During International Business Week 2014 students gained valuable experience in marketing and project management

Project management groups were divided into teams. Each team had to make a development plan for Latvian enterprise Manilla.  The representative from the company Manilla - Linda Lukstiņa gave the presentation providing information about the company and its production. L. Lukstiņa focused on the marketing of the products. The teams were given the task to design the enterprise development plan they also worked on how to attract and collaborate with corporate customers.

The other team working on project management had to penetrate the export markets for enterprise Vudis. This company is a new and small Latvian enterprise producing pre fabricated modular houses. The students were also introduced to the company and their products to facilitate the task of the students.

The schedule was really intense, because the students in three days had to make lot of complicated tasks, in order to complete the envisaged tasks. At first students had to explore social market economy in the specific field. They also had to get to know the potential problems and risks analyse the risk in these enterprises. Students made SWOT analysis, as well as they did project planning using Microsoft Project Software.  One of the tasks was also to carry out financial planning, including company own funds, sponsorship or credit line. At the end all groups had to make a presentation to demonstrate the project outcome. Student presentations were evaluated by Latvian and international professors, also their ideas and project work for company development were assessed by representatives from the companies.

The students in marketing team worked in international working  groups, the students had to design a logo for the optical company Optic Room.  They also created promotional materials for the company. The outcome of the project was presented to international team of professors and the representatives of companies.

The project consultant Katrīna Liepiņa points out that the main goal of the International Business Week is to show and teach students how to work in international environment. It also develops practical skills by creating things for real companies. Such projects develop their practical skills in marketing and project management improve their language knowledge and presentation skills. Participating in this Business Week gives students also opportunity to meet new people, make friends and maybe even new business partners.

Professor from Germany Susanne Paschke points out that International Business Week at BA School of Business and Finance has offered a great challenge. The greatest benefit was that students designed products for real Latvian companies.

All participants received certificates and the winning team received diplomas. All groups were assessed and the students received grades.

During the week the guests had the opportunity to enjoy Riga and its sights. They also had the opportunity to attend ice- hockey game. Those who were more in arts went to the opera to see the ballet. As part of this project week the students visited companies, including Pūre and on the way enjoyed Bīriņu castle.

BA School of Business and Finance would like to thank all participants for their incredible work and a wonderful team work. We look forward to seeing international student teams also next year in 2015 for a new International Business Week.