How Kühne Logistics University is Coping with the Corona Crisis

Kühne Logistics University (KLU) was also not spared by Corona. Students from all over the world can no longer participate in courses in person. Online teaching, services for students, the application phase for the intake 2020 – Prof. Thomas Strothotte talks about the university’s measures in light of the Corona pandemic and takes a look into the future.

(Hamburg) The Corona crisis has shaken the daily lives of people around the world, with enormous consequences. What is the current mood at KLU?

Thomas Strothotte: The mood at KLU is quite good, I think. We are doing our work. And the student representation also reported at a recent meeting that things are going well. We are receiving positive feedback from our faculty and staff as well. So I think we are managing well and making the best of the current situation.

At the end of February, the first Corona case was reported in Hamburg. Shortly thereafter, on March 16, 2020, KLU switched to online teaching. How did you organize this rapid transition?

Thomas Strothotte: On March 11, we had an internal meeting on this topic. That was a Wednesday, and by the following Monday, all classes were already being conducted via Zoom. Essentially, this was a transition over a weekend, but it worked very well. We have been continuously working on building online teaching for almost two years. So all the prerequisites were in place. It was mainly about quickly moving into implementation. This was successful.

Is online teaching working? What do the students say?

Thomas Strothotte: Online teaching is currently working very well, and the feedback from students is positive. Our faculty is developing new ideas like “Coffee Sessions” in addition to classes, thus creating a family atmosphere despite the physical distance. Students can also meet in virtual breakout rooms. It is important to find ways to exchange ideas informally. Normally, we would do this when we meet in the hallway or in the cafeteria. The learning atmosphere is good. Everyone is where they feel safest. Many of our international students have traveled home, for example, to Egypt or Brazil. In our TriCon program (Master in Global Supply Chain Management), one third of the students have returned to China, another third to America, and one third are with us in Germany or Europe.

Organizing online teaching for our international student body is a challenge due to the different time zones. Shanghai and Tennessee are as far apart as possible. But we are finding solutions for these things as well. I can truly say that online teaching is a success. We do not want to become an online university that teaches exclusively online, but for this special situation, I consider it a good solution.

How long will KLU remain in online teaching mode?

Thomas Strothotte: We will continue online classes until the end of the current semester – that is, until about the first week of May. After that, we will not have regular teaching anymore. As for the fall, we will have to take it as it comes. In any case, we will ensure that online teaching can continue if necessary.

What will happen in the fall semester? What do you say to prospective students who want to apply now?

Thomas Strothotte: All students can start their planned studies with us in the fall – one way or another. If someone cannot come to KLU for any reason – whether because they cannot leave their country or enter Germany, due to visa issues caused by closed consulates, or for health reasons – then the student can study online. For those who can come, lectures and exercises will take place on-site in our building.

Once the situation eases and travel restrictions are lifted, we naturally expect everyone to come to KLU to study here. Until then, we will find a solution for all problems. For example, if there is a second wave somewhere, we will manage the situation as needed, such as going online again.

KLU will celebrate its tenth anniversary this fall. Will you celebrate this milestone?

Thomas Strothotte: We had planned to celebrate ten years of KLU in November with a big anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, that will not happen now. But that cannot dampen our good mood. We are grateful for all the support we have received over the years and will celebrate this in an appropriate manner. How exactly that will look is yet to be decided.

 Logistics has so far occupied a niche in public perception. Now supply chains have become a top topic. What does this mean for KLU?

Thomas Strothotte: KLU’s research is highly relevant to important questions during this time of the Corona crisis. There are a number of topics where expertise in our fields is in demand as the logistics industry grapples with the situation and gets back on track. In such moments, science is important because it can contribute explanations and solutions. Recently, we held a Q&A session, an online question hour for anyone who has questions about home office, isolation, and of course, supply chains. Almost 200 people participated. I am very pleased with this response. We plan to continue this offering and renew it in the coming days. I believe that we are indeed able to make a contribution to society that we did not expect.

Photo/Interview: KLU/PR

www.the-klu.org  –  Video recording (English)