Introduction
As the world’s leading software provider, SAP has made it possible for students to experience firsthand how SAP’s leadingedge business suite and solutions help organizations operate and how integrated systems can make businesses more successful. Teaching students how to bridge real-world business issues and information technology challenges and ensuring that they are prepared to join the workforce are top priorities at any university.
Students who are able to translate theory into practical knowledge and application gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
The need for more business and technology savvy individuals has increased dramatically over the last few years, especially the demand for SAP professionals, as reported by ComputerWeekly/SSL analysis and ZDnetAsia. This growth is a direct result of the increasing adoption of SAP business applications by enterprises to drive efficiency and growth. Meeting this shortage requires the development and enhancement of SAP skills among students, helping them to understand fundamental concepts, transition quickly and easily into the more indepth training and SAP certification courses. In response to such pressing market conditions, SAP University Alliances Program, which provides universities with access to one of the world’s leading software for students to learn about business process management within an academic environment, has an even bigger role to play. Through useful hands-on experience, students become familiar and ready to work with SAP enterprise systems when they enter the workforce.
Since its launch in 1988 in Germany, the Program now boasts over 800 participating universities in 36 countries. It has more than 2,200 SAP-proficient faculty members and 150,000 students enrolled in courses supported by SAP software. In Asia Pacific and Japan, the Program has universities participating in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia.
Benefits for students
Better career and certification opportunities
Being acquainted with the world’s leading software brings with it greater employability potential and higher starting salaries. Students gain a real-life perspective on how business is done in the “real world” and are better prepared for their careers. They also become potential candidates that can be hired immediately by SAP partners. Students on the Program can pursue opportunities to become officially SAP-certified.
Obtain a globally recognized SAP ERP Business Process Integration and Solution Architecture (TERP10) certification on campus
Students who are keen to advance their technology knowledge and gain SAP certification can take up the SAP ERP Business Process Integration and Solution Architecture (TERP10) course. Using SAP-sponsored training systems, the TERP10 course teaches students and academics how to use SAP ERP to run a mid and large size enterprise based on SAP’s proprietary Best Practices. Students then undergo an examination where they are awarded a SAP TERP10 certification and become SAP Associate.
Unique learning experience
The standard learning experience can be enhanced through the provision of leading-edge SAP solutions deployed in the classroom that recreate complex business problems. This generates greater interest in and engagement with curricula subject matter through innovative teaching methods. SAP software and its concepts are used to reinforce the theories that are already being taught. Through demonstrations, exercises and problems, case studies, and research projects, students are able to put theory into practice and enhance their educational experience.
Asian Institute of Technology as part of the SAP ecosystem
AIT, which is a member of this program, joins a global network of researchers, educators, customers, and partners who use SAP. The Program is crucial in building and sustaining a well-rounded SAP ecosystem as a platform to promote innovation, encourage collaboration and facilitate the communication of business ideas amongst academics. SAP sponsors professional development opportunities such as the annual Academic Conference to bring together like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and present research findings. In turn, the academics return with the latest business software knowledge to share with their students.
Access to state-of-the-art software
Both the universities and students gain exposure to the world's most utilized Enterprise Resource Planning and e-business software to help develop innovative curricula – the same software SAP customers are using around the world.
