Veranstaltungsprogramm der VHB Tagung

1. Motivation and Relevance

In times of rising societal challenges, business schools are increasingly called upon to develop responsible, purpose-driven leaders. Service Learning—linking academic learning with meaningful engagement in real-world contexts—o ers a powerful pedagogical approach to achieve this goal. Yet, its integration into management curricula remains fragmented, and many faculty members lack concrete models, tools, and networks for implementation.

This workshop responds directly to this gap by presenting proven approaches to Service Learning in Management Education, drawing on experiences from the Social Innovation I module within the Entrepreneurship (ENTRE) specialization at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and from the international NGO SISTAC, as well as teaching innovations from Sustainability Management at RPTU Kaiserslautern. Both organizers have implemented Service Learning formats that foster social innovation, experiential learning, and cross-sector collaboration.

The workshop aims to o er theoretical grounding, practical insights, and collaborative idea generation for participants interested in integrating Service Learning and Social Impact projects into their teaching.

2. Workshop Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the conceptual foundations of Service Learning in management education (ethics, experiential learning, transformative learning).
• Gain insights into concrete implementation models (modular design, international partnerships, mentoring formats, assessment, stakeholder engagement).
• Explore lessons learned and success factors from Social Innovation I (ENTRE) and SISTAC, as well as sustainability-focused Service Learning at RPTU.
• Reflect on how Service Learning can support competence development, values formation, and social impact.
• Develop first ideas for their own Service Learning or Social Innovation projects, supported by peer feedback.

3. Target Audience

• Professors and lecturers in management, sustainability, entrepreneurship, business ethics, and related fields
• Program directors and curriculum developers
• Scholars interested in experiential learning, social innovation, HEI-society collaboration
• Anyone seeking to implement or improve Service Learning formats

4. Workshop Structure (Total: 90 minutes)

1. Conceptual Framework (10 min) // Introduction to Service Learning in management education; theoretical foundations (experiential, transformative, civic learning); alignment with AACSB / sustainability / social impact goals
2. Activities of the Partners (20 min) Presentation of two practice cases: Social Innovation I Module (ENTRE) & SISTAC: international service learning with social entrepreneurs from the Global South- Sustainability-focused Service Learning at RPTU: stakeholder collaboration, local and international projects
3. Brainstorming (Individual/Small Groups) (35 min) // Participants reflect on possible Service Learning elements or project ideas within their own teaching context and gather in groups to discuss ideas further 
4. Plenary Sharing and Discussion (15 min) //  Participants present initial ideas; joint discussion of opportunities, barriers, partnerships, and design options 
5. Wrap-up and Next Steps  (10 min) // Synthesis of key insights, potential for collaboration, invitation to ongoing network and resources

5. Expected Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will have:

• A basic understanding of how Service Learning can be effectively integrated into management education
• Exposure to two examples of integration into different courses (Social Innovation I / SISTAC and Sustainability Management with a focus on nonprofit management at RPTU)
• Initial ideas for their own Service Learning formats
• Insights into potential partnerships, funding models, and evaluation strategies
• Connections with peers interested in further collaboration

6. Contribution to the VHB Community

This workshop supports the mission of the VHB by:

• Promoting innovative, impact-oriented teaching in business schools
• Strengthening the link between academic learning, practice, and societal engagement
• Showcasing German initiatives with international reach
• Providing a platform for collaborative curriculum development across universities