Winter school 2017

19 February - 4 March 2017

Students from foreign partner universities had the opportunity, even in the last year of the GSBI project, to attend an intensive study programme at ŠKODA AUTO University. This year was the first time the course took the form of a winter school at the end of February and beginning of March 2017. The study programme titled "Sustainable Solutions for Business and Industry" was attended by a total of 36 students from Germany, Poland, Finland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. As is customary, the students expanded their theoretical knowledge during specialised lectures given by academics from the participating universities as well as experts from ŠKODA AUTO. The participants then tested their new knowledge on case studies dealing with practical issues in logistics. This year also introduced logistics games (Beer Distribution Game and Assembly Game) to the programme. These games simulated the manufacturing and logistics process, so students could practise optimising material and information flows.

The theoretical lectures were complemented by excursions, which added a practical layer to the students' knowledge about manufacturing processes in the automotive industry. They visited the assembly line, the engine assembly shop and production of MQ 200 gearboxes, the welding shop and the press shop, where they could observe the production of body parts using a modern PXL servo mechanical pressing machine. At the tool shop, the students learned about the manufacturing process of metallurgical tools (especially pressure casting moulds) and pressing tools for car manufacturing. Green solutions in logistics were presented during an excursion to ŠKODA AUTO's Green Logistics. For example, there was a demonstration of the use of solar power to drive an electric truck used for material transport around the plant premises. The programme also included the traditional visit to the ŠKODA AUTO Museum, where students learned about the history of the brand and could also look at both the well-known ŠKODA models as well as unique items located in the museum's depository.

The accompanying cultural programme took students to Prague, sightseeing in Kutná Hora - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glass factory in Poděbrady and brewery in Nymburk. Students also attended a sports event - an ice hockey match between BK Mladá Boleslav and HC Sparta Praha.