Guest Lecture by Prof. Dr. Ditmar Hilpert: “Strategic Management and Managerial Decision-Making: Interactive Business Game 60 Squares Management Game”

On October 8, 2026, the Department of Economics at the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a guest lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Ditmar Hilpert, an invited international expert in strategic management, innovation, and international marketing. The event was organized for third-year students of the Economics educational program and aimed to develop practical competencies in strategic management, analytical thinking, and evidence-based managerial decision-making.

A distinctive feature of the lecture was its interactive educational approach, incorporating the “60 Squares Management Game”, a business simulation designed to recreate various managerial situations and facilitate the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Unlike conventional lectures, the session encouraged active student participation in discussions, analytical exercises, and collaborative problem-solving activities.

During the business simulation, students encountered scenarios requiring strategic planning, efficient allocation of limited resources, coordination of collective actions, and selection of optimal managerial decisions. Participants examined alternative courses of action, discussed the advantages and limitations of different strategies, and assessed the potential consequences of their decisions. Particular emphasis was placed on developing teamwork skills, the ability to substantiate individual viewpoints, and the capacity to consider the interests of different stakeholders involved in managerial processes.

Prof. Dr. Ditmar Hilpert emphasized the importance of integrating economic theory with management practice, highlighting that the effectiveness of modern management largely depends on a leader's ability to adapt to changing circumstances, utilize available resources efficiently, and make decisions under uncertainty. The session also addressed strategic interaction, organizational behavior, managerial accountability, and the identification of effective solutions in competitive environments.

The interactive format enabled students not only to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout their academic program but also to demonstrate independent thinking, initiative, and constructive collaboration. The integration of game-based learning contributed to increased student engagement and strengthened their interest in contemporary approaches to strategic management and business process administration.

Such academic initiatives play an important role in improving the quality of economics education by integrating international academic experience into the learning process. The involvement of international experts broadens students' professional perspectives, strengthens their research and analytical competencies, and contributes to the development of skills increasingly demanded in the modern labor market.

The guest lecture provided a valuable platform for academic interaction, professional knowledge exchange, and the further development of international cooperation within the Department of Economics at the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The event contributed to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) — “Quality Education”, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education, and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) — “Partnerships for the Goals”, which emphasizes international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable partnerships.

Organizers: S.K. Yesengaziyeva, Sh.A. Nurgazy, A.G. Sagynbay