Balkan CASE Challenge 2008 I N T E R N AT I O N A L C A S E S T U D Y C O M P E T I T I O N

BCC 08*

balkan case challenge

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY COMPETITION AND RECRUITMENT EVENT WITH FOCUS ON SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

July 7-10, 2008 IN VIENNA 142

TOP STUDENTS FROM

SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE AND AUSTRIA COMPETING IN

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES

IMPRINT: Published by: WUS Austria Editor: Andreas Krammer Layout: Edin Prnjavorac Photos: All Fotos by Reen West, except on page 5 (bottom), 11 (bottom), 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 40 by Edin Prnjavorac, ADA-F.Helmrich on page 4, WUS Austria Archive on page 5 (top), 30, 31, 32, 33 Print: Druckerei Khil Neutorgasse 26 8010 Graz Graz, September 2008

table of contents
IMPRINT FOREWORDS BALKAN CASE CHALLENGE 2008 PANORAMA: WINNERS ON BOTH SIDES VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP BUSINESS CASE COMPETITION LAW MOOT COURT MODEL EUROPEAN COUNCIL ERSTE BANK ICT CASE COMPETITION SUB-COMPETITIONS WINNERS AND AWARDS CAREER DAY SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE RECRUITMENT OF HIGH POTENTIALS PARTNERS AUSTRIAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION INTERVIEW: A CHALLENGE FOR THE I-POD GENERATION IMPRESSIONS BCC IN THE MEDIA WUS AUSTRIA TEAM AND CONTACT
2 4 6 10 14 18 22 26 30 34 35 36 37 38 39 42 44 46 48

forewords
BEYOND BORDERS
Young people are a nations future. And education is the key to its door. The more educated a nations youth, the wider the door to the future will be open, meaning faster growth and a stronger basis for its development. This principle is at the core of the Balkan Case Challenge that took place for the 8th time this year. Excellent students from 12 countries got together, worked on business cases, on competitions and on a Model European Council. But they represent much more: They are a symbol for integration and for working and thinking beyond borders, the best basis for democracy, stability and peace. The Balkan Case Challenge represents a win-win situation for everyone: the students are offered the possibility to practise their skills in the framework of real business cases, participating companies broaden their horizon through the inputs given by these students and the countries of origin benefit from their highly qualified youth. And last but not least there is the benefit for Europe as a whole and the European Union, as the Balkan Case Challenge represents a joint step towards a more integrated Europe. The initiative proves on a small scale what can be achieved once people work together, beyond borders. We at the Austrian Development Agency, the Operational Unit of the Austrian Development Cooperation, are proud to finance and enable this unique event, and we thank everyone involved for their invaluable contribution.

Brigitte ppinger-Walchshofer Managing Director Austrian Development Agency

forewords
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Balkan Case Challenge 2008 in Vienna provided a great opportunity for students from all South-Eastern European countries and Austria to get together for an intensive competition in mixed teams. The challenge was to work jointly and to produce good results in the four parallel competitions. Students, who had already gone through a selection process at the national level in form of the national case challenges had to cross territorial and mental borders in order to prove their capacity for cooperation in solving problems contained in the respective cases. For the first time a simulation of the European Council took place with impressive results. The students showed their high standards and motivation. The high interest of the business community was reflected by the support of the Balkan Case Challenge and by the numerous participation in the job fair, which brought together Austrian firms and potential future collaborators. The competition also provided an opportunity to get to know each other and to socialize across national and ethnic lines thus developing a sense for the beauty of diversity, which is so important in the process of integration into the European Union. Altogether the Balkan Case Challenge provided an excellent opportunity to show the potential of the young people from the region and to give them the message that they are welcome and needed partners in a common Europe of which South-Eastern Europe is a constituent part. Wolfgang Benedek Chairman of WUS Austria

EUROPES NEW FACES?!

Have you ever been to Chisinau? Chisinau is a European city, which is actually the capital of Moldova. Sarajevo, Skopje and Tirana are also old European cities. Getting confused?! And what is with Sofia, Bucharest and Ljubljana?Europe, without a doubt! These are after all the capital cities of EU countries. And with this you should know that the participants of the Balkan Case Challenge (BCC) from all 12 countries are Europeans. And so were their ancestors. Accordingly, I have quite consciously chosen the title Europes New Faces. After all, this tackles the perception of what is now Europe and who Europeans now are. This shifts with each expansion of the EU and the respective resetting of the EU boundaries. It goes to the extreme that European citizens from non-EU member states no longer see themselves as Europeans. In the case study competition BCC, we go against these exclusions in that we emphasize similarities and simultaneously support the exchange and networking of gifted students from 11 South-Eastern European countries and Austria. Besides the thrilling element of competition, the BCC is about the promotion of career-relevant knowledge and skills. This is also realized through the inclusion of the business world to gain more concrete jobrelated perspectives. However, all BCC participants share a common trait they are actively shaping their future in a unified Europe and with this, a new face of Europe. Veronika Nitsche BCC Project Coordinator, WUS Austria

the balkan case challenge

142
HIGH POTENTIALS
Excellent senior level students of law, international relations, business and economics, information and communication technologies SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE AND AUSTRIA Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES Business Case Competition, Law Moot Court, Model European Council, ICT Case Competition

the balkan case challenge

THE BALKAN CASE CHALLENGE 2008
Student Competition and Recruitment Event with Focus on South-Eastern Europe July 7-10, 2008 The Balkan Case Challenge (BCC) is the case study competition for excellent students from in Vienna
South-Eastern Europe and Austria. Every year the BCC offers around 140 students from that region the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to a practical context, and to present their solutions to an international jury consisting of academic experts, representatives of the business world, national and international institutions.

Since 2000, more than 1150 students from South-Eastern Europe and Austria have taken this unique opportunity. By the reinforced incorporation of companies into the realisation of the Balkan Case Challenge, and particularly by the Career Day South-Eastern Europe, it has been possible to extend the career-oriented aspect of the project. Evaluations show that in the long term more than 10% of the participants find jobs as a result of the BCC. This is due to the fact that for business companies the practical relevance of the case studies is an indication of the students qualifications. Furthermore, employers attach importance to the students/graduates experience in working as part of an international team. Meanwhile, many employers have learned about the BCC and associate the case studies with a high standard, which is expressive of the participants. The 142 exceptionally gifted students participating in the BCC 2008 came from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Austria. These senior level students had qualified via a rigorous selection procedure and competed in four disciplines: Business Case Competition, Law Moot Court, ICT (Information Communication Technologies) Case Competition and Model European Council. The case studies were based on authentic problems, which the participants worked on in international teams of three to four students. English was the working language throughout the event. The best students were awarded. The prizes did not only acknowledge the students performance; they also supported them in their further career, since they consisted of scholarships, internships and measures of further education. As the Balkan Case Challenge has gained reputation also beyond its target region, a delegation from Oman participated in this years BCC. Due to the fact that Oman is interested in learning more about the case study method, five students took part in the Oman Business Case Competition. The Career Day South-Eastern Europe was organised in cooperation with Austrian Trade (Auenwirtschaft sterreich-AWO). The job fair was an exhibition opportunity for Austrian and international companies with focus on South-Eastern Europe and offered them the possibility to get in contact with the participants as potential employees. The Balkan Case Challenge is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and organised by the NGO World University Service (WUS) Austria. Following the ERSTE Bank in 2007, this years Business Case Competition was provided by Vienna Insurance Group. Further sponsors and partners were, among others, Erste Bank, Wolf Theiss, DerStandard, Contrast, the University of Vienna, the University of Graz, the Central European Initiative and ERSTE Foundation.

the balkan case challenge

COMPETITION IN FOUR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
- The Business Case Competition brings together top students from the fields of business administration, management and economics. The case - The Law Moot Court
study is a business-related topic relevant to economic development in South-Eastern Europe. This years Business Case was provided by Vienna Insurance Group, one of the largest Austrian investors in South-Eastern Europe. is a simulation of a trial before the International Court of Justice. The teams are confronted with a fictitious international dispute. An expert from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands was the case creator of the Law Moot Court 2008.

- The ICT Case Competition simulates the application of Information and Communication technologies in a specific business context. Participants
are required to analyse the business procedures and infrastructure of the company in question and to present an integrative solution. This years ICT case was provided by Erste Bank.

- The Model European Council is an authentic simulation of the European Council. Students are given the opportunity to step into the shoes of

representatives of EU member states in order to debate current issues and to eventually find a solution in the interest of international cooperation. In 2008 the simulation was prepared and presided by a representative of the European Commission.

Sub-Competitions:
For the first time sub-competitions were held in all 12 participating countries. These competitions were complemented by tailor-made recruiting events and alumni activities, implemented together with local partners. The sub-competitions consisted of training modules, the competitions and the recruitment event. The best participants of the sub-competitions qualified for the BCC finals in Vienna. More information about the local subcompetitions on pages 30-33.

the balkan case challenge

PARTICIPANTS
COUNTRY Austria Albania Bosnia-Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Kosovo Macedonia Moldova Montenegro Romania Serbia Slovenia Total female male 6 11 7 7 3 4 9 4 1 13 6 3 74 4 4 9 7 5 7 4 6 6 1 11 4 68 BIZ 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 2 36 ICT 1 5 4 3 1 2 4 2 3 5 6 0 36 LMC 3 3 3 4 1 3 3 3 0 3 4 2 32 MEC 1 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 5 4 3 38 Total 10 15 16 14 8 11 13 10 7 14 17 7

142

panorama
WINNERS ON BOTH SIDES

The Balkan Case Challenge empowers young students from CEE countries and makes
it possible for companies to interact with top young talent in Europes number one growth region.
Internationally cloudy; Central and Eastern Europe bright to cloudy this was the prognosis of the CEE regions current economic situation, according to Bank Austria. Despite the housing crisis in the USA and a decrease in growth in Western Europe, the situation looking east is conversely steadily on the rise. Countries in Central Europe, which arose from a healthy economic basis to start with, are in especially good shape, Debora Revoltella explains, who is CEE Chief Economist of Bank Austria. She shares her assessment with the experts of the OECD, who prophesize the region will have 5.6% economic growth in the coming years. This is of course below the 6.7% growth of previous years, but still excellent to make the region an important driving force for the Austrian economy. The solid growth of the CEE-region in previous years was particularly related to the substantial growth of private income, observes the Vienna Insurance Group. Through this, the affluence of the Eastern Europeans has steadily increased. In 2007, the buying power of this region rose on average by 400 Euros per household, as per a study by RegioData Research. This development consequently meant that personal consumption also grew and alongside this the demand for insurancean important fact for the insurance industry, which has ridden a course of success in the East, like so many other Austrian companies.

Near to the Top Young Talent

Why the Austrians have frequently gained an edge on competitors here has a lot to do with history stemming from the period of the monarchy. As Max Halatek-Zbierzchowski, Senior Consultant of Contrast Management-Consulting, explains matter-of-factly, Austrian companies had it comparatively easy in the past to acquire qualified and talented young leaders for business management from the neighbouring countries to the east. This is related to the fact that numerous Tschechs, Slovakians, Hungarians, and Slovenians studied in Austria. Besides their education, they also deepened their knowledge of the corresponding language. Now this talent pool is no longer a given in many ways and new possibilities must be found. This is why Vienna Insurance Group, Contrast Management Consulting, die Erste Bank, OBI, and the Anwaltskanzlei Wolf Theiss are getting involved with the Balkan Case Challenge (BCC), which is a case study competition for outstanding students from South-Eastern Europe and Austria, annually pulling in more than 1100 top students. Of these students, 140 are invited to the final round in Vienna and take part in a job fair.

10

panorama

An Appealing Recruitment Pool

Halatek-Zbierzchowski: The BCC graduates make up an appealing recruitment pool for many large firms which are active in South-Eastern Europe. The companies that are expanding into the region gain an entrance to an otherwise distant job market. The BCC thus offers an ideal opportunity to source employees who can speak to such attractive markets with an Austrian perspective and seal a hole that can only be partially filled with traditional educational opportunities. This is exactly what Larysa Winter of the Vienna Insurance Group, sponsor of the BCC, argues. As an international insurance firm, Vienna Insurance Group operates in 23 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. In order to further build their position in the market, the company is constantly on the lookout for top young talent with international experience and extensive knowledge of foreign languages. Winter states, We see the BCC as an opportune chance for our company to mingle with young, talented people. The Vienna Insurance Group has already had a great experience with the BCC. Winter continues, The event makes it possible for us to personally get to know students who are about to graduate and for them to get excited about a job within our firm. The BCC participants are usually very ambitious, very well educated and open to international experiences.

International Networking
A competition which gives young people the possibility to network internationally, as well as to access cross-border education and improve their job prospects, is an excellent opportunity for European integration and the interaction of all people in Europe, explains Boris Marte, Managing Director of ERSTE Stiftung. The students are provided an international forum which they cannot easily find in their own countries.

11

panorama

Since 2005 the ERSTE Stiftung develops projects with partners and independently in three programs: social affairs, culture, and Europe. Marte furthers, It is important for us that we work with local initiatives and address the needs of the region. In order to shape social change and social integration, the ERSTE Stiftung has created a prestigious award for Social Integration, which was presented for the first time to 10 laureates this year. There are also scholarships for journalists and support for elementary students taking trips abroad. ERSTE has also supported the Balkan Case Challenge since 2006, since the event fits well with the emphasis of the Europe program, says Elisabeth Schller-Raml, Recruiter, HR Development & Recruiting, Erste Bank. She is impressed by the enormous engagement and enthusiasm of the participants: These young people are the biggest potential of these countries. You could say the BCC Challenge is a privileged place where the best of the best meet. And Erste Bank has already found an employee through the BCC Challenge. The Vienna Insurance Group has already institutionalized the recruiting strategy. As Larysa Winter comments, For the young graduates from Central and Eastern Europe, there are a manifold of opportunities to work in international companies and to be active cross-border. The Vienna Insurance Group also offers a special initiative for so-called Fresh Graduates called the International Talent Management Program. The trainees undergo a year-long management training program which provides an extensive overview of the company. The participants are trained not only in specialized areas at the head office in Vienna, but also at several offices in Central and Eastern Europe. By doing so, the trainees gather valuable experience. As Winter says, the BCC participants are a part of the target group of our International Talent Management Program.

The Search for Top Candidates

The Wirtschaftskanzlei Wolf Theiss are currently building offices in the CEE/SEE region and are on the hunt to meet top international candidates and inform them of the career opportunities with us, says Bahareh Sarrafpour, who is responsible for Human Resources at Wolf Theiss. This is an excellent initiative to empower students with the skills and knowledge to prove themselves in an international arena and make contacts at the same time. As Sarrafpour describes, It is definitely a win-win situation, and this opportunity must be taken advantage of, especially when one realizes that the job fairs in the CEE/SEE region are still very young. In the middle of a rapid growth phase, home improvement chain OBI also finds themselves in a similar situation and see the BCC as a possibility to reach the High

12

panorama

Potentials of these countries. This is why we have found a great partner in WUS Austria that has given us the opportunity through the BCC, states Michael Vinzing, OBI Managing Director for Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Best Prospects

In order for the expansion countries to be successful, one must not forget to turn back to the local experts the young, motivated workforce as Vinzing explains and continues, They are used to working in multicultural teams and are therefore in the position to successfully integrate international concepts with the local needs. He sees the job opportunities for the BCC participants as unparalleled: Through participating in the event, the participants have not only gained knowledge, but also proven an extraordinary determination. These extracurricular activities will be valued by most of the international companies and I am convinced that they will have very good job prospects. Contrast Management-Consulting advises international and local companies in the CEE countries. They would also like to accompany their clients on the road to expansion in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. The job market in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe is being developed extraordinarily quickly, says Senior Consultant Max Halatek-Zbierzchowski. In many ways, the training of young graduates has risen to a highly professional level and the High Potentials are eager for a career in an international environment. Halatek-Zbierzchowski comments, In Romania, the demand is exceeding the supply for well-educated young university graduates insomuch that these youth are confidently emerging on the job market and are very selective in terms of employers. Initiatives like the BCC also give employers an opportunity to introduce themselves and, like in our case, survey the field in ones own industry. Ernst Brandstetter, Content Partners

13

vienna insurance group business case competition

The Business Case Competition brought together 36 High Potentials from the fields of business administration,
management and economics. These senior level students had qualified via a rigorous selection procedure based on their academic performance, extra-curricular activities and proficiency in English.

CASE PARTNER
Vienna Insurance Group is the leading insurance group in Austria and a top player in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Group is a composite insurer that offers its customers innovative products and modern insurance solutions in the property/casualty, life insurance and health insurance business. The Vienna Insurance Group was one of the first insurance groups to recognise and quickly take advantage of the growth opportunities offered by a unified Europe. Today, the Group is one of the most important players in the CEE region. The Vienna Insurance Group now participates in 23 markets, extending from Turkey in the south to Estonia in the north and Vaduz in the west to Vladivostok in the east, thereby achieving broad geographic diversification. The Vienna Insurance Group is one of the market leaders in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Georgia. In a comparison with other international insurance groups, the Vienna Insurance Group is No. 1 in the CEE region in non-life insurance, and occupies an outstanding second place in the overall market.

BUSINESS CASE
The Business Case 2008 covered the development of a sales and marketing strategy for the Vienna Insurance Group in East/South Europe. Participants first needed to undertake extensive research (data analysis, interviews with experts, mystery shopping, etc) in their respective countries. Then they did not only find themselves at the finals in Vienna in intercultural teams, but also had to condense their knowledge into one common proposal in the short three-day conception phase.The case study was created by Max Halatek and Bernhard Gritzner from Contrast Management-Consulting.

14

vienna insurance group business case competition

SPECIAL GUESTS:

TEAM OMAN Nasra Al-Kindi Kawthar Alabri Ayman Tannaf Mohammed Al Amri Adnan Ahmed Mubarak Al-Shahi Mubarak Khamis Salim Al-Hosni with Larysa Winter (VIG)

PREVIOUS BUSINESS CASES

2007: Erste Bank: Wealth @ age: Promoting provisions for sustainable wealth in CEE 2006: OMV: How is the OMV able to reach, to attract and to keep the best young professionals and High Potentials in South-Eastern Europe 2005: Sarajevo Graduate School of Business: Promotion of the MBA program and development of services 2004: Bosnalijek: Environmental management and social responsibility of a pharmaceutical company 2003: Coca-Cola: Cola light positioning at the market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

15

vienna insurance group business case competition

PARTICIPANTS
TEAM A1 Petya Burneva Bulgaria Sofia University Economics 1986 Graduation in 2009 Marko Bernik Slovenia University of Ljubljana International Relations 1986 PhD in 2011 Stefan Aleksic Montenegro University of Montenegro General 1988 PhD in 2010 Marijana Marjanovic Slovenia University of Ljubljana Management of small business 1986 Graduation in 2008 Orkidea Xhaferaj Albania University of Tirana Economic Informatics 1985 Graduation in 2008 Albulena Xhelili Kosovo University of Pristina Management and Informatics 1987 Graduation in 2008 Kenan Karcic Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo University Marketing 1984 Graduation in 2008 Iris Kuqi Albania University of Tirana Economics 1986 Graduation in 2008 Sanja Gichevska Macedonia Univ. St. Cyril and Methodius Marketing 1986 Graduation in 2009 Sasa Stajnic Serbia University of Novi Sad Information Management and Com.Systems 1983 Graduation in 2008 Lyubomir Nikolov Bulgaria University of Washington Business Administration 1981 Graduation in n.s. Adnan Misimovic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Marketing 1986 Graduation in 2008 Ana Ivancik Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius University Foreign Trade 1985 Graduation in 2008 Marko Car Croatia University of Zagreb Information systems 1985 Graduation in 2008 Clemens Schmale Germany / Austria Univ. of Business Administration Inter.Marketing Management 1985 Graduation in 2009 Doina Todica Moldova Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova Tourism and Hotel Services 1985 Graduation in 2008 Ivana Lisica Serbia Belgrade University Marketing 1985 Graduation in 2009 Jovana Cirovic Serbia / Austria Lauder Business School Int. Marketing and Management 1985 Graduation in 2009

TEAM A2

TEAM A3

TEAM B1

TEAM B2

TEAM B3

16

vienna insurance group business case competition

Ratnesh Khandelwal India / Austria FH Krnten International Business 1985 Graduation in 2009 Teuta Ukshini Kosovo University of Prishtina Management and Informatics 1987 Graduation in 2008 Marko Lutovac Montenegro University of Montenegro Economics 1987 Graduation in 2009 Martin Floimayr Austria University of Vienna Intern. Business Administration 1982 Graduation in n.s. Ivana Grbavac Croatia University of Zagreb Economics and Business 1987 PhD in 2010 Svetoslav Dimov Bulgaria New Bulgarian University Marketing 1982 PhD in 2008 Zornitsa Yanakieva Bulgaria University of Sofia Business Administration 1985 PhD in n.s. Lorna Tabaku Albania University of Tirana Finance 1986 Graduation in 2009 Stanislav Iacubitchi Moldova Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova Master of Science of Business Administration 1984 Master in 2008 Mihaela Alexandra Albu Romania Academy of Economic Studies International Business 1985 Graduation in 2008 Marsel Kalemi Albania Univ. of New York/Tirana and Empire State College Business Adminstration 1985 Graduation in 2008 Amra Bukvic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Financial Management 1987 Graduation in 2008 Miroslav Ferencak Serbia University of Novi Sad Industrial Engineering and Management 1986 Graduation in 2009 Andrej Matic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Marketing 1987 PhD in 2008 TEAM C1

TEAM C2

TEAM C3

TEAM D1

Marina Stosik Macedonia St.Cyril and Methodius Univ. Marketing 1985 Graduation in 2008

Almina Besic Bosnia and Herzegovina / Austria Karl-Franzens University Graz Business 1985 Graduation in 2009

TEAM D2

Baton Mati Kosovo / Macedonia South-East European Univ. Business Administration 1988 PhD in 2009

Miroslav Vuckovic Croatia University of Zagreb Analysis and Business Planning 1987 Graduation in 2009

TEAM D3

17

law moot court

T
he Law Moot Court is a simulation of a trial before the International Court of Justice. The teams are presented a fictitious dispute between two states. The main aim of the LMC is to provide law students with the possibility of gaining in depth understanding of the International Public Law and the procedural issues before the International Court of Justice. The 2008 Law Moot Court brought together 32 outstanding law students from South-Eastern Europe and Austria. The participants represented in international teams of four members the states in the dispute through oral pleadings before a panel of judges. These pleadings were based on the application to the International Court of Justice that the students needed to prepare and submit in the form of memorials prior to the competition. The judge panel consisted of three to five legal experts from universities, Austrian and international institutions, ensuring a professional approach to the case solving and a high level of legal debate.

18

law moot court

THE CASE OF BANAMAS AND MEGANESIA
This years Law Moot Court focused on a states responsibility, under international law, for the joint cause of climate change and the resulting flooding of a small (imaginary) Pacific Island. The case for the Law Moot Court was written by Thomas Skouteris, an expert in International Public Law from the University of Leiden (Netherlands), famous for its Moot Court Competitions.

PREVIOUS CASES
2007: Environmental Law 2006: Environmental Law 2005: Human Trafficking 2004: Territorial law 2003: Illicit Trafficking

19

law moot court

TEAM A Aelita Orhei Moldova State University of Moldova Law 1986 Graduation in 2008 Petrina Broka Albania University of Tirana Law 1985 PhD in 2008 Andrej Kalmar Serbia University of Novi Sad Law 1983 Graduation in 2009 Katharina Weberhofer Austria Karl Franzens University Graz Law 1984 Graduation in 2009

TEAM B Indir Osmic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Law 1985 Graduation in 2008 Urska Derganc Slovenia University of Ljubljana Law 1984 Graduation in 2008 Janja Zaplotnik Slovenia University of Ljubljana Law 1985 Graduation in 2008 Elvina Haxhiaj Albania University of Tirana Law 1986 Graduation in 2009

TEAM C Nickolay Mladenski Bulgaria University of Sofia Law 1982 Graduation in 2008 Loriana Robo Albania University of Luarasi Law 1986 Graduation in 2009 Aleksandra Djordjevic Serbia University of Nis Law 1983 PhD in 2008 Maja Kosor Croatia University of Zagreb Law 1981 Graduation in 2009

TEAM D Ana Stahov Bosnia and Herzegovina / Austria University of Vienna Law 1984 Graduation in 2008 Kornel Drazilov Serbia University of Belgrade Law 1985 Graduation in 2008 Katerina Todorovska Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius Univ. Law 1986 Graduation in 2009 Ana Galus Moldova Moldova State University Law 1987 Graduation in 2009

20

law moot court

TEAM E Anela Rozajac Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Law 1986 Graduation in 2008 Alexandra Neacsu Romania University of Bucharest Law 1987 PhD in 2010 Mona Ladler Austria University of Graz Law 1985 Graduation in 2008 Kushtrim Palushi Kosovo University of Prishtina Law 1988 Graduation in 2010

TEAM F Katerina Kockovska Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius University Law 1985 Graduation in 2008 Agron Krasniqi Kosovo University of Pristina Law 1987 Graduation in n.s. Inna Uchkunova Bulgaria New Bulgarian University Law 1984 Graduation in 2009 Lejla Hasanovic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Law 1986 Graduation in 2009

TEAM G Toni Stoykova Bulgaria University of Sofia Law 1985 Graduation in 2008 Jelena Obradovic Serbia University of Belgrade Law 1986 Graduation in 2009 Irina Damian Romania Lucian Blaga University Law 1988 PhD in 2010 Chiril Tiscic Moldova / France Ulim University Law 1982 Graduation in 2009

TEAM H Adina Raducanu Romania University of Bucharest Law 1986 Graduation in 2009 Ardi Shita Kosovo / Macedonia South East European University Law n.s. PhD in 2009 Elena Miloshevska Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius Univ. Law 1983 Graduation in 2008 Teodor Voinikov Bulgaria University of Sofia Law 1985 Graduation in 2008

21

model european council

The Model European Council is an authentic simulation of the European Council. Students assume the roles of heads of states or governments of the EU member
states. By doing so they get to know their influence in the Union and its bodies and form coalition with their closest allies to prevail their interests in the discussion. The Model European Council was held for the first time in the frame of BCC and replaced the Model United Nations of the previous years. The 38 students of international relations, political sciences and other social sciences, who participated in the 2008 MEC, were divided into 27 teams representing the member states of the European Union. The 11 countries with the largest population were represented by two students. As part of the Model European Council, participants were presented topics of immediate relevance to them, especially the EU enlargement and the visa policies faced by the Western Balkan states. The MEC was prepared and led by Faris Hadrovic from the European Commission, Delegation for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

YOU FEEL THAT IT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL!

The Balkan Case Challenge is an annual case study competition with a focus on South-Eastern Europe. Students from 12 countries participate in four areas: economy, IT, law and politics. Roland Humer queried participant Ivana Ponjavic on this. (Interview published in Weltnachrichten 3/2008, p.18)

Humer: How did you learn about the Balkan Case Challenge (BCC)? Ponjavic: A friend told me about the BCC. The competition is well-known in Serbia and many students are interested in taking part in it every year. I decided to apply and was invited to the Serbian sub-competition. I did not actually count on being selected. After all, I only wanted to participate in the Model European Council. Luckily, it all worked out. Humer: How does a Model European Council work? Ponjavic: We did a simulation of a European Council session. The participants served as state and government leaders, as well as Foreign Secretaries of EU member countries. We acted as the politicians and discussed visa policies and the expansion of the EU. In between the official sessions, we mingled with the others, negotiated and formed alliances. We had three weeks to prepare for the competition. I was given the role of the Polish Foreign Secretary, and so I familiarized myself with his views and positions. But I also researched the positions of other countries. Humer: What was the difference between the finals in Vienna and the previous sub-competition? Ponjavic: The participants in the finals come from all regions, not just from one country. Getting to know one another and networking was very valuable and helped to break down preconceptions. Apart from that, Vienna has that ceremonial aura.

22

model european council

You feel that it is something special. I am sad that it is not possible for me to travel to Austria more often or easily as I need to be able to get a visa. Humer: With support from the Austrian Development Cooperation, WUS Austria is implementing a project called Experiencing Europe. Would you be interested in doing an internship in Austria in the frame of this project? Ponjavic: Some friends of mine have already taken part in this program. They have returned with many great experiences to tell of and suggested that I also take part. This would be great! It would be another stepping stone for my career. I would like to thank the organizers who have given us the opportunity to experience the BCC and make new friends. Participating in this event is really a wonderful experience! Humer: Thank you for your time!

Ivana Ponjavic, born in 1983, studies political science at the University of Belgrad. Roland Humer works for WUS Austria.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

2007: The Situation in Cote d Ivoire and Liberia 2006: Border Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia 2005: Israeli Palestine Crises 2004: Iran Nuclear Crisis 2003: Middle East Water Crisis

23

model european council

Ajla Lubic Bosnia and Herzegovina / Austria University of Vienna French 1979 Graduation in 2009 Isufi Arben Kosovo University of Prishtina Political Sciences 1986 Graduation in 2009 Enida Hrbat Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo International Relations 1987 Graduation in 2008 Milena Biro Montenegro University of Montenegro Political Science 1987 Graduation in 2009

Alexandru Crudu Moldova Moldova State Institute of International Relations International Relations 1986 Graduation in 2008

Veli Hoti Kosovo University of Prishtina Political Sciences 1986 Graduation in 2008

Georgiana Ungureanu Romania Babes-Bolyai University Law 1984 Graduation in 2009

Sevdana Docheva Bulgaria University for National and World Economy, Sofia International Relations 1985 Graduation in 2008 Jelena Stimac Croatia University of Rijeka Law 1983 Graduation in 2008

Ana Bojadzievska Macedonia South-East European University Public Administration 1987 PhD in 2009

Viorel Barbanoua Moldova State University of Moldova International Relations 1987 Graduation in 2009

Gergana Yancheva Bulgaria / Italy University of Turin Law 1983 Graduation in n.s.

Anze Voh Bostic Slovenia University of Ljubljana International relations 1985 Graduation in 2009

Ivana Atanasoska Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius University Political sciences 1987 Graduation in 2008

Goran Jankuloski Serbia University of Belgrade Electronic business 1986 Graduation in 2009

Blerina Fani Albania University of Tirana Law 1987 Graduation in 2009

Elvin Nuriu Albania University of Luarasi Law 1982 Graduation in 2009

Milica Novakovic Serbia University of Belgrade Law 1984 Graduation in 2008

Milos Radonjic Montenegro University of Montenegro International relations 1985 Graduation in 2009

Selma Mezetovic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Law 1986 Graduation in 2008

24

model european council

Iztok Stefanic Slovenia University of Ljubljana Defence studies 1984 Graduation in 2009 Dobriyana Tropankeva Bulgaria Academy of Music Dance and Fine Arts Plovdiv Music pedagogy and Performance 1985 Graduation in 2008 Senad Pita Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Financial management 1984 Graduation in 2010 Sasa Cvrljak Croatia University of Zagreb International politics and Diplomacy 1984 Graduation in 2008 Anamaria Adela Pintea Romania Babes-Bolyai University International Relations and European Studies 1987 PhD in 2009

Jovana Krivokuca Serbia University of Belgrade International relations 1983 Graduation in 2008

Rezarta Matej Albania Albania School of Magistrates Law 1983 Graduation in 2008

Elena Gribincea Moldova Free International University of Moldova International Relations 1986 Graduation in 2008

Mina Maglic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo Journalism 1984 Graduation in 2008

Ana Maria Solovastru Romania University of Bucharest Political Science 1986 Graduation in 2008

Lura Limani Kosovo University of Prishtina Sociology 1988 Graduation in 2010

Nedim Kulenovic Bosnia and Herzegovina University of Sarajevo International Public Law 1987 Graduation in 2009

Neno Rakic Croatia University of Zagreb Finance 1983 Graduation in 2008

Ivana Ponjavic Serbia University of Belgrade International Relations 1983 Graduation in 2008

Timco Mucunski Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius University Law 1989 PhD in 2009

Raluca Ittu Romania University of Bucharest European and International Business Law 1984 Graduation in 2008

Raluca Maria Rusu Romania Babes Bolyai University International relations and European studies 1986 PhD in 2009

Ozbej Peterle Slovenia University of Ljubljana International Trade 1985 Graduation in 2009

25

erste bank ict case competition

T
he ICT Case Competition simulates the application of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in a specific business context. Participants are required to analyse the business procedure and infrastructure of the company in question and to provide an integrative ICT solution. The 36 senior level students of information and communication technologies who participated in the BCC 2008 had qualified via a rigorous selection. The participants were challenged to produce solutions for the ICT case by putting themselves in international teams of three students in the position of representatives of a consulting company in the field of ICT.

CASE PARTNER

Erste Bank was founded in 1819 and has developed to one of the largest financial service providers in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Erste Bank Group is serving more than 16 million clients in almost 3000 branches in the following 8 countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Ukraine. Erste Bank has a dedicated focus on CEE and is solidly positioned to capture the growth potential of some of the fast developing countries in Europe.

I am deeply impressed! I have very much to do with young people, with students from this region and I really can say that I like them. I like the enthusiasm, which is also an enthusiasm for Europe and I think this is a very good foundation on which you can build for the future. Rupert Dollinger Head of Human Resources, Erste Bank Group

The ERSTE Foundation was launched in 2005 and has been developing projects within the three programmes Social Affairs, Culture and Europe independently and in collaboration with partners. Being the major shareholder of the Central and South-Eastern Europe based Erste Bank Group, it is the largest foundation in that region and one of the largest in Europe. ERSTE Foundation meets this responsibility by projects transcending borders and focusing on the process of European integration, as well as on the strengthening of the region.

26

erste bank ict case competition

THE ICT CASE
The ICT Case Competition 2008 was based on developing concepts for an internet portal to be an appealing platform for customers of Erste Bank. The portal would be a place where communication and cooperation between the bank and the customers are fostered and client relations are intensified. The case study was created by Prof Ewald Graif from FH Joanneum.

PREVIOUS CASES
2007: Solutions for product data management and strategic product planning in the CEE region 2006: Tailor-made Project Management Software for Autforce 2005: Development of Long Distance Learning at the Faculty for Information Technologies 2004: High Availability of Online Student Services at the University of Sarajevo

27

erste bank ict case competition

TEAM A Marin Nikolla Albania Sheffield Hallam University MSc in Business Intelligence 1981 Master in 2010 Zlatko Lakisic Bosnia and Herzegovina Dzemal Bijedic University Information Technology 1984 PhD in 2009 Milos Bokovic Serbia University of Nis Information Technology 1985 Graduation in 2009 Irina Todoran Romania The Polytechnic University of Bucharest Computer Science 1986 Graduation in 2009 Florina Vilciu Romania / Germany International University - Germany Business Administration 1988 PhD in 2009 Luminita Diana Ciuca Romania Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Computer Science 1984 Graduation in 2008 Florica-Maria Naghiu Romania Polithenica University of Timisoara Software 1985 Graduation in 2008 Katerina Gjorgjevska Macedonia St. Cyril and Methodius Univ. Program Engineering 1984 Graduation in 2008 Aleksandar Arsic Serbia University of Nis Automation 1980 Graduation in n.s. Djordje Rankovic Serbia University of Nis Software engineering 1986 Graduation in 2010 Maxim Calancea Moldova State University of Moldova Programming Techniques 1986 Graduation in 2008 Agon Bexheti Macedonia South East European Univ. Computer Sciences 1987 PhD in 2009 Relja Damjanovic Serbia Union University Information systems 1986 Graduation in 2008

TEAM B

TEAM C

TEAM D

Bosko Popeskov Serbia University of Belgrade Telecommunications 1983 Graduation in 2008 Bojan Cincur Montenegro Mediterranean University Montenegro Software Engineering 1984 PhD in 2008 Edmond Jajaga Macedonia State University of Tetova Computer Science 1985 Graduation in 2008

TEAM E

TEAM F

Dafina Sejdiu Kosovo University of Prishtina Telecommunication 1988 Graduation in 2009

Radu Fiser Moldova Technical University of Moldova Information Technologies 1985 Graduation in 2008

28

erste bank ict case competition

Georgi Mihajlov Bulgaria Technical University of Sofia Communication Technologies 1985 Graduation in 2008 Fatbardh Veseli Kosovo University of Prishtina Computer Science 1986 Graduation in 2008 Dragan Tomic Bosnia and Herzegovina Slobomir P University Information technology 1986 Graduation in 2009 Mihajlo Maksimovic Bosnia and Herzegovina Slobomir P University Information technologies 1986 Graduation in 2008 Ivo Vrban Croatia University of Zagreb Information systems 1985 Graduation in 2009 Todor Balabanov Bulgaria New Bulgarian University Informatics 1980 Master in 2008 Bojan Popovski Macedonia South-East European University IT Management 1987 PhD in 2009 Tijana Milovanovic Bosnia and Herzegovina Slobomir P University Informational technologies 1986 Graduation in 2009 Erisa Dervishi Albania University of Tirana Computer Science 1985 Graduation in 2008 Edlira Hyka Albania University of Tirana Business Informatics 1986 Graduation in 2008 Mimoza Kodhelaj Albania University of Tirana Business informatics 1985 PhD in 2007 Ogerta Elezaj Albania University of Tirana Information technology applied in economy 1985 Graduation in n.s. Velibor Mrdak Montenegro University of Montenegro Information technologies 1982 Graduation in 2008 TEAM G

Mirsen Mutabdzija Serbia / Montenegro University of Montenegro Telecommunications 1984 Graduation in 2009 Miroslav Popovic Serbia University of Belgrade Telecommunications 1984 Graduation in 2008 Georgi Mitev Bulgaria University of Sofia Information technologies 1984 Master in 2009

TEAM H

TEAM I

TEAM J

Marius Cristea Romania Polithenica University of Timisoara Computer Networks 1985 Graduation in 2009 Stojan Simonovski Macedonia / Austria New York University Skopje Information Systems 1986 Graduation in 2009

TEAM K

TEAM L

29

sub-competitions
Country: Albania Local Coordinator: Ermal Nazifi Date: May 10-11, 2008 Place: Tirana Partners: University of Tirana, Beyond the Barriers Association, Development Solutions Associates, Vodafone Albania, Resident Representative Office in Albania of International Monetary Fund, Albanian Student Council, Hermes News, N&N Lawyers, Global point Internet Caf, Tonnucci Law Firm, Ministry of Economy, First Investment Bank, Hotel Palma/Luna Spotlight: DSA Business Case Competition The participants had the opportunity to give their point of view on the way how different dairy companies can solve concrete problems. The development of small and medium business in Albania is a very important topic especially in the field of agriculture and dairy products. The skills gained at ACCs BIZ Case Competition can be very helpful for the employment of the participants in different development projects that offer very competitive salaries.

Country: Austria Date: May 17-18, 2008 Place: Graz Partners: FH Joanneum, OBI, Career Center University of Graz, Contrast Management-Consulting Spotlight: Model European Council Austria The topic of the Model European council was EU enlargement on the Western Balkans. The jury members in this competition were Doris Kiendl-Wender, Vice Rector, FH Joanneum, Judith Feldner, Assistant Professor, Department of European Law, Karl-Franzens Universitt Graz, and Ottmar Steinbauer, SAP Vienna

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Local Coordinator: Maja Arslanagic Date: April 19-20, 2008 Place: Sarajevo Partners: SUS B&H, OPA US Embassy Sarajevo, OBI, Bosnalijek, Tondach, Red Bull B&H, Mediacenar Sarajevo, Avon B&H, Centre for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies of the University of Sarajevo, Human Rights Centre of the University of Sarajevo, ACCESS Centre, ASA Osiguranje, International forum Bosna, Goethe Institut BH, eFM Student Radio, World Bank Youth Voices, DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwlte Spotlight: Bosnalijek ICT Case Competition The goal of this case was to provide Bosnalijek Company, the biggest industrial drug producer in BiH, with an accurate insight into the drug stock situation in the main pharmacies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The task of the participants was to propose the best solution, based on which the company initiates a public tender procedure for the expansion of a certain existing system.

30

sub-competitions
Country: Bulgaria Local Coordinator / Partner Organisation: Albena Geleva /New Bulgarian University: Stanimira Taneva Date: May 14-15, 2008 Place: Sofia Partners: NBU, LEV corporation, MobilTel, HRCR, Manpower, Kaufland Bulgaria, Software AG, Ministry of State Administration and Administrative Reform, Bulgarian Online Research, Coca Cola, Nestle Bulgaria, AIMS Human Capital, Raiffeisenbank, Bulbank, Petrol, Invest Bank Spotlight: LMC case The LMC case was created for all sub-competitions by Thomas Skouteris. At the Bulgarian Case Challenge he could see the high level of performances of the participants for himself. In the LMC case the participants had to solve a difficult legal problem: A terrorist was captured in a country by foreign police officers, who were dressed as civilians. This country protests against this action on its own territory.

Country: Croatia Local Coordinator: Karla Medurecan Date: May 15-17, 2008 Place: Zagreb Partners: Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varazdin, AISEC Croatia, Horizont International, OBI Spotlight: OBI in Serbia The market entry strategy Due to the fact, that OBI wants to generate more than 50 % of its turnover in foreign markets in the next years, the students had to develop strategies to support the market entry from OBI in Serbia. The case was prepared by Blaz Zupan, BSc. with assistance of OBI staff and was dealt with the participants in Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia.

Country: Kosovo Local Coordinator: Mjellma Carabregu Date: May 10-11, 2008 Place: Prishtina Partners: European Agency for Reconstruction, German technical Cooperation, Post and Telecommunication of Kosovo, American University in Kosovo, Management & Development Associates, Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo, Radio Vala Rinore, Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development, Kosovo Law Centre, OMBUDSPERSON Institution in Kosovo, IPKO Institute, ABA Rule of Law Initiative, Austrian Airlines Spotlight: GTZ Information Communication Technologies Case Competition In the GTZ ICT Case the participants had to develop a hardware, software and communication solution which enables the booking of hotel facilities of KOTAS (Kosovo Tourism Association) members through web application linked through KOTAS website.

31

sub-competitions
Country: Macedonia Local Coordinator / Partner Organisation: Mio Dokmanovic / ISIE Institute for Strategic Research and Education Date: April 18-20, 2008 Place: Skopje Partners: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Univ. Faculty of law Iustinianus Primus, Secretariat for European Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Austrian Airlines, Coca Cola Company, SEAVUS, ComTrade, Agency for Civil Servants of the Republic of Macedonia, European Law Students Association Spotlight: Coca Cola Business Case The leading beverage company on the market, Coca Cola, is planning the expansion of its portfolio into energy segment through the launch of its energy brand Burn. The participants had to develop marketing strategies for launching Burn.

Country: Moldova Local Coordinator / Partner Organisation: Irina Aga / Student Alliance from Moldova Date: April 11-13, 2008 Place: Chisinau Partners: IDS Consulting, Pentalog High Tech Moldova, DEMO-LEX, Association for Foreign Policy Moldova, Oxford Educational Centre Moldova, Profit-Finance and Banking Review, National Youth Council of Moldova, 100 Frontieres, Free International University of Moldova, Centre for International Cooperation ULIM, ULIM Student Senate, ASEM Student Senate, Kiss FM, Centre of Young Journalist from Moldova, Association for Sustenance of Students and Youths Initiatives, INFOTAG- News Agency, Open Society Institute New York Office. Spotlight: Business Case Competition IDS Consulting In the first phase the participants had to prepare and inform themselves about the current situation of the labor market in the Republic of Moldova and the role of the recruitment agencies in it. By doing so, they had to take particularly into account expected and already planned changes in the labor market. In the second phase they were handed over a compilation of economic data and the concrete determination of the clients demands. Country: Montenegro Local Coordinator: Zorica Boskovic Date: April 18-19, 2008 Place: Podgorica Partners: APR Jabbuka, Hotel Crna Gora, Cikom, Comtech Shop, Opportunity Bank, Austrian Airways, Expo Commerce, Center for Civic Education Spotlight: APR Jabbuka Business Case Competition In 2007 Jabbuka received the Apple Premium Reseller Agreement and opened APR Jabbuka in Podgorica. The participants had the task to present their visions and solutions to the question: How to present, promote and sell Apple products in Montenegro?

32

sub-competitions
Country: Romania Local Coordinator/Partner Organisation: Simona Varga, Alexandra Roman / WUS Romania Date: May 10-11, 2008 Place: Bukarest Partners: Ensight, Microsoft Romania, National School of Political and Administrative Studies, Contrast Management Spotlight: BIZ Case: HR Strategy for the client The client was a group of three companies dealing with industrial products. The goal was to assist the client in identifying the opportunities for improving its performance and to provide all necessary information to establish the priorities in the reorganisation of the Human Resources department.

Country: Serbia Local Coordinator: Milica Cicovacki Date: April 19-20, 2008 Place: Belgrade Partners: Dr. Zoran Djindjic Fund, OBI, ComTrade, Gide Loyrette Nouel, The Ilija M. Kolarac Foundationcentre for foreign languages, Schnherr, Coca Cola Hellenics, Ministry of Sports and Youth Spotlight: ICT Case Competition CT Computers, ComTrade The ICT Case Competition was created by CT Computers, ComTrade Group. The participants had to develop a web application for online ordering and purchase of PCs from the fictional firm IT company. The web application should be accessible through internet and in the companys retail stores.

Country: Slovenia Local Coordinator: Nena Cvetkovska Date: April 18-19, 2008 Place: Ljubljana Partners: OBI, S&T, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Law, IEDC, Podravka, Radenska Spotlight: ICT Case Study IT Solutions & Services S&T Slovenija is in majority ownership of company S&T AG and employs in Slovenia 370 top experts. The participants had to put themselves in the role of an external IT advisor, who helps with his experience to develop a web portal

33

WINNERS:

winners and awards

VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP BUSINESS CASE COMPETITION First Place Jovana Cirovic Austria Albulena Xhelili Kosovo Adnan Misimovic Bosnia and Herzegovina Second Place Baton Mati Miroslav Vuckovic Mihaela Alexandra Albu Kosovo Croatia Romania ERSTE BANK ICT CASE COMPETITION First Place Ciuca Luminita Diana Boskovic Milos Calancea Maxim MODEL EUROPEAN COUNCIL LAW MOOT COURT Best representative Romania Serbia Moldova Nedim Kulenovic Bosnia and Herzegovina Most diplomatic representative Lura Limani Kosovo First Place: Voinikov Teodor Raducanu Adina Miloshevska Elena Shita Ardi Second Place Stahov Ana Todorovska Katerina Galus Ana Drazilov Kornel Bulgaria Romania Macedonia Kosovo Austria Macedonia Moldova Serbia

Third Place Amra Bukvic Bosnia-Herzegovina Teuta Ukshini Kosovo Svetoslav Dimov Bulgaria Best Consultant Jovana Cirovic Best Consultant from OMAN Mubarik Al-Hosni Austria

Second Place Hyka Edlira Albania Maksimovic Mihajlo Bosnia and Herzegovina Mitev Georgi Bulgaria Third Place Naghiu Florica-Maria Romania Popeskov Bosko Serbia Bexheti Agon Macedonia Best Consultant Boskovic Milos Serbia

Best speaker Ana Bojadzievska Macedonia

Best Orator Kalmar Andrej

Serbia

AWARDS: 34

Best Consultant of ICT and BIZ, Best Representative of MEC: Participation in the European Forum Alpbach 2008 Perception and Decision provided by ERSTE Foundation

The Forum Alpbach brings together academics and professionals, scientists and practitioners working in a variety of fields and disciplines of the social and natural sciences, as well as politicians and artists.

Best Orator of LMC Summer School on European Integration in Alpbach 2008 provided by ERSTE Foundation

Every year since 1992, the Alpbach Summer School on European Integration, held contemporaneously with the European Forum Alpbach, has offered a compact yet comprehensive course on law and policies of the European Community (EC) and of the European Union (EU).

Thesis and internships in cooperation with Vienna Insurance Group and Erste Bank One-Month Research Visit at the University of Graz
The Institute of International Law and International Relations at the University of Graz offers a one-month research visit to the winning team of LMC.

International Civilian Peace-Keeping and Peace-Building Training Program 2008 presented by ASPR (Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict

Resolution) in Austria. The ASPR aims to contribute to the promotion of peace and peaceful conflict resolution and to the dissemination of practical ideas for peace, including its developmental and environmental aspects.

6th International Debate Academy Slovenia

It is the most international British Parliamentary Debate Training in the world with a distinguished international training group from all over the world.

recruitment of high potentials

A
ustrian and international companies, organisations and institutions perceive the BCC as a valuable recruitment tool. Not only in the frame of the sub-competitions but especially at the international finals in Vienna, companies are offered the opportunity to get to know and to establish contacts with High Potentials from South-Eastern Europe and Austria. In the past years 10% of the finals participants were directly or indirectly employed through the BCC.

RECRUITMENT OF HIGH POTENTIALS

The Balkan Case Challenge 2008 aims at strengthening links between higher education and economy with a special focus on students recruitment and the employability aspect. The following components bring together outstanding students from South-Eastern Europe and Austria and companies from or with focus on South-Eastern Europe: 1. 2. 3. Recruitment Events and Job fair Career Day South-Eastern Europe CV Database Jobs & Internships

The Balkan Case Challenge offers companies, organisations and institutions a range of options for cooperation. Besides supporting the project in-kind, by providing an internship for the participating students, through being present at the event as judges or jury members, by holding workshops or by providing awards for the winners etc., there is also the opportunity to support the Balkan Case Challenge financially:

CV-DATABASE
The online database with more than 600 CVs of participants was created in order to facilitate the matching of the participants with the sponsoring companies and institutions. Each curriculum vitae informs about the educational background, work experience and extracurricular activities of current and former participants of the Balkan Case Challenge. More information on http://www.bcchallenge.org/recruitment/ database.php
or please contact Jasmin Moser Lichtenfelsgasse 21 8010 Graz, Austria jasmin.moser@wus-austria.org Phone:+43 316 38 22 58-16 Fax: +43 316 93 17 51

35

career day south-eastern europe

JOB FAIR CAREER DAY SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

he BCC as recruitment event offered the participants the possibility to introduce themselves to the companies and institutions which were looking for new employees in the region. The participation was of particular interest for companies that focus their business activities on South-Eastern Europe. The Career Day South-Eastern Europe was organised in cooperation with Austrian Trade (Auenwirtschaft sterreich AWO).

PARTICIPATING COMPANIES AND INSTITUTIONS:

A-TEC Industries AG Austrian Development Agency Bernard Ingenieure ZT GmbH Bombardier Transportation Light Rail Vehicles Energie AG Obersterreich Erste Bank Essilor GmbH FH Joanneum Hbner&Hbner ISG Personalmanagement Lighting Design Austria LL.M.-Master in South East European Law & European Integration Nessler Medizintechnik GmbH OBI Bau- und Heimwerkermrkte Systemzentrale GmbH sterreichische Elektrizittswirtschafts-AG Palfinger AG Panta Rhei Siemens Personaldienstleistungen GmbH STRABAG SE TPA Horwath VA Intertrading Vestas Central Europe Wrmebetriebe Gesellschaft mbH Wiener Stdtische Versicherung-AG, Vienna Insurance Group Wolf Theiss

36

partners
PARTNERS OF THE BCC 2008
The Balkan Case Challenge 2008 is

n the implementation of the Balkan Case Challenge WUS Austria depends on the cooperation with partners that support the event financially or with in-kind contribution. WUS Austria would like to express its gratitude to all responsible persons in the below mentioned institutions and companies. Additionally we would like to thank all key-note speakers and jury members, who dedicated their free time to the Balkan Case Challenge! The Balkan Case Challenge 2008 would not have been possible without this accumulated expertise and support!

37

austrian development cooperation

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

hat do I want to do with my life, which jobs will be lucrative, which training do I need to achieve my objectives? Young people all over SouthEastern Europe ponder these questions. They set their sights on the future. They are curious to discover new things and interact with others. These young people know that a modern education as well as benefiting from continuing education opportunities will expand their horizons and create a good basis for personal development. It is these young people that participate in the international Balkan Case Challenge case study competition. They demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, and persuasiveness as well as readiness to work together across national and cultural boundariesand to support one another despite competing with each other. Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) supports this project, which is now in its eighth year. We do this because we strongly believe that the well-educated youth of today are the engine for economic prosperity and political stability in the Balkans of the future. Through programs implemented jointly with the partner countries in SouthEastern Europe, Austria contributes to sustainable economic development as well as creating revenue and employment. Small and medium-sized enterprises are emerging as key players of the strengthening the economic infrastructure. The education system is being modernized, especially to better meet the needs of the job market. ADC also provides considerable expertise when it comes to innovative solutions for reliable water and energy supplies which of course improve the living conditions of all people. Becoming part of the European Union is a great incentive as well as a great challenge for the countries of South-East Europe. ADC supports them on their way to European integration. Many milestones remain to be covered in the process: to strengthen democratic structures, to secure effective rule of law and to build a vibrant civil society. Despite many hurdles, partner countries are getting closer to EU integration step-by-step and thus, the overarching vision of a peaceful, stabile, and unified Europe is being realized.

39

interview
A CHALLENGE FOR THE I-POD GENERATION

he Executive Director of WUS Austria, Almir Kovacevic, on the past eight successful years of the Balkan Case Challenge. The Balkan Case Challenge (BCC) is already something of a tradition, now in its eighth year. In your opinion, how has this student competition progressed? Almir Kovacevic: Our goal and the goal of the Austrian Development Cooperation was from the beginning to give High Potentials a chance to develop themselves further. The students were to learn to interact with people from other countries and work towards economic results. In the beginning, the event was hosted four times in Sarajevo. We were able to then win over large companies as sponsors and with this also came the great leap towards Austria. This is also important in this respect, as the participants can now interact with students from Austria and get a good indication of how everything in Western Europe works as well as build their self-confidence. What has changed in the eight years since the BCC started? Almir Kovacevic: We notice that the BCC has come into its own. It is especially remarkable, for example, that the mobility of students from all the various countries which have acceded to the EU has increased. And this is radiating to other nations as well. I have also noticed that education for the countries of South-Eastern Europe is now more important than questions of religion or nationality. The interest in the BCC is high and the students are also highly motivated. In the whole process of the BCC with the sub-competitions in each country, we now have between 1000 and 1200 applicants. What differentiates the educational institutions in these countries in comparison to Western Europe? Almir Kovacevic: Universities are known to have three pillars: theory, research, and the transfer of knowledge and technology. In terms of theory, there is no difference with Western Europe. In terms of research and the transfer of knowledge and technology, there is still much for these countries to catch up on, since the framework must often be created first. How do the job prospects of the BCC participants seem? Almir Kovacevic: It is often said that a job fair is a success when seven per cent of the participants receive a job offer. We have already surpassed this. In order to better the chances of future participants to find a job in their country, we have now decided that we will create an alumni network. We have already created this basis in the past seven years.

40

interview
When you think back to the last eight years, have the participants changed? Almir Kovacevic: We are now faced with the I-Pod Generation. The students are more cosmopolitan than before and no longer have a direct connection with the transformational crisis of the post-communist era. They are more mobile, have more knowledge of foreign languages and are not so traumatized like the earlier generation. What has the BCC achieved in respect to this development? Almir Kovacevic: The BCC is a platform made up of several components. Firstly, there is the economic component. Then there is the cultural exchange between the participants and finally the building of trust. The participants can see that the similarities of their home with Western Europe are larger than the differences. But there are also many positive repercussions on Austria. What does this mean in more concrete terms? Almir Kovacevic: New contacts are made and the companies which take part meet outstanding students. We can also attribute our success to increasing interest from universities and businesses in Austria. We can also show that there is an opportunity for smaller businesses to really engage in the future markets of South-Eastern Europe.

Interview by Ernst Brandstetter, Content Partners, published in DER STANDARD on June 28, 2008.

41

impressions
IMPRESSIONS OF THE PARTICIPANTS, JURY MEMBERS AND PARTNERS
Clemens Schmale, Austria: Its an interesting experience to work in a very professional manner as a student, because at the university we have a very academic view on things, so its a little bit more practical oriented, what you can see on the support of many companies participating in this event. So this is a huge difference to everything we have experienced before and of course its the people, because its only twelve countries but approximately 17 nationalities coming together and working together in teams of different nationalities under time pressure. Its really a great intercultural experience. Edmond Jajaga, Macedonia: This is a good experience for everyone. Timco Mucunski, Macedonia: Its a climate where its getting a kind of intense but that is what its supposed to be; its supposed to be a realistic simulation and we are really involved in it. I think we understand what it means to represent a country and the responsibility that comes with something like this.

Thomas Skouteris, LMC case creator: Maja Kosor, Croatia: On these kinds of intercultural exchange important thing. This common ground we all can build upon. events, the is the most is the one share and we This year has been, by far, the highest level of participants we have had in the Law Moot Court in the Balkan Case Challenge. I do this for about six years now and Im really enthusiastic about the way people have improved their techniques, knowledge and skills over the years. The students have to work with people of different nationalities, especially at the Balkans but actually anywhere, this intercultural dimension is really important. They have to speak in English, they have to conduct themselves very professionally, because they have responsibility towards their team mates, but also they are exposed to a very serious panel of judges, people who a really qualified in their field. We had some world class international lawyers sitting on the bench this year and so the students have also the opportunity to meet those people, learn from them and be subjected to a critique by serious professionals.

Sandra Luca, OBI: There are people from lot of different countries and they are motivated, openminded and very flexible and I think its for us a great chance to get in touch with future potential employees.

Bahareh Sarrafpour, Wolf Theiss: I get to know a lot of very, very smart students, who are really very interested in a corporation. I am looking forward to keeping the contact.

42

Impressions/statistics
STATISTICS:
Jovana Cirovic, Austria: Fortunate circumstances brought me here good team members, a lot of work so we did it! Without their support I couldnt have done anything! Edlyra Hyka, Albania: We Balkan people are so similar to each other. Before I thought that we have different ideas, different thoughts and different kind of opinions, but when we talked to each other it seemed that we are closer than we thought and this is good for us: to be more friends and to be closer to each other. We get closer by this event. Milos Boskovic, Serbia: This is the part of the team work that was in the background, so we cooperated really well. I am really happy for my team members. This is kind of a result of all our work together.

ENHANCED CAREER OPORTUNITIES

GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH STUDENTS FROM OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES FROM OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

DIFFERENT UNDERSTANDING OF DIFFERENT EUROPEAN CULTURAL VALUES

IMPROVED COMMUNICATION SKILLS

IMPROVED DECISION MAKING SKILLS

I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW

IN THE LONG RUN, GREATER COOPERATION BETWEEN SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

0%

50 %

100 %

Strongly agree Moderatly disagree n.s.

Moderatly agree Strongly disagree

43

44

bcc in the media

45

wus austria
WORLD UNIVERSITY SERVICE (WUS) AUSTRIA

US Austria was founded in 1983 as a national committee of the international NGO World Universitvy Service (WUS) and has ever since been supporting the reconstruction and reform process in thee field of higher education with a regional focus on South-Eastern Europe. Based in Graz, it also has regional offices in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Prishtina. WUS Austria employs 35 permanent staff and administers an annual budget of approximately 2,5 million .

Education as a Human Right

WUS Austria views education as a basic human right and advocates free and fair social and political structures at both national and internationals levels by promoting the social responsibility of higher education. The current focus of WUS Austrias activities in South-Eastern Europe is to quell the ongoing brain drain by strengthening human resources and supporting inter-regional cooperation.

Medium term EU Expansion and Cooperation in Higher Education

When conflicts in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Kosovo caused an exodus of students in the 1990s, WUS Austria responded with scholarships schemes and university support programmes throughout the region where higher education had been severely affected by war and political upheaval. Following the emergency and reconstruction phases, efforts concentrated on reforming the higher education system in the target regions, with particular emphasis on the Bologna Declaration. In the course of this process, the context of WUS Austrias activities shifted from one of reconstruction to that of medium term EU xpansion, which now forms the framework of cooperation in the field of higher education.

Building networks and Strengthening Cooperation

WUS Austria focuses on three main fields: Development of Higher Education, Linking Higher Education and Economy, and Architecture and Culture. While higher education remains at the centre of WUS Austrias work, the organisation is now looking to extend the scope and geographic focus of its services, particularly in respect to knowledge and technology transfer between universities and the business world. WUS Austrias activities are focussed in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, while some programmes have been extended to Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania and Macedonia. Within the scope of these projects WUS Austrias partners are the Austrian Development Cooperation, the Austrian Ministry of Science and Research, the European Union and other (inter)national organisations, as well as universities in South-Eastern Europe, Austria and the EU. For more information about WUS Austria please visit www.wus-austria.org .

46

wus austria
A SELECTIONS OF PROGRAMS BY WUS AUSTRIA
Experiencing Europe
Experiencing Europe: Serbian Young Professionals in Austria Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme aims at giving excellent final-year university students and young graduates from Serbia the possibility of gaining three months of valuable work experience in Austrian companies and public institutions. The project offers the participants new perspectives for their career by establishing contacts with relevant companies and applying/expanding their knowledge. The participating companies/institutions are made aware of the potentials of Serbia as economic partner and contribute to European integration. Experiencing Europe is a cooperation between the Dr. Zoran Djindjic Fund and the Austrian Development Cooperation and is implemented by WUS Austria. For more information please visit http://www.entwicklung.at/aktuelles/experiencing-europe-serbianyoung-professionals-in-austria-zoran-djindjic-internship-programme.html

Brain Gain Program +

The BGP has become one of WUS Austrias most popular projects in recent years. The Brain Gain Program was designed to give universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia the possibility to invite emigrated academics from their region to fill the gap in the local teaching capacity. Since 2007, the new BGP+ is enriched by a research module and the guest lecturers can stay from one week up to a whole semester at their host university. Emigrated academics affiliated with higher education institutions all around the globe along with Austrian academics are invited to participate in this program. Apart from bringing high quality teaching and research to South-Eastern Europe, the BGP+ frequently initiates long-term individual and institutional cooperation. For more information please visit www.braingainprogram.org.

Labour Market Oriented Study Programs

Since 2007, WUS Austria is engaged in the development of labour market oriented study programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia. Faculties which can provide evidence that their proposed study program is needed by the local society and labour market receive a grant that enables them to develop and implement this program. The need for the program has to be proven through establishing cooperation partnerships with Austrian higher education institutions as well as with companies, consortia or institutions as potential future employers of graduates. Austrian companies with local branches are very welcome in role to further enhance Austria-SEE economic cooperation. For more information please visit www.wus-austria.org.

47

THE TEAM OF THE BALKAN CASE CHALLENGE 2008

Coordination: Veronika Nitsche, Jasmin Moser and Andreas Krammer Competition Coordination: Ines Suh (BIZ), Mateja Simpovic (MEC), Carina Sckl (LMC) and Alina Dedic (ICT) Finances: Aida Ihtijarevic and Clemens Juriga Event Management Vienna: Tina Skero Layout: Edin Prnjavorac

LOCAL COORDINATION:
Ermal Nazifi (Albania) Maja Arslanagic (Bosnia-Herzegovina) Stanimira Taneva and Albena Geleva (Bulgaria) Karla Medurecan (Croatia) Mjellma Carabregu (Kosovo) Miso Dokmanovic (Macedonia) Irina Aga (Moldova) Zorica Boskovic (Montenegro) Simona Varga and Alexandra Roman (Romania) Milica Cicovacki (Serbia) Nena Cvetkova (Slovenia)

www.bcchallenge.org

CONTACT:
Lichtenfelsgasse 21 Deligradska 22 8010 Graz 11000 Belgrade Phone: +43 316 38 22 58 Phone: +381 11 361 96 23 Fax: +43 316 93 17 51 Fax: +381 11 265 63 18 jasmin.moser@wus-austria.org milica.cicovacki@wus-austria.org

WUS Austria Head Office Graz

WUS Austria Belgrade Office

(Zgrada tehnickih fakulteta) Dzordza Vasingtona bb PO Box 21, 81000 Podgorica Phone/Fax: +382 81 245 007 zorica.boskovic@wus-austria.org

WUS Austria Podgorica Office

Fakulteti i Filologjis St. Nna Terez n.n. 10000 Prishtina Phone/Fax: +381 38 241 472 mjellma.carabregu@wus-austria.org

WUS Austria Prishtina Office

ACCESS Centre Sarajevo Zmaja od Bosne bb 71 000 Sarajevo Phone: +387 33 200 070 Fax: + 387 33 200 070 sumeja.tulic@wus-austria.org

WUS Austria Sarajevo Office

......Coming soon....

CASE STUDY COMPETITION AND RECRUITMENT EVENT WITH FOCUS ON SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

...July 2009 in Vienna

The Balkan Case Challenge (BCC) is a case study-based competition and recruitment event with the aim of furthering excellent students from South-Eastern Europe by strengthening links between higher education and economy with a special focus on student recruitment and the employability aspect. In the Balkan Case Challenge, a successful project financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation, 140 students from twelve countries meet and compete in four disciplines:

Business Case Competition Law Moot Court Model European Council Information and Communication Technology Case Competition

More information on

www.bcchallenge.org