Applied Sciences Approaches in Higher Education Institution in Kosovo

• Author: Meha Arbresha
• Position: University of Applied Science in Ferizaj, Kosovo
• Pages: 561-567

ISSN: 2067 – 9211 Miscellaneous

561

Applied Sciences Approaches in Higher

Education Institution in Kosovo

Meha Arbresha1

Abstract: In a fast-changing global economy where the path to employability and competitiveness is

determined by the ability to a pply know-how knowledges and skills, a closer cooperation between

education providers and businesses is inevitable in order to have employment growth and economic

development. Study programmes that are focused on applied sciences and interlink they curricula with

labor market, and orientated toward practice and cooperation with the industry, prepares students to faster

enter in the market and as such increases employment of graduates. Education with applied science

approaches focuses on development and strengthening of students’ skills, research, innovation, and

knowledge the way the economy functions, the demands of the market and steps for creation of values. In

Kosovo, programmes with applied study approaches, have not been very common, and currently there is

only the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF), as a public university that offers applied study

programmes, whereas at the University of Prishtina (UP) there are some individual i nitiatives with the

focus on applied sciences.

Keywords: education; applied science; employability; businesses; industry; labor market; knowledge;

skills

1. Introduction

Education is the basis for development of human capital and strengthening personal development.

Education enhances the lives of individuals and improves the society as a whole, (Baum, Ma & Payea,

2013), it supports individuals to develop communications, leadership, decision taking, creativity, team

working and other skills in order to face the changes of the world, and reflect this skills and experiences

to improve employment prospects (Zhou, 2016). ‘Knowledge, skills and competences have to be

maintained and refined in order to keep pace with the constantly changing outside world’ (EHEA

website).

Applied study programmes also include elective courses and programs on entrepreneurship (ta et al.

2016) with a focus on problem-based learning (Tan & Ng, 2006) with students in a centre, and project-

based learning (Jones & English, 2004), by giving students the opportunity t o be engaged directly in

projects. It includes interaction and increase of cooperation between universities and industry for

development of student’s competencies on business approach and business start-up (Guimón, 2013).

1 University of Applied Scie nce i n Fer izaj, Kosovo, Address: St. Univers iteti, Ferizaj, Kosovo, Ferizaj 70000, Tel.: +383 44

160 907, Corresponding author: arbresha.meha@ushaf.net.