The research and scientific activities of the Faculty of Corporate Strategy also include project activities with the aim of fully using the grants available to educational institutions. Given its specialization, the Faculty of Corporate Strategy regularly applies for projects focused on various economic disciplines and education. This involves establishing cooperation with domestic and foreign project partners. The funds obtained through projects contribute significantly to continuously expanding the scope and improving the quality of education offered by the Faculty of Corporate Strategy and to linking research conducted with practice.
Projects currently implemented
GREENPACT: Futurepreneurs and SMEs for a Sustainable Central Europe | Certification Scheme
Futurepreneurs are professionals that are driven by purpose and impact. They take on societal challenges and climate change with an entrepreneurial mindset and want to improve lives of human beings. The GREENPACT project sets up partnerships between companies and futurepreneurs. The aim is to develop a certification scheme for a new generation of impact-driven top executives. To this end, the project develops joint action plans, pilot actions and a self-assessment tool.
Successfully completed projects
SME restart: Specification of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs and identification of the factors of successful response to crisis and definition of the development scenarios according to the typology of impacts and categories of SMEs
In 2020, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected the activities of small and medium-sized enterprises. Thanks to the implementation of the project entitled “Specification of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs and identification of the factors of successful response to crisis and definition of the development scenarios according to the typology of impacts and categories of SMEs”, TL04000191, the ITB is able to contribute to the adaptation to these adverse global conditions.
The project aims to mitigate the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and contribute to the recovery of SMEs through finding an adequate response to the situation at the level of companies and public administration. Within the implementation of the project, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs in the Czech Republic will be identified and there will be developed the development scenarios implemented in the SME environment through the support of new ways of management, organization of work, innovations, and tools for supporting SMEs by public authorities in relation to the post-pandemic situation. In the implementation of the project, the ITB cooperates with the Research Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, z. ú., and the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic.
Implementation period: 2020-2022
Grant: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – ÉTA program
Supporting modern trends in teaching with regard to Best Practice
The project “Supporting modern trends in teaching with regard to Best Practice”, reg. number 261, focuses on the importance of linking the contents of the Bachelor study programs with the professional sphere. In the implementation of the project, the Institute of Corporate Strategy and the School of Expertness and Valuation, ITB, cooperate with Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule in Regensburg.
Higher education institutions in the cross-border region closely cooperate with experts from practice, who can enrich the instruction with specific requirements for competencies of university students and graduates. The goal of the project is the creation of a website and the development of a mobile application (DE, CZ) and a foreign language online platform (websites in CZ and DE). A sub-objective is the innovation of study materials in the study programs of both partners (Business economics and Management, ITB, and Corporate Economy, OTH) by the involvement of experts from practice. In this context, the term Best Practice refers to the transfer of the best knowledge and findings from practice (from experts) into theoretical study materials. Experts will be involved at the level of innovation of study materials and the instruction in the form of audio/video recordings. The innovation of study materials will take place at the level of Bachelor study programs (see the first paragraph), which could be jointly referred to as “Business Administration”, e.g., the subjects Investment Management, Human resources management, Marketing, Business Finance, Marketing Management, etc. Similar subjects will be chosen on the sides of both partners so that the output is applicable both for Czech and German students.
Implementation period: 2019-2022
Grant: Cross-border cooperation of the Czech Republic – Free State of Bavaria, EÚS target 2014 – 2020
Adaptation of the knowledge-intensive services sector to the conditions of Society 4.0
The goal of the project “Adaptation of the knowledge-intensive services sector to the conditions of Society 4.0” (TL02000136) is to develop a methodology for the adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises to the conditions of Society 4.0. Based on the results of the analysis and evaluation of practices, methods, and tools for the transformation of the service sector and its adaptation to the conditions of Society 4.0 and on the basis of the analysis of qualification requirements for employment positions in connection with the advent of Society 4.0, a methodology will be developed that will enable effective and timely adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the services sector to the changes in the business environment. The aim is to ensure sustainable growth and new competitive advantages, including the prevention and elimination of threats arising from a lack of understanding of the need for the transformation of corporate processes. In the implementation of the project, the ITB cooperates with the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen.
Implementation period: 2019-2021
Grant: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – ÉTA programme
Common language – common future
Knowledge of language remains the biggest obstacle in the cross-border region the Czech Republic – Bavaria, where both regions are already well interconnected. The goal of the project “Common language – common future” (reg. number 298) is to bring the language of the neighbouring country closer to the pupils and students in primary and secondary schools in the cross-border region through intensive professional language teaching and thus enable pupils and students to get a basic orientation on the Czech-German labour market. The language teaching will be complemented by a digital learning concept and interesting excursions including visits to businesses in the regions. The Institute of Technology and Business will support this project with innovative features in the area of digitization thanks to its rich experience in IT and programming. The project partner is EUREGIO Bayerischer Wald – Boehmerwald – Unterer Inn, which will innovate the contents and will contribute to the project with the knowledge of the situation concerning education in the border region. The cooperation in the project started in February 2020. The project was supported by the European Union up to 85 % of the eligible costs.
Implementation period: 2020-2022
Grant: Cross-border cooperation of the Czech Republic – Free State of Bavaria, EÚS target 2014–2020
Optimization of real-time custom piece production using IoT and digital technologies
The main goal of the project with the registration number FW01010460 is research, development, and verification (pilot application) of a unique, reusable system for optimizing the technology of real-time custom piece production through the processing of big data generated in individual production sections. The data are processed using artificial intelligence and the principles of Industry 4.0 and optimized for subsequent decision-making in production management using ICT. The output is increased flexibility in the management of custom production and the desired flexible response to customer needs. The new system will lead to an overall increase in international competitiveness, market positioning within the Eurozone, and an increase in the overall efficiency of custom piece production and its technical preparation. In the implementation of the project, ITB cooperates with the company VUSTE-APIS, s.r.o.
Implementation period: 2020-2023
Grant: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – Trend
Digital transformation for innovating business models in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Czech Republic
The Faculty of Corporate Strategy has long been involved in the issue of small and medium-sized enterprises. Another activity in this field is the implementation of the project “Digital transformation for innovation of business models in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Czech Republic”, TL02000215.
Currently, there is an increasing digitization trend, which represents either a barrier or opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to ensure sustainability and competitiveness in the international environment. A more data-driven approach creates an opportunity to gain new competitive advantage by redirecting business models. The project aims to develop a certified methodology and software based on creating methods, models, and tools of digital transformation to increase innovation capacity and the competitiveness of business models for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Implementation period: 2019-2022
Grant: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – ÉTA program
Finished projects
Optimization and practical testing of an improved process of worforce organization using specific software
The project is embedded in the programme Jihočeské podnikatelské vouchery 2020 (South Bohemian business vouchers), the provider of which is the Jihočeský vědeckotechnický park a.s. The project is based on the cooperation of FONTEA a.s. (the applicant) and the provider of services based on the knowledge of the Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice. The subject of the cooperation and the goal of the project is to streamline the process of shift scheduling within production activities/services within a company using a self-scheduling tool. Innovations in the field of work-force management, which is not yet common in the Czech Republic, enables the beneficiary to innovate the whole process of organization of work. The resulting situation will thus enable the long-term sustainability of the enterprise´s employee base. The innovation has also an impact on HR-related costs, i.e., the competitiveness of the company in the market, as well as a positive impact on the health of shift workers and the atmosphere in the work environment. The cooperation with ITB enables involving HR experts in the implementation, especially the academic staff of the Faculty of Corporate Strategy.
Implementation period: 2021
Grant: Jihočeské podnikatelské vouchery/South Bohemian business vouchers
Stabilization and development of SMEs in rural areas
The project “Stabilization and development of SMEs in rural areas”, TL01000349, was financially supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. The project deals with the current negative trend of the outflow of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from rural areas. Within the project, the problem is analysed and a certified methodology and software to solve this problem are proposed. The beneficiaries of the project outputs are SMEs and participating organizations. The methodology shall include acceleration and innovation rules, methods, and practices as tools to ensure the maximum added value.
Implementation period: 2018–2021
Grant: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – ÉTA program
CLIL-HET (Higher Education Teacher)
The project “CLIL-HET” is aimed at creating an efficient environment through an open-source web portal in order to establish, strengthen and interconnect the community of ESP teachers and vocational subject teachers, thus establishing closer cooperation to implement teaching vocational subjects in English. The project is implemented in cooperation with experts from six countries – Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Albania, and Czech Republic.
The planned outputs of the project include a web portal, training in didactic disciplines intended for vocational subject teachers, a seminar, and monograph containing case studies.
Implementation period: 2019-2020
Grant: Visegrad Fund – V4+
Accreditation of Bachelor study programmeHuman Resources Management
The project “Accreditation of Bachelor study programme Human Resources Management”, reg. number 463-03_02/18, was implemented by the Faculty of Corporate Strategy, with a financial support from the South Bohemian Regional office.
The main goal of the project is the preparation and the accreditation of a professionally oriented Bachelor study program, Human resources management, both in full-time and part-time form of study. Following the accreditation, the preparation of the accreditation of a follow-up Master study programme Human resources management in both full-time and part-time form of study will start. The prepared study programme is based on the conducted study confirming the need and call for this accreditation, as in the long run, it shows that in the South Bohemian as well as in the neighbouring regions, there is a large demand for experts who would be capable of holding managerial positions in the field of HR.
Implementation period: 2018–2019
Grant: Dotační program Jihočeského kraje Podpora nových oborů na vysokých školách v jihočeském kraji / Grant programme of the South Bohemian Region: Supporting new study fields at South Bohemian universities – Call 2
Tourist destination of university students in the border regions of South Bohemia and Austria
ITB students and academic staff participate in other international projects implemented in cooperation with foreign universities. In the case of the project “Tourist destinations of university students in the border regions of South Bohemia and Austria”, reg. number KPF-01-068, it was cooperation with the Austrian IMC Fachhochschule in Krems. The partner institutions dealt with the issue of increasing attractiveness of the cross-border region Austria-the Czech Republic with regard to the target group of students. Within the project, places of tourist interest were mapped and the map was subsequently processed into a multilingual brochure intended for university and secondary school students. The focus was on the districts of České Budějovice, Český Krumluv, Nové Hrady, and Lower Austria. Part of the project were also workshops where students from both institutions could meet. The project enabled students to try practical marketing and tourism-related activities; moreover, they had the opportunity to work in international teams and communicate in a foreign language.
Implementation period: 2018–2019
Grant: Interreg V-A Austria – the Czech Republic, Small Projects Fund
Start-up your company
In May 2018, the first year of the showcase of Czech and Austrian student companies took place at the ITB campus. The event was organized within the project Czech-Austrian Student Meeting, or Start-up your company”, reg. number KPF-01-039.
The pilot year was attended by students of two secondary schools, GEU Kaplice and BHAK Freistadt. The event was also attended by ITB students. The project included mobility of students from Austria, who visited České Budějovice, and many other accompanying events in the form of an excursion to the Budvar brewery, student workshop and discussions. Student presentations can be seen in the newsletter (see the link below).
Implementation period: 2018
Grant: Interreg V-A Austria – the Czech Republic, Small Projects fund
What to do after college?
The partner institution cooperating with ITB in the project “What to do after college?”, reg. number KPF-01-040, was the Austrian Fachhochschule Oberösterreich in Wels. The goal of the project was to exchange experience and create a network of contacts between students and teachers through joint meetings, workshops, discussions on the topic of future employment, both in Austria and the Czech Republic. The project included also thematic excursions. Specific benefit of the project was better orientation on the labour market, as students had the opportunity to get acquainted with the companies operating in the cross-border region of Austria and the Czech Republic and with the dynamic development of the ever-changing qualification requirements of potential employers.
Strengthening of the established partnership have significantly contributed to future joint scientific and educational cooperation between academic staff of both institutions. The project was finished in March 2019.
Implementation period: 2018 – 2019
Grant: Interreg V-A Austria – the Czech Republic, Small Projects fund
Increasing the attractiveness of České Budějovice district in the segment of university and secondary school students
The main objective of the project is to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the České Budějovice district as a tourist destination. The main output of the project is a tourist guide for local attractive localities, primarily intended for secondary school and university students who do not use motor vehicles. The guide is both in Czech and English, which makes is applicable for both Czech and foreign students. The project was implemented in cooperation with the Department of Management and the Department of Tourism and Marketing. The project with the registration number 33-02-020/17 was financially supported by the South Bohemian region.
Implementation period: 2017
Grant: Dotační programJihočeského kraje „Podpora cestovního ruchu“/Grant programme of South Bohemian region “Support for tourism”
International dual study the Czech Republic – Bavaria
The project “International Dual Study the Czech Republic – Bavaria, reg. number 42, was implemented in the cooperation of three project partners (Technische Hochschule Deggendorf, Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, and University of West Bohemia, Pilsen). The cooperation started on 2 February 2017 in Deggendorf. The project aims to jointly provide dual study in the cross-border region Bavaria-the Czech Republic, because in times of a shortage of professionals, international experience is an important competitive advantage. Students from the partner universities will be able to complete their work experience in a foreign company in Bavaria or the Czech Republic.
Implementation period: 2017–2019
Grant: Cross-border cooperation the Czech Republic – Free State of Bavaria, EÚS target 2014–2020
Methodological concept to effectively support the key professional competencies using a foreign language
The main goal of the project “CLIL as a teaching strategy at higher education institution”, reg. number ATCZ62, is an effective implementation of the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning, i.e., integrated bilingual professionally oriented instruction as a teaching strategy) method in technical higher education aimed at increasing the number of professionals and experts with relevant foreign language skills and knowledge in the cross-border labour market. The main idea is based on the need to ensure better connection between higher education and labour market, and from the cross-border perspective, to improve professionally oriented language skills.
Duration of the project: 2016–2019
Grant: Interreg V-A Austria – Czech Republic
Entrepreneurial competencies in Czech-Bavarian labour market
http://www.enterprisingbehavior.eu
The project “Entrepreneurial competencies on the Czech-Bavarian labour market”, reg. number 34, aims to motivate university students to independent entrepreneurial activity. Thanks to cross-border cooperation, the participants in the educational activities in the project will be acquainted with the basic conditions in the labour market in both border regions. The theoretical knowledge acquired during the studies will be enriched by practical information on business. In the implementation of the project, the Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice cooperates with Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule, Regensburg.
Implementation period: 2016–2019
Grant: Cross-border cooperation the Czech Republic – Free State of Bavaria, EÚS target 2014–2020