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HNU graduate presents bachelor thesis at conference in Japan

15.01.2025, Study:

Artificial intelligence in sales: Stephen Hoffmann, a graduate of the Business Psychology programme at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU), presented the results of his bachelor's thesis at the renowned International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) conference in Osaka, Japan, in December. The thesis examines the requirements for an AI/VR training tool to optimise sales performance.

As one of the youngest speakers at the conference, Stephen Hoffmann presented to an international audience - a sign of the high relevance of his research findings. The thesis entitled "Enhancing Sales Training with VR and AI: A Jobs-To-Be-Done-Theory-Approach to Functional and Non-Functional Requirements" is part of a comprehensive research series on the use of AI in sales, which is being conducted at HNU.

Based on HNU Professor Dr Alexander Kracklauer's Jobs-To-Be-Done theory, he conducted a competitive analysis and qualitative expert interviews to identify functional and non-functional requirements for AI/VR training tools. The key requirements include scenario simulations and feedback mechanisms. These results provide a basis for the development of innovative training applications that meet the complex needs of sales professionals and drive both research and practical training solutions.

A great honour and an extraordinary experience

"I feel very honoured that I was able to present my Bachelor's thesis on this major international stage - an extraordinary and enriching experience that I will always remember. My heartfelt thanks go to Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences for giving me this opportunity and to the people who were significantly involved in the research series. I would particularly like to mention Stephanie Jordan, Prof. Dr Barbara Dannenmann and Prof. Dr Alexander Kracklauer, whose commitment and collaboration made this project possible," says a delighted Stephen Hoffmann.