Milovic, the Dean: Faculty of Economics of UoM has the Important Role in the Development of Montenegrin Society and Economy
The Faculty of Economics will celebrate 60 years of existence next year. ‘’This is very important jubilee for us, speaking primarily about the place and the role of the faculty in the development of Montenegrin society and economy’’, Nikola Milovic, PhD, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Montenegro said.
We were talking with him about the jubilee, the possibilities of development way for students, the cooperation of the Faculty with business sector, improvement of practical training and international EPAS accreditation for the website of the University of Montenegro.
UoM: What are the opportunities opened for the future students if they enroll at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Montenegro?
MILOVIC, PhD: Students get the opportunity to gain knowledge with the long tradition of nearly 60 years, transformed in the quality of coursework, the qualifications of lecturers and teaching methods, by enrolling in the Faculty of Economics. Respecting tradition, importance and role of the Faculty of Economics, we are looking at the future at the same time, with the attention we follow the trends in the education, in order to keep leading position in the education of economists. The highest quality education in the field of economy, possibilities of the international cooperation and appropriate professional practice we provide in the cooperation with numerous partners from business sector, will provide students with diplomas most appreciated by employers, and thus a competitive advantage and the ability to choose their future profession.
UoM: You have earlier said that a large number of undergraduate students continue master or PhD studies at your Faculty. How do they become ready for it?
MILOVIC, PhD: The fact is that there is a huge interest of students for the continuing of their education through master and PhD studies at the Faculty of Economics, what is the result of their satisfaction by undergraduate studies. We believe that the main reason is the quality and practical applicability of the acquired knowledge, but also the opportunity to attend the lectures of eminent experts , as well as guest lecturers from different areas and in that way to keep up with innovations in the field for which they are studying. Numerous mobility programs intended for postgraduate students are also available to them.
UoM: What does practical teaching at the Faculty of Economics mean?
MILOVIC, PhD: Students professional practice is obliged teaching activity during the studies at the Faculty of Economics and it includes practical work with students in the real business environment. The aim is to update the academic knowledge by gaining appropriate work experience. Numerous agreements on cooperation that Faculty of Economics signs with the institutions and successful companies predict the student practice. In this way, the base of the employers expand, opening the doors for our students giving them the opportunity that during the agreed duration of professional practice, gain the responsibility, commitment, systematic and inclined to take initiative such as the skills of the great importance for the future business engagement almost daily.
UoM: This study year of the Faculty of Economics of UoM, was marked by the first hosting of Nobel...
MILOVIC, PhD: Understanding of economy is possible only if it is viewed in a broader social context, and this is the reason why we organize hosting lectures, workshops and seminars of the experts from the various fields of social sciences in order to expand their knowledge at the Faculty of Economics throughout the year. The event that marked the current study year is the first hosting of professor Finn E. Kydland, the Nobel Prize Winner in Economy, at the Faculty of Economics, who held lecture on the topic ‘’Economic policy and the growth of nations’’.
The forthcoming academic year will be of a special interest because we celebrate sixty years of the founding of the first Faculty in Montenegro, so the planned program will be in accordance with the celebration of the jubilee. Besides, regular activities will be focused at the involvement in the social events and intensive cooperation with both: academic and the business community representatives, in accordance with the main objective- the improvement of the quality of knowledge as well as the teaching process.
UoM: EPAS international accreditation is in progress. What innovations it will bring to the Faculty of Economics?
MILOVIC, PhD: Modern educational institutions must be visible internationally, so we are proud that we have became the member of one of the most prestigious European accreditation houses European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). This association counts 900 institutional members with more than 25,000 experts from the academic community, business sector, public services and consulting in 86 world countries. The mentioned membership to the Faculty of Economics opens doors for gaining EPAS international accreditation, intended for programs from the fields of economy and management. The process of acquiring this accreditation is long-termed and demanding, but the accomplishment of all required conditions will significantly improve the quality of the study programs available to current and future students of the Faculty of Economics.
UoM: What does the cooperation of the Faculty bring students at the international level?
MILOVIC, PhD: The Faculty of Economics is recognized as the most attractive organizational unit of the University of Montenegro, in terms of the international student exchange, academic and administrative staff. This is not surprising given the fact that the increase of the international visibility is one of the strategic aims in the Faculty development. Students have the opportunity to spend the part of the lectures in one of the foreign Faculty through mobility programs such as ERASMUS+ and CEEPUS, and according to important number of bilateral agreement signed with partner universities, with the index get here. In this way, students become familiar with the culture of other countries, they improve their knowledge of foreign language, they acquire new experiences and increase their chances for employment in both: their country and abroad.
Besides, our students throughout the year have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops of the hosting lecturers from the partner institutions, during which they are exposed to new teaching methods, as well as numerous interesting information with which they enrich their knowledge and competences.