Kellogg Club of Germany

Nils Klamar EMBA Cohort 14, Thomas Roell EMBA Cohort 14
KACGermany@kellogg.northwestern.edu

Connected cars, digital logistics, Industry 4.0, FinTech, E-Health – Big Data analytics is significantly changing the way businesses operate. The Kellogg Alumni Club of Germany organized an inspiring evening hosted by SAP in Walldorf with 130 alumni and guests in attendance. Kellogg alumnus Bill McDermott ’97, CEO of SAP, and Professor Florian Zettelmeyer, shared their perspectives in a lively discussion on how organizations can reduce complexity with big data and analytics.

While Bill shared his insights on how companies can “Run Simple” by implementing the use of big data into their organizations and staying competitive in the digital economy, Professor Zettelmeyer provided insight into the current research and what the future may hold for big data. The discussion also addressed how to establish the analytical tools in the DNA of a company and the disappointments that may result if the implementation is done poorly. Both speakers agreed that analytics and software will give managers of today and tomorrow more power and opportunities to build growth but will never replace great managers themselves.