The Institute of Materials Science at Hof University of Applied Sciences (ifm) and the Faculty of Economics at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen are launching a joint educational project in the Bavarian-Bohemian border region: The goal is to teach both the theoretical knowledge and practical application of artificial intelligence in project management. The program is specifically aimed at students from both universities as well as trainees in commercial professions in the regions of Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, Kronach, Hof, and Bayreuth.
From November 2026 to December 2028, participants will be supported through various formats: lectures during regular class hours, evening online lectures, and joint, intercultural workshops involving teamwork. The resulting educational program will also be made available to other interested parties upon completion of the project. In addition, participants can receive an official certificate attesting to the knowledge they have acquired.
Project management has evolved into a strategic skill that is required in almost every company and institution. The requirements have fundamentally changed: We face the challenge of mastering complex, technology-driven processes while simultaneously successfully leading multicultural teams. This is exactly where our joint project comes into play.”
Petra Taušl Procházková, Project Manager, University of West Bohemia
Qualification for the international job market
The joint IMPROVE_PM project between Hof University of Applied Sciences and the University of Pilsen is aimed at students and trainees in the Bavarian-Czech border region. The goal is to offer targeted training for potential specialists and innovation managers in the field of digital and agile project management using artificial intelligence. A standardized educational program aims to close knowledge gaps and create a common foundation for mastering future technological challenges.
“The biggest hurdles to AI integration are often a lack of knowledge in agile project management, uncertainty in dealing with generative AI, and disorientation amid rapid technological change. With IMPROVE_PM, we are closing these gaps: We are bringing students on both sides of the border to a uniform level of knowledge and strengthening their methodological competence.”
Prof. Dr. Christine Falkenreck, Overall Project Manager
She continues: “This is the only way young workers can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital revolution and benefit in the long term from proximity to two important EU markets,” says Prof. Dr. Christine Falkenreck.
Funding
The “IMPROVE_PM” project is supported by the European Fund for European Territorial Cooperation (INTERREG) and the Interreg Bavaria-Czech Republic 2021–2027 program. The funding amounts to 300,000 euros.
