We are delighted to announce that the “Business Strategy” and “Management and Coordination of EU Funded Projects with the PM² Methodology – PM²4EUFunds” courses offered by the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, FTN Business School, have been awarded EOCCS certification. This achievement marks a significant milestone as the first school in Serbia to receive this recognition and join the EOCCS community.

Acknowledging the institution’s achievement, Keith Pond, EOCCS Director, commented:

“Congratulations to the University of Novi Sad’s FTN Business School on achieving EOCCS certification for your outstanding ‘Business Strategy’ and ‘PM²4EUFunds’ courses. “This recognition reflects an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative e-learning practices, and delivering high-impact education tailored to the needs of diverse learners. The dedication to integrating practical insights and fostering engagement sets a benchmark for quality in online education. It has been a privilege to witness the institution’s forward-thinking approach and the passion of the team.”

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, FTN Business School

The University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, FTN Business School, established in 1960, is one of the largest faculties in Serbia, with over 17,000 students and more than 1,200 academic staff. FTN offers a multidisciplinary education, combining engineering, management, and technical sciences to address contemporary challenges.

The faculty has embraced digital technologies, transitioning to Moodle in 2019 to support blended and online learning. This shift has enabled it to adapt to changing educational needs, including the demands brought on by the pandemic. FTN has also supported the development of more than 140 start-ups and spin-off companies, primarily in the IT sector, reflecting its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.

FTN collaborates with international institutions, engages in research on topics like gamification in education, and maintains strong ties with industry partners. Its programmes include flexible hybrid and online options, catering to diverse learner needs. The Faculty of Technical Sciences continues to focus on delivering quality education and contributing to the development of research and innovation in Serbia.

Business Strategy course

The Business Strategy course, a core component of the MBA in Engineering Management, impressed the panel with its structured delivery and accessibility. Designed for professionals with engineering backgrounds, the course also accommodates individuals from other fields, including law and medicine, highlighting its versatility.

The hybrid delivery model, combining online and in-person elements, ensures flexibility for part-time and working learners. Course content is thoughtfully designed, incorporating practical examples drawn from students’ own experiences, along with contributions from guest speakers who bring real-world insights. The use of quizzes, self-paced study materials, and applied final assessments further enriches the learning experience, while interactive group work fosters collaboration, mirroring industry practices.

Management and Coordination of EU Funded Projects with the PM² Methodology – PM²4EUFunds course

The PM²4EUFunds course also received significant praise for its innovative e-learning design and focus on practical application. Using the Moodle platform, the course employs unique features such as the “Library,” “Playground,” “Café,” and “Forest” to enhance experiential learning, collaboration, and reflection.

These elements, combined with gamification techniques, ensure a highly engaging experience for participants. The course is grounded in the practicalities of managing EU-funded projects, integrating sustainability and real-world examples to prepare participants for the demands of professional project management. Its alignment with PM² certification requirements underscores its relevance and value for learners seeking to advance their careers. Conducted in English, the course is accessible to a wider audience, extending its reach beyond Serbia and into the international domain.

Frequent feedback mechanisms allow for the continuous refinement of course content and delivery, creating a learner-centric environment. The faculty’s proactive engagement with corporate partners and external experts further enhances the relevance and quality of the programmes. Staff members, motivated and forward-thinking, have played a critical role in spearheading the development of these innovative e-learning practices.

The panel also recognised broader institutional strengths that underpin the success of these courses. The University of Novi Sad benefits from a robust technological infrastructure, including the SOVA e-learning platform and Moodle, which facilitates seamless hybrid and online delivery. The institution has established strong frameworks for training academic staff, teaching assistants, and administrators in online teaching methodologies, ensuring that courses are delivered with competence and consistency.

These attributes collectively highlight the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in online education. By blending practical learning, strong institutional support, and a focus on student engagement, both courses exemplify best practices in modern education, earning the panel’s strong endorsement and recommendation for certification.

Upon receiving the award, FTN Business School Professor Dr. Bojan Lalić commented:

“On behalf of the University of Novi Sad, the Faculty of Technical Sciences, and especially FTN Business School, I would like to express my gratitude for the confirmation of our EOCCS certification. This recognition represents an important achievement for us, and we deeply appreciate the support and resources EFMD has provided throughout the process. The certification is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team at FTN Business School, and we are excited to leverage this milestone to further enhance the quality of our programs. The marketing resources and publicity guidelines you shared will be very helpful as we communicate this remarkable success to our students, alumni, and the broader community.”

About EFMD Online Course Certification System (EOCCS)

EOCCS provides an international quality benchmark in diverse education landscapes whereby digital technology is applied to teaching and learning. EOCCS gives online courses within universities, business schools, corporate learning organisations and public agencies a top international quality benchmark in the online learning landscape, strengthening not only their market positioning but also allowing for critical self-reflection and peer assessment.

With 61 certified courses from 20 institutions in 11 countries, EOCCS presents an international quality benchmark for online courses worldwide. The certification system is firmly embedded in the general philosophy of EFMD accreditations: internationalisation, practical relevance, and quality improvement.

See EOCCS at a glance in our latest video.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives about EOCCS, visit the conversation here.