Brief
The program offers both curricular and extracurricular activities. The program includes interactive lectures and workshops that cover the following topics:
- interactive lectures and workshops on:
- sustainable business models (Marko Ćirović, Andrijana Džamić, Miloš Parežanin, Dragan Bjelica, Jovana Rakićević & two guest lectures from abroad),
- sustainable finance and fintech (Slađana Benković, Slađana Barjaktarović Rakočević, Milica Latinović, Veljko Dmitrović),
- qualitative and quantitative skills (Milan Radojičić).
- business skills – problem-solving and presentation skills (Anđelija Đorđević, Ivan Todorović & Željko Spasenić)
- Overview of the financial industry and presentation in front of a practice-led jury panel.
Activities are organized Monday through Friday 9:00 to 16:30 with two short coffee breaks and a lunch break. On the final day, students will present their solutions.
Please note that the timetable can be subject to change at any time until the program confirmation.
The extracurricular activities offered by the program are the city tour and excursion. These activities give students a good chance to create new friendships, explore Belgrade, and find out more about its cultural heritage. All extracurricular activities are optional.
Upon completion, the participants will be able to evaluate the program.
Detailed schedule
Participant Registration
Welcome speech at FON
Introducing and presenting the summer school programme, and presenting the home countries and schools of the participants.
Introduction speech
Professor Benković will greet all present and introduce participants of the summer school to the specifics of modern business and contemporary financial business. She will also present the summer school objectives, purpose, and outcomes and guide the participants through all the units that should enrich their knowledge with the planned outcomes.
Slađana Benković
Coffee break
Envirnmental sustainability: Challenges and opportunities
Abstract
Environmental sustainability stands as a paramount concern in the contemporary scientific discourse, echoing the urgency to reconcile human activities with the capacity of the planet to support life. This lecture deals with the multifaceted landscape of environmental sustainability, examining the challenges it poses and opens up the discussion on the opportunities it presents.
The challenges confronting environmental sustainability are multileveled, ranging from climate change and environmental degradation to resource depletion and growing pollution. Climate change, driven predominantly by anthropogenic activities, threatens ecosystems worldwide, exacerbating natural disasters and endangering biodiversity. Concurrently, habitat destruction, propelled by deforestation and urbanization, disrupts ecological balance, imperiling countless species and undermining ecosystem services vital for human well-being. Moreover, resource depletion, exemplified by the depletion of fossil fuels and freshwater reserves, underscores the unsustainable trajectory of current consumption patterns. Additionally, pollution, spanning air, water, and soil, not only endangers human health but also jeopardizes ecosystem integrity, perpetuating a cycle of environmental degradation.
Objectives
Understand the importance of environmental sustainability in the business world. Explore strategies for integrating environmental protection and sustainable practices into business operation. Understand the Concept of Environmental Sustainability: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, definitions, and importance of environmental sustainability in the context of global challenges. Explore and analyze the various environmental challenges facing the planet, including climate change, habitat destruction, resource depletion, and pollution. Examine the Interconnectedness of Environmental Issues: Investigate the interconnected nature of environmental challenges and their impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, and socio-economic systems. Investigate innovative technological solutions and approaches aimed at mitigating environmental degradation, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management systems.
Purpose and outcomes
Participants will come away from the lecture with a clear understanding of environmental sustainability, challenges humanity is facing in resolving climate crisis as well as the opportunities that it offers. Key sustainability concepts, and their utilization in the business world.
Marko Ćirović
Lunch
Business and society - economic impact of sustainable actions
Abstract
Sustainable activities have a wide variety of beneficial effects on the economy that go beyond short-term financial concerns. Actions that prioritize meeting current demands without jeopardizing the capacity of future generations to fulfill their own are considered sustainable. The economic impact can be analyzed on a microeconomic and macroeconomic level. Companies adopt new business models and business practices. National economies increase competitiveness through the creation of new products and services, new green jobs and by creating regulations that will enable the successful implementation of sustainable actions. Of course, sustainable actions bring with them additional challenges in the form of additional costs, adaptation of business and national policies and new risks.
Objectives
Acquaintance of course participants with traditional economic indicators, sustainable development indicators and circular economy indicators. Topics related to renewable energy sources and the Green Agenda.
Purpose and outcomes
The aim of the presentation "Business and society - economic impact of sustainable actions" is to introduce the participants with the economic impact on business and the competitiveness of the economy. Through traditional economic indicators, sustainable development indicators, and indicators of the circular economy, participants will learn about the implementation of sustainable actions in Serbia, the countries of the region and the European Union. Additionally, the importance of renewable energy sources for the energy sector and the national economy will be reviewed. The importance of the Green Agenda for the development of the European Union and the countries of the region will be discussed. The expected outcomes imply that through the presented economic indicators, students will be able to independently analyze sustainable actions and their impact on the economy and society.
Miloš Parežanin
Coffee break
Management Skills - Delivering Business Solutions
Abstract
To learn how to structure a business presentation and point the most important content and to develop the presentation skills. Business people, despite their activity or hierarchical level, often need to deliver certain content to different target groups, which can be their managers, colleagues, subordinates, clients, or a wider audience outside the organization. If the way of presenting and the presentation itself are not adequately prepared, it often happens that the message is not conveyed completely, or that it is perceived incorrectly. That is why preparing a good business presentation is an extremely important and useful skill for most people in modern business environment, and for some of then it is even necessary for successfully completing their tasks. Participants of this active workshop will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the concepts of preparing and structuring a good business presentation and to develop their presentation skills, which will help them deliver their business solutions appropriately.
Ivan Todorović
Belgrade guided tour
Sustainable project management
Abstract
The Sustainable Project Management course extensively covers critical topics at the intersection of project management and sustainability within organizational settings. Highlighting the seamless integration of these pivotal areas, the course introduces essential project management processes outlined by the Project Management Institute (PMI), encompassing initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and closing stages. Real-world relevance is emphasized through practical examples drawn from companies participating in the European Commission-financed project (2020-2023) "Projectification and Sustainable Governance of Projects." Students gain a deep understanding of sustainability's fundamental concept and its practical application in business. Furthermore, the course explores sustainability concepts in the specific context of the project titled "Engagement in Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Activities as Predictors of Life Satisfaction among High-school and University Students" financed by Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (2022-2024). Emphasizing the development of sustainable strategies, the course prioritizes value delivery and stakeholder engagement, both internally and externally. It investigates the dynamic interplay between project management and sustainability, examining the influence of organizational culture and leadership on sustainable practices.
Dragan Bjelica
Coffee break
Fintech and digital transformation in banking industry
Abstract
The financial service landscape and technological framework are changing extremely fast. The contemporary financial service industry, in the era of digitalization, is based on the application of financial technologies. Traditional financial services have changed significantly in the last decade and credits go to financial technologies - Fintech. Financial technologies are one of the prominent areas of digital technologies and transformation. The possibilities and chances that could emerge from FinTech are enormous.
Objectives
Understand innovative financial technologies and their connection with traditional financial service industry; evaluate fintech’s transformative influence on financial services and depict reshaped financial ecosystem; explain enhanced business opportunities that fintech could create in financial services.
Purpose and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of financial technologies. Students will become familiar with the mode of operations and the impact of fintech on financial services. Fintech created a revolution in the financial service industry and has disrupted and transformed traditional financial services heavily – especially banking and payments, insurance, securities etc. In that context special focus on this topic would be given to innovations in the banking industry that have been introduced by Fintech. Another special field of analyses for the participants will be the questions of risk and regulation of innovative financial practice and supervisory responses to fintech.
The outcome of the course is to consider the possibilities of applying innovative financial technologies into financial institutions’ business operations and to raise the quality of financial services provided. Students will be able to assess how fintech can help traditional financial services to find solutions to business challenges.
Slađana Barjaktarević Rakočević
Lunch
Business case solving methodology
Abstract
The presentation aims to provide a holistic understanding of a structured methodology for solving complex business cases. Attendees will gain insights into dissecting intricate problems, identifying key variables, and formulating strategic solutions. This is dynamic exploration of business skills, where theory meets application, and participants emerge with a heightened proficiency in problem-solving methodology and presentation excellence.
Objectives
Bridge the gap between theory and practice; Develop a practical understanding of a systematic business case-solving methodology; Enhancing workplace problem-solving and communication capabilities; Learning to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Purpose and outcomes
This presentation on "Business Case Solving Methodology" aims to equip participants with a structured approach to solving complex business challenges, fostering practical problem-solving competence. Additionally, it focuses on enhancing structural proficiency, empowering attendees to communicate their ideas, conclusions and solutions effectively. The anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of the methodology, mastery in effective communication, and practical application of these skills in professional settings.
Anđelija Đorđević Tomić
Coffee break
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and sustainability
Abstract
The intersection of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and sustainability is important for contemporary businesses aiming for resilience and sustainable growth. This lecture explores the integration of sustainability aspects into Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks, and highlights the significance of incorporating environmental, social, and governance risks along with traditional financial and operational risks. Through several examples, the importance of using the risk matrix will be demonstrated. The risk matrix tool is widely used for identifying and prioritizing risks based on their probability of occurrence and potential impact, enabling organizations to allocate resources efficiently and reduce risks effectively.
Objectives
The objective of this lecture is to introduce the concept of integrating sustainability into Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) practices and demonstrate using the risk matrix tool in assessing and prioritizing sustainability related risks.
Purpose and outcomes
The main purpose of this lecture is to emphasize the significance of the incorporation of sustainability in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), with the goal of creating businesses that are resilient and prepared for the future. It provides a comprehensive overview of tools and methodologies, such as risk matrix, that can be used to effectively manage sustainability risks. After the session, participants will understand the importance of sustainability within Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and acquire knowledge on how these concepts can be applied in practical situations, contributing to the development of sustainable business practices.
Andrijana Džamić
Fostering new technologies through corporate venturing
Abstract
This lecture explores the concept of corporate venturing, focusing on its significant role in cultivating technological breakthroughs and nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit within established entities. Through insightful discussions and analysis of case studies, the lecture will explore various strategies for corporate venturing and how collaboration with startups can infuse organizations with fresh ideas and perspectives. It will also delve into the challenges that may arise on the path to success. Additionally, the lecture provides an understanding of how an entrepreneurial mindset contributes to successful corporate venturing and discusses various strategies to support and drive corporate venturing initiatives.
Objectives
The objective of the lecture is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of how corporate venturing can serve as a catalyst for driving organizational success, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, and navigating the challenges associated with staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The lecture aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to foster a culture of entrepreneurship within their organizations through effective corporate venturing strategies.
Purpose and outcomes
Participants will come away from the lecture with a clear understanding of corporate venturing and its relevance for today’s business; insights into various strategies for corporate venturing, including various collaboration models with startups; awareness of different strategies for cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit within organizations.
Jovana Rakićević
Coffee break
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing
Abstract
Retail and institutional investors worldwide are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and they are adding them to their investment analysis. Their increased interest in sustainable returns, rather than just financial returns, and the increase in policy requirements are leading to an expansion in the implementation of ESG activities in corporate and financial institution decision-making. Those activities and their value creation potential are important for all market participants. In this course, we will be examining the implementation of ESG investment strategies, and their performance characteristics based on a real-life examples.
Objectives
The aim of this lecture is to equip students with key terminology and help them to develop an understanding of how sustainable investment sector operates. Real-life examples should provide students with guidance on how to spot valuable sustainable investment opportunities.
Purpose and outcomes
Purpose of this lecture is to familiarize students with the ESG factors, investment strategies based upon them, and to present real-life sustainable return examples. Upon completion of this lecture, students will learn who are the key market participants and which financial instruments foster the change toward a net zero goal. Students are going to be able to show an understanding of the drivers and the challenges of sustainable investments value creation. Also, they will gain an insight into ESG investment strategies, and are going to be able to understand the role of ESG factors and their relation to investment returns.
Milica Latinović
Lunch
International practices in sustainable finance
Abstract
This lecture will explore the most effective international practices in sustainable finance, offering a comprehensive overview suitable for undergraduate students at an international summer school. The session will cover key principles and strategies that promote sustainability within financial systems. We will examine case studies from leading countries and institutions that have successfully integrated sustainability into their financial frameworks. After examining key strategies to promote sustainability in the financial system, students will work on a case study on innovative sustainable business models as the best (?) international practices. This lecture aims to equip students with the knowledge to critically analyze and apply sustainable finance principles in their future careers.
Miloš Milosavljević
Coffee break
Excursion
Green accounting and nonfinancial reporting
Abstract
Corporate sustainability and successful long-term business are contributed by the orientation towards achieving economic and financial performance, taking into account social and environmental aspects. On the part of society, there has been a tightening of environmental requirements. The management of a modern company, through achieved economic and environmental performances, indicates that these two interests do not have to be in conflict. Rational use and adequate management of resources reduces operating costs and future liabilities, increases the company's image through increased social responsibility towards the environment. In the process of business decision-making, the importance of environmental accounting and environmental auditing is pointed out, which is based on the measurement of environmental costs and benefits. Environmental accounting represents a very important source of information in the process of managing environmental protection.
Modern non-financial reporting has the informational power to incorporate information provided by environmental accounting, and provides added value with financial information, in order to make adequate business decisions in the function of reconciling two goals - making a profit and protecting the environment.
Bearing in mind the requirements of the modern business environment, it is necessary to inform stakeholders about the company's impact on society, on the environment, on personnel and social issues, the fight against corruption and bribery, respect for human rights, etc. The key challenge for companies is to develop their accounting systems in the direction of meeting the requirements and social responsibility in the country and in the global environment in modern conditions. Globalization of business, technological solutions and innovations, as well as sustainability and non-financial reporting do not bypass accounting systems. Modern development increasingly requires integrated reporting that would unite the innovative traditional financial reports together with non-financial reporting. Professional organizations, standard creators and regulators have taken certain initiatives on innovation, both legal and professional regulations, both domestic and international.
The aim of the lecture is reflected in the theoretical presentation of non-financial reporting with an emphasis on social and environmental responsibility, and on the review of non-financial information contained in the annual reports of certain companies in the Republic of Serbia whose shares are listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange. The practical part of the lecture refers to the presentation of the methodology and the quality of the non-financial information provided in the reviewed annual reports.
Keywords: green accounting, non-financial reporting, annual reports, integrated reporting, environmental audit
Veljko Dmitrović
Coffee break
Statistics for business (SPSS)
Abstract
In today's data-driven business landscape, the ability to analyze and interpret data is indispensable for making informed decisions. This workshop is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to leverage SPSS for statistical analysis in business contexts. SPSS, renowned for its user-friendly interface and powerful analytical capabilities, serves as an essential tool for professionals aiming to enhance their data analysis skills and apply them to real-world business challenges.
Objectives
- To introduce participants to the fundamentals of SPSS
- To demonstrate the application of SPSS in business analytics
- To provide hands-on experience with SPSS
Purpose and outcomes
The workshop aims to demystify statistical analysis, emphasizing the practical use of SPSS in various business scenarios. It seeks to build a foundation upon which participants can develop advanced analytical skills, enabling them to contribute more effectively to data-driven decision-making processes. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core functionalities of SPSS and navigate its interface.
- Apply basic statistical techniques to analyze business data.
- Interpret SPSS output and translate statistical findings into actionable business insights.
- Appreciate the role of statistical analysis in formulating business strategies and making evidence-based decisions.
Milan Radojičić
Lunch
Industry & company overview
Coffee break
Logistic regression and decision tree analysis using SPSS/R and RStudio
Abstract
This lecture provides a concise overview of utilizing logistic regression and decision tree analysis within the SPSS software platform (R or RStudio). Logistic regression is a statistical method used to model binary or categorical outcomes, while decision trees are a popular technique for classification and prediction tasks. Through the SPSS (or R and RStudio) interface, students’ will implement both techniques to explore relationships between variables and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. This lecture describes how to use SPSS (R and RStudio) for logistic regression and decision tree analysis practically, emphasizing each tool's advantages and possible uses in the business.
Jelena Gusić Munđar
Effective group decision-making techniques: critical steps towards a common goal
Abstract
The lecture provides insight into various group decision-making techniques that can improve the quality, speed and efficiency of decisions, thanks to the diversity of perspectives and the collective knowledge of the experts involved. Techniques encourage participants to think diversely and creatively. The specificity of the task, team dynamics, complexity of the problem, and time factors significantly influence the choice of group decision-making techniques. Choosing an appropriate group decision technique can save time, increase efficiency and encourage cooperation within the team. By simulating different techniques and spotting their strengths and weaknesses, students will be able to identify which problem situation is best to use a particular technique.
Tena Jagačić
Mentoring session for case cracking industry and academy mentors
Željko Spasenić
