Science in Public Administration and Management – European Administration

PAQUALITY Public Administration Education Quality Enhancement

Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership KA203, No – 2018-1-SK01-KA203-046330, Slovakia, 09/2018-08/2021 O3 - Methodological Framework for Quality Improvement of Project Partners

SELF-EVALUATION REPORT October, 2019

Master of Science in Public Administration and Management – European Administration

Department of Administration and Management Faculty of International Economics and Administration, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

Complete Programme Mailing Address: Yanko Slavchev 84, Chaika Resort, 9007 Varna, Bulgaria

Authors: Assoc. prof. Aleksandra Parashkevova, PhD Assoc. prof. KremenaAndonova, PhD Assist. prof. Gergana Zhelyazkova

Email Address: [email protected]

Note: The report expresses an opinion of the authors. The EC doesn’t have responsibility for any utilization of included information.

Table of Contents Volume І List of tables ...... 5

List of Appendixes...... 6 Programme summary ...... 7 Accreditation Criteria ...... 8 1. Preamble ...... 8

1.1. National educational systems ...... 8

1.2. National evaluation systems ...... 9

1.3. Formal exams for entrance to civil service ...... 13 2. Applicability/Eligibility ...... 14

2.1. Academic Public Administration degree programme ...... 14

2.2. Geography ...... 15

2.3. Programme longevity ...... 15

2.3.1. Normal accreditation ...... 15

2.3.2. Certification for new programmes ...... 15

2.4. Programme variants and locations ...... 16 3. Duration of Accreditation ...... 16 4. Categories of Accreditation ...... 16 5. ‘Standards’ ...... 17

5.1. Domain of Public Administration ...... 17

5.2. Mission-based Accreditation ...... 21

5.3. Level ...... 32

5.4. Relation to Practice and Internships ...... 33

5.5. Curriculum ...... 39

5.5.1. Curriculum Content...... 39

5.5.1.1. Core components ...... 44

5.5.1.2. Other components and specializations ...... 47

5.5.1.3. Structure and didactics of the programme ...... 47

2 5.5.1.4. Admission ...... 49

5.5.2. Length ...... 50

5.5.3. Results ...... 50

5.6. Quality Improvement and Innovation ...... 51

5.6.1. Programme accomplishment ...... 51

5.6.2. Curriculum Development ...... 55

5.6.3. External reviews ...... 58

5.7. Student Assessment ...... 59

5.8. Programme Jurisdiction ...... 63

5.8.1. Administrative arrangement ...... 63

5.8.2. Programme structure ...... 68

5.8.3. Programme Management ...... 68

5.8.4. Determining influence ...... 69

5.9. Faculty ...... 70

5.9.1. Faculty nucleus (core faculty) ...... 70

5.9.1.1. Number of Faculty and Critical Mass ...... 70

5.9.1.2. Faculty ...... 70

5.9.1.2. Teaching Assignments ...... 74

5.9.2. Faculty qualifications ...... 76

5.9.2.1. Faculty quality ...... 76

5.9.2.1 - 1. Faculty data sheets ...... 76

5.9.2.1 - 2. Promotion and Tenure ...... 76

5.9.2.2. Research ...... 78

5.9.2.3. Experience and service ...... 79

5.9.2.4. Instruction by practitioners ...... 79

5.9.2.5. Quality of instruction ...... 81

5.9.3. Diversity: gender and minorities ...... 81

5.10. Admission of Students ...... 82

3 5.10.1. Specific admission requirements ...... 82

5.10.2. General registration procedures: ...... 82

5.10.2.1. Registration and Application documents: ...... 82

5.10.2.2. Registration and Enrolment documents: ...... 82

5.10.3. Enrolment of Bulgarian Students: ...... 83

5.10.3.1. Rating of student candidates...... 83

5.10.3.2. Registering of newly admitted students ...... 83

5.10.3.3. Tuition fees ...... 83

5.10.4. Enrolment of foreign citizens: ...... 84

5.10.4.1. The documents necessary are as follows: ...... 84

5.10.4.2. Preparatory courses ...... 85

5.11. Supportive Services and Facilities ...... 85

5.11.1. Budget and budget sufficiency ...... 85

5.11.2. Facilities ...... 85

5.11.3. Library Support and Library Programme Role ...... 86

5.11.4. Computer Support and Audio-Visual Support ...... 87

5.12. Student Services ...... 87

5.12.1. Advising System/ Tutoring and Placement Assistance ...... 87

5.12.2. Extracurricular activities ...... 88

5.12.3. Placement services ...... 88

5.13. Public Relations ...... 89

Bibliography ...... 91

Table of Contents Volume ІІ ...... 94

Faculty data sheet ...... 95

Course abstracts ...... 96

List of Theses ...... 136

List of tables

Table 2.3.1. Normal accreditation 15 Table 5.1-1. The Relation “Challenges to contemporary Bulgarian PA – 20 Thematic directions in Master`s degree programme”. Table 5.2.-1. Number of students during the last 4 years 23 Table 5.2.-2. SWOT Analysis of the professional field “Administration and 28 Management” area (forecast period 2018 - 2020) Table 5.4.-1. Practical training and undergraduate experience of students in 38 the Master`s degree programme for the last four years Table 5.4.-2. List of intern placements during last four years 38 Table 5.5.1.-1. Course distribution 43 Table 5.7.-1. Public information channels on the evaluation criteria in PAM – 60 EA Master`s Programme Fig. 5.8.1. Administrative arrangement 66 Table 5.9.1.2-1. Faculty 70 Table 5.9.1.2-2. Teaching Assignments 74 Table 5.9.2.2. Participation of Lecturers in professional field 3.7 79 "Administration and Management" in national and international projects over the last 5 years Table 5.9.2.4. Instruction by practitioners 80

List of figures

Fig. 5.2.-1. Result from the SWOT analysis of the professional field 29 “Administration and Management”

List of Appendixes.

Appendix 1. Classificator of the higher education areas and professional fields (approved by Decree of the Council of Ministers No 125 of 2002, promulgated, State Gazette No. 64 of 2 July 2002, SAC Decision No 10827 of 2003, SG No. 106 of 5 December 2003)

Appendix 2. Procedures for programme accreditation of professional fields and doctoral programmes other than those on the regulated professions list. Documentation for their implementation.

Appendix 3. Criteria for program accreditation of a professional field / major of the regulated professions in accordance with ESG- Part 1 (1-10) and pursuant to Art. 78, para. 3 of HEA

Appendix 4. List of competences - Master’s Degree Programme “Public Administration and Management – European Administration”

6 Programme summary

Item Data

1. Title of degree Master of Science in Public Administration and Management – European Administration (PAM - EA)

2. Full-time/Part-time Part-time

3. Off-Campus locations No

4. Number of ECTS normally required for the • 60 ECTS credits for bachelors and degree masters in the professional field "Administration and Management" • 90 ECTS credits for bachelors and masters from other professional fields.

5. Total ECTS in required courses 30 ECTS credits

6. Total ECTS in elective courses 12 ECTS credits

7. Specializations advertised as available N/A

8. Number of ECTS which can be reduced for prior Varies base on the prior education education

9. Number of ECTS which can be reduced for Varies significant professional experience

10. Number of teaching staff (core faculty) mainly 10 – 1 Professor and 9 Assoc. responsible for the programme (specify by rank) professors

11. Number of students in degree programme Part-time

12. Number of students enrolled in the self- Part-time – 17 (2017/2018) evaluation year

13. Is a thesis or major professional report State exam or a thesis (diploma work) required? is required

14. Is a comprehensive examination required? No

15. Is an internship available? Is it required? No/ Yes

16. Language of the programme Bulgarian

17. Language of the Self-Evaluation Report English,

18. Number of articles in international refereed 15 (2017/2018) journals produced by the core faculty in the self- evaluation year and three years before

19. Main research programmes the core faculty is N/A involved in

Accreditation Criteria

1. Preamble

1.1. National educational systems

The national requirements regarding to the structure and organization of the training process in Higher Educational Institutions in Bulgaria, including in PA programs, are mainly regulated in the acting in Bulgaria Law on Higher Education.

At present, PA education in the Republic of Bulgaria is focused on the training of professionals for the needs of various public sector structures relevant to government bodies and the administrations that support them. In accordance with the current Law on Higher Education (active since 2005) and the European Credit Transfer System (adopted by the higher education schools in Bulgaria in 2004), the training can be carried out in the following higher education degrees:

• Educational-and-qualification degree “Bachelor”: In order to be awarded “a Professional Bachelor in ...” one needs not less than 180 credits for the duration of at least three years; and to be awarded Bachelor's degree one needs not less than 240 credits and at least 4 years of study.

• Educational-and-qualification degree “Master”: The award of the “Master in ...” depends of the fulfilment of different hypotheses – 1. One needs not less than 300 credits according to the curriculum for at least 5 years (for the state-regulated specialities); 2. Not less than 120 credits (after the graduation of a programme, awarded with “Professional Bachelor in …” 3. not less than 60 credits (after the graduation of a programme, awarded with a Bachelor's degree).

• Educational-and-scientific degree “Doctor” (PhD): One is to be awarded with a PhD, after having obtained the Master`s degree, after completing an independent research, determined by the Law on the Development of the Academic Staff of the Republic of Bulgaria.

According to the Law and the established in the country Classification of Higher Education 1 Areas and Professional Fields (see: App. 1), higher education institutions are given the

1 Classification of the higher education areas and professional fields, Cabinet Office Ordinance (Ordinance No 125 of 24.06.2002. https://www.neaa.government.bg/normativna-baza/postanovlenija, (accessible on Oct. 30th, 2019)

8 opportunity to develop, accredit and introduce training programmes for students (Bachelor`s, Master`s and doctoral programmes) related to various professional fields. What is characteristic of the Bulgarian practice is that there is no separate professional field “Public Administration” that can prepare specialists for the needs of the Bulgarian Public Administration. In this respect the education in the field of public governance and administration is realized in the frameworks of the professional field 3.7. Administration and Management, which is within the field of higher education 3. Social, Economic and Legal Sciences.

The educational system in the Republic of Bulgaria, differentiates two types of programmes at university level:

• Programmes, which are professions regulated by the state (ex.: law, medicine, architecture)

• Programmes (like Public Administration), which are not state regulated regarding the explicit standards for the curriculum content.

Constraints to the programme because of the national educational system requirements are:

• The higher educational system of the Republic of Bulgaria requires accreditation by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA).

• The Bulgarian Law on Higher Education requires educational documentation in each training programme which covers: qualification characteristics by degrees, curriculum, syllabuses.

• Free entry to the Master`s Programmes to all graduates of Bachelor`s education. Admission is granted based on a Bachelor`s diploma (with a course grade not lower than Good 3.50), irrespective of nationality, gender, etc.

These constraints have no implications for the fulfilment of the EAPAA criteria.

1.2. National evaluation systems

According to the Bulgarian Law, the state creates conditions for the free development of higher education, as well as conditions for access to higher education, by organizing the activities of the NEAA. The state authority in the Republic of Bulgaria for the implementation of the national policy in higher education is the Minister of Education and Science. The state exercises its functions in the management of the higher education through the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers, which vote the Rules of Procedure of the NEAA on a proposal of the Accreditation Council.

The Higher Education Act regulates:

• a new approach of implementation of the procedures for programme accreditation of professional fields and for evaluation of projects for opening new professional fields;

• special approach of implementation of the procedures for evaluation of projects and programme accreditation of the majors from the regulated professions;

• new expanded credentials of the Standing Committees by areas of higher education (SCAHE);

• establishment of new structures of NEAA for carrying out post-accreditation monitoring and control.

The NEAA is a statutory body for evaluation, accreditation and monitoring of the quality in higher education institutions and scientific organizations aiming at the enhancement of their teaching and research, as well as of their development as scientific, cultural, and innovative organizations. The Agency monitors the ability of institutions, their main units and branches to provide good quality of education and scientific research through an internal quality assurance system.

The Minister of Education makes proposals to the Council of Ministers, where such proposals as for the opening and transformation of higher education institutions, their basic units and branches, except for the opening of an institute and of a higher education institution abroad, shall be made after a positive evaluation of the respective project by the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation.

Types of accreditation

According to article 76 of the HE Act of the Republic of Bulgaria, the accreditation is institutional and programming (accreditation of programmes). Programme accreditation may be requested by the higher education institution upon receipt of institutional accreditation. It should be taken into consideration that programmes are placed under professional fields and professional fields are placed under scientific areas (see App. 1.)

Institutional Accreditation:

• is based on an evaluation of how the higher school fulfils its mission and goals as an organization;

• is a result of the evaluation of the efficiency with which the higher education institution controls, maintains and enhances the quality of education in the offered areas of higher education and professional fields.

The assessment of institutional accreditation is aimed at checking the effectiveness of:

• the internal system for assessing and maintaining the quality of education; • the procedures for approving, monitoring and updating curricula and programs;

• the procedures for acting on and related to the results of program accreditation as well as other external independent audits;

• the overall management and control of the evaluation processes in the higher school; • the management of the system for accumulation and transfer of credits; • managing cooperation with other higher schools and organizations; • maintenance, management and development of the facilities of the higher school;

• the scientific and artistic activity of the academic staff and the participation of the trainees in this activity.

Programme Accreditation is based on the evaluation of the quality of the offered education in a professional field in a basic unit and/or a branch of the higher school, a specialty from the regulated professions or a doctoral program. Within the professional field, the evaluation is aimed at verifying the quality of the education of the students in all offered forms of education at the educational qualification levels and the educational and scientific degree "doctor".

The subject of evaluation in the program accreditation is:

• the structure, organization and content of curricula and programs; • the profile and qualification of the teaching staff; • the material and technical provision of the training; • methods of teaching and assessing students' achievements; • quality management of education;

• the research and artistic and creative activity of the academic staff and the participation of students and postgraduates in the academic staff.

The evaluation for institutional and program accreditation is carried out on a 10-point system, including the assessments from 0 to 10.00. Procedure and criteria for programme accreditation are given in App. 2 and App. 3. The evaluation for each evaluation criterion is formed as the arithmetic mean of the estimates obtained on all its indicators according to their coefficient.

For each criterion for institutional and program accreditation, the Accreditation Council of the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation validates indicators with weight coefficients. The "scientific activity" criterion has the greatest relative weight.

If a score of 0 to 3.99 is obtained, a refusal to accredit is made. Refusal of accreditation is also made in cases where, in institutional accreditation, the higher school has received an assessment of 0 to 3.99 per one or more of the following criteria:

• an internal system for assessing and maintaining the quality of education; • profile and qualification of the teaching staff; • material and technical provision of the training.

A negative evaluation in program accreditation will receive professional fields with an evaluation of less than 4.00 per one or several of the following criteria:

• educational documentation and educational process of the professional field or specialty of the regulated professions;

• profile and qualification of the academic staff of the professional field or specialty of the regulated professions;

• material and technical facilities specialized for training in the professional field or specialty of the regulated professions.

The period of validity of the accreditation is:

• six years - when the score received is from 9.00 to 10.00; • five years - when the score obtained is from 7.00 to 8.99; • four years - when the score obtained is from 5.00 to 6.99; • three years - when the score received is from 4.00 to 4.99.

Higher schools with a program accreditation rating of 4.00 to 4.99 have the right to teach only a bachelor's degree in the respective professional field or specialty of the regulated professions.

Upon evaluation from the program accreditation from 5.00 to 10.00, higher education institutions have the right to acquire the bachelor's and Master`s degrees and to acquire the educational and scientific degree "doctor" under predefined by the law conditions.

Constraints to the Master`s programme “Public Administration and Management – European Administration”, delivered by VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, arising because of the national evaluation system requirements, are:

• All programmes in the country are subject of accreditation no matter if they are offered by private or public universities. When a programme accreditation of professional field is awarded, the department can take its own decisions on how many specialities within the programme will be offered until the next accreditation period.

• Programme accreditation addresses: majors from the regulated professions; PhD programmes; Professional fields. Public Administration (PA) programmes in the Republic of Bulgaria are accredited under the professional field 3.7. Administration and Management.

• Only NEAA can conduct and award programme accreditation in the Republic of Bulgaria. Even if a programme (no matter if PA or other) was accredited by organization or institution different from NEAA, the education (and the diploma at the end) is not accepted as legitimate (and does not receive EU recognition respectively), if the programme is not accredited by NEAA. Also, the diplomas of

foreign universities delivering programmes in the Republic of Bulgaria are not recognized as legitimate, if they do not have accreditation by NEAA.

• There is a criteria system, developed by NEAA and the HEI/programme should evidence to which level it correspondence to those. The correspondence is measured trough scores, where the HE Act identifies levels of scores, which do not allow the accreditation to be awarded.

These constraints have no implications for the fulfilment of the EAPAA criteria.

1.3. Formal exams for entrance to civil service

In connection to the professional realization of the PA graduates as civil servants in Bulgaria, there are specific regulations (basic requirements, formal exam required) given mainly in the 2 Administration Act and the Civil Service Act .

The positions occupied by civil servants are defined in the Classification of administrative positions, which is approved by the Council of Ministers and published in the State Gazette. There are basic requirements for occupying a particular position in the administration (compulsory minimum level of education and professional experience or rank defined by law), as well as other additional requirements, which can be determined by the rules of procedure of the respective administration.

A person can be appointed a civil servant if he/she:

• is a Bulgarian citizen, a citizen of another member state of the European Union, of another country - a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or of the Swiss Confederation; • has reached the age of majority; • is not placed under guardianship; • has not been convicted of an offence committed intentionally; • is not deprived of the right to occupy a particular post;

• meets the minimum requirements for educational degree or professional experience as well as the specific requirements from the regulations for occupying the respective post.

It is compulsory to sit an exam before taking up the duty of a civil servant at the corresponding administration, unless otherwise specified by law, which seeks to guarantee competition between candidates based on professional qualities. The election procedure involves a centralized stage and a decentralized stage.

2 Civil Service Act SG, 67/27.07.1999, last updated SG 38/ 8.05.2018.

The centralized stage of the competition is organized by the IPA (as above mentioned in paragraph 2.1.: IPA – Institute of Public Administration) and is carried out through tests to determine the level of general competencies and basic knowledge necessary for the position. When the position is for a managerial level, the centralized stage includes a test to determine the level of general competences and knowledge needed to hold managerial positions. When the candidates pass the test, the results are valid for a period of three years from the date of their announcement and the candidates cannot sit centralized tests more than twice a year.

The decentralized stage of the competition is held by a Commission consisting of three to seven members and determined by an order of the Appointing Authority. The Commission includes the immediate superior responsible, an employee or a person with legal education and a representative from the Human Resources Department. Representatives of the trade union of the civil servants from the respective administration, as well as external experts in the respective area can also be members of the Commission. The decentralized competition aims at determining the level of the specific competencies, professional and business qualities of the candidates needed to occupy the particular position. The only eligible candidates in the decentralized stage are candidates who have successfully passed the centralized stage. The Commission holds the competition as announced in advance (by an ordinance of the Council of Ministers), assessing the professional and business qualities of the candidates and ranking them first to third. The assessment of the Commission and the ranking of candidates are not subject to judicial review. Participants in the decentralized stage of the competition who are not ranked first may object to the appointing authority within 7 days of the publication of the ranking. In case the objection is justified, the Appointing Authority shall terminate the call for competition and schedule a new competition. The decision of the Appointing Authority is not subject to judicial review.

There are no constraints to the programme with respect to the accreditation criteria.

2. Applicability/Eligibility

The programme is eligible and applies for accreditation.

2.1. Academic Public Administration degree programme

Formal name of the programme:

Master of Science in Public Administration and Management – European Administration

The Master`s programme is accredited academic degree programmes. The accreditation is awarded by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) – the only legitimate independent body on accreditation in the Republic of Bulgaria. The overall education process in the Programme and at University level is certified by the international quality management standards ISO 9001: 2015.

Objectives and attainment targets are clearly stated in 5.2 and fall within the field of Public Administration as used by EAPAA.

2.2. Geography

The Master of Science Public Administration and Management – European Administration programme is organized by Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Varna, the Republic of Bulgaria.

As the Republic of Bulgaria is a member of the Council of Europe, the programme is under the jurisdiction of EAPAA.

2.3. Programme longevity

2.3.1. Normal accreditation

Table 2.3.1. Normal accreditation

Date Average time Number of Number of Number of Degree Programme to complete Level Location ECTS students students students programme was the degree 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 established (theoretical) Master of Science in Public Administration Varna, MA 2004 60 1 year 16 18 17 and Bulgaria Management – European Administration

2.3.2. Certification for new programmes

Not relevant

2.4. Programme variants and locations

There are no programme variants and/or different locations.

3. Duration of Accreditation

Accreditation is intended for 7 years for the:

Master of Science in Public Administration and Management – European Administration

4. Categories of Accreditation

As the Republic of Bulgaria has been a full member of the Bologna Process since 1999, Varna 3 Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is a member of the European Higher Education Area .

In describing the cycles (undergraduate and graduate) the framework makes use of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):

• 1st cycle: typically, 180–240 ECTS, usually awarding a bachelor's degree. The European Higher Education Area did not introduce the Bachelor with Honors programme, which allows graduates with a "BA hons." degree (e.g. in UK, Australia, Canada) which in some jurisdictions (UK, Australia) may enable graduates to undertake doctoral studies without first having to obtain a master's degree.

• 2nd cycle: typically, 90–120 ECTS (a minimum of 60 on 2nd-cycle level). Usually awarding a master's degree.

The Master`s degree programme in Public Administration and Management – European Administration, corresponds to the second cycle master level Public Administration and Management programme (1 year – 60 ECTS), according to the ECTS framework.

th 3 EHEA, http://ehea.info/page-bulgaria, (accessible on 15 of September 2019)

5. ‘Standards’

5.1. Domain of Public Administration

The objectives and attainment targets of the Master of Science in Public Administration and Management – European Administration (in the present self-evaluation report, referred as: PAM–EA, PAM–EA Master’s programme, PAM-EA programme or the Programme) are clearly stated in next sections and fall within the field of Public Administration as described and used as a standard for accreditation by EAPAA.

The following are considered arguments in support of this thesis:

• the academic context of the Programme, in terms of the specific subject of Public Administration, oriented towards all aspects of Public Administration and policy, influenced by contemporary processes of socio-economic development and the promotion of democratic values;

• the architecture of the Programme, designed in a manner that, in accordance with national and international academic standards, aims to offer multidisciplinary training that guarantees graduates the acquisition of specific competencies relevant to the field of Public Administration.

Academic context of the present programme

The PAM-EA Master`s programme at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” started in 1998. This event coincides with the first years of the democratic changes in Bulgaria and the transition to market economy (which conditionally started in 1990).

The establishment and development of such academic programs is conditioned by the specialized needs for staff in the field of State Government and Public Administration that emerged during this period. The peculiarities of the functioning of the newly reformed Bulgarian Public Administration during this period determine the need for structures and professionals who organize, support and ensure the implementation of the laws and other normative acts, the actions of the authorities and are means for realizing the public interest.

In relation with the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union and in response to the contemporary needs of the increasingly internationalized labor market of the administrative staff, the Master`s program "Public Administration and Management - European Administration" has been functioning to this day.

It is part of the spectrum of original Master`s programs – without analogue in other universities, oriented towards the needs of practice.

The criteria for the academic level of the Master`s program may be: compliance with the established state educational requirements (according to the Law on Higher Education in force in the Republic of Bulgaria), fulfilment of the requirements of the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation at the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as reporting established world and national educational practices. The diplomas of the Master`s graduates have unconditional European and national legitimacy, conditioned by:

• Award of national accreditation by the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation within the framework of program accreditation of the professional field 3.7. Administration and Management, where in the current 2019 a procedure for next accreditation is started;

• Award of the ECTS/DS Label by the Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency (EACEA);

• Delivery of training based on modern curricula, coordinated with the regulations of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) in force at the University and the international quality management standards ISO 9001: 2015.

The PAM-EA Master`s Programme prepares highly qualified executives, experts, professionals in state and municipal institutions and related fields, in the non-governmental sector, as well as in international and European institutions. At the same time the Programme delivers professional academic level of education, which serves as a prerequisite for continuation of the educational path of graduates to the next level of educational and scientific degree – PhD.

It can be claimed that the development of specific managerial and administrative, but also scientific knowledge, competences and skills creates the necessary basis for successful realization of the graduates in the field of Public Administration, as well as its academic research and education, which is broad in its meaning, namely:

• as a set of relationships and processes for the delivery of public services and the achievement of public goals that result from the realization of public interest;

• as an organization of certain activities and processes of state and other public bodies;

• as a set of public-administrative functions performed by public structures and bodies, etc.

Architecture of the present programme

The positioning and content of the PAM-EA programme its organizational and academic context as a university discipline.

According to the Bulgarian practice, the Public Administration as university discipline is usually located in the following faculties: Administration and Management; Economics and Administration; Business and management; but also, in the faculties of: History and Law; Politics; Law; Social Sciences; Philosophy; Economics; Management. The Master`s Program in Public Administration and Management - European Administration is placed in the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences at the Faculty of International Economics and Administration of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

The essence of PA as a university discipline requires balanced presentation of the various elements of interdisciplinary PA training, such as legal, political, managerial, economic knowledge, resulting from the uniqueness of PA as a social science – closely related to law, political science, governance, economics, sociology, organizational science, bureaucracy, etc.

In addition, it should be emphasized that in terms of content, the Master`s program in Public Administration and Management - European Administration is structured in several main sections: public management, political and social sciences, law and legal sciences, global problems of contemporaneity, European development and integration. The separate subjects, which form the contents of these fields are structured in three modules - compulsory, elective and optional disciplines. For Bachelors/Masters from other professional fields (these th issues will be discussed in detail in section 5.5 of the report) there is foreseen a 4 module, in order to ensure equalization of the knowledge, competence and skills with the once, which are expected in the field of PA education. The introductory courses in these areas are covered in the Bachelor's curriculum of the major “Public Administration”, while Master`s training seeks to upgrade specific courses designed to prepare highly qualified professionals for key management, administrative and academic positions, with broad multidisciplinary competence to be polyvalent leaders who can exercise managerial responsibilities at different levels (including supranational) and various positions in the public sphere.

The Public Management section aims to provide a specific focus on contemporary approaches for managing institutions and resources in the public sector. Emphasis is placed on: risk management, change management, event management, administrative conflict management, project management, e-management and others.

The Law and Legal Sciences section highlights different aspects of the EU legal and institutional system, administrative law and administrative processes. This side of civil servant training aims to make future managers sensitive to the complex legal cases and circumstances that will accompany their future work.

In the Political and Social Sciences section there are disciplines that are relevant to the development of modern society and its main characteristics, such as: politics, power, democracy, civil society, foreign policy.

The fourth major section is the Global Problems of Contemporaneity, considered in the context of the global economic and social problems of today`s development. On this basis,

19 during the education and training, current socio-economic aspects of local self-government and regional development, leadership, regional marketing, etc. are discussed, which reflect in a certain way on the European development, the public management, the development of the administrative system, etc.

Given the European profile of the Master`s programme, the European Development and Integration section is included in the curriculum. Knowledge related to: European administrative space, EU regional development, EU structural instruments and their implementation in Bulgaria, comparative European administration, European cooperation and territorial integration, etc., are crucial for the preparation of multicultural civil servants and pro-active public managers and academicians at European level.

An additional explanation of the relevance of the adopted training sections to the nature and subject of the contemporary Public Administration is their relation to the difficulties in the operation of the administrative system in Bulgaria, presented in Table 5.1-1.:

Table 5.1-1. The Relation “Challenges to contemporary Bulgarian PA – Thematic directions in Master`s degree programme”.

THEMATIC DIRECTIONS PROBLEM AREAS AND CHALLENGES TO in Master`s Program in CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN Public Administration and BULGARIA Management - European Administration I. CHALLENGES IN APPLYINGTHE PRINCIPLE OF LAW • Law and Legal Sciences 1. Dynamics of the regulatory framework • Public Management 2. Control over compliance with regulatory acts II. CHALLENGES IN PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING • Public Management BUDGETING • European development and integration • Economic and social development problems III. CHALLENGES IN COMMUNICATION AND • Public Management INTERACTION WITH CITIZENS AND BUSINESS • Political and social sciences 1. Responding to citizens' signals 2. Collaboration with civil society structures 3. Publicity of information 4. Electronic government IV. CHALLENGES IN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE • Public management 1. Administrative services for citizens and • Economic and social entrepreneurs development problems 2. Administration as a factor for sustainable business • European development and development integration 1. 3. Forms of cooperation between administration • Law and Legal Sciences and business V. CHALLENGES FOR HUMAN RESOURCE • Public Management

MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES’ SKILLS • European development and 1. Human resources management policy integration

2. Skills and training • Law and Legal Sciences 3. Participation in the decision-making process at European level and fulfilment of Bulgaria's obligations as an EU Member State Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

In practice, these weaknesses in the administrative system`s functioning in the country set the current thematic areas and the academic content of the developed PАМ-ЕА programme. The identified challenges determine the real needs for PA practitioners, possessing the specific competencies required to overcome them.

5.2. Mission-based Accreditation

Background

The historical development of the Master`s programme cannot be separated from the specifics of socio-political development and the characteristics of the normative and institutional environment in which the Master`s programme emerges and continues to develop to this day.

The importance of Public Administration training is determined by the nature of the large- scale reforms that have taken place since 1990 in Bulgaria, affecting all areas of social development – political, economic, social, etc. Naturally, the sphere of state government and Public Administration cannot remain aside from the development of these processes.

4 The Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria of 1991 defines the basic principles of social, political, state, legal, economic and social structure in the country. It contains a number of texts which regulate the main relations in the administrative matter (ex.: the status, organization and formation of basic bodies of the executive power - the Council of Ministers, ministers, mayors of municipalities, regional governors; the administrative-territorial division and the powers of the bodies of the administrative-territorial units, etc.)

th In the 1990s of the 20 century, a number of laws were also passed, which regulate the normative and institutional environment of state government and administration functioning:

• 1991 – The Law on Local Self-Government and Local Administration was passed, which regulates public relations related to local self-government and local administration.

th 4 Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, https://www.parliament.bg/en/const, (accessible on: Oct 25 , 2019)

• 1995 г. – The Law on the Administrative-Territorial Structure of the Republic of Bulgaria was passed, which regulates the establishment of administrative- territorial and territorial units, and the creation of administrative bodies in them, which shall carry out the policy of the state and local authorities in view of their hierarchical subordination.

• 1998г. – The Law on Administration was adopted, which regulates the structure of the administration, the basic principles of its organization, the positions in it, the powers of the executive bodies, the structure and organization of the activity of their administration.

In response to these changes, for a short period, the major „Public Administration” has been introduced and established in the Bulgarian higher education institutions as one of the preferred majors of higher education. The interest was motivated by the students` desire to acquire knowledge and skills about the organization and functioning of the new Bulgarian Public Administration, which was reformed during this period, and subsequently to gain access for work and realization in its structures. These are the motives in many higher education institutions to organize training in Public Administration. Respectively, at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" since 1991 the Bachelor's program in Public Administration has started admission, and since 1998, in response to the emerged specialized staffing needs for the public sphere, a was launched a Master`s program in Public Administration - Central State Administration.

In the next stage, the reform of the Public Administration was dictated by the processes for preparing Bulgaria for EU membership. The country was committed to building a modern administrative system with efficiently functioning transparent and fair Public Administration, capable of supporting the implementation of economic reforms and the harmonization of Bulgarian legislation with European standards.

These realities of the pre-accession period and the first years of Bulgaria`s full membership in the EU (from 2007) have led to changes in the Master`s degree in Public Administration at the VFU – since 1999 the Public Administration and European Integration Master`s programme has been functioning, which in 2004 was transformed into a Master`s Programme in Public Administration and Management - European Administration, which is still functioning today.

It is necessary to specify that the specialty "Public Administration" is one of the main areas of study for students at the University, dating back from the establishment of the university in 1991. It is also one of the first majors in Public Administration in Bulgaria, receiving a program accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Agency in 2005.

Currently, the major in Public Administration and Management in the professional field Administration and Management is part of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science at the Faculty of International Economics and Administration, with

22 about 53 % of undergraduate students at the faculty and approximately 14% of undergraduate students at VFU. In the 2017/2018 academic year, the Master`s Program in Public Administration and Management - European Administration enrolled 17 students (see Table 5.2.-1).

Given the negative demographic trends in Bulgaria over the last 25 years, which have acquired the character of a demographic collapse, in combination with the on-going crisis processes that determine the socio-economic instability in the country, there is a general decrease in the number of enrolled students - in general at Bulgarian universities and in particular in the Public Administration and Management majors at VFU, both Bachelor`s and Master`s. However, the data show that admission to the PAM-EA Master`s programme after 2014/2015 academic year remains stable (see Table 5.2.-1.):

Table 5.2.-1. Number of students during the last 4 years

2013/201 2014/201 2015/201 2016/201 2017/201 4 5 6 7 8 Master of Science in Public Administration and 80 28 16 18 17 Management – European Administration Master programmes in Professional field 802 229 73 110 72 Administration and Management Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

Mission Statement

Mission and strategic guidelines for the development of Varna Free University

The educational philosophy and mission of the Public Administration programs at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” represent a specification of the university's general mission and strategic goals.

A major strategic goal of Varna Free University in the period 2018-2022 is to establish itself as a leader in the development and implementation of a new model of activity that will stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship as a factor for successful adaptation to environmental changes and competitiveness in the international education market. The University development follows the aim to continue establishing itself as a preferred educational destination with an emphasis on quality and practical orientation of the offered education, and the successful professional realization of graduates. Promotion of an integrated approach for generating applicable and financially profitable results from

23 educational, scientific, artistic and creative activities and services for students, is key objective of the Academic Governing Body of VFU.

In line with this strategic objective, the following priorities are pursued during the strategy period:

1. Changing the educational model to build contemporary competences.

2. Increasing decisively the share and quality of research, joining the European Research Area, networking and clustering.

3. Consolidation of academic potential and capacity building for the implementation of a new educational model and creation of an innovative ecosystem.

4. Creating of a high-tech environment based on the world scientific achievements in the respective subject area and application of modern IT and digital technologies.

5. Creating favorable environment for public-private partnerships and cooperation between educational, scientific and business organizations. 6. Focus on creating and stimulating markets.

7. Ensuring the sustainability of the system by creating adequate, internationally convertible academic capacity, purposefully providing the necessary resources and managing them on a project basis.

In this strategic context, VFU is pursuing its mission to further promote itself nationally and internationally as an institution that responds to the public needs and challenges of Industry 4.0 and Big Data ("skills revolution").

VFU implements an educational model oriented towards knowledge, skills and competencies, ensuring the full realization of students in professional and personal terms.

In the context of the risks and chances for the sustainable development of the professional fields, VFU pursues a policy of optimizing its academic profile, differentiating its competitive advantages and positioning itself in areas corresponding to the capacity and availability of a critical mass of its own professors. VFU is actively working towards integrating the institution into the national and regional educational, scientific and innovation ecosystems and towards creating efficient research and artistic creativity partnerships. The University is working to achieve sustainable and efficient management, based on the balance between market - product - capacity - economic and social output. The focus of management is the design approach based on clearly defined processes, personalized responsibilities and indicators for measuring results.

The vision of the new VFU`s educational activity model is as follows:

• competence based training – combining traditional with virtual training; awarding educational credits;

• flexible student-oriented learning regime – offering diverse and personalized educational pathways to obtain an educational degree;

• transition from the traditional academic year to accelerated and expanded training options – diverse entry options during the school year; personalized educational paths; provision of personalized services; career counselling;

• use of technologies to transform the learning process – from traditional lectures and study timetables to the use of e-learning platforms; • interdisciplinary and thematically targeted training; • development of transferable skills; • integration of learning with workplace practices;

• management of the educational environment by teams – lecturers, researchers and practitioners.

To meet these goals and priorities, strategic benchmarks have been set to work in the following main areas:

• Academic activity - aims at achieving differentiation of the academic product of VFU from its competitors based on high quality, practical applicability of training, innovation, internationalization, successful realization of the trainees.

• Scientific research and development activity - aims at forming VFU as a research- type university, generating scientific results with positive financial effect for the institution, arising from their practical application in the local, national and international economies. To establish VFU as an attractive research ecosystem for scientific research and as an institution creating research workers, competitive at regional and European level.

• Management and business - aims at sustainable and efficient management of VFU, based on consistent management information, defined management processes and following the principles of financial profitability, which guides the institution to the achievement of the mission and its strategic goals.

• Academic culture - aims at building and maintaining academic based on innovation, enterprising, open communication, transparency and organizational values shared between the academic staff, the administration and the students at the university.

• Business and service activities - aims to evaluate the efficiency and determine the optimal ways to ensure these activities - by VFU or through outsourcing.

• Investment activity - aims at developing a well-reasoned investment activity with a positive financial effect for VFU, which helps to achieve the strategic goals of the institution.

• Socio-public activity - the purpose of VFU is to strengthen its position as a responsible and active social partner, working for the benefit of society, becoming a center of knowledge - initially at regional and subsequently national and international levels.

Mission statement of the Public Administration and Management Programmes at Varna Free University corresponds to the mission of the professional field “Administration and

Management”, formulated in response to the mission and strategic vision of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” and is formalized as follows:

• to consolidate its position as one of the leading academic units among the related ones in the country, providing: a stable basis for the upward professional realization of its students; knowledge, skills and competencies to solve management problems in a changing world;

• to offer market-oriented high-quality training and consulting for the needs of Public Administration, business and non-governmental organizations;

• to achieve sustainable financial stability and independence by adequately leading the academic potential to obtain financially profitable results from the educational services provided.

In general, it can be argued that the Public Administration and Management programmes developed in the professional field “Administration and Management” as part of the Administration, Management and Political Sciences Department at VFU, aim to create graduates with competence to provide modern Public Administration, as well as flexible, creative, responsible and responsive administration professionals, who have abandoned the traditions of routine work and therefore puts the focus of activities on citizens and businesses, with regard to their needs, necessities, expectations and interests.

The Bachelor`s Program in Public Administration and Management aims to provide comprehensive training that builds on the following basic scientific areas: law, management, economics, and political science. Competent specialists with the necessary expertise for implementation in the broad field of Public Administration and Public Management at local, national and supranational level are being trained.

The Master`s Program in Public Administration and Management, aims to educate graduates with specific administrative and managerial knowledge and skills, that form upgrading competencies at a high academic level with the purpose to meet the specialized needs of the public sphere.

Accordingly, the mission of the PAM-EA Master`s programme may be summarized as follows:

• to implement an educational model for the transition from student training to qualification and training of practitioners and PA professionals at different levels - regional, national and European;

• to improve the quality of training through internationalization and an increased connection between the essence and contents of the educational process and the needs of public practice;

• to contribute to the acquisition of qualifications and professional competences for solve administrative and managerial problems in a changing world;

• to create a modern generation of public sphere professionals in Bulgaria, corresponding to the historical moment and the efforts of the Bulgarian nation for democratization and adequate integration into the European family.

The main goals of the Master`s programme are defined as a specification of this educational philosophy:

• to offer specialized training on current problems of the administration's activity in the context of contemporary European criteria and requirements for the quality of administrative activity; • to deliver high quality training based on knowledge, skills and practices;

• to form specific competences based on the required volume of interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge related to the public sector and oriented towards acquiring skills for formulating and achieving goals through the development of relevant policies;

• To develop students` skills for using modern research tools and for carrying out applied research in accordance with the requirements of practice.

In accordance with the mission and goals, upon successful completion of the Master`s Programme, a Master`s degree in Public Administration and Management is awarded. The high graduation rate of graduates testifies that this professional qualification legitimizes the trained specialists as: competent, analytical and creative professionals, with a desire for self- development and lifelong learning, who can occupy managerial positions in Public Administration and work in the Bulgarian institutions and the institutions of the EU.

Programme’s environment

The Master`s Programme in Public Administration and Management - European Administration is organized in part-time training mode of study. Bachelors and Masters with a qualification obtained from the professional field "Administration and Management" have direct access to the program, while Bachelors and Masters with qualifications in other professional fields need to pass one equivalent semester of 30 ECTS credits.

Often, students in the Master`s programme go to work, which is why the schedule of classes is organized in blocks, several times in the semester, in terms of ensuring the necessary attendance in the classroom.

Despite the fact that there are similar Master`s programmes in the Bulgarian educational space (ex.: Master`s Programme in European Public Administration - offered by Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, as well as the Master`s Degree Programme in European Studies and Administration - offered by University of Rousse “Angel Kanchev”) the PAM-EA Master`s Programme is unique in terms of educational content, organization of the educational process and practical training offered. A definite competitive advantage of this programme is that it enables learners to acquire integrated knowledge and skills needed to

27 function effectively in close interaction between Public Administration and Business Administration when absorbing EU funds.

The current SWOT Analysis of the professional field “Administration and Management” at VFU (forecast period 2018 - 2020), contains the strategic Plan for the PAM-EA programme characteristics (see Table 5.2.-2 and Figure 5.2.-1):

Table 5.2.-2. SWOT Analysis of the professional field “Administration and Management” area (forecast period 2018 - 2020)

STRENGTHS: WEAKNESSES: • qualified academic staff • uneven involvement of academic staff in • curriculum-compliant business needs project work • full-time, part-time and distance learning • insufficient level of readiness to teach • teamwork foreign languages • established standards for working with • Low publication activity graduates, undergraduates, doctoral • low motivation of the academic staff for students performing administrative activities • Interdisciplinarity of the learning process • Excessive administrative workload for • individual approach to working with members of the Board trainees • insufficient activity in creating and • incorporating current scientific trends developing relationships with the branch into the content of the curriculum boards • horizontal and vertical integration of • insufficient activity of the expert and curricula consultancy teams • lack of independent marketing activity • poor coverage in the academic programs of materials that are part of professional certificates for the professional field OPPORTUNITIES: THREATS: • autonomy of higher education • extremely saturated national education • the emergence of new target segments market and markets • biased rating system for the evaluation of • internationalization of the education higher education market • unfavorable demographic trends • the emergence of new professions • expansion of international educational • an insatiable international market for products educational products for the Ph.D. • intensification of competition in the digital • the potential to create strategic alliances education market with practitioners and other educational • negative public attitude to the potential institutions and quality of private education • regulatory changes in the requirements for • low purchasing power in the educational the qualification of personnel in certain products market professions • dissonances in the relation "secondary • availability of external sources of education - higher education - labor market"

28 financing • lack of clear normative rules for evaluating the work of higher education staff • change in public needs for educational products (type and composition) • inequality between private and public higher education institutions

Source: VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Permanent Seminar "Creative Potential for Academic Development", Results of completed creative discussion assignments, April, 2018.

65,4

W 66,8 71

S-T

92,6

Fig. 5.2.-1. Result from the SWOT analysis of the professional field “Administration and Management”

The result of the SWOT analysis shows that the educational product of professional field “Administration and Management” is in the maxi-mini quadrant.

The professional field “Administration and Management”, respectively the Master`s Programme PAM-EA, which has been implemented within its framework, can use their traditional strengths to minimize the negative impact of the external environment. A potentially appropriate strategy for the development of the professional field is "horizontal diversification". The organized training in the self-evaluated Master`s programme is an

29 expression of the desire to diversify the academic portfolio by offering an educational product aimed at meeting additional needs.

Mission Process

The mission statements of professional field “Administration and Management” and of the PAM-EA programme are developed and updated in a transparent and democratic way, with respect for different stakeholders.

Students, employers, practitioners, members of the Academic Board play a crucial role in the process of forming and updating the mission and goals that determine the program's educational philosophy.

One of the possibilities for engaging students in this process is to attract them as permanent members of the meetings of the Departmental Council of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science and the Faculty Council of the Faculty of International Economics and Administration, where they are relevant to the decisions made, part of which include strategic directions for the development of Public Administration and Management programmes.

Another possibility is the regular examination and reporting of the students` opinion during regular individual and collective meetings with the tutors of the individual programs, as well as through the questionnaires - at the entrance to the specialty, permanent during training and at the exit of the education (through the " Alumni” system of the University). Often the subject of questionnaire research are questions that have a meaningful relevance to the basic elements of the mission and the goals of the Master`s program, ex.: the quality of the curriculum content; practices and internships; satisfaction with training; qualification and acquired competences.

Within the framework of the university policy for maintaining effective relations between the academic community and the representatives of the employers` organizations, through the 5 functioning Branch Boards of Trustees in the various professional fields represented at VFU, a wide platform is provided for discussion of issues, related to the educational philosophy and mission of the developed programmes. One of the priority areas within which specific activities and initiatives are implemented jointly between the academic board, employers and practitioners, acting students and graduates of programmes in Public Administration and

Management is the participation of members of the Branch Board of Trustees in the

5 The Branch Boards of Trustees were established as part of the activities under Project BG051PO001-3.1.07- 0029 "Updating course documentation and learning process in Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" in accordance with the requirements of the labour market", https://www.vfu.bg/the-university/projects/9- updating-course-documentation-and-learning-process-2.html

30 educational and methodical activity of the professional field "Administration and 6 Management" .

Another opportunity to engage employers and practitioners in the teaching and learning activities of the Master`s programme is to attract them as guest lecturers and becoming part of teaching teams in different subjects. This provides further opportunities to enhance the quality of training by reinforcing its practical elements and directly participating in the educational mission development process.

Other channels that provide opportunities for promoting the mission and coordinating strategies for the development of the PAM-EA Master`s programme, are the personal and professional contacts of the members of the academic board with various organizations and institutions in the educational and public sphere.

In the context of each institutional and programme accreditation (accreditation of the professional field and respectively - Bachelor`s and Master`s programmes) procedures, mission-related issues are discussed, considering the accreditation criteria, opinion and recommendations of the mentioned stakeholders.

The last institutional accreditation procedure was in 2018, to date a very high score of 9.21 (by the ten-point system) awarded by the National Assessment and Accreditation Agency for a maximum period of six years - up to 2025 is a fact. A successive procedure for program accreditation of the professional field "Administration and Management" is now in a process, with the ambition of the academic community of the Department to get a grade above 9, thus establishing its leading position and the leading position of the PAM-EA Master`s programme not only at VFU, but also in the country.

Deviation from Accreditation Criteria

No deviations from the Accreditation Criteria are deemed relevant.

6 Although the project is directly related to updates to the Bachelor`s programme of Public Administration and Management curricula for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic years, it can be argued that the project results were indirectly relevant to the subsequent curriculum changes and the training goals of the Master`s Programme in Public Administration and Management. The reasons for this can be found in the nature of the changes made, which were imposed by: the results of a study with representatives of the practice, discussions and workshops with experts from the business and the public sector (within the established Board of Trustees at the professional field “Administration and Management”), the results from the periodically provided feedback by the students.

5.3. Level

The level of compliance of the PAM-EA programme with the internationally accepted, Master`s Degree requirements can be assessed on the first place in accordance with the minimum requirements for the award of ECTS credits (according to the requirements for second cycle of the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area).

The Master`s Program in Public Administration and Management - European Administration covers these minimum requirements, as according to the approved curriculum (see section 5.5 for details), the qualification "Master of Public Administration and Management" is awarded after obtaining 60 ECTS credits (duration of training 1 year) for Bachelors and Masters who have graduated in the professional field "Administration and Management", as well as after obtaining 90 ECTS credits (duration of training 1,5 year) for Bachelors and Masters who have graduated in other professional fields.

ECTS credits are awarded according to the current curriculum, after meeting the requirements set in the syllabuses of the various subjects. The requirements for successful completion of each course within the Programme, are formalized in the relevant syllabus as assessment criteria, where the achieved level of their fulfilment is also outlined in terms of specific knowledge, skills and competences.

The planned results (in terms of knowledge, skills and competences) of the Master`s degree courses/subjects differ in their specificity (depending on the content of syllabus), but in general terms it can be summarized that they follow the logic, that successful graduates of the Programme should be able:

• to apply theoretical knowledge to present and evaluate real facts and phenomena of administrative practice and experience in the context of European integration;

• to apply the acquired creative skills to expert analysis and evaluation of complex administrative problems and situations, as well as to develop variants of management decisions; • apply the acquired communication skills (including negotiation, teamwork, etc.); • to develop lifelong learning skills.

The formulations of these learning outcomes include the five major components of Dublin Descriptors for the program level, relevant to the second cycle (e.g. Master`s degrees) of the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area, namely:

• Knowledge and understanding - that provides a basis or opportunity for applying ideas, often within a research context;

32 • Applying knowledge and understanding and problem-solving abilities

• Making judgements - can integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities;

• Communication - can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these; • Lifelong learning skills.

A list of specific competences within the major competence groups, developed through the Programme is given in App. 4.:

• Competences to lead and manage in public governance • Competences to participate in and contribute to the policy process

• Competences to analyze, think critically, solve problems and make decisions in the public domain • Competences to articulate and apply public service perspectives • Competences to communicate and interact productively in the public domain • Competences to understand public domain

The announced general and specific competences for the Master`s programme are even more detailed evidence that the planned results of the Master`s training (in the form of acquired competences) adequately covers the general characteristics of the academic level of Master`s degree in Public Administration and Management at the VFU.

5.4. Relation to Practice and Internships

Training of practical skills

Practical training is an important element of the overall preparation of students studying at the PAM – EA Master`s programme. The acquired knowledge and skills close the cycle of theoretical and applied preparation of students and are an essential prerequisite for their successful realization in the future. The main objective of the practical training is to acquire theoretical knowledge in an adequate way and to develop of practical skills for its application. This is achieved through: practical training within specific disciplines; practical training in the form of teaching practice and pre-graduate internship.

Practical training within specific disciplines is reflected in the well-established practice that about half of the contact hours are conducted through active training methods, i.e. students to be actively engaged (individually or as a team) in tasks that aim to develop their skills in applying the acquired theoretical knowledge to real-world conditions and situations, such as: coaching, practicums, group discussions, case studies, student projects, role games, etc. In

33 this way, the realization of the educational mission and the goals of the Master`s programme can be more fully realized (see p. 5.2. Mission Statement Section). A condition for successful completion of the individual discipline and a compulsory element of the exam is the submission of student research - scientific report, abstract, course work, project, etc. This aims at creating skills for students to apply theoretical knowledge in: researching and evaluating real facts and phenomena from administrative practice and experience, identifying problems, expressing competent opinion, formulating options for management decisions. Ultimately, it depends on the formation of the necessary professional competences and the successful acquisition of the Master of Public Administration and Management qualification (see p. 5.3.).

Another important aspect of the practical training across disciplines is that it focuses on empirical research skills (quantitative and qualitative ones), such as preparing for the development of a Master`s thesis - data collection and processing, analysis and synthesis, with focus on research problems in the field of public management, policy development, project management and more.

Practical training in the form of teaching practice and pre-graduate internship aims to put the acquired theoretical knowledge and skills into real working environment. Visits to the administrations of central and territorial governing bodies are planned, meetings are held with responsible representatives of the respective administrations, during which the undergraduates are acquainted with the most essential connection with the performance of the functions, structure and organization of their work in the context of EU requirements increase administrative capacity. If possible, trainees also look at appropriate official working space and attend workshops organized by the relevant governing bodies and their supporting administrations.

Links with the professional area of Public Administration are carried out in the following ways:

• by all members of the academic board during their personal and professional contacts (membership in professional organizations, participation in round tables, seminars, public discussions, conferences on PA issues), which is reflected in the relevant way in the educational content of the individual courses and contributes to the development of students' practical skills;

• by those directly involved with the organization of the practical training, (the head and the administrator of the Master`s programme), who interact with mentors from the respective administrative institutions. An integral part of the documents that students are required to submit in connection with the completion of the internship and pre-graduate internship is filled out by a representative of the training organization – employer feedback questionnaire, thus providing opportunities to access the practical requirements of the professional area of PA;

• keeping in touch with the graduates, some of whom find realization in the system of State Governance and Public Administration, through the Alumni system of

7 VFU , which provides a continuous source of information about changes in the PA's professional area.

Internship Design

The Master`s programme includes a practical training and a pre-graduate internship of 90 hours at the end of the second semester of study. As has been repeatedly justified in this report, practical training through practices and internships contributes to the accomplishment of the programme mission (see p. 5.5.1, section Curriculum and Mission). The internship is intended as intensive practical training on the competences that students have acquired during the two semesters of study. The organized visits to the administrations of the senior management bodies give an opportunity for discussions on current problems from the main fields, based on which the curriculum of the programme - public management, political and social sciences, law and legal sciences, contemporary global problems, European development and politics is constructed.

The organization of the practical training and the pre-graduate internship is carried out in the following order:

• Explanatory meetings during the classes - getting acquainted with the organization and the course of the internship (start date, venue, course of action, methodology for preparing a report for the defense of the practice conducted).

• Sending letters and holding meetings with relevant institutions about the opportunities and conditions for admission of students.

• Appointing a person in charge of the relevant institution for conducting an internship or practice.

• Preparation of an internship program by the supervisor and the leader of the Master`s programme, which is approved by the Department Council.

• Preparation of lists of students who will be included in the internship organized by the programme.

The programme provides students with the opportunity to organize their own practical training and pre-graduate internships at time and institution, chosen by them, for which they submit an official note certifying the place and period for conducting the practical training and pre-graduate internship. They also prepare reports on a given structure.

Successfully completed teaching and pre-graduate internships are the ones that have been completed with the defense of a report before the Commission appointed by the Departmental Council, and in the composition of which must be mandatorily included the

7 Web-platform of the Alumni system of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” - https://alumni.vfu.bg/bg/, (accessible on 15th of October, 2019)

35 head of the Master`s programme and, if possible, the mentors from the relevant administrative units, in which the students have conducted their internships.

Internship Status

The practical training and the undergraduate internship are compulsory under the curriculum, without which the required minimum of 60 ECTS credits (for the award of the professional qualification of Master of Public Administration and Management) cannot be obtained. In other words, 100% of the graduates go through practical training, where the options are reduced to: 1. joining the internship organized by the Programme; 2. undergo own practical training in selected public organizations - structures of the state and territorial administration.

Academic ECTS credits for the practical training and undergraduate internships are awarded based on a multi-aspect assessment, formed by the Commission before which the internship is defended. The assessment is based on the following criteria:

• Submitted required documents for completed practical training and pre- graduation internship – an official note for the place and duration of the internship, a report on the completed practical work;

• an opinion from the practice tutor about the attendance of the practical classes as well as the trainees' ability to put into practice the acquired knowledge and skills; • quality of the report and the ability to present the results achieved;

• acquired skills for communication, drawing up competent opinion on real problems and situations in the professional area of Public Administration.

In fact, the last three criteria have the greatest weight in forming the final assessment of the defense of practical training and pre-graduation internship.

Supervision of the practical training

In accordance with the established procedure in the department for the organization of practical training and internships, (see p. 5.3. Internship Design), the management addresses some organizational issues: conducting student explanatory meetings, selecting trainees, concluding cooperation agreements for the organization of practical training and internships with relevant institutions that function in the field of Public Administration. It is implemented by the head of the Master of Science (MSc) programme, who is assisted by the programme administrator.

Internship guidance also has a methodological side related to the preparation of an appropriate program for conducting practical training and internships, which includes specific practical classes and ways of their implementation. A leading party in this process is the designated mentor from the host institution, who coordinates the draft curriculum for internships and internships with the master of the Master`s programme. The function of the

36 programme manager is to defend the connection of the planned activities in the program with the educational mission and goals of the Master`s programme in front of the Branch Board of Trustees, as well as with the competences that students should form in the process of their overall education.

There are no explicit requirements for on-site visits by the Master`s Programme Manager - especially when it comes to practical training and internships that students organize themselves. However, in some cases, he or she may request additional information about the trainee's progress during and after the internship (beyond the mandatory opinion and mentor feedback from the host institution).

Where possible, mentors from host institutions may visit the University and join the Internship Defense Commission to participate directly in the final evaluation, and not just participate in the process in absentia by providing feedback (opinion and questionnaire card) for the trainees' achievements. The Academic Board is willing to include mentors from host institutions in the Internship Defense Commission, as this provides additional opportunities to maintain close links with public-sector organizations.

Internship Placement

Organized practical training and pre-graduate internships at PAM – EA Master`s programme are among the competitive advantages of the programme, as it provides access for trainees to the administrations of senior and territorial governing bodies, respectively meetings with responsible representatives, where they can gain direct impressions of their daily work.

At the central level, the administrations of the Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works have established themselves as the main partner of the department in conducting practical training and pre-graduate internship of the undergraduate students in Public Administration and Management. At the territorial level, the Municipality of Varna and its regional administrations annually admit Master`s trainees.

As stated above, students are free to choose the units of the deconcentrated and decentralized administration (outside the organized internship of the programme).

Data on the practical training and undergraduate experience of students in the Master`s programme "PAM - EA" for the last four years (including the year for self-assessment 2017/2018) are summarized in Table. 5.4.-1. and Table. 5.4.-2.:

Table 5.4.-1. Practical training and undergraduate experience of students in the Master`s degree programme for the last four years

Master`s Degree Programme „Public Administration 2014/ 2015/ 2016/ 2017/ and Management – European Administration“ 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of students passed work placement and Pre- 18 17 21 13 graduation Internship

Number of intern placements 8 8 7 6

Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

Table 5.4.-2. List of intern placements during last four years

Academic Year Name of intern placement 2014/2015 Parliament of Republic of Bulgaria organized by the Council of Ministers of Republic of Bulgaria Programme President of Republic of Bulgaria Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works Municipality of Varna 2014/2015 Municipality of Isperih self-organized by the Municipality of Dobrich students Municipality of Balchik 2015/2016 Parliament of Republic of Bulgaria organized by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works Programme Institute of Public Administration (National state institution providing centralized trainings for civil servants) Municipality of Varna 2015/2016 Municipality of Shumen self-organized by the Municipality of Byala students Municipality of Kavarna Regional Administration Pleven 2016/2017 Parliament of Republic of Bulgaria organized by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works Programme Institute of Public Administration (National state institution providing centralized trainings for civil servants) Municipality of Varna Region Primorski – Municipality of Varna 2016/2017 District Court Varna self-organized by the National Customs Agency

38 students of the Republic of Bulgaria 2017/2018: Self-evaluation Parliament of Republic of Bulgaria Year Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works organized by the Municipality of Varna Programme 2017/2018: Self-evaluation Municipality of Provadiya Year Municipality of Avren self-organized by the Maritime administration - Varna students Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

The duration of each of these internships is 90 hours, 5 days a week, a total of about 30 hours per week, which equals 3 ECTS credits.

The selection of students to participate in the practical training and the pre-graduate internship is carried out within the framework of the explanatory meetings during the classes. Based on a questionnaire, the student's preferred form of internship - organized by the programme or independently, and then the procedure explained above is initiated (see p. 5.4. section Internship Design).

The plan-based practical training and pre-graduate internships are free of charge.

5.5. Curriculum

5.5.1. Curriculum Content A. Curriculum and mission

It is necessary to emphasize once again that training at the PAM - EA MP is linked to the essence of Public Administration - on the one hand, as a multidisciplinary area of knowledge, and on the other – as a dynamic, social system, subject to processes of European integration and globalization.

In this context, the Mission of the Programme is realized in correlation with the content of the curriculum. The training of practitioners and administrators at different regional, national and European levels, who have the necessary qualifications and professional competences to solve administrative and managerial problems in a changing world (see more detail in p. 5.2., section Mission statement) requires multidisciplinary curriculum training. In terms of content, the Master`s curriculum balances several major areas: public management, political and social sciences, law and legal sciences, global problems of contemporaneity, European development and integration (see p. 5.1, section Architecture of the present programme). The main components of the curriculum - compulsory, elective and optional subjects, practically fulfil these areas substantively. Each discipline sets specific goals that are relevant

39 to the achievement of the learning outcomes (see section 5.3). Generally speaking, specialized training in current problems of the administration`s activity in the context of the modern criteria and requirements for the administrative activity and the use of modern research tools and applied scientific research guarantee, at the exit of the programme, professionals who have the necessary theoretical knowledge, creative abilities and specific competencies at a high academic level, consistent with the pan-European perceptions adopted (see p. 5.3 for a link of learning outcomes with Dublin Descriptors).

The component of the curriculum – practical training and pre-graduate internship, has a direct connection with the aspirations of the mission to conduct quality Master`s training based on internationalization and real connection of the study work with the needs of public practice. The internships and practices conducted in the units of the central state administration (National Assembly, Council of Ministers, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, etc. undoubtedly contribute to the creation of a modern generation of administrators for the public sphere.

Through the Pre-graduation Seminar and the defense of the diploma work/passing of the complex state examination, the purpose is to check the acquired general and specific competences (see App. 4), which ultimately have to do with the overall educational philosophy of the Master`s programme - preparation of polyvalent specialists at high academic level who meet the contemporary needs of the public sphere.

B. Background information

The duration of the academic year at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, as well as its individual elements – semesters, academic vacations, semester exams, state exam sessions and defense of diploma papers, non-academic days, is approved annually by the Academic Council of the 8 VFU and is published timely on the University website . Within these university-wide parameters, classes and exam sessions are planned for the various specialties, for the various forms of training, including for the Master`s programmes.

1. Credit system: The academic year at VFU is divided into two semesters - winter and summer semester. For the academic year 2017/2018, the winter semester starts on October 02, 2017 and ends on February 18, 2018, followed by a 1-week interim vacation. The summer semester starts on February 26, 2018 and ends on September 16, 2018 (including the liquidation session) followed by a 2-week summer vacation.

2. Length of term: The duration of the semester - from the first academic hour to the final exam for the respective semester - is 15 weeks.

8 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Schedule of classes/calendar, https://www.vfu.bg/%D1%81%D1%82%D1 %83%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8/%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D1% st 80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81.html, (accessible on the 1 of October 2019)

40 3. Number of terms: The number of semesters for the academic year is two - winter

and summer semester, while the calendar year includes: part of the winter semester of the respective academic year, which actually started in the previous calendar year, all summer semester of the respective academic year, as well as part of the winter semester the next academic year.

4. Hours of work: In accordance with The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the Higher Education Law in force for one academic year (two semesters), one full-time student is required to collect 60 ECTS credits (30 ECTS credits per each semester), incl. 15 credits more for developing and defending a thesis, which equates to 600 hours of classroom work and 1,200 extra-curricular work.

5. Full-time status: At VFU, respectively in the professional field of Administration and Management, there are explicit requirements for the number of ECTS credits acquired during the training period, as follows: 33 ECTS credits from compulsory subjects, 6 ECTS credits from elective subjects, 3 ECTS credits from optional disciplines, 3 ECTS credits for practical training and pre-graduate internship, 15 ECTS credits for the development and defense of diploma work / passing of complex state examination.

6. Time limitation: The acquisition of a Master`s degree in all VFU programmes is realized for a period of less than 1 calendar year from the date of enrolment in the programme. After the first state examination session, students drop out of VFU (i.e. lose their student rights), but if they have fulfilled their curriculum obligations, they have the right to undergo diploma defense / take state examination for a period not exceeding five years.

7. Class contact hours: The curriculum of the respective Bachelor`s or Master`s degree programmes divides the courses by semesters, with the total number of credits awarded for the successful completion of one semester - 30 ECTS credits, i.e. 300 hours of classroom work. The syllabus also contains information on full weekly student employment, distributed by courses and semesters - for example, a course with a 30-hour classroom workload requires 3 hours of weekly student employment.

C. Prerequisites

The main requirements for admission to the Public Administration and Management - European Administration programme are:

• Bachelor`s / Master`s Degree in a specialty in the professional field "Administration and Management" or in other specialties/professional fields with average assessment result not less than "Good" 3.50; • successfully passed admission exam.

For active employees of the state administration, the exam is conducted in the form of a motivation interview.

Admission to the Master`s programme is subject to the procedure approved in VFU for recognition of prior training, which may be related to certification of acquired general competences (linguistic, digital, etc.), as well as certification of knowledge and skills, which are specific for the professional field of Public Administration. The Master`s programme Manager, who is also the ECTS Coordinator of Training, provides initial information and guidance on the opportunities for recognition and award of previous training credits.

Recognition of prior knowledge and skills is done based on submitted documents, such as: academic background or diploma from previous training; international diplomas and certificates for computer skills in accordance with ECDL (The European Computer Driving License) and more.

It is also possible to certify knowledge and skills by passing exams at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, directed at evaluating the:

• Computer skills at the Department of Computer Studies;

• Competencies specific to the department "Administration, Management and Political Science": for active employees in the state administration - teaching practice and pre-diploma internship, as well as disciplines whose curriculum content directly corresponds to the fulfilment of their official duties; based on presented certificates, documents and more.

• Competences developed during training in legitimate colleges for postgraduate (continuing) education/training in Public Administration and other specialties in the sphere of Public Administration and Management.

Because of the certification procedure, the Department awards ECTS credits relevant to the curriculum, based on the results from the certification of the respective competences.

D. Course distribution

Table 5.5.1.-1. shows the distribution of course ECTS among the various curriculum components (core and additional required components) in the different years of Master`s degree training. During the first semester of the first year, the 30 ECTS credits are formed as follows: 24 ECTS credits from compulsory subjects and 6 ECTS credits from elective subjects. nd Accordingly, in the 2 semester of the first year, 30 ECTS credits are formed as follows: 6 ECTS credits from compulsory subjects, 3 ECTS credits from elective courses, 3 ECTS credits from optional courses and a total of 18 ECTS credits for additional compulsory components (3 ECTS credits and internship credits and credits 15 ECTS credits from the pre-graduation seminar and the defense of the diploma work / passing the complex state exam). In total, for the duration of the Master`s programme, the various components of the syllabus form the required 60 ECTS credits.

Table 5.5.1.-1. Course distribution

Course Level Core Public Master of science in Administration Curriculum Additional Public Administration Components Required Total and Management – Curriculum ECTS credits Required Choice European Components Courses Courses Administration Year 1 / 1 semester 24 6 30 3 Year1 / 2 semester 6 6 30 15 Total ECTS credits 30 12 18 60 Source: ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public- administration-and-management-european-administration-2.html (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

E. Assessment and guiding performance

The components of the curriculum, discussed in the previous section, are implemented based on syllabuses, approved by the Departmental Council of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science. To be accepted, the syllabuses must be substantively relevant to a justified model, containing: the content of the relevant course, the link to other courses, requirements, objectives and learning outcomes, as well as the specific competences that students acquire. In practice, the Departmental Council, at the proposal of the Master`s Programme Manager, assesses the relevance of the courses and internships with the mission and educational philosophy of the programme. Based on the approved syllabuses, course descriptions (short versions of syllabus in Bulgarian and English) are developed and published 9 in the e-version of the ECTS guide .

Possibility to evaluate the quality of the entire curriculum and its constituent and additional components is provided by on-going collection of feedback by students - through questioning and directly through contacts with their tutor, who is the Manager of the Master`s programme. The assessment of students` satisfaction with the entire course of study, as well as of the content of the courses, is a key criterion for comparing the mission and goals with the results achieved and the competencies acquired.

9 ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management- european-administration-2.html (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

5.5.1.1. Core components

A. Core curriculum courses

Information for the curriculum and core curriculum courses (course descriptions) is published in the section of the ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, devoted to the Public 8 Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme .

The programme does not envisage the possibility of replacing the compulsory subjects. The choice is made regarding elective and optional subjects. Curriculum obligations require the study of 10 compulsory subjects (for 30 ECTS credits), 3 electives out of 9 (for 9 ECTS credits) and 1 optional subject out of 4 subjects (from which 3 ECTS credits are obtained).

B. Basics of Public Administration

As already stated in p. 5.1 (section -Architecture of the self-evaluated Programme), the courses that provide students with knowledge and skills related to basic concepts, methods and theories in Public Administration and other disciplines that have a cross-relation with their multidisciplinary field (Economics, Law, Political Science, Sociology), are included in the Bachelor's curriculum in the major "Public Administration and Management". The Master`s degree in Public Administration and Management seeks to upgrade specific courses aimed at preparing highly qualified professionals for key management and administrative positions with broad multidisciplinary competence, formed by the scientific fields according to which the curriculum is designed – see: p .5.1. and p. 5.5.1, section A. Curriculum and mission.

Upgrading the training with respect to the basic concepts, methods and theories of PA has been achieved through the following courses included in the curriculum of the programme: State Power and State Administration; European Administrative Area. Transformation of the Administrative System; Comparative European Administration; Counteracting Administrative Corruption; Administration and Media; EU Structural Instruments and their Implementation in Bulgaria; Administrative Outsourcing.

Upgrading the training with respect to the basic concepts, methods and theories of other disciplines (economics, law, political science, sociology) was achieved through the following courses included in the curriculum of the programme: Global Problems of Modernity; EU Regional Development - Challenges and Prospects; European cooperation and territorial integration; Crisis leadership; European Black Sea Cooperation Initiatives; Local Government and Regional Development; Administrative law and process; EU legal and institutional system

- policies and mechanisms; European foreign policy; Politics and public authority; Social interactions and teamwork; Management Sociology; Management Psychology.

Upgrading training in public management was achieved through the following courses included in the curriculum of the programme: Risk Management in the Public Sector; Project Management Development; Public Sector Change Management; European Marketing; Management of Administrative Conflicts; Public Events Management; Electronic Governance.

The Master`s curriculum does not envisage up-to-date public finance and IT training, but, some of the courses comment on issues that are relevant to these topical areas (ex.: courses in EU Structural Instruments and their implementation in Bulgaria; EU Regional Development - Challenges and Prospects; Electronic Governance, etc.).

C. Capable professionals

Specific knowledge and skills that students during their training in the various Master`s 10 degree courses contribute to the formation of the general and specific competencies that the successful graduates of the Master`s programme acquire (see App. 4.).

At the end of the course, the level of development of these competences is cross-checked through a Master`s thesis defense or passing a comprehensive state exam (as described in p. 5.5.1. Curriculum Content, section A. Curriculum and mission). Obtaining the academic degree of Master in Public Administration and Management based on the fulfilment of all curriculum obligations (acquisition of the required ECTS credits, formed by: compulsory, elective and optional disciplines, work placement and pre-graduation internship and the thesis defense/passing state exam ), provides the necessary legitimate (according to national accreditation and European requirements - Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area, ECTS, DS Label) assurances that successful graduates are capable of intelligent, relative analyses, decisions and communication in modern public sphere, understood in its broadest context.

D. Ability to work independently on real problems

The ability to work independently on ‘real’ problems or research questions in the public sector is a general competence summarizing the Programme’s overall aim. Several of the curriculum components contribute to it: applied small-scale research and practice in specific courses; graduate seminar and thesis defense/complex state exam; work placement and pre- graduation internship.

As already highlighted in the self-evaluation report, the competitive advantage of PAM-EA Master`s programme is the provision of the integrated knowledge and skills that are necessary for effective functioning in close interaction of Public Administration with business administration in absorbing EU funds. In the learning process, students are challenged to reflect on the position of professionals in the public sector, with practical courses, such as:

10ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management-european- administration-2.html (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

45 conducting small-scale researches; developing scientific reports; solving practical cases/case studies, related to public policy evaluations; developing organizational strategies; drafting strategies as part of student`s projects, etc.

The content of the placement and pre-graduation internship component and its contribution to the fulfilment of the educational mission and objectives of the programme, incl. and in terms of the successful completion of graduates, is described in p. 5.4. Section Relation to Practice and Internships.

The graduation seminar and the thesis defense/state examinations component are the final test of a student's scientific potential and a testament to his/her ability to be a professional in Public Administration and administration.

The graduation seminar aims to prepare students for their independent work on the Master`s thesis. This component of the syllabus is aimed at additional preparation for the development of the final student project, through which students must prove their ability to formulate research questions, to choose an adequate methodology, to carry out theoretical and methodological studies and analyses, to make a practical study of a particular problem on the chosen problem, to systematize and summarize the results obtained, to justify through their understandable their positions on the problems under consideration, to formulate a research according to scientific standards.

During the Master`s thesis defense, students must demonstrate ability to present briefly and substantially the obtained research results, as well as capacity to think critically during the discussion with the members of the State Examination Commission. This way is created environment close to the real (practical) one, in which the student must quickly orient himself and, based on the acquired knowledge, demonstrate the ability to formulate a competent, creative and adequate opinion on the problems posed.

The comprehensive state exam, as the second option for finalizing Master`s studies, is conducted on a synopsis that includes questions from all studied courses. In practice, this provides an opportunity to check the level of competences that certify the professional suitability of graduates.

E. Ethical and effective behavior

Ethical issues are explicitly addressed in several courses in the master programme: ethical questions with respect to public media (Administration and Media); ethical implications of the application of conceptions in political science (Politics and Government, European Foreign Policy); ethical conceptions with respect to Sociology and Psychology (Sociology of Management, Psychology of Management, Social Interactions and Team Work).

In summary, it can be argued that issues of ethical and effective behavior are discussed during contact hours with students in the various components of the curriculum -

46 compulsory, elective and elective courses, internships and placements, master classes, through student involvement in: practical seminars, group discussions, teamwork, business games, public lectures by visiting lecturers - practitioners, etc. In this way, the pursuit is to stimulate students to think actively and prepare themselves for ethical and effective actions in real professional situations at any point in the programme, by being passive recipients of information and theory. This reaffirms the desire to fulfil the educational mission of the programme - to realize an educational model for the transition from student training to the qualification and training of practicing managers and administrators at different regional, national and European levels.

F. Specializations

There are no specializations listed in the university catalogue or promotional materials.

5.5.1.2. Other components and specializations A. Other courses

There are no other courses than listed in the course catalogue to be found in the ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management-european-adminis tr ation-2.html .

B. Objectives

There are no other components of the curriculum.

C. Rationale

D. Specialization

5.5.1.3. Structure and didactics of the programme

The content of the programme is designed so that in the first semester, when the compulsory 11 disciplines are dominated by the curriculum , students have the opportunity to obtain the required amount of interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge related to the public sector, the

11ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management- european-administration-2.html (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

47 ability to formulate competent opinions on current problems of the administration's activities in the context of contemporary realities. The stated objectives of the Master`s degree in PAM-EA at VFU (see Section 5.2. Mission Statement), which derive directly from the accepted educational mission, are in correlation with the content of the curriculum (see 5.5.1 Curriculum and Mission section). The inclusion in the curriculum of elective and optional disciplines implies the formation of additional creative abilities for expert analysis and evaluation of complex administrative problems and situations, as well as for the development of variants of managerial decisions, which in most general plan is determined as the main result of the successful completion of the Master`s degree courses (see p. 5.3).

The training for all the courses in the curriculum of the Programme, is based on didactic concepts, given in the respective syllabuses. The applied educational and teaching methods encompass: concept-, problem- and thesis-oriented presentations of course content, use of active methods, lectures, case studies and independent work, group discussions, etc., with the purpose to combine the theoretical with the practical training of graduates, or:

• to develop students` skills for use of modern research tools and conduction of applied research in accordance with the requirements of the practice (which is one of the goals set in the Master`s training - see p. 5.2, section Mission Statement);

• to develop skills for application of theoretical knowledge in the process of studying and evaluation of real-world facts and phenomena from administrative practice and experience, as well as of developing lifelong learning capabilities (which are key outcomes of Master`s training - see p. 5.3).

Practice so far shows that the block organization of the learning process (several times per semester) is a flexible and preferred form of study for students, not only because some of them work during their studies, but also because it leaves enough time for preparation in the relevant subjects. In most courses, it is common practice to provide the materials in advance to students, so that they prepare themselves for contact hours with lecturers and for group discussions, presentation of student assignments, studies, projects and final exams in the respective courses.

The preparation for the Master`s thesis/passing of the complex state examination starts several months earlier, during which time - within the framework of the Graduate Seminar and in consultation with the scientific supervisor of the diploma work, students have enough opportunities to specify the details about the content and timing of the activities, which will eventually lead them to the successful completion of their studies and their Master`s degree.

5.5.1.4. Admission

Admission requirements for the Master`s programme - qualification of potential students were discussed in p. 5.5.1., section C. Prerequisites.

The requirement of a Bachelor's degree in the professional field "Administration and Management" when applying for the PAM-EA Master`s arises from the need to pass fundamental interdisciplinary preparation in Public Administration in the fields of economics, law, political science, management.

For Bachelors in other professional fields, the training is extended by half a semester - equivalence, during which students take basic courses, which are included in the Bachelor’s programme in Public Administration and Management: Politics and Public Authority, Administrative Law and Process, Local Self-Government and Regional Development, 12 Sociology of Government, Psychology of government, State power and Administration .

Additional initiatives to ensure optimal matching of the qualifications of the applicant students and the requirements of the programme are undertaken in the framework of the year-round application campaign. Applicants are offered brochures, reference books, promotional material published on the University's website and on social media. VFU and the faculties respectively participate annually in national and international educational exhibitions and exchanges, at which the conditions for admission are offered and explained, incl. and the qualifications required, the content of the programmes, etc.

Part of the candidacy campaign is the targeted selection of students for the Master`s programme initially, aimed at graduating students in the Bachelor's programme in Public Administration and Management, as well as acting employees in various departments of central and decentralized administration.

During the admission to the Master`s programme, the students are explained the content of the curriculum, the timing and organization of the courses, the nature of the exams to pass, the obligations that they must fulfil in accordance with the approved curriculum and syllabuses, in order to obtain the Master`s degree in Public Administration and Management.

12ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management- european-administration-2.html (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

5.5.2. Length

The programme is accredited by the Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency.

The Programme’s length is in line with the international standards, being a one-year master of 60 ECTS. A substantial weight is placed on the elaboration of a Master`s thesis (15 ECTS). Other main parts and their volume were commented in p. 5.5.1., section Course distribution, table 5.5.1.-1, but among them are:

• a set of core (compulsory) courses - 30 ECTS;

• elective courses -12 ECTS. from the commented main directions (see point 5.5.1., section Course distribution, table 5.5.1.-1).

It should be noticed that if a student has fulfilled all the requirements of the curricula and received the right to defend a Master`s thesis or attend a state examination, he/she is allowed to do so in a period of five years.

5.5.3. Results

In p. 5.3. was proposed a justification for the conformity of the final qualification of graduates with the set educational goals. In p. 5.5.1. section D. Ability to work independent on real problems was argumented the ability of graduates to work independently on problems from the actual practice.

The main evidence that have been achieved adequate results in the Master`s studies (in addition to the successful completion of the Master`s thesis or the passing of a state examination), is the relatively high degree of realization of the graduates in different directions of Public Administration, most often in:

• EU institutions and other European and international organizations - as executives and experts; • state and territorial administration, public service organizations, etc.;

• business sector - in companies whose business operates within the EU single market; • Advisory and research units that directly support the absorption of EU funds;

• the non-governmental sector - in organizations defending interests in the European environment;

• media and information centers reflecting the problems of administrative development and the interaction of EU institutions with business and civil society.

5.6. Quality Improvement and Innovation

5.6.1. Programme accomplishment

Master`s programme Public Administration and Management – European Administration operates in an environment that sets higher national and supranational standards for the quality of education, according to which are being educated trained professionals for the needs of the public sector. The programme is a structural part of an educational organization that has mechanisms and procedures for monitoring and progress reporting against established standards, on the one hand, and the accomplishment of its educational mission, on the other. The processes of reporting the achievements of the Master`s programme can be evaluated within the framework of the university policy for maintaining the quality of the educational process, as well as from the perspective of the self-assessment of the Master`s programme.

University-wide policy for maintaining the quality of the educational process.

Within the framework of institutional accreditation procedures (5-6 years), all Bachelor's, Master`s and Doctoral programmes must protect the nature of their achievements and provide objective information about their compliance with:

• the policies, mechanisms and achievements of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” to ensure, maintain, control and develop the quality of training, research and artistic development, and academic staff; • Strategies for the development of VFU.

The focus of the self-assessment report, which is presented at the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation, is to evaluate the status and progress of the university management and the internal and external quality control system of the university's activities during the self-assessment period (short chronology of the process of institutional accreditation is presented in section 5.6.3. External reviews). Evidence for these processes is the results and their specific dimensions, reflected in the individual sections of the self- assessment report, which are relevant to: the overall quality assurance policy; development and approval of training documentation; learning, teaching and assessment processes; acceptation, development, recognition and graduation of students, teaching staff; on-going monitoring and periodic review of programmes, etc. (in more details see: App. 2 and App. 3).

It is necessary to emphasize that the starting point for the self-assessment procedure are:

• the fulfilment of the mandatory NEAA recommendations from the previous institutional and all programme accreditations;

• the implementation of critical notes from the passed NEAA post-accreditation control procedures, generated by the University Management System of the University; • the quality of information and trends;

• the results of the implementation of the priorities and tasks set out in the on-going Strategic Plan for the development of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

As a socially responsible and public institution, VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” follows a policy of sustainable development, re-evaluating and updating the mission, outlined strategic priorities and goals of the University management, which are reflected in the strategic documents for the development of VFU and its departments. The last update was completed in 2018, when were adopted the VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”`s Development Strategy for the period 2018 - 2022 and the Strategic Programme of Department "Administration, Management and Political Science". Both documents set the educational parameters in which the education, philosophy and mission of the Master`s Programme in Public Administration and Management for the respective period is implemented.

Since 2001, the quality management system certified by ISO 9001: 2015 has been established and maintained at the University. There is no other higher education institution in Bulgaria with an 18-year uninterrupted cycle of a certified quality management system. The University has six successfully completed certification cycles, each for a period of three years. The system is a well-established tool for recording the overall achievements of VFU and the separate educational programmes, assisting university management in the following areas:

• independent and objective evaluation of the quality management system; • introduction of clear criteria and indicators of the activity of the separate units;

• promoting systematic and accurate record keeping; timely and objective detection and definition of problems; • Assisting management in making managerial decisions.

The area of certification of Varna Free University according to ISO 9001: 2015 for the period 2019 - 2022 includes:

• Offering accredited higher education, conducting postgraduate qualifications and specializations, re-training and lifelong learning. • Performing scientific research and expert consultancy activities. • Developing national and international research projects and initiatives.

• Ensuring inter-university cooperation and academic mobility of students, faculty and administrative staff, incl. and in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Another direction of regular monitoring of the achievements of VFU and the separate programmes are the selection procedures and audits by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). According to those, VFU is awarded with the ECTS and DS Labels, which serve as evidence for the high quality of the education provided by an institution that excels at implementing the ECTS system in the Bachelor's and Master`s degrees and is eligible to issue a European Diploma Supplement for all graduates in accordance with the model developed by the European Commission, Council of Europe and UNESCO.

Master`s programme self-assessment and monitoring.

In accordance with the legal provisions and procedures approved by NEAA, programme accreditation is given to the professional field "Administration and Management" for the educational and qualification degrees "Bachelor" and "Master". In the framework of programme accreditation procedures (5-6 years), the Master`s programme must substantiate its achievements and provide objective information about the self-assessment report for its compliance with NEAA standards (commented above).

As main structural unit of the university, the department (respectively - the Master`s programme), are subject to regular internal audit (at least 1 time per semester) of the Quality Management System of Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar", in accordance with the requirements of the standard ISO 9001: 2015. The audits are conducted in accordance with the approved timetable for conducting internal audits for the respective calendar year and by the committees of internal auditors, approved by order of the Rector of VFU. Typically, audit committees include employees of VFU, representatives of various employers' organizations and/or student representatives, who have received training as internal auditors. The summary results of the internal audit are analyzed by the (internal) auditors and specific recommendations are made to the unit managers (Heads of Departments) for improving the functioning of the Quality Management System at VFU. The results of internal and external audits are discussed regularly at meetings of departmental and faculty councils, with the purpose to take measures for implementation of the made recommendations, as well as undertake corrective actions to close the inconsistencies.

The last internal audit was conducted during the period January 14-25, 2019, and the main conclusion that was made by the audit committee is that the quality management and maintenance system in the structural units of the VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” meets requirements of the international standard ISO 9001: 2015 and contributes to the improvement of the quality indicators of the entire activity of the academic staff.

The Head of the department develops and discusses in front of the department council the academic profile of the professional field “Administration and Management” for each academic year. The ECTS Coordinators and/or Master`s Programmes Managers, under the guidance of the Head of Department, develop and, following a decision by the Departmental Council, submit to the Students Admissions Center the following basic information on

13 programmes within the academic profile of the department (in Bulgarian) : training accents; extra-curricular activities; internships and internships; admission (competitive exam, scoring, additional requirements); continuing education opportunities; career development and career opportunities; contact details. For the purposes of the International admissions is used 14 more detailed information, given in the ECTS guide .

The achievements of the PAM-EA Master`s programme can also be evaluated as a consequence of considering the opinions of the users of the educational product. With a view to providing opportunities for regular discussion and consideration of the views of students and employers in the process of improving the quality of educational activity, the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science adopts the following practices and takes concrete actions aimed at intensifying interaction with all stakeholders.

Practices have been introduced to discuss the teaching documentation, the quality of teaching and the academic staff qualification with students, as well as and mechanisms for feedback by students adopted:

• It has been developed the Tutoring as an institute, implemented in all programmes at the department. For the Master`s Degree Programme, the role of the tutor is performed by the respective Master`s Programme Manager. Tutors play an important role in encouraging students to take an active role in the process of improving curricula, weekly workloads and exam procedures. Tutors prepare annual activity reports, but report on a regular basis to the Head of Department and the Academic Board on questions, problems identified, or suggestions made by students and/or applicant students interested in particular majors, masters programmes, or additional training courses related to the tutor's activity. • Forms of feedback between students and teachers have been approved: o An on-going student survey is conducted regarding the planned attestation of lecturers - the survey is conducted every 5 years for habilitated lecturers and every 3 years for non- habilitated lecturers, using a valid questionnaire according to a unified for the university model. The summary results of the survey, as well as the completed questionnaires, are provided to the attestation jury, based on which it formulates specific recommendations to the faculty council for improvement or enhancement of the activity of the

correspondent lecturer, whose overall performance is subject to review at the date of the next evaluation. o Students are interviewed annually for the purposes of information database maintenance of their assessment of the quality of the learning process. At institutional level, Ordinance

13 Example of information for the purposes of Admission (in Bulgarian), Profile of the Bachelor`s specialty Public Administration and Management: http://ksp.vfu.bg/bakalavar/spetsialnosti/publichna_administratsiya_i_menidjmant/ . 14ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management-european- administration-2.htm l (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

No. 3 on academic staff requires that annual student surveys are conducted with a view to the overall assessment of the quality of the education and teaching process. The written inquiries are conducted by the Departments in accordance with the approved sample questionnaire form and the results are reported to the Faculty Council. Interviews 15 of graduates are conducted through the university's Alumni system , as well.

• Opportunity is given to students in the Administration and Management professional field to participate in the meetings of the Departmental Council and the Faculty Council, with the purpose to present in front of the academic community various problems, questions and suggestions of interest to the student population.

Practices have been introduced to discuss educational documentation, quality of training and academic staff with consumer organizations and mechanisms for reporting the views of consumer organizations:

• The Branch Board Trustees of the professional field “Administration and Management” functions as an advisory body on issues related to the students' education, scientific and applied research activities. The Branch Board assists the academic board and the Head of department in updating curricula and programmes, as well as in incorporating new disciplines in line with the needs of the labor market and business. It can also propose improvements in connection to continuous education (ex.: propose more specialized courses from the next educational level), carrying out scientific and applied research activities by students, carrying out internships and internships during training.

A mechanism for assigning topics for the diploma work (Bachelor`s and Master`s Theses) by order of the practice has been developed. By application letter, upon submission of the application for the state examination, the student, the user organization of the results of the study, and the scientific advisor define the scope and focus of the assignment. Thesis topics, incl. custom-made, traditionally are subject to discussion and approval by members of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences.

5.6.2. Curriculum Development

One of the main directions of the educational mission of the Master`s programme in Public Administration and Management is to create a modern generation of practitioners for the public sphere in Bulgaria, corresponding to the historical moment and the efforts of the

Bulgarian nation for democratization and adequate integration into the European family (see

15Web-platform of the Alumni system of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” - https://alumni.vfu.bg/bg/ , (accessible on 15th of October, 2019)

55 p.5.2. Mission -Based Accreditation, section Mission Statement). From the point of view of its philosophy, the Programme is designed to be innovative, flexible and adaptable to current public sector processes. This also implies a corresponding development of the curriculum, which, on the one hand, offers sustainability in the acquired knowledge and skills, but on the other hand – requires enough opportunities for reassessment and change of competences and qualifications according to the needs of practice and current trends in the professional area of Public Administration.

The issues that underpin the innovation of the Master`s programme and the specific efforts to improve it - content, individual components of the curriculum, teaching methods and assessment of students, etc., are the responsibility of the scientific adviser of the programme. As specified in item 5.6.1., prior to the beginning of each academic year, when discussing the academic profile of the Administration and Management professional field “Administration and Management”, the scientific adviser of the Master`s programme may submit for discussion by the Department Council proposals for modification of some of the content elements of the curriculum and the individual courses. Such changes can be caused by a number of reasons:

• have undergone internal and external evaluation procedures related to accreditation procedures, quality audits (described in the previous subparagraph);

• changes in government policies that provoke new ways of organizing and managing Public Administration; • needs for transposition of European policies and regulations in Bulgaria; • diversification of the university-wide block of optional disciplines;

• cooperation and implementation of experience from international and national educational institutions, etc.

Undoubtedly for the development of the curriculum of the programme, it is necessary, in addition to observing the legal requirements (arising from the Law on Higher Education, programme accreditation, ECTS-system, etc.), to report in an adequate manner and the opinion of the various stakeholders, which be appropriately involved in the process. Consumers of the educational product of the programme - students and employers in the public sector, actually have a decisive voice in terms of innovating the curriculum of the Master`s programme, evidenced by the commented practices for reporting the opinions of students and practitioners in the previous paragraph.

It can be summarized that surveys are regularly conducted with students both to examine their views on the teaching of the individual disciplines and the quality of training in the programme, including the content and organizational aspects of the training. The questioning shall be carried out in accordance with the methodologies approved by the Academic Council for the purpose. The surveys are designed to understand and summarize the student's opinion on the curriculum, curriculum, teaching and administrative services. The results are considered by the departmental and faculty councils. Students' opinions are examined both

56 during their studies and during their graduation, i.e. the survey covers the whole "life cycle of student learning".

The branch board of the Administration and Management Professional Directorate maintains good contacts with the users of personnel from the state and municipal structures in the region and with private companies, thanks to which the current trends in the field of Public Administration are discussed, which is adequately reflected in the updated training plans and programmes.

The following changes can be cited as specific examples that have emerged from such studies 16 and discussions :

• Supplementing teaching teams (through simultaneous teaching by a lecturer and a practitioner) in some of the curriculum courses: eGovernment in Public Organizations, Project Management Development, EU Regional Development - Challenges and Perspectives, EU Structural instruments and their application in Bulgaria.

• Diversification of the block of elective disciplines (at the suggestion of students, as a result of interest in the problematic areas of European administration) with courses: European cooperation and territorial integration, Formation and implementation of European policies and strategies, Development of the European institutions.

• Revision of the methods of teaching in the Master`s programme - in accordance with a survey of students about the degree of use of various forms of classroom and extra-curricular activity and the teacher's skills to present the main content of the discipline. The students' specific recommendations for applying more active teaching methods4 are outlined. The results of the actions taken are reflected in 17 the curricula of the individual courses in the Master`s programme ..

Redefining the competences that students form as a result of studying in the Master`s programme, in accordance with a survey of the views of practitioners in the field of public management and administration on deficits and needs of certain specialists, as well as their competences (in the process are taken into consideration: “Summary results of a questionnaire for employers' opinion on the knowledge, skills and competences that students in the specialties of the Administration and Management major should be acquired for successful implementation in practice", "Profile of competencies in the professional

16 Activities under Project BG051PO001-3.1.07-0029 "Updating of the educational documentation and the educational process at VFU" Chernorizets Hrabar "in accordance with the requirements of the labor market", http://www.vfu.bg/proekti/projects/aktualizirane_na_uchebnata_dokumentatsiya.html

17ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management- european-administration-2.htm l (accessible on 25th of October, 2019)

57 department "Administration and Management" for the major "Public Administration and Management” ).

5.6.3. External reviews

There has not been any previous review by EAPAA or any other international accreditation organization for the programmes in Public Administration and management.

In fact, the Master`s programme was subject to external evaluation within the planned activities of the VFU for self-assessment and external evaluations of all curricula. During the period February 2013 - February 2019, the leadership of VFU Chernorizets Hrabar endeavours and seeks opportunities to evaluate its activity and the quality of the educational and scientific product from recognized external national and international institutions and organizations such as the Ministry of Education and Science, NEAA, The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), the European Commission, BUREAU VERITAS Certification Holding (BVC) and others.

Because of successful selection procedures and audits by the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA), VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” was:

• twice awarded with the ECTS and DS Labels (http://www.vfu.bg/labels/);

• awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (Erasmus Charter for Higher Education) for the entire Erasmus + programme period from 2014 until 2020.

(https://vfu.bg/за-всу/еразъм-харта-за-висше-образование.html, http://www.vfu.bg/erasmusplus/).

In 2012, the European Commission awarded VFU Chernorizets Hrabar with the mark HR Excellence in Research (https://vfu.bg/for-su/en-excellence-in-research-logo.html).

By Order No. РД09-800 / 23.05.2014 of the Minister of Education and Science, VFU is included in the National List of Research Organizations that can accept foreigners for the development of research projects, as well as for training in bachelor's, Master`s and doctoral degrees programmes. In 2017, VFU Chernorizets Hrabar was re-registered in the Scientific Activity in the Republic of Bulgaria Register.

National recognition for the high level of creative activity at VFU Chernorizets Hrabar is the registration of the university as a cultural organization in the register of the Ministry of Culture under Art. 31 (573) / 30.03.2010

Scheduled external audit procedures are periodically conducted by BUREAU VERITAS Certification Holding. On March 1, 2019, Varna Free University Chernorizets Hrabar was recertified for the sixth consecutive time by the International Certification Organization BUREAU VERITAS Certification in accordance with the international standard ISO 9001: 2015 received a certificate with accreditation from UKAS (UK) for a period of 3 years - until 2022.

This year (on June 13, 2019) VFU Chernorizets Hrabar received another institutional accreditation from NEAAAU at the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of six years with a score of 9.21 (nine whole and twenty-one hundredth) at the highest possible 10. The high accreditation assessment of the higher education institution is in response to the efforts to continuously improve the quality of education and adapt the curricula and prepare students for the dynamic conditions of the labor market. It guarantees the high quality of the academic product and the strategic development of the scientific and research activity.

This year another procedure for programme accreditation of the professional field "Administration and Management", respectively, and for "PAM - EA", takes place, due to the expiration of the six-year term of accreditation received by NEAA in 2014 (with an estimate of 9.30 - at the highest possible 10).

5.7. Student Assessment

Student evaluation issues are particularly important for any academic programme, in terms of verifying the level of satisfaction of the set learning objectives and the conditions for independent student evaluation. In any case, the questions are based on the quality of the assessment - as a process of individual assessment of students and as a process of implementing a comprehensive assessment policy in the programme.

Undoubtedly, the quality of individual assessment of students is the responsibility of individual lecturers and is based on the following:

• the extent to which the assessment methods they use are clear, reliable and fair;

• how much they reflect the goals set in the particular training course and contribute to the educational objectives of the whole programme.

The overall student assessment policy in the Master`s programme of Public Administration and Management is an expression of, on the one hand, the approved university-wide procedures and practices that are subject to the requirements of the Higher Education Act and the ECTS system, and on the other hand, the responsibility of the Collegium before the general public of the public sector, which relies on graduates to be professionally trained and highly qualified. An expression of this policy is the system in place at VFU and the MA programme for students' assessment throughout their lifecycle - from entry at admission until graduation, which is based on the following elements: syllabus, assessment methods, assessment criteria, Master`s Thesis and Complex State Examination, Organization and Management

The individual courses curricula included in the Master`s curriculum are developed as a compulsory element of the study documentation in two versions: a detailed programme and a short programme (containing elements of the detailed one) according to the requirements

59 of the ECTS system (see: (https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and- management-european-administration-2.html). The Academic Collegium approves the Curriculum along with the Curriculum of the Programme at a Department Council meeting. In this way, control over the content of the curricula is exercised - the methods and criteria of assessment for the achievement of the educational goals of the course and the competences acquired by the students, as well as their compliance with the educational mission and the goals of the professional direction and the Master`s programme are specified.

The assessment methods adopted in the Master`s programme are in accordance with the understanding that in this higher academic degree (as compared to the bachelor's degree), the active methods of assessment, corresponding to the goals for further education and competence for applying research methods, are better applied as methods and tools for critical analysis and problem solving (see Annex Specific Competences) such as: paper-based exams, oral exams, based on written preparation; group papers, presentations, etc.

All this does not exclude the possibility of applying classical methods of assessment: multiple written exams, often with a combination of open questions testing analytical competencies and closed questions testing knowledge; permanent evaluations during the course, based on tests during the semester or presentation of research (group or individual presentations).

In terms of student assessment criteria, on the one hand, there are requirements that they should be clear, accessible and relevant to the objectives set in the given course. All this is detailed in the syllabus, respectively considered by the academic board in their review and approval. On the other hand, there are requirements for providing enough opportunities for students to become familiar with the system and the assessment criteria applied in the department and respectively in the Master`s programme. The ways in which public information on the requirements for assessing students' knowledge and skills is provided covers their entire life cycle. Various channels are used to communicate this information at the university and departmental levels, so it can be claimed to be accessible all the time and to all interested parties, as follows (see Table 5.7.-1):

Table. 5.7.-1. Public information channels on the evaluation criteria in PAM – EA Master`s Programme

METHOD OF SUBMITTING CHANNEL EVIDENCE THE INFORMATION

STAGE of the STUDENT’S LIFECYCLE: before enrolling in the Master`s programme

Indirectly (online) at the VFU ECTS GUIDE, initiative of the applicant http://www.vfu.bg/ects_guide/ student Evaluation Methods Section

Directly (personally) at the Days of VFU Chernorizets Hrabar

• Timetable for conducting VFU initiative of the lecturer, if by regions Days additional questions arise

60 from the applicant students

Directly and indirectly, at the initiative of the • Annual Duty Schedule of the applicant student (by Student Admission of the Student Campaign Duty telephone, online and on- Department of Administration, site in the Student Management and Political Admission sector) Science

STAGE of the STUDENT’S LIFECYCLE: the "ENTRY" in the Master`s programme

Direct Introductory days for first-year • Program for introductory days of students at VFU Chernorizets the Faculty of International Hrabar Economy and Administration • Booklet for the First-grade students Indirect Booklet for the First-grade students

STAGE of the STUDENT’S LIFECYCLE: IN THE “BLACK BOX”

Direct Each lecturer, within the first Syllabuses lecture on the respective discipline, explains the assessment requirements according to the criteria and indicators set out in the full version of the syllabus.

Indirect Course descriptions (short Course descriptions: version of the syllabuses), https://www.vfu.bg/ects-

published in the ECTS guide of guide/public-administration-and- VFU management-european- administration-2.html

Indirect Online - in the profiles of E-learning platform of VFU: individual lecturers in the e- https://eschool.vfu.bg/ Learning platform

Distant Upon inquiry by email Lecturers' correspondence with students

Source: Adapted from the REPORT on the implementation of the internal system for assessment of the quality of training and academic staff at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, within the four-year post-accreditation period (June 2013 - June 2017)

Assessment of Master`s theses is an essential element of the overall assessment process as it is the final proof of the competence and professionalism of the graduates. The evaluation is multi-aspect, going through several phases. The first phase is related to the assessment given by the scientific supervisor of the graduate through his decision to allow the diploma work to be protected before the State Examination Commission. In the next phase, the reviewer

61 appointed by the academic board (specialist in the field in which the Master`s thesis is developed) must submit a reasoned opinion regarding the overall design of the diploma work

- such as technical design, content, research value, recommending admission or not to public defense. During the defense before the State Examination Commission (the composition of which is determined by the Department Council and approved by the Rector), the evaluation proceeds according to the following criteria: quality of the development, certified by the scientific advisor and the reviewer; defense representation - the ability to present research findings, the ability to defend one's own ones, and to express a competent opinion on research-related issues (committee questions that arise during defense).

During the defense before the State Examination Commission (the composition of which is determined by the Department Council and approved by the Rector), the evaluation proceeds according to the following criteria: quality of the development, certified by the scientific advisor and the reviewer; defense representation - the ability to present research findings, the ability to defend one's own theses, and to express a competent opinion on research-related issues (questions that the commission arise during the defense).

Assessment during the state exam (which according to the syllabus is an option for completion of the Master`s degree) is also complex, it involves the assessment of the acquired knowledge, skills for adapting this knowledge to real questions and situations from practice, skills for applying appropriate practical examples in the process of developing their own questions on the issues raised in the synopsis.

The final assessment of the Master`s thesis defense / passing of the complex state examination is the result of a motivated compromise between the members of the State examination commission, who make individual assessments in advance. Often, commissions also include practitioners who, with their professional expertise, support the process of assessing the competency and the suitability of graduates to meet public-sector requirements.

The organization and management of student assessment procedures are subject to the approved university-wide parameters of the academic year (see 5.5.1 Curriculum Content, Section B. Background information): period and duration of the examination session, providing the necessary time for preparation between the different examination dates. The normal functioning of the student assessment system at VFU also requires timely provision of public access (publication on the University's website) to the schedules for the semester examination sessions, as well as the state examinations and diploma thesis defences.

5.8. Programme Jurisdiction

The responsibility for the programme in PAM-EA programme is assigned to the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences, but within the confines of the framework of the university-wide arrangements and subject to the final decision of the Academic Council.

5.8.1. Administrative arrangement

Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" is the largest private university in Bulgaria. It is established academic center that combines the training of Bulgarian and foreign students in priority areas for the country and creates an internationally convertible and competitive scientific and academic product. It teaches over 10,000 students in more than 67 bachelor's and master's programs and 29 PhD programs.

Established in 1991 by a resolution of the 37th National Assembly of 21.07.1995, the university was given the status of a higher education institution. It organizes full-time, part- time and distance learning for all the educational and qualification degrees as provided by the Higher Education Act - bachelor, master and doctor.

For more than 20 years, one of the first private universities in Bulgaria has been pursuing its mission to be a socially responsible subject of the civil society oriented towards the students and their professional realization. During their studies, they have the opportunity to participate in various academic exchange programs, placements, internships and trainings. Lecturers and students participate in the projects under the Tempus, Erasmus, Leonardo and other EU research and education programs. We believe that the experience gained from participating in our programs is the invaluable advantage of our graduates in their professional realization.

VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" has established itself as a university with modern management seeking a qualitative change in the selection criteria of the academic staff and in the evaluation criteria of its activities, with a developing project management center, with a prospective program for professional development of the students. It stands out as an educational brand that has gained the trust not only of its graduates but also of its numerous academic partners all over the world.

Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” was awarded its third institutional accreditation for the maximum validity period of 6 years, with a mark of 9.12 out of 10. The accreditation document is awarded by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA). This mark is amongst the highest marks ever awarded to a higher education institution in Bulgaria.

The high accreditation mark comes as a result of the university’s effort to continually enhance the quality of education and adapt curricula and student training to the dynamics of the labour market. It is a guarantee for the high quality of the academic product and the strategic development of research. Full list of the awarded accreditations

The organizational and functional structure of the Chernorizets Hrabar VFU was adopted by the General Assembly of the Non-Profit Association of Varna Free University on September 26, 2003 and has been amended over the years by decisions of the VFU Board of Trustees. The present organizational and functional structure of the AFS is presented in FIG. 1.1 (http://www.vfu.bg/struktura/) and meets the requirements of the Higher Education Act, the Academic Staff Development Act, the Unified State Requirements for Regulated Specialties, the ECTS Implementing Regulation, the Distance Learning Regulation and etc. It reflects the specifics of private higher education (Articles 14 and 36 of the Higher Education Law), guarantees the fulfilment of the mission and strategy of the VFU during the self-assessment period. It is listed in the register of Bulgarian universities in the Ministry of Education and Science. (http://rvu.mon.bg/Home/Details?param=XPcFAA%3D%3D)

The management bodies of the VFU are formed on the basis of Art. 36 of the Higher Education Law and are: Board of Trustees, President of the VFU, Rector and Academic Council. The strategic and financial management of the University is exercised by the Board of Trustees and the President of the VFU. The management of the academic activity within the meaning of Art. 6 of the Law on Higher Education is implemented by the Rector and the Academic Council. Academic Council is the body managing the university’s academic and research work. It includes 25 academic members and representatives. The Academic Council of the University, performs the role of the Scientific Council, which selects the persons for occupying the academic positions of "Assistant Professor", "Assistant Professor" and "Professor". The Academic Council determines and makes decisions on the educational and scientific research policy of the University. Based on the University’s Bylaws, it approves all regulations, internal legal acts and instruments determining the University’s operation. The Academic Council is also in charge of approving the budget of the university and exerting control over its implementation. Besides, it determines the numbers, rules and regulations for admission of B.A., M.A., PhD and postgraduate students on the proposal of the Faculty Councils. Another one of AC’s responsibilities is to approve the tuition fees proposed by the Faculty Councils.

In order to increase the competence and objectivity in the evaluation of the doctoral thesis for the award of the National Doctorate of Sciences in the VFU, a University Habilitation Council (UHC) was formed of all full-time university professors who hold a scientific degree "Doctor of Science" and other habilitated students. lecturers with competence in the scientific field of dissertation work. The operational management of teaching, research and international cooperation and project activities is carried out by the Deputy Vice-Rectors. At VFU there is a Committee on Educational Activity (CEA) and a Council for Research and Artistic Creation (CRAC).

As a subsidiary body to the Rector at the VFU „Chernorizets Hrabur“, a Commission for the Development of Academic Staff (CDAS) and a Committee for Evaluation of the Conformity of the Submitted Documents for Participation in Competitions with the Requirements of the law framework and the Internal Rules of the University which have been established and function). These two committees assist in their work the bodies entrusted with the authority to carry out and control the procedures for the selection of the academic staff at the university. The KRAC is an auxiliary body of the Rector, which, upon its assignment, reviews all proposals related to personnel development and assesses whether they coincide with the priority development of the AFS. The Academic Board is also an advisory body to the Rector.

Academic Board (AB) is the operational body supporting the work of the Rector, Academic Council and Deans upon carrying out the university’s policy, as well as upon solving any problems occurring in relation to its operation. By his/her own initiative or by proposal of a Board member, the Rector determines the exact topics for discussion by AB.

AB includes the Vice-Rectors, Assistant Rector, Deans, Front-Office Manager and Chief Accountant, as well as the heads and managers of those university offices, whose activity has any relation to the topics discussed at the meetings.

Academic Assembly (AA) is VFU’s consultative body. It includes Academic members and representatives, B.A., M.A. and PhD student representatives, and administration representatives. Academic reps are elected by the Faculty Councils, while student and employee representatives are elected by a delegates’ assembly.

AA discusses any topics relating to the academic and research work of the University and to its technological advancement. Besides, it makes proposals with AC and the Board of Trustees for discussion of any topical issues in relation to VFU’s operation and work.

The Branch is a territorially outsourced structure of VFU for training students in Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in curricula and programs of specialties from accredited professional fields. A branch of the VFU in Smolyan is included in the structure of the VSU. Branch management bodies are the Director and the Board of Directors.

The Department is the main unit of the VFU for providing training in one or more non- specialty disciplines. The Department of Foreign Languages is included in the structure of the AFS. The department's management bodies are the Director and the Board of the Department.

The Institute of Technology is a separate unit in the VFU structure for the development and implementation of modern technological solutions in the educational, research and administrative activities. (http://www.vfu.bg/tehnologichen_institut /)

The Doctoral Training Institute is the main structural unit of the VFU, whose main activity is aimed at planning, organizing, documenting and administering the entire doctoral training process - from applying for training to obtaining a diploma. The management structure of the

65 institute includes the Director and Logistics Expert of the PhD students' educational and research activities.

Fig. 5.8.1. shows the organogram of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” as a prerequisite for the administrative arrangement of the educational activity.

Fig. 5.8.1. Administrative arrangement

The Institute for Integrated Management of Municipalities is the main structural unit of the VFU, whose main activity is aimed at organizing and conducting training, research and consulting activities for the municipalities and the settlements involved. (https://www.vfu.bg/electronic-resources.html ) The management structure of the institute includes Director and Deputy Director of Consumer Relations.

On a project basis, the University operates - Branch Board of Professional Directions, Career Center, Institute of Maritime Law and Logistics, Institute for Psychological Counselling and Center for Vocational Training (https://cpo.vfu.bg/ ).

The academic administration includes the Front Office, Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, International and Projects, Public Relations, Secretary of Accreditation and Quality Management, Secretariat.

The structure of the Front Office of the VSU includes 6 separate sectors - “Educational Marketing and Candidate Admission”, “Students”, “Control and Reporting of the Learning Process”, “Planning”, “Master Programs” and “Graduation and Certification”.

The activities of the auxiliary units in the VFU (residential complex, sports complex, medical center, transport service, etc.) are coordinated by the Business Council, which is managed by the Assistant Rector and the Director of Student Services.

5.8.1.2 Faculty level

The Faculty is the main unit of the university, which unites departments to provide training for students, doctoral students and postgraduate students. There are 3 faculties at Varna Free University:

• Faculty of International Economics and Administration (Business School); • Faculty of Law; • Faculty of Architecture

The governing bodies of the Faculty are the Dean and the Faculty Board. Each of the three faculties - International Economics and Administration, Law and Architecture, has one scientific secretary and one ECTS coordinator.

5.8.1.3 Department level

VFU organizes its activities - academic and scientific - within eight departments. Department management bodies are the Head of the Department and the Departmental Council.

Head of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences is Assoc. Prof. Mariya Velikova – faculty of PAM-EA programme.

Each department has also – a Scientific Secretary, Erasmus coordinator and an Expert on PhD Student Affairs, as well as experts on recognition of previous education. Each Master's programme has its own Programme Manager, which is subordinated to the Head of Department and to the Department Council.

At the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences, are offered the following majors:

Bachelor's Programmes:

• Public Administration and Management • Business Administration and Management

67 Master`s Programmes:

• Public Administration and Management – European Administration

• Business Administration and Management – International Business Project Management

• Business Administration and Management – Advertising and Public Relations in Business Management • Business Administration and Management - Management of Cultural Tourism

5.8.2. Programme structure

The majority of courses within Master’s Degree Programme “Public Administration and Management – European Administration” are taught by the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science, the formal responsibility of programme design and oversight is vested at the Head of the programme and Departmental Council, next to the Programme Manager. The majority of full-time faculty overseeing and teaching the programmes’ courses are the employees of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science. Besides, a few employees of other departments are involved in the implementation of both programmes, as discussed in p. 5.9.1.

5.8.3. Programme Management

Whereas programme design and academic oversight is vested at the Programme Manager, day-to-day organization of teaching and research activities are supervised by the Head of Department, with the help of the Planning office, front-office and the Scientific secretary of the Department.

Programme Managers of the PAM-EA Master`s programme are – Prof. Pavel Pavlov, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Svetla Mihaleva, PhD.

The Programme Managers are implementing the following tasks:

• providing data to the Head of the department; • planning the workload of lecturers and developing the semester programme; • providing information to students;

• ensuring information for the PAM-EA programme for the ECTS guide and university web-site;

• collecting syllabuses (long and short versions in Bulgarian and English), according to the curricula and introducing them towards the Head of the department and the Department council;

• management and administration of the Master`s thesis defense/state examination.

5.8.4. Determining influence

The Head of Department is the main person responsible for general programme policy and planning, as well as operational oversight of teaching and research. He can initiate various changes aimed to improve and develop the programme and submit proposals to the Programme Manager, Department and Faculty Council. Once changes were approved at departmental level, they have to be approved on Faculty level as well, in order to be submitted for approvement by the Academic Council.

Changes in the programme curriculum (e.g. adding, deleting, merging courses) are implemented in a bottom-up manner. In other words, proposals of new courses or other suggestions can be initiated by the Programme Nucleus. Proposed changes are then first discussed and decided upon on the level of the Department and subsequently submitted to the Faculty Council (in case of minor changes, e.g. new course, new instructor). All changes are approved by the Academic Council.

The admission policies and procedures are included in the general regulation of the University. However, the Programme Manager can decide on some details of admission procedure, e.g. the content and – to some extent – form of the entrance examination or certain specific requirements (e.g. the level of English proficiency required for the admission to PUMA programme and related certification).

Certification of previous education of candidates/enrolled students is done according to the overall University regulations and by the academic recognition experts in the Department. The department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences has two experts, responsible for the academic recognition procedures. One of the experts recognizes previous education in the field of Business Administration and Management, and the other – in the field of Public Administration and Management. Both experts are engaged in recognition procedures of all candidates at the University, no matter of the programme they are applying at.

The tasks and decisions on course scheduling and teaching assignments are made by Programme Managers, under the monitoring and control of the Head of Department as the final decision-making instance.

Financial resources are managed at Programme, faculty and university level. A relatively minor fund is allocated to the Department levels to cover some material costs.

5.9. Faculty

5.9.1. Faculty nucleus (core faculty)

The Faculty nucleus in its narrowest sense is the group of colleagues and lecturers from the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science teaching the majority of the Courses in the Master`s Degree Programme “Public Administration and Management – European Administration”. There are regular meetings of the Departmental Council at least every month. Members of the Departmental Council discuss admission of students; programme policy and planning; curriculum and learning outcomes; decisions regarding day- to-day operations (assignment of thesis supervisors, modifications of teaching assignments and course schedules, discussing “problem cases”, etc.); other current matters of Department

In a broader sense, colleagues and lecturers in Master`s Degree Programme “Public Administration and Management – European Administration” who belong to other Departments or another Faculty can be counted in the Faculty Nucleus. Their names can be viewed in the list of Course abstracts - See Volume 2

5.9.1.1. Number of Faculty and Critical Mass

5.9.1.2. Faculty

Faculty, ensuring the educational process of PAM-EA Master`s programme is described in Table 5.9.1.2.

Table 5.9.1.2-1. Faculty

Name Rank&Title (order Tenure Administrative Degree & Field by rank) Status unit Part- time/full- time Pavel Pavlov Professor Full-time Administration, PhD; Management Social management Deputy rector of and Political Public administration Science and Sciences and management

70 Research, Quality Department Project management and Accreditation Strategic management in the public sphere Information systems in the public sector Crowdsourcing and crowd funding Eleonora Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Tankova Professor; Management Global Processes and Political Globalization and Dean of the Sciences Development International Department Modernization of Economics and Higher Education Administration Change Management Faculty

Mariya Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Velikova Professor; Management Competition in Local and Political Government and Head of the Sciences Administration Administration, Department Administration and

Management and Management Political Sciences Scientific and Department methodological guidance of master`s programs and postgraduate trainings (Life Long Learning); methodological guidance of trainings, practices, consultations, tutorship Local self- government and administration Regional development Interactions and partnerships between public authorities Businesses and civil society structures

Svetla Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Mihaleva Professor; Management Social management

71 and Political Public-sector project Expert on Sciences management recognition of Department Administrative previous integrity education Strategical management in the Expert on PhD public sector student affairs Crowdsourcing and crowd funding in the public sector Quality management in public administration Reengineering (Public sector) Magdalena Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Ivanova- Professor; Management European policies- Saveleva and Political Cohesion policy Sciences Project cycle Department management Evaluation of European projects and programs Financial instrument and European investment and structural funds European Structural and Cohesion Funds in the Context of European Policies Project management in the public sphere Non-profit Management Georgi Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Kalaglarski Professor; Management Public relations and Political Public Sciences communications Department Media communication Advertising and Media Management Impact of public structures Daniela Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Mihaleva Professor; Management Administrative law

72 and Political and interactions Sciences between Department administrative structures Business and citizens Risk Management Kremena Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Andonova Professor; Management Regional economics and Political and development Sciences Territorial Department organization Economics of public sector Investment policy Social policy Property management in public sector Aleksandra Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Parashkevov Professor; Management Public and business a and Political management and Expert on Sciences entrepreneurship recognition of Department Outsourcing previous Social education entrepreneurship Marketing Social marketing concepts Ivanka Associate Full-time Administration, PhD; Bankova Professor; Management Conflict Management and Political Sustainable Sciences Development Department Administrative Culture Negotiations and Mediation Conflict Management in Public Administration Ecological management Conflict Resolution in Project Management Competencies and Competency Models Ethics and Leadership in the public service Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

5.9.1.2. Teaching Assignments

There are altogether 21 compulsory and elective courses included in the curriculum of the PAM-EA Master`s programme (see Vol. 2 of the self-evaluation report). The Faculty of the Programme ensures the educational process on 19 of them. The subject European Foreign Policy is taught by Prof. Nina Duylgerova, DSc, who is a member of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences. Social Interactions and Teamwork is a course in the competences of Prof. Galya Gercheva, DSc – part of the Psychology Department. It can be argued that there is a critical mass of faculty members of PAM-EA Master`s programme.

Table 5.9.1.2-2. Teaching Assignments

Name of Faculty Academic Course # Course ECTS Title year Compulsory courses – 2016-2017 Eleonora Tankova 2016-2017 1 ECO3004 Globalization and the Modern State Daniela Mihaleva 2016-2017 2 LAW3012 Legal and Institutional System of the EU-Policies and Mechanisms Maria Velikova 2016-2017 4 ADM3121 Regional Development - Challenges and Perspectives Pavel Pavlov 2016-2017 5 ADM3015 European Administrative Space Aleksandra 2016-2017 6 MAR3002 European Marketing Parashkevova Magdalena 2016-2017 7 MAN3054 Project Management Ivanova-Saveleva Development Pavel Pavlov 2016-2017 8 POL1120 EU Structural Instruments Svetla Mihaleva and Their Application in Bulgaria Daniela Mihaleva 2016-2017 10 MAN2035 Public Sector Risk Management Ivanka Bankova 2016-2017 11 Work placement and Pre- graduation Internship Ivanka Bankova 2016-2017 12 Thesis Preparation and Thesis Defense

Elective courses – 2016-2017 Maria Velikova 2016-2017 1 ADM3016 European Cooperation and

74 Territorial Integration Magdalena 2016-2017 Formation and Ivanova-Saveleva Implementation of 2 ADM3127 European Policies and Strategies Pavel Pavlov 2016-2017 3 ADM3130 E-Governance Svetla Mihaleva Aleksandra 2016-2017 Administrative 4 ADM2019 Parashkevova Outsourcing Georgi Kalaglarski 2016-2017 5 PCI1036 Administration and Media Kremena 2016-2017 European Initiatives for 6 ADM3133 Andonova Black Sea Cooperation Magdalena 2016-2017 Development of the 7 ADM3137 Ivanova-Saveleva European Institutions Ivanka Bankova 2016-2017 Leadership under Crisis 8 MAN1039 Circumstances Eleonora Tankova 2016-2017 9 ADM3139 Change Management Compulsory courses – 2017-2018 Eleonora Tankova 2017-2018 1 ECO3004 Globalization and the Modern State Daniela Mihaleva 2017-2018 2 LAW3012 Legal and Institutional System of the EU-Policies and Mechanisms Maria Velikova 2017-2018 4 ADM3121 Regional Development - Challenges and Perspectives Pavel Pavlov 2017-2018 5 ADM3015 European Administrative Space Aleksandra 2017-2018 6 MAR3002 European Marketing Parashkevova Magdalena 2017-2018 7 MAN3054 Project Management Ivanova Development Pavel Pavlov 8 POL1120 EU Structural Instruments Svetla Mihaleva and Their Application in Bulgaria Daniela Mihaleva 10 MAN2035 Public Sector Risk Management Ivanka Bankova 11 Work placement and Pre- graduation Internship Ivanka Bankova 12 Thesis Preparation and Thesis Defense Elective courses – 2017-2018 Maria Velikova 2017-2018 European Cooperation and 1 ADM3016 Territorial Integration Magdalena 2017-2018 Formation and 2 ADM3127 Ivanova-Saveleva Implementation of

75 European Policies and Strategies Pavel Pavlov 2017-2018 3 ADM3130 E-Governance Svetla Mihaleva Aleksandra 2017-2018 Administrative 4 ADM2019 Parashkevova Outsourcing Georgi Kalaglarski 2017-2018 5 PCI1036 Administration and Media Kremena 2017-2018 European Initiatives for 6 ADM3133 Andonova Black Sea Cooperation Magdalena 2017-2018 Development of the 7 ADM3137 Ivanova-Saveleva European Institutions Ivanka Bankova 2017-2018 Leadership under Crisis 8 MAN1039 Circumstances Eleonora Tankova 2017-2018 9 ADM3139 Change Management Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

5.9.2. Faculty qualifications

Master`s Degree Programme “Public Administration and Management – European Administration”

5.9.2.1. Faculty quality

5.9.2.1 - 1. Faculty data sheets

See Volume 2 of the self-evaluation report.

5.9.2.1 - 2. Promotion and Tenure

The development of the academic staff of VFU is one of the main priorities of the university. Efforts are aimed at strengthening academic staff above all in key areas of the University's profile and multiplying its potential under the horizontal and above all vertical mobility scheme. In pursuance of the University's long-term strategy, the issue of personnel development has been raised as a matter of priority for the management of the VFU, the Faculty of International Economics and Administration and the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science.

The provision of quality academic staff is enshrined in a number of internal normative documents which are fully in compliance with the Bulgarian legislation related to higher education such as the Law on Higher Education, the Law on the Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria, and the Rules for the Implementation of the Law on the Protection of Personal Care. The university normative documents regulating the activity of the teaching staff are the Regulations for the Structure and Activity of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Ordinance No. 3 for the Academic Staff, Ordinance No. 2 for the Management and Organization of Research Activities, Internal Rules for the Organization of the Salary.

Maintaining qualified academic staff, constantly updating it, creating conditions for continuity, creating good working conditions, etc. are the core business and policy of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”. In order to support this activity, the Academic Staff Development Committee (ASDC) was set up, which monitors the dynamics of staff development, the provision of the teaching process with highly qualified teachers, the creation of conditions for the scientific development of their own staff potential, etc.

The conditions, requirements and procedure for filling the positions of the teaching staff at the university, as well as the requirements for employment, planning and reporting are reflected in Ordinance No. 3 on the academic staff of the VFU (Appendix 1.3) and are publicly announced (https: / /www.vfu.bg/Teaches/Contests.html). The provisions of the ordinance are in accordance with the requirements of the Law on Higher Education, the Law for the Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Regulations for its implementation.

Current competitions (http://vfu.bg/doktoranti/konkursi/ ), current procedures (http://vfu.bg/doktoranti/tekushti_proceduri/ ; http://vfu.bg/doktoranti/ ) are publicly announced on the University's website, as well as completed competitions (http://vfu.bg/doktoranti/priklyuchili_proceduri/ ; http://vfu.bg/doktoranti/dokto r_na_n aukite/priklyuchili_proceduri/ ).

VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” is fully committed to the principles of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R), according to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (https://www.vfu.bg/for all/excellence-in-research-logo.html ).

All profiling courses and 100% of the all subjects in the Master`s Degree Programme are taught by first contract lecturer at the VFU, with relevant qualifications and representative research activity.

The academic staff of the lecturers providing the training includes lecturers (habilitated and non-habilitated) from: Faculty of International Economics and Administration: Department of Administration, Management and Political Science - which is directly related to the training of

77 students in the professional field; Departments of Informatics and Computer Science and Economics; other VFU faculties and other higher education institutions

It can be summarized that during the self-assessment period, all conditions for the resilience of the teaching staff and of the habilitated staff were ensured. The achieved degree of ensuring the educational process with its own habilitated teachers is in accordance with the normative requirements of Art. 17 of the Higher Education Law, as well as the practice of leading universities in the world and Europe, which is considered as a key factor in improving the quality of the training offered.

5.9.2.2. Research

Faculty members publish regularly in national and international peer-reviewed journals. They are authors and editors of monographs and monograph chapters in English, Russian and Bulgarian. The detailed list of faculty members’ publications can be found in the Faculty Data Sheets of VFU programme staff in Volume 2 of the self-assessment.

In accordance with the Strategic Plan for the Development of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” 2012 – 2017, the VFU Development Strategy 2018-2022, and the relevant strategic documents of the Faculty of International Economics and Administration and the Professional Field 3.7 "Administration and Management" the efforts of the university, the faculty and the department are aimed at filling in new content of research, in view of the need to transform the VFU into a research university. Vision for market orientation of research and consulting activity at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” has been developed and approved

Because of the efforts spent, the VFU received the status of a scientific organization from the MES for the second time and is among the seven universities included in the National List of Research Organizations in Bulgaria.

The Institute for Integrated Municipal Management, established in 2016, fulfils the vision of the university as a responsible scientific institution working in close cooperation with the structures of the state and local authorities. Within the activity of the Institute, four practical implementation forums have been implemented with representatives of the local authorities https://www.vfu.bg/news/ and with the active participation of lecturers from professional field 3.7 "Administration and Management". The forum materials are presented at (https://www.vfu.bg/electronic-resources.html).

The research activity is in accordance with the university priorities, related to stimulating and developing the scientific and research activity of teachers and students, raising the level of research activity of teachers and students through participation in national and international forums, conferences, round tables, workshops, expert activities and other events, participation of professors, students and doctorates in international and national projects, etc.

During the self-assessment period, over 70% of the academic staff of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Science took part in the implementation of scientific and applied projects and tasks, and this indicator is relatively stable over time.

Table 5.9.2.2. Participation of Lecturers in professional field 3.7 "Administration and Management" in national and international projects over the last 5 years

Years 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/201 9 Number of lecturers 23 22 21 17 21 Number of lecturers who have 19 18 15 15 15 participated in national and international projects Share of Lecturers who have 82,6% 81,8% 71,4% 88,23% 71,4% participated in national and international projects Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

5.9.2.3. Experience and service

Many faculty members have extensive practical employment experience. There are faculty members who consult governmental or corporate entities both within and outside of Bulgaria on a part time / temporary basis or even on full time. This gives to the programme/ course curricula Up-to-date fresh look on the contemporary developments and real-life practices in the field.

5.9.2.4. Instruction by practitioners

Recent changes in the Higher Education Law allow the participation of practitioners in the learning process. Experts from the department's partner practice partners as well as postdoctoral students can be attracted as such.

Many of members of the Department of Administration, Management and Political Sciences have practitioner experience - besides their academic work. Moreover, practitioners are regularly invited as guest lecturers or even organize separate master classes led by outstanding worldwide practitioners. A definite majority of courses includes significant components delivered by practitioners. Quite often, practitioners undertake the consultation of students for their master thesis and together with a lecturer from the Department, support the students as joint thesis supervisors or at least revise their work. The Department nurtures strong professional relationships with several leading practitioners in public sector. Few references are given in Table 5.9.2.4.

Table 5.9.2.4. Instruction by practitioners

Name Academic Year Job Title and Course ECTS Degree & Field of Agency expertise Lilyana Pavlova 2017-2018 Minister for the ADM3121 PhD; Bulgarian ADM3137 regional Presidency of the development; EU Council. project management; EU funds.

Ralitsa Zhekova 2017-2018 Associate POL1120 PhD; professor; ADM3142 project Director of the management; Regional foreign policy; EU direction of funds. entrepreneurship and innovations - Varna

Victoria 2017-2018 Manager of the ADM3137 PhD; Marinova- Municipal MAN3054 Project Nikolova Information management; EU Centre on EU funds. funds

Belin Mollov 2017-2018 Currently – ADM1028 Architect; 18 retired ; ADM3121 territorial and urban planning, regional development and management, strategic planning and sustainable urban development Source: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

18 Note by the authors: He has participated in the Council of Europe expert group on the development of the "Charter of Cities"; was Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, co-chairman of the negotiating position "Regional Policy" on the Treaty of Accession of Bulgaria to the European Union; advisor to the Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria; part-time lecturer in the field of Urbanism at UACEG

80 5.9.2.5. Quality of instruction

The members of the academic staff meet the requirements of the Higher Education Act of Bulgaria.

All full-time faculty members, and most part-time colleagues responsible for teaching a course in the MA programme have PhD from Bulgarian Universities.

The faculty members are academically and professionally qualified to pursue the programme mission, and objectives. In the programme, students receive instructions and are prepared for their professional careers by properly qualified faculty.

5.9.3. Diversity: gender and minorities

The most indicative for the equal treatment of students in terms of gender is equal admission rules, at the entrance, equal rights and assessment system for student during their PA studding and graduating. All this is present in VFU. On the other hand, one of the most popular indicators of equal treatment in terms of gender is the male /female ratio. For the academic year 2018/2019 we have 22 female student and 10 males. For the academic year 2017/2018 we have 12 female student and 6 males. For the academic year 2016/2017 we have 18 female student and 8 males. For the academic year 2015/2016 in the first group we have 12 female student and 10 male and in the second group we have 62 female student and 36 males. The ratio may seem not balanced but it totally corresponds to the situation in public administration in Bulgarian reality. In Bulgaria social services as well academic and school staff are mainly female. The policy of the faculty promotes diversity in its recruitment and retention of faculty members from the practice. Very welcomed are all experts from abroad. There are many master classes organized by our faculty led by local municipality and state experts as well from abroad. The gender composition of the department’s faculty is not any different in comparison with the situation in educational system in Bulgaria. There is overwhelming majority (70%) of female staff.

There is a balanced percentage of men and women among programme administration staff.

The healthy age profile of the employees (the healthy age pyramid) is important for efficient operation of the organization. The age profile of the departments of our university vary from one faculty to another. Currently, the average age of the department Administration, Management and Political Science staff is 53 years.

81 5.10. Admission of Students

Admission requirements for the Master`s programme in terms of qualification of potential students were discussed in p. 5.5.1. Section C. Prerequisites as well in p. 5.5.1.3. Admission.

5.10.1. Specific admission requirements

It’s required an acquired professional Bachelor's/Master`s degree in Public Administration or in other major with an average grade not less than the equivalent of Good 3,5 according to the Bulgarian system of grades; an entry exam. For active employees in the administration – the exam is a motivational interview.

5.10.2. General registration procedures:

19 General admission procedure can be found on the web-page of the ECTS-Guide .

5.10.2.1. Registration and Application documents:

The required documents for registration and application in the PAM-EA Master`s programme, are the same for all the Master`s programmes at the University and include:

• Filled in sample application form to the Rector of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar"; • Original and a copy of a Diploma of Higher Education (Bachelor`s or Master`s); • Identity card; • Invoice for a paid fee for sitting an entrance examination.

• All application documents are submitted at the Students Admissions Center (Pre- enrolment office) of Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar".

5.10.2.2. Registration and Enrolment documents:

The required documents for registration and enrolment in the PAM-EA Master`s programme, are the same for all the Master`s programmes at the University and include:

• Diploma of previous Higher Education (Bachelor`s or Master`s) – original; • Academic transcript of records or a diploma from prior learning (if available); • Filled in sample enrolment form; • Four photographs; • Medical certificate together with a certificate from a psychological clinic;

19 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, ECTS guide in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

82 • Invoice for a paid semester fee for the first semester; • Certificate in a foreign language or computer skills (if available).

5.10.3. Enrolment of Bulgarian Students:

Bulgarian students are admitted into VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" in accordance with the requirements of the Law for Higher Education, following the procedure established by the Rules and Regulations of the organization, management and the activity of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar", as well as the Regulations for admission of students of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar", by an exam, in full-time or part-time form of education.

The admission exams are prepared in agreement with the entry level requirements of each specialty. Taking an entrance exam is covered by an exam fee.

5.10.3.1. Rating of student candidates

Only students that have successfully passed the exams required for the respective specialty are rated.

5.10.3.2. Registering of newly admitted students

The newly admitted students are registered in the time terms set in the academic calendar of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar".

5.10.3.3. Tuition fees

Tuition in VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is covered by the students themselves or other physical or legal persons. The amount of the tuition fees and the time terms for its payment are set every semester by the Academic council after the Educational and Scientific Councils have put forward their respective proposals and are consistent with the tuition costs for the respective specialty and form. The payment is made in two instalments paid in the beginning of the winter and the summer semester of the respective academic year. The payment is made directly at VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" at the submission of the registration documents or by postal order or payment order to the university account.

The payment is made directly at VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" at the submission of the registration documents or by postal order or payment order to university account.

20 Tuition fees can be found on the admission’s web-page of the university web-site.

20 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Admissions: https://www.vfu.bg/admission-2.html , (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

5.10.4. Enrolment of foreign citizens:

Foreign citizens apply for paid full-time tuition by a scholastic achievement competition according to the requirements of the Regulations for the state requirements for the admission of students in the institutes of higher education of the Republic of Bulgaria.

5.10.4.1. The documents necessary are as follows:

• an application form containing short biographical data and a list of the majors the candidate applies for;

• a copy of the higher education diploma - for applicants for the full course of education;

• a document issued by a competent authority certifying the rights of the applicant to continue his/her education at the higher education institutions in the country of acquiring the secondary education; • an academic transcript - for applicants for a partial course of education;

• a copy of the document for completed higher education with a degree corresponding to the educational-and-qualification Bachelor`s or Master`s – for the Master`s degree programmes applicants;

• a document certifying the level of competence in the Bulgarian language issued by a higher education institution in the Republic of Bulgaria – for the applicants who are not going through any language or specialized training;

• a medical certificate issued not earlier than one month before the application date and certified by the respective authorities of the home country of the applicant;

• a copy of the documents certifying the nationality of the applicant – for applicants with dual citizenship – a Bulgarian and a different one; • two photographs.

All documents should be legalized, translated and certified in accordance with the requirements of the international agreements of the Republic of Bulgaria with the country of their origin. In cases when no such agreements have been signed the requirements of the general procedure of legalization, translations and certification of documents and other papers should be followed.

The applicants willing to enrol in Bachelor`s or Master`s degree programmes after completing their secondary education should submit their application documents to VFU no later than September 1 of the year for which they are applying.

84 5.10.4.2. Preparatory courses

In accordance with the Law for the higher education in the Republic of Bulgaria all foreign students attend an intensive course in Bulgarian language taught by a special syllabus for language and specific training of foreign students in the Department or Foreign Languages. The language course is not shorter than 9 months and ends with a written and oral exam taken before an examination board.

The specialized training ends with exams in all subjects on the curriculum taken before an examination board. Students who have completed successfully their language and specialized training are issued a certificate approved by the Minister for the education and science.

5.11. Supportive Services and Facilities

5.11.1. Budget and budget sufficiency

VFU is a private university and does not receive any support from the government. The University’s Budget is accepted by the Academic council after the Educational and Scientific Councils have put forward their respective proposals and are consistent with the tuition costs for the respective specialty and form of education. Tuition in VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is covered by the students themselves or other physical or legal persons. The payment is made in two instalments paid in the beginning of the winter and the summer semester of the respective academic year. Additional support comes from different projects, financed by EU funds, public or private organizations.

5.11.2. Facilities

Lectures are given in auditoriums equipped with modern facilities and in 40 specialized rooms, laboratories and art studios.

There is a new educational-and-sports complex built at the university, which is on three floors and comprises: three lecture halls with total capacity of 480 seats, equipped with multimedia for presentations.

Students are given the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the latest computer hardware and software products, as well as free Internet-access, in the computer rooms. The University has modern language study rooms and an Accounting House.

Law students have the unique chance to practice their newly acquired knowledge in a training courtroom and the students from the speciality Counteraction to Crime and Public Order Protection can make use of the specialized room in Criminology.

A Centre for Psycho-physiological Examinations, Psycho-diagnostic and Consulting Psychology has started work since May 2008. The Centre organizes and conducts, educational and qualification courses in the context of lifelong learning, supports the leading of student's practice in the educational process.

5.11.3. Library Support and Library Programme Role

Digital library complex

The multifarious university library has a substantial information stock of 136 864 library documents. The library provides to the use of lecturers and students 340 different periodicals

– both Bulgarian and foreign.

As a member of the Bulgarian Information Consortium, it offers a new product under the method of the shared access – the full text data base of EBSCO Publishing / 7188 magazines and 2500 books and brochures.

5.11.4. Computer Support and Audio-Visual Support

Technological Institute

The Technological Institute is an independent structural unit of the University for organizing, servicing and conducting fundamental and applied research, consulting, expertise, technological, development, teaching and other parallel activities.

The Technological Institute performs an orientating, supporting and coordinating role in respect to the SEC in the field of contemporary educational technologies.

5.12. Student Services

5.12.1. Advising System/ Tutoring and Placement Assistance

First academic guidance students receive during the Orientation days held for first-year students at the beginning of each academic year. Information on their training students receive from the site of the university, deans of faculties and heads of departments, secretaries of departments. Concrete ways to receive academic guidance are the following:

1. When entering the university - students receive a Fresher’s guidebook with the necessary information for their training.

2. For first-year students Orientation days are held every year during which they are acquainted with the facilities, library, Dean and department management. Assistant professors and other undergraduate students acquaint freshers with the regulations, rules and their upcoming training. 3. Regular meetings with ECTS-coordinators in the faculties are organized.

4. Regular information days about the possibilities of the Erasmus programme which are provided for the current academic year are held.

5. For international internships and work placements information is obtained at the Career Centre.

6. Regular meetings of the Department and Faculty management with students in charge of groups are held.

7. Regular meetings of the Academic management with the Student Council are held.

8. Lecturers have a schedule for contact hours with students during the semester announced at the departments.

9. For all questions related to administrative services and student status, information can be obtained at the Front Office and at the address http://student.vfu.bg.

10. Students can get the information they need regarding their rights, or about the available social and study scholarships, cultural and sport activities, etc. from The University Student Council.

Student from different years and form of education have their own tutor to guide them and help to solve any concern or problem they have.

The University also has a student psychological counselling service, which is available for all the students.

Students can also get all information electronically, through the virtual education platform based on Moodle, where each student has an ID code and password. Over there students have access to study materials, upload their assignments, fill out questionnaires, etc.

5.12.2. Extracurricular activities

The Department of Management, Administration and Political Science carries out projects, and students are regularly involved in. As well, talented students can present their first academic research at the Scientific Conferences organized at the University.

Students can participate in various sports and cultural activities offered by the University.

5.12.3. Placement services

For international internships and work placements information is obtained at the Career Centre and Erasmus Office. Every department has Erasmus coordinator and Alumni coordinator who give additional support to the students to find the right one placement for them.

The international project “European Business – Guarantee for the Professional Aptitude of the Higher Education Graduates at VFU” was launched at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” in 2005. There are training practices organized annually for students of various specialties within the project. This is done together with the European Academy for Economics, Banks and Management in the town of Duren, Germany, and the students are placed in companies and institutions in the Province of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Three-month training practices under the Erasmus programme are conducted too over the period July – September together with the European Academy for Economics, Banks and Management in the town of Duren, Germany.

The conditions that should be met by the students are:

88 • To have graduated the first year of their study; • To speak German; • To be motivated in conducting training practice in an intercultural environment.

5.13. Public Relations

Information about the Programme is provided and can be found through the following channels:

1. Web-site of the University

The web-site of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is comprehensive and up-to- date. It provides detailed information about the University, as well as about the Public Administration and Management – European Administration Master`s programme. The description of the programme at the website targets potential applicants in different language environments:

21 • Bulgarian version is to be found here ; 22 • English version of the Programme is available at the following link ; 23 • Description of the PAM-EA programme is available in this section .

24 Incoming foreign students may find detailed information on the web-page of the ECTS- 25 Guide .

The website is regularly updated with information on the programmes staff, curriculum, exams, admission and graduation, and events of the Department. The course schedules, office hours and profiles of the lecturers are also updated not just every Semester, but anytime there is rescheduling.

26 27 The News Section (in Bulgarian , in English ) allows everybody to stay up-to-date with the newest achievements, news, announcements and events in the University`s and Department`s lives.

21 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Description of the PAM-EA Master`s programme in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/Европейска-администрация-и-управление-на-проекти.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 22 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Description of the PAM-EA Master`s programme in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management-european-administration-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 23 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Description of the PAM-EA Master`s programme in Russian: https://www.vfu.bg/мaгистр/европейская-администрация-и-управление-проектами-3.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 24 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Information for students in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/information-for- students-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 25 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, ECTS guide in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 26 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, News section in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/%d0%bd%d0%be%d0% b2%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b8, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

The University has an all-round marketing strategy: open days for secondary school students, presence in higher education fairs, handing out brochures, providing information in guidebooks to universities, etc. University makes and disseminates hard copy materials like brochures, leaflets and ECTS Guide.

2. Pages of the International Economics and Administration Faculty on the University`s web-site

The pages of the International Economics and Administration Faculty on the web-site of the 28 29 university can be found in Bulgarian and English versions. The Russian one is under reconstruction and is coming soon.

3. Web-pages of the Administration and Management Department and its Programmes

The Department web-pages provides information for current and for future students in two 30 31 languages: Bulgarian and English .

4. Social media

The departmental Facebook profile (https://web.facebook.com/administration.vfu.bg/) is now the first source of information for all future and current students. On this page, is posted information about events of the department, announcement about our programmes, achievements, graduation ceremonies, etc. People in charge of this activities as administrators of the Facebook pages are lecturers of the Department, as well as lecturers and the Manager of the PAM-EA Master`s programme (altogether 3 persons). They are representatives of each of the professional fields at the department of Administration and Management, as well as at the faculty level.

The Department is regularly launching a Facebook campaign to find and recruit future students and make the Programme attractive.

27 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, News section in English: https://www.vfu.bg/news, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

28 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of the International Economics and Administration Faculty in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/учебни-звена/факултет-международна-икономика-и-администрация.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 29 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of the International Economics and Administration Faculty in English: http://newweb.vfu.bg/faculties/faculty-of-international-economics-and-administration-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

30 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of the Administration and Management Department and its Programmes in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/пн-администрация-и-управление.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019). 31 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of Administration and Management Department and its Programmes in English: http://newweb.vfu.bg/Department-of-Administration-and-Management-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

Bibliography

1. Assessment of Methodology and Materials of PA Teaching and Its Relevance for

Practice. Varna Free University 'Chernorizets Hrabar’. The analysis of practical relevance of programme competencies. (2019). Country report prepared for the intellectual output 01. PAQUALITY - Public Administration Education Quality Enhancement, Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership KA203. Slovakia, 09/2018-08/2021.

2. Civil Service Act SG, 67/27.07.1999, last updated SG 38/ 8.05.2018.

3. Classification of the higher education areas and professional fields, Cabinet Office

Ordinance (Ordinance No 125 of 24.06.2002. https://www.neaa.government.bg/normativna-baza/postanovlenija (accessible on Oct. 30th, 2019)

4. Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, https://www.parliament.bg/en/const, th (accessible on: Oct 25 , 2019)

5. ECTS guide of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Public Administration and Management - European Administration Master`s Programme curriculum and course descriptions, https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management-european- administration-2.html (accessible on 25th of October, 2019) 6. EHEA, http://ehea.info/page-bulgaria , (accessible on 15th of September 2019)

7. Project BG051PO001-3.1.07-0029 "Updating course documentation and learning process in Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" in accordance with the requirements of the labor market", https://www.vfu.bg/the-university/projects/9- updating-course-documentation-and-learning-process-2.html

8. Public Administration Education in the Republic of Bulgaria. (2019). Country report prepared for the intellectual output 01. PAQUALITY - Public Administration Education Quality Enhancement, Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership KA203. Slovakia, 09/2018- 08/2021.

9. REPORT on the implementation of the internal system for assessment of the quality of training and academic staff at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, within the four-year post- accreditation period (June 2013 - June 2017) 10. VFU“ChernorizetsHrabar”,Scheduleofclasses/calendar, https://www.vfu.bg/%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%

82%D0%B8/%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D1% 80%D0% st B0%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81.html, (accessible on the 1 of October 2019) 11. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Admissions: https://www.vfu.bg/admission- 2.html , (accessible on 13 of October 2019).

12. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Description of the PAM-EA Master`s programme in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management- european-administration-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

13. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Description of the PAM-EA Master`s programme in Russian: https://www.vfu.bg/мaгистр/европейская-администрация-и-управление- проектами-3.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

14. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Description of the PAM-EA Master`s programme in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/Европейска-администрация-и- управление-на-проекти.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

15. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, ECTS guide in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects- guide-2.html , (accessible on 13 of October 2019).

16. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Information for students in English: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/information-for-students-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

17. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, News section in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/%d0%bd%d0%be%d0% b2%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b8, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

18. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, News section in English: https://www.vfu.bg/news, (accessible on 13 of October 2019).

19. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of Administration and Management Department and its Programmes in English: http://newweb.vfu.bg/Department-of- Administration-and-Management-2.html, , (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

20. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of the Administration and Management Department and its Programmes in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/пн- администрация-и-управление.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

21. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of the International Economics and Administration Faculty in English: http://newweb.vfu.bg/faculties/faculty-of- international-economics-and-administration-2.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

22. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Web-site, Web-page of the International Economics and Administration Faculty in Bulgarian: https://www.vfu.bg/учебни-звена/факултет-

международна-икономика-и-администрация.html, (accessible on 13 of October, 2019).

23. Web-platform of the Alumni system of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” - https://alumni.vfu.bg/bg/ , (accessible on 15th of October 2019)

24. Стратегия за развитие на държавната администрация (2014 - 2020). Министерски съвет на Република България. Портал за обществени консултации https://www.strategy.bg/StrategicDocuments/View.aspx?lang=bg-BG&Id=891 (достъпно на 05.07.2019)

Table of Contents Volume ІІ Faculty data sheets ...... 95

Course abstracts ...... 96

List of Theses ...... 136

94 Faculty data sheet

95 Course abstracts

Public Administration and Management - European Administration

International Economics and Administration Faculty

Department of Administration, Management and Political Science Professional Area “Administration and Management”

Awarded qualification: Master in Public Administration and Management Website: https://www.vfu.bg/ects-guide/public-administration-and-management- european-administration-2.html

Table of courses

Required courses № ECTS code Course Semester Number of credits (ECTS) 1 ECO3004 Globalization and the Modern State I 3

2 LAW3012 Legal and Institutional System of the EU- I 3 Policies and Mechanisms

3 ADM3074 European Foreign Policy I 3

4 ADM3121 Regional Development - Challenges and I 3 Perspectives

5 ADM3015 European Administrative Space I 3

6 MAR3002 European Marketing I 3

7 MAN3054 Project Management Development I 3

8 POL1120 EU Structural Instruments and Their I 3 Application in Bulgaria

9 SOC3020 Social Interactions and Teamwork II 3

10 MAN2035 Public Sector Risk Management II 3

11 Work placement and Pre-graduation II 3 Internship 12 Thesis Preparation and Thesis Defence II 15 Elective courses (3 courses to be chosen) European Cooperation and Territorial 1 ADM3016 I/ II 3 Integration

Formation and Implementation of European I/ II 2 ADM3127 3 Policies and Strategies

3 ADM3130 E-Governance I/ II 3

4 ADM2019 Administrative Outsourcing I/ II 3

96 5 PCI1036 Administration and Media I/ II 3

6 ADM3133 European Initiatives for Black Sea Cooperation I/ II 3

7 ADM3137 Development of the European Institutions I/ II 3

8 MAN1039 Leadership under Crisis Circumstances I/ II 3

9 ADM3139 Change Management I/ II 3

Optional courses(1 course to be chosen) 1 ADM2020 Combating Administrative Corruption II 3

2 ADM3142 Entrepreneurial Networks and Clusters II 3

3 ADM3012 Euro-Atlantic Cooperation II 3

4 ADM1033 International Administrative Protocol II 3

NB: There is a module of 6 equivalent courses for Bachelor’s or/ and Master’s degree holders in other majors

Module of equivalent courses № ECTS code Course Number of credits (ECTS) 1 POL1039 Politics and Government 4,5

2 LAW1003 Administrative Law and Process 4,5

3 ADM1028 Local Government and Regional Development 4,5

4 SOC1013 Sociology of Management 4,5

5 PSY3051 Psychology of Management 6

6 ADM3011 State Power and State Administration 6

Content of course abstracts

1. Course number, title, and ECTS 2. Course instructors during Self-Evaluation year and site visit year 3. Prerequisites for the course 4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum 5. Course description 6. Major topics covered 7. Prescribed books and readings 8. Way of examining

97 Course abstracts- required courses:

Globalization and the Modern State

1. Course number, title, and ECTS: ECO3004 Globalization and the Modern State (3ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Eleonora Tankova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course:

Postgraduates should be familiar with the basic economic theories, should have acquired basic knowledge of the principles of economic approach and be able to apply them in defining, analyzing and solving micro and macroeconomic issues

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum:

Postgraduates acquire skills to realize, opportunities to interpret and navigate in: the impact of globalization on the development of integration processes and the fate of small countries and businesses; the economic and social policy of Bulgaria in the context of European integration and globalization processes in post-industrial society; the behavior of main players in the globalization process; the complex relations of interdependence and interaction in the modern world; contradictions of the modern world and how they affect the objective course of history.

5. Course description

The course of study includes lectures, seminars and independent work. A presentation of the lecture course, as well as additional information, is published on the web-site of Varna Free University in the section ‘Virtual Training’. Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Nature and basic characteristics of economic globalization in connection with the development of post-industrial society. The role of the State and the nation in the globalization process. Influence of civilization-formation definiteness and on the globalization processes. Relationship and dependencies between globalization, regionalism and sustainability

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Недялкова А., Бауман З., Филипов Д. Глобализъм, регионализъм и антиглобализъм. Албатрос. С. 2005.

• Недялкова А., Глобализация на икономиката и развитието, ИУ на ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър”, Варна, 2004. • Недялкова А. Глобализацията – нищо фатално. УИ на ВСУ. „Черноризец Храбър”, Варна. 2002. • Проданов В. Глобалните промени и съдбата на България. С. 1999

8. Way of examining: written and oral exam

Legal and Institutional System of the EU-Policies and Mechanisms

1. Course number, title, and ECTS LAW3012 Legal and Institutional System of the EU-Policies and Mechanisms (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Daniela Mihaleva, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Students should be familiar with the EU institutions

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

The course aims to provide systematized information on the main European Union institutions and to analyze the role and importance of the representation of group interests and public opinion in policy making and/or on the guidelines on transformation of the basic EU institutions and EU legislation.

5. Course description

The course of study includes lectures, discussions and independent work. Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course aims to analyze not the legal system or the programming and managerial documents, but the real policy - the processes of decision making in the EU and the intentional and unintentional consequences of the actions taken. An important element of the process of study is to familiarize postgraduates with: / 1/systematized Eurobarometer databases, / 2 / Data on dynamics in the structure and composition of the main EU institutions and its analysis.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Основни договори на ЕС • Попова, Ж. Основи на правото на ЕС, С., 2007.

• Основи на европейската интеграция, Ред. Р. Иванова, С., ЦЕИ, 2008.

• Nungent, Neil, The Government and Politics of the European Union, Macmillan Press, 2009. http://www.europa.eu

8. Way of examining: written and oral examination

European Foreign Policy

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3074 European Foreign Policy (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Prof. D.Sc. Nina Dyulgerova

3. Prerequisites for the course:

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of: Economics, Local Governance and Regional Development, Management, Law, EU policies

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire:

• Theoretical knowledge related to: The challenges facing the new common EU foreign policy suggest the need for pointing out its questions at a supranational level too. On the other hand, the present historical stage, we are witnessing the rise of new nationalist wave in Europe and the balance of power in the European Union is certainly not in favor of strengthening the supranational principle. The new President of the European Council was imputed to represent the Union in international relations without specifying how to derive competencies; the big challenge for the EU is related to the fact that it is a "postmodern network" of the 21st century and must exist in an environment ruled by paradigms of national-state idea. The new identity should summarize the common aspirations and interests of European nations and states, but it would be unrealistic to undermine national identities. Reinforcing its identity Bulgaria should contribute to strengthening the identity of the EU, etc.

• Specific practical skills: to identify problems, highlight the opportunities and challenges for the degree of integration of EU foreign policy through the analysis of the bodies and instruments for its formation and implementation through the review of the bilateral relations of Brussels with key countries and international organizations The Treaty of Lisbon sets the institutional reform in the EU going, but does not automatically resolve many of the problems in the Union. Finding the balance between national and international foreign policy continues to hamper the EU despite the high level of economic and political integration which was achieved.

100

5. Course description Concept-, problem- and thesis-oriented presentation of the course content; presentations; use of active methods; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

EU foreign policy: structures and tools. The national home of the EU foreign policy: structures and tools. The European Union as a global player: ambition and reality. The reform of EU foreign policy system; EU relations with key players in world politics. The EU's relations with the USA. The EU's relations with China. The EU’s relations with the Russian Federation. The Turkish dilemma of the European Union. Mediterranean policy in the EU. EU's relations with leading international organizations.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Дюлгерова, Н. Ролята на Европейския съюз (в частност България) в Черноморския регион (политики на сигурност) // Политика и национална сигурност. Велико Търново, 2008.

• Катранджиев, В. ВЪНШНАТА ПОЛИТИКА НА ЕВРОПЕЙСКИЯ СЪЮЗ, „Военно издателство”, 2011. • Кръстев, Др. Политика на ЕС в областта на сигурността, „Военно издателство”, 2007.

• Попчев, П. Европейски съюз – принос към глобалната сигурност и стабилност. Български бестселър. 2006. • Цачевски, В. Балканите. Европейският избор. „Изток-Запад”, 2009.

8. Way of examining

Regional Development - Challenges and Perspectives

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3121 Regional Development - Challenges and Perspectives (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Maria Velikova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

101

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of: Economics, Local Governance and Regional Development, Management, Law, EU policies

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire:

• Theoretical knowledge related to: connections and relationships between regional development (RD) and regional policy in the EU and Bulgaria, key documents, levels and institutions responsible for regional development and policy; regulation mechanisms, indicators for measuring and evaluation in RD and policy; the new approaches, mechanisms and guidelines for RD and policy after 2013.; the vision and strategic priorities of Bulgaria's Regional Development up to 2020; content and subordination of strategic planning documents for regional development after 2013; the role of local and regional authorities in connection with the implementation of the strategy "Europe 2020" in the context of RD and policy; the opportunities for provision of synergy between sectoral policies and their integrated management through policies for sustainable urban development and integrated urban-regeneration, etc.

• Specific practical skills: to identify problems, highlight RD opportunities and challenges of the Bulgarian municipalities and regions; to identify key characteristics and needs of a specific region/municipality, to point out its competitive advantages and disadvantages by a properly chosen and modern methods for collecting and processing of information; based on documentary analysis to establish "menu" of basic policies, measures and activities for regional/local development of the region/municipality, to systematized thematically priorities and measures for its development; to use a variety of techniques and evaluation methods and analysis through case studies on real situations created by existing regulations, projects and RD programs

5. Course description

Concept-, problem- and thesis-oriented presentation of the course content; presentations; use of active methods; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Concepts, principles and approaches in regional development (RD) and policy in the EU and Bulgaria, regulatory provision and institutional infrastructure, regional planning and programming; status and trends. Architecture of regional policy in the next planning period (2014-2020), potential for development. The contribution of regional policy for smart growth within the strategy "Europe 2020". Sustainable urban development. Priorities. Integrated plans for urban reconstruction and development. Urban regeneration.

102

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Анализ за идентифициране на проблемите и потенциала за развитие в тематичните области на политиките на МРРБ, МРРБ, С., 2010, www.strategy.bg/FileHandler.ashx?fileId=1545 • Моллов, Б,. Интегриран подход към устойчиво градско развитие, презентация, 2011, http://3e- news.net/ustoychivo-razvitie/item/building.html.

• Великова, М, Местно самоуправление и управление, регионализация, В., Унивeрситетско издателство на ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър”, 2008.

• Визия на Закона за регионалното развитие за субординация и координация на стратегическите и програмните документи за регионално развитие, МРРБ, София, 2010. • Закон за регионално развитие, ДВ. бр. 50/2008, посл. изм., ДВ. бр.93/2009.

• Методически насоки за разработване и прилагане на интегрирани планове за градско възстановяване и развитие за средните, големите и много големите български градове, МРРБ, С., 2008, http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?lang=bg&do=reg_dev&type=74

• Национална стратегия за регионално развитие на Република България за периода 2012- 2022 г., МРРБ, http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?do=law&id=221&lang=bg&type=4

• Павлов, П., Л. Павлова и С. Михалева, Структурни инструменти на ЕС и използването им от България. В., Унивeрситетско издателство на ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър”, 2008.

8. Way of examining

European Administrative Space

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM 3015 European Administrative Space (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors- Prof. Pavel Georgiev Pavlov, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Svetla Kostadinova Mihaleva, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course- postgraduates are required to be familiar with the institutions of Bulgaria and the European Union

103

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Acquisition of knowledge about the opportunities, guidance and tools for transformation of government and administration in the context of globalization, European integration and informatization. Mastering skills to make decisions in terms of administrative reform as part of the overall structural reform in terms of membership of Bulgaria in the European Union

5. Course description Lectures, seminars, case studies and independent work; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The new role of government in an era of change; major challenges facing government and administration; the crisis of the traditional bureaucracy; the necessity of a transformation of the national administrative system in the European context; contemporary accents in the concept of "New Public Management"; basic alternatives for transformation - essential

features; benchmarks and tools for transformation of government and administration. 7. Prescribed books and readings

• Верхейн, Т, Т. Танев и колектив. Въведение в публичната администрация в сравнителен европейски аспект. ГАЛ-ИКО, С., 2000.

• Георгиев, Л. и П. Кацамунска. Сравнителна публична администрация. ИСК при УНСС, С., 2003

• Михалева, С. Усъвършенстване дейността на администрацията чрез реинженеринг на административните процеси. Научен алманах на ВСУ „Ч. Храбър”, 2008

• Михалева, С. Европейско административно пространство. Трансформация на административната система. УИ при ВСУ “Ч. Храбър”, 2008.

• Павлов, П. Държавното управление и администрацията в европейски контекст. Ориентири за трансформация. УИ при ВСУ “Ч. Храбър”, 2007

8. Way of examining - written and oral exam

European Marketing

1. Course number, title, and ECTS MAR 3002 European Marketing (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Assoc. Prof. Aleksandra Parashkevova, PhD

104

3. Prerequisites for the course: postgraduates are required to have knowledge of Fundamentals of Management, Marketing, International Economics, etc.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

This discipline is a logical continuation of the specialized practical preparation of the postgraduates. It provides knowledge and skills to carry out successful marketing in international business environment in terms of EU membership.

5. Course description Lectures, presentations and seminars; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course “European Marketing” expands and enhance the knowledge of the essential characteristics of marketing in specific international market conditions, the methods, forms and tools for effective penetration and establishment of overseas markets. Particular attention is paid to strategic marketing solutions for permanent presence on international markets in a modern business environment.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Каракашева, Л. Международен маркетинг, С., Призма, 2007 г. • Ландреви, Ж. и кол., Теория и практика амаркетинга, МЦФЕР, 2007. • Младенова, Г. и кол. Основи на маркетинга, Планета, 2009.

• Портър, E.M., Конкурентна стратегия: Техники за анализ на индустрии и конкуренти, Класика и стил; 2009;

• Стиглиц, Дж. Свободно падане - Америка, свободните пазари, кризата и виновните за нея, ИнфоДАР, Класика и стил; 2010.

8. Way of examining

Tests are covering all course materials, assessed by using the following scale: 41% correct answers - Satisfactory 3.00, respectively over half a unit to Excellent 6.00. The tests have closed and open questions. The closed ones can involve more than one correct answer. The compulsory presentation of project assignments involves 30% of the final grade. Students have the opportunity to submit their task assignment on the Internet and make improvements recommended by the instructor before the examination.

Project Management Development

1. Course number, title, and ECTS

105 MAN3054 Project Management Development (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Assoc. Prof. Magdalena Ivanova, PhD; Prof. Pavel Pavlov, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of: Management, Psychology of Management, EU policies, etc

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire:

• Theoretical knowledge concerning: modern principles of project management; activity planning, managing the scope and objectives of the project, selecting a suitable approach for the project, drawing up a time-table; personnel management and managing teams; special attention is paid to the managerial methods and techniques used to manage and control the design process, including SWOT-analysis, logical matrix, diagram (tree) of the targets.

• Specific practical skills: to examine the need for initiating projects and preparation of a project call; to manage project activities and teamwork; to use modern management techniques and methods in all activities of project management.

5. Course description concept-, problem- and thesis-oriented presentation of the course content; presentations; use of active methods; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Correspondence between budget and project planning and financing. Strategic projects in the public sector (public projects) - nature, types and structure. Typology and functions of a public project. Structure of a public project. Program / project cycle. Development of a diagram (tree) of the targets. Influence of internal and external social environment. Tools of the SWOT-analysis method. Method of logic frame (logical matrix) to structure public projects. Expert analytical methods in public project management. Interaction with funders (donors) of public projects. Key prerequisites for successful implementation of public projects

7. Prescribed books and readings • Апостолов, Ал., Основи на проекта, PROJECTA. С., 2004. • Лойков, Кр. Разработване и управление на европейски проекти. Раабе България, С., 2010.

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• Павлов, П., Л. Павлова, С. Михалева. Управление на публични проекти (учебно пособие, 1 и 2 част), УИ на ВСУ „Ч. Храбър”, 2006.

• Павлов, П., С. Михалева, Л. Павлова. Стратегическо управление в публичния сектор. УИ на ВСУ „Ч. Храбър”, 2008. • Списание „Фондове. Програми. Проекти”, 2010, 2011. • Управление на проекти. Harvard Business Review, „Класика и стил”, 2010. • http://eufunds.bg – Единен информационен портал. Структурни фондове на ЕС • http://www.evrofinansirane.eu – Всичко за фондовете на ЕС за България

8. Way of examining

Assessment during the lectures and seminars, based on pre-set criteria, according to students’ individual and team performance in theoretical and practical tasks and their active participation in discussions; final written examination – students write on a topic from a list of examination topics set for self-study in advance; an open-questions test. Students are informed of their grades, as well as of the lecturer’s grounds for them during the lectures, the contact hours, immediately after the examination, via e-mail, on the phone. Phone numbers and email addresses are available on the university site.

EU Structural Instruments and Their Application in Bulgaria

1. Course number, title, and ECTS POL 1120 EU Structural Instruments and Their Application in Bulgaria (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Prof. Pavel Pavlov, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Svetla Mihaleva, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of Management, EU Law, EU Policies, etc.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum As a result of the course students should acquire:

• Theoretical knowledge concerning: the principles, requirements and structures for the management of the Structural and Cohesion Funds in the EU and Bulgaria; effective and efficient management and implementation of EU Structural Instruments in Bulgaria; the package of regulations governing the management and implementation of structural instruments in Bulgaria.

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• Specific practical skills: identifying and differentiating EU funds, EU programs; collecting and analyzing information for application and participation in programs and projects; applying the principles of sound financial management and efficient and effective absorption of EU funds.

5. Course description conceptual, problematic and theses presentation of lectures, presentations; application of active methods; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Correspondence between budget and project planning and financing. Objectives and principles of cohesion in the EU. Nature and use of EU funds. Strategic planning documents. Institutional mechanisms for the management of EU funds in Bulgaria

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Павлов, П., Л. Павлова, С. Михалева, С. Инджова. Структурни инструменти на ЕС и използването им от България (учебно помагало), УИ на ВСУ „Ч. Храбър”, 2010.

• Шикова, И., М. Герганова, Д. Димова. Европейски програми 2007-2013. Информационен център на ЕС, Представителство на ЕК в България, РИК „Минерва, С., 2007.

• Структурни фондове – възможности и предизвикателства. За потенциални бенефициенти, Министерство на финансите. 2007.

• Общ процедурен наръчник за управление на Структурните фондове и Кохезионния фонд в България. Министерство на финансите. 2007. • http://eufunds.bg – Единен информационен портал. Структурни фондове на ЕС. • http://www.evrofinansirane.eu – Всичко за фондовете на ЕС за България.

8. Way of examining

Final written examination-a test with open questions. Students have the opportunity to inform themselves about their grade and the reasons for the assessment during lectures, during contact hours, immediately after the exam by email, by calling on the office or mobile phone number of the lecturer available on the website of the university.

Social Interactions and Teamwork

1. Course number, title, and ECTS SOC3020 Social Interactions and Teamwork (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Prof. D.Sc. Galya Gercheva

108 3. Prerequisites for the course basic knowledge about social communities and their management

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Knowledge of the basic theoretical concepts about the psychological nature of the interactions in social groups and teams; established practical social skills for effective social work in groups and teams; formed positive attitude towards group work and team work.

5. Course description

A course of lectures, seminar and trainings, which provide both the theoretical and the practical preparation of postgraduates; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Social groups. Group processes. Group and team communication. Team activity- problem solving, decision making, group polarization, group thinking. Basic requirements for the leader to effectively guide the work of the team. Key signs of team effectiveness. Leadership - leadership styles of interaction. Personal qualities of the leader and manager, determining the effectiveness of the management of the team. Interactions occurring as conflicts. Conflict Management.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Арънсън, Елиът Човекът - "социално животно" / Елиът Арънсън . - 2. доп. изд. . - София : Дамян Яков, 2009

• Герчева-Несторова, Г., Психология в управлението, Комуникативен разрез, Варна, УИ на ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър”, 2004

• Герчева-Несторова, Г., Психология в управлението, Комуникативен практикум, Варна, УИ на ВСУ „Черноризец Харбър, 2005 • Герчева-Несторова, Г.Т., Личност и общуване, С., Албатрос 2010 • Гюрова, В., Божилова, В. Магията на екипната работа. С., ЕВРОПРЕС, 2006 • Пелерин, Ч. Дж. Как НАСА създава екипи. С., ИК „ ИнфоДАР” ЕООД, 2011 • Социална психология. Под. Ред. На Серж Московичи.с., Изд. „ Дамян Яков“, 2006 • Социална психология. Христоматия. С. Изд. „ Дилок“, 2001

• Христова, Т., Христов,Т., Христов, С. 10те златни правила за работа в екип. С., СИЕЛА, 2006

• Аронсон, Э., Уилсон, Т., Эйкерт, Р. Социальная психология. Психологические законы поведения человека в социуме. Санкт-Петербург „ Прайм-ЭВРОЗНАК“, М. „ ОЛМА - ПРЕСС“, 2004 • Тейлор, Ш., Пипло, Л., Сирс, Д. Социальная психология. Санкт-Петербург, „ ПИТЕР“, 2004

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• Harris, Th. E., Nelson, M.D. Applied Organizational Communication. New York – London, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2008

8. Way of examining The overall grade is the average of the following two examination methods:

• Continuous assessment: - Active participation during lectures - preparation and submission of a presentation, a case study; - Participation during seminars, expression of their own opinion during at least two seminars

• Written exam - a test that includes questions from the lectures and seminars. The test is passed, if more than 50% of the problems are solved.

Public Sector Risk Management

1. Course number, title, and ECTS MAN 2035 Public Sector Risk Management (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Daniela Mihaleva, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Postgraduates are required to have basic knowledge of project management

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates will be able to: understand the basic concepts related to risks; understand the relationship between risks, assumptions and problems; identify risks through various techniques for collecting information; analyze potential risks and determine on which of them to focus; plan for risk response using different alternatives and options; monitor known risks and periodically evaluate the project to identify new risks.

5. Course description

A course of lectures, case studies; Language of instruction: Bulgarian; Work placement: a practical exercise - developing a plan to respond to risks

6. Major topics covered

The actuality of the course is related to the fact that project management is a projective process which seeks to eliminate potential problems before they occur, thus increasing the likelihood of successful project implementation. The highlights of the course are: an overview

110 and definition of risk; concepts - risks, assumptions, problems; identifying risks; risk categories; risk analysis; risk response; risk control.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Альгин, А., Риск и его роль в общественной жизнь, М. 1898 • Георгиев, Ив., Управление на риска, С. 1999 • Драганов, Хр., Управление на риска, С., Тракия – М, 2003

• Цветков, Цв. Оценка на рисковете и заплахите при избор на модел на политика на сигурност, С. 1998

8. Way of examining: written and oral exam

Elective courses:

European Cooperation and Territorial Integration

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM 3016 European Cooperation and Territorial Integration (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Maria Velikova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of: Economics, Local Governance and Regional Development, Management, Law, EU policies

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire: • Theoretical knowledge related to: territorial cooperation (TC) and integration in the context of EU regional policy; priority areas for TC of Bulgaria; the opportunities for development and implementation of projects on programs for TC - indicators of selection, criteria for evaluation; perspectives for the new programming period 2014-2020 • Specific practical skills: to identify factors principles and initiatives for development and dynamization of the process of TC in specific territorial units; to apply the approaches, mechanisms and instruments of the EU in order to implement the TC by solving practical and applied case studies; to prepare the basic parameters of TC project proposals.

5. Course description

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Concept-, problem- and thesis-oriented presentation of the course content; presentations; use of active methods; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Nature and necessity of TC between regions and municipalities. Levels, thematic scope, specific functional areas. Genesis and development of European TC. Components of TC: cross- border, transnational, interregional. Legal and institutional framework for TC. Strategic and program documents of the EU regulating TC. European macro-regional strategies. European programs for TC (2007-2013). Strategy "Europe 2020" and TC programs. Perspectives for European TC and integration for the period 2014-2020 Bulgaria's participation in TC - directions, specific actions, results and initiatives, institutions and documents. Limiters, problems and challenges for Bulgaria in the TC and integration processes

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Бюлетин за програмите за териториално сътрудничество, МРРБ, септември, 2011, http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?lang=bg&do=actual&id=3024

• Великова, М., Местно самоуправление и управление, регионализация, Университетско издателство на ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър”, В.,2008.

• Великова, М., Териториалното сътрудничество между общините в България като форма на интегрирано местно самоуправление. В: Сборник научни доклади от Юбилейна научна конференция с международно участие, УНСС, С., 2008.

• Европейски опит и практики за междуобщинско сътрудничество. Резултати от

проучване ролята на сдруженията на общините в България за насърчаване на междуобщинското сътрудничество, ФРМС Консулт, С., 2011 http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?lang=bg&do=atums&type=69&id=6 • Стратегията на ЕС за Дунавския регион и преобразяването на България, МРРБ, 2011, http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?lang=bg&do=reg_dev&type=75&id=22

• Черноморско взаимодействие“ – нова инициатива за регионално сътрудничество, Комисия на европейските общности, съобщение от Комисията до Съвета на европейския парламент, Брюксел, 2007

8. Way of examining

112 contact hours, immediately after the examination, via e-mail, on the phone. Phone numbers and email addresses are available on the university site.

Formation and Implementation of European Policies and Strategies

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3127 Formation and Implementation of European Policies and Strategy (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Magdalena Ivanova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the areas of Economics and Management, Local Government and Regional Development, Management, Law. They are also required to be capable of working with the Internet resources of the European Union and the Bulgarian government.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum As a result of the course postgraduates should acquire:

• Theoretical knowledge related to: the technology and methodology for developing and implementing European strategies and policy areas; the priority areas of EU policies and the strategies leading to the development of the European Union and especially for the new programming period 2014-2020

• Specific practical skills: to use their theoretical knowledge of EU strategies and policy areas in developing and implementing national sectoral, regional and municipal strategies and plans and to know how to connect common European strategies and policies with the national ones; to elaborate the main elements of a project proposal in the context of European strategies and policy areas and to link funding of projects with the current annual and perennial priorities of the strategic documents and programs.

5. Course description

Lectures with prepared attractive presentations, performance and display of Internet resources in real time, postgraduates’ involvement during lectures with a pre-set assignment, discussions and debates. All lectures / presentations are sent to all postgraduates via the Internet; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

113

Nature and relationship between European values, European strategies and the areas of policies. Types of policies: general and specific. The main aspects of the European Cohesion Policy up to 2013 and then to 2020. The main aspects of the Strategy for Europe 2020 and its connection with the development of Bulgaria by 2020. Levels, thematic scope, specific aspects of the strategies and policies. Origin and development of European policy areas. Elements of the strategies. The main aspects of European policies, the programs and funds that finance their implementation. Legislative and institutional basis for the implementation of European policies. Structure of the European Commission, Executive Agencies and Departments dealing directly with the implementation of strategies and policies. Structure and administration of the programs for implementation of European strategies and policy

areas in Bulgaria. Presentation of web resources for the policies and strategies. 7. Prescribed books and readings • http://europa.eu/pol/index_bg.htm - Области на Европейските политики;

• http://www.consilium.europa.eu/not-found.aspx?lang=bg -Законодателство и документи за областите на политики;

• http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies.aspx?lang=bg - Интернет страница на Съвета на Европейския Съюз;

• http://ec.europa.eu/policies/index_bg.htm - Интернет страница на Европейската Комисия за Европейските политики • http://ec.europa.eu/about/ds_bg.htm -Интернет страница на Генералните

Дирекции на Европейската Комисия;

• http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/regional_policy/index_bg.htm - Интернет страница на Генерална Дирекция Регионална Политика на Европейската Комисия; • http://www.eufunds.bg/bg/page/6 - Политики и програми на Европейския Съюз; • http://www.eufunds.bg/bg/page/130 - Нов програмен период 2014-2020 ; • http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index Европа 2020; • http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index Европа 2020 във Вашата страна; • http://www.namrb.org/?act=cms&id=170 Национално законодателство за прилагане на Европейските политики; • http://www.namrb.org/?act=cms&id=187 Интернет страници на общините

8. Way of examining

114 E-Governance

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3130 E-Governance (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Prof. Pavel Pavlov, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Svetla Mihaleva, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

The course includes knowledge in the field of computer networks and Internet technologies as well as basic formulations of the theory and practice of management and marketing. This course is preceded by an introductory one “E-Business” in student’s Bachelor’s degree training

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Postgraduates acquire knowledge in the field of e-governance, with particular emphasis on policies and procedures of the E-security. They become familiar with the systems of protection in suing an electronic signature and digital certificate and learn to apply them in e- governance projects.

5. Course description

The students are provided with specially prepared electronic web-based learning resources; discussions are held on developing a project assignment individually with each student in order some depth and specificity of the research to be achieved.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian; Work placement(s): a project assignment

6. Major topics covered

The course objective is to present strategies and principles of e-governance in Bulgaria. Special attention is paid to the technology of developing an e-governance project. Postgraduates examine the electronic services for citizens and businesses in Bulgaria, as well as methods for protection of electronic control systems

7. Prescribed books and readings • https://eschool.vfu.bg/course/view.php?id=6

• Бакърджиева, Т. Електронен бизнес – технологии и мрежи, ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър” университетско издателство, 2006, 331 стр.

115

• Kраев Л., В. Краева, П. Емилова, Електронен бизнес, Изд. Фабер, 2011 • Върбанов Р. и колектив, Информационни технологии в бизнеса, Изд. Фабер, 2011, http://www.knigiko.com/index.php?p=book&src=69 • Финансиране на проекти - http://www.e-finance-bg.net/

8. Way of examining

The assessment is based on the activity of the students during the semester. Students are provided with the opportunity to present publicly their works on a chosen topic from the synopsis. The successful presentation determines 40% of the overall exam grade. The overall grade is determined by postgraduates’ active participation during the process of study and by the development of a project assignment on e-governance issues or an e-development of a project on funding from EU programs for Bulgaria

Administrative Outsourcing

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM2019 Administrative Outsourcing (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Assoc. Prof. Alexandra Parashkevova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Knowledge and skills in the field of Economics and Management

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum Acquired knowledge about the nature of administrative outsourcing

5. Course description Lectures, seminars, independent work; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course ‘Administrative Outsourcing’ studies the transfer of management tools from the business sector in the public sector. The types of outsourcing in administrative environment– the factors and barriers to its implementation are discussed

7. Prescribed books and readings

116

• Парашкевова, Л., А. Парашкевова Аутсорсинг, В., Изд-во Колор-принт, ISBN 978- 954- 760-168-0, 2008.

• Парашкевова, А. Аутсорсингът в управлението на организацията – Годишник Варненски свободен университет, год. XIII, т. XIII, ISSN 1310-800Х, 2007, с. 194-243.

• Парашкевова, A. Стратегията на организацията за прекратяване на договора за аутсорсинг. Научен алманах ВСУ "Черноризец Храбър". сер. „Икономика и стопанско управление”, 2011, № 1.

• Парашкевова, А. IT-аутсорсинг – модел на управление на информационни ресурси в административна среда. Knowledge Society Institute, Vol. 11, ISSN 1313- 4787, 2012.

8. Way of examining

The final grade is formed by: continuous assessment -0.5; exam - 0.5. Students are informed about their current results of their individual and group tasks during lectures, seminars and contact hours. The current results are available in the teacher’s profile in e-School. The overall grade is reported during the exam. It is also available on the site of VFU in the section "Student Status" (https://student.vfu.bg:8443/index.jsp.Students can also e-mail the lecturer [email protected] or call on the office or mobile phone numbers known through email and the university site content.

Administration and Media

1. Course number, title, and ECTS PCI 1036 Administration and Media (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Georgi Draganov Kalaglarski, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have developed a general information culture of public administration. This course enriches their knowledge to interact with both the public and specific target groups

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire specific knowledge and skills for communication with the various structures of society and to apply different techniques to achieve rapid and lasting effects of the interaction

5. Course description

117 The course will be formed by lectures and a project assignment.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course objective is to build a modern media culture, which is expressed predominantly in various techniques and technologies for interaction with the public through print media, radio and television. Postgraduates’ preparation is important for the construction and management of active and positive public opinion and to maintain personal and public image of the organization.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Аргайл М., Хандерсън М., Анатомия на човешките отношения, с, 1989.

• Ласуел Х., Структура и функции на комуникацията в обществото, кн. «Комуникацията», С, 1992. Павлов П., Калагларски Г., Държавният служител – делови вид и комуникация, С, 2000. • Петев Т., Комуникация и социална промяна, С, 2000.

8. Way of examining: written examination

European Initiatives for Black Sea Cooperation

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3133 European Initiatives for Black Sea Cooperation (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Kremena Andonova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of European policies, the institutional system of EU, Regional Policy, Local Government and Regional Development, etc.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Postgraduates acquire knowledge about: the problems and prospects for Black Sea cooperation; EU policy in the Black Sea region; abilities: to identify and analyze current issues of synergy between the Black Sea cooperation and the Bulgarian development priorities; to formulate and give reasons for their own positions on the role of Bulgaria in the Black Sea cooperation.

5. Course description

118

The course is built on lectures, seminars, discussions on the development of students’ pre- assigned topics.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course provides postgraduates with systematic knowledge about the basic issues of Black Sea cooperation as well as about current EU initiatives to be implemented in this direction.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Проблеми и перспективи на сътрудничество между страните от Югоизточна Европа в рамките на Черноморското икономическо сътрудничество и ГУУАМ, Свищов: Акад. изд. Ценов, 2004. • Европейският съюз и Черноморският регион , Варна: ВСУ Черноризец Храбър, 2008.

• Любчева, М. Черноморският регион в политиките на ЕС, Черноморски институт, Бургас, 2010

• Новите измерения на сътрудничеството в Черноморския регион след присъединяването на България и Румъния към ЕС, София, Унив. изд „Стопанство”, 2008

8. Way of examining

The exam is a written one- postgraduates are required to develop individual creative topic and do a test with open questions, and an oral examination (if required) - discussion about further clarification of the acquired competencies. Postgraduates may request clarification of their grades when they are informed about them. If they would like to improve their results, they can be provided with additional tasks. (at lecturer’s discretion)

Development of the European Institutions

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3137 Development of the European Institutions (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Magdalena Ivanova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Acquired knowledge from previous courses in the field of public administration, European institutions, EU structures and policies

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

119

The course is a compulsory one in the curriculum of the postgraduates in Public Administration and Management - European Administration. The course objective is to enrich postgraduates’ knowledge and skills to work with EU institutions. This course aims to analyze not the legal system or the programming and managerial documents, but the real policy - the processes of decision making in the EU and the intentional and unintentional consequences of the actions taken.

5. Course description

The aim of this course is to systematize the knowledge of the EU, its structure and institutional organization; to characterize the interaction between EU institutions as well as the interrelations with other institutions of the Member States in the implementation of common European policies. The course aims to offer systematized information on the main European Union institutions and to analyze the role and importance of political parties, representation of group interests and public opinion in formulating policy strategies (policy making) or on the changes of the main EU institutions and EU legislation.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

EU institutions; Implementation of common European policies; Policy making on EU level; EU legislation and interaction with EU member states

7. Prescribed books and readings • Европейско право – Въведение, П.С.Р.Ф. Матисен, изд. Сиела, София, 2007. • Европейският съюз, Валтер Ван Гервен, изд. ЛИК, София, 2007. • Политическа система на ЕС, Саймън Хикс, изд. Парадигма, София, 2001.

8. Way of examining: a written examination

Leadership under Crisis Circumstances

1. Course number, title, and ECTS MAN 1039 Leadership under Crisis Circumstances (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Ivanka Bankova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Knowledge and skills in the field of Economics and Management

120 4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire skills and knowledge of management in the context of the modern organization, where responsibilities are linked to corporate goals and values; leadership skills for managing people and knowledge of organizational management; to realize their potential and develop their managerial skills and abilities in accordance with the dynamic changes in organizational and corporate change in the new conditions; skills to effectively manage their teams and methods to resolve potential conflicts and crisis situations

5. Course description The course is built on lectures, seminars and independent work; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Identification of the key skills, required by leaders; Creation of results-oriented teams; Key motivation models in managerial practice; Factors affecting the motivation of employees. Indicators for identifying motivation, Basic techniques and management approaches for more purposeful and effective motivation; Motivation through leadership.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Клиъри, Т. Уроци по лидерство от китайската классика. Фокус, 2009. • Петков, Г. Стратегическо ръководство и лидерство. Софттрейд, 2010. • Трейси, Б. Ефективното лидерство. Скорпио, 2011.

• A v o l i o, B. Examining the Ful Range of Leadership: Looking back to transform forward. In D. Day, St. Zaccaro, S. Halpin. Leader development for Transforming Organizations Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc . , 2004. • D i l t s , R . Visionary Leadership Skills . Meta Publications , CA , 2002

8. Way of examining

Change Management

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1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3139 Change Management (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Eleonora Tankova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Students are required to have knowledge and handle the basic conceptual apparatus of the Bachelor's degree courses in public administration

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates will acquire knowledge and skills of the factors that cause and impose changes in organizations; be able to manage changes in order to ensure organizational success in the future. They must ensure themselves that individuals and teams

are involved and follow them, while ensuring the proper functioning of the company. 5. Course description A course of lectures; Language of instruction: Bulgarian; face- to- face delivery mode

6. Major topics covered

The course identifies the main problems for organizations in change management. Deals with the following main topics: Need for change in organizations; Factors causing and necessitating change in organizations, management of change processes in organizations, strategic organizational change, issues arising in the course of change: Increasing the effectiveness of the changes, the role of human resources management of change.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Бланчард, К., Д. Брит, Д. Кьокстра, П. Зигарми. Кой уби промяната?, Класика и стил, 2010.

• Владимирова, К., К. Габровски, Н. Стефанов. Стратегическо управление и стратегическо планиране, УНСС, 2007. • Гардатто, Фр., М. Мирчев, Г. Шереметов. Стратегическо управление. УНСС, 1999.

• Кови, Стивън, Б. Уитман, Б. Ингланд, “Предвидими резултати в непредвидими времена”, Кибеа, 2010. • Управление на промяната и прехода, Класика и стил, 2005. • Христов, Ст., Стратегически мениджмънт, УНСС, 2009.

8. Way of examining: written, oral and practical exam

122 Optional courses:

Combating Administrative Corruption

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM 2020 Combating Administrative Corruption (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Prof. Zhelka Genova, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Kostadin Markov, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge and handle the basic conceptual apparatus of the Bachelor's degree courses (Public administration)

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates will become familiar with patterns of corrupt behavior and corrupt practices in the administration and their interaction with the economically active citizens, small and medium businesses, the opportunities for developing a model for combating and anti-corruption mechanisms to combat corruption

5. Course description

The presentation of the subject matter combines lectures and practical exercises; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

Development of corruption and corrupt practices in Bulgaria at central, regional and local level. Corruption and conflict of interest in public administration. Models and mechanisms of anti-corruption behavior

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Александров Х. и К. Нушев. Корупция, антропологично-психологически и моралноетически аспекти. С. 2001. • Бояджиев, Г., и екип. Корупцията в 100 отговора. С. 2000.

• Доклад за корупцията в община Мадан, М., Център за устойчиво развитие на община Мадан, 2005.

• Корупцията като обществено явление. Дефиниции. Корупционни механизми, С., Фондация Пайдея, 2006.

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• Марков, Костадин. Регионални измерения и ефекти на корупцията в административното обслужванена граждани и бизнесорганизации в област Смолян, сп. Родопи, бр, 3-4,2007., стр.39. • Павлов, П. Държавна власт и държавна администрация. ВСУ. В. 2002. • Чилев, Г, Корупцията – традиционни и съвременни измерения. В. Търново. 2001.

8. Way of examining: a written examination and a coursework

Entrepreneurial Networks and Clusters

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3142 Entrepreneurial Networks and Clusters (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Prof. D.Sc. Loretta Parashkevova, PhD; Assistant Prof. Alexandra Parashkevova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Postgraduates are required to have knowledge in the field of Economics and Management.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Knowledge about the nature of entrepreneurial networks and clusters of small enterprises will be acquired.

5. Course description The course is based on lectures and independent work; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The postgraduates on the course “Entrepreneurial Networks and Clusters” study the new areas of entrepreneurial activity. The networks and clusters, including those in the EU and Bulgaria are dealt upon. The state support of SMEs’clusters is discussed.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Парашкевова, Л., А. Парашкевова Предприемачеството в глобалната икономика, Варна, Колор принт, 2007. • Парашкевова, А. Мрежата в контекста на теорията на фирмата. Knowledge Society Institute, Vol. 9, ISSN 1313-4787, 2011.

• Парашкевова, А. Мрежата като форма на фирмено сътрудничество: еволюция на научните теории. Knowledge Society Institute, Vol. 10, ISSN 1313-4787, 2011.

124 8. Way of examining

Euro-Atlantic Cooperation

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM 3012 Euro-Atlantic Cooperation (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Prof. Tilcho Ivanov, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Postgraduates are required to have knowledge and handle the basic conceptual apparatus of the Bachelor's degree courses.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Postgraduates should understand the advantages and disadvantages of Bulgaria's membership in NATO - the problems of Bulgaria's national security have their influence upon the regional security in the Balkans, and they in turn - on the global security system, which reflects the expansion of NATO eastward. NATO must be prepared to meet serious challenges posed by complex social changes in post-socialist space.

5. Course description

The course is based on lectures and discussions.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian 6. Major topics covered

Structure and working principles of NATO Expansion of NATO to the east, Bulgaria's membership in NATO - benefits and challenges.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Balis, Christina, ed., Beyond the NATO Prague Summit (September 2002); www.csis.org.

• CSIS, The Future of the Transatlantic Defense Community (January 2003); www.csis.org.

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• Donnelly, Chris, Security in the 21st Century: New Challenges and New Responses (21 May, 2003); копие в инструктора • Ehrhart, Hans-George, “What Model for CFSP?” (Institute for Security Policy: October 2002), Chaillot Papers no. 55.

• Everts, Steven and Gary Schmitt, “Is military power still the key to international security?” NATO Review (Winter 2002); www.nato.int.

8. Way of examining

The course “Euro-Atlantic Cooperation and Integration’ ends with a written exam and a discussion.

International Administrative Protocol

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM 1033 International Administrative Protocol (3 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Polya Katsamunska, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course: none

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

As a result of the course postgraduates should acquire knowledge about the protocol not only as a set of rules for communication and behavior necessary to public officials, but also as a system of signs, loaded with a secondary meaning and evolutionary values, a form of language and a tool for sending messages, often expressed and nonverbally. The course helps postgraduates to acquire skills and knowledge of “protocol niceties” and key label elements required by the employees in the state administration.

5. Course description The course is based on lectures and discussions; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The subject matter is structured in the following modules: Protocol activity in public administration; the relation protocol – negotiation-communication. The course contributes to the understanding and active implementation of the rules of the protocol.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Закон за държавния протокол, ДВ, бр.32 от 18.4.2000.

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• Наръчник по протоколно обслужване на дейността на общините; изд. Национална асоциация на секретарите на общини в Република България, Габрово, 2000.

• Павлов, П.; Кацамунска, П. Въведение в административния протокол, ВСУ, изд.Албатрос, Варна 2008.

• Павлов, П.; Кацамунска, П, Калагларски, Г., Държавният служител - делови вид и комуникации,Атлантис – ГК, С.,2000.

8. Way of examining: written and oral exam

Module of equivalent courses:

Politics and Government

1. Course number, title, and ECTS POL1039 Politics and Government (4,5 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Assoc. Prof. Kaloyan Smilkov, PhD, Prof. Goran Goranov D.Sc.

3. Prerequisites for the course

The course corresponds with other courses which study the general theory of state, the theory of government, the sociology of government and constitutional law.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

The course in ‘Politics and Government’ aims at providing students with knowledge of the political structure of state power and democratic governance, in the framework of which public administration functions.

5. Course description In the course of study, the focus is on the problematic and thesis presentation of the subject matter during lectures; on the application of active methods and on the use of modern training and technical means of instruction. Students are continually assigned individual or team project assignments, tests or other forms to conduct continuous assessment; Language of instruction: Bulgarian 6. Major topics covered

The course in ‘Politics and Government’ introduces students to the field of politics, as well as to the views on and the practices of state organisation and governance. The issues related to public power are refracted through the prism of the democratic political process. The lecture

127 course is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the political and institutional structures of political power. The second part studies the relations between modern democracy and the institutional and political development of state government.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Владикин, Л.Общо учение за държавата. 1992. • Сартори Дж., Теория на демокрацията. Т. 1 и 2. 1992. • Близнашки Г., Принципи на парламентарното управление. с., 1998. • Политология. Учебник 2003 ( под ред. на Г. Янков).

8. Way of examining: Written and oral examinations.

Administrative Law and Process

1. Course number, title, and ECTS LAW 1003 Administrative Law and Process (4,5 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Prof. Hristo Ivanov, D.Sc., Assoc. Prof. Marcho Markov, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course: knowledge in the field of constitutional law

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

The objective of the course is to provide students with thorough knowledge about the theoretical conceptions and legal bases underlying the structure and functioning of executive power. On this ground, they will be able to understand and work with legislative acts, which will facilitate their work on solving specific practical tasks.

5. Course description

This is a lecture course. Other planned activities include visits to municipalities, regional municipalities and administrative courts.; Internship at regional, municipal, mayoral and state administrations is required to accomplished; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course in ‘Administrative Law and Process’ is fundamental. It studies one of the main branches of law. It provides students with knowledge of state administration, state governance, the civil servant, legislative acts and the way they function.

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7. Prescribed books and readings

• Дерменджиев Ив., Д. Костов, Д. Хрусанов, Административно право на Р България, обща част, С., 1996

• Хрусанов Д., Д. Костов, Административно право на Р България, Специална част., Сб. Норм. актове, С., 1996; • Димитров Д., Административно право, Обща част, С., !995; • Димитров Д., Административен процес, С., 1993; • Димитров Д., Административно правораздаване, С., 1995; • Лазаров К., Делегиране и заместване, Сп. “Правна мисъл”, бр.2/95;

8. Way of examining: written exam

Local Self-governance and Regional Development

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM 1028 Local Self-governance and Regional Development (ECTS 4,5)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Maria Velikova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Basic knowledge in the field of public administration

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

The course aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of local self-government and government, local power and regional development.

5. Course description Concept-, problem- and thesis-oriented presentation of the course content; presentations; use of active methods.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian; Work placement and pre- graduation internship at municipal and deconcentrated administrations, as planned in the major’s curriculum.

6. Major topics covered

Theoretical and methodological basis of Local Self-governance and Regional Development (LSGRD); administrative and territorial structure in the context of LSGRD; the concept of ‘good governance’ and its implementation at a local level; the main spheres of implementation and limiters of LSGRD; European experience and Bulgaria’s practice in the

129 field of LSGRD; relationships, cooperation and partnerships in LSGRD; regional development and regional policy, regional dimensions of the reform in local selfgovernance and regional development.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Актуализирана Стратегия за децентрализация (2006-2015), С., 2010, http://www.namrb.org/?act=news&id=1175

• Великова, М. Местно самоуправление и управление, регионализация. УИ на ВСУ „Черноризец Храбър”, В., 2008.

• Годишен доклад за изпълнение на Стратегията за децентрализация и Програмата за изпълнение на Стратегията за децентрализация през 2010 г., http://www.self.government.bg/decentralization_counsel/annuall_report/?id=423

• Визия на Закона за регионалното развитие за субординация и координация на стратегическите и програмните документи за регионално развитие, МРРБ, С., 2010. Местната и регионална демокрация в България, Конгрес на местните и регионалните власти в Европа, Мониторингов доклад, 21.11.2011 г., http://www.self.government.bg/decentralization/?id=433&ssid=8&cid=600047

8. Way of examining

Sociology of Governance

1. Course number, title, and ECTS SOC1013 Sociology of Governance (ECTS 4,5)

2. Course instructors: Chief Asst. Maria Petrova, PhD, Prof. Zhelka Genova, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course: none

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

The course in ‘Sociology of Governance’ aims at forming a broader understanding and explanation of the behaviour of groups and communities of people in society, as well as of organisations and institutions. Using the advantages of sociological interpretation of social facts and the possibilities of sociological research methods, students will acquire knowledge,

130 skills and competences enabling them to conduct complex analysis and evaluation of the problems studied

5. Course description

The course is based on lectures, individual assignment – essay, expressing personal opinion, doing a project assignment – a project for conducting empirical sociological research.; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course in ‘Sociology of Governance’ aims at forming the necessary general knowledge and specific knowledge of the structure of society, of the mechanisms of originating, functioning and development of social structures – person, group, community, society; organisations and institutions – family, religion, education, economics, politics, governance, media. Special emphasis is placed on the social role and significance of political and governmental institutions within the system of social organisation, as well as in the sociological explanation of the behaviour social subjects exhibit.

7. Prescribed books and readings

• Генова, Ж. Социология. Варненски свободен университет Черноризец Храбър, Университетско издателство, 2009. • Гидънс, А. Социология.С., 2003. • Мендрас, А. Елементи на социологията. С., 2002

8. Way of examining

Students are awarded a continuous assessment grade for three semester assignments - essay, expressing personal opinion, designing a project for conducting empirical sociological research. Each of these assignments is evaluated in compliance with the six-point rating system: excellent (6), very good (5), good (4), satisfactory (3), poor (2). The minimum pass grade is satisfactory (3). Students who have achieved an average semester result very good (4.50 – 5.49) or excellent (5.50 – 6.00) are exempt from sitting the written semester examination. Students who have achieved a semester result ‘very good’ can choose to sit the written semester examination in order to improve their final grade. At the end of the course in ‘Sociology of Governance’ students sit a written semester examination – a written answer to a topic from the synopsis. The main evaluation criteria include students’ ability to interpret a specific problem from the point of view of the sociological approach, to use specific sociological terminology, to present well-grounded personal opinions. Grades are awarded in compliance with the six-point rating system.

131 Psychology of Management

1. Course number, title, and ECTS PSY 3051 Psychology of Management (6 ECTS)

2. Course instructors: Prof. Galya Todorova Gercheva-Nestorova D.Sc., Assoc. Prof. Martin Djurov, PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course Students need to have preliminary knowledge of the main principles of management.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

The course aims at providing students with profound knowledge of the main theoretical conceptions of the psychological nature of human community management (organizations, groups, teams); at developing practical social skills for efficient management work, and creating a disposition towards personal growth.

5. Course description

The course is based on lectures and case-studies; Language of instruction: Bulgarian 6. Major topics covered

The course content includes general psychological knowledge and the main theoretical and applied issues of the psychology of social management; social groups within an organisation - formal and non-formal characteristics; motivation in management – main approaches based on personal needs; personality characteristics of the manager; personality characteristics of employees; specifics of communications in management; self-knowledge and personal development; management styles characteristic of managers and leaders; conducting negotiations – main techniques.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Арънсън, Е. Човекът - "социално животно" С., Дамян Яков, 2009 • Герчева-Несторова, Г. Личност и общуване. С., Изд. „ Албатрос”, 2010.

• Герчева-Несторова, Г. Психология в управлението. Комуникативен разрез. Варна, УИ ВСУ „ Черноризец Храбър”, 2004.

• Герчева-Несторова, Г. Психология на управлението. Комуникативен практикум”, Варна, УИ ВСУ „ Черноризец Храбър”, 2005. • Маслоу, Е. Мотивация и личност, С. Изд. „Кибеа”, 2010 • Социална психология. Под. ред. на Серж Московичи. С., Изд. „Дамян Янков”, 2006

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• Тофлър, А. Трусовете във властта. Народна култура, 1996 • Розанова, В.А. Психология управления, М. Альфа-Пресс, 2008 • Урбанович, А.А. Психология управления, Минск, „Харвест”, 2007

• Harris, Th. E., Nelson, M.D. Applied Organizational Communication. New York – London, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2008 • Work Motivation : Past, Present, and Future / Ed. by Ruth Kanfer, Gilad Chen, Robert D. Pritchard . - New York : Routledge, 2008

8. Way of examining The final grade represents the average score of the following two components:

• Continuous assessment: writing and presenting course assignments – up to 3 a semester; regular seminar attendance with minimum four presentations of personal views; successful participation in a colloquium.

• Written semester examination – test covering the material taught in the lectures and seminars (All question topics are included in the synopsis.). Students are given a pass grade provided they have done correctly more than 50% of the tasks.

State Power and State Administration

1. Course number, title, and ECTS ADM3011 State Power and State Administration (6 ECTS)

2. Course instructor: Assoc. Prof. Svetla Mihaleva PhD

3. Prerequisites for the course

Students need to have knowledge of constitutional law, human resource management, local self-governance and regional development etc.

4. Course objectives in relation to total curriculum

Students acquire knowledge of: the system of state bodies in the Republic of Bulgaria and the assisting administration; the main European institutions and their administrations; the instruments for quality management in administrative work. Students develop skills to: recognize the range of activities through which the function ‘assisting the powers of a state power body’ is realized; analyse the main principles of euro integration, the competences between institution and administration; define the skills and competences necessary for administration employees in order to fulfil their responsibilities.

5. Course description

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The course is based on lectures, contact hours, discussions of students’ papers on pre- assigned topics; Language of instruction: Bulgarian

6. Major topics covered

The course aims at providing students with knowledge of the structure and functions of state administration and the specifics of the work of the different powers. Approaches to solving various problems related to the functioning of administration are offered.

7. Prescribed books and readings • Конституция на Р.България; • Закон за администрацията, 1998, посл.акт 2011; • Закон за държавния служител, 1998, посл.акт 2011; • Павлов, П., С. Михалева. Държавна власт и държавна администрация. УИ на ВСУ «Ч. Храбър», 2008. • Михалева, С. Администрация на институциите на Европейския съюз. УИ на ВСУ «Ч. Храбър», 2008.

• Михалева, С. Инструменти за управление на качеството на административната дейност. УИ на ВСУ «Ч. Храбър», 2007.

• Михалева, С. Концепцията «Електронно правителство» – инструмент за повишаване на качеството на административната дейност, АвангардПрима, С., 2008.

• Михалева, С. Ръководство за семинарни упражнения. Основи на публичната администрация. Държавна власт и държавна администрация. Стратегическо управление в публичната сфера. УИ на ВСУ «Ч. Храбър», 2008.

• Павлов, П. Държавното управление и администрацията в европейски контекст. Ориентири за трансформация. УИ на ВСУ «Ч. Храбър», 2007.

8. Way of examining

The final grade comprises the following four components: the first component is the grade awarded for an independently written and successfully defended essay (as part of students’ out- of-class workload). The topic of each essay is related to one of the key concepts presented at the beginning of each topic from the ‘State Governance and Administration’ textbook. The number of each student’s key concept coincides with the last three digits of the student’s faculty number; the second component is the grade awarded for preparing a course assignment which contains a number of questions for self-study, available at the end of each topic from the textbook. The combination of self-study questions (one from each topic) is also based on students’ faculty numbers (the last three digits) and is sent in the form of a table to all students via email (to the major’s common email address); the third component is the grade awarded for doing a project assignment entitled ‘Functional and Structural Analysis of

134 an Administrative Department’. The analysis follows a set structure and content, available in the textbook. Objects of the analysis are central, deconcentrated and decentralized administrative departments; the fourth component is the grade awarded for the semester examination - test, which can be paper-based or computer-based. The computer-based examination takes place in one of the university’s computer rooms, via the e-School system, which allows for a randomly ordered set of questions to be offered to each student. The time limit for answering each question is 1, 5 – 2 min. The test score is immediately available to the teacher and the student and is shown in percentages. The pass level is no less than 55% correct answers. The final examination grade may be heightened or lowered according to students’ good/unsatisfactory performance during the semester, which is reflected in the continuous assessment grade. When students are awarded their continuous assessment or final grades, they can ask for the lecturer’s grounds. If they want to improve their grades, on the lecturer’s opinion, they may be assigned additional tasks.

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List of Theses

Year Name Surname Family Mode of Title of the Master`s Thesis in Title of the Master`s Thesis in English Mark (2- namse study Bulgarian lowest; 6 - highest) 2015-2016 Aleksandrina Plamenova Chankova part- Предоставяне на електронни услуги Providing electronic services to citizens 6 time на гражданите и бизнеса and businesses

2015-2016 Juliana Georgieva Slavova part- Проблеми и предизвикателства пред Problems and Challenges to the 6 time управлението на общинските услуги Management of Municipal Services

2015-2016 Bozhidarka Ilcheva Ivanova part- Нови измерения на европейската New dimensions of European migration 5.75 time миграционна политика policy

2015-2016 Sevil Ejubova Juseinova part- Възможности и перспективи за Opportunities and prospects for 5.75 time осигуряване на социална грижа за providing social care for people with хората с увреждания disabilities 2015-2016 Anton Ddenchev Ivanova part- Потенциали на Република България Potentials of the Republic of Bulgaria for 5.25 time за устойчиво развитие на туризма в the sustainable development of tourism европейски контекст in a European context 2015-2016 Anton Toshkov Jordanova part- Приложения на технологиите на Applications of e-Governance 6 time електронното управление в детския Technologies in Children's Education образователен сектор Sector

2016-2017 Veska Svetoslavova Veselinova part- Въздействие на глобализацията Impact of globalization on the 5.5 time върху развитието на development of integration processes интеграционните процеси 2016-2017 Simova Rumenova Malcheva part- Усъвършенстване управлението на Improving the management of public 5.75 time публични проекти в община Шумен projects in the municipality of Shoumen

2017-2018 Dayana Abatkuzu part- Управление на проекти и Project management and integration of 6 time интегриране на системите за project management systems in управление на проекти в national companies in the Republic of националните компании в Kazakhstan Република Казахстан

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