Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

Quantum Workshop for IT-Professionals

Bettina Just, Jörg Hettel, Gerhard Hellstern

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of translating quantum concepts into practical business value for IT professionals by introducing a user-centered, enterprise-focused workshop that uses a business simulation game. The approach aims to bridge theory and industry needs, with a one-day IT-Tage 2024 evaluation showing measurable learning progress and increased awareness of real-world quantum use cases. While promising, the study notes that longer formats and broader domain adaptations may enhance applicability and impact. Overall, the flexible, customizable design demonstrates potential for integration into corporate training and broader quantum transformation efforts in industry.

Abstract

Quantum computing is gaining strategic relevance beyond research-driven industries. However, many companies lack the expertise to evaluate its potential for real-world applications. Traditional training formats often focus on physical principles without demonstrating practical relevance for their Business Processes, which limits success. This paper presents a user-centered workshop concept tailored to IT professionals without prior quantum knowledge. Using a business simulation game set in a fictitious company, participants explore quantum technologies through relatable, application-driven scenarios. The flexible design allows customization for different organizational contexts. Evaluation results from a one-day implementation at the IT-Tage 2024 indicate clear learning progress and increased awareness of practical use cases. The approach effectively bridges the gap between complex quantum concepts and industry-specific application needs.

Quantum Workshop for IT-Professionals

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of translating quantum concepts into practical business value for IT professionals by introducing a user-centered, enterprise-focused workshop that uses a business simulation game. The approach aims to bridge theory and industry needs, with a one-day IT-Tage 2024 evaluation showing measurable learning progress and increased awareness of real-world quantum use cases. While promising, the study notes that longer formats and broader domain adaptations may enhance applicability and impact. Overall, the flexible, customizable design demonstrates potential for integration into corporate training and broader quantum transformation efforts in industry.

Abstract

Quantum computing is gaining strategic relevance beyond research-driven industries. However, many companies lack the expertise to evaluate its potential for real-world applications. Traditional training formats often focus on physical principles without demonstrating practical relevance for their Business Processes, which limits success. This paper presents a user-centered workshop concept tailored to IT professionals without prior quantum knowledge. Using a business simulation game set in a fictitious company, participants explore quantum technologies through relatable, application-driven scenarios. The flexible design allows customization for different organizational contexts. Evaluation results from a one-day implementation at the IT-Tage 2024 indicate clear learning progress and increased awareness of practical use cases. The approach effectively bridges the gap between complex quantum concepts and industry-specific application needs.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 13 sections, 11 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Literature review
  3. Design of the workshop
  4. Workshop concept and structure
  5. Motivation for using a business simulation game
  6. Requirements for workshop leaders
  7. Evaluation of the data collected during a workshop in 2024
  8. Information about the participants of the workshop
  9. Results for the research questions
  10. RQ1: How do the participants evaluate their individual learning progress in the basics and possible applications of quantum computing after completing the one-day seminar?
  11. RQ2: Which specific applications of quantum computing do the participants identify as particularly relevant for their professional practice?
  12. RQ3: What specific challenges do participants identify when implementing quantum computing technologies in existing IT systems and processes?
  13. Conclusions and topics for further research

Figures (11)

  • Figure 1: Left side: The European Competence Framework Proficiency Triangle Greinert_2024a with the 6 proficiency levels in the three proficiency areas "quantum concepts", "quantum hardware and software engineering" and "quantum technology applications and strategy". The right side shows the skills of the workshop's trainer team by coloring the corresponding areas in the proficiency triangle. It turns out that the highest competence level C2 is required in the areas "quantum concepts" and "quantum technology applications and strategy", and the third highest level B2 is required for the area "quantum hardware and software engineering".
  • Figure 2: Age distribution of the participants
  • Figure 3: Field of professional activity
  • Figure 4: Educational qualifications
  • Figure 5: Work experience of the participants
  • ...and 6 more figures