📌 Key facts
- What: This thesis investigates the adoption and perceived impact of AI upskilling initiatives by conducting semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants of the KI-Transfer Plus program 2024/25. First interviews were already conducted
- When: Start anytime. Applications are open!
- How to apply: Send your CV, transcript of records, and a short statement of research interest (details below)
- 📌 Key facts
- 💡 Background
- 🦾Who We Are
- 🎯 Topics of Interest and Potential Outcomes
- 🎓 Profile
- 📝 How to Apply
💡 Background
KI-Transfer Plus is a pioneering program in Germany funded by the Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs, supporting SMEs in implementing AI use cases through a 9 month upskilling program.
This research explores participants’ experiences and adoption processes after program completion 2025, aiming to uncover factors that drive or hinder effective use of AI in everyday work and its wider organizational effects in SME contexts. Interviews explore expectations, learning experiences, implementation outcomes, and barriers, providing rich qualitative insights into the human side of AI integration. The first interviews were already conducted
🦾Who We Are
I am a PhD student and Senior Consultant at McKinsey & Company. My research interest lies broadly in the human dimensions of AI, including its adoption, effective use, and its impact on workplace dynamics. I have an educational background in Business and Information Systems Management.
As Chair for Strategy and Organization we are focused on research with impact. This means we do not want to repeat old ideas and base our research solely on the research people did 10 years ago. Instead, we currently research topics that will shape the future such as Quantum/Deep Tech, (Generative) Artifical Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Business Model Innovation, Diversity, Education Technology and Performance Management, Leadership, and Teams. We are always early in noticing trends, technologies, strategies, and organisations that shape the future, which has its ups and downs.
🎯 Topics of Interest and Potential Outcomes
- Adoption and practical use of AI tools following upskilling
- Perceived individual and organizational impacts of AI adoption
- Barriers and facilitators in applying AI learning at work
🎓 Profile
- Fluency in German
- Strong interest in AI, digital transformation, and organizational development
- Reliable, structured, and self-driven working style
- Strong academic record and analytical mindset
📝 How to Apply
If you are interested, please contact Lisa-Maria Schober by submitting your CV, grade report, preferred starting date & short motivation statement. Please also indicate which kind of thesis (= outcome) you are interested in.