Tuesday
What do you think of when you see BMW, performance, quality, mystique? BMW has been a family business since 1916. On Tuesday morning we had the privilege of touring the BMW production facility where our charismatic guide Volker, engineer turned tour guide, brought to life the production process from stamping the steel to final quality checks. The highly automated procedure involving finely tuned robotics was the highlight of the trip for several students. We were not able to take pictures inside the production facilities but here some pictures from BMW World. We send our thanks to Volker who did an excellent job of bringing the BMW brand to life for us.
Anna and Kaila
Paul
In the afternoon we were hosted at TUM University in Munich where we listened to a presentation “Listed family firms in Germany” by Prof. Dr. Ann-Kristin Achleitner. She informed us about the development and implementation of the DAXplus Family (30), a new German stock index that tracks the performance of listed family firms in Germany. We also heard a presentation from Julian Carolin Schmid. She presented her Bachelor thesis research on the effectiveness of leveraging family in the branding of family firms. Thanks to our hostes and presentors at TMU.
In the evening we got as close as we could to experiencing Oktoberfest at the Hofbraeuhaus. In this case pictures speak better than words.
Haufbrauhaus
Keven and Tabea
Wednesday
Bright and early on Wednesday morning back at TUM, Peter led us through a reflection on the course material and trip highlights. We each had an opportunity to express our thoughts. It was a moving experience to hear many of us talk about life shaping experiences we have had over the last 11 days. Proof that the trip has already been a great success and it’s not over yet. Thanks Peter.
In the afternoon we had a generously candid presentation from Michael Muller owner of BRANDT a custom textile print and design store. Following the presentation we toured his retail outlet where many of us took the opportunity to purchase unique and high quality products.
In the evening we were treated to our 5th group dinner at Loenbraeu, A well known Bavarian beer house in Munich. Joined by our new friends from TUM and Michael, we enjoyed traditional dishes such as wiener snitzel and pork knuckle accompanied with large servings of beer.
Today we took a train to Salzburg Austria, home city of the famous musician and composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We toured to the old town and Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best maintained castles in central Europe. Most of us took the opportunity to enjoy Mozartkugel, fine hand crafted chocolates, a Salzburg delicacy since 1890.
Peter and Trish
Signing off for now,
Keven
