World-class research: CBS and Microsoft join forces

Third generation software will be simpler, cheaper and better

As part of the 3gERP project partnership, CBS has succeeded in attracting two world-class researchers in the field of software-based ERP systems: Professor Petra Schubert from University of Koblenz-Landau and Professor Suprateek Sarker from Washington State University.

The two professorships are part of a joint research project between Microsoft and a team of researchers from CBS, University of Copenhagen as well as a handful of foreign universities spearheaded by CBS Professor Niels Bjørn-Andersen. The purpose of the so-called 3gERP project is to define the future development of third generation ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) for small and medium-sized businesses.

- Third generation software is about developing simple cost-minimised systems further, as it will make it easy for businesses and users to administrate their businesses as well as maintaining, adapting and upgrading the systems, Niels Bjørn-Andersen explains.

CBS at the vanguard of development

– Microsoft Development Center Copenhagen (MDCC) has chosen to join forces with CBS and University of Copenhagen on this project because the universities’ strong research competences will benefit our clients as they will have access to the very best products and solutions – not least in the future. At the same time, the project will contribute to strengthening Denmark's competitiveness because we – together and in cooperation with international top competences – are able to define and develop the technologies and products of the future, CEO of MDCC Charlotte Mark says.

The result of the many hours of research will not only benefit Microsoft – at CBS, they expect great things from the project too.

- It is a lot more fun for us as researchers and for our students to work with that which has not happened yet and which you have not yet read about. It is more fun to work with subjects taking shape in the future than it is to work with yesterday's innovations, which are already out of date when we enter the class room. The future perspective will make teaching better and more interesting, Niels Bjørn-Andersen says.

Two internationally acclaimed researchers to work at CBS

The Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation, Microsoft, CBS and the University of Copenhagen have sponsored the 3gERP project costs of DKK 32 million.

At the moment, 40 researchers are involved in the project and on 27 October, two more will join the team: Petra Schubert and Suprateek Sarker.

- Petra Schubert is the most acclaimed researcher in the field of ERP systems in Europe, and Suprateek Sarker is among the most published US researchers in the field. They will bring new knowledge to the table, and they will be essential to third generation ERP software research, Niels Bjørn-Andersen says.

To read more about Petra Schubert and Suprateek Sarkers' inaugural lecture, click here.