Overview of the Study Programme

OBJECTIVES

 

The Electronic Business and Software Engineering study programme aims to equip students with the skills needed for a wide range of professional tasks, thereby significantly enhancing their employability upon graduation. Three primary objectives have been defined for the programme.

 

The first objective of the programme is to enable students to master the economic fundamentals needed to independently conduct entrepreneurial activities and understand core business concepts. This includes developing intellectual abilities related to non-technical areas such as negotiation, meeting management and business communication. Students acquire fundamental knowledge about entrepreneurship and essential soft skills, which are crucial in almost any business environment. Understanding these aspects empowers students to effectively manage business processes. These skills equip them to work in diverse sectors, including management, consulting, and entrepreneurship, and prepare them for roles requiring strong communication and negotiation abilities.

 

The second objective of the programme is to prepare students for future careers in information technology. Students acquire advanced knowledge spanning the principles of computer operation, operating systems, office applications, computer networks and the internet, as well as modern business applications based on cloud and on-premises technologies. These technical skills are essential for understanding and applying information and communication technologies in business. Upon completing the programme, students will be ready to work in roles such as IT support, network administration, business application development, and the implementation and maintenance of information systems. The technical expertise they gain enables them to effectively tackle challenges in the IT sector, which is one of the fastest-growing industries in the global labour market.

 

The third objective of the programme is to equip students with the terminology and mindset related to software development and the fundamentals of software engineering. Students are introduced to key concepts of programming and software development, such as designing, implementing, testing and maintaining software solutions. This prepares them for entry into the labour market as programmers and development engineers. Proficiency in software engineering opens doors to diverse career opportunities, including roles in software companies, startups, and the IT departments of large enterprises. Given the rapid changes in the field of software engineering, the program aims to provide students with a solid understanding of fundamental concepts, enabling them to build upon this knowledge and adapt to new technologies in the future.


























	
    



                    
                

            

        

    



        

    





    

        

        
        
        



    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	


KEY SKILLS


 


The students develop skills necessary for employment and independent business startup. The program aims to provide learning grounded in modern, in-demand knowledge and skills. Based on the anticipated learning outcomes, the students will acquire the following skills:


 


Expertise in Economics and Entrepreneurship


 


Ability to clearly articulate the specifics and functioning of a business entity and entrepreneurship within the Croatian legislative framework, using appropriate professional terminology. This includes comprehensive understanding of the legal, economic and managerial aspects of business.


 


Technical Skills in IT


 


Proficiency in hardware and software, including the independent assembly and installation of computers, implementation of computer programmes across diverse platforms, development of websites leveraging cutting-edge technologies, creation and deployment of databases and planning of network infrastructure.


 


Analytical and Strategic Abilities


 


The ability to select appropriate methodologies for planning, executing and financing business activities or projects. Applying contemporary information, mathematical and statistical methods to solve problems, as well as planning the implementation of information systems to address standard business challenges.


 


Marketing and Management Skills


 


Ability to propose a comprehensive marketing plan and execute necessary marketing activities leveraging modern technologies. Proficiency in combining software tools for office automation, creating digital content and conducting effective business correspondence.


 


Communication and Language Proficiency


 


Ability to discuss selected topics fluently in Croatian and a foreign language within a team, while adhering to ethical rules and exhibiting socially responsible behaviour. Proficiency in negotiation, meeting management and business communication.


 


Social and Ethical Awareness


 


Understanding the impact of information and communication technologies on individuals and society, identifying measures to maintain the necessary level of information system security, and cultivating awareness of social responsibility and ethical behaviour.


 


Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth


 


The ability to continuously develop one's knowledge and skills in the field of informatics, stay current with scientific and professional literature, and adapt acquired competencies to the needs of the workplace. The professional undergraduate programme aims to provide practical knowledge and skills that enable graduates to immediately enter the labour market upon completion.





	
    



                    
                

            

        

    



        

    





    

        

        
        
        



    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	


DUTIES


 


Upon completion of their studies, the students will be able to perform a variety of tasks: 


    

  • Automating of office operations
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  • Installing and configuring computers, networks and computer infrastructure
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  • Applying information technology in market research and digital marketing
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  • Creating graphic, audio-visual materials, databases, and data analysis and visualisation
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  • Developing applications for desktop, web and mobile devices
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  • Developing business information systems
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By completing the programme, graduates gain a diverse set of competencies that enable them to thrive in various technological and business sectors, whether as employees or entrepreneurs. The curriculum imparts practical knowledge and skills in economics, entrepreneurship, informatics, marketing, management and communication, equipping graduates for continuous professional development.



	
    



                    
                

            

        

    



        

    





    

        

        
        
        



    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	




Completion of Studies


 


Completion of the professional undergraduate study programme in Electronic Business and Software Engineering concludes with passing exams, fulfilling other study obligations and submitting and defending a final thesis.





	
    



                    
                

            

        

    





    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	


Continuation of Studies



Upon completing the professional undergraduate programme in Electronic Business and Software Engineering, students can continue their studies at the professional graduate level. They also have the option to pursue university-level graduate studies, if the programme's university permits it, which may involve additional requirements such as differentiation exams.




	
    



                    
                

            

        

    





    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	




Continuation of Studies — Horizontal and Vertical Mobility


 


During their studies in the Electronic Business and Software Engineering programme, students have opportunities to participate in mobility programmes offered by higher education institutions in Croatia and abroad. These forms of mobility contribute to positive effects at the individual, institutional and broader societal levels. The benefits of mobility include increased employability in the international labour market, exposure to diverse cultures and languages, and the development of cultural, social and academic value.


 


By analysing the portal Masterstudies.com and the graduate programmes in IT and business where students might continue their studies, approximately 300 potential study programmes in Europe have been identified. Additionally, further studies are possible in Croatia at institutions such as the Faculty of Organisation and Informatics in Varaždin, the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies in Rijeka, the Faculty of Informatics in Pula, and the University of Applied Sciences in Zagreb.





	
    



                    
                

            

        

    





    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	


Comparability with Related Accredited Programmes in Croatia and the EU


 


In the Republic of Croatia and the European Union, there are other higher education institutions whose undergraduate programmes are similarly designed to provide students with economic knowledge relevant to the accounting profession. The curriculum of the Electronic Business and Software Engineering study programme aligns thematically with programmes in Croatia and the EU, based on defined learning outcomes, programme objectives, competencies, and the career paths for which students are prepared upon completing their studies. This high level of alignment and comparability with European higher education institutions adheres to the guidelines of the European Commission and embodies the spirit of the Bologna Process, which promotes student and teacher mobility within the European Higher Education Area.




	
    



                    
                

            

        

    





    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	


Alignment with Labour Market Needs







The Electronic Business and Software Engineering programme is aligned with labour market needs through its multidisciplinary approach, encompassing theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that students acquire relevant competencies. Coursework in areas such as programming, databases, network security and software development prepares students for specific tasks they will perform in a business environment. Additionally, the programme encourages participation in projects, internships and collaborations with companies, enabling students to gain real-world work experience before graduation. The programme's flexibility allows it to adapt to rapid technological changes, ensuring that graduates possess highly sought-after knowledge and skills. This enhances the employability of graduates and contributes to the development of the IT industry. Furthermore, there is a growing demand in the labour market for experts who understand basic economic and business processes, which are an integral part of the learning outcomes of this programme.



	
    



                    
                

            

        

    





    

        

        
        
        

            

                

                    

                    
                    
                    

	

        
    

	
    




	


Alignment with the Strategic Goals of the Faculty







The development strategy of the Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega for 2023-2030 outlines strategic objectives aligned with current developmental needs and priorities. These include (1) enhancing the education system's quality, (2) promoting scientific research and (3) advancing infrastructure. The Electronic Business and Software Engineering programme is designed to support these strategic goals through its established priorities. By emphasising critical thinking in the educational process, applying modern business methods, and developing communication skills within a global accounting context, the programme contributes to implementing a curriculum with high student standards, facilitating international experience exchange, and maintaining an organised quality assurance system.







The orientation of scientific and professional work of faculty members and students focuses on applying various methods and techniques in business processes, as well as understanding the impact of new technological advancements on specific business activities. International cooperation is also a priority, contributing to the development of tourism and other sectors, supported by stakeholder mobility and information exchange in Croatian and foreign languages. The Faculty's strategic priorities include infrastructure development, particularly secure and sustainable digital infrastructure, which enhances and advances the educational process. This strengthens the Faculty's connection as a scientific institution with economic entities in terms of knowledge transfer. The Accounting study programme content emphasises the applicability of modern information, mathematical, and statistical methods, understanding the impact of technological advancements, the ability to make business decisions, and the development of communication skills in both native and foreign languages, all of which contribute to and are connected with infrastructure development.







The Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development envisions becoming a regional leader in tourism and rural development, serving as a centre of scientific excellence that innovatively and creatively connects teaching and research through knowledge and technology transfer, incorporating international experiences. The Faculty's missiondirects the institution towards educational activities, scientific research, lifelong learning, academic integrity and excellence, quality assurance, digital transformation, international cooperation and collaboration with the local community, with the goal of rapidly employing graduates in the tourism, hospitality and related sectors.