We are pleased to welcome Prof. Leila Salykova from Astana IT University, Kazakhstan, as a guest lecturer in the international master´s programs (EuroMPM, ESE, MDT) at FH Dortmund. Prof. Salykova brings with her extensive expertise in international teaching and research, making her a valuable addition to our international master’s program. During her stay, she is not only sharing her knowledge with students but also conducting research at the Institute for the Institute for the Digital Transformation of Application and Living Domains (IDiAL).
In this interview, Prof. Salykova shares insights into her teaching, ongoing research, and the importance of international collaboration in higher education.
What motivated you to join the EuroMPM program as a guest lecturer?
“Being invited to participate as a guest lecturer in the EuroMPM program is always an interesting experience working with students and professors from different countries. My motivation remains the shared vision of preparing a future project manager to work in an open competitive economy of the 21st century. The opportunity to apply and transfer my knowledge and skills in risk management, contributing to the academic environment of the FH Dortmund was important to me, as well as the opportunity to work with distinguished professors such as Professor. Carsten Wolff, Dr. Jan Christoph Albrecht and etc. Equally, the fact that this is an international program and the emphasis placed on an interdisciplinary approach attracted me as a lecturer.”
As a professor at Astana University, how do you see the importance of international collaboration in higher education?
“International collaboration is essential in higher education as it integrates cultural and academic dimensions, fosters innovation, and prepares students for a globalized workforce. Since 2019, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences (FH DO) has partnered with Astana IT University (AITU) to enhance teaching quality and research outcomes. As a professor of AITU, I have observed the positive impact of such partnerships, which enable institutions to share resources, develop joint curricula, and expose students to international best practices, essential for producing well-rounded professionals.
This collaboration has grown significantly, exemplified by the Erasmus program facilitating academic exchange for students and the launch of a dual-degree MSc program in 2024. This program combines the MSc in Computer Science (AITU) and the MSc in Digital Transformation (FH DO), offering students a high-quality international education, improved career prospects, and vital skills for success in a globalized world.”
What similarities or differences do you observe between students in Germany and in Kazakhstan?
“Students in both Germany and Kazakhstan are eager to learn, ambitious, and highly adaptable to new technologies and ideas. One noticeable similarity is their enthusiasm for practical, hands-on learning experiences, especially in fields like project management and digital transformation. However, there are differences in learning approaches. German students often exhibit a strong inclination toward structured methodologies and critical discussions, whereas Kazakh students bring a unique blend of creativity and adaptability, shaped by their exposure to emerging markets and fast-paced digital changes.”
Can you tell us more about the topics you are teaching in the international master programs? What makes these topics relevant for today’s students?
“In the international master programs, I focus on Risk Management, which is critical for ensuring the success of any project in today’s volatile and uncertain business environment. Risk Management equips students with tools to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks effectively, preparing them for managing roles. Additionally, I am collaborating with Prof. Carsten Wolff to develop a course on Global Business Projects, which will be taught simultaneously for Master’s students at FHDO and MSc Project Management students at AITU. This joint course emphasizes cross-border project collaboration, preparing students to tackle challenges in globalised work environments. These topics are highly relevant as businesses today face increasingly complex projects that require interdisciplinary approaches, cultural awareness, and the ability to manage risks across borders.”
You are currently conducting research at the Institute of IDiAL. How does your collaboration with IDiAL contribute to advancing your work? Are there specific projects you are working on?
“My collaboration with the Institute of IDiAL has been instrumental in advancing my research on digital transformation and its impact on economic performance. Currently, we are co-developing a case study titled Digital Transformation of E-Commerce in Kazakhstan: A Digital Case Study. This research explores how Kazakh SMEs utilize digital platforms like Alibaba to enhance economic performance and tax contributions, positioning it within the broader context of digital transformation. The shift to digital platforms exemplifies a key aspect of digital transformation—adopting innovative technologies to optimize operations, expand market reach, and increase efficiency. Collaborating with IDiAL, I benefit from access to advanced research methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a network of experts who share insights into global digital trends. This partnership not only enhances my research but also fosters practical knowledge exchange that benefits students and industry stakeholders alike.”
What skills do you believe are essential for succeeding in today’s global and interdisciplinary work environments?
“To succeed in today’s global and interdisciplinary work environment, students and professionals must develop a combination of technical, interpersonal, and cultural skills. By developing the abovementioned skills, students will be better prepared to meet the challenges of globalizing and technologically evolving work environments.”
We thank Prof. Leila Salykova for being part of the International Master’s Team this semester and wish her much success for the future. Through our international collaboration, we look forward to continuing to work together in the years to come.
