The program was officially opened by its coordinator, Dr. Sebastian Bakalarczyk, with the participation of representatives from the Faculty: Prof. Karol Klimczak, PhD – Dean, Prof. Andrzej Marcinkowski, PhD Eng. – Vice-Dean for Development, Dr. Ewa Stroińska – Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, and Dr. Ilona Penc-Pietrzak – Vice-Dean for Education. The Centre for Teaching and Learning was represented by Joanna Miłosz-Bartczak and Izabela Gołacka, while the International Exchange Centre was represented by Marta Rybicka.
Among the instructors were Dr. Eng. Iwona Staniec, Dr. Eng. Agnieszka Pietras, and experts from partner universities: Dr. Cliona McParland from Dublin City University (DCU), Assistant Professor in Global Strategy (Digital Transformation), Prof. Dr. Asta Daunorienė from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Head of the EDU_Lab Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Prof. Olena Prokhorenko from National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”.
Participants developed skills in challenge-based learning (CBL) during the micro-module “EdVenture Quest: The Art of CBL through Cases”, led by Joanna Miłosz-Bartczak and Magdalena Gałaj.
“CBL is not just a teaching method – it’s a way of thinking that teaches students how to make decisions in a complex world full of ambiguity and challenges,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Asta Daunorienė during her opening lecture.
The BIP program, delivered in a hybrid format, included both online sessions and an intensive week of in-person activities in Łódź. Students developed competencies in teamwork, decision-making, communication, critical thinking, and innovation. Through business simulations, they managed virtual companies and made strategic decisions regarding employment, purchasing, investment, and marketing.
The program also featured cultural and integrative elements – participants toured the TUL campus, explored the city of Łódź, visited the silver mine in Tarnowskie Góry, and relaxed at the thermal baths in Poddębice. The week concluded with a formal gala, where certificates were awarded by Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Agnieszka Zakrzewska-Bielawska, Director of the Institute of Management.
“Our goal was to create a space where theory meets practice, and cultural diversity becomes an added value in the learning process,” said Dr. Sebastian Bakalarczyk.
Congratulations to all participants for their engagement, creativity, and openness to collaboration, and sincere thanks to the organizers for their excellent preparation and execution of a program that perfectly aligns with Lodz University of Technology’s strategy for internationalization and modern education.