Study in Chemnitz. To know what is good.






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SATURDAY, June 27

Listening to the Tower keeper of Chemnitz. Visiting the Saxon Industrial Museum. Goodbye at the 12th University Ball.

It was the last day of the 3rd Student World Forum and we are all a little sad that it is over already.

However, the day was wonderful. It started with some well-deserved leisure time. A lot of the students joint a tour at the Saxon Industrial Museum discovering the development of industry and production processes in Saxony. The exhibition's idea to involve visitors in as many elements as possible was well taken and the students asked a lot of questions. They tested the imposing machines and vehicles, explored the historic steam engine and learnt about the people's lives from the period of industrialization to present day modern technology.

Another group met for a tour through Chemnitz City Hall and up the Tower. The tour included a look into the city councilors' room with the wall painting "Work, Prosperity and Beauty" by Max Klinger and the frescos in the Wandelhalle. The Tower keeper told us everything about the history of the town halls and their secrets. Climbing the tower was impressive and everybody got a little out of breath. On the top of the tower we had a great view over Chemnitz.

Some of the students chose to sleep in or just to walk around on their own. They went to the Museum Gunzenhauser, to the Theatre Place or simply into the stores. Chocolate was one favorite everybody got to take home.

At 6 pm we started for a ball night. The 12th University Ball was the highlight of the day and the official goodbye of Chemnitz University of Technology. CUT's President Prof. Klaus-Jürgen Matthes welcomed everybody and it was exciting to see the central lecture hall being transformed into a huge ball room. The buffet was amazing as well and everybody took the chance to try German and Mediterranean specialties. The dance sessions in between were well used to digest and to try some of the standard ball room dancing. Later in the evening, Prof. Simon Wallis, AC21 official from Nagoya used the chance to thank CUT's Chancellor Eberhard Alles for all his efforts and he also honorably mentioned Ms. Katrin Schulz who took care of the smooth organization behind the scenes.

The students from Laos thanked the organizers by presenting a dance on the big stage getting all the university ball's guests to join into the traditional Laotian performance. At 1 am in the morning it was time to say the last goodbyes, a lot of hugs were exchanged and everybody went back to the Pentahotel, since it is going to be departure day on June 28.

We all had a wonderful time and can't wait for AC21's 4th Student World Forum to be held in Thailand.


 

FRIDAY, June 26

Mr. Martin Würtele talking about production of modern plastic parts. Final Workshop held by Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak,
moderated by Ms. Holly Shores-Alles.		 Chancellor Alles thanks Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak for his speach.

The conference is almost over. Already! It is amazing how quick the time went by.

First point of the day was a workshop on "Resources and energy efficient technologies – Trends in the production of modern plastic parts". Dipl.-Ing. Martin Würtele of KraussMaffei Berstorff GmbH talked about the company's works on plastic machineries. Mr. Würtele not only introduced the firm, he also talked about the value chain for plastics and rubber processing. He focused on the process of injection moulding from the beginning of its implementation up to recent developments. Using some films and schematic diagrams he illustrated his explanations. Finally the corporation with Chemnitz University of Technology in the field of light weight was mentioned and represented the close interrelations to Prof. Kroll's research, presented in workshop 8 yesterday.

The final workshop was lead by Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak, Vice Chairman, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee of CP ALL Public Company Limited as well as Chairman of Marketing and Distribution Business of Charoen Pokphand Group Co. Ltd. As one of the leading business man in South Asia he gave a deep insight of his work. Focus of his presentation was the "Human Factor" in production as well as production related fields as retail. Many of the participants just new the 7-Eleven stores as well-known stores but not as one brand of a world leading company chain. Everybody was impressed about his consideration of the human factor in his daily work life. Respecting each other and opening possibilities to enhance the worker's knowledge and future chances are regarded as main factors of a successful work environment by Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak. The company's philosophy "Trough happy employees we desire to see smiles from our customers" is as simple as logic and will have us think about creative solutions in implementing the human factor into production as well as related businesses.

Ms. Holly Shores-Alles officially introduced Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak and his impressive work. She presented the basic principles of the company which relates to the so called "Go-Game". Played by two people it not only procures strategic thinking but also influence one's mindset towards life and future orientation. With considering the human factor and personal satisfaction, and with putting this factor on top of the company's priorities the amazing success story can be explained. Everybody listened carefully and amazed about the creative way of corporate governance.

Time was way too short to answer all the questions, to discuss all the aspects of production in the 21st century or to evolve on all the multilayer problems. But still one can say: All the participants in the conference got a deep insight into research and practice of producing. Everybody will go home with new perspectives and thoughts. We ourselves produced innovative ideas in meeting the global challenge of production efficiency.

The official photo shoot in front of the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU was followed by a trip to Saxon's capital Dresden. Everybody was impressed by the beauty of the old buildings and quite happy to go on a walking tour. For the first time this week it didn't rain and we even blinked a few times because of sun beams tickling our noses. The tour was really interesting with stops at the Zwinger, Dresden Castle, the Fuerstenzug and of course the world famous Church of Our Lady. We attended devotion in the church and listened to the organ playing. The students finished the day with some shopping, walks along the river Elbe or by having dinner together recapitulating the week.

Everybody is looking forward to some leisure time in order to discover Chemnitz and its surroundings on their own. Some will visit the Saxon Industrial Museum, some will explore the City Hall including the Tower and some can't wait to finally sleep in. However, all of us are going to enjoy the University Ball in the evening of Saturday, June 27.


 

THURSDAY, June 25

Working concentrated in workshop 5. Prof. Milani talking to the students. Prof. Jun Ni speaking about Micro and Macro Manufacturing Technologies.

Today was full of academics. It started with a workshop by Prof. Birgit Spanner-Ulmer, Director of CUT'S Department for Human Factors and Work Design. Prof. Spanner-Ulmer tried to evolve on usability. Main part of production processes is the adaption of products to their users. Major aims of producers are to raise consumer friendliness, visibility and understandability. Global megatrends demonstrate how usability experts influence a consumer's taste and shopping decisions. After a theoretical introduction the students got the chance to discuss about usability in working groups. Their task was to find ways to generate individualization in a global context and taking usability into consideration. The groups developed a lot of creative ideas and many questions were asked. We learned from the workshop that customer satisfaction is as important as bearing cultural differences in mind. Functional and thematic structures have to be proved and integrated into production processes. Prof. Spanner-Ulmer did an excellent job and pointed out: Usability is wanted!

The following workshop was all about shoes. Prof. Thomas L. Milani, CUT's Director of the Department of Sport presented his research project in biomechanics. He demonstrated how he investigates the kinetics and kinematics in human locomotion. Such studies are of importance for production processes. Research results will be taken into consideration and influence on how e.g. a running shoe is designed, which materials are used and how such have to be converted. Despite the methodological approaches Prof. Milani introduced, there was a lot of time to get to know the practical application. Also, the shoes have been one of the most favorite picture motifs today. It was a lot of fun to get an insight into theoretical research and practical implementation.

The well deserved lunch break was followed by Prof. Ni's workshop on "Bridging the Gap between Micro and Macro Manufacturing Technologies". In regard of production processes and meeting global challenges his focus is on designing optimal maintenance operations and intelligent monitoring systems. The descriptions of his research were really interesting especially because of there high level of practical relevance. Precise machining not only makes production efficient but also gets back to consumers who consequently benefit from cheaper production cost by paying less. The students had a lot of questions which Prof. Ni answered broadly. The improvement of micro and meso systems is a future oriented task which opens up a lot of possibilities to tackle the global challenges related to production processes.

The last workshop of the day was by Prof. Lothar Kroll who holds the position of CUT Director of the Department of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Processing (SLK). Prof. Kroll's research meets the conference's topic "Prodcution: Meeting global challenges" perfectly. He focuses on the development of load adapted high-performance components and on how they can be implemented in practice. Especially interesting about Prof. Kroll' research is that it comprises the field of integrative injection moulding technologies of material and energy lightweight fibre-plastic composites which support the increase of timely and expensive production processes. Prof. Kroll's presentation was followed by a tour through his test facilities which was most exciting for everybody. Too see how research is done and how test series are created explained a lot of the specific theoretical explanation Prof. Kroll mentioned during his presentation. The workshop was certainly a highlight in the program and inspired everybody.

The students used some free time after the workshops to discuss their assignments which they will have to present in the final workshop on Friday. After a day full of reading, listening and working, we started off to our barbecue feast which took place at Wasserschloss Klaffenbach, a scenic castle surrounded by water near Chemnitz. The bad weather didn't worry us since we sat in a beautifully decorated tent. CUT's Big Band played Jazz and everybody felt merry. CUT's Chancellor Eberhard Alles welcomed all the official guests as well as the participants of the 3rd Student World Forum. The driving range was a real sight and watching the golfers and exploring the "Green" fun. The buffet with a lot of grilles specialties fulfilled everyone's culinary longings. Throughout the evening we had the great honor to watch one of the Laotian participants dance. It was amazing how he moved and told a real story just by dancing. Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of two birthdays and the announcement of one more birthday to come. So everybody is really excited about all the adventures and surprises to be happening on Friday, June 26.


 

WEDNESDAY, June 24

Prof. Geßner talking about Challenges-Smart Systems Integration. Dr. Löschmann in the middle of students. Sightseeing Ore Mountains.

The day started with a workshop lead by Prof. Thomas Geßner, Director of Fraunhofer Research Institution for Electronic Nano Systems (ENAS) and of the Center for Microtechnologies at Chemnitz University of Technology. Welcomed by Chancellor Eberhard Alles, Prof. Geßner took some time to welcome the students. Then he started his outstandingly interesting presentation about the integration of nano materials and how they cause challenges in regard of production processes. He gave a broad overview on the development of the Smart Systems technologies and their abilities to raise efficiency. Prof. Geßner's demonstrative explanations led to many questions from the students. After visiting the Smart Systems Campus during the walking tour on Monday, everybody seemed really impressed about Prof. Geßner’s efforts and the impressive results of his work.

The next workshop focused on automobile production. Chancellor Eberhard Alles welcomed Dr. Löschmann, CEO of Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH. First of all, Dr. Löschmann gave an insight on the Volkswagen manufacture. He specified the outsourcing strategies, the abilities of specifically skilled workers to support production efficiency as well as on-time fabrication which concentrates the sources of the processes most ideally. Dr. Löschmann also talked about the close cooperation with regional universities – especially with Chemnitz University of Technology. During an open discussion he further explained automobile production. Interrelations between economical, environmental and marketing aspects were described. The students listened fascinated and asked many questions, e.g. about future strategies of Volkswagen based on environmental challenges, the impact of the economic crisis on the company or the need for ISO-certifications. At the end Dr. Löschmann had one clear message: "First the vision, then fight for the vision."

After a morning full of workshops the group started off to a tour through the Ore Mountains. First destination was Seiffen where we got the chance to visit a traditional woodcraft manufacture. Getting to know on how all the tiny wooden figures are made and how the arches and nutcrackers are put together was quite interesting but even more interesting was the shop connected to the manufacture. All the lights and colorful objects made us want to shop and everybody got gifts to take home.

Unfortunately Saxon weather was pretty bad and the Ore Mountains disappeared almost completely under the waves of mist. Last stop for the day was the castle Augustusburg. Everybody took the chance to take pictures and to wander around the castle square. On the way back to Chemnitz we reflected on the day, some of us fell asleep and a few tireless participants planned some more shopping in the city centre.

Passing by the hotel in the evening one could see the students sitting in the lobby discussing their workshop topics, preparing their presentations or just talking about the adventures of the day. Let’s see what's going to come on Thursday, June 25.


 

TUESDAY, June 23

Prof. Beate Neuss is answering the students' questions. Chancellor Alles introducing Prof. Dimitri Dimitrov. Visit at Braustolz brewery.

The day started early in the morning. At 7.45am the participants were picked up by bus at the Pentahotel and taken to "Orangerie", the central lecture building of Chemnitz University of Technology. There the first workshop of the week took place. Prof. Beate Neuss, CUT Director of the Department of International Relations, and two members of her staff, Ms. Susanne Guenther and Ms. Antje Noetzold, asked the question: "The European Union: providing stability?". Some riddles and fruitful discussions guided through the workshop, which was full of information about how the European Union works. It was astonishing to see, how many information about the European Union the students from all over the world already had. But there were still many questions that had to be answered such as "Is small beautiful? More beautiful and efficient than the big EU of 27?" The answer was precise: Small is beautiful but also powerless. That’s why – despite all existing problems – the EU is a unique and outstandingly successful producer of peace, stability and prosperity.

Filled with knowledge about the European Union the participants proceeded to the second workshop. Introduced by CUT’s Chancellor Eberhard Alles, Prof. Dimitri Dimitrov from University of Stellenbosch, South Africa took over to talk about "Production Engineering Research in South Africa Academic Environment." He did a really good job in explaining economics in general and also managed to always refer to Prof. Neuss' workshop. So the students learned about the invisible, yet influencing relations between international relations and production engineering research. Prof. Dimitrov introduced the work of the Global Competitiveness Centre (GCC) in Stellenbosch, its fields of work, for example the machining of titanium, as well as future perspectives. The conclusion of Prof. Dimitrov’s presentation was clear: If you can produce something economically efficient then do it!

In the afternoon the whole group went to Volkswagen Vehicle Plant Zwickau. The assembling of the "VW Passat" a well known car model is done in that factory. During the tour the students got to know the forging press department, the frame-and-body construction as well as the assembly line. The highlight of the trip was the so called "wedding" - the moment the motor and the body are put together. All participants were keen to learn about automotive production and asked a lot of questions that have been answered in broad detail.

After returning to Chemnitz another highlight was planned. During a tour through a traditional brewery - Braustolz - the students got an insight into the process of beer brewing. They also got a nice little gift - a tin-plate sign imprinted with a nostalgic advertisement. Everybody was really tired but arrived happily at the Pentahotel, eagerly awaiting day 3, June 24.


 

MONDAY, June 22

Official Welcome. Having fun during the guided university tour. Kind regards to Chemnitz University of Technology.

Today was a day full of exploring. In the morning all the participants were officially welcomed by the President of Chemnitz University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Klaus-Jürgen Matthes. He introduced the university’s history and explained how happy he is to get the opportunity to get to know his guest from all over the world. Eberhard Alles, Chancellor of CUT and main initiator of the 3rd Student World Forum in Chemnitz declared how honored he is to be part of the Academic Consortium 21 network and what big of a chance it is to be participating in a unique program like the Chemnitz staff designed.

Dr. Roland Werner, Member of the Saxonian Ministry of Science/Education, delivered a personal welcome note from Saxon Minister for Higher Education and Fine Arts, Ms. Dr. Eva Stange, who is convinced that future leaders are going to engage in fruitful discussions about the global chances and issues connected to production throughout the following week. Last but not least was Prof. Simon Wallis, Associate Professor at Nagoya University and member of the General Secretariat of AC21 who gave an insight in the consortium’s work, achievements and future goals.

Followed by some introductional remarks, the students started working in their project groups discussing different aspects of production. Throughout the week they are going to pay further attention to those topics and are going to present their results at the end of the conference as well as in an essay which will be published.

After a lunch break everybody started a campus tour in order to get to know CUT better. The students were quite impressed by the big lecture hall and especially the Smart Systems Campus activated a lot of "oohs" and "aahs". When the Fortis Saxonia’s lightweight, energy-saving and award winning vehicle passed by, all the students of the technical fields were in heaven. It was pretty hard to get to move them to the bus but after 3 hours of exploring the campus they also seemed happy to just sit down.

The bus tour through town was a perfect way to end the day. Passing all the major sights, everybody got a good overview of Chemnitz’ architecture and buildup.

It’s been a wonderful first day and everybody is looking forward to start the academic work tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23.


 

SUNDAY, June 21 - Welcome-Evening at Pentahotel

Conference Service is open. Chatting along and getting to know each other. Welcome reception in buzzing atmosphere.

Finally! The 3rd Student World Forum has officially started.

All participants have arrived and despite the rain today, a lot of them took the chance to explore Chemnitz on their own. Some went downtown, others walked through the Kassberg, Chemnitz' Wilhelminian style quarter, and I know that some were just so jetlagged that they stayed in bed.

This evening everybody met for a reception. It only took minutes and everybody was engaged in interesting talks and nice chats about their home countries, studies and the week ahead. After the official welcome of Chemnitz University’s Chancellor Eberhard Alles, we all enjoyed little snacks and got to know each other better. The atmosphere was buzzing from excitement and we can’t wait to start the official program tomorrow, June 22.


 

(Authors: Guenther, Harnisch)
(Photos: Schubert, Steinebach)