We're Hitting The Books: More Business Practice In Classrooms With RAMPF!
A good textbook can be more than just a collection of facts – it can broaden horizons, spark curiosity, and lay the foundation for the future. The book “Wirtschaft & Co.” [Economics & Co.] by Johannes Heuser is one such companion. It impressively demonstrates how exciting and diverse the business world can be.
What excites us most: The book is packed with up-to-date case studies and real-world business examples, including RAMPF!
Johannes Heuser, subject advisor for Business and Economics at the Regional Council of Tübingen, a member of the curriculum development group at the Center for School Quality and Teacher Training in Baden-Württemberg, and a teacher at Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gymnasium Metzingen (near the RAMPF head office in Grafenberg), set out to elevate economics education with the new textbook “Wirtschaft & Co.”, published by C.C Buchner Verlag.
The author team, consisting of experienced teachers and professional trainers, placed great emphasis on making the content both up-to-date and practice-oriented.
A good textbook supports teachers and provides students with a solid foundation – from career orientation to complex economic topics such as starting a business
Heuser emphasizes.
Explaining the need for a new edition, the author and editor states:
The previous edition was five years old. In a subject like economics, which is heavily influenced by current developments, that simply isn’t up to date. We wanted to create a book that incorporates the latest practical experiences from teaching and career orientation projects.
A particularly exciting innovation: In addition to updating content and incorporating new topics, the team has leveraged digital tools, including QR codes for real-time statistics, digital supplementary materials, and interactive exercises.
Focus on SMEs – Inspiring real-world case studies
A highlight of the book is the prominent inclusion of family businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Johannes Heuser emphasizes that
the SME sector is the backbone of the German and Baden-Württemberg economy. These companies think long-term, are often world market leaders in their niche, and bear a special entrepreneurial and social responsibility for their employees and the region.
RAMPF was included as a prime example in the chapter “Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Germany”. Here, students gain authentic insights into the challenges, mindset, and success factors of a family business. An interview with RAMPF CEO Michael Rampf provides insights into the company's philosophy and the societal responsibility of medium-sized family enterprises.
Topics that enrich the classroom
The chapter “Companies” covers an impressive range of practice-oriented and business-related topics. Topics such as “Start It Up – What Does It Take to Build a Business?” and “Business Goals – When Is a Company Successful?” provide content designed to inspire and motivate young learners. Complex concepts are presented in an age-appropriate manner and brought to life through case studies and workshops, such as those on business startups.
Another key focus is the in-depth development of judgment skills, a central aspect of the curriculum:
We want students to analyze and understand complex economic issues, interdependencies, and competing resource allocations. This enables them to critically assess decisions, make better-informed choices, and contribute actively to shaping economy and society as responsible economic citizens.
Making economics tangible
Johannes Heuser places great emphasis on making economic education as practical as possible. This includes bringing companies into the classroom and organizing company visits.
We have been collaborating with the RAMPF Group for many years to make economics tangible and relatable on-site.
WIWAG business simulation weeks, as well as direct conversations with management and RAMPF industry experts, provide valuable insights into corporate life and the world of business.
More than just a textbook
Wirtschaft & Co. is more than just a schoolbook, it is a source of inspiration, showing that economics affects us all and can be actively and successfully shaped.
For us as a company, it is a special joy to be part of this journey – a connection between education and business that accompanies young people on the path toward their future.
We know that today’s students are the talents who will drive innovation in our company tomorrow. And that simple realization makes one thing clear: education and business go hand in hand.
