During the semester, under the “Public Sector Economy” program, students took 4 courses focusing on modern approaches to public financial management. In addition, for those students enrolled on a double degree program between Nord University and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, held master thesis (MOPP) seminars were held by Veronika Vakulenko (Associate Professor, Nord University Business School). During these seminars, students learned about the structure of the double degree program and were introduced to Guidelines for writing master theses, in particular the stages of writing master thesis, how to select research topics, as well as basic requirements for design and citation.
The participation of students in the academic conference High North Dialogue 2023 - Business in the Artic - Spaces of Opportunities became an integral part of the study both in the International Governance and Business in High North course and in the whole program. During these two days students attended the research panels on the shifts in the following areas of policy, green, ocean technology, demographic, and governance. Each student group worked on scenarios for the development of the city of Bodø until 2045 according to the methodology outlined during the lectures.
As a part of the course “Financial Reporting according to IPSAS”, we attended an on-site seminar at Saltstraumen. We were presenting literature review of the selected articles for this course to learn this technique for writing successful master thesis. After the seminar, we got a chance to explore incredible natural wonders of Bodø’s surroundings.
As a part of Risk Management and Internal Control course, we worked in groups to conduct a practical study of risk management systems at a real enterprise. For this, we conducted face-to-face interviews with the management of local enterprises in various sectors: Retura, Bådin, Malermester Jan Haugen, etc.
Finally, during the course “Performance Management in the Public Sector” we worked on contributing to the city development. One of the course tasks was to propose criteria for evaluating the fulfilment of goals of the future large-scale cultural project Bodø2024 European Capital of Culture.
During the six-month stay in Norway, we enjoyed many out-of-class activities. We explored the scenery of local nature, got to know the international student community, joined the union of Ukrainians in Bodø, organized an Easter celebration for refugees, took part in a festival of international cuisines and saw the Northern lights. In end of the academic semester, we went to a RIB-safari trip organized by Stella Polaris and Nord University. During the trip we contemplated the city and its surroundings from the water.
We wish to the future master students joining this program, inspiration and energy in their studies!