MBA Programme Customs Process Management – First on-site Session of a new Programme

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU-AA) has launched an intensive online one-year MBA programme, Customs Process Management. The course is designed to prepare high-level managers for the customs industry in both business and the public sector. Associate Professor Erika Besusparienė states that the programme is ideally suited for individuals who aspire to become customs business leaders. The initial meeting of students and professors of the programme demonstrated that the students are enthusiastic to learn by embracing challenges and working together, whilst the professors are receptive to discussions and the dissemination of their knowledge.

First on-site meeting of a new programme

Director of Lithuanian Customs Practitioners Association, and the head of platform CustomsClear Enrika Naujokė highlights the complexity of managing customs processes, emphasizing the need for expertise and focused attention. “I am greatly appreciative of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU-AA) for initiating this programme, and I am extremely proud as well. To the students embarking on this programme this year, I wish success and a truly enjoyable learning experience. Thank you to everyone, particularly the lecturers who generously share their expertise and insights”, commented Enrika Naujokė.

Chancellor of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, warmly welcomed all participants of the meeting, expressing her sincere support for the programme. “The primary concept, proposed by Enrika Naujokė, reflects the importance of customs processes and international trade in our increasingly globalized world. I hope that your study process encompasses not only research and lectures, but also offers an enjoyable time spent with good friends, inspiring ideas, and excellent results“, said Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė.

The dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, congratulated students and professors on the start of a new academic year and expressed his delight at the establishment of this study programme. He wished the students engaging and rewarding studies which will prove vital not only for their careers but for their future competencies also. The dean advised students to take full advantage of being a part of a motivated group of students alongside the assistance of helpful teachers. “Additionally, I extend sincere thanks to Enrika Naujokė for initiating this study programme and for organising this meeting of students and teachers, especially considering that future studies will be conducted online. Thus, this meeting provides a significant opportunity to acquaint ourselves with one another, to introduce ourselves, and to gain insight into forthcoming tasks,” noted Associate Professor Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis.

Head of the Department of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Juočiūnienė, expressed her delight to see all the professors and students. “We are pleased that you have successfully enrolled in this study programme, Customs Process Management. You already know what you want to achieve with this course and what your goals are. Very briefly, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere hope that after this year, you will be able to confidently say that the decision to study here was one of the best decisions of your life. I wish you all the very best,” said Associate Professor Dr. Dalia Juočiūnienė.

Programme for future leaders in the customs business

Associate professor of VMU-AA dr. Erika Besusparienė suggests that the MBA study programme Customs Process Management is intended for individuals who want to seek a career or be leaders in the customs business. “Currently, this is the first MBA study programme in the field of customs knowledge in Lithuania, perhaps even in the European context. In general, master’s studies in the field of customs are faced with two challenges – in some countries, studies are conducted in the national language of the country; in others countries, the customs field is only touched upon as a specialization”, says dr. Erika Besusparienė.

Director of Lithuanian Customs Practitioners Association and , and the head of platform CustomsClear , Enrika Naujokė pays attention that it is symbolic that the study programme starts in a year when the World Customs Organization’s traditional theme for the year is knowledge sharing. This reflects the growing importance of the customs field and knowledge. Academic programmes in the field of customs are relatively recent, so the emergence of this new international programme is very timely.

The field itself is very complex – customs controls cover not only customs legislation but also so-called non-customs legislation. “Customs is on the “front lines” of ensuring that only safe, compliant products enter the market and that the required taxes are duly paid. In addition, today we are all aware of export controls and sanctions, which are also the responsibility of customs. Last but not least, on the Green Deal, customs will play an important role in ensuring that environmentally friendly products enter the markets. Effective controls start with knowledge, which is equally necessary for businesses to ensure that goods do not get stuck at the border or run into problems later on during a customs audit”, observes Enrika Naujokė.

GREENFLUENCE PRACTICE

International Project – 2021-1-HU01-KA220-HED-000027563 GreenCool – Let me influence your green self! – Skill development in the encouragement of mindset towards environmental awareness and sustainable development in the alliance of EcoC.

Project partners: University of Pannonia – Faculty of Business and Economics (Hungary), Militos Consulting S.A. (Greece), West University of Timisoara (Romania), Vytautas Magnus University – Bioeconomy Development Faculty (Lithuania) ir University of Tartu (Estonia).

Lithuanian partnership and activities in the project are being developed by Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Bioeconomy Development Faculty, Business and Rural Development Department researchers dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė, dr.Vilma Atkočiūnienė.

The general goal of the project is to develop environmental awareness among university students and to spread the thought of sustainable development among the widest possible age groups at events that attract large audience. We committed to develop an innovative online course material and to mainstream sustainable development in all curricula for higher education students. Recognizing the convincing power of young influencers, the project aims to reach out to all age groups of audience at cultural events and festivals in the various European Capitals of Culture to encourage environmentally conscious activity and to be active members and beneficiaries of sustainable development. Furthermore our goal is to equip students with communication tools and sustainable attitude to become effective advocates for advancing EU green economy and culture.

One of the tasks of the project is the research of the practices of “Green influencers”, during which information was collected about the tools and methods of influencers (opinion makers) and communication tools and methods, youth communication channels that can be available in the 21st century.

The majority of the respondents use the following social media platforms for communication to get information, post their thoughts and feeling and to follow opinion leaders, friends and influences on various topics. Instagram is the most preferred platform, followed by Facebook, You Tube and TikTok though the last two varies between countries. Interestingly WhatsApp, Telegram and Twitter are country specific. As for communication techniques Instagram considered creative, TikTok considered funny but very powerful if it comes to specific videos (such as green topics), You Tube is perfect for storytelling that is relevant and give audience instantly what they want. Subgroups on FB are for information and event sharing that would take place offline in an action. Snapchat is used by younger kids and mainly in Lithuania, while LinkedIn and Pinterest are rarely used.

The most influential influencers are those who inspire people’s confidence and share unique experiences. Interestingly the majority of the interviewed influencers do not consider themselves influencers but rather opinion-sharers or opinion leaders. In general influencer is someone (on or offline) who shares opinion or does and act that has impact on others who either share further or act upon those issues. Influencers have the skills to mobilise others and set examples for an important issue in the society. They should share daily, realistic image, short visualized stories. The credibility of an influencer is gained by exemplary behaviour and charity deed that is in connection with social issue. Youth follow both local and international influencers (language is not a barrier as 96.5% of the respondents speaks good English) and they follow local but also well known influencers. The influencers themselves want to improve their content and storytelling script video writing skills.

Based on the results of the conducted research, it is proposed to include 12 communication tools and 10 green issues in the ECOC Greenfluencer program.

Communication techniques and structure of discourse:

Green topics:

1. Storytelling on and offline

2. Blogging/glossary writing

3. Short film, video (You Tube, TikTok)

4. Instagram, TikTok techniques offline-acting

5. How to create powerful picture content

6. Elevator pitch

7. Pecha Kucha

8. Oxford debate

9. TED talk

10. Gamification

11. Communication with art and music

Round-table discussion

1. Nutrition and food-waste

2. Sustainable fashion

3. Urban lifestyles, sustainable public living

4. Responsible consumption: small household habits, individual’s responsibility

5. Energy saving and alternative energy: air and water quality and quantity

6. Collective social responsibility: individuals, companies and institutions

7. Critical recycling techniques, waste management and circular economy,

8. Climate-phobia and anxiety,

9. Greenwashing and ethical thinking

10. Green mobility

The results of the international project are available: https://greencoolproject.eu

11th International Scientific Conference “Rural Development 2023: Bioeconomy for The Green Deal”

We kindly invite You to the 11th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2023: Bioeconomy for the Green Deal”, which will take place in Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania), 26-28 September, 2023.
This conference is aimed at providing interdisciplinary scientific discussion, presenting new ideas for rural development processes in the context of Bioeconomy, Climate Change, Innovations and Social Progress.

The main topics of Conference sessions:

Agro-innovations and Food Technologies;
Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Integrity;
Multifunctional Approach for Sustainable Use of Bio-Resources;
Social Research for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change.

Business and Science Forum “Connecting the Dots: A Roadmap for Lithuanian Bioeconomy Development” will be held during the Conference.

Conference keywords: Innovations, Integrity, Bio-resources, Well-being.

Important dates and deadlines:

Until September 15th, 2023 – registration  (extended)
Until September 26th, 2023 – article submission (extended)
Until September 10th, 2023 – payment of participation fee
January, 2024 – publishing of the Conference proceedings

Participation fee	In person (EUR)	Online (EUR)
Authors until August 27th	250	170
Authors after August 27th	300	220
PhD students	125	100
Non-authors	150	Free of charge

Participation fee in person covers not only the Conference proceedings, but also coffee breaks, lunches and gala dinner. The costs of accommodation, cultural (social) programme and transport should be covered by the participants of the Conference.

Speakers of the conference pay the participation fee after receiving information about the confirmation of the topic of the presentation.

Certificates of participants will be sent by e-mail after the conference.

More information about the Conference
Online Registration on the Conference website.
Information for authors.

New design, more user-friendly Conference website: https://www.ruraldevelopment.lt/
Conference e-mail: rural.development@vdu.lt

This Conference starts a cycle of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy.

VMU Agriculture Academy Graduation Ceremonies

On 16-23 June, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) invites everyone to participate in festive graduation events.

On 21 June, a graduation ceremony will be held for the graduates of the VMU Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, and Faculty of Agronomy.

FESTIVE HALL OF VMU AGRICULTURE ACADEMY | STUDENTŲ G. 11, AKADEMIJA, KAUNO RAJ.

10 a.m. Graduation ceremony of the AA Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology

12 p.m. Graduation ceremony of the AA Faculty of Engineering

2 p.m. Graduation ceremony of the AA Faculty of Bioeconomy Development

4 p.m. Graduation ceremony of the AA Faculty of Agronomy

The events will be photographed and/or filmed; therefore, please note that you might be featured in photos or videos which can be published in various media outlets.

Erasmus+ project experience in circular agriculture

All project partners participated in North Macedonia meeting of the international project “Strengthening Key Competencies in Agriculture for Value Chain Knowledge” (SKILLS), which took place in March, 2023. According to the program of the meeting, on the first day SKILLS coordinator dr. Dimitris Sarris (University of the Aegean, Greece) presented the main objectives of the meeting and the issues that are most important in the implementation of the project. The representatives of the project from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development (VMU AA) prof. dr. V. Atkočiūnienė, assoc. prof. dr. G. Vaznonienė and dr. I. Kazlauskienė presented the achieved results of the activities of the first work package. The researchers discussed the results of the analysis of macroeconomic indicators on agriculture, the circular economy and circular agriculture good practices, the organization of the questionnaire survey and the research results, presented the involvement of all countries in the implementation of the activities of the first work package.

Dr. Antonio Stasi from the DARe organization (Distretto Agroalimentare Regionale SCRL) in Italy provided ideas and discussed the activities of the second work package, which include the analysis of national green job advertisements, the review of national documents related to the circular economy and the preparation of training slides for students and teachers on the intended topics. For example, green knowledge; green solutions in agriculture; local food; 0 mile products; green sales. The main focus was on the organization of focus groups on green skills, as this is a relatively new topic in all countries.

Dr. Marijana Dimitrova, representative of the NGO, Association for Internationalization of Education and Science (INTER-EDU) in North Macedonia, presented the activities under the third work package. There was a discussion about the preparation of a practical guide for “Agri-Lingua Practicum” teachers, where explanations of green solutions, circular agriculture terms with photos will be presented. On the second day of the meeting, project partners shared insights on how to improve the mentioned publication, and main author of the practical guide, dr. Marijana Dimitrova made suggestions to the partners of each country who could be responsible for what.

During the continuation of the meeting, SKILLS project coordinator Dimitris Sarris presented the working plan of activities of the next 6 months of the project.

After conducting a questionnaire survey of farmers, entrepreneurs, students, members of agricultural associations in Lithuania, Greece, Romania and Italy “Circular agriculture” it was found that the respondents have quite a lot of knowledge about circular agriculture and apply some of the principles of circular agriculture in their activities. However, their knowledge of circular agriculture is still superficial, little based on scientific research results. Most of the respondents so far only know the basic principles of circular agriculture, which they learned in higher education institutions or through self-education. The respondents themselves admitted that they lack knowledge and competence in the field of circular agriculture, especially in the social, environmental, economic and political context of their country.

Most of the respondents emphasized that the principles of circular agriculture should be taught in universities, emphasized the importance of both theoretical and practical knowledge, examples of good practice. Teaching the principles of circular agriculture should become part of lifelong learning. The principles of circular agriculture must be discussed both in the family and in primary education, as well as in universities, as well as in special training and online pages. However, self-study is still preferred and is the most accessible method. It was also established that prior education on issues of circular agriculture does not provide a basis for a detailed understanding of what circular agriculture is, what its benefits are and the possibilities of applying it on farms. There is also a lack of independent training provider courses on circular agriculture topics, seminars, and training. Such a situation can affect the lack of well-trained specialists and the lack of acquisition of high-quality, up-to-date knowledge and at the same time, a low level of orientation of strategic documents and political decisions to circular agriculture. Supplementing the education system with circular agriculture studies would provide opportunities to increase public awareness in this area. Greater public interest in the development of circular agriculture would also initiate strategic and political decisions promoting the implementation of the principles of circular agriculture at a more rigorous level.

Interactive Webinar “Why worth you choose MBA programme “Customs Process Management” for your career?”

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) starts new MBA study programme Customs Process Management.

Join special webinar and find out why this programme could be a choice for you and listen to the presentation “Customs Process Management”.

Date: 13 June 2023

Time: 4 p.m. (EEST)

Place: online, via MS Teams

Registration is required.

Internship in Portugal

The teachers of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development Assoc. Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Assoc. Dr. Anastasija Novikova and the teacher of the Faculty of Agronomy Assoc. Dr. Judita Černiauskienė in 2023 May 15-19 participated in the courses at the Polytechnic University of Santarem, Portugal. The University offers various studies in the fields of agriculture, sports, management, technology and health sciences. The 12th international week on the topic “The impact of artificial intelligence on higher education” was organized at this university.

During the training, the teachers deepened their knowledge about the application possibilities of artificial intelligence technologies in education, teaching-learning processes, social sciences and the ethical challenges arising from the application of artificial intelligence technologies. The main topics covered the projects on practical application of artificial intelligence technologies, a lot of attention was paid to created ChatGPT model, its concept and practical application.

The participants of the course also had the opportunity to visit the Quita da Lagoalva farm, whose traditions and history continue since 1834. The Quita da Lagoalva farm stands out for its sustainable farming practices, technological processes for the production of olive oil and wine (tradition certified in 1888), and agro-tourism.

In the training, the teachers also had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Portuguese language and learn basic communication phrases.

The training participants also got to know the history of the city of Santarem and visited the municipality of Santarem.

The creators and teachers of the new MBA study program “Customs Process Management” at an international conference

On May 25-26, 2023, the creators of the new MBA study programme “Customs Process Management” (Enrika Naujokė, Monika Bielskienė, Milda Stravinskė, assoc. prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė) and teachers (prof. dr. Vesa Niskanen, lect. Kristina Gesevičienė, Lect. .Anthony Buckley) participated in the 8th European Customs Practitioners‘ Conference, which took place in Vilnius. This year’s conference was attended by representatives of business and higher institutions from Lithuania and other countries – Germany, Greece, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Israel, etc.

In the 8th European Customs Practitioners‘ Conference were discussed various topics related to trade preferences and agreements, supply chain challenges 24/7, legal maneuvers, customs IT systems and automation. A lot of attention was paid to customs in the context of sustainability, here the committee chairperson of the MBA study programme “Customs Process Management” assoc. prof. dr. Erika Besusparienė, together with Monika Bielskiene, who contributed to the creation of the MBA study program, moderated the session “Green cross-border trade – what should importers and exporters think of and prepare for?”. In this session, Arne Mielken (United Kingdom) provided insights in his presentation that processes are already underway and international trade is moving towards sustainability along with the European Green Deal. He thus provided various insights on the fight against goods that affect the environment through multilateral environmental agreements, the dissemination of experience, and building the status of a reliable trader – Green AEO. In this part, Anna Gayk (Germany) presented the EU platform Access2Markets, which allows you to get various information about third countries (tariffs, taxes, trade barriers, etc.). Meanwhile, Dr. Christian Struck (Germany) shared good practice in the case of Wacker Chemie AG, which implements sustainable production processes in the chemical and semiconductor industries, calculates and analyzes its carbon footprint, and currently implements technologies and aims to reduce CO2 emissions, and prepare for the introduced carbon border adjustment mechanism.

The afternoon of the second day was devoted to a workshop on the topic “Increasing competencies in the field of customs”. This workshop was organized by the Customs Knowledge Institute (CKI) community and its chair of CKI management council Kevin Shakespeare (United Kingdom). VDU is also a member of CKI. In an interactive workshop, the chair of CKI management council and the lecturer of the MBA study programme “Customs Process Management” Anthony Buckley presented insights on the structure of knowledge (promotion of training, sharing of knowledge, building of knowledge, updating of knowledge, awards for sharing of knowledge) and invited the conference participants to express their point of view on this issue. The committee chairperson of the MBA study programme “Customs Process Management” assoc. prof. dr. Erika Besusparienė presented the problematic situation to the conference participants – different persons work in the customs field (import/export managers; financial specialists); The EU customs competence framework includes many different competences; The EU Customs Vision 2040 foresees many new changes; in 2030 many jobs will increasingly use technology, and workers will need to maintain creativity. Conference participants identified the main challenges related to new regulations and changes in IT systems; identified key competencies to know customs and trade regulations, and to have interdisciplinary knowledge (customs+taxes+supply chains); and benefits such as an expanded professional network, new career prospects and higher compensation.

The 8th European Customs Practitioners‘ Conference was useful not only in raising the qualifications of teachers, but also once again confirmed the relevance and compliance of the newly created MBA study programme “Customs Process Management” with market needs.

MBA study program creators Enrika Naujokė, Milda Stravinskė, Monika Bielskienė

MBA study program teachers and creators (Vesa Niskanen, Kristina Gesevičienė, Erika Besusparienė, Enrika Naujokė)

Session “Green cross-border trade – what should importers and exporters think of and prepare for?” (Arne Mielken, Christian Struck, Erika Besusparienė)

Presentation of the MBA study programme “Customs Process Management” in the session “Let’s make connections!”

Closing moment of the conference

ERASMUS + teaching visit at Batumi State University

Prof. dr. Astrida Miceikienė from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) participated in Erasmus teaching visit at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (BSU). During this visit, professor participated in the IV International Batumi week under the Erasmus+ program. The week is held within the framework of the academic and administrative staff exchange Erasmus+ program and aims to promote the internationalization of the university, popularize BSU, plan joint international programs and projects, and deepen cooperation. During 5 days, 9 professors from 5 European universities gave lectures to BSU students, and representatives of foreign partner international offices will conducted training on issues of effective management of exchange programs.

The academic and administrative staff of Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Mikolas Romeris University (Lithuania), Daugavpils University (Latvia), Wroclaw University (Poland), Coimbra Polytechnic Institute (Portugal) have been participating in the IV International Batumi Week.

The event served as a remarkable platform for students, academics, and professionals from across the globe to come together, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster international collaboration. With an array of engaging activities, interactive workshops, and enlightening presentations, Batumi State University successfully promoted cross-cultural understanding and provided participants with an enriching experience. The event aimed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where participants could exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

The International Batumi Week featured a series of engaging workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, spanning from global economics to sustainable development, intercultural communication to technological advancements. Prof. dr. A. Miceikienė gave lectures on the topic “Environmental taxation”, and presented Vytautas Magnus University and VMU Agriculture Academy, study programs and mobility of Erasmus+ possibilities in VMU Agriculture Academy.

The 4th International Batumi Week also served as a platform for students to explore opportunities for academic exchanges and collaborative projects. Representatives from partner universities shared information about study programs, research initiatives, and internship opportunities, encouraging students to embrace international experiences. This emphasis on global engagement will undoubtedly contribute to the development of well-rounded, culturally sensitive individuals ready to tackle the challenges of a globalized world.

Networking opportunities were plentiful throughout the event, with participants having the chance to connect with professionals from various industries. The International Batumi Week facilitated meaningful conversations, allowing attendees to establish valuable contacts, share ideas, and explore potential career paths in an international context. The event undoubtedly played a vital role in broadening horizons and opening doors to exciting global opportunities for both students and professionals.

International scientific conference „Research & Innovation, Educations ant Best Practice for Bioeconomy Development“

On June 5 at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) invites to participate at the international scientific conference „Research & Innovation, Educations ant Best Practice for Bioeconomy Development“.

Place: June 5 (Monday)
Time: 09.30-13:45
Place: VMU Agriculture Academy IV building (Universiteto str. 8A, Akademija, Kaunas district)