Research
The Chair of Information Systems and Business Analytics conducts research on the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) methods in organizations. Our research aims to solve practically relevant problems and to advance the necessary theories and methods. In addition to insights into designing ML-based information systems, we explicitly pursue the development of prototype solutions and bring them into real-world applications to create value for our industry partners. Thereby, we explore the value creation process through AI and advance theories of information systems research.
News
On Tuesday, 20 May 2026, at 3.30 pm, a guest lecture by Simon Merz (School of Economics and Business, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg) will take place in room C33.U12.
The lecture presents an experimental study that investigates whether and how people punish AI systems and human decision-makers differently – depending on intention and outcome. The study is based on the so-called ‘Trembling Hand’ game: a decision-maker chooses between two dice that yield different probability distributions of winnings, thereby signalling good or bad intentions. As both dice can produce fair as well as unfair outcomes, the design allows intentions to be separated from outcomes.
The preliminary findings show: Punishment is primarily determined by the outcome. In the case of human decision-makers, bad intentions lead to noticeably harsher punishments – whereas with AI, this is hardly the case. This points to a potential advantage of delegating decisions to AI systems, particularly in situations where bad intentions are actually present.
All who are interested are most welcome to join.
Following one semester as acting professor, Prof. Dr. Konstantin Hopf was appointed Chair of Information Systems and Business Analytics, effective February 15, 2026. He thus continues his research and teaching at TU Chemnitz in the areas of explainable machine learning methods and data-driven decision support. Read the full press release.
The article “Validating Explainer Methods: A Functionally Grounded Approach for Numerical Forecasting”, produced in collaboration with the Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg, will be published shortly in the journal Journal of Forecasting (impact factor 3.2, VHB “B”). The paper focuses on validating explanation methods for numerical forecasting models and shows how the informativeness and reliability of explainable AI approaches for time-series forecasting can be assessed systematically. The publication is Open Access and therefore freely available.
In the February issue of the journal Energy Policy (impact factor 9, VHB “B”), the research article “Do dynamic electricity tariffs change the gains of residential PV-battery systems? A simulation-based evaluation using data from 448 households” will be published. The paper was produced in collaboration with the Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg and the Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg. The publication is Open Access and therefore freely available.
The study shows how flexible electricity tariffs can improve the profitability of residential battery storage systems and opens up new perspectives for households and energy policy. The paper has already attracted media attention, including a report in pv magazine on 24 November 2025.