Microsoft Dynamics is a line of integrated business management solutions that automates and streamlines financial, customer relationship, and supply chain processes. The Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance helps students discover and experience what they will encounter in the workplace.

Integrating Microsoft Dynamics products into the classroom offers students the opportunity to learn how technology supports small businesses to large enterprises. Business schools and colleges are often organized in a functional manner. Including Microsoft Dynamics in the curriculum offers many opportunities to bring disparate areas of study together to allow for enhanced learning regarding overall business operations.

The Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance helps students discover and experience what they'll encounter in the workplace. They:

• Learn about ERP concepts at a hands-on level

• Work with software that is widely used across small to large organizations

• Understand the role an ERP system plays in a company's success

• Gain critical thinking skills

Working models allow students the experience of managing a business on a day-to-day basis. With hands-on experience in different areas of ERP software, courses come to life. Such learning can lead to increased analytical abilities and deeper critical thinking skills. Research by the National Training Laboratories in Bethel, Maine, USA indicates that when students learn in a practice-by-doing environment, the average retention rate is 75%, compared to 5% in a lecture-only format.

Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance members have opportunities to share their experiences at industry association meetings and conferences. These networking opportunities can lead to exciting classroom innovations that can inspire students.
You and your students can also connect with Microsoft Dynamics partners and customers. These connections can lead to site visits, co-ops, internships, and guest lectures. It's a great chance to expand the learning experience of your students.

Microsoft Dynamics AA portal: http://www.microsoft.com/education/academic_alliance.mspx