August 1, 2022
During Spring Semester 2021-2022, VCL (Virtual Collaborative Learning) course content and activities were implemented in the framework of the VALEU-X Erasmus+ CBHE project at MSc Business Administration study program of EPOKA University. 12 Master students from the BUS 426 – Strategic Management course of Dr. Esmir Demaj joined a 2-month international group-work and tutoring/mentoring activities to prepare their start-up ideas for Albania’s Next Unicorn virtual pitching contest. The focus of the VCL-based contest was to prepare business models to address various problems and opportunities in the field of Ecotourism in Albania.
During May and June 2022, students from 8 universities and 4 countries worked together in groups to develop their platform business models. Students went through various stages in coherence with their master course topics like External Market Analysis, Competitive Advantage Analysis, Business Analysis, Budget Planning, Revenue Models, Marketing Strategy etc.
At the end of the group work and mentoring period, all ideas were presented to an 8-member professional jury in a pitch presentation. The winning group for Albania’s Next Unicorn 2022 is Green'UP Albania. The group comprises 4 students from EPOKA University, 2 from "Fan S. Noli" University, and 2 from Technische Universität Dresden. The winning group developed an eco-travel platform that includes a short quiz. By answering questions regarding the budget, destination, number of travelers, and interest in outdoor activities, the company can suggest to travelers two to three offers from external small and medium-sized Albanian suppliers that match their quiz answers. This allows the traveler to save time in the search and receive only suggestions in the field of eco-travel. In addition to the quiz, the platform also integrates a bonus program. Travelers receive points for booking trips and accommodations, leaving reviews, and tagging the business account in their social media posts. The three travelers with the most points after three months will receive rewards.
Through the win, the group can now call itself – Albania's Next Unicorn – and can enjoy their reward to join the special program organized for them during the next VALEU-X Project Meeting in Rome, Italy during September 18-22, 2022.
Winning team members:
We congratulate the winning team and all EPOKA students and staff that joined and contributed to the international VCL-based case study design and Albania’s Next Unicorn Contest in the framework of VALEU-X project.
