Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School
Regional Development Center - Varna
Background
The idea for realization of the Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School Project was born in December 1998. Professor Laichis from the International University in Miami, Florida and Professor Koev from the Economic University in Varna, Bulgaria discussed the opportunities for implementation of a joint initiative, which will offer the students cultural experience and will encourage the exchange of knowledge and the development of business projects useful for both parties. Participants in this initiative are 16 students and businessmen from the University of Florida, USA and a group of Bulgarian students guided by Professor Koev. The project is realized with the assistance of the Municipality of Varna and the Economic Development Agency - Varna.
The idea for realization of the Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School Project was born in December 1998. Professor Laichis from the International University in Miami, Florida and Professor Koev from the Economic University in Varna, Bulgaria discussed the opportunities for implementation of a joint initiative, which will offer the students cultural experience and will encourage the exchange of knowledge and the development of business projects useful for both parties. Participants in this initiative are 16 students and businessmen from the University of Florida, USA and a group of Bulgarian students guided by Professor Koev. The project is realized with the assistance of the Municipality of Varna and the Economic Development Agency - Varna.
Practice
Following a series of interviews, 15 students from the FIU, Business Administration Faculty are chosen for participation in the project. They come from different countries - Chili (2), Columbia (2), Mexico (1), Italy (2), Norway (1), Island (1), USA (6). The Bulgarian students are studying at the University of Varna. In order to achieve full utilization of their skills, the students work in groups of four - two foreign and two Bulgarian members.
During the first week the groups learn more details about the project and after that they start to interview private companies, all working in different business fields. The meetings are open and friendly, although some of the companies do not understand the whole idea of the initiative. The students and the business representatives learn about the activity of the companies and the working conditions in the private sector, about certain possibilities for export of Bulgarian goods in the USA, and how to establish direct international contacts on a micro level.
During the third and the forth weeks the students develop an analysis of the collected information and search the additional opportunities for the various markets. The students are instructed by the Professors and receive concrete guidelines through which to facilitate the development of each private company. During the last week they present their business plans and recommendations. All presentations are gathered in an official report which is distributed to other interested parties.
The project was closed by a gala delivering of diplomas to the participants together with a copy of the working materials created during the project implementation. The Mayor of the Municipality of Varna also was present at the ceremony. The Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School is an innovative undertaking and also a new step in the development and enrichment of the Bulgarian students` marketing knowledge and culture, connected with the acquirement of new skills for market research, team work and enterpreneurship spirit. This unique experiment is a step forward in the development of new educational forms and in expanding the cooperation between the Economic University - Varna and other foreign educational institutions.
Following a series of interviews, 15 students from the FIU, Business Administration Faculty are chosen for participation in the project. They come from different countries - Chili (2), Columbia (2), Mexico (1), Italy (2), Norway (1), Island (1), USA (6). The Bulgarian students are studying at the University of Varna. In order to achieve full utilization of their skills, the students work in groups of four - two foreign and two Bulgarian members.
During the first week the groups learn more details about the project and after that they start to interview private companies, all working in different business fields. The meetings are open and friendly, although some of the companies do not understand the whole idea of the initiative. The students and the business representatives learn about the activity of the companies and the working conditions in the private sector, about certain possibilities for export of Bulgarian goods in the USA, and how to establish direct international contacts on a micro level.
During the third and the forth weeks the students develop an analysis of the collected information and search the additional opportunities for the various markets. The students are instructed by the Professors and receive concrete guidelines through which to facilitate the development of each private company. During the last week they present their business plans and recommendations. All presentations are gathered in an official report which is distributed to other interested parties.
The project was closed by a gala delivering of diplomas to the participants together with a copy of the working materials created during the project implementation. The Mayor of the Municipality of Varna also was present at the ceremony. The Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School is an innovative undertaking and also a new step in the development and enrichment of the Bulgarian students` marketing knowledge and culture, connected with the acquirement of new skills for market research, team work and enterpreneurship spirit. This unique experiment is a step forward in the development of new educational forms and in expanding the cooperation between the Economic University - Varna and other foreign educational institutions.
Results
The students, divided into working groups, developed business plans and market analyses (SWOT analyses) and recommendations for the future work of private companies. Most of the companies are not obliged to present business information for their practical financial status and current situation to the Regional Development Center - Varna. One of the businessmen from USA established and developed business contacts and signed a contract with one of the Bulgarian companies for export of its production - textile and wool goods.
The students who participated in the Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School developed business plans and strategies for the following companies: Famozo Ltd., Cherno More - Elit , Computer Technologies Ltd., Aglika Ltd., Eniem Studio , Dimiat , Tervel Ltd., Polycontact , Odesos Ltd.
The students, divided into working groups, developed business plans and market analyses (SWOT analyses) and recommendations for the future work of private companies. Most of the companies are not obliged to present business information for their practical financial status and current situation to the Regional Development Center - Varna. One of the businessmen from USA established and developed business contacts and signed a contract with one of the Bulgarian companies for export of its production - textile and wool goods.
The students who participated in the Bulgarian - American Summer Enterpreneurship School developed business plans and strategies for the following companies: Famozo Ltd., Cherno More - Elit , Computer Technologies Ltd., Aglika Ltd., Eniem Studio , Dimiat , Tervel Ltd., Polycontact , Odesos Ltd.
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