CMU Competition Cultivates Future Leaders
Central Michigan University (CMU) College of Business Administration recently hosted the Next-Gen Central Event, an immersive experience designed to introduce high school students to the world of business, management, and enterprise operations.
At the core of CMU’s business curriculum is its emphasis on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) using leading enterprise software platform SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing). CMU integrates SAP technology into its coursework, equipping students with practical business and digital transformation skills, while collaborating with more than 500 other educational institutions through the SAP University Alliance.
As part of their mission on campus, the Alliance sponsors Enterprise Resource Planning Simulation (ERPsim) competitions, allowing CMU students to apply SAP concepts in real time and gain experience in data-driven decision-making.
Enterprise software is essential for efficiently managing large companies, and one of the most widely used systems is SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing), which integrates key business functions such as sales, inventory, finance, production, maintenance, and human resources. Organizations worldwide, including CMU, rely on SAP for daily operations.
Building on the ERPsim competition framework, the NextGen Central event offers high school students the opportunity to run a simulated business, get acquainted with SAP software, and compete for CMU scholarships.
In October 2024, eight teams from the Gratiot Isabella Technical Education Center (GI-TECH), a technical high school in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, participated in the competition. The students managed virtual businesses, striving to maximize profitability while adapting to a dynamic market. Current CMU business students mentor the teams.
“We explain the business use of SAP and encourage them to… see who can run the most profitable company,” said GI-TECH business management teacher Mindy Wischmeyer in a statement. “It’s more than just a fun day out of school. They learn how to work together, apply business skills, and improve their social interactions in a business setting.”
Between rounds, GI-TECH students toured CMU’s College of Business Administration, interacted with faculty, and connected with CMU students—many of whom were former ERPsim competitors that provided valuable insights.
Members of the winning team each received a $500 scholarship to CMU’s College of Business Administration upon enrollment. The student mentor guiding the winning team was also awarded a $500 scholarship.
By integrating SAP technology into its business programs, CMU equips students with hands-on experience in enterprise system management and real-world problem-solving.
