1.1.  Mission, objectives and administration

Since 2021, when the study program “Agribusiness management” was for the first time accredited, it has followed the market demands, strategic objectives of the University Strategic Plan and FLES Strategic Plan, the Education Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo, and the European higher education trends.

The mission of the study program “Agribusiness management”, as mentioned in the above section, is in full compliance with the mission of the University Strategic Plan 2020-2024 [A1.1] and the FLES Strategic Plan 2020-2024 [A1.2]. The mission is also aligned with the Education Strategy in Kosovo 2022-2026 [A1.3], the Action Plan of the Education Strategy 2022-2026 [A1.4], and the trends of the Bologna Process and the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG 2015) [A1.5] in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Teaching process of the study program “Agribusiness management” is organized following the Regulation on determining the criteria for master studies [A1.6]. The study program offers postgraduate qualifications in the field of agribusiness management. It is dedicated to students who have completed undergraduate studies in the field of agribusiness and similar fields of this economic sector.

The mission of the study program aims at fulfilling the three main pillars of studies: quality education, scientific research and contribution to the community. Consequently, the mission of the study program “Agribusiness management” is defined as follows:

“The mission of the study program aims to provide a high-quality education combined with the development of research skills, in the function of continuous professional and scientific development of students to successfully manage companies in the agribusiness sector at national and international level. Graduates of this study program will foster professional and research skills and competencies to meet market demand and contribute to the improvement of community welfare.”

This study program aims to provide a balanced educational program that challenges our students to be effective learners and leaders. Therefore, the content of the study program provides students with an up-to-date knowledge to identify and solve business problems in the agribusiness sector, both in national and international context. For such a purpose, study program offers general courses in the field of agro-food industry, integrated rural development, farm management, international business and innovation, quality management in agribusiness, application of ICT in agriculture, implementation of econometric models, analysis of agricultural and food policies, food supply chain management. Moreover, study program provides specialized knowledge through the provision of elective courses, and finally it offers professional applied experience with internship in domestic and international companies. Lastly, students of the study program conclude studies by developing research skills through writing the master thesis.

An important goal of this study program is to increase the level of research in the field of agribusiness. Students develop and acquire analytical skills along with creative, innovative and communication skills to solve various agribusiness problems. Students develop research skills not only through the courses offered in the content of this study program but also through collaboration with professors in various research projects. For this purpose, the collaboration with the University Centre for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer (CRIKT) [A1.7] offers an opportunity to advance research work and cooperation between professors and students, as well as between the FLES professors and international professors.

Simultaneously, this study program provides contribution to accomplish the wider societal goals. Study program provides a top-tier educational curriculum that equips students with practical knowledge tailored to meet the demands of the Kosovo and international labor market. This is achieved through the cultivation of essential research skills that empower agribusinesses, their employees, and the broader community to effectively identify and address their challenges. To ensure the program remains responsive to market needs, an FLES Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), has been established to guide curriculum development based on labor market demand. Furthermore, the study program includes the implementation of study visits, offering students the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into various aspects of management, governance, finance, and more within local and international businesses. To facilitate these visits, agreements have been signed with key players in the business community, as shown in the List of agreements with business community partners.

The vision of this study program is based on the fulfilment of several objectives. Among others:

• Become a leader in providing high-quality education for the preparation of professionally well-educated staff in the agribusiness sector at the national and international context,
• Become a leader in the scientific research in the field of agribusiness and rural development at the national and international context,
• Become competitive actor in providing advisory and professional services at the regional and international context.

The objectives of the study program “Agribusiness management” are designed as follows:

• To provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of agribusiness management concepts, practices, and principles, covering areas such as agriculture, farm management, economics, marketing, finance, and supply chain management.
• To equip students with advanced research skills, enabling them to conduct in-depth analyses and contribute to the development of innovative solutions within the agribusiness sector.
• To develop students’ professional competencies, preparing them to excel in managerial roles and decision-making positions within agribusiness companies and organizations.
• To foster adaptability and flexibility in students, allowing them to respond effectively to the dynamic challenges and changes in the agribusiness industry.
• To align the curriculum with current market trends and industry demands, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the market needs of the agribusiness sector.
• To instill ethical and sustainable practices in agribusiness management, encouraging responsible and environmentally conscious decision-making.
• To enhance students’ problem-solving abilities, enabling them to identify and address issues and challenges faced by agribusinesses.
• To provide students with a global perspective on agribusiness management, preparing them for international markets and collaborations.
• To foster entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities, allowing graduates to take on influential roles in the agribusiness sector.
• To promote the understanding that agribusiness can play a role in improving community welfare, with a focus on social responsibility.

Learning outcomes of the students graduating this study program are:

1. Understand and interpret key trends impacting the development of agribusiness industry at the local and global environment;

1. Analyze pervasive elements of risk and uncertainty impacting agribusiness enterprises and industry segments, and identify the risks that impact specific agribusiness enterprise types;
2. Lead sustainable investment projects at the farm level and implement research projects;
3. Manage the agri-food supply chain;
4. Design and implement models of the quality management systems in the agribusiness sector;
5. Comprehend the role of the advanced technology and implementation of the ICT in agricultural production;
6. Develop entrepreneurial and leadership initiative in a complex legal and financial environment of the agribusiness industry;
7. Develop agribusiness expansion strategies to international markets and apply innovation strategies, using critical thinking methods;
8. Plan and implement pricing marketing strategies and investment financing policies;
9. Analyze and interpret comprehensive integrated rural development policies;
10. Organize and apply qualitative and quantitative scientific research methods, including the design and application of econometric models pertaining to agribusiness development;
11. Develop and present market research findings with clarity and adhere to high professional standards when addressing specialized audiences.