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An ice cream machine for the campus: HNU supports master's student with market research

23.07.2024, Press Release :

Theory and practice optimally combined: MBA student Jan Winter from Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) is writing his master's thesis at a regional ice cream production company and is researching the topic of brand development in the business-to-business (B2B) sector. The HNU is supporting him in the practical part of his thesis: an ice cream vending machine has been set up in the B building for a market survey to provide insights into purchasing behavior. Jens Kolb, HNU Vice President for Transfer and Continuing Education, was also present at the inauguration. The ice cream vending machine is freely accessible to everyone.

Jan Winter has been studying MBA General Management at the Center for Continuing Education (ZfW) at HNU since the summer semester 2022. In his master's thesis entitled “Strategic Management in Modern Ice Cream Production: Innovative Approaches to Establishing a Strong Brand in the Premium Segment”, he examines the success factors for brand building in the B2B sector and analyzes product innovations.

“I am very pleased that I can cooperate with HNU for my Master's thesis and set up an ice cream vending machine for market research. The strategic management content taught in the MBA program is extremely valuable to me, and it is exciting to put the theory I have learned into practice. I am very excited to see how the ice cream is received and look forward to receiving feedback,” says Jan Winter.

The ice cream machine is located in the copy and card loading room on the first floor of HNU's white Building B, next to the fair divider. Not only students, but also other guests and all residents can choose between the flavors cookies, strawberry, hazelnut, yoghurt-passion fruit, mango, pistachio, chocolate, stracciatella and vanilla. Purely vegan varieties such as Sicilian pistachio and apple rings will also be available soon. Only card payment is possible at the vending machine.

Vice President Prof. Dr. Jens Kolb (left) and Jan Winter (right) test the new ice machine.  (opens enlarged image)
Vice President Prof. Dr. Jens Kolb (left) and Jan Winter (right) test the new ice machine.