The program focused on a real-life business case from sportswear manufacturer PUMA. Under the guidance of Eva Marschall, Team Head IT Digital Workplace Solutions, the students developed strategic concepts for integrating artificial intelligence even more intensively and efficiently into daily work routines. The focus on Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region sparked exciting discussions about cultural differences and their influence on successful change management.
Another focus was on programming a chatbot, which the groups integrated into their concepts. The final presentations impressed with creative ideas, well-founded analyses, and impressive live demonstrations. The concepts presented inspired both the teachers and Eva Marschall.
A FRAMEWORK PROGRAM COMPLETES THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE
In addition to intensive project work, the BIP offered a varied supporting program: a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner in Haapala, an excursion to the LUMI supercomputer, inspiring guest lectures by local experts, and numerous networking opportunities - for example, while sampling regional delicacies, hiking, strolling, or enjoying the typical Finnish sauna and ice bathing experience.
The successful collaboration will continue in May 2026, when the international GDP team will meet again at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University.
Links:
- Kajaani University of Applied Sciences | Partner University
- Albstadt-Sigmaringen University | Website
- Puma | Website
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