POTSDAM 2016

At the highest building in Potsdam, the Mercure Hotel, the German Alumni Club convened 4 th June 2016 for its 19th Annual Symposium on the 17th floor with a most stunning view over the city. The rearranged agenda comprised three interesting topics with enough food for good discussions. 

The first topic, presented by Dipl. Jur. Dominik Riebartsch, Technische Universität Dortmund, dealt with the Business Judement Rule based on Principle of Corporate Governance as a refuge for the corporate directors/board members. It creates a strong presumption in favor of these persons against possible liability for decisions resulting in harm to the corporation. It is important that those persons act in good faith, on an informed basis, in the interest of the corporation, not wasteful and without self-interest.

The next topic, given by Prof. Dr. Patrick Baudisch, Hasso Plattner Institute Potsdam, head of the project Human Computer Interaction, provided a fascinating view into the future of computer technology with main emphasis on the interaction of human with computer. As an example, with advanced 3-D printer we might be able to design any own tool based on various materials, even mixed. The audience was very impressed by this look into the future.

The final topic was presented by Dr. Roland Geschwill, co-author of his new book - Laterales Management -  based on which he explained why hierachical management must be superseded by lateral management as the key success factor for the upcoming digital age.

In the afternoon we had our annual membership meeting where the current board was unanimously reelected for another two years. The day ended with an exquisite dinner at the hotels restaurant.

On the next day, our Alumni Dr. Jörg-Klaus Baumgart, took us on a historical journey thru Potsdam as the final highlight of two sunny and exciting days. And our Alumni, Guido Emmelius, MBA 2001, who for the first time attended such a Symposium, summed it up for all of us by saying it was an excellent meeting in every respect and he is looking forward to our next Symposium in May 2017 in Hamburg