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The COVID-19 Track And Trace Systems Keeping Business Schools Open

As European business schools reopen and welcome students back to campus, these effective COVID-19 track and trace systems are keeping the virus at bay

Tue Sep 29 2020

BusinessBecause

Michelle Schröder’s life on the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management campus is a little different this semester. She wears a face covering in all public spaces, disinfects her hands as she enters campus, and social distancing restrictions limit her to being within two meters of her peers.

Despite the impact of COVID-19 on business schools, the Master in Auditing student has been welcomed back to campus for the fall semester alongside a wave of other business school students in Europe. Business schools in Europe have been preparing their campuses for the return of students in line with national government regulations that require strict social distancing and hygiene protocols.

These measures are in place for prevention, but when cases inevitably surface it will be the COVID track and trace systems that keep business schools open and ensure education can continue.


Frankfurt School of Finance and Management’s CoronaTracer


Frankfurt School of Finance and Management has partnered with software company INFORM to bring the firm’s CoronaTracer to campus. The tracers are small, battery-powered devices students carry on their person.

Each tracer is powered by Bluetooth technology and is equipped with a unique id number. The tracers scan for other tracers every 10 seconds and if they come into contact with another tracer at a distance under two meters the id numbers are logged. There is a QR code on each tracer that when scanned shows the list of devices that could be at risk should a student be tested positive for coronavirus.

Karolina Kristic, the CFO and chancellor of Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, explains that using INFORM’s technology means the school can act more efficiently than if they used the government’s contact tracing app. There were also issues when that app first launched.

The Corona Warn App—the German government’s app designed by the Robert Koch Institute, the leading health advisor to the German government—was difficult to download without a German SIM card and only available in German when it was first rolled out, Karolina explains.

There was a need for a quick and efficient way of tracking students who came into close contact with one another so that Frankfurt School could welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus.

Once INFORM’s technology had been found, Frankfurt School managed to negotiate with the local Works Council to write into faculty and staff contracts that wearing the tracer on campus was obligatory. For students it’s optional but those who choose not to wear the tracer have to take their curriculum fully online. Karolina says that the acceptance rate for the tracer among students has been very high and all students coming back to campus agreed to wear it.

“I am absolutely shocked that not so many institutions have picked it up yet,” she says. “I think it works brilliantly; the only thing people want to know is have I been close to anyone.”


What happens when there's a positive case at Frankfurt School?

- The school are informed by the student/staff member who tested positive. 

- Somebody from Frankfurt School's team goes to pick up their tracer.

- QR code on the tracer is scanned and the people who have been in close contact with the tracer are informed.

- They then go into a period of quarantine until they've been tested and confirmed negative.


There is a testing center at Frankfurt airport that can turn around results in 12 hours; there’s also a test that returns results in four. Having this tracing system in place at Frankfurt School makes it safer to attend university and much easier to react when there is a positive case, explains Michelle (pictured below).

“I wasn’t worried at all to go back to campus because of how transparent the school had been with communication. The other preventative measures are already quite good, but the tracing system allows us to make sure you don’t have bigger breakouts of coronavirus at university without knowing it.” 


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National government COVID track and trace apps


Other schools have opted to use their national government’s application to track and trace coronavirus cases on campus. HEC Paris welcomed students back to campus for the fall semester and have a tracing system in place that falls into the school’s wider public health policy.

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The school’s policy consists of prevention, awareness, and how to act when there’s a positive case, explains Marcelle Laliberté, assistant dean of students at HEC Paris. Marcelle is also studying for a PhD in education and trained with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Johns Hopkins University over the summer on prevention measures for coronavirus.

On campus, students are encouraged to download the national government’s application, stopCOVID, which is available in both English and French. Rather than developing their own application, Marcelle (pictured right) believes that working together is the best way to tackle the virus on campus.

“I’m a strong believer of working with local public health authorities, different experts, and other business schools,” she explains. “We try to have this holistic approach to COVID and to focus on tracking and tracing through the COVID app.

“You can never force anyone to download the app, so we highly encourage it. It’s individual actions that are making it better for someone you may not know.”


What happens when there's a positive case at HEC Paris?

- The student/staff member quarantines or self isolates in one of the reserved spaces on HEC Paris's campus for COVID-19 cases. 

- There's an interview to find out who the student/staff member have been in contact in the past 48 hours. 

- If they have downloaded the tracing app the app will alert all other users who've been in close contact.

- The original case and those they've been in close contact with quarantine and get a test.

- If it's negative they return to campus.


HEC Paris won’t know if someone has been informed on the app that they’ve come into close contact with someone who has been tested positive for coronavirus—that information is covered by GDPR. The health authorities will inform the school if there’s a concern, but Marcelle explains that so far it has been the students on campus who have been self-reporting.

Marcelle explains that HEC Paris agreed with the local health authorities to train their nurses to be able to conduct testing on campus. There have been no cases on campus yet.


Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is following the same protocol as HEC Paris. The school is set to welcome its MBA students back to campus in October. Classes have begun for the rest of the school.

Ian Rogan (pictured below), the executive director of Copenhagen’s MBA and Part-Time programs, explains that there have been isolated cases on the Copenhagen Business School campus, but that they were tracked, traced, and contained.

Under the broader context of prevention and maintaining social distancing, the school took the decision to begin the fall semester in a hybrid model—the full-time MBA students will take classes in person due to the small class size—mixing online and in person classes.


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For those students returning to campus the school encourages them to download the Smittestop app—the government’s coronavirus app—to help track any outbreaks of the virus.

The app stores data for 30 days and collects the id number of any Smittestop user students come into contact with. If someone using the app develops coronavirus then you will receive an alert—the contact information is private and you won’t know with whom you’ve been in close contact.


What happens when there's a positive case at Copenhagen Business School?

- If a student/staff member has symptoms they stay at home and get a test.

- They call a CBS hotline, and the case is passed onto a senior team at CBS who consult with the local health authorities.

- CBS are advised whether they need to send students home or temporarily shift to fully online courses.

- When the original case's test comes back positive there's an interview process to track and trace people that person has been in contact with. Classes aren't sent home if there's a single COVID-19 case.

- All email and text communication is pre-prepared and if the student is using Smittestop an alert will be sent to other users they've been in close contact with.

- Students that might have been in close contact with the case, less than a meter for more than 15 minutes, have to self-isolate and get a test. 

- They can return when the test is negative.


As business schools get further into the fall semester more cases will inevitably break out. Alongside preventative measures that include social distancing, strict hygiene protocols, and hybrid teaching models, successful track and trace systems are the real key to remaining open for the longer term.


Next read:

INSEAD Students Tackle Coronavirus Pandemic

Implications Of Coronavirus On Business, According To Top B-School Deans

Student Reviews

Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

Student

Verified

29/09/2019

CBS: efficient international network

CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success. The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way. CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.

Stella

Verified

24/04/2019

Good academic career

I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.

Student

Verified

13/04/2019

CBS is one of the best!

All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.

Stefani

Verified

12/04/2019

The ideal business school

I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.

José Pedro

Verified

22/09/2019

A Place of Personal Growth

In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth. The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.

Cathy

Verified

5/02/2019

Environment

The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.

Philip

Verified

15/04/2018

Quality education

Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school. However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!

Student

Verified

27/09/2017

Best Time!

Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.

Student

Verified

22/09/2017

A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment

I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.

Student

Verified

29/09/2019

CBS: efficient international network

CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success. The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way. CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.

Stella

Verified

24/04/2019

Good academic career

I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.

Student

Verified

13/04/2019

CBS is one of the best!

All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.

Stefani

Verified

12/04/2019

The ideal business school

I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.

José Pedro

Verified

22/09/2019

A Place of Personal Growth

In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth. The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.

Cathy

Verified

5/02/2019

Environment

The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.

Philip

Verified

15/04/2018

Quality education

Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school. However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!

Student

Verified

27/09/2017

Best Time!

Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.

Student

Verified

22/09/2017

A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment

I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.

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