Dear Academic Community of Kazimieras Simonavicius University,

Congratulations on the beginning of the new academic year!

Your dedication, passion and consistent work are the driving force behind the success of our University. As we continue our journey together, let us move forward with determination, innovation and a shared vision for the University.

May the new academic year be filled with the joy of growth, achievement and progress!

KSU Rector

Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė

Security is an important topic both globally and for the Baltic and Scandinavian countries that are members of the Nordplus program. We are currently facing new challenges related to the impact of war, migration, conflicts rooted in cultural and religious differences, cyberattacks, and other threats to our security. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important for educational institutions to prepare capable and knowledgeable security specialists who can tackle these threats and challenges. Moreover, security is an international discipline, and only through cooperation and uniting forces can Europe confront these new security threats.

For this reason, five partner universities –  Turiba University (Latvia), Kazimieras Simonavicius University (Lithuania), Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), LAUREA University of Applied Sciences (Finland), and Nord University (Norway) – have been cooperating and are jointly implementing an intensive course on security risk management. In August 2024, 28 students from these five universities participated in the intensive course, which took place at Turiba University in Riga. This course provided an opportunity for students to receive intensive training, offering in-depth knowledge in the field of security.

The course provided insights into topics such as security theory, individual and organizational security, globalization, crisis management, energy security, cybersecurity, conflict resolution, cooperation, and leadership.

As part of the intensive course, students participated in lectures, practical classes, discussions with professionals and experts, and study visits. Lecturers from five countries participated in the course. This course offered an excellent opportunity to study and work in an international environment with students from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, and Finland.

“Currently, the world, economy, and business are becoming increasingly global and international. Almost every profession requires the ability and skill to work in international teams, build collaborations, understand other cultures, and establish connections with colleagues and clients from around the world. As a result, gaining international experience has become an integral part of studies. This is precisely why intensive courses, or summer schools, provide an excellent international experience for students who, for various reasons, do not wish or are unable to participate in exchange programs abroad for a semester or a year. Intensive courses are usually an exciting and unforgettable experience, during which students not only gain new knowledge but also form friendships and collaborations,” emphasizes one of the course creators, Kristīne Neimane from Turiba University.

Students really enjoyed the time in Riga, let to know Latvia and its culture and also developed professional skills and knowledge. “The lectures were interesting, and the lecturers were excellent. I gained knowledge on several subjects directly related to my field of work. Even during the course, I began applying what I learned to my work projects. I highly recommend this course; it is relevant to a wide range of industries and professionals” says one of the course participants from Norway.

The course took place in Riga from August 13th to August 24th, 2024. You can find the course program, presentations, and videos HERE.

The course was organized with financial support from the NORDPLUS program. The project involved five universities: Turiba University (Latvia), Kazimieras Simonavicius University (Lithuania), Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), LAUREA University of Applied Sciences (Finland), and Nord University (Norway). Project number: NPHE-2024/10358.

The Communication study programmes at Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), including the Bachelor’s programme in Fashion Industry and the Master’s programme in Integrated Communication, have been accredited for 7 years. These programmes were evaluated by the Study Quality Assessment Centre, which conducted an external expert review .According to the report from international experts, “KSU takes higher education very seriously, responsibly managing the study processes and ensuring a meaningful educational experience for both students and staff.”

Joana Burn Photography

“This is a significant acknowledgement of the hard work of our team, demonstrating KSU’s expertise in the field of Communication studies. We are delighted to offer students unique programmes with a high standard of education. The seven-year accreditation is the maximum accreditation period, indicating that our study programmes are mature and competitive,” said KSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė. She also highlighted that international evaluators noted the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the Fashion Industry programme in the European context, emphasising its synergy with other programmes offered by European universities. “We compete with universities in Italy, so students interested in fashion can confidently choose to study at KSU—our programme is robust and shares similarities with fashion industry programmes taught across Europe,” added the Rector. She also mentioned that graduates of the Fashion Industry programme are already creating their success stories in the growing fashion industry. The Rector emphasised that both evaluated study programmes are advanced and meet the needs of the modern job market. “The Integrated Communication Master’s programme is aimed at professionals seeking to use the most advanced communication tools and technological solutions,” said Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė.

The experts highlighted the high level of qualifications and competencies of the lectors exceeding the standards set by legal regulations. “We aim to have the best professionals in their fields teaching at KSU—we invite the most renowned experts from both Lithuania and abroad,” said the Rector.

Joana Burn Photography

Deimantė Žilinskienė, Director of the KSU Business Innovation and Communication School, stated that the 7-year accreditation of the Communication study programmes proofs that the university consistently strives to offer students new, distinctive, and competitive programmes that are aligned with future job market needs. “Students from all over the world choose our university due to the specificity and quality of the programmes we offer. KSU is already well-known in Europe for its Aviation Management programme. We aim to establish ourselves in the global education market as a university offering exceptional Fashion Industry and Integrated Communication programmes. The excellent evaluation by international experts confirms the outstanding quality of our study programmes,” said Deimantė Žilinskienė. She also noted that international experts positively assessed KSU’s efforts to provide students with opportunities to personalise their studies and gain valuable practical experience, while also emphasising the exceptional, individual approach to students within the University community.

The university’s study programmes are periodically evaluated in accordance with the Study Quality Assessment Centre’s external evaluation plan. The external evaluation of study programmes is mandatory for all programmes conducted in Lithuania. The evaluation process includes several stages: initially, international experts reviewed the self-evaluation summary document prepared by the Communication study programme self-evaluation group, followed by an assessment visit in April 2024, during which they met with the KSU community, including students, faculty, researchers, administration, alumni, and social partners involved in the study programmes. The experts also familiarised themselves with the University’s material resources. After the assessment, the expert group prepared detailed evaluation conclusions.

Are you looking forward to September 2nd, the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in your life? We eagerly await meeting you – our future KSU students! Let’s meet at the celebration on September 2nd at 1:00 PM at Kazimieras Simonavicius University!

Registration form: https://forms.office.com/e/kDh9dAU7xV

From 24th to 28th June 2024, the University of Bath in the United Kingdom hosted the largest management science conference in Europe, EURAM 2024. Now in its 25th year, the conference was centered around the theme: Fostering Innovation to Address Grand Challenges.

Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) was represented at the conference by Dr. Deimantė Žilinskienė, Head of the School of Business Innovation and Communication. Dr. Žilinskienė moderated a panel discussion titled Business Schools in Motion – New Frontiers for Management Education in a Changing World.

In light of today’s challenges, society is undergoing radical transformations. Business schools have the potential to play a crucial role in this process, but to do so, they must also undergo significant changes. Dr. Žilinskienė, along with other distinguished leaders in business education, including Professor Kathrin Moeslein (FAU, Germany, former EURAM President), Professor Hamid Kazeroony (USA, Minnesota State University, EURAM Board Member), and Professor Drikus Kriek (Dean of the Business School and Director of Doctoral Studies at Bled School of Management, Slovenia), engaged in a dynamic discussion with the audience. They explored the challenges facing business schools, the future evolution of these institutions, and the changes already taking place within their respective organisations. The panelists also shared best practices and insights from their experiences.

The conference delved into the role of technological innovation in value creation, enhancing competitiveness, and driving economic growth. A key focus was on how innovation in the era of artificial intelligence can help address emerging challenges without creating new ones. Researchers attending the conference sought to answer how businesses, governments, and academia can collaborate to develop new solutions that ensure innovation remains responsible and ethical. Discussions also emphasised the need to move beyond “traditional” forms of innovation to embrace organisational, business model, and social innovations. The scholars highlighted the significant opportunities for impactful research in management, organisational, and policy challenges that are essential for fostering necessary innovations.

On August 5-6, the Rector of Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, welcomed participants to the international scientific-practical conference “Ukraine and Lithuania: Parallels of History, Language, Culture, and Tourism.” The event was held at the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore.

In her opening address, the Rector emphasized the importance of mutual understanding between the two nations. She highlighted that the exchange of scientific and practical knowledge is essential in fostering these ties. “Kazimieras Simonavičius University is proud of its long-standing cooperation with Ukrainian universities and is pleased to contribute to strengthening ties between the two nations. To support Ukrainians living in Lithuania due to the war instigated by Russia, the university offers Lithuanian language courses, helping them integrate smoothly into the local community. We want Ukrainian people to feel safe both at the University and in Lithuania and to be able to integrate smoothly into our community while preserving their own identity,” said the Rector.

Presentations at the conference were delivered by prominent researchers from the Institute, including Dr. Halyna Pšeničkina, Prof. Dr. Sergejus Temčinas, ethnologist Gražina Kadžytė, and PhD students Nadiia Popyk and Linas Tavaras, whose theses are related to the Ukrainian region.

KSU Prof. Dr. Jolanta Zabarskaitė gave a presentation on cognitive language teaching methods.

The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jurga Trimonytė Bikelienė and Prof. Igor Koroliovas. Organized by the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore in cooperation with the Baltic Studies Centre of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the conference drew over 40 participants from both Ukrainian and Lithuanian research and study institutions. The sessions were conducted both in person and remotely, allowing for a diverse and inclusive participation.

The conference featured a wide range of presentations, addressing topical issues and drawing parallels between Lithuanian and Ukrainian culture, literature, and history.

During the conference, partnership and scientific cooperation agreements were signed with Ukrainian universities, further cementing the collaborative efforts between the two countries.

Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) is launching Lithuania’s first Aviation and Space Academy, bringing together enthusiasts from these fields. The initial 12-week training programme will begin this September. We discussed the need for the Academy and its goals with Dr Deimantė Žilinskienė, head of KSU’s School of Business Innovation and Communication and a board member of the National Aviation Association LAVIA.

How did the idea to establish the Aviation and Space Academy at the university come about?

Aviation management studies have been conducted at KSU for ten years, during which the university has accumulated significant expertise in this field. Naturally, we want to share this knowledge with aviation enthusiasts. The desire and need to establish the Aviation and Space Academy at KSU has been around for a while, and this September it will become a reality with the formation of the first group. The field is also becoming more popular, and the demand for these specialists in the job market is always immense and continually growing.

The university constantly receives inquiries about the subjects covered in our Aviation Management study programme and the career opportunities after graduation. People are curious about how to become a pilot, a flight attendant, or pursue other professions in the growing aviation industry. Not everyone wants to or can pilot an aircraft, but the dream of working in aviation can be realised through other activities related to managerial competencies. The Academy aims to answer these questions and promote the aviation field.

How did the space topic become part of the academy’s programme?

Space is becoming a topic that can be explored from many perspectives. It is becoming more accessible to people – in the future, there will be more commercial flights to space, creating business expansion opportunities. This field will also require managerial competencies. Therefore, at the Academy, we will discuss not only the mysteries of space but also how we can “conquer” space by working on Earth. Lithuania aims to become a space-faring nation, and we see our mission as contributing to this ambition from an educational perspective. Notably, astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper visited Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) on 9 May and met with the KSU academic community. The meeting was truly inspiring and left a significant impression on both students and our social partners.

What do the training sessions of the Aviation and Space Academy focus on?

We are open to everyone interested in aviation and space. Whether the training participants want to learn more about a future profession, check their interests, or simply spend time among like-minded people, all Academy participants will be united by a common theme – a passion for aviation and space. People already working in this industry and those considering how to apply their existing knowledge to create a business will find interesting topics.

What will the training sessions look like?

The training will be conducted remotely and will last 12 weeks. Each session will focus on a different topic. One day, we will talk about how to become a pilot; the next, about what a flight attendant’s life is really like. We will discuss the VIP flight industry, what the Space Agency and other space-related organisations are, how businesses in the aviation and space fields are developed, and more. We want it to become a great space for enthusiasts in these fields to meet. We expect not only interesting lectures but also engaging discussions, new acquaintances, and contacts. During the 12-week training programme, Academy participants will have a unique opportunity to meet and network with leaders in the aviation and space fields, pilots, flight attendants, airline founders, executives, renowned aviation and space experts, and others.

We aim for the lectures to be interesting. Our lecturers are professionals who have created success stories in the aviation field and are contributing to the industry’s progress today. Several lectures will be conducted in English, as we will have guest speakers from abroad. One of them is Jack Romero, a world-renowned aviation entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of British Mediterranean Airways.

The launch of ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot, in November last year marked the beginning of an AI revolution. Rapidly becoming an essential tool across many professions—such as finance, copywriting, translation, editing, and law—it prompts a reevaluation of the future necessity of various jobs. We spoke with Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, Rector of Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) and Professor of Law, to explore how AI will reshape the legal profession and what changes legal professionals need to prepare for.

The Impact of AI on the Legal Profession

Dr. Bieliauskaitė explains that, like many other professions, the legal field can greatly benefit from AI, which serves as an excellent assistant in handling preparatory tasks. “Lawyers can already optimize their workflow using AI tools: they can prepare documents, edit texts, translate legal concepts, draft contracts, and write letters more efficiently,” she notes. One standout capability of AI is its proficiency in analyzing vast amounts of documents—a task that many lawyers find time-consuming and are increasingly willing to outsource to AI.

Challenges of Implementing AI in Law

However, the integration of AI in the legal domain is not without its challenges. Dr. Bieliauskaitė highlights several issues, particularly concerning data protection, confidentiality, and decision-making. “These are serious concerns,” she says. “In systems like ChatGPT, data retention and further use are points of contention. Abroad, AI systems are being deployed on corporate servers or in private clouds to mitigate these risks.” Another significant issue is accountability—who is liable for mistakes made by a robot lawyer?

 Can AI Replace Lawyers?

Dr. Bieliauskaitė is clear that while AI can assist with many legal tasks, it cannot replace the nuanced decision-making of a human lawyer. “AI can perform many of a lawyer’s tasks, but making a decision requires weighing multiple factors. Only a human, equipped with comprehensive information, knowledge, and intelligence, can creatively solve legal problems that often involve moral and social dimensions,” she asserts. “Mistakes in law are both painful and costly.”

 The Future of the Legal Profession

Despite the advancements in AI, Dr. Bieliauskaitė is confident that the legal profession will not disappear. “The need and importance of lawyers will not diminish. AI will help reduce the time spent on routine tasks, but the legal system cannot be regulated by AI alone,” she states. “Lawyers will continue to be indispensable in addressing complex legal issues.”

However, she emphasizes that lawyers must now acquire additional skills such as management, project management, design thinking, process and data analytics, and technological proficiency. “Our university continuously updates its law curriculum to align with global trends and market needs, ensuring that lawyers develop relevant competencies,” she adds.

Preparing for the Changes

To adapt to the technological revolution, Dr. Bieliauskaitė advises that lawyers learn to navigate and leverage AI systems while managing the associated risks. “Universities must review their curricula, assess the future roles of lawyers, and provide opportunities for current professionals to develop new competencies,” she suggests. As an example, she mentions an upcoming event organized by Kazimieras Simonavičius University, titled “Innovations in Law and Technology: Applying Artificial Intelligence in Law and Business,” which will offer practical insights into AI innovations and their applications in legal and business contexts.

Developing Future-Ready Skills

Dr. Bieliauskaitė concludes that to adapt to new realities, continuous learning, creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential. “The role of creative and critical thinking will only grow in importance, and it is our responsibility in education to create environments where these qualities can thrive,” she asserts.

In this age of artificial intelligence and digitalization, a significant gap remains between men and women in creating or developing their businesses online. According to the World Bank, 42% of women in developed countries engage in e-commerce, compared to only 19% in less developed countries. In Lithuania, as in other EU countries, initiatives are underway to support women and girls in developing their information and communication technology (ICT), business, and soft skills to promote their employment and entrepreneurship in the e-commerce sector.

Reda Juodkūnienė, project manager at Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), highlighted that to increase women’s participation in e-commerce, the university, along with international partners, implemented a project aimed at developing the necessary competencies for women in e-commerce. According to  Juodkūnienė, empowering women to feel comfortable in the digital space opens up greater opportunities for them to realize their business ideas. “Women can create jobs with minimal costs and test business ideas with less risk. Having their own business online allows women to balance work with family needs more flexibly, be independent, and self-sufficient,” says  Juodkūnienė.

Addressing Women’s Unemployment Through E-commerce

The drive to address women’s unemployment by enabling them to participate in creating their own e-businesses led to the creation and implementation of the project “E-commerce Training for Women Entrepreneurs.” This project developed a training program to improve digital skills and knowledge related to e-commerce, offering interactive training courses freely accessible on an online platform. The platform also includes a special e-commerce business guide filled with examples and practical tips.

Community Engagement and Expert Insights

The KSU project team invited women entrepreneurs to a brunch where they discussed the project results and offered lectures from invited professionals. Indrė Kudrevičė, founder of Mentorės.lt and the “Sėkminga Aš” community, shared her insights on promoting women’s entrepreneurship and the opportunities in e-commerce. She emphasized that the learning platform created during the project is an excellent tool for women wanting to take their first independent steps in both creating and developing a business.

Balancing E-business and Family

Vaida Ivaniukaitė, developer of the “Y Tėvai” brand and family educator, shared her experience on balancing efforts between e-business and family. “It is very important to plan time to achieve balance, set personal priorities, and the more knowledge and experience you accumulate, the easier things go,” said Vaida.

Professional Communication and Etiquette

Indrė Sapagovaitė, an etiquette and protocol specialist and founder of www.modernusetiketas.lt, advised women on how to handle certain situations when interacting with business partners and clients. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between friendliness and professional communication.

Personal Experiences and Encouragement

Natalija Glazunova, entrepreneur and founder of “Skonio burtai,” encourages women to engage in e-commerce boldly and shared her personal experience of managing her business while working a regular job. She highlighted the importance of planning, proper knowledge, and continuous learning.

Brigita Šilinskė, developer of the “Aš Lietuvė” brand, improved her knowledge in cybersecurity and financial management through the training program. She found that the self-study courses clarified various essential actions in e-commerce, making her work much easier.

Training Program and Future Use

The training program is also adapted for lecturers, ensuring its continued use to promote women’s entrepreneurship. Anyone interested in strengthening their knowledge in e-commerce can learn independently on the platform.

For more information about the entrepreneurial women’s project implemented by Kazimieras Simonavičius University (Project No. 2021-1-LT01-KA220-ADU-000026390), in cooperation with international partners from Turkey, Austria, France, Italy, Croatia, and Romania, click here (https://ksu.lt/apie-universiteta/padaliniai/projektu-pletros-skyrius/ekomercija-2/).

You can find the e-learning platform [here](https://www.ecommerce4women.com/challenges).

Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) will organize a 5-6 month Lithuanian language course starting in September for Ukrainians who have arrived in Lithuania due to the Russian-led war against Ukraine. This course aims to help Ukrainians learn the Lithuanian language and gain insights into the history, culture, and social structure of Lithuanian society. Through collaboration with our project partners, we aspire to facilitate the successful integration of Ukrainians in Lithuania and achieve a positive project outcome.

Our objective is to provide language competencies to Ukrainians as efficiently and rapidly as possible. The training will utilize cognitive learning methodologies with specific exercise models covering the basics of texts, dialogues, expression, vocabulary enrichment, mediation, and spelling.

The course will cover proficiency levels A1, A2, B1, and B2, and is offered free of charge.

The KSU project commences on 1 August and will run until 31 March 2025.

КCУ запрошує українців вивчати литовську мову

Університет Казімєраса Сімонавічюса (КСУ) з вересня організовує 5-6-місячний курс литовської мови для українців, які приїхали до Литви через війну, яку Росія веде проти України. Курс допоможе українцям вивчити литовську мову та дізнатися про історію, культуру та соціальну структуру литовського суспільства. Разом з партнерами проекту ми прагнемо досягти позитивних змін в інтеграції українців у Литві та досягти успішного результату проекту.

Навчаючи українців литовської мови, ми будемо прагнути максимально ефективно та швидко забезпечити їх мовними компетенціями. Навчання базуватиметься на когнітивній методиці навчання з використанням конкретних моделей вправ, що охоплюють основи текстів, діалогів, висловлювання, збагачення словникового запасу, посередництва та правопису.

Тренінг охоплюватиме рівні А1 та А2, В1 та В2. Навчання є безкоштовним.

Проект ХДУ стартує 1 серпня і триватиме до 31 березня 2025 року.

 Реєстраційна форма

The world of fashion is ever-evolving, presenting limitless opportunities for those passionate about its dynamic landscape. Greta Kukštaitė, a renowned fashion journalist and co-founder of the “Fashion Academy,” exemplifies the boundless potential within the industry. Her story, from childhood dreams to professional achievements, is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity.

A Childhood Dream Turned Reality

Greta’s fascination with fashion began at a young age. “I started ‘publishing’ fashion magazines when I was very young,” she reminisces. From drawing covers to crafting articles and imaginary celebrity interviews, Greta’s early experiences laid the foundation for her future career. Today, she is a celebrated writer for Elle magazine, covering a myriad of fashion topics.

The Academic Journey

After finishing school, Greta pursued her passion at Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), the only institution in Lithuania offering a Fashion Industry study program. “Deciding what to study was easy – I knew I wanted to work in fashion,” Greta recalls. The university provided her with invaluable knowledge and inspiration from esteemed professors like fashion guru Prof. Eugenijus Skerstonas. Contrary to common misconceptions, KSU’s program focuses on fashion business, communication, and management, rather than just pattern-making and sewing. “The fashion industry is vast, with countless areas for self-realization and a need for a wide range of competencies,” Greta explains.

The Birth of Fashion Academy

During her time at KSU, Greta conceived the idea of creating a fashion academy for enthusiasts. This dream materialized in early March when she, in collaboration with KSU, founded the “Fashion Academy.” The academy offers an 8-week program for high school students, university students, and fashion enthusiasts, aiming to broaden horizons and help participants explore their future dreams. “It’s important to start realizing oneself as early as possible,” Greta emphasizes, encouraging continuous learning and the pursuit of new opportunities.

A Unique Educational Experience

The “Fashion Academy” stands out as the first of its kind in Lithuania. Participants have the opportunity to engage with prominent experts in various fashion fields, including design, styling, communication, technology, and haute couture. They also gain insights into finding their niche within the fashion world. Greta attributes the academy’s success to the professionalism of its lecturers, who bring diverse experiences from both local and international fashion scenes.

Positive Feedback and Future Ambitions

The initial feedback from academy participants has been overwhelmingly positive. “Participants have mentioned gaining courage, self-confidence, and a better understanding of career opportunities in fashion,” Greta shares. KSU’s rector, Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, expresses pride in the successful careers of the university’s fashion industry graduates. She highlights the university’s ambition to expand its fashion studies at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, responding to industry trends and the growing demand for skilled professionals.

“We plan to continue educating experts capable of navigating the multifaceted fashion industry, adapting to technological changes, and promoting ethical and sustainable fashion practices,” says the rector. “Greta is a shining example of our ambitious and active graduates, and projects like ‘Fashion Academy’ demonstrate the valuable partnership between alumni and the university.”