From November 25 – 29, 2024, the BA School of Business and Finance hosted two Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) events – “LEADERSHIP” for academic staff and another BIP, “EMPOWERING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS”, for students. These international weeks strengthen cooperation with other European universities, offering BASBF students’ extensive opportunities for international education both now and in the future. They also serve as a platform to introduce Latvia and the BA School of Business and Finance to international students, inspiring them to consider BASBF as their Erasmus+ destination.

This week, the BA School of Business and Finance welcomed 45 students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands), Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (Estonia), Estonian Business School (Estonia), LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (Germany), Hochschule Kaiserslautern (Germany), The Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice (Czech Republic), and the College of Polytechnics Jihlava (Czech Republic).

Collaborative Learning Through Business Games

The program of the students’ BIP was a carefully selected series of business board games designed specifically for business school students. This dynamic learning method provided essential skills for today’s competitive business environment. By engaging in strategic games, students gained practical experience in communication, negotiation, strategic planning, and time management – critical skills for any future business professional.

Lectures from International Experts

Simultaneously, the BA School of Business and Finance hosted 13 lecturers from universities in Germany (FH Kaiserslautern, Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft Ludwigshafen, Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, Technische Hochschule Ulm), Sweden (Kristianstad University), Belgium (UCLL, Leuven-Limburg), the Netherlands (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences), Estonia (Estonian Business School), and the Czech Republic (College of Polytechnics Jihlava).

Nine of these lecturers delivered guest lectures for undergraduate and master’s students, as well as for BASBF faculty. The lectures offered insights into various financial and business topics, highlighting their relevance in the speakers’ home countries and providing a broader international perspective. Topics ranged from taxation to innovation, including:

• “Considerations on Financial Management in German Corporations” (Martin Klose, Germany)
• “Financial Rookies and Expertise” (Martin Abrahamson, Sweden)
• “International Tax Law” (Jörg Kroschel, Germany)
• “Leadership in a Nutshell” (Ben Dippe, Germany)
• “Technology and Innovation Management” (Annika Halder, Germany)
• “Rockonomics” (Camila Niño Fernández, Estonia)
• “Investments in a Company” (Marijn Van Kersbergen, Nīderlande)
• Challenegs of Strategic Management in Dynamic Business Environment (Andrius Tomašiūnas, Lietuva)

Leadership Program for Academic Staff

Parallel to the student program, the academic staff participated in the BIP “Leadership” program. This included two engaging sessions:

• “Managers VS Leaders”, led by Bert Forschelen from FH Kaiserslautern, Germany.
• A hands-on workshop titled “LEGO Serious Play”, facilitated by Robrecht Van Goolen from UCLL, Leuven-Limburg, Belgium.

These sessions were tailored for academic staff and university employees, enabling them to analyse real business challenges and explore innovative teaching methods to foster leadership development.

Cultural Program and Networking Opportunities

In addition to academic activities, the program included a cultural component designed to foster camaraderie and networking while introducing participants to Latvia’s rich heritage. Activities included an evening at a bowling hall (organized by the BASBF Student Council, a visit to Sigulda, a bobsleigh ride on the Sigulda track, and a tour of a local winery in Krimulda Manor. The week concluded with a festive dinner at the Kungu Rija restaurant, where participants enjoyed traditional Latvian cuisine and reflected on the experiences of the week.

A heartfelt thanks to all partner universities, students, and lecturers for participating in the BIP International Week of November 2024 at the BA School of Business and Finance! We were delighted to host our guests, and with each year, our collaboration grows stronger. We look forward to future events and partnerships!