W. Stölzle. Photo: HSG
In the Swiss logistics scene, known for its many memorable upheavals, the case of Wolfgang Stölzle, head of the Institute for Supply Chain Management at the University of St. Gallen, is making headlines. Allegations of plagiarism at the institute and "incompatibilities" are circulating. He has even been banned from the "Rayon" network.
As early as October 2022, the University of St.Gallen commissioned a committee to investigate the management of the Institute for Supply Chain Management (ISCM). In its final report of May 2, 2023, the committee concluded that a "problematic leadership culture" existed at the institute. According to the committee, Stölzle had been "in multiple conflicts of interest between official and private financial interests." Further investigations were initiated, interviews were conducted, and a comprehensive assessment was carried out.
Winding paths. Photo: UNISG
In the case of the plagiarism by a tenured professor, the situation essentially reads like numerous other plagiarism cases that have surfaced in academic circles, even at the state level, in German-speaking countries in recent years. Expert opinions concluded that there had been a significant violation of the rules of academic integrity. Excerpts from student papers had been repeatedly used for self-published works without proper attribution. The ongoing review of the habilitation of the tenured professor in question (there are not many at the ISCM) was still underway, it was reported in January.
Stölzle himself, currently unreachable at the institute or by any other means, has filed a legal objection, deeming the allegations, made anonymously by staff members, to be unfounded. He sees no damage to the university's reputation.
To avoid lengthy and costly legal disputes, the parties have agreed to settlements regarding the termination of all claims. The tenured professor will leave the University of St.Gallen on April 30. In Stölzle's case, his departure will take effect on July 31. Both are on leave until their departure. The Institute for Supply Chain Management will be headed by Thomas Friedli until further notice.
5th place in the ranking
The University of St.Gallen (HSG) is not just any university, but the university of the Canton of St.Gallen and the leading business university in Switzerland. Internationality, practical relevance, and an integrative approach have characterized the education at HSG since its founding in 1898. Today, the university educates over 9,600 students from approximately 100 countries in business administration, economics, law and social sciences, international relations, and computer science. It ranked 5th in the 2022 European Business School Ranking published by the Financial Times.
klk.
