The e-Agrimba Experience at the National Exhibition ‘Made in Moldova.
On February 2, 2024, within the framework of the National Exhibition “Made in Moldova”, XXI edition, the event “Challenges in Agribusiness Professional Education in the Republic of Moldova – the example of the e-Agrimba system” was organized by the CCI of the Republic of Moldova and the Technical University of Moldova. The event was attended by: Mrs. Aurelia LITVIN, expert, prof.univ. UTM – with the speech “The impact of Agrarian Education on the performance of the agri-food sector in the Republic of Moldova”; Mr. Andrei ZBANCĂ, expert, associate professor. UTM – with the speech “Increasing the competitiveness of products and their integration into value chains” and Mrs. Svetlana GANGAN, expert, associate professor. UTM – with the speech “Promotion of agricultural products and services through online strategies and technologies”. It should be mentioned that, during this event, the MBA study program “Management in agribusiness” carried out within the Project 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086080 “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education (e-AgriMBA), and implemented within the Technical University of Moldova, was presented. The event was attended by students from different higher education institutions of the Republic of Moldova and entrepreneurs.
EXPLORING EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVES IN AGRIBUSINESS: STUDENT AND TEACHER STUDY VISIT TO BRUSSELS
From 27 November to 1 December 2023, a group of students from the MBA study program “Management in agribusiness” and the professors of the Technical University of Moldova, Mrs. BUGAIAN Larisa, LITVIN Aurelia, BÂRDAN Veaceslav, made a study visit to Brussels. The participants visited and communicated with representatives of European and national institutions and agricultural enterprises in Belgium: Participants learned about the legislative process at European level and how farmers’ wishes are considered in this process. The legislative process involves a number of European institutions which are consulted by civil society organisations. Deliberations and negotiations can take 2-3 years. This study visit is part of the project “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education”, e-agriMBA, co-financed by the EU, with the main aim of deepening practical knowledge on the European integration of the Republic of Moldova and the digitisation of agriculture. The study visit was supported by the OPTIM Project, funded by Switzerland and implemented by Helvetas.
UTM LAUNCHES MBA PROGRAMME IN AGRIBUSINESS – A SUSTAINABLE BOOST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRIFOOD SECTOR
On September 25, 2023, the Technical University of Moldova has recorded a premiere of particular importance for the development of the agri-food sector in the Republic of Moldova and the promotion of knowledge and skills needed to support and develop the agri-food sector – the launch of the MBA re-qualification program “Management in Agribusiness”. The event was opened by UTM’s Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations, Daniela POJAR, who conveyed the greetings and appreciation of UTM’s Rector, prof. univ., dr. hab. Viorel BOSTAN, and underlined the importance of the MBA retraining programme to contribute significantly to the increase of efficiency and sustainable development of agri-food industries in the country. She noted that this approach would not have been possible without the support of the European Union, which thus strongly supports the development of higher education in agribusiness. Moldovan Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir BOLEA stressed the need for this programme for the future of the agri-food sector in Moldova and said that this initiative would train competent staff ready to contribute to increasing the efficiency of the agri-food business environment. The event was also honoured by the presence of prominent personalities in the field, such as Nikola BABIC, Deputy Regional Director for Helvetas, Bojan KOLUNDZIJA, OPTIM Project Leader – Country Manager, and Maxim POPOV, Executive Director of the Agency for Development and Modernisation of Agriculture, who expressed their unconditional support for the success of the programme. The innovative nature of this programme was also underlined by Agata MALAK-RAWLIKOWSKA, coordinator of the project “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education (e-AgriMBA)”, and Wim Heijman. Larisa BUGAIAN, Head of the ERASMUS+ University Centre, TUM, underlined that this programme is a real pioneer for the Republic of Moldova. With a duration of two years and a total of 60 ECTS credits, the programme aims to train essential skills to address the challenges of the modern agricultural industry and to contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and the rural economy. Its innovative content modernises and digitises agribusiness education, promoting lifelong learning by training students’ and teachers’ digital and language skills. Aurelia LITVIN, National Programme Coordinator, UTM, mentioned that this innovative programme was developed within the framework of the project 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086080 “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education” (e-AgriMBA), co-financed by the European Union and implemented by the Department of Economics and Management of the Faculty of Engineering in Economics and Business (FIEB), in collaboration with the Continuing Education Department of UTM. The programme partners include experts from life science universities in the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as important institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), the Agency for Development and Modernisation of Agriculture (ADMA), the OPTIM Project, funded by the Swiss Government. Last but not least, we would like to highlight the presence at the event of Mr Rodion CIUPERCĂ, Head of the Continuing Education Department of the Technical University of Moldova, and Mrs Ina GRIZA, Head of the Continuing Education Department of UTM, who played a key role in the implementation of this exceptional programme. The courageous initiative and commitment that UTM is taking by launching the MBA re-qualification program “Management in Agribusiness” opens new opportunities for the development of the agrifood sector by increasing professional skills in this crucial industry for Moldova. At the same time, the support of local and international partners will significantly contribute to increasing skills and efficiency in the agricultural industry, thus strengthening Moldova’s position in agribusiness at regional and international level.
Interview – The Vital Second Step in the Selection of Beneficiaries of the MBA Agribusiness Management Programme
On 6 September 2023, the second round of selection for the MBA Management in Agribusiness programme was held. This stage consists of an interview, during which the level of proficiency in English – the language of communication in the programme – was assessed. During the interview, candidates were tested by means of questions, which allowed the assessment of their ability to communicate fluently in English. Discussions focused on topics related to agribusiness as well as practical situations and scenarios that may arise in the given sector. It is worth noting that most candidates demonstrated strong communication skills in English and a thorough understanding of agribusiness topics. They also argued the need for such a programme for the Republic of Moldova.
Selection process of potential beneficiaries of the MBA program “Management in Agribusiness”.
On 30 August 2023, within the framework of the project 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086080 “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education (e-AgriMBA), co-funded by the European Union, the selection process of potential beneficiaries of the MBA programme “Management in Agribusiness” took place. The selection process started by defining clear and rigorous criteria, which were stipulated in the programme, such as: Based on these criteria, the files of potential beneficiaries were selected. We are pleased to see the increased interest in the MBA programme “Agribusiness Management”, which will provide the knowledge and skills needed for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector.
e-AgriMBA at TehAgroFest event
Held on 10-11 August 2023, the prestigious TehAgroFest event was a remarkable opportunity to present the e-AgriMBA 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086080 (Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education) project, the first of its kind in the Republic of Moldova. This innovative project was proudly presented by the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), in partnership with the Agency for the Development and Modernisation of Agriculture (ADMA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA). The event was the debut of a new educational offer aimed at training young entrepreneurs in agribusiness management. The manager of the e-AgriMBA project at the Technical University of Moldova, prof. univ., dr. hab. Aurelia LITVIN, an outstanding personality in the field, underlined that the exhibition had as its main purpose to inform young entrepreneurs, but not only, about the international program to be implemented at TUM. This programme, co-funded by the European Union, is an essential step towards the launch of an MBA programme in agribusiness management. This educational initiative focuses in particular on the practical aspects, where entrepreneurs will benefit from the guidance of specialists from various EU countries. The programme will be run on a part-time basis and predominantly online, to allow entrepreneurs to continue their current activities. Courses will be delivered in English to ensure a global perspective and access to high quality educational resources. A key criterion for potential participants from the agricultural sector is the need to hold a degree. For further information, please visit the following links:
The first MBA in agribusiness in Moldova – launched by UTM, ADMA and MAIA. Enrolment begins
In a changing world, the future of agriculture requires innovative and well-trained leaders. To meet these challenges, the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) and the Agency for the Development and Modernisation of Agriculture (ADMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), are launching the first AgriMBA Programme – “Management in Agribusiness”. Structured in six modules to be delivered in a mixed mode (online and face-to-face) over two years, the programme offers 39 course units that will total 65 ECTS credits. Thanks to the study format, students will not have to take time off work to complete the programme. For more information visit: https://adma.gov.md/primul-mba-in-agrobusiness-din-moldova-lansat-de-utm-adma-si-maia-incep-inscrierile/?fbclid=IwAR1A5R6-e2R3VY9SnfXtImD3MoVSB4Nv8fZnIYil3zL4s7ujuABz1V3N1aY
WORKSHOP, within the project “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education (e-AgriMBA), co-funded by the European Union.
On 19 May 2023, the Department “Economics and Management”, Faculty FIEB, UTM organized a WORKSHOP, within the project 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086080 “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education (e-AgriMBA), co-funded by the European Union. The purpose of the WORKSHOP was to discuss the content of the MBA – Agribusiness Management study programme. The event was attended by representatives of the business environment, teachers and students of the study programme “Business and Management”. The program leader, Ms. Litvin Aurelia emphasized that the content of the study program is innovative, as it modernizes and digitizes agribusiness education and encourages lifelong learning by training digital and language skills of students as well as teachers. The use of the online tool will provide access to high quality cross-border networking and educational resources that will boost the internationalisation of agribusiness education. The free availability of online educational resources will reduce teaching costs and thus increase the effectiveness of the MBA programme. Business representatives welcomed the initiation of such a programme and that its structure is composed of current and necessary courses such as: digitisation of agriculture, management, marketing, economics, business strategies, food security, food safety, etc., which will certainly contribute to increase the efficiency of agribusiness activity. The MBA – Agribusiness Management study programme will be internationally accredited by the project partners, and its graduates will obtain the diploma of the TUM Continuing Education Centre and the international diploma of the AgriMBA consortium.On 19 May 2023, the Department “Economics and Management”, FIEB Faculty, TUM organised a WORKSHOP, within the framework of the project 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086080 “Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education (e-AgriMBA), co-funded by the European Union. The purpose of the WORKSHOP was to discuss the content of the MBA – Agribusiness Management study programme. The event was attended by representatives of the business environment, teachers and students of the “Business and Management” study programme. The programme leader, Ms Litvin Aurelia emphasised that the content of the study programme is innovative, as it modernises and digitises agribusiness education and encourages lifelong learning by training the digital and language skills of students as well as teachers. The use of the online tool will provide access to high quality cross-border networking and educational resources that will boost the internationalisation of agribusiness education. The free availability of online educational resources will reduce teaching costs and thus increase the effectiveness of the MBA programme. Business representatives welcomed the initiation of such a programme and that its structure is composed of current and necessary courses such as: digitisation of agriculture, management, marketing, economics, business strategies, food security, food safety, etc., which will certainly contribute to increase the efficiency of agribusiness activity. The MBA – Agribusiness Management study programme will be internationally accredited by the project partners and its graduates will obtain the TUM Continuing Education Centre Diploma and the AgriMBA consortium international diploma.