Guest Lectures at FBA: Development Interventions and Urban Economy
In late November and early December 2024, the Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA) at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted two guest lectures, organized by Assist. Prof. Dr. Azra Bičo and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Šejma Aydin, bringing together experts dedicated to advancing societal and economic outcomes through strategic planning and informed decision-making.
On November 28, 2024, Dr. Rijad Kovač, Assistant Director for Research of Economic, Social, and Regional Development at the Development Programming Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivered a lecture titled "Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Development Interventions" as part of the International Business Environment course. The session introduced students to the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework, covering tools such as defining indicators, applying statistical methods, and using the Theory of Change. Dr. Kovač demonstrated how these methods enhance accountability, efficiency, and sustainability in projects, offering students practical tools for analyzing and improving development initiatives. He explained the Theory of Change through relatable examples from daily life. In the end, the students engaged in the discussion on potential career opportunities in project monitoring, evaluation, and development.
On December 5, 2024, Amra Fetahović, a PhD candidate in Urban Economy and a member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Directorate for Economic Planning, delivered a lecture titled "Understanding Urban Economy: Forces that Drive Urban Development" as part of Prof. Dr. Mehmed Ganić’s Money and Banking course. Ms. Fetahović began by inviting students to imagine a world without cities, highlighting the importance of urban planning. The lecture explored key factors such as population density, housing affordability, and transport accessibility. Using Sarajevo as a case study, she shared insights from her PhD research, examining the city's current quality of life and the challenges urban planners face in improving it. Building on her opening idea, she concluded with thought-provoking examples of cities from around the world and different historical periods that ceased to exist, explaining the reasons behind their decline. This led to a discussion on the future of Sarajevo and its ability to adapt to ongoing urban challenges, as students raised questions about the city’s resilience and potential pathways for sustainable development.
After Dr. Kovač’s lecture, students learned how to craft projects that stand out—ones that are well-structured, clear, and have a better chance of being funded and implemented. Similarly, following Ms. Fetahović’s lecture, students can walk through a city with a new perspective, seeing the planning and decisions that shape its design and impact their daily life.