self-evaluation report -...
TRANSCRIPT
ALEKSANDRAS STULGINSKIS UNIVERSITY Public institution
BUSINESS LOGISTICS
SECOND CYCLE STUDY PROGRAMME IN THE AREA OF SOCIAL
SCIENCES, BUSINESS FIELD
STATE CODE - 621N10009
SELF-EVALUATION REPORT
Vice Rector of Aleksandras Stulginskis University assoc. prof. dr. Vidmantas Butkus
Self-evaluation team leader prof. dr. Audrius Gargasas
Academy, May 2016
2
Background information:
Title of the study programme Business logistics
Code of the programme 621N10009
Program code according to the International
Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)
7470410
Type of study program University studies
Language of teaching Lithuanian
Study area and field (branch) Area of social sciences, Business field
Study cycle Second cycle
Awarded degree and/or professional qualification Master in Business
Study forms and length Full-time studies: 1,5 years,
part-time studies: 2 years
Study programme volume of in credits 90 ECTS
Study programme registration date and Order No. 01 08 2014, SV6-40
Study programme starting date 02-2015
Date and results of the last external evaluation of
the study programme New programme, no external evaluation
List of members of self-evaluation team and self-evaluation summary development team
No Academic title /
degree
First name, last
name Employer, position
1. Prof. PhD. Audrius Gargasas
Aleksandras Stulginskis University (ASU), Faculty of
Economics and Management, Institute of Business
and Rural Development Management, Prof., Team
Leader, Phone: 8*37 752-278, mob. phone: 8610
37883, e-mail: [email protected]
2. Assoc. Prof.
PhD. Vilma Tamuliene
ASU, Faculty of Economics and Management,
Institute of Business and Rural Development
Management, Assoc. Prof., phone: 8*37 752-328, e-
mail: [email protected]
3. Prof. PhD. Asta Raupeliene
ASU, Faculty of Economics and Management, Vice
Dean, Prof., phone: 8*37 752-277, e-mail:
4. PhD Student Indra Mugiene
ASU, Faculty of Economics and Management, PhD
Student, Phone: 8*37 752-214, e-mail:
5. Lector PhD Bernardas Kniuksta
ASU, Faculty of Economics and Management, Vice
Dean, phone: 8*37 752-278, e-mail:
6.
Student of BL
study
programme
Gintaras Jūrevičius ASU, Faculty of Economics and Management,
Student of second circle programme Business
Logistics; e-mail: [email protected]
7. Social partner Vaidotas Lašas Managing Director of JSC „Skubios siuntos“, phone:
+37068713264, e-mail: [email protected]
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CONTENT INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1. GOALS OF THE PROGRAMME AND EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES .................................. 7
1.1. Definition and publicizing of the goals of study and expected outcomes of the study programme. ...... 7
1.2. Programme goals and expected learning outcomes compliance with academic and/or professional
requirements, public and labour market needs. ......................................................................................................... 11
1.3. Programme goals and expected learning outcomes compliance with study type, cycle and level of
qualification. ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
1.4. Compatibility of programme title, expected learning outcomes, content and qualification awarded. . 12
2. STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME ................................................................................................. 14
2.1. Programme structure compliance with requirements of legal acts. ........................................................... 14
2.2. Consistency of presentation of topics and subjects. .................................................................................... 16
2.3. Subject content compliance with study type and cycle. .............................................................................. 16
2.4. Subject content and method compliance with expected learning outcomes. ........................................... 16
2.5. Adequacy of programme scope for the achievement of learning outcomes. ........................................... 17
2.6. Programme compliance with the newest scientific and technological achievements ............................. 17
2.7. Requirements for the final works ................................................................................................................... 18
3. STAFF ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
3.1. Staff compliance with requirements of legal acts is engaged in the execution of the Programme. ...... 18
3.2. Adequacy of qualification of lectors for the achievement of learning outcomes. ................................... 19
3.3. Adequacy of number of lectors for the achievement of learning outcomes............................................. 19
3.4. Provision of the appropriate execution of the Programme due to lectors’ turnover. .............................. 20
3.5. Conditions provided by University for lectors‘ professional development. ............................................ 21
3.6. Scientific research (artistic activities) directly related to the Programme. ............................................... 22
4. MATERIAL RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................... 22
4.1. Suitability and sufficiency of premises for studies. ..................................................................................... 22
4.2. Suitability and sufficiency of equipment used for studies (laboratory equipment, computer hardware,
accessories). .................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.3. University framework suitability for practicum. .......................................................................................... 23
4.4. Suitability, sufficiency and availability of methodological resources (textbooks, books, periodicals,
databases). ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.5. Update of methodological and material resources ....................................................................................... 25
5. STUDY PROCESS AND ITS EVALUATION ....................................................................................... 26
5.1. Requirements for the admission. .................................................................................................................... 26
5.2. Feasibility of the organization of study process for the implementation of Programme and
accomplishing of learning outcomes. ......................................................................................................................... 27
5.3. Students participating in the science, art and applied science activities, volumes and forms. .............. 29
5.4. The conditions and results of student involvement in mobility programs. .............................................. 29
5.5. Provision of academic and social support. .................................................................................................... 30
5.6. Students learning achievements assessment system and its compliance with the evaluation of learning
outcomes. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31
6. PROGRAMME QUALITY MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 34
6.1. Allocation of responsibilities for programme implementation and supervision; decision making. ..... 34
6.2. Frequency of collection and analysis of information on programme implementation. .......................... 36
6.3. Use of the internal and external Programme evaluation results to improve the Programme. ............... 37
6.4. Social stakeholder participation in the processes of Programme evaluation and improvement. .......... 37
6.5. Efficiency of the internal quality assurance tools. ....................................................................................... 38
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7. ANNEXES
1. Syllabus of subjects of the Logistics and commerce programme of bachelor studies
2. List of teaching staff of Logistics and commerce of bachelor studies
3. Curriculum vitae of academic staff of Logistics and commerce programme of bachelor studies
5
INTRODUCTION
1. Structure and management of the higher education institution delivering the study
programme. Aleksandras Stulginskis University (hereinafter referred to as the University) is a
public higher education institution keeping the old and fine science and study traditions. Kaunas
Higher Courses, established in 1920, and Lithuanian University, established in 1922 were
predecessors of the University. In 1924 agriculture and forestry studies from Lithuanian University
were transferred to the newly established Agricultural academy. As a result of various
rearrangements and cooperation with European universities under the Resolution of Parliament of
October 8, 1996 the name of Lithuanian Academy of Agriculture was changed to Lithuanian
University of Agriculture. Following the Resolution of Parliament of June 28, 2011 Lithuanian
University of Agriculture was granted the name of Aleksandras Stulginskis, first elected President
of the Republic of Lithuania.
2. University is governed by collegial management bodies, the University Council and the
Senate. University management is based on the principles of democracy, autonomy, competence,
personal responsibility and effectiveness. Rector governs the university and organizes its activities.
The University has autonomy which covers academic, administrative, economic and financial
management activities. The University follows the Bologna Declaration1 and further Bologna
process documents, the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania2, the Law on Studies on Science
of the Republic of Lithuania3 and legal acts related to it and Government Regulations of the
Republic of Lithuania. The activity functions of the Council, Senate and Rectorate are determined
under the regulation No XI-2148 by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on 28th June, 2012,
approved in the University Statute4, and in the operating regulations of the University Council and
Senate. All University subdivisions operate in accordance with the University Statute, activity
regulations of subdivisions and other local documentation. Functions of the Council, Senate and
Rector, are defined by the University Statute, as well as by Rules and Regulations of the University
Council and Senate.
3. In the year 2012, there was prepared the strategy 2020 of ASU5 and its implementation plan.
Following it, the University implemented the renewal project of study infrastructure, basic
equipment and information infrastructure intended to the improvement of study quality. Since
October, 2012, under the principle of merge the previously present departments were restructured
into 14 institutes, the key purpose of which is scientific research, studies based on science,
experimental development, scientists’ development and spread of knowledge.
4. Currently there are present the following academic subdivisions at university: 5 faculties:
Agronomy, Economics and Management, Forest Sciences and Ecology, Agricultural Engineering
and Water and Land Management; 2 centres – Cultural Communications and Education and
Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology; Subdivisions of academic infrastructures:
Open Access Centre, Experimental and Practical Training centre, and library, Career Centre, etc.
(see: http://asu.lt/language/en/university/structure/structural-charts/ ).
5. Faculty of Economics and Management (hereinafter referred to as Faculty) is one of five
faculties of the University that concentrates social studies domain. At the end of 2012 on the basis
of 4 Departments of the Faculty and Centre for Rural Development Studies two academic institutes
and Entrepreneurship Development Centre was established. Seven social studies domain
programmes of the first cycle (bachelor‘s studies) and six programmes of the second cycle
(master‘s studies) are carried out in the Faculty.
6. One of them is Business Logistics programme (hereinafter referred to as BL Programme) for
second (Master‘s studies). BL programme are governed by the Dean‘s Office of the faculty, it is
coordinated by the Institute of Business and Rural Development Management (herein after referred
1 The Bolonga Declaration on the European space for higher education: an explanation
(http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/educ/bologna/bologna). 2 Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucija (http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Konstitucija.htm. ). 3 Lietuvos Respublikos mokslo ir studijų įstatymas, 2009 m. balandžio 30 d. Nr. XI-242
(http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=343430&p_query=&p_tr2=). 4 Lietuvos žemės ūkio universiteto Statutas (http://www.lzuu.lt/pradzia/lt/). 5 http://www.asu.lt/pradzia/lt/48662
6
to as the Institute), and lectors from Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of
Engineering.
7. Execution of Study Programme Self-evaluation. Self-evaluation team were approved by the
Rector‘s Order No 4G-PA§18, on 8th of February, 2016, and organized self-evaluation of the BL
Programme and developed summary of the self-evaluation. As a basis for self-evaluation were
used Order No 1-01-162, „The Assessment Methodology for Executed Study Programs“ issued on
20th December, 2010 by Study Quality Centre Director. Self-evaluation report drawn up from
February, 2016 till May, 2016. Summary of self-evaluation involves second cycle BL Programme
studies during 2015/2016-2016/2017 academic years.
8. Self-evaluation team members, their responsibilities and schedule of activities presented in
in Table 1.
Table 1. Self-evaluation of BL Programme team, their responsibilities and activity schedule
Eil.Nr. Activities executed Responsibilities Term
1. Prepared Introduction, Prof. dr. Audrius Gargasas 2016-05-28
2. Prepared Section „Goals of the
programme and expected results
of the studies“
Assoc. Prof. dr. Vilma Tamuliene 2016-03-20
3. Prepared section „Structure of the
programme“
Prof. dr. Audrius Gargasas, 2016-03-20
4. Prepared section „Staff“ Lect. Indra Mugiene; Lect. Renata Luke 2016-04-10
5. Prepared section „Material
resources“
lekt. dr. Bernardas Kniuksta 2016-04-10
6. Prepared Section „Study process
and its evaluation“
lekt. dr. Bernardas Kniuksta 2016-04-30
7. Prepared Section „Quality
management of the programme“
Prof.dr. Audrius Gargasas, lect.
Mindaugas Samuolaitis
2016-04-30
8. 1. Self-evaluation annexes:
Annex 1. Descriptions of study
subjects
Lect. Renata Luke 2016-04-30
Annex 2. The list of lecturers Lect. Renata Luke 2016-05-20
Annex 3. Resumes (CV) of
lecturers activity
Lect. Renata Luke 2016-05-20
9. BL Programme was accredited by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education,
Director`s order No. SV6-40, 1st of August, 2014, after having provided the ASU Senate
declaration on the intention to carry out program's compliance with curriculum requirements. The
Program was accredited without external evaluation procedures till June 30, 2017.
10. Content of the summary and information presented in the summary of self-evaluation report
was structured according to the evaluation areas defined in the Annex 1 of the Description of
procedure of external evaluation and accreditation of study programmes approved by the Order of
the Minister of Education and Science No. V-1478 of July 29, 2011.
11. BL Programme`s self-evaluation results were presented in the meeting of teachers and
researchers of ASU Economic and Management Faculty in May 18, 2016, by a self-analysis
carried out team.
12. Previous evaluation of the analyzed study programme. External evaluation of the BL
Programme was not performed before.
7
ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRAMME
13. BL Programme are oriented to ASU strategic plans and directions6: to prepare Master’s
students so as to the leading position in the market as well as to cooperate with other higher
education providers and business institutions of the region while seeking the development of
educational and social activities. The BL Programme also satisfies the needs of ASU or other
university students who have completed Bachelor studies in the field of Business or Management.
1. Goals of the programme and expected learning outcomes
1.1. Definition and publicizing of the goals of study and expected outcomes of the study
programme
14. Goal of the BL master's degree programme – to prepare highly qualified Business Masters,
able to apply the fundamental and applied research outcomes creatively through the adoption of
innovative solutions in the improvement and development of business logistics and their
implementation under intensively changing business environment and climate change. This goal
corresponds to the ASU mission and strategy 7.
15. Graduates of this study programme can manage logistics departments in larger business
companies, work in administration as managers of business logistics departments; organize
individual logistics business and manage it; pursue PhD studies in the fields of Management or
Economics. Learning outcomes of Master level study programme BL are provided in Table 2.
Table 2. Learning outcomes of Master level study programme Business Logistics
Code Learning outcomes
General competences
1 – Ability to communicate and collaborate
1.1 Will be able to provide information on the logistics management processes and the ideas for their improvement
clearly and reasonably and to present that information for stakeholders.
1.2 Will be able to apply principles of persuasion, negotiations, effective communication and collaboration.
2 – Ability to be enterprising, creative and responsibility
2.1 Will be capable of assuming responsibility for the quality of their own work and that of their subordinates,
including quality assessment in pursuance of professional ethics and public spirit.
2.2 Will be able to initiate business logistics operations and their management independently; to select logistics
business development direction and carry out continuous self-education.
2.3 Will be able to demonstrate the critical, systematic and strategic thinking skills by adopting innovative solutions,
based on the assessment of possibilities and consequences, perception of moral and social responsibility for their
performance and its ethical implications.
Subject Specific Competences
3 – Ability to make inovative business logistics decisions
3.1 Will be able to apply knowledge of logistics technology management, logistics and business development on that
basis to prepare, adopt and implement innovative business decisions in the logistics, necessary for the increase in
economic, social and environmental efficiency under the changing environmental conditions.
3.2 Will be able to apply knowledge of logistics systems modeling and designing expertise, and on that basis to
design business logistics management models, the values of material and biosubstances movement instruments in
6 ASU mission http://asu.lt/language/en/university/about-university/characteristics-of-the-present/.
7 ASU mission http://asu.lt/language/en/university/about-university/characteristics-of-the-present/.
8
Code Learning outcomes
the logistical chain, necessary for coordination and development of the service sector in logistics companies.
3.3 The students will know and understand knowledge in accordance with the fundamental and applied scientific
research, technology-based logistics management, logistics systems modeling and designing of logistics business
development and their application under the changing environment and climate change.
4 – Abilities to manage external and internal environment of a business logistics organization
4.1 Will be able to apply business logistics methods of external and internal business environment analysis.
4.2 Will be able to analyze business environment, choose resources, business location, market, critically evaluate
received information, apply methods and means of business logistics analysis for the introduction and
preparation of management innovations.
5 – Ability to perform research in real-life conditions of business logistics environment and business logistics
situations
5.1 The students will be able to analyze and critically evaluate the logistics business ideas, formulate business
managerial arguments and assumptions and apply them to the management of logistics activity/performance,
through the conduct of applied and interdisciplinary research.
5.2 Will be able to select, analyze and summarize different sources, giving information on social, economic,
political, societal business tendencies and to foresee the possible effect of these tendencies on a concrete business
logistics case.
5.3 By individually performing research, will be able to evaluate business logistics situation in local and global
space. Through the findings of the research will be able to forecast business logistics tendencies.
16. While preparing BL Programme, goal and five targets were identified. Two of these
reflected the ongoing program specific competencies (to provide knowledge and practical skills
uniting professional and technological competences of the main business logistics functions; to
develop practical skills of theoretical conception application in the analysis of definite issues and
problems of an enterprise) and three – related to external factors – research execution (preparation
for doctoral studies), special, social and personal skills.
17. The goal of the BL Programme is to prepare highly qualified business logistics specialists.
The BL Programme is relevant as in the current market economy the knowledge and skills of
logistics and business management are priority business functions in Lithuania and internationally
in terms of implementation of the organisation’s strategy. According to the data of Lithuanian
Statistics, more than 2/3 of companies are engaged in services and trade business, this being a
broad labour market for students who acquire the qualification of master in business logistics.
18. BL Programme Committee discusses study process, quality, necessity of study subjects and
possible developments periodically. A student representative (member of BL Programme
committee) presents students’ position. The study outcomes are discussed directly with students
during lectures. Social partners are invited to give lectures or participate in study activities by BL
Programme committee. During such visits, necessary qualities of a future specialist are discussed.
19. Interfaces and links between the BL Programme goal, expected learning outcomes and study
subjects are provided in Table 3.
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Table 3. Interfaces between the study goal, outcomes and subjects
Types of
outcomes Outcomes of the study programme Study subjects
Knowledge
and its
application
The students will know and understand
knowledge in accordance with the
fundamental and applied scientific research,
technology-based logistics management,
logistics systems modeling and designing of
logistics business development and their
application under the changing environment
and climate change.
Management of agricultural logistics
technologies
Management
Modeling of Business Decisions
Trade Logistics
Designing and Modeling of
Logistics Systems
International Business Law
Business Organizations Behavior
in the Global Market
Strategic Business Development
Strategic Business Finance Management
International Logistics
Scientific
research
skills
The students will be able to analyze and
critically evaluate the logistics business
ideas, formulate business managerial
arguments and assumptions and apply them
to the management of logistics
activity/performance, through the conduct of
applied and interdisciplinary research.
Applied Logistics Research
Master Thesis
Will be able to select, analyze and summarize
different sources, giving information on
social, economic, political, societal business
tendencies and to foresee the possible effect
of these tendencies on a concrete business
logistics case.
Applied Logistics Research
Master Thesis
By individually performing research, will be
able to evaluate business logistics situation in
local and global space. Through the findings
of the research will be able to forecast
business logistics tendencies.
Applied Logistics Research
Master Thesis
Special skills
Will be able to apply knowledge of logistics
technology management, logistics and
business development on that basis to
prepare, adopt and implement innovative
business decisions in the logistics, necessary
for the increase in economic, social and
environmental efficiency under the changing
environmental conditions.
Management of agricultural logistics
technologies
Management
Management of logistics innovation
International Business Law
Business Organizations Behavior in the
Global Market
Strategic Business Development
Modeling of Business Decisions Strategic
Business Finance Management
Master Thesis
Will be able to apply knowledge of logistics
systems modeling and designing expertise,
and on that basis to design business logistics
management models, the values of material
and biosubstances movement instruments in
the logistical chain, necessary for
coordination and development of the service
sector in logistics companies.
Modeling of Business Decisions
Trade Logistics
Designing and Modeling of
Logistics Systems
International Logistics
Master Thesis
10
Will be able to apply business logistics
methods of external and internal business
environment analysis.
Master Thesis
Management of logistics innovation
Will be able to analyze business
environment, choose resources, business
location, market, critically evaluate received
information, apply methods and means of
business logistics analysis for the
introduction and preparation of management
innovations.
Master Thesis
Designing and Modeling of
Logistics Systems
Trade Logistics
Social skills
Will be capable of assuming responsibility
for the quality of their own work and that of
their subordinates, including quality
assessment in pursuance of professional
ethics and public spirit.
Strategic Business Finance Management
Master Thesis
Personal
skills
Will be able to initiate business logistics
operations and their management
independently; to select logistics business
development direction and carry out
continuous self-education.
Applied Logistic Research
Master Thesis
Applied logistics research
Will be able to provide information on the
logistics management processes and the ideas
for their improvement clearly and reasonably
and to present that information for
stakeholders.
Management of agricultural logistics
technologies
Management
Management of logistics innovation
International Business Law
Business Organizations Behavior in the
Global Market
Strategic Business Development
Modeling of Business Decisions Strategic
Business Finance Management
Master Thesis
Will be able to apply principles of
persuasion, negotiations, effective
communication and collaboration.
Management of logistics innovation
International business law
Will be able to demonstrate the critical,
systematic and strategic thinking skills by
adopting innovative solutions, based on the
assessment of possibilities and consequences,
perception of moral and social responsibility
for their performance and its ethical
implications.
Management of agricultural logistics
technologies
Management
Modeling of Business Decisions
Designing and Modeling of
Logistics Systems
Master Thesis
Trade Logistics
20. Students graduated BL Programme can continue their studies in PhD study programmes in
the field of Management and Administration (S03) and Economics (S04) or enter the labour market
and work as a business logistic specialist, consultant or project manager in national and
international organisations of all levels.
21. In terms of its volume and qualifications, BL programme fully complies with national and
EU documents and regulations. Scope of the programme is 90 credits, a Master’s degree in
Business is granted (the seventh level of the Lithuanian Qualification Framework in accordance
with the Descriptor of the Lithuanian Qualification Framework).
11
22. Aims and expected learning results of BL Programme are published in the different web-
sites. Official ASU website – in the catalogue of study programmes8 [http://asu.lt/studijos/verslo-
logistika/]. Official website of the faculty [http://evf.asu.lt/lt/padaliniai/ekonomikos-apskaitos-ir-
finansu-institutas/studijos/studiju-programos/magistranturosantrosios-pakopos/]. Official AIKOS
(An open vocational information, counselling, and guidance system) website9
[https://www.aikos.smm.lt/studijuoti/SitePages/Noriu%20studijuoti.aspx?ss=d03f9e49-1994-4466-
8752-478cb4997a34].
23. Aims and expected learning results of Programme are disseminated under Career Days
(prepared at ASU), open events, meetings with social partners, university staff and students trips to
meetings with pupils in secondary schools, with students in high schools or colleges. ASU
organised event Student for one Day where bachelor graduates or students may take part in
students’ lectures 10. During ASU organised visits to gymnasiums where students are introduced all
cycle programmed.
24. One of the most effective methods of publicizing BL Programme is the international
exhibitions: “What you sow…” and environment and forestry exhibition “Solution circle” that are
organized in ASU since 1995. During these exhibitions participants that often are graduates of the
University, present their achievements and select professionals that are necessary for the
development of activities. These exhibitions are perfect opportunity for students and lectors to get
acquainted with business problems, implementation of innovations, modernization of technologies,
improvement of social relations, achievements in the solving of environmental problems. This
creates favourable opportunities for the improvement of BL Programme and other study
programmes.
1.2. Programme goals and expected learning outcomes compliance with academic and/or
professional requirements, public and labour market needs
25. The preparation of BL Programme are initiated by the provisions of European Union's
Strategic Development, the new University strategic directions, trends in labor market and the needs
of potential employers. The BL Programme goal, intended results, a need and contents were related
to the potential employers’ expectations in the formation of Programme Graduates’ professional
competences as well as related to the employment possibility barometer for the year 2015, designed
by Lithuanian Labor Exchange and the forecasts for a university education need related to the
students in the following profession. The potential employers’ expressed point of view and the
Programme Design Group forecasts that the university study programme „Business Logistic“ has
good trends and perspectives, proved completely – at the beginning of the BL Programme the
intention was to admit one group of 10 students annually, meanwhile in the first year already there
were admitted 2 groups, totally 17 students.
26. In order to secure timely adjustment of the BL Programme to the changing environmental
trends, great attention is paid to the review and edition of the intended study results. Social partners,
such as JSC „Baltic transline“, JSC „Dojus Agro“, JSC “Adrosfera”, JSC „Litagra“, UPS, Kaunas
Chamber of Commerce Industry and Crafts, other Logistics and Commerce Companies are invoked
for that. Grounding on the remarks delivered by social partners there is carried out the review of the
study subject contents, methodology of teaching, the sequence of the subject arrangement in
accordance with semesters, etc.
27. The BL Programme goal and the completeness of the programme learning outcomes
describe the graduate‘s readiness for the third study cycle or professional activities explicitly and
widely. The BL Programme learning outcomes do not duplicate and complete the whole of
knowledge and skills to be gained. Subjects learning outcomes are formed by the learning outcomes
defined in the BL Programme (Table 3). Subjects content complies with the BL Programme
8http://asu.lt/studijos/verslo-logistika/ 9 http://www.aikos.smm.lt 10 http://www.kurstoti.lt/s/1668/universitetuose-gausu-renginiu-moksleiviams
12
learning outcomes. Lecturers supplement the subject theory (or practical assignments) with the
material, related to the newest achievements in the following field annually.
1.3. Programme goals and expected learning outcomes compliance with study type, cycle
and level of qualification
28. In order to find out the correspondence of the BL Programme to the national and
international directives, there were analyzed legal and other documents, regulating academic or
professional requirements in accordance with specialists’ qualification trained under the BL
Programme. The contents and logic of learning outcomes intended in the BL Programme are
relevant to:
The 7th descriptor of Lithuanian qualifications framework or the first level of the European
Qualifications Framework for Higher Education11;
The regulations of the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania12;
The regulations of the study cycle descriptor13;
The programme involves the aims foreseen in the Bologna Declaration (to set up the systems
of higher education, based on two-cycle studies, to install a credit system, foster mobility,
etc.);
The objectives foreseen in the Bologna Process 2020 – The European Higher Education Area
in the new decade14 (to improve the quality and availability of Higher Education; graduates’
employment possibilities, students’ and lecturers’ mobility and internationalization, and to
seek for the renewal of the curriculum and methods);
The qualification requirements for the 7th level specialists in Logistics under the European
Logistics Association (ELA)15;
Knowledge and its application, abilities, skills and other achievements in studies comply with
Bloom‘s taxonomy and Dublin descriptors;
There was taken into consideration the intention of Tuning project16 - to relate learning aims,
competences and ECTS based on the learning load and the principles of learning,
training/teaching and assessment;
Adjusted to the aims and objectives of the strategy of ASU 2020.
29. The Programme goal and intended outcomes are related to the University mission – to
create and disseminate scientific knowledge and sincerely seek that every Lithuanian human-being
had safe and healthy food and full-fledged living environment.
1.4. Compatibility of programme title, expected learning outcomes, content and
qualification awarded
30. Following the Ministers of Education and Science, order No V-222, 19-02-2010
„Concerning the approval of the branch list of the study field “, BL Programme are assigned to the
business and management study field group, the business direction (N100), branch N180. The
BLProgramme aim and subaims and intended learning outcomes, those achieved through the study
subject aims, contents and learning outcomes (Table 3) apparently belong to the business field. The
qualification conferred after graduation is business bachelor. The following proves that the BL
Programme title, intended outcomes, programme curriculum and the conferred qualification are
closely interrelated.
11 European Qualifications Framework (EQF), 2008 http://ec.europa.eu/education/pub/pdf/general/eqf/broch_lt.pdf). 12Lietuvos Respublikos mokslo ir studijų įstatymas, Order No. V-2212 “On Approval of the Descriptor of Study Cycles” of 21 November 2011, of the
Minister of Education and Science 13 Lietuvos Respublikos švietimo ir mokslo ministro įsakymas Dėl studijų pakopų aprašo patvirtinimo 2011 m. lapkričio 21 d. įsakymas Nr. V-2212,
Vilnius (Žin., 2011, Nr. 143-6721) 14The Bologna Process 2020 - The European Higher Education Area in the new decade
(http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/hogeronderwijs/bologna/conference/documents/leuven_louvain-la-neuve_communiqu%C3%A9_april_2009.pdf). 15 European Qualification Standards for Logistics professionals: Strategic Management level European Master Logistician //
http://www.elalog.eu/sites/default/files/downloadables/ELAQF_Qualification_Standards_2014.pdf), 16 TuninStudg projektas (http://tuning.unideusto.org/tuningeu/images/stories/template/Lithuanian_version.pdf).
13
31. Global research results in professional activities, those ground the topicality of the
intended learning outcomes. The accelerating processes of globalization and geopolitics,
decreasing restrictions of free trade and market supply, the freedom of human and capital mobility
foster the growth of tangible flows among countries and locally. This has both positive (economic
growth and employment) and negative (ecology, accidents and traffic-jam) impact. The strategy
for the European economic growth “Europe 2020”, one of the predominant and significant
priorities distinguished is stable business growth through the emphasis on the sparing usage of
resources, the installment of ecological technologies, development of business environment and
the policy of stable transport17. Lithuania, as one of the Baltic Sea Region countries there was set
an objective in the strategy of the European Union Baltic Sea Region – to eliminate obstacles for
the development of trade and to strengthen stable agriculture and to create dynamic environment
and transnational cooperation of different fields (scientific research, clusters and service
innovations) for the formation of local market18. In the national strategies of the EU members’
economic growth there is intended regulated and controlled development of transport and other
logistic functions. Business enterprises, adjusting to the changing conditions, especially in the
fields of raw material supply and product distribution fastens turnover and develops the systems of
supply and sales. Due to the freedom of globalization and mobility, new technologies and
innovations of Logistics are spreading rapidly. These are innovative technologies of transport,
warehousing, shipping and landing, tools for information management and software as well as
innovations of solutions for Logistic management. As a result business enterprises need more and
more skilled specialists in Logistics, those comprehend different aspects of logistical
chain/network and those are capable of innovative application of Management and Economics
knowledge as well as the knowledge of other sciences for the management of logistical and
trading/commercial organizations.
32. The field of professional activities that the specialists are trained for and their links to
learning outcomes. The BL Programme name clearly defined the fields of professional activities
those the specialists are trained for – i.e. Business Logistics. The BL Programme learning
outcomes – knowledge and skills, necessary for entrepreneurial managerial activities in business
logistic companies and in the organizations, those coordinate the following activities, in the
companies involved in the purchase of agricultural raw materials, recycling and commercial
enterprises, alimentary and beverage production and sales companies, in agricultural and logistic
complexes, supermarkets and chains as well as during the development of private business in the
field of professional activities, the application of the following knowledge and skills in the solution
of logistical and commercial problems.
33. The programme place among other study programmes in the same field execute at the
higher school. The analyzed BL programme is the only one in the business field which provides
Master degree in Lithuania. The programme with similar title has Gediminas Technical university,
but it graduates with a business bachelor degree. At the ASU there is executed first cycle
programme in business field – Logistics and Commerce, which started in 2012 and is most popular
in Faculty of Economic and management. There are several programmes in Lithuania, which are
related to logistics, but all of them are first cycle.
Summary. The BL Programme unites the aspects of business environment relevant to the
contemporary business and in this way developes students’ practical apporach towards business logistics, its
place in the society. Another advantage is that the study programme comprises courses on a subject crucial to
the contemporary business. Graduates of the programme are on demand in the labour market for their generic
as well as subject-specific competences (ability to effectively apply principles of persuasion, negotiations,
effective communication and collaboration, ability to organize logistics technology management, logistics
and business development on that basis to prepare, adopt and implement innovative business decisions,
ability to analyze business logistics environment, choose resources, business logistics place, market, to
17 http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/ 18 http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/communic/baltic/com
14
critically evaluate received information, ability to apply innovations and creativity in business logistics
practise connecting economic and managemental elements by integral relations, and other).
The shortage of the BL Programme is that even though business representatives are included into the
process of studies, there still exists insuficient relationship of business and studies which could determine the
practical application of the competences developed during the studies (topics for final theses, posibilities for
case studies, possibilities to see innovations in business, other).
Measures of improvement: For the development and improvement of the BL Programme the
following actions are distinguished:
To extended the collaboration with business logistics enterprises not only as social partners but also
by exchanging information on the practical application of the competences gained during the study process,
specialist demand and preparation level.
2. Structure of the programme
2.1. Programme structure compliance with requirements of legal acts
34. The BL Programme volume and structure complies with the Law on Science and Studies
and general requirement descriptor for the conferring of the degree in the second cycle study
programmes. Business Logistics Programme, since the spring of 2015, has been executed under a
full-time (regular) basis and since autumn of the 2015 under a part-time (extended) basis as well.
The volume of the study programme is equal for both study forms – 90 ECTS credits, including
final work. The study volume in full-time studies is 1,5 years (3 semesters), and in part-time
studies – up to 2 years (up to 4 semesters). The BL Programme structure for full-time and part-time
studies is presented in Tables 4 and 5.
Table 4. BL Programme structure for full-time studies
No. Study subjects Volume
Semester ECTS credits Hours
HIGH PROBLEMATIC OR INNOVATIVE SCIENTIFIC LEVEL SUBJECTS OF STUDY FIELD,
60 ECTS credits
I semester
1 Management of agricultural logistics technologies 6 160 1
2 International logistics 6 160 1
3 Trade logistics 5 133 1
4 Behavior of business organizations in the global market 7 187 1
5 Management of logistics innovation 6 160 1
Total in I semester 30 800 X
II semester
6 International business law 4 107 2
7 Strategic finance management 6 160 2
8 Applied logistics research 6 160 2
9 Elective study field subjects * 6 160 2
* Business strategic development
* Modeling of business decision
Total in II semester: 22 587 X
III semester
10 Modeling and projection of logistics systems 8 213 3
Total in III semester: 8 213 X
FINAL THESIS, 30 ECTS credits
Final thesis 8 213 2
Final thesis 22 587 3
Total 30 800 X
Total volume in the study Programme 90 2400 X
15
Table 5. BL Programme structure for part-time studies
No. Study subjects
Volume Semester
ECTS credits Hours
I semester
1 Management of agricultural logistics technologies 6 160 1
2 International logistics 6 160 1
3 Trade logistics 5 133 1
4 International business law 4 107 1
Total in I semester: 21 560 X
II semester
5 Management of logistics innovation 6 160 2
6 Strategic finance management 6 160 2
7 Applied logistics research 6 160 2
8 Elective study field subjects * 6 160 2
* Business strategic development
* Modeling of business decision
Total in II semester: 24 640 X
III semester
9 Behavior of business organizations in the global market 7 187 3
Final thesis 15 400 3
Total in III semester: 22 587
IV semester
10 Modeling and projection of logistics systems 8 213 4
Final thesis 15 400 4
Total in IV semester: 23 613 4
Total volume in the study Programme 90 2400 x
35. In accordance with the requirements of General Requirements for Programmes of
Master‘s Studies approved by the Order No V-826 of the Minister of Education and Sconce in
2010, no more than 5 subjects per semester are taught. The other compliance of the BL Programme
with the general legislative requirements presented in table 6.
Table 6. General compliance of BL Programme with the legislative requirements
Subject of analysis Required by legislation In the BL Program
General Programme Volume Nor less than 90 credits 90
Study field subjects Nor less than 60 credits 60
Subjects per semester Nor more than 5 subjects 5 and less
Volume of part-time studies per year Nor more than 45 credits 45
Duration ratio of part-time and full-time studies Nor more than 1,5 1,33
Final work Nor less than 30 credits 30
36. The study volume per year in full-time studies is 60 credits and 30 credits per semester.
Part-time studies in their volume are not more than 45 credits a year, and 21-24 credits per
semester. The study subject volume is not less than 3 credits. Due to the fact that the volume of
part-time studies complies with the volume in full-time studies, there differs only the delivery of
16
study subjects and total number of credits in different semesters; thus, the part-time study subjects
are not described separately in the following report.
2.2. Consistency of presentation of topics and subjects
37. The BL Programme is designed to progressively increase the students' knowledge starting
with general courses, the completion of which is necessary for continuation to courses that involve
higher scientific level of business logistics management, and gradually proceeding to subjects that
deal with ever higher level tasks, like Modeling and projection of logistics systems. During the
first semester full-time students are taught 5 subjects, and part-time students are taught 4 subjects,
providing basic knowledge and skills for second cycle studies.
38. Lectors coordinating the subject develop and improve descriptions of these subjects in
cooperation with other lectors of this subject and other lectors participating in the BL programme.
That’s allows avoiding the repetition of themes and subjects duplication. Topics and expected
results of the BL Programme are coordinated with study programme outcomes. Topics of the
subject are selected and taught in such a way that theoretic and methodical topics are learned at
first, and practicums and applied research are carried out later.
39. Study topics are defined in descriptions of Study subjects indicating knowledge that will be
provided and skills that will be developed (Annex 1). Teaching methods used in to teach study
subjects are selected in a way ensuring development of competences defined as expected learning
outcomes. Reviewers are appointed in the process of improvement of study descriptions.
Reviewers appointed by Methodological board of the Faculty and Business Logistics Study
programme committee evaluate completeness and compatibility of subjects taught. BL study
program involves 10 subjects that are taught by 9 lectors that actively communicate and cooperate,
share their experience and discuss the content of subjects taught. This help to coordinate topics of
subjects taught and to adjust content according to modern requirements.
2.3. Subject content compliance with study type and cycle
40. Learning outcomes of certain subjects are based on employers‘ and students‘ expectations
and comply to second cycle descriptions of the Dublin descriptors and description of VII
qualification level defined in the Description of the structure of Lithuanian qualifications approved
by the Resolution No. 535 of May 4, 2010 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
Whereas plan and scope of the subjects of part-time studies is similar to the plan of full-time
studies and only arrangement of study subjects and number of credits within various semesters
varies, subjects studied during part-time studies are not described separately in this self-evaluation
summary.
41. The volume and structure of the subjects taught in the BL Programme is designed
following the recommendations delivered in the descriptor of study programme administration in
accordance with ECTS requirements set in the ECTS user’s manual and Description of the
adjustment of study programmes according to the ECTS requirements, approved by the Order No.
92-Kb of April 12, 2011 of the Rector of the University. Duration of lections, examinations and
other classes is defined in accordance with the provisions of the Description of the Universities
study structure, methods and forms approved by the Order No. 173-kb§11 of June 30, 2011 of the
Rector of the University. Scopes of the study subjects are based on time of students learning
necessary to achieve learning goals and outcomes.
2.4. Subject content and method compliance with expected learning outcomes
42. The lecturers coordinating the subject prepare and develop the taught subject syllabuses
(subject descriptors), and they perform that in the cooperation with the lecturers who deliver the
subject or other lecturers who work in the BL Programme too. Taking into consideration the social
partners and employers’ expectations, the subject themes and study methods are combined in such
a way that students were fostered to master the subject studies, related to business logistics and
science novelties and changes independently and that they were able not only to apply the gained
17
knowledge and skills in the certain situations, but also be able or design reasoned solutions of
problems.
43. During the development of the BL Programme, the aims, themes and intended outcomes
are adjusted to the intended BL Programme outcomes. The subject themes are selected and taught
in such a way that there is first studied theoretical and methodological material and then there are
completed practical assignments. The study themes are presented in study subject syllabuses
(subject descriptors) and there is indicated what kind of knowledge and what skills are developed
(Annex 1). For the renewal of study subject syllabuses (subject descriptors) there are assigned
reviewers and the Committee of the BL Programme.
44. In the BL Programme there applied active domain-specific and project methods of
learning. In the study subjects applied study methods are selected under the basis that during
studies there were gained the competences enumerated in the intended learning outcomes. During
the class work domain-specific lectures, topical discussions and other methods are used enabling
identifying theoretic statements in practical situations, stimulating system thinking and
substantiation of decisions made. In the studies of certain subjects there are applied innovative
methods of teaching/learning: the sample analysis of situations (cases) and practical performance,
teamwork, public delivery of students’ independent work presentations and discussion in class.
These methods meet requirements of the „Description of University study structure, methods and
forms” approved by the Order No. 173-kb§11 of June 30, 2011 of the Rector of the University and
not only provide sufficient prerequisites to achieve learning outcomes but also help to develop self-
confidence and responsibility and also to shape other personal value attitudes necessary for highly
qualified logistics manager.
45. Proportions of students independent work and class work are defined according to the
„Description of Lithuanian Agriculture University study structure, methods and forms“ approved
by the Order No. 173-kb§11 of June 30, 2011 of the Rector of the University. Scope of classroom
work differed depending on courses, it is based on average of 12 academic hours of student‘s and
lector‘s contact work per one credit. Subject lecture time covers at least 50 percent of class work,
and practicums and workshops covers 20-50 percent. Proportion of practicums and workshops
depends on subject purpose. Practicums in subjects developing applied research skills covers up to
50 percent of class work. Analysis of study subjects scope and harmony of structure goals and
outcomes shows that study scope in credits and proportions of class work and independent work
create opportunities for students to achieve learning outcomes successfully.
2.5. Adequacy of programme scope for the achievement of learning outcomes
46. BL Programme studies are based on subjects of higher scientific and domain-oriented level
in comparison with first cycle studies. The volume of the study programme complies with the
requirements “General requirements description for Master's study program” approved by the
Minister’s of Science and Education, order No V-826, 03-06-2010 and are 90 ECTS credits. The
structure of the delivered subjects meets the programme structure under the following law.
47. All study subjects are finalized with an exam, and studies are completed with the public
defence of the Master final thesis in the Qualification Commission. 30 ECTS credits are allocated
for the final thesis.
2.6. Programme compliance with the newest scientific and technological achievements
48. The newest scientific and technological novelties are revealed through the themes and
contents of the taught subjects. During lectures and seminars there are discussed scientific and
technological achievements in Business Logistics. Scientific achievements and novelties are
introduced during the preparation and presentation of individual and group student work in class.
49. There are introduced subjects like “Management of logistics innovation” which directly
deals with innovations in logistics sphere, including hardware and software technologies, subject
“Management of agricultural logistics technologies” deals with innovations in agricultural logistics
sphere. Subjects “Trade logistics”, “Behavior of business organizations in the global market” and
“International logistics” deals with the newest scientific achievements in business and logistics in
18
the world. There are analysed contemporary achievements in Business Logistics science and there
are disclosed their trends for a change, new managerial concepts, strategies and techniques, there
are educated skills to act in a constantly changing environment effectively and safe for the nature.
2.7. Requirements for the final works
50. Business Logistics Programme studies are completed with a written Master final thesis.
The preparation and defence order for Master final thesis is regulated under the order of the second
cycle studies assessments at the faculty of Economics and Management at Aleksandras Stulginskis
University. The quality and shaping requirements for Master final theses are delivered in “general
methodological guideline for the preparation of written theses in Social Science Studies”, approved
in the Faculty council on 11th February, 2015. They are announced on the website of the faculty of
Economics and Management: https://my.asu.lt/adm/get_file.php?id=69446.
51. The aim of the Master final thesis is to extend, deepen and disclose students’ theoretical
knowledge under the analyzed issue, their ability to identify the research problem independently,
to adjust methodology for the completion of research and provide with possible ways of the
problem solution. Under the Master final thesis students have to prove that they are able to
formulate problems, aims, and objectives in Business Logistics, systematize scientific literature
under the selected issue, to describe the research object in detail, carry out observations, select the
sample, collect the primary and secondary data and analyze them, to complete the empirical
research independently applying relevant research methods, assess and present its results, the
conditions and extent of the researched phenomena and the index change, to determine the change
causes ad provide with their assessment, to illustrate statements with examples – different
estimations, schemes, models or diagrams, etc., to formulate research conclusions and to provide
with development proposals for activities.
52. The consist and volume of the Master final thesis has to comply with the requirements of
“the general methodological guideline for the preparation of written theses in Social Science
Studies”, where there are described: the thesis structure, the sequence of the thesis preparation, the
contents of separate thesis parts, the quotation of literature in the text and the presentation in the
list of references and the requirements for the shaping of thesis. Master final thesis volume is 45-
50 pages. The Master final thesis is presented in institutes and in the Assessment Commission for
Master theses examinations.
53. Master final theses are assessed in accordance with the formulation of scientific research
problem, aims and objectives, the selection of research methods, the width and sequence of
theoretical analysis of the problem, the delivery of research data and their interpretation, the
clarity, completeness and reasoning of conclusions and compliance with the thesis shaping
requirements. Summary: The structure, volume and sequence of subjects in the study Programme are focused on
studies of cutting-edge technological achievements in business logistics, which prepare the students for
innovative and responsible work in businesses organisations or enable them to continue in third cycle
studies.
Measures of improvement: To relate the Master final theses to the solutions of practical problems
in companies. Practical problems are identified during the completion of practices. There has to be intended
some time for the excursions to companies in the special study subjects in order to provide students with
possibilities to communicate with practicians immediately.
3. Staff
3.1. Staff compliance with requirements of legal acts is engaged in the execution of the
Programme
54. For BL Programme implementation pedagogical staff is formed according to by-law of
Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania No . V - 826 „General description
of requirements for Master Degree programmes“, specified in paragraph 19. From the beginning of
the BL Programme – in 2015 year, faculty‘s administration, following the Programmes committee
recommendations, assures the required staff‘s qualification structure (Table 7).
19
Table 7. Structure of lectors, number of subjects taught and scope in credits, credits in percentage in
2014-2016 year
Academic degree
2014/2015 2015/2016
Nu
mb
er o
f
lect
ure
rs
Nu
mb
er o
f
sub
ject
s ta
ug
ht
Sco
pe
in
cre
dit
s
Cre
dit
s in
per
cen
tag
e
Nu
mb
er o
f
lect
ure
rs
Nu
mb
er o
f
sub
ject
s ta
ug
ht
Sco
pe
in
cre
dit
s
Cre
dit
s in
per
cen
tag
e
Professor 2 2 12 40,0 2 3 20 66,7
Associate Professor 3 3 18 60,0 1 1 6 20,0
Lecturer dr.
Lecturer 1 1 4 13,3
Total 5 5 30 100 4 5 30 100
55. Given data in the table shows, that during the whole period of self-evaluation scope of BL
Programme according to the structure of the staff met requirements of the Lithuanian Law of
Science and Education and by-laws – not less than 80 percent of subjects were taught by scientists
with doctoral degree. Subjects included in BL Programme are taught by lectors of high scientific
and pedagogic levels meeting qualification requirements. Two professors (40 percent) and three
associate professors (60 percent) were participated in BL Programme in 2014-2015 study years. In
2015-2016 study year professor S. Vaitkevičius taught two subjects, at the same study years
subject International Business Law was taught by lector without doctoral degree, but with a
profesional experience. Such distribution of staff works fully satisfies law requirements.
3.2. Adequacy of qualification of lectors for the achievement of learning outcomes
56. Lectors of BL Programme have long-lasting experience in organising studies, teaching and
doing scientific research. Background university subjects are taught by Professors and Associate
Professors from social sciences. The main direction subjects are taught by Management and
Administration also economics sciences Professor, Associate Professors and Lecturers. Lectors for
teaching are chosen according to their scientific activity trend, professional experience and
publications. Important things also are professional qualification, competence and scientific
interests (academic degree, academic title, scientific methodological publications).
57. Lectors involved in BL Programme prepared and published textbooks and study guides for
studies of subjects involved in the BL Programme: J. Čaplikas (2014) Strategic Managemet of
Business organizations, V. Aleknevičienė (2009) Enterprise financial management, A. Raupelienė,
R. Adamonienė (2007) Management of human resources of the organization, Study guide
[Electronic resources] and other smaller methodological publications. Scientific research carried
out by lectors and scientific publications demonstrate their scientific qualification. Prof. A.
Gargasas had defended dissertation and in present provides scientific research in the field of
logistics. He is the leading lector in BL Programme and chairman of BL Programme committee.
He is supervisor of Phd students I. Mūgienė and M. Samuolaitis, which research and doctoral
thesis themes are directly related to the management of logistics in firms.
3.3. Adequacy of number of lectors for the achievement of learning outcomes
58. Implementing the BL Programme within two first years the increasing number of scientists
assures the use of up-to-date scientific research and involving students in applied research. The
lectors’ contact hours of BL Programme made 25-30 percent in general annual workload of lector.
The contact hours scope matches Full time and part time study forms syllabus and ASU lectors and
scientific workers workload and time frame regulation provision.
20
59. Working hours structure of lectors’ pedagogical, scientific, methodical and organisational
work is planned for scientific year and is given in lectors‘ individual tasks. The work scope is
differentiated according to position, which is described in ASU lectors and scientific workers
workload and time frame regulation (confirmed in ASU senate 2013 06 26, Nr.530). The lectors’
work time structure in the study Programme: professors contact work with students’ makes 42
percent, scientific – 35 percent, methodical – 10 percent, organisational – 13 percent of general
work time; associate professors contact work with students’ makes – 47 percent, scientific – 30
percent, methodical – 10 percent, organisational – 13 percent; lecturers and assistants contact work
with students’ makes – 50 percent, scientific – 10 percent, methodical – 30 percent, organisational
– 10 percent. Forming tasks for concrete lectors and scientific workers, the work time, according to
the work groups, can deviate from the regulated work time structure until 15 percent. It should be
noted that Programme lectors work time structure is adequate to work structure defined by ASU.
3.4. Provision of the appropriate execution of the Programme due to lectors’ turnover
60. Despite the BL Programme was started implementing just in 2015 year (2014-2015 study
year), the turnover of lectors wasn‘t noticed, because all the study subjects were taught first time.
Positive perspectives’ assuring the proper implementation of this BL Programme is related to
lectors’ turnover in the future. There were admitted two part time Phd students (I. Mūgienė, M.
Samuolaitis) to Business and Rural development management institute in 2012 and 2014 year and
their Phd thesis directly related with business firms’ logistics. Lectors involved in BL Programme
by age are given in Table 9.
61. Positive perspectives’ assuring the proper implementation of BL Programme is related to
lectors’ turnover in the future. There were admitted two part time Phd students (I. Mūgienė, M.
Samuolaitis) to Business and Rural development management institute in 2012 and 2014 year and
their Phd thesis directly related with business firms’ logistics. Accordingly they work as assistants
and teach various study subjects in Programme, supervise students’ internships and writing works
preparation.
62. Lectors involved in BL Programme by age are given in Table 8.
Table 8. Lectors involved in BL Programme by age in 2014–2016 year
Academic degree Total
Age groups
Average
age
30-34
year
35-39
year
40-44
year
45-49
year
50-54
year
55-59
year
60-64
year
Above
65
year
2014/2015 year
Professor 2 1 1 49
Associate Professor 3 1 1 1 45
Lecturer dr. 0
Lecturer 0
Assistant 0
Total 5 1 1 1 1 1 47
2015/2016 year
Professor 2 1 1 51
Associate Professor 1 1 57
Lecturer dr.
Lecturer 1 1 52
Assistant
Total 4 1 1 1 1 53
63. Presented data in Table 9 shows that 2/3 of Programme lectors are under 55 year and just
one of retirement age. Following this there can be done assumption that in forthcoming years the
turnover of lectors is not seen and study subjects of the Programme will be taught by qualified and
experienced lectors.
21
3.5. Conditions provided by University for lectors‘ professional development
64. University, despite limited financial resources, creates good opportunities for lectors’
professional perfection. The main incentive of lectors’ professional perfection is their personal
interest to improve their pedagogical and scientific competence as well as requirements for lectors’
certification. Lectors improve their pedagogical, methodological and subject qualification during
various courses, workshops, trainings in Lithuania and abroad. Another opportunity for lectors’
professional perfection is attendance in colleagues’ lectures, practice and seminars. To implement
this joint schedule of visits are developed, quality of lectures, cases of success and failures,
teaching methods are discussed, lectors share good practices. Lectors considering the topicality of
provided lecture also initiate attendance of lectors practitioners in study process, invite them into
seminars also strengthening promotion of practical qualification.
65. Number of cases of improvement of qualification carried out abroad increased in recent
years of the analyzed period. During these courses lectors acquires the most modern methods of
teaching and other innovations and up-to-date topicalities and upon return to the University share
them with colleagues. Improvement of lectors qualification in BL Programme in 2014-2016 year is
given in Table 9.
Table 9. Lectors’ professional development in 2014-2016 year
Academic year Number of cases
In Lithuania Abroad
2014/2015 5 4
2015/2016 5 5
Total 10 9
66. Lectors involved in the Programme participate in international conferences in Lithuania
and abroad, participate in international exchange programmes (Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus+) and
in some international programmes and projects INTERREG IIIC ir INTERREG IIIB, FP7,
TEMPUS. The visits help for lectors to pick the up to date information about relevant questions,
prepare new scientific material, publish scientific articles, familiarize with other universities‘
analogical study programme and initiate the review of study programme.
67. Foreign lectors are invited to deliver lectures on topical issues of the Programme. Business
and Rural development management institute have organised “Foreign professors week” in 2015
autumn where topical lectures were taught by 25 professors from abroad. This information was
announced publicly, lectures were opened and for other study programmes and all ASU students.
The number of incoming lectors also is sufficient for assuring quality of BL Programme studies
(Table 10.). Table 10. Number of lectors visited foreign universities and arrived from foreign universities in 2014-2016 year
Academic
year
Number of lectors visited foreign
universities
Number of arrived foreign lectors
2014/2015 3 10
2015/2016 3 15
68. Lectors of the BL Programme were active taking part in scientific conferences, internships,
seminars. The details about lectors participation in scientific conferences, internships, seminars in
2014-2016 year is given in Table 11.
22
Table 11. Lectors‘ participation in the scientific conferences, traineeships, training courses, workshops
in 2014-2016 year
Academic
years
Number of cases
Conferences Traineeships Training courses,
workshops
In Lithuania Abroad In Lithuania Abroad In Lithuania Abroad
2014/2015 9 3 - 2 3 2
2015/2016 1 4 6 3 3
69. The increasing number of cases was influenced by developing number of lectors in the BL
Programme.
3.6. Scientific research (artistic activities) directly related to the Programme
70. Lectors involved in BL Programme participate actively in scientific – project activities,
carry out contracted scientific research. During the analyzed period contracted and applied
scientific research were funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, administration of municipalities,
State Studies Foundations, Research Council of Lithuania. By the Institute lectures were carried
out such contracted and applied scientific research: „Analysis for perspectives to develop
distribution system and sales of eco products“, “Row milk supply logistic model for cooperatives”,
“Establishing of international logistics system for Lithuania greenhouse production”.
71. During the analyzed period lectors working in BL Programme with joint authors have
prepared articles to scientific journals and scientific popularization publications: 7 in the journals
indexed in International Data Base (hereinafter referred to as IDB) referred publications, 3 in other
reviewed publications.
Summary. The composition and qualification of lectors in the BL Programme complies with the
requirements of legislation governing the staff composition of the Masters studies and they are sufficient to
achieve the objectives of the BL Programme. The Faculty invites lectors from other universities (prof. dr.
S. Vaitkevičius) for the two specific subjects in the BL Programme. High teaching workloads prevent such
lectors from active participation in scientific projects.
Measures of improvement: BL Programme staff analysis reveals that the numbers of professors teaching in
this programme is still to low. This fact makes it essential to encourage the BL Programme lectors to get
certified for the position of a professor.
4. Material resources
4.1. Suitability and sufficiency of premises for studies
72. Premises for studies of the Faculty of Economics and Management located in the 3rd
Building of the ASU, Universiteto str. 10, LT-53361, Akademija, Kaunas district. These facilities
are fully adapted to for studies. There were completed renovation and modernization of 3rd
Building in 2014. There were improved energy features of building, auditoriums adapted to
ergonomic requirement of working and study conditions, also for students with disabilities. All the
auditoriums are equipped with a computerized study visualization equipment, Internet connection
and computerized workplace for lecturers.
73. Two auditoriums are adapted for distance learning or video conferencing. Overall, there
are 3 such type auditoriums in University. In case of necessity it is possible to transfer video
conference equipment to other auditoriums.
74. Because of reduction in the number of students at the University over the past 5 years,
there appeared some free premises available for study process. According to the estimation of real
resources in 2015, one university student had 17.43 square meters of gross floor area, while
according to the assessment standards there should be at least 10.4 square meters of the premises
per student. 25 classrooms and 6 computer classes are used directly for implementation of the
Program, in coordination with other study programs. The total floor area of premises in the faculty
23
for studies 2322 m2 (audiences - 2102 m2 with 1374 work places; computer classes – 320 m2 with
129 work places). The average size of one audience – 84 m2, computer class – 45 m2. An average
amount of the study space in the classroom per student is 1.28 m2 or 0.83 seats place, according to
the aggregated number of students. Auditoriums and places in it for teaching lectures are enough.
For independent assignments preparation students can use reading room, Faculty methodical
cabinet, computer rooms.
75. During extracurricular time lecturers working in their offices, which are designed with 2-4
job places. They are equipped with personal computers with Internet connection, printers and other
work necessary equipment. These offices are also adapted for consultation of students (there are
enough seats, the ability to connect laptop computers, etc.).
4.2. Suitability and sufficiency of equipment used for studies (laboratory equipment,
computer hardware, accessories)
76. Computer classes have 8 computers to 100 students (according to aggregate number of
students in 2015). During the sessions each student has the opportunity to work with computer
individually. During the study process modern software are used: Statistica, SPSS, ArcGis,
EpiINFO. Auditoriums and their equipment are supervised by study technicians and staff from
Department of informatics network servicing and development. Study maintenance with computers
and computer programs are sufficient to achieve study results provided in the BL Programme.
77. Wireless internet access is implemented in the Faculty, and therefore students may use
their personal computer equipment for information search and work during their free-of-lectures
time. Internet is convenient to use for information search, communication with lectors, homework
and tests within Moodle system using virtual access of the ASU library for the search of scientific
publications.
4.3. University framework suitability for practicum
78. This second cycle study program has no innovation practicum as a separate study activity.
However here is a significant opportunities to provide innovation practicum for master level
students. Due to high scope of research activities carried out by lectors involved in the Study
Programme, their experience in various fields of consulting and their notoriety all students of this
Programme are provided with opportunities to carry out innovation practicum in the fields of their
interests.
79. Communications concerning innovation practicum between University and external
institutions, social and economic partners are coordinated by the lectors of the Division of Study
programme. Choices involve also subdivisions of ASU infrastructure serving to carry out scientific
research: Agriculture Science and Technology Park, Integrated science, study and business centre
(valley) “Nemunas” acting according to project “Advancement of Centres of Scientific Research
and Experimental Development (SR&ED Centres) in agrobiology, forestry, biomass energetic,
water and biosystem engineering, higher education and related structures and reorganization of
research and study institutions” intended to develop existing SR&ED infrastructure of
agrobiotechnology, bioenergy, forestry and related areas, improve teaching quality in the ASU and
consolidate scientific resources.
4.4. Suitability, sufficiency and availability of methodological resources (textbooks, books,
periodicals, databases)
80. Students of BL Programme utilize services of the University library stocks. University
reference rooms include 242 workplaces for readers (in 2014 – 230 workplaces). More than one
quarter of them is computerised work places. Two delivery desks and five reverence rooms of the
Library of Central Building provide services for readers. Services provided by University and
faculty libraries for students and scientists presented in table 12.
24
Table 12. University and faculty libraries capabilities
Name of
delivery desk
Location
of delivery
desk
Assignment of delivery desk
Students‘ refe-
rence room in
the Central
building
CB 203
Reading of reference room publications and unique copies of publications
Reading of encyclopedias, dictionaries; publications obtained through
inter-library exchange system
Paid copying services are provided
Scientific staff
reference room
CB 205 Reading of reference books, dictionaries, encyclopedias and other
information publications
Organization of exhibitions of new publications and presentation to all
readers
Bibliography
reference room
CB 209
Reading of information and bibliographic publications, collections of
Lithuanian laws and Decrees of Lithuanian Government, abstract journals,
Compact discs
Provision of bibliography and actual information
Use of databases and information search in the Internet
Consultation concerning information search, document description,
development of reference lists us provided
Paid copying services are provided
Periodicals
reference room
CB 103 Reading of popular periodicals, Lithuanian scientific and foreign periodic
and continuous publications
Paid copying services are provided
Internet
reference room
CB 105 For the use of internet, Microsoft Office software
Paid printing services are provided
Information literacy courses and trainings
Reference room
of the ASU 3rd
building
III-200 Reading of reference room publications and unique copies of publications
Reading of encyclopedias, dictionaries, graduate theses, Master’s theses,
economical journal, newspapers
81. University Library (http://www.asu.lt/biblioteka/lt/) stocks contains 157 thousand books
titles and more than 448 thousand copies. Since 2007 updating of the University Library stocks
improved significantly; acquisition of new publications funded from EU structural funds allowed
to update number of book titles by 20 percent and lists of various documents by 55 percent. These
stocks contain enough books for business logistics studies. There are 48 different books (302
copies) in field of logistics, 35 books (133 copies) in field of storage, 13 books in field of
international business (69 copies) and other business areas related study material.
82. In order to improve quality of studies textbooks, monographs and studies are acquired
according to lists presented by lectors. Scientific research publications, collections of conference
presentations and scientific papers are available for students and lectors through scientific
databases that area ordered by the University Library. Working hours of delivery desks are from
8:00 to 19:00. It is worth to note that publications are issued to students for one evening and
weekend. General terms and rules of use of services provided by University and Faculty libraries
are presented in the ASU Library website at http://biblioteka.asu.lt/lt/apie-biblioteka/bibliotekos-
taisykles/.
83. In 2012-2014 providing of Library in literature of foreign languages significantly
increased. Project “Nemunas” that is presently implemented in the University provide favourable
opportunities to upgrade educational materials. Up-to date foreign publications and textbooks are
acquired using finds of this project. University lectors and students have an opportunity to use
national and international databases. 18 thousand foreign scientific journals are being subscribed
every year through 19 foreign electronic databases < http://biblioteka.asu.lt/lt/visi-informacijos-
istekliai/prenumeruojamos-db/ > including the world's most famous and largest international
database covered various fields of science: ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor&Francis, Academic
25
Search Complete, Emerald, Business Search Complete, and number of it constantly increases.
Approximately 141 periodicals are also subscribes, of them one third are periodicals published
abroad. Library also offers an opportunity to read electronic copies of Master’s theses and Doctoral
theses as well as their abstracts in the Lithuanian database ETD. University Library constantly
upgrades database of the University employees’ publications. Readers may also access Lithuanian
database eLABA containing full-text documents and various free resources abroad.
84. All information sources available in the ASU Library stocks are included in the University
Library Index and students and lectors may find necessary publications and subscribe them
through Internet. Thus BL Programme students have an opportunity to use library stocks
containing up-to date publications from all Lithuanian universities and some higher schools, such
as periodicals and tutorials, popular science publications, textbooks, monographs, reports of
SR&ED projects.
85. Faculty administration, lectors of BL Programme subjects and University Library
constantly cooperate closely ordering publications for science and studies. Books and copies of
necessary scientific articles absent in the University libraries may be borrowed in the Lithuanian
National Library, Lithuanian Technical Library and other libraries through interlibrary exchange
system (ILL). Inasmuch as ASU Library is member of AGLINET University students and lectors
have an exclusive opportunity to use international interlibrary exchange system for free.
86. Students and lectors may apply to the Branch of Stockpiling and Handling to order
necessary publications. Students and lectors in need of specialized/rare scientific publications
and/or scientific journals also may present their requests for subscription of new databases. Reports
of scientists testing databases and statistical analysis reviews are also taken into account.
87. Virtual library of the University (ASU VB) ensures vast opportunities for students,
scientists and lectors offering information search services. Main services are services for readers
(registration, issuance of publications, electronic index, tutorial films and compact discs index,
services at delivery desks, access to electronic information sources (data bases), specialized
information resources for modern studies and science).
88. Up-to-date publications are freely available to students and lectors through electronic
database subscribed by the ASU library. However, virtual library services provided by Lithuanian
Scientific Library Association (LMBA) are also available (http://www.lmba.lt); these include access
to subscribe data bases, various innovative services, etc.
89. It worth noting that that students may use common integrated library information system
(http://www.labt.lt) of the Lithuanian Higher Schools Library Network (LABT) offering its users
possibilities to order books via internet according to electronic index and provide additional
services (e.g., reminders via e-mail). Electronic repository (http://dspace.lzuu.lt/) satisfying needs
of science and students’ studying various programmes is installed in the University in 2010.
4.5. Update of methodological and material resources
90. Faculty domain of electronic repository includes electronic information resources for
research and studies prepared by Faculty staff. They are constantly updated and supplemented by
new tutorials necessary to execute BL Programme. Students’ provision with tutorials is sufficient
to achieve study goals. Printed and electronic publications are issued in the library and are
accessible in the University reference rooms via virtual an integrated search system.
91. ASU Faculty of Economics and Management allocate significant funds (1, 2 thousand Eur
in 2015) for the needs of library in order to provide students with newest publications of
Lithuanian and foreign authors.
Summary. The Faculty is located in Building 3 of the University, which is renovated in 2014. The
classrooms which are used to deliver the BL Programme are equipped with required visual facilities and
information technologies; the quantity of classrooms is sufficient. The library and reading rooms are
renovated too, open access to the library's collection is developed. Furthermore, the lectors enjoy good out-
of-class work conditions in their offices. The classrooms and other study areas are well-maintained and
repaired, some of the study premises are not in a good aesthetic and technical shape. Enhancement and
renovation of material resources are going constantly, according to University Strategy 2020 measures. One
26
of the problems which concerns material resources is that library holds not so much book copies. Under the
significant increase of Programme students it is not enough book copies for each student.
Measures of improvement: Bearing in mind that the educational literature is aging rapidly and requires
constant renewal, problem can be solved by abundant use of electronic resources, handouts, Moodle virtual
learning environment. It is foreseen to encourage lectures to use more actively possibilities of video lectures
creation and dissemination.
5. Study process and its evaluation
5.1. Requirements for the admission
92. Admission to the BL Program has been launched in February, 2015 for full-time studies
and in September, 2015 for part-time studies. It takes place under the conditions of general
admission to Lithuanian higher education institutions. According to this conditions to the BL
Program are admitted persons holding at least first study cycle (Bachelor’s) qualification degree in
the fields of business, management and business administration, or first study cycle programmes in
other fields and have passed subject exams in the fields of management and business
administration comprising at least 24 credits in total. Graduates of professional Bachelor’s studies
are also eligible for admission. In the latter case, the applicants shall hold at least one-year work
experience (as at 31 August) after completion of the college studies and shall have completed the
bridging courses applicable to the study programmes of Management and Business administration.
93. Admission takes place by competitive tender points amount. No amendments to calculation
of competition score have been introduced during the analysed period. The competition score is
calculated using the (1) arithmetical weighted average of final assessments of the first cycle study
subjects and practical training or the arithmetical weighted average of final assessments of study
subjects and practical training under the college studies and bridging courses (based on the entries
in Diploma supplement and academic certificates) (weighted coefficient – 0.4); (2) arithmetical
weighted average of the subjects of Economics, Finance and Accounting, Public Administration,
Management or core and special subjects (Table 13) (based on the entries in Diploma supplement
and academic certificates) (weighted coefficient – 0.4); (3) assessment of the final exam/thesis of
the first cycle (Bachelor’s) or college studies (weighted coefficient – 0.2); (4) 1 additional point is
added to the score for winners of the student competition Future Managers held by ASU.
Table 13 List of study subjects to be included into calculation of weighted average of the
second component of the competitive admission score
Study subject Credits
Business projects management or Projects management 6
Logistics management 6
Marketing or Consumer behaviour 6
Agricultural business evaluation or Business evaluation 6
In total 24
94. University Regulations on student admission are approved at the ASU Senate on an annual
basis (http://asu.lt/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/WPMZKFO.pdf). Information on the possibilities to
study under the Programme and qualifications awarded is available to general public at AIKOS
database (https://www.aikos.smm.lt/studijuoti/SitePages/Noriu%20studijuoti.aspx). More details
about the Programme are provided in admission publications of the University and Faculty
published each year. Information is also publicised at colleges and education fairs.
95. During the analysed period both full-time and part-time students were admitted into the
program Business Logistics (Table 14). The first admission was executed in the beginning of 2015
and group of full-time students was formed. The second admission took place in the middle of
2015 and group of part-time students was formed. Means of competitive grades of students
admitted to Business logistics study programme is almost the same during both admissions. Slight
increase in the maximum competition score and slight decrease of the minimum competition score
have been observed at the end of period compared to the start of period. This situation is indicative
of greater difference in preparedness of the students admitted in the recent years.
27
Table 14. Data on BL Programme Admissions
Study year Number of
applications
Number of
admitted
Admission marks
Max. Min. Average
Full-time studies
2015-2016 - - - - -
2014-2015 7 7 8,48 5,1 7,1
Part-time studies
2015-2016 10 10 9,67 4,11 7,0
2014-2015 - - - - -
96. BL Programme is popular among Bachelors who completed studies in other HEI. The
majority of students admitted to Business logistics study are graduates of other Lithuanian
universities (in most cases these students take the bridging courses in order to have the right to
applicate to the second cycle study programme Business logistics). During the period of evaluation
about one third of Programme students were state-funded students. It is expected that this study
programme will be popular among graduates of ASU first cycle study programme “Logistics and
commerce”. The first group of Logistics and commerce programme Bachelor students were
graduated in the beginning of 2016.
97. BL Programme has no graduates at the moment of self-assessment report was prepared.
First defence of master thesis will be held in the beginning of June, 2016. Lists and results of
master thesis for 2016 as well as printed copies will be available during the expert’s visit.
5.2. Feasibility of the organization of study process for the implementation of Programme
and accomplishing of learning outcomes
98. Full-time studies are the studies of regular intensity, covering the total of 60 credits. The
studies are organised according to the academic calendar and study schedules. Academic calendar is
approved by the University Rector (http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/studiju-
organizavimas/akademinis-studiju-kalendorius/), schedules are approved by the Faculty Dean, on
an annual basis. For the periods of full-time mode of Programme execution, study schedules were
developed for lectures to be held in the afternoon for the students to be able to combine studies and
work. Duration of the lectures: 3-4 hours. For the graduates to acquire the abilities to perform
research or expert work as well as to prepare for final theses writing, classroom work accounts for
26 % (1 credit is allocated to 7 hours of classroom work), and individual studies, research work,
preparation and defence of research work are allocated with 74 % of the study programme volume.
Forms of individual work are: preparation for workshop, research papers, course works, research
work, preparation for exams. Volumes and modes of the individual studies are governed at the
University level and detailed in descriptions of study subjects.
99. Part-time studies are up to 1.5 time less intensive than full-time studies. Mixed-mode
distance teaching is applied to part-time studies at the Faculty of Economics and Management, with
a share of the contact classes executed under distance teaching mode, while the remaining share is
executed during weekends (on Fridays or Saturdays – once or twice a month). For part-time studies,
classroom work accounts for 18 % (1 credit is allocated to 5 hours of classroom work), while
individual studies, research work, preparation and defence of research thesis are allocated with 82
% of the study programme volume.
100. In view of the opinion and experience of the academic community, time spent on
individual work tasks is as follows:
- term paper or project writing: 30-60 academic hours;
- research paper writing: 15-30 academic hours;
- preparation for a test: 15-30 academic hours;
- preparation for laboratory work or practical training and the related test: 2-4 academic hours;
- preparation for a workshop: 4-8 academic hours;
- performance of an individual task: 10-25 academic hours;
28
- performance of a group (team) work: 15-30 academic hours;
- preparation for exam of a study subject under the second study cycle or non-degree studies: 7-9
academic hours per credit.
101. In 2011, virtual learning environment Moodle was installed at the University. The
environment provides access to over 90 % of the learning materials for study subjects under study
programme Administration of Rural Development. Since 2012, part-time students have been able to
study under partial distance learning study mode (as governed by the University Regulations on
Distance Learning Procedure approved on 26/05/2010 by the decision of the University Senate).
Each student in the Programme has been provided with individual access to the materials and tasks
uploaded by the teachers (http://moodle.asu.lt/moodle/). Introductory lectures and lectures of the
study subjects adapted to the partial distance learning mode are held periodically throughout the
semester under the schedule.
102. Specific teaching and students’ individual learning modes and their volumes are detail
described in the BL Programme description and study subject descriptions. Respective teaching and
learning methods are used in the study programme, their scopes are the same for each mode of
studies. Students’ learning outcome assessment report and control are executed by the Dean’s
Office of the Faculty. Data are collected and stored as a soft copy (in the E-results system, where
students may access their individual data) and hard copy. Students’ final results are discussed
annually at the Council of the Faculty during consideration of reports by Chairmen of the
Committees of Final Theses and Exams.
103. Study progress monitoring system is developed and in use. In the middle of semester
Dean’s Office develop summary of operational and interim evaluation of students’ knowledge
according to 0-1-2 points system. Summary of interim results is discussed at the session of Dean’s
Office and during individual discussions with students who were evaluated unsatisfactory.
Administrative influence measures are applied in critical situations. Operational measures to
improve study process and increase student’s responsibility for learning outcomes are developed on
the basis of results obtained.
104. Exams are scheduled for the session at proper intervals, their academic load on the students
is adequate during the session. Indicators of second cycle students’ progress are fairly high and
show an upward trend. It is worth noting that during the analysed period no student failed during
exams (Table 15).
Table 15. Academic performance in full-time and part-time studies
Academic year Arithmetic weighted mean of the grade of examinations
Full-time Part-time
Autumn Spring Autumn Spring
2015-2016 8,22 n/a 8,14 n/a
2014-2015 - 8,49 - -
105. Students individual studies (learning) is composed of preparation to seminars, laboratory
work, tests and examinations, individual and group self-tasking, independent scientific research
work, papers, coursework, graduate (bachelor's) work or project development. Forms of individual
studies include preparation for workshops, research papers, term thesis, scientific research
activities, and preparation for examinations. Scope and forms of individual studies are regulated by
the Resolution of Faculty Council and specified in subjects’ descriptions. Exams are distributed
evenly during the examination period, students’ cumulative hours during examination period is
adequate.
106. Data of the analysed period and the number of students studying in the programme is quite
small so changes in number of students are negligible. However, it is worth noting that only 1st year
students tend to terminate their studies the most often among all full-time and par time students
(Table 16). Academic leave is not popular among students in this study programme. So far, we have
one case where a student has taken academic leave. Most usually, students take academic leave due
to maternal leave, illness or job-related circumstances. In spring 2016, development of special
29
survey was launched to be used by the University for identification of causes for termination of the
studies. In order to avoid termination of studies or academic leave Master's students are taken into
account: class hours are arranged at the time convenient for them in the afternoon. It is very
effective measure allowing coordinate studies and work.
Table 16. Changes in number of students during full-time and part-time studies
Academic year Total At own request
Full-time studies
1st year 2nd year 1st year 2nd year
2015-2016 0 0 0 0
2014-2015 1 0 1 0
Part-time studies
1st year 2nd year 3rd year 1st year 2nd year 3rd year
2015-2016 1 0 0 1 0 0
2014-2015 - - - - - -
107. All information about the BL Program, its development and performance are
continuously provided for the students in different forms and available on the Program supervising
Institute, the Faculty and the University's websites, presented on the Faculty and Institute
billboards. Programme and all subjects curriculum are posted on the University website
(http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/informacija-apie-studijas/studiju-programos/ii-pakopos-
studiju-programos/istojusiems-nuo-20152016-s-m/). Dissemination measures are sufficient and they
are accessible to students.
108. Students may choose the subjects according to their needs; however, the possibilities are
not wide. Students must choose between two study subjects in the second semester: Business
strategic development or Business decisions modelling. During the analysed period students tend to
choose study subject Business strategic development (6 credits).
5.3. Students participating in the science, art and applied science activities, volumes and
forms
109. Like all cycle II students BM Programme students are encouraged to publish results of
their scientific and applied research. For that purpose, upon an initiative of the Faculty during
spring semester University organizes yearly students’ scientific conference “Jaunasis
mokslininkas” (“Young scientist”). Not only cycle II students and PhD students of the University
participate in this conference, but also students from other HEI. Participation in this or other
scientific conference and/or publication of scientific results is required before the defence of
master thesis. Students with supervising lecture can publish their papers in journals published by
the University or in journals peer-reviewed by international databases such as “Vadybos mokslas ir
studijos – kaimo verslų ir jų infrastruktūros plėtrai” (“Management research and studies for the
development of rural businesses and their infrastructure”). Every year students can test themselves
by taking part in Faculty event “Verslo ir socialinių projektų turnyras” (“Contest of business and
social projects”), to participate in ASU Young investors' club.
110. Faculty each year organize graduate students' final work contest of all degree and
programs. Because of BL Program’s students not yet prepared the final work, they were not able to
participate in this contest.
5.4. The conditions and results of student involvement in mobility programs
111. Information about the opportunities to study in foreign universities is provided by the
International Department. The staff of this Department helps to choose a university, to compose a
programme for periods of study, to solve accommodation and other problems, maintains contact
with the students studying in foreign universities. Students are individually consulted about the
possibilities to study in foreign universities by the Faculty Administration and teachers. University
30
has concluded more than 40 inter-university cooperation agreements with foreign universities (in
Asia, Europe, North America). ASU has bilateral Erasmus exchange agreements with more than 80
universities in Europe.
112. Programme students have a good opportunity to participate in the international students’
exchange programme ERASMUS and to go to foreign universities for part-time studies (for the
period from 3 to 12 months). Goals of the mobility are to give students’ opportunity to extend their
knowledge and skills, broaden their horizon and learn more about learning environment abroad. It
is required to select only subjects that corresponds competences developed by their study BL
Program. Outcomes of learning abroad are integrated into learning outcomes in the ASU. When
student misses some subjects during his learning abroad he/she may study missing subjects
independently taking advices from lectors.
113. Students may also participate in short-term BOVA courses, Intensive Training program
(IP).
114. BL Programme students do not participated yet in the international students’ exchange
programmes, even at very high opportunities. Main reasons of such low students’ mobility are
short period of the studies (3-4 semesters) and working commitments. Most of students have jobs
and occupy high postilions, so 3 or 6 months abroad is hardly possible.
115. Students’ mobility is bilateral. i. e., not only Lithuanian students are going for studies in
foreign universities, but also foreign students are coming for studies to ASU. 7-8 foreign students
come to the Faculty annually (Italian, Turkish, Slovakian, Kazakhstan, Latvian, Spanish and
Czech) by ERASMUS exchange programme. Due to arrival of foreign students’ number of course
units taught in English language increase. Engaged in BL Programme lectures delivers courses in
English for foreign ERASMUS students – prof. dr. A. Gargasas – “International logistics” (MSc, 6
credits). Student exchange provides conditions to apply experience of foreign universities.
5.5. Provision of academic and social support
116. University provides financial support, informative support, support for business
initiatives, support for social initiatives, career planning services. The University Chapel has a
Spiritual Education Centre dedicated to the spiritual guidance and cultivation of Christian, human
and national values of the University community; also, chamber cultural events are organized here.
117. With the purpose of creating more favorable social conditions, bounty scholarships for
academic achievements and one-time bounty scholarships are awarded from the University
Scholarship Fund to students for exceptional accomplishments in the studies, scientific research,
social, sporting and artistic activities. The order of scholarship awards is regulated by "Bounty
Scholarship Award Rules” (http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/studiju-remimas/finansine-
parama/skatinamosios-stipendijos/). The minimum scholarship for academic achievements is 1.0
BSB (currently, BSB (Lith. BSI)-basic social benefit is 38 €), the maximum - 4.0 BSB. The bounty
scholarships may be awarded to students of all modes of studies and of all kinds of study funding.
The bounty scholarships are awarded by the Faculty's Scholarship Distribution Commission. Up to
4 percent of the scholarship fund allocated to the Faculty are reserved for the one-time bounty
scholarships. Every semester one faculty student, well advanced and actively participating in
scientific and social activities, is awarded with K. Jasiūnas nominal scholarship.
118. During evaluation period social and promotional scholarships for good learning outcomes
were paid to advanced programme students who studied at state budgeted places. Since 2010 the
following social support system is applied: promotional scholarships for good learning outcomes,
One-time promotional scholarships from the University and Faculty scholarship fund, social
scholarships (awarded by the State Studies Foundation), ASU sponsors' scholarships, personal
scholarships, allowances for orphans and disabled students. “Rules of award of promotional
scholarships” regulate award of promotional scholarships.
119. Commission of Scholarship Allotment (50 percent of its members are students of the
Faculty) define target groups of students and scholarship rate according to academic progress
criteria. Promotional scholarships increase motivation for studies. During the evaluation period
minimum performance level necessary to gain a scholarship increased from 8 to 9 points. Larger
31
personal scholarships are awarded for exclusive and significant academic, scientific, public
developments, sport and artistic activities.
120. The University provides financial support to students with disabilities. Dean's office staff
helps for students to prepare the necessary documents for study loans and social grants.
121. The descriptions of the Faculty study programmes and study subjects are placed under the
section Studies of the University website. The website also contains documents regulating studies,
general order of university studies, descriptions of modes of studies, executed study programmes
and their plans, execution of the current year. Study schedules are presented under the section To
Students of the Faculty website.
122. In the course of the semester, during office hours, teachers consult students on the issues
related to their studies in their offices or via the internet. Consultation hours are declared on the
Institute website (http://evf.asu.lt/lt/padaliniai/verslo-ir-kaimo-pletros-vadybos-institutas/destytoju-
konsultavimo-grafikas/). Group consultations for students are organized before the examination of
each subject. Part-time students are consulted on Saturdays, allocated by the Department of Studies,
once per month from 9.00 until 13.00, and on every Thursday (except public holidays) from 14.30
until 16.30 throughout the entire year of studies.
123. University Career Center (http://karjera.asu.lt/naujienos/) helps students to prepare for
their career, academic community - to foster favorable attitude towards professional career in the
context of life-long learning, graduates - to cultivate career possibilities, mediate between
employers and students on the issues of job search and career. The center organizes career days,
practical trainings of self-cognition and self-confidence, meetings with employer representatives
that help to prepare for the interview with a future employer. Free-of-charge psychological
assistance is provided to students, also, assistance in solving individual problems encountered in
selecting career possibilities and decision-making, in the process of fostering the career planning
competencies. The curators of academic groups and Dean's Office staff help to solve the arising
problems.
124. Students' Affairs Office (SAO) (http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/studentu-reikalu-
tarnyba/studentu-infocentras/) (operating since 2015) administers the accommodation of students,
university guests, staff and other residents in dormitories, helps students to solve their household
problems, leisure activities – professionally creating an environment for a fully-fledged student life,
studies and activities. SAO is composed of two departments: Student Info-Centre and
Accommodation Services. Student Info-Centre is a department operating according to the "single
window" principle; it addresses all questions of the students and helps to cultivate dialogue between
students and University departments. Accommodation Services department administers
housekeeping of dormitories. University students have good conditions to live in dormitories.
Dormitories are capable of accommodating all wishing students; 2-3 persons live in one room. The
dormitories are completely or partially renovated.
5.6. Students learning achievements assessment system and its compliance with the
evaluation of learning outcomes
125. University has developed the monitoring system of the progress of the full-time students.
At the middle of a semester, the Dean’s Office compiles a summary report of interim assessment
of the student's knowledge in all the subjects taught during that semester. The interim assessment
report is reviewed at the meeting of the Dean's Office and during personal discussions with
students, who's assessments were unsatisfactory. In critical cases administrative sanctions are
applied. On the basis of the results, expeditious measures of improving the study process and
increasing students’ responsibility for the learning outcomes are developed.
126. Following the order of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania
"On the Approval of the Assessment System of Learning Outcomes" (July 24, 2008, No. ISAK –
2194) the University uses a 10-point scale for the assessment of the achieved learning outcomes.
The description of the Assessment System of Learning Outcomes is presented on the University
website (http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/informacija-apie-studijas/desimtbale-studiju-
rezultatu-vertinimo-sistema/). This system is applied for all study subjects taught in the Programme.
32
The methodology for the assessment of the learning outcomes planned for the study subject is
defined in the description of every study subject. The cumulative assessment system and
assessment methods of learning outcomes are presented in the descriptions of study subjects.
127. The final grade of the assessment of achievements of a subject is determined by the
weighting average of interim assessment achieved in the course of the semester, evaluation of
independent work, and examination grade. Examination tasks cover the entire program of the study
subject. The weight coefficients of the interim knowledge checks and evaluations of independent
work may account for 10 to 40 percent, and the evaluation of the examination - not less than 50
percent. Students are introduced to the assessment methods, frequency of the assessments, and
individual work that has to be performed during the introductory lectures of study subjects.
128. The examination procedure in full-time studies is regulated by the Description of the
Subject Examination Taking and Re-sitting Procedures in Full-time Studies, approved by the
Rector's order (http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/studiju-organizavimas/studiju-dalyku-
egzaminu-laikymo-ir-perlaikymo-dieninese-nuolatinese-studijose-tvarkos-aprasas/). Examinations
of the study subjects are taken and the final assessment of learning outcomes is performed during
the examination session. The examination schedules are compiled and approved by the Dean of the
Faculty according to times agreed on by the elders of the academic groups and teachers. The
examination dates are evenly spread over the entire time intended for examination session, with
intervals among examinations of at least two working days. Examination of a subject can only be
taken once during the examination session. Students, who fail an exam, may retake it, for the first
time, within three weeks after the end of the regular examination session, at a time agreed with the
Dean and the teacher. Second retake of the examination is possible at the commission formed by the
Faculty Dean's ordinance and after payment of the fee determined by the University. In case of a
failure to pass the examination at the commission, an opportunity to repeat the course of the subject
is provided.
129. The examination procedure in part-time studies is regulated by the Description of the
Subject Examination Taking Procedures in Part-time Studies
(http://asu.lt/stojantiesiems/studentams/informacija-apie-studijas/studiju-dalyku-egzaminu-laikymo-
istestinese-studijose-tvarkos-aprasas/). Examinations of the study subjects are taken and the final
assessment of learning outcomes of the subjects is performed: 1) during the examination session
according to examination schedules approved by the Faculty's Dean; session must be confirmed in
the annual study schedules; examination of a subject can only be taken once during the examination
session; 2) on Saturdays, designated for the reception of part-time students, according to the
examination schedules approved by the Faculty Dean; on the same Saturday examinations of not
more than two study subjects may be taken (retaken); 3) on every Thursday during the course of the
studies, from 14.30 until 16.30; on Thursdays students are accepted only to take (retake)
examinations individually. Academic group of students selects the time for taking an examination
of the study subjects together with all academic group during the session or on Saturdays.
130. A student is entitled to finding out the examination evaluation within three working days
after the examination and discuss with the teacher about the impartiality of the assessment. In case
of a failure to reach a compromise, a student may appeal to the Faculty Dean. Student appeals
regarding the examinations are analysed according to the general procedure of dispute settlement
between the University administration and students. Information about the final evaluation of the
subject is entered in the computer database (http://10.0.0.202/erezultatai/ ). Record-keeping and
control of the assessment of student learning outcomes is performed by the Dean's Office of the
Faculty.
131. At the end of studies, assessment of a graduate’s competences is performed in the
form of final work. Procedures for preparation and defence of final works are governed by the
Description of the Regulations and Procedures for Preparation and Defence of Final Works of the
Second (Master’s) Cycle Study Programmes of the Faculty of Economics and Management of ASU
(approved at the Council of the Faculty of Economics and Management by Resolution of 11
February 2015 (Minutes No. T-01/2015). Committee for Assessment of Final Works of the Second
Cycle University Studies is formed under the Rector’s order and comprised of 5 members.
Researcher at another institution is invited to act as the Chair of the Committee; Committee
33
members are researchers at the Institutes under the Faculty and a social partner. Composition of the
Assessment Committee is appropriate, as it is represented by teachers/research workers and social
partners who supervise and execute the study process under the programme. Final work assessment
score is calculated as the arithmetic average of assessments by all members of the Committee.
Committee members assess final works under criteria listed in the Final Work Description (Annex
1). The final work assessment criteria are comprehensive and appropriate for objective assessment
of student’s learning outcomes.
132. Dishonesty at the University is not tolerated. Before presentation of the final work,
each student must sign the sworn statement on the authenticity of the work, which leads to their
responsibilities conscientiously carry out scientific research, be creative and be responsible for the
reliability of the results obtained. Sworn statement is filled in by the students during examinations.
It is included in the standard exam sheet form. Various measures are assumed to ensure students’
academic integrity. Description of the Measures for Plagiarism Prevention in Students' Written
Works (approved at the ASU Senate session on 27 April 2016, No. 557) is followed in order to
ensure originality of students’ written works. Key aspects of plagiarism prevention are repeated to
students each time before preparation of written works in the course of their studies. Students
preparing their final theses are consulted on plagiarism prevention by supervisors of theses; these
issues are also integrated in the subject of Scientific Research Methodology studied by the students.
Since academic year 2016 – 2017, students are required to upload their completed written works to
the electronic plagiarism detection system (ESAS) at (http://rastodarbai.asu.lt). Having completed
his/her final thesis, each student shall sign the Declaration of Honour related to work authenticity,
which encourages their responsibility for honest conduction of scientific research, creative
approach, and responsibility for reliability of the obtained research results. The Declaration of
Honour is also filled out by the students during exams. It has been included into the standard exam
sheet. Second cycle student’s final theses are uploaded to the Lithuanian Academic E-Library
eLABa (https://www.elaba.lt/elaba-portal/).
133. Since this BL Program is new, there are no students at the moment of self-
assessment report preparation who have completed all the courses, prepared and defended the final
work. The adequacy of the final work defending and evaluation procedure can be seen from proven
practices in other programs.
Summary. Admission marks are quite high, that indicates students’ appropriate readiness to study in
BL Programme. Students have no exam fails and number of academic leave is very low. One of the
advantages of the organisation of the study Programme, which is highly appreciated by the students, is the
fact that the classes and knowledge checks (tests, exams) are scheduled in the afternoon hours, while
independent studies can be taken up in the virtual learning environment Moodle. Such arrangements allow
the students to combine work and studies. However, combining work and studies reduces the students'
opportunities of international mobility. Students’ mobility is limited by students’ family commitments,
regular work, children; therefore, a lot of students are not able to leave for a longer time. In order to take
over the experience of foreign countries students are encouraged to use more additional literature in foreign
languages, in particular, in their written works. Continuous efforts are made to extend the library resources
with recent scientific literature by foreign authors. Some time ago there was the lack of technological
measures for detection of plagiarism. Measures dealing with this problem were advocacy of students’
integrity, avoiding of any possibilities for plagiarism, and trust in teachers’ competence.
Measures of improvement: In order to expand the study opportunities for working students, distance
teaching/learning and consultation methods are going to be offered to the students, particularly in the part-
time studies. Official plagiarism detection system has been under implementation recently and facilitates the
check of written works by teachers. Students’ participation in the applied research activities could be
improved by changing academic staff work structure giving more attention to the activities which have
highest students involvement potential.
34
6. Programme Quality Management
6.1. Allocation of responsibilities for programme implementation and supervision, decision
making
134. The mechanisms of BL Programme management decision-making and enforcement are
regulated by the Statute of the University and the procedural documents - rules, regulations,
descriptions of procedures, etc. - are produced and approved in the manner prescribed by the law.
Documents governing the internal management of study quality are kept up to date and stored in
ASU electronic repository http://dspace.lzuu.lt/handle/1/193 by the ASU Studies Division.
135. The procedure of preparation, improvement, and administration of the BL Programme is
governed by the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania; the orders of the
Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania On the Approval of the
Description of General Requirements for Master's Study Programmes and On the Approval of the
Description of Full-time and Part-Time Forms of Studies; the University Statute, the Quality
Handbook, and the descriptions of processes related to the implementation, improvement and
accreditation of study programmes integrated in the Quality Handbook, the Description of the
System of Internal Assurance of Study Quality (http://www.asu.lt/pradzia/lt/48663), the Faculty's
Regulations (http://www.asu.lt/ev/lt/10517), and the procedural documents developed and
approved pursuant to the procedure set forth by the University: rules, regulations, descriptions of
procedures and other documents (http://www.asu.lt/pradzia/lt/7343).
136. The BL Programme is carried out by an academic unit of the University: the Faculty of
Economics and Management. In accordance with the Statute of the University, the Dean's Office
managed by the Dean organizes the study process. The Dean's Office staff is responsible for the
organization of studies and administration of student work and their outcomes. The responsibilities
are distributed among the staff and specified in their job descriptions. The responsibilities of the
staff of the Faculty Dean's Office include acceptance of documents of those invited to study at the
University, registration of students for studies, scheduling teaching sessions, consultations, and
examinations, collection and analysis of interim learning outcome data, documentation of student
mobility, learning outcome record-keeping, and execution of graduation documents.
137. Director of Business and Rural Development Management Institute appoints lecturers to
teach specific subjects in the BL Program. Lectures of general university education subjects are
appointed by the head of university unit responsible for supervising appropriate subject. Lectures
are appointed considering their research direction, expertise and scientific degree.
138. The BL Programme Committee (hereinafter the Committee) approved by the Council of
the Faculty of Economics and Management on 11 November, 2015, No. T-08/2015, is responsible
for the supervision of the BL Programme implementation and coordination of its improvement
efforts. The Programme Committee consists of the Programme lectors and lectors pursuing
research in the fields of business and logistic, including at least one professor, representatives of
students and social partners. The BL Programme Committee presented in table 17.
Table 17. Committee of study Programme Logistics and Commerce
No. First name, last name, role
in Committee
Employer, position
1. Audrius Gargasas,
Chairman of the
Committee
ASU, Institute of Business and Rural Development Management, Prof.
dr.
2. Jonas Čaplikas, member ASU Vice-rector, Institute of Business and Rural Development
Management, Prof. dr.
3. Adelė Astromskienė,
member
ASU, Institute of Business and Rural Development Management,
Assoc. Prof.
4. Vilma Tamulienė,
member
ASU, Institute of Business and Rural Development Management,
Assoc. Prof.
35
5. Bernardas Kniūkšta,
member
EVF prodekanas, Ekonomikos, apskaitos ir finansų instituto lektorius
dr.
6. Vytautas Pilipavičius,
member
ASU, Institute of Business and Rural Development Management,
Assoc. Prof.
7. Vilma Baltušytė, member ASU, student ao the programme Logisticsand commerce
8. Audrius Kavaliauskas,
member
Director of UAB DojusAgro
9. Gintarė Mitkutė, member Operations unit Manager of UAB „Skubios siuntos“ authorized „UPS“
representative in Lithuania
139. The Committee is led by prof. dr. Audrius Gargasas. The Committee organises a review of
the BL Programme outcomes, a review of prerequisites for competence development, subject
descriptions, and detailed content and plans, and cooperates with the members of the academic
community and other parties to the study process.
140. The Committee makes decisions as a collegiate body. The Chair of the Committee
organizes the work of its members. The Committee members cooperate and work in teams to
analyze the BL Programme implementation results, prepare projects for BL Programme upgrade,
submit them for collective consideration in the Committee, amend them and approve in the
meeting of the Committee by majority vote. The Committee approves the submitted proposals and
forwards them to:
the Institute if the proposals are related to updates of the study subjects. Updated
descriptions of the study subjects are approved at the meeting of the Institute and at the
Programme Committee;
the Faculty Dean, if the proposals are related to improvements in organization of the
study process;
the Faculty Council, if the proposals are related to changes in the Programme or the
volume of study subjects or the teaching methods, etc.
141. In its work, the Committee maintains close cooperation with the academic community
members, the Council of the Faculty of Economics and Management, and the Studies Commission.
The Committee organizes reviews of the study BL Programme achievements, and revises the list
of subjects relevant to the development of competences, including a review of the subject
descriptions and detailed content. The proposals of the Committee on reorganization of the
subjects are considered by the meeting of the Institute. The meeting of the Institute approves the
descriptions of the study subjects. The proposals of the Committee on reorganization of the BL
Programme plan are considered by the Faculty Council. The Faculty Council discusses the
implementation of the Programme, analyses the results of final examinations and final work
defence, any related problems, and approves documents governing the organization of studies at
the Faculty. All the conclusions made during the evaluation process are taken into consideration in
further improvements to the BL Programme. The propositions and proposals of the Committee on
improvement of the quality of the study process are considered in the Commission of Studies and
Science and the Committee of the Faculty and subject to their approval they are approved by the
University Senate in the manner prescribed by the University.
142. The students are brought together by the Student Representation of the University and the
Student Council of the Faculty. Student representatives are among the members of the Faculty
Council, the Lector Attestation Commission, and the Study Programme Committee; they are
invited to participate in the meetings of the Dean's Office and the Study Quality Expert Group.
Students put forward proposals when the relevance of individual subjects is analysed, they are
invited to participate in the meetings of the Dean's Office and the Study Quality Expert Group. The
students of the Programme are active and motivated, they initiate meetings to discuss the study
quality with the administrative staff and the lectors. The Council of the Faculty students initiate
meetings to discuss the study quality with the administrative staff and the lectors and opinions on
the relevance of individual study subjects, the organisation of the study process, etc.
36
6.2. Frequency of collection and analysis of information on programme implementation
143. The system of sociological surveys of employers and graduates are introduced at the
University. The bodies responsible for gathering and publishing relevant information on the needs
of the labour market include the Career Centre of the University, the Faculty, the Committee, and
the Institute. The results of the surveys serve the basis for amendments of the subject volumes and
inclusion of new subjects into the study programme. This system will be adapted to BL
Programme graduates, after the first and subsequent generations will finish studies.
144. Annual reports of institutes and faculties, reports of the final thesis defense chairpersons,
lists of bachelor and master theses topics, and data of the International Division on international
mobility of students and lectors archived in electronic formats are used for the purpose of
Programme analysis and evaluation. The measures to improve the quality of the study Programme
have a direct and indirect impact on the quality of studies: all the lectors involved in the delivery of
the study subject are briefed on the problems related to the Programme delivery, they receive
comprehensive information on the study quality improvement efforts, and they are personally
involved in a proactive improvement process.
145. The following University databases are used to collect and analyze study programmes:
1) Student admission computer database (since 1999). It includes statistical data by study
programmes about the number of persons intending to study in the programme, entrance
competitions, geography of applicants, etc.;
2) Student mobility computer database (since 1999). It includes statistical data by study
programmes on study forms, student transfers to the next year, course repetition, termination of
studies, including expulsion from the University, academic leave);
3) Student learning outcome computer database (since 1999). It includes individual data of
all students by study programmes on the achieved learning outcomes, as well as aggregated
student advancement data;
4) computer database of systematic surveys of social stakeholders (students, lectors,
graduates, employers) (since 2007). The aggregate data are filtered by study programme;
5) computer database for monitoring graduate employment (since 2007). It accumulates
data (collected via telephone surveys) on student employment 6 months after the completion of
studies;
6) electronic database (ETD) of master's final theses and dissertations (since 2004);
7) computer database containing contact data of the graduates (since 2007).
146. All information about the study process and its quality assessment is published and
analyzed in the discussions with students, meetings of the Institute, the Council of the Faculty and
the academic community during the academic year.
147. The lectors take an active part in developing of the BL Programme. Their express an
opinion on the quality of the BL Programme and its improvement factors, and make proposals at
the meeting of the Institute, the Committee or the Council of the Faculty and its commissions. As
necessary, meetings on the study quality are arranged with target groups of lectors. The internal
evaluation and improvement of the BL Programme quality are scheduled as given below.
148. Improvement of the study quality is a continuing concern of the whole academic
community. The tasks of evaluation and improvement of the Programme quality are scheduled as
follows:
a partial evaluation of the study Programme is conducted in March-May every year: it is
based on the established areas of evaluation and takes into account the initiatives of the students,
lectors, and administration, the reports of the Institute and the Faculty, student, lector, graduate,
and employer surveys; it analyses problems related to the study Programme implementation and
the needs for improvement, puts forward suggestions on the study Programme improvement.
Suggestions on improvements to the study subject descriptions including new learning outcomes
of the study subjects, teaching methods, and literature update are submitted to the Institutes by the
Committee. Updated descriptions of study subjects are approved at the meetings of the Institutes
and the methodological commission of the Faculty. The Committee submits proposals on
improvements to the organization of the study process to the Faculty Dean. The Committee
37
submits proposals on changes in the volume of study subjects or teaching methods to the Faculty
Council, which considers such proposals and makes final decisions. The Committee submits
proposals on inclusion/exclusion of new study subjects in/from the programme to the Faculty
Council, which considers such proposals and submits them to the University Senate for approval;
student surveys on the teaching quality and study subjects are conducted on a yearly basis,
while the lector surveys are carried out every second year. The descriptions of study subjects are
approved for a period of two years. A complex evaluation of a study subject follows a
methodology approved under the Rector's order.
149. All information about the quality assessment is made public: it is discussed with students
and in the meetings of the Institute, the Council of the Faculty, and the academic community.
Information on the quality of studies and the measures taken to improve it are comprehensively
reflected in the annual reports of the Faculty and Institute, disseminated in the publicly available
AIKOS database, and websites or publications for the first-year students: Priėmimas į Lietuvos
aukštąsias mokyklas (Admission to Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions), Studijos Lietuvos
žemės ūkio (Aleksandro Stulginskio) universitete (Studies at Lithuanian University of Agriculture
(Aleksandras Stulginskis University)), Karjeros gidas (Career Guide), the University's newspaper
Žemyna, and special flyers. Every year the University participates in national studies fairs and
organizes Open Days at the University.
150. The body responsible for gathering and publishing relevant information on the needs of
the labour market is the Career Centre of the University. Every year, the University organizes
Career Days where all the stakeholders, including the lectors, administration, students, and
potencial employers have an opportunity to come together.
6.3. Use of the internal and external Programme evaluation results to improve the
Programme
151. The objective of the internal BL Programme quality assessment is to ensure high quality
of competences that are built through the implementation of the Programme aimed at the efficacy
of feedback between the members of the academic community and the students and social partners
in order to facilitate capacity building for the future graduates of the BL Programme. Experience of
other foreign universities is used in quality improvement efforts. The University conducts periodic
evaluations of the quality of study programmes pursuant to the provisions of the system of internal
assurance of study quality. After the Study Programme Committee collects and analyses
information on the popularity of the study Programme among the applicants, the results of the
student surveys, learning outcomes, and the latest scientific trends related to the study Programme,
and subject to the assessment of the proposals put forward by the lectors, students, and social
stakeholders, the Committee evaluates the improvement of the study Programme and submits
aggregate proposals to the Councils of the Faculties for consideration and the Senate for approval.
152. The Faculty Council considering and approving study programs committees and their
regulations. The Council is considering new study programs, the changes of existing study
programs, deregistration of old study programs and submission to the University Senate. Programs
management decision-making and enforcement mechanisms are regulated by the procedure
established by the University Statute, the Description of the Internal Quality Assurance System
(http://www.asu.lt/pradzia/lt/48663), Quality Handbook. ASU Study Department is responsible for
continuously update of study internal quality management governing documents and placement
them to electronic storage: //dspace.lzuu.lt/handle/1/193.
153. The Program is new and external evaluation previously does not been carried out.
6.4. Social stakeholder participation in the processes of Programme evaluation and
improvement
154. The University, the Faculty, and the Institute enjoy long-standing and well-developed
traditions of cooperation with academic, social, and business partners. The University has
concluded more than 70 contracts including agreements on cooperation in the study process with
academic, public administration institutions, and business operators. Social and business partners
38
are the best advisors on the issues of employers' expectations, labour market, and modern
technologies.
155. The Study Programme Committee and the Commission for Final Work Assessment
include at least on representative of social partners, i.e. employers. Participation of social and
business partners in the meetings of the Study Programme Committee made a significant
contribution to the update the study Programme.
6.5. Efficiency of the internal quality assurance tools
156. The process of the study programmes (including BL Programme) administration and
internal quality assurance is governed by the Statute of the University and the University internal
quality assurance concept. This concept is based on the model of European Foundation for Quality
Management and evaluates quality according to 5 key criteria determining the study conditions and
4 "results" criteria. Currently the University is embarking on a project in the framework of the EU
Social Fund, which aims at development and implementation of the system of internal assurance of
study quality.
157. In 2012, the Senate approved the Description of the Policy of Internal Assurance of the
University Performance Management Quality, the Description of the System of Internal Assurance
of Study Quality, the Quality Handbook, and descriptions of the processes and procedures of the
operating and auxiliary activities. Those documents help the members of the Study Committee and
other lectors working in the BL Programme to identify the key BL Programme aspects subject to
improvement and promote cooperation.
158. All the above mentioned policies and procedures for internal quality assurance helps to
follow the BL Program implementation process and in time collect information and make analysis
of it. Any possible deviation from desirable results can be noticed immediately and certain
measures taken to improve situation. That means that implemented Programme internal quality
assurance system works efficiently and aims both at monitoring the process and at eliminating
certain causes generating an unsatisfactory functioning. An internal quality assurance procedure
helps to collect information for external quality assurance.
Summary. The BL Programme management efforts are focused towards assurance of conformity
between the study objectives and learning outcomes and a balance between the expectations of the labour
market and those who are delivering the BL Programme. The University has a system of study programmes
internal quality management assurance that has been described and adopted. The BL Programme
management responsibilities are clearly divided between the Committee, the Institute, the Council of the
Faculty of Economic and Management, the Dean's Office, and the Senate of ASU. Information on BL
Programme implementation is stored in ASU databases. The processes of BL Programme improvement
involve the lectors, students and social partners. Measures of improvement: The University document ASU Strategy 2020 provides for strengthening
capacities essential for improvement of scientific work and studies. In order to implement the strategic
provisions of the University and the objectives established in the BL Programme description and to assure
high quality of BL Programme implementation, the Institute is planning to embark on national and
international applied and research projects in the field of Business Logistic. Such projects would offer new
scientific research possibilities for BL Programme lectures, where they would gain international experience
important for preparing professional study subject materials.