Before midterm exams, the Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA) organized a series of events that offered students a refreshing break from studying for exams. With insights from industry professionals and academic experts, students were introduced to thought-provoking ideas and real-world insights, encouraging students to think beyond the classroom and offering a new lens through which to approach their studies.
The week kicked off on November 11 with a visit from Ms. Eva Nefen, Senior Director for the International MBA Office, and Dr. Andreas Gissel, Course Director for the MBA International Business Management program, from Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society. They introduced the Dual Degree MBA, a partnership between Ludwigshafen University and the International University of Sarajevo, presenting their university and MBA program. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about this unique academic pathway. During their visit, Ms. Nefen and Dr. Gissel also met with the faculty members to discuss possibilities for strengthening and expanding future cooperation between the institutions.
On November 12, students gained valuable insights into marketing strategies in the automotive industry during a guest lecture organized by Dr. Emil Knezović as part of the Marketing course. Ms. Lamija Hajrulahović, Marketing Manager for Audi, Cupra, and Seat in Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussed marketing strategies and compared different approaches of Audi and Cupra. She captivated the students with practical insights, answering questions about targeting, segmentation, and the role of data in shaping these strategies. The session not only deepened students' understanding of the importance and practical application of marketing strategies but also allowed them to appreciate the strategic analysis of a well-known brand like Audi while igniting curiosity about Cupra, a newly introduced car brand in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Later that day, FBA hosted an insightful lecture titled Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Face of Genocide and Statelessness: A Comparative Look at the Rohingya and Bosnian Cases. Dr. Hikmet Karčić and Mr. Saqib Sheikh, with Dr. Joseph J. Kaminski as moderator, explored the challenges of preserving cultural heritage after genocide. They discussed efforts such as digitizing archives and safeguarding cultural identities, highlighting how these initiatives can serve as tools of resistance and ways to restore dignity. The discussion deeply engaged students, who actively participated in the Q&A session, reflecting on the broader implications for human rights and resilience in similar contexts.
On November 13, as part of the Money and Banking course, Dr. Mehmed Ganić hosted a guest lecture by Dr. Hasan Serdar Alpdündar, Business Development Director at HIFA OIL Group. The lecture, The Importance of Trade Diplomacy in the Business Environment, provided insights into how diplomacy shapes business success on an international scale. Dr. Alpdündar also highlighted the financial considerations of trade diplomacy, such as negotiating favorable terms, managing exchange rate risks, and fostering economic partnerships that drive profitability. Drawing on his extensive experience, he emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration, cultural understanding, and strategic partnerships in today’s interconnected business world.
Also on November 13, students in the Advanced Business Research Methods course participated in a session on how technology is shaping academic work. Valerija Ereš, a digital marketing expert at ZenDev, introduced Avidnote, a tool designed to support research and academic writing. She demonstrated its features and facilitated a discussion on AI’s role in research. Students shared their experiences with AI tools they had used and compared them to Avidnote, offering insights into features and functionalities they would find useful for their own research. The session also included a demonstration of AI-generated text detection software, giving students a hands-on look at emerging research technologies.
The lectures concluded on November 14 with an insightful session on The Role of Innovation in Enabling Circular Economy by Ms. Lamija Krndžija, MA, as part of the Organization Theory course. Ms. Krndžija encouraged students to think beyond recycling, demonstrating how innovation drives sustainable practices and supports economic growth. She also explored the financial aspects of implementing innovative solutions for a circular economy, using global and local examples to inspire actionable ideas. Through interactive exercises and student-led discussions, the session highlighted how creative thinking can address both environmental and financial challenges effectively.
This engaging week, held just before the Midterm exam week, offered students a much-needed change of pace, providing them with fresh ideas and perspectives to approach their exams with a renewed mindset.
