Activity Report 2012

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forums news

events cooperation & partnership

Report of Activities 2011-2012 1

Epoka University is a higher education institution, aiming at becoming within the medium term the first-choice University for students and researchers in Albania and in the region. The University is based on the American educational system but the at the same time, all the offered study programs are compatible with the Bologna system, which we believe that together with the English-only instruction provided by the University, will facilitate the mobility of staff and students both within the European Higher Education Area and beyond. All the development strategies of our University are built on the “Education, Research and Contribution to Society” triangle, which in fact should constitute the principal functions of every institution of higher education.

In today’s society, universities carry out several fundamental duties: producing, disseminating and sharing knowledge; raising professional and high-integrity individuals with strong analytical capabilities; constantly improving and updating academic programs; introducing innovative technology to respond to the labour market and globalization needs; and continuously contributing to the development of the society where they operate.

Students are the reason for the existence of so many universities. In order to ensure quality at universities, the adequate education of students as well as their satisfaction should represent the main element to be taken into consideration by the managing authorities. Students should be able to participate through their representatives at the Student Council in all processes concerning teaching as well as management of the University.

At Epoka University, students are located in the center of all planned activities.

The level of admitted students, the quality of education provided and the professional achievements attained by graduates in the job market represent the most important factors determining the quality of the university. The selection of students as well as their proper education and preparation for work life are indispensable elements for the quality and success of the University. We are well aware of this fact and we have developed all our strategies accordingly.

Epoka University also attaches strong importance to fostering cultural diversity; our students come from seven different countries, and we have established cooperation relationships with 25 universities in the USA, the UK, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Switzerland, Albania and other numerous countries, which also include, among other collaboration activities, the exchange of academic staff and students. At the same time, 70% of the faculty members are of foreign nationality.

We are proud of all of our students and staff and we strongly believe that it is people that make a university successful. Whether you are a professor, student, visitor, researcher or friend, please know that here at Epoka your dedication and accomplishments will be appreciated and valued.

We look forward to welcoming you in!

Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Özler Rector

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About Epoka University 1. About Epoka University.......................................................................................................................................................................................................4 1.2. Student Affairs Information System................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 1.3. EBSCOHOST .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 1.4. Organization Chart ............................................................................................................................................................................................................7 1.5. Epoka University Holds Opening Ceremony for the New Academic Year .................................................................................................................8 1.6. Turkish Parliamentary Delegation Visits Epoka University...........................................................................................................................................9 1.7. Spring Fest 2012.................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 1.8. Albanian Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural and Foreign Policy Issue.................................................................................................................16 1.9. The Entrance Exam of Epoka University........................................................................................................................................................................18 1.10. Epoka University Holds Graduation Ceremony for 2011-2012 Academic Year ......................................................................................................19 1.11. Vice Minister and a Delegation from the Ministry of Education and Science Visit Epoka University..................................................................20 1.12. Albania’s Leading Private University...............................................................................................................................................................................21

Conferences 2.

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Epoka University Organizes the First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design...................................................................24 Epoka University Organized the International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering ..................................................................................26 Prof. Dr. Güngör Turan Took Part at the Conference on “Financial Reform in Higher Education” .....................................................................27 Dr. Dorina Pojani Took Part at Serbian Spatial Planners Association Symposium..................................................................................................27 Dr. Sokol Dervishi Participated at “Infrastructure-Constructions-Energy” Conference ........................................................................................27 Epoka Lecturer Participates at ICH Conference............................................................................................................................................................28 Two students from Epoka University participated in Euroatlantism School in Montenegro..................................................................................28

Success Stories 3.

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Epoka University Wins at Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012..............................................................................................................................................30 Epoka Architecture Student Wins EASA Annual Competition in Finland...............................................................................................................30 Pocket Emergency Project................................................................................................................................................................................................31 Ajmona and Klodiana, two architects of success...........................................................................................................................................................32

Open Forums 4. “Census Discussion” - Open Forum Organized at Epoka University.........................................................................................................................34 4.1. Rewriting history – Open Forum with Prof. Dr. Ferit Duka ......................................................................................................................................35 4.2. Open Forum with Alban Tartari: Employment Opportunities in the Albanian Market ........................................................................................36 4.3. Albania in Nato – Open Forum Organized at Epoka University.................................................................................................................................37 4.4. Open Forum with Sokol Balla: Freedom of the Media ................................................................................................................................................38 4.5. Fevziu Conducts a Question and Answer Session with Epoka University Students.................................................................................................39 4.6. Open Forum with Ms. Lumnije Thaçi.............................................................................................................................................................................40 4.7. Epoka University, the place where knowledge and practice merge together..............................................................................................................41 4.8. M.A. Rovena Tujani, a Special Guest at PIR Forum .................................................................................................................................................... 42 4.9. Genci Murja, “Liberal Democracy and Political Islam in Albania” discussed at PIR Forum .................................................................................43 4.10. Erzen Dibra, Epoka Students Participate in Bugajski Hour on Albanian Screen......................................................................................................44

Report of Activities 2011-2012 3

Exchange Programs 5.

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Ines Stasa Reveals Her Experience at Leeds Metropolitan University.........................................................................................................................46 Best Greetings from Fatih University.............................................................................................................................................................................. 46 “Epoka, an International University”...............................................................................................................................................................................47 “Epoka Exchange Programs, feel a world full of the colors”........................................................................................................................................ 47

MoU & Memberships 6. MoU Signed between Epoka University and Lumina University in Romania............................................................................................................49 6.1. Signing of MOU with Faculty of Architecture and Engineering at University of Prishtina ....................................................................................50

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The Volunteer Foundation Club Donate Gifts for the Orphanage Children in Vlora...............................................................................................52 Epoka University Celebrates Teacher’s Day.....................................................................................................................................................................53 Epoka University Celebrates International Women’s Day ............................................................................................................................................54 Earth Day Reminds Campus Community of Importance of Recycling......................................................................................................................54 BINF Visit to Eagle & AlbTelecom...................................................................................................................................................................................55 IDCHSS-2012....................................................................................56 Epoka University Organized the First Inter-College Science Olympiad.....................................................................................................................57 Indian Ambassador Welcomed.........................................................................................................................................................................................58 Sensitive Society 2011 Holidays Article.......................................................................................................................................................................... 58

Scientific Publication 6. Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences.......................................................................................................................................................60 6.1. Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering...............................................................................................................................................................65

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ABOUT “EPOKA UNIVERSITY�

Mission Our mission is to become an influential and innovative education and research institution, serving to the fundamental human values by producing, distributing and contributing to knowledge at an international level; raise sensitive, equipped, productive, professional and competent individuals with a research-oriented spirit and open towards the national and international challenges; contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the society based on the universal and regional needs.

Vision The vision of Epoka University, aiming at the materialization of its mission, is as follows: t Respect for the universal values, t Responsibility to produce knowledge and value for the humanity, t Adoption of the merit and total quality management principles, t Preserve continuous self-renewal and productivity, t Give importance to team work, participation and collaboration, t Create its own tradition, t Be selected because of the quality of education activities and scientific research t Manage successfully the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Rinas Campus Epoka University build the Rinas Campus, situated close to the Tirana International Airport.

The campus consists of seven faculty buildings, each of whom has been designed to incorporate the natural surroundings and to facilitate student learning and community life. The Rinas campus also includes residential spaces (apartments or residential buildings), dining facilities, a library, a medical center as well as indoor and outdoor venues for sport activities.

Core Values t t t t t t t t t t t t t t

To believe in the universality of education and research, To obey to universal legal principles and rules, To be respectful and tolerant towards different religions, languages, genders, nationalities, colors, and differences in opinion, No compromise with regard to the preservation of justice and integrity, To keep institutional identity in the forefront, To adopt a participatory, transparent, decision-oriented, sensitive, rapid and effective governance, To continuously interact with the community, to become a pioneer and a model of learning and research at the local and international level To become a student-focused institution in all procedures, To give importance to the harmony, liaison and satisfaction of its personnel To be open to innovation, To pursuit excellence, To value time, To create a safe and sustainable environment in the premises, To conduct original research.

Epoka University Student Affairs Information System Student Affairs Information System (SAIS) in an interactive system where students and staff can manage most of procedures within the computer (online) medium. SAIS page can be accessed from https://sais.epoka.edu,al or simply by following the SAIS link present within the Quick Links of Epoka’s Home Page.

From the login page, using Student ID number ( or username) and password, students and staff can access their SAIS page. SAIS Page includes information regarding credential information, messages, registered courses etc. Using Academics link, students can access Registration, Transcript, Grade Calculation , Weekly Schedule, Attendance and similar pages which are related with the student academic status.

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EBSCOhost EBSCOhost is a subscription-based service provided by EBSCO Publishing. It is widely-accessible via private and public databases in libraries and schools. EBSCOhost is an umbrella term for various other databases which provide full text searches and abstracts of magazines, newspapers and reference books in a variety of subject areas, updated on a daily basis. Epoka Users can search all of the subscribed databases, or focus their search on a subset.

Some databases have overlapping information, and are targeted to different sectors, such as libraries, K-12 schools, corporations, government institutions, universities, or medical institutions. The database collection of Epoka University is listed below. You may access EBSCOhost Search page either form URL http://search.ebscohost.com/ or from EBSCOhost icon in the Epoka Home Page within the Epoka Campus.

t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t

Academic Search Complete Academic Search Complete -- Publications Business Source Complete EBSCO Publishing Citations ERIC GreenFILE Health Source - Consumer Edition Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition Image Collection Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts MAS Ultra - School Edition MasterFILE Premier MEDLINE Newspaper Source Professional Development Collection Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection Regional Business News Religion and Philosophy Collection Teacher Reference Center TOPICsearch

Total Numbers of full text titles: 39,397 Number of full text journals: 12,736 Number of Abstracted and Indexed Journals 18,054 Number of citations: 4,800 Number of links to fultext documents: 317,000 Number of searchable documents: 1,300,000 Cover-to-cover full text for 185 national (U.S.) and international newspapers Full text television and radio news transcripts from CBS News, CNN, CNN International, FOX News, NPR, etc.

Selective full text for 392 regional (U.S.) newspapers

Report of Activities 2011-2012 7

EPOKA UNIVERSITY Organization Scheme RECTOR

Senate

Administrative Board

Academic Evaluation and Quality Improvment Board

Ethics Board

Quality Management Research & Apps. Center

International Relations Office

Research and Development Coordinating Unit

Quality Management Board

Vice Rector

Vice Rector

Faculties

Dean of Students

Provost Media & Public Relations

Financial Affairs

Student Affairs

Const.& Tech.

Affairs

Legal Affairs

Registrar’s

Banking & Finance

Business

Architecture

Computer Engineering

Human Resources

Administrative Affairs

Student Selection & Admission

Economics

Pol.Sci.&Int. Relations

Earthquake & Con. Technologies

Civil Engineering

European Studies

Life Long Learning & Carear Planning

ICT Coordinations

Economics & Adninistrative Sciences

Architecture and Engineering

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Epoka University Holds Opening Ceremony for 2011-2012 Academic Year On October 3, 2011 Epoka University held its Opening Ceremony for the New Academic Year 2011-2012. The ceremony was held at the Conference Hall.

The new academic year 2011-2012, promises to be a fascinating year with new study programs, excellent new students, and a young and prominent administration. We wish you a great year at Epoka University!

The attendees of the opening ceremony included the Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Özler, honourable Rectors from Polytechnic University and University of Durrës, the representatives of the academic and administrative staff of Epoka University, students and parents.

Rector Özler expressed his warm welcome for the new students on behalf of the University and gave a brief introduction of the current situation and prospects of Epoka University. Meanwhile, by introducing the remarkable achievements of Epoka students, Rector Özler encouraged the new students to study hard.

“Our University aims to provide you with the highest level of education and scientific research so that all together we can respond to the challenges of the globalization era. That is why the slogan of our University is -“EPOKA UNIVERSITY, ThE NEW ERA OF EDUCATION.” He also introduced the advantages of Epoka University and expressed the desire that the new students will keep persistent in such a University.

“The students graduating at Epoka University will be able to discover knowledge and learn how to use it, identify problems and suggest solutions, work in groups, pursue individual and group goals, in other words become a valuable professional human resource. The most valuable treasure of Epoka University are the students, but remember you are the most important treasure of Albania as well,” he concluded.

Nertil Mera, President of the Student Council, spoke at the ceremony. He shared his four-year life at Epoka University and suggested that the new students will certainly enjoy a happy life in the university with an open mind.

After the ceremony, Epoka University’s staff and students enjoyed a cocktail.

Report of Activities 2011-2012 9

Turkish Parliamentary Delegation Visits Epoka University On 15 May 2012, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Cemil Çiçek, accompanied by a group of four lawmakers from Turkey’s Parliament visited Epoka University.

During a meeting held at the premises of the university, the Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Ozler, explained in detail the process of establishment and development as well as the activities carried out

by Epoka University. According to Prof. Ozler, Epoka University has in a short time managed to become one of the most prominent universities in Albania and the region.

During the speech delivered in front of the staff and students of the University, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Cemil Çiçek, praised the leading role that Epoka University plays as a higher education institution in Albania as well as in the wider region. Mr. Çiçek stated that Epoka University represents a clear example of the intensification of cooperation between the two countries in the area of education.

At the end of his speech, Mr. Çiçek emphasized the importance of human capital in the determination of the position of states in the international arena and also stated that investment in education provides the most stable and long-term benefit for every society.

The speech of Mr. Çiçek was followed by a series of questions asked to him by the students and staff of the University.

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Students enjoyed games, food and more from 16 to 18 May 2012 during the Spring Fest at Epoka University. Activities included music shows, table tennis, basketball and volleyball tournaments, painting, Ebru writing, food bazaar, blood donation and more.

During the event, Epoka University students had the opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere and create great memories. Epoka University’s international character was also evident, while a fundraiser for the “Sensitive Society” and “Volunteer Foundation” sold delicious dishes prepared by the diverse staff of the university.

On the final day of the festival, student, academic and administrative staff of the university donated blood as a humane act for people in need.

A group of Epoka University students involved in the Epoka University Book Club (EUBC) sold books which will be donated to children of the 5th and 6th classes at the Bërxull Secondary School.

The special guest at Spring Fest was the Rock Band, Burn. Students enjoyed her excellent performance on Friday.

Spring Fest was visited by a lot of Epoka University guests. Spring Fest has been in the works for some weeks, so we’re glad it was a success,” said Mr. Roland Hoxha, the Head of Sports, Culture and Health Office, on the conclusion of the festival.

Spring Fest is an annual event showcasing the lighter side of higher education. This event is a great opportunity for Epoka students to stay with each other, share their cultures, and much more in three full days of activities. Its part education, part entertainment, and all fun!

Epoka University Students Enjoy Spring Fest Activities

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Albanian Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural and Foreign Policy Issues For the entire ninety-nine year history of the independent Albanian state, no project or survey with the specific aim of inquiring into the opinions of Albanian people on foreign policy has been published. This project seeks to remedy that situation.

ALBANIAN PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL AND FOREIGN POLICY ISSUES

The overall goal of the project “Albanian Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural and Foreign Policy Issues” is to provide a primary academic source for academicians, foreign-policy makers, civil-society organizations and think-tank institutions by providing the first large survey on the opinions of Albanian people on foreign policy.

The project is further motivated by the need to democratize the process of formulation, conduct and implementation of Albanian foreign policy by taking into consideration the real opinions of Albanian society on these issues. To this end, the project aims to be unique in providing a platform that determines the impact of socio-cultural and religious identities on the views of Albanian people on foreign policy.

Cüneyt Yenigün Salih Özcan Cemal Baltacı

December, 2011

THE CENTER FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES & THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

EPOKA UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

Epoka University

Report of Activities 2011-2012 17

Key Findings The project focuses on two main spheres: (1) understanding Albanians’ perceptions on their socio-cultural backgrounds; (2) comprehending the issues and international relationships that Albanian people prioritize in foreign affairs.

The survey shows that two out of three Albanians or 68 percent of the respondents affirm that relations with the European Union (EU) should be prioritized in the foreign policy of Albania; furthermore, the overwhelming majority of respondents—around 92 percent—strongly support the country’s EU membership. When asked about the reason behind their choice, 49 percent of the respondents expected that EU membership would at most bring economic improvement, which corresponds to the 33 percent of the respondents who think that the EU is more successful in the area of economy and the 53 percent of the respondents who define the lack of economic development as the main problem in Albania.

Another interesting finding is that respondents consider the United States to be the country with the greatest influence on Albanians politics (64% of the respondents), and the third biggest country impacting Albanians economy (15% of the respondents), although as a matter of fact the USA is not on the list of Albania’s foreign trade partners. On the other hand, although 70 percent of the respondents consider Turkey to be the most powerful country in the Balkan region, only about 8 percent think that Turkey has the greatest influence in the Balkans. In addition to it, only 13 percent believe that Turkey has the greatest impact on Albanian economy and only 4 percent agree on that it has the greatest impact on Albanian politics. Nevertheless, most of the Albanian people, around 37 percent of the respondents, think of Turkey as their friendliest state.

From another perspective, Albanian people perceive the freedom of religion to be the second most successful achievement of Albanian state in 20 years of democratic experience; however, two out of three persons in Albania have never attended or have attended only once in their lives the religious congregations. Nevertheless, the Albanian public agrees on an existing harmony between religions in the country, which is perhaps why less than 4 percent of the respondents think that the religious diversity will lead to problems in the future.

To conclude, it is crucial to reemphasize that the Albanian Political Culture Project is unique in providing an overview of the opinions of Albanian people on foreign policy. In addition, we should restate that although some questions in the survey were asked to determine the preferences of Albanian society towards political parties, that domestic political analysis is not the objective of the survey. The questions are simply used as independent variables to understand whether various political preferences make a difference in the opinions on Albanian foreign policy.

Lastly, it is hoped that this project will not only serve as a valuable source of information for scholars, policy makers and civil-society organizations but will also benefit those who aim to undertake other similar or more advanced works on the same subject.

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The Entrance Exam of Epoka University On April 25 and 28, 2012, Epoka University organized the entrance exam for the 2012-2013 academic year. Almost 2000 students coming from numerous state and private high schools all over Albania attended this exam.

On April 25, 2012, the exam was held in the cities of Fier, Vlora, Korça, Elbasan etc (in total 18 cities), whereas on April 28, 2012, it was held in Tirana.

The entrance exam was based on 40 math and 40 literature multiple-choice questions and had an overall duration of 90 minutes.

The results of the Epoka University entrance exam will be announced on May 9, 2012, at the official website of the University www.epoka.edu.al, at www.gazetastart.com and on the ‘Panorama’ Newspaper.

The 10 students with the highest score in this exam will obtain a 100% scholarship, the students within the 11-20 range will receive a 75% scholarship, whereas those placed in the 21-30range will obtain a 50% scholarship.

Scholarships are valid for all the duration of undergraduate studies.

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Epoka University Holds Graduation Ceremony for 2011-2012 Academic Year In the presence of distinguished guests from Albania and abroad, 148 graduates from 7 Departments were awarded their Bachelor and Master degrees at the graduation ceremony of Epoka University, held at the University Campus on Friday, 15 June 2012.

“The graduates of the university prove that Albania can be competitive and effective in various sectors, such as education, as long as efforts are based on serious strategic planning and a consistent orientation towards standards of excellence, as demonstrated by Epoka University”. This was a key point underlined by the Rector of the University Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Ozler, in his speech.

“Epoka University has endeavored from the first to offer excellence in research and in the quality of teaching at the university so that its graduates are prepared both with the knowledge and skills required but also with an excellent work ethic”.

“Top academics in their field from abroad, both Albanian that studied in Europe and USA and foreign nationals, were invited to contribute to the teaching and research work, while gradually a new generation of young Albanian academics dedicated to excellence is being developed”.

The Rector asked the graduates to act as “ambassadors for the University in the course of their careers” and assured them that “Epoka University aims to maintain a consistent and meaningful relationship with them through the Alumni network”. The ceremony also included the award of the Best Student of Epoka University.

Epoka is the first choice of the Albanian students who want an international education. Epoka classes are held 100% in English. The students and staff come from 15 different countries. The University is accredited nationally and internationally.

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Vice Minister and a Delegation from the Ministry of Education and Science Visit Epoka University The Albanian Vice-Minister of Education and Sciences, Mrs. Nora Malaj, and a delegation of this Ministry visited Epoka University on January 11.

During her visit to Epoka the Vice-Minister met the University’s provost and representatives from Epoka’s focus areas of economics, engineering and architecture, in which the University is among the leading universities in the nation.

After listening to informative presentations on pioneering research being carried out by staff and students across all areas at the University, Mrs. Malaj praised the work being done.

At the meeting ways of increasing collaboration on different projects between Epoka and the Ministry of Education and Science was also discussed.

The Vice-Minister also highlighted the importance of promoting private universities in Albania.

An important topic of the meeting was the quality assurance in private higher education in Albania.

Following the meeting, the delegates toured Epoka University’s new and growing campus, which is now in its second year of use after the move from the original campus near Sheshi Rilindja on Rr. Durresit.

The Vice-Minister was impressed by the different educational and research institutions at Epoka. “During the visit I witnessed the work being carried out at Epoka. I express my delight with all the ambitious achievements of the University, wishing you further progress and prosperity,” she concluded.

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Albania’s Leading Private University Highest international ranking Epoka University is Albania’s leading university according to 4ICU University Rankings and Webometrics University Rankings.

This confirms that Epoka University is indeed a prominent university in Albania and is gaining international recognition.

This ranking is important for Epoka University because it reflects the University’s efforts to conduct high-quality instruction and research.

At the same time, Epoka is a top university in attracting international students. Epoka has 122 students from outside of Albania, which makes it the University with the highest number of international students in Albania.

The majority of international students are from Turkey, Macedonia and Montenegro. The trend also shows growth in the popularity of Epoka University study programs.

Epoka Rector, Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Özler remarked: “In my three decades as academician, I have seen many universities, but no one has impressed me as Epoka did. We are growing rapidly in numbers and quality. Being the most international University in Albania is more than an achievement. And this achievement is more than just the successful outcome of our efforts and planning to create an academic environment appropriate for the 21st century.

“Talent is found around the world, and to ever greater degrees it flows around the world; that reality will radically re-shape Albanian higher education in the years to come, and will likely cause us even to re-define our concepts of ‘study abroad’ and ‘international scholar’. Epoka is in the forefront of higher education development in Albania and I can assure you that we will persuasively be!”

A strong international focus Epoka University has a strong international focus and is the only Albania university that is a member of GEDC (Global Engineering Deans Council) and the World Universities Congress. Today 122 international students and staff from 15 countries choose to study and work here, while the University’s study abroad student exchange programme enables Albanian students to spend one or two semesters at one of the University’s more than 38 university exchange partners around the world.

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Top research output Epoka University is Albania’s pre-eminent research-led institution. This offers students unparalleled opportunities to be taught and supervised by many of the very best academics in the country.

Graduate students are part of a large and diverse cohort in an environment of very strong support for staff and student research.

Located in a the capital Epoka University’s Campus is located in the heart of Tirana, the capital of Albania.

an international university in the heart of tirana

Cultural settings, magnificent landscapes and verdant countryside make it a great place to study and work, while the University’s close proximity to Albania’s major business city enables staff and students to rub shoulders with leading practitioners in their field. For example, the Business School has a close relationship with leading Tirana companies and academics from our Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and Planning serve on think-tanks helping to shape the city’s future.

A C C R E D I T E D

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Report of Activities 2011-2012

Epoka University Organizes the First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design On 19 April the First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design opened in Tirana. This conference, organized by Epoka University, brings together approximately 200 academics, architects and urban planners came to the conference from around Albania and the world.

The Rector of Epoka University, Dr. Halil Murat Ozler, welcomed the participants to the conference. “I am delighted to see that this conference has aroused much interest, attracting around 200 delegates from 40 countries. Such vast participation shows not only the importance of topics of the conference but also your trust at Epoka University and your interest in developing and improving Albania,” said Rector Ozler.

In his speech, the Head of the Department of Architecture, Sokol Dervishi, commented that the conference “is not only the largest in the country, but also in the Balkans.” Professor Dervishi highlighted the topics which will be addressed at the conference, including the history of architecture and preservation of historical monuments, technologies and materials, and “green” buildings.

His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Albania, Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha spoke at the conference. The Prime Minister thanked the organizers for the very important topic that the conference addresses. “In the last decade, we are facing a serious problem: we have betonized not urbanized our cities,” said Mr. Berisha, who shortly afterwards added, “in this respect I think that such a conference, organized by a prestigious university as Epoka University is, will be vital in building the future of Albania.”

The Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Lulzim Basha, started his speech by thanking the organizers for choosing Tirana as the location of the conference. “The challenge to bring this conference coincides with the challenges of the Tirana Municipality,” said the mayor.

“We need architects to organize the urban plans of the city and I am sure that Epoka University will play a serious part in this process,” said Mr. Basha.

Report of Activities 2011-2012 The Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Sokol Olldashi, was also present at the opening session of the conference. He praised the con- 25 ference and considered it as “the most serious event undertaking in the recent years.”

Epoka University was founded in 2007 as a continuation of the well known Turkish colleges. The University—with about 1000 students, 200 of whom are Master’s students—has seven academic departments, including the Department of Architecture.

Epoka University promotes cultural diversity: students come from seven different countries of the region and 70% of academic staff members come from outside of Albania. Epoka University has already established international links with universities in the U.S., England, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and Montenegro. The First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design underscores Epoka’s efforts to be a world-class university that pursues scholarly excellence and benefits Albania and the region.

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Epoka University Organized the International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering About 100 Master and Phd Candidates from the Balkans gathered for the International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering, at Epoka University. This conference, held between May 10-11, was a cooperation of Epoka University, Polytechnic University of Tirana and University of Prishtina.

The young experts in the construction field presented the actual problems of this industry. By taking part in ISCCE activities students exchanged opinions and experience, and discovered new possibilities to understand and handle engineering problems or situations.

Most important however was the opportunity to get known to and share different cultures, having interesting excursions and establishing personal friendships, also useful in future working life.

The Conference was sponsored by Ferar Sh.p.k and AST Bureau of Architecture.

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Prof. Dr. Güngör Turan Took Part at the Conference on “Financial Reform in Higher Education” On the 17th of October, 2010, Epoka University Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Science Prof. Dr. Güngör Turan took part at the conference titled “Financial Reform in Higher Education” organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Albania.

The Conference was attended also by Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Dr. Myqerem Tafaj and the Minister of Finance, Ridvan Bode.

Focusing on the objectives of this reform, the Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Myqerem Tafaj said that the essence of it is to maximize national resources for the development of higher education.

According to him, its basic components are designed: 1. To promote higher education’s role in the rapid development of Albania and its European perspective.

2. To further improve youth participation in higher education.

3. To enhance the quality of our higher education aligned to the standards of developed countries.

4. To ensure the autonomy of public universities and increase their capacity for learning, research and innovation.

5. To stimulate public-private partnership in higher education and the development of private higher education quality.

In conclusion, the Minister thanked foreign experts for the preparation of this package and the banks that participated in the project for their support.

Dr. Dorina Pojani Took Part at Serbian Spatial Planners Association Symposium Professor Dorina Pojani from the Department of Architecture participated as keynote speaker in the 4th Symposium “Local Self-Government in Planning and Regulation of Space and Settlements” organized by the Serbian Spatial Planners Association in Zlatibor in March 15-17, 2012.

Her presentation focused on local economic development issues in Albania and provided an overview of local government structures.

Dr. Sokol Dervishi Participated at “Infrastructure-Constructions-Energy” Conference Professor Sokol Dervishi, the Head of the Department of Architecture participated as keynote speaker in the Constructions Albania 2012 “Infrastructure-Constructions-Energy” organized by the New Genesis Group, in Tirana, March 23-25, 2012.

His presentation focused on the topic of energy, as a substantial factor toward a sustainable built environment and the role of the advanced simulation-models in the architecture design process.

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Epoka Lecturer Participates at ICH Conference Assist. Prof. Dr. Bekir Çinar, Director of European Studies Center at Epoka University participated at the First International Conference titled “Spiritual Quest in Humanities”.

Theconference was held in Tirana between 11 and 13 may 2012 and was organized by Bedër University.

The participants of the conference came from 13 countires, including Turkey, Austria, England and Albania.

Two students from Epoka University participated in Euroatlantism School in Montenegro Two third-year students from Epoka University participated in the Euroatlantism School, which took place from the 7th to the 11th of November 2011 in the city of Bar, Montenegro.

Respectively Murat Kodaz and Kamil Arli from the Political Science and International Relations Department were part of this School, which focused on “Nato and Globalization” and was organized by Donja Gorica University.

The Euro-Atlantism School brings together each year more than 50 students and academicians from the Balkan countries. The School provides an enjoyable academic exercise that encourages students to both find collective solutions to regional problems as well as to view problems from multiple perspectives while fostering inter-cultural understanding.

Epoka University is confident that beyond its direct value to raising awareness about international issues and multilateral diplomacy, these kinds of activities provide students with the opportunity to develop and cultivate their extra-curricular skills: research and coherent formulation of ideas, conflict resolution, public speaking, negotiation and diplomatic tact.

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Report of Activities 2011-2012

Epoka University Wins at Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Imagine a World Where Technology Helps Solve the Toughest Problems. Every year, student competitors present creative technology solutions that address real-world challenges, and many of those solutions are in use today. The competition was organized from Microsoft Corporation in Tirana and this year, was Epoka University’s turn.

Epoka University was the only University in Albania who participated in the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 competition with two teams which makes us proud. In the end of the competition Epoka University team won the second prize.

In ten years, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real-world problems. Since 2003, over 1.4 million students have participated in the Imagine Cup with 358,000 students representing 183 countries and regions registering for the Imagine Cup 2012 competition.

Epoka Architecture Student Wins EASA Annual Competition in Finland Epoka University architecture student Kujtime (Mimi) Barushi won a place in the European Architecture Students Assembly (EASA) summer camp in Finland.

On March 18, 2012, EASA-Albania organized its annual competition and Mimi was selected alongside six other Albanian architecture students out of numerous participants.

The selection was based on 12 second videos on the topic of Wastedlands, produced by applicants. For more information on this competition visit: http://www.wastelands.fi.

Epoka University

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Pocket Emergency Project Participants: t &OJT 6MRJOBLV t )BSJT ,SBTOJRJ t %JBNBOU /F[JSJ t "SEJU %FSWJTIJ Supervisor: Elton Hoxha Along with the Imagine Cup, we started to imagine a better world too, imagine a world where technology could help people in need, those who cannot communicate naturally. Thinking of an emergency, the first thing coming to mind was a call to 127 (911), but this would not be so easy for a certain group of people. It was this fact that led us to develop a solution to enable the communication with emergency services of the people with communication disabilities.

Emergency Pocket is a system that enables people in need, especially the ones with communications disabilities to report an emergency simply by pressing the corresponding emergency button on the phone screen. The application is linked with the police departments, hospitals and firefighters. Having calculated the location of mobile device, the application reports in real-time a detailed emergency to the nearest point. Each department follows and monitors related emergencies through a web application and can access not only the emergency location information but also information of the person. The operator assigns emergency to the team to handle the situation, transferring emergency details through the system. Last link of this process ends with updating and reporting on system status after emergency is handled.

The application enables a chain of information transfer with zero time delay. No need to show to the operator an address or to find one, because everything is correct, simply follow the directions to reach the destination.

Pocket Emergency is an extendible and applicable E-government Emergency System Management that could link not only the police departments, hospitals and firefighters but also any other interested institution.

Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Winners- Albania First Prize: Tirana University Second Prize: Epoka University Third Prize: Tirana Polytechnic University

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Report of Activities 2011-2012

Ajmona and Klodiana, two architects of success Two architecture students from Epoka University, Ajmona Hoxha and Klodiana Millona, are participating in the new TV show “Nga e Para”, expertly directed by Valbona Selimllari. In a team of seven, these two third-year students add color and efficiency to the program..

The show consists of the identification of several houses or apartments which after the redesigning are totally changed, surprising the viewers and especially the direct beneficiaries, the residents of these apartments.

To add creative decoration and color, specialist Ajmona Hoxha plays a major role. She is responsible for the selection of colors and design for each home by addressing household characteristics and the tastes of family members.

Ajmona is an expert in selecting the decoration to be creative, in line with the tastes of the residents, and harmonious with furnishing and lighting.

Operational specialist Klodiana Millona is also very important for the show.

She specializes in furnishing the apartments in the most efficient way and in accordance with the needs of people who will live in them. Klodiana tries to use furniture that has multiple uses and is in synch with the design and the lighting environment.

“It is very special experience, as well as intensive,” confesses Ajmona. “What makes it so unique is that we get so much field work. We are open to challenging and changing construction design, masonry, furniture dimensions, areas of transition, electrical and plumbing works, insulation, clothes, painting and every possible technical detail ... all this in just 4 days,” she continues.

For Klodiana it is inspiring because “every home is facing difficulties and we should bring precise and urgent solutions.”

But what is the most essential thing that the two bright students of Epoka University have learned from this experience? “The first but even the last important thing after these experiences is to make the difference between the architect who designs in the office and the one that designs on the ground.”

With their well-recorded experience, determination and passion these new architects show great promise of continued success.

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“Census Discussion” - Open Forum Organized at Epoka University This week’s Open Forum at Epoka University on 18 October 2011 was titled “Discussing the Census” and featured guest speaker was Mr. Shpëtim Idrizi, the Leader of PDIU and member of the Albanian Parliament.

During his speech Mr. Idrizi focused on the problematic of the Albanian Census 2011 and shared with the audience his ideas on the issue.

The closing part of the Open Forum was devoted to discussions on questions raised by students and other participants on the topic.

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“Rewriting History” – Open Forum with Prof. Dr. Ferit Duka Prof. Dr. Ferit Duka, Professor at the Albanian Institute of History, was this week’s guest speaker at the Open Forum Series organized by Epoka University.

Invited by the Media and Public Relations Office at the University, Prof. Duka discussed “Albanian History, and the Rewriting of It”.

The famous professor first stated that the science of history, as with other sciences, has to be reviewed.

But what the historian strongly emphasized was the fact that “this review must be made on moral principles and methods of scientific research.”

Another area Prof. Duka addressed and which aroused great interest of the students was the Ottoman history.

According to Prof. Duka, “Ottoman history needs to be reviewed.” “Many young researchers of Ottoman history are attempting to provide information from the archives of Istanbul and Ankara. These archives will not only help us to understand Ottoman Empire period in Albania, but at the same time the pre-ottoman period,” he stressed.

The professor was entirely satisfied with the organization of this activity and the interest of students. The Open Forum was attended by professors of Epoka University and students of Political Science and International Relations.

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Open Forum with Alban Tartari: Employment Opportunities in the Albanian Market Alban Tartari was this week’s guest speaker at the Open Forum Series organized by Epoka University.

The Director of Public Relations at Eagle Mobile and Albtelecom highlighted on the “Employment Opportunities in the Albanian Market”. Tartari focused on the main challenges facing Albania with regard to the labour market.

The closing part of the Forum was devoted to discussions on questions raised by students and other participants.

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Albania in Nato – Open Forum Organized at Epoka University This week’s Open Forum at Epoka University on 28 February 2012 was titled “Albania in NATO” and featured guest speaker was Mr. Mentor Beqa, adviser at the Ministry of Defense.

During his speech, Mr. Beqa explained the rocky road of Albanian towards the NATO Integration.

“Since 1992 Albania has been extensively engaged with NATO and has maintained its position as a stability factor and a strong ally of USA and EU in the troubled and divided region of the Balkans”, stressed Mr. Beqa.

“The country received an invitation to join at the 2008 Bucharest Summit and became a full member on April 1, 2009”, he highlighted.

According the guest speaker Albanian politicians considered admission to NATO a top priority.

“In addition to the political will, the overwhelming majority of 95% of the Albanian population supported NATO membership”, he concluded.

The closing part of the Open Forum was devoted to questions raised by students of Epoka University.

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Open Forum with Sokol Balla: Freedom of the Media Mr. Sokol Balla, moderator of “Top Story” debate program, was this week’s guest at the “Open Forum” series organized by Epoka University.

In front of a large audience, Mr. Balla made a brief summary of the current situation of the Albanian media. According to him, media in Albania has undergone significant changes after the fall of Communist regime.

During his speech he highlighted that media is a mediator between the government and the general public and aims at motivating the public opinion to improve law and order. He defined the Albanian general public as policy-oriented, emphasizing its awareness of political profile.

Mr. Balla also emphasized the essential role of media in contributing directly towards the development of the country’s identity and national heritage as well as with regard to the establishment and maintenance of an ethical media practice and the preservation of people’s right to have access to correct information.

The closing part of the Open Forum was devoted to discussions on questions raised by students on issues such as media ownership, censorship, etc.

Report of Activities 2011-2012

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Fevziu Conducts a Question and Answer Session with Epoka University Students A familiar face to television viewers was at Epoka University.

Longtime “Opinion” host Blendi Fevziu was this week’s special guest at the “Open Forum” series organized by the University.

Fevziu talked about the new parties and the possible innovation that they will bring in Albania’s politic configuration, as well as his life behind the news desk.

Following Fevziu’s talk members of the audience were able to ask him questions.

Kosovo Prime Minister’s lady Lumnie Thaçi visited Epoka University on April 27, 2011.

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Open Forum with Ms. Lumnije Thaรงi Mrs. Thaรงi was welcomed by the Rector of Epoka University, Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Ozler and it was given e tour of the University new Campus.

Later on, she held an Open- Forum, with the students of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. Ms. Thaci`s discussion will mainly focus on economic issues.

The closing part of the Open Forum was devoted to discussions on questions raised by students

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Epoka University, the place where knowledge and practice merge together As the capital of Albania, Tirana characterized with special mosaic of people, students, universities, mentalities, point of views and so on. Albania is well known for its young generations. As a “young country” is facing with hundreds of problems and dilemmas, about the reality and visions of the future.

After the dictatorship, Albanians tried to rebuild society, political and economical system. But, living in a country which has been isolated for half century is a big challenge, and a very skeptical question on changing reality. Between East and West, Tradition or Modernity what is more impressive and interesting for Albanian students!?

Epoka University as the place where knowledge and practice merge together continues “The Wednesday Evenings Forum of PIR Department; a New Tradition at Epoka University’, when the student’s academic life is still one of the strongest values.

The presentation about youth and their perceptions through sociological perspective was held in café library “E per7shme” and organized by professors and students of PIR department at Epoka Univeristy, on 28 of March 2011.

Presentation was intended to point out the responsibilities that have taken the Albanian students in the field of social life. Mrs. Matilda Likaj, showed the results of the research project realized with students. The reports focused on the perception about social life of young students. All the questions of questionnaires included details about the eternal social activities: feeling, beliefs, opinions, etc.

As usual, students were so interested on the topic of presentation, and all the time they have had reaction, questions, replies and comments. The debate was very dynamic and students could achieve new information about the differences between Modern and Western cultures contributed by the professors.

Because of the reputation of the university, day pas day, on our “close-meeting” students from other universities joined us and enjoy very much time spending among Epoka’s students and professors.

This is a very good beginning on creating new clime of cooperation. Also, during those two “hot hours” we can learn much more on writing academic papers/essays and also communication language/techniques at an academic level.

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MA Rovena Tujani, a special guest at PIR Forum The weekly meeting of students and professors from Political Science and International Relations department of Epoka University that takes place at the library “E Për7shme”, this week welcomed the well known and respected Albanian Sociologist Prof. Dr. Zyhdi Dervishi.

Prof.Dr. Zyhdi Dervishi, a scholar of sociology and author of more than 15 original books, is the Head of the department of sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Tirana University.

Universities and their role in the Albanian society was the main topic of this week’s meeting. Prof. Dr. Dervishi made a résumé of the historical life of Albanian University by going back on the date of its establishment. According to Mr. Dervishi the foundation of Tirana University in Albania dates during 1946 on 20 December which is the date of the foundation of the Pedagogical Institute of Tirana. Furthermore Prof.

Dr. Z. Dervishi emphasized that the existence of this Institution was of a great importance for the reality of that time, aiming to create qualified individuals in the areas of technology and Science which was necessary in the realization of major social and economic problems of Albanian Government after the WW II. In this context Mr. Dervishi stressed the indispensable role that Universities should have in a society in order for that to progress and prosper.

Educational System during the communist regime was another aspect of the discussion upon which Mr. Dervishi based his comments and critics.

He stressed that Educational System during that period was expanded and further developed, but it remained within the frame of elite’s will. In other words were very dependent and censured by the government. In many cases for research purposes professors of different fields, studied the works of contemporary western sociologist most often through their translation in Russian language.

Concerning the collapse of the communist regime, Mr. Dervishi mentioned that it caused also the elimination of many official barriers for the free flow of sociological thought. It was followed with the establishment of the new Department of Philosophy and Sociology within the Tirana University in 1993-1994.

At the last section of the meeting Prof. Dr. Zyhdi Dervishi answered to the questions raised by students and also professors about the future of the Universities in Albania since their number is growing day by day. Mr. Dervishi stressed that the role of the universities should be focused in educating the future generations and in scientific research and not being a mean for profit.

In conclusion Prof. Dr. Zyhdi Dervishi emphasized the urgent reformation of the Educational System and especially the Universities in order to have a more qualified society for the future of Albania and the well-being of all the citizens. He stressed also the necessary need for the creation of orientation policies for students, to help them choose their best fields of study.

The series of this meeting concluded in a very friendly atmosphere, signing the way for the continuation of these important activities organized by the students and professors of Epoka University.

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Genci Murja PIR IV, “Liberal Democracy and Political Islam in Albania” discussed at PIR Forum The weekly meeting of students and professors from Political Science and International Relations department of Epoka University that takes place at the library “E Për7shme”.

During the meeting of Wednesday, May 9, Mrs. Elisa Gonzalez, second year master’s student presented the topic of her degree theme.

The dissertation was about “Liberal Democracy and Political Islam in Albania”. The work is collocate within the international debate on the compatibility of this two “way of being” that often have been opposed and used as tools to create fear and hate between societies and populations.

And it has the objective to find a possible solution undertaking the Albanian situation as a possible third way in order to overcome an old-aged impasse.

The presentation was organized into two main parts that it is possible to summarize in two man assumptions: conceptualization and clarity of main terms in order to avoid misunderstandings and dispel stereotypes; analysis of the Albanian case both compared to the general background and with the Balkan context.

The presentation was only about a draft, but it clarified several concepts: what is Political Islam and what have been its main trends; what is the general perception of democracy within the main Muslim populations; why democracy must not be understood as a static concept; what are the mainstays of the Balkan Islam and finally what are the peculiarities of the Albanian Islam, and the perception of the people in the country.

After the speech of Mrs. Elisa some other students intervene asking clarification and making comments so that a vibrant academic debate began proving the interest of our students about intellectually stimulating topics. The meeting was closed by the contribution of Prof.

Ismail Soygenis, Prof. Bekir Cinar and Prof. Salih Ozcan that made their constructive critic to the presented research and gave their advice for a best completion of the thesis.

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Erzen Dibra PIR III , Epoka Students Participate in Bugajski Hour on Albanian Screen On Wednesday, 18 April 2012, students and faculty from the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Epoka University had the opportunity to participate in the recording of the Bugajski Hour on Albanian Screen for its monthly broadcast. Janusz Bugajski, host of the show, is the chairperson of the Project in Southeast European Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. The fourteen students and four faculty members were in the audience as Janusz Bugajski interviewed the Head of the EU Delegation to Albania, Ambassador Ettore F. Sequi. One of the key points emphasized by Ambassador Sequi throughout the interview is that EU membership for Albania brings significant advantages, particularly increased economic ties and the benefit of EU commitment to assisting member states that find themselves in crisis, as recently exemplified in the EU’s assistance to Greece.

Following the interview, students and faculty from Epoka asked questions of Janusz Bugajski concerning Albania, the Balkans, and EU integration. Prof. Bekir Çınar asked about the possible future union of Kosovo and Albania, given that the recent study, Albanian Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural and Foreign Policy Issues, by the Center for European Studies and the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Epoka found that the majority of Albanians would welcome union with Kosovo. Mr. Bugajski responded by saying that the path for union of the Albanian populations in the several states around Albania is best achieved through membership in the EU, which will allow the free movement of people and make national borders irrelevant.

When asked a follow-up question by Epoka student Derand Krasniqi, Mr. Bugajski acknowledged that if some states with significant Albanian populations were allowed into the EU, but if others, such as Kosovo and Macedonia, were excluded from membership, that the situation may cause some frustration for Albanian residents of such states.

When asked what he thought was behind the recent violence in Macedonia, Mr. Bugajski noted that while we do not yet know who caused the violence, it is obvious that some group is trying to provoke wider ethnic conflict in Macedonia and that it is essential that Macedonians and Albanians alike refuse to be drawn in by these provocations.

Another question asked was on the status of journalistic freedom in Albania. Mr. Bugajski claimed to enjoy journalistic freedom himself, but remarked that self-censorship is an issue in Albania, when journalists avoid saying things that may not be welcomed by those in positions of power or influence.

Following the show, Prof. Salih Özcan, head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations remarked: “As the head of PIR department, I am extremely fortunate to work with such a wonderful group of students who have common goals and commitments to improve the Albanian society and mankind at large. We are also very appreciative of the generous support of Head of the Media and Public Relations Office at Epoka University”.

The Bugajski Hour for the month of April was sponsored by Epoka University.

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Ines Stasa Reveals Her Experience at Leeds Metropolitan University Hello!

My name is Ines Stasa. I’m a Master Student of Political Science and International Relations at Epoka University.

I decided to enroll in the Double Degree program with Leeds Metropolitan University (LMU) in United Kingdom, because I know I will benefit from earning two degrees rather than just one! Also, I am the first student within the first generation of the program. I am really proud of this fact.

International Relations are the perspective I have always seen my future and this agreement gave me the opportunity to take the best education system in my hands and build with it the paths of my world.

This semester, I took some really interesting courses with the best academics at LMU. Despite the fact that I enjoyed the classes a lot, it provided me with the foundation I will need to succeed academically with my LMU material.

If you want to keep up to date on what’s happening with Double Degree programs visit the Epoka University webpage. You may also contact Assist.

Prof. Dr. Bekir Çinar, double degree program coordinator at Epoka at bcinar@epoka.edu.al.

I feel lucky to be the first student who “sealed” the agreement, but also with the responsibility to bring the best of me in my country, where in I do belong!

Best Greetings from Fatih University Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude for Epoka University. We are now studying at one of the biggest universities in Turkey through the exchange program provided by Epoka University.

We made a lot of friends from various countries. We have a very big campus in which anything you need is available from gym to stationery from cafeterias to delicatessen. Needless to talk about the quality of the professors we have lectures with.

Apart from the university, we are living in the best of city of Turkey, Istanbul. The Bosphorus, historical places, and shopping centers, shortly anything you want. We strongly reccomend you all to participate these exchange programs provided by Epoka University because the experiences will be priceless and unforgettable.

Murat Kodaz & Kamil Arlı

Epoka University

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“Epoka, an International University” Hi! My name is Huseyin Varol. I came from Firat University, Turkey, with an Exchange Program and am now studying Computer Engineering here at Epoka University.

It’s my first experience abroad, so when I came here, I was worried. I asked to myself, “Why did I come here?” But then I met different people from many different countries. I met with Albanian, Kosovar, American, Azerbaijani, Macedonian and Russian students and staff.

This is surely one of the advantages of an international university! This is the Epoka University. It has very modern buildings and modern education standards. And I am sure that I am improving my English in the university because I have time to practice with my friends and I take courses from Indian, Macedonian, Albanian and Turkish instructors.

Definitely, it is a very nice experience and I am thankful for everything!

“Epoka Exchange Programs, feel a world full of the colors” Hi, everybody Firstly i would like to attribute my thankful words to our University, for giving us the opportunity to be part of a great experience. Apart the chance of studying at one of the biggest universities in Turkey, Exchange Program gave us the chance to feel a world full of the colors.

This opportunity takes place in the best city of the Turkey, Istanbul. Participating in the weekend’s programs you truly explore the city, touch the history, and feel the mentality expand your point of view. This experience provides a browser, intercommunication, intercultural exchanges, new languages, new friends that even in your exaggerated dreams you wouldn’t think to meet them as persons and imagine having friends from all the continents, and the best of all it teaches to you the way to accept people as they are with no need to change anything.

It is a GOLDEN CHANCE don’t throw it away, believe me I would be extremely HAPPY to have one more time the opportunity to live the same emotions, even for seconds. You will have the best memories ever from university life.

IT’S YOUR TIME, TAKE THE CHANCE, FEEL THE ISTANBUL’S LIFE, ENJOY IT! Akida Mulgeci

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MoU Signed between Epoka University and Lumina University in Romania On 21 October, 2011, the Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation between Epoka University and Lumina – The University of South-East Europe in Romania was signed by Epoka University delegated Rector Prof. Dr. Güngor Turan and Prof. Dr. Filip Stanciu , Rector of Lumina University.

This memorandum aims at further deepening the cooperation between the two universities on the exchange of faculty and students, the conduct of joint research activities and lectures as well as on the co-organization of short-term training programs.

Lumina University offers four educational programs in two Faculties: 1. Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences - Business Administration program - International Relations and European Studies program 2. Faculty of Engineering Sciences - Information Technology program - Telecommunications Technologies and Systems program The University’s mission is to prepare the next generation of professionals in key domains of the economical, political and technical environment of the South East Europe.

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Signing of MOU with Faculty of Architecture and Engineering at University of Prishtina On 03 February, 2012 the Memorandum of Understanding on International Educational Cooperation between the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering at Epoka University and The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture at University of Prishtina was signed by Epoka University Dean of FAE Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ă–ztaĹ&#x; and Assoc.

Prof. Dr. Naser Kabashi, Dean of FAE at University of Prishtina.

This memorandum aims at further deepening the cooperation between the two universities on the exchange of faculty and students, the conduct of joint research activities and lectures as well as on the co-organization of short-term training programs.

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The Volunteer Foundation Club Donate Gifts for the Orphanage Children in Vlora On May, 2012 active members of the “Volunteer Foundation Club “of Epoka University organized a trip to Vlora Orphanage Center.

The Volunteer Foundation Club, in collaboration with students and members of academic and administrative staff of the university, helped the orphanage.

The students also had a discussion with the management of the orphanage, who whole-heartedly welcomed the visitors.

The “Volunteer Foundation Club” was founded in the 2011-2012 academic year. The main objective is contributing in that part of that society that is missing one of the most important things in life which is family.

The Club believes that everything starts from the family and if children are missing that, then they feel unsecure, sometimes weak and aggressive.

The Club hopes to show orphaned or neglected children that they care.

Volunteer Foundation Club is grateful to all the donors.

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Epoka University Celebrates Teacher’s Day Epoka University celebrated Teacher’s Day at the Conference Room on the evening of Tuesday, 6 March 2012.

Among the highlights of the program were the beautiful and creative flower ar¬rangements that were presented to the administrators, faculty deans and coordinators and guests from Tirana High-Schools.

The directors and vice-director of Tirana High-Schools were welcome by Epoka University Rector, Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Ozler, and the Dean of Student Mustafa Erdem. Except celebrating, the Directors had the opportunity to learn more closely about Epoka University.

In his speech, University Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Ozler shared that participating in this ceremony displays a covenant relationship between Epoka University and Tirana High-Schools. “...It is a cooperation that we will do together…You will do your best to teach high-schoolers, and we will do our best to make them succeed in their lives.”

The guests also visited the university’s new campus.

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Epoka University Celebrates International Women’s Day Women’s achievements were celebrated at an event at Epoka University to mark International Women’s Day (8 March).

Epoka University Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Murat Ozler on his speech on this occasion stressed: “In every moment of our life from birth to death, we are proud to have them beside us, they do not spare themselves when we need them, they give life, they educate, they extend love and compassion unconditionally.

Your being and love are the sun which warms our days. We know your light will never end. We are blessed to have you…Because if you were not here, us would not exist.

We wish to all women to be happier, healthier and stronger.

Happy International Womens` Day”.

Earth Day Reminds Campus Community of Importance of Recycling Every year, we celebrate Earth Day. For Epoka University this year, it ought to serve as a call to action for students to be more engaged in recycling and taking care of the Earth.

As a university, we collaborated with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports. We need to look at Earth Day for what possibilities it offers us to show our progress. We have to show that we, as Epoka University, are aware of the amount of waste we produce and how much we can potentially save.

An important aspect of recycling is getting students and people aware that we care about our impact to the Earth.

It is vital that we raise awareness about recycling, communicate clearly with students and educate them about the positives of recycling and the effect it will have on our environment for generations to come.

Epoka University

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BINF Visit to Eagle & AlbTelecom The best way to understand the theoretical background gained in the auditoriums is to see it applied in practice. For this purpose on Tuesday 15, 2012 the Business Informatics Freshmen students of Epoka University organized a study trip at two leader companies in Albania in the field of telecommunication.

During the visit we were hosted by the Head of IT of Albtelecom and Eagle Mobile Mr. Hasan Demir, who was so kind to share with the students the duties and everyday processes of the department he is leading.

The students were also granted a visit on the “newsroom� offices, a new concept implemented by the two merged companies in order to increase the interactivity and transparency among employees and also the managerial staff.

Furthermore a questions session too was held where students asked various questions on the telecommunication sector in general and the latest technological advances in communication too.

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Report of Activities 2011-2012

IDCHSS-2012 Department of Architecture at Epoka University organized between 11-12-13 May, the second International Design Competition for Final Year High School Students, IDCHSS-2012.

This was the second -but not the last- annual competition that focuses primarily on the following objectives: t 5P FOHBHF IJHI TDIPPM TUVEFOUT XJUI UIF EFTJHOJOH QSPDFTT t 5P HJWF IJHI TDIPPM TUVEFOUT UIF PQQPSUVOJUZ UP FYQSFTT UIFJS EFTJHOJOH TLJMMT t 5P CMVS UIF CPSEFST CFUXFFO NJEEMF BOE IJHIFS FEVDBUJPO JOTUJUVUJPOT t 5P JEFOUJGZ OFX UBMFOUT UIBU XPVME DPOUSJCVUF JO UIF GVUVSF UP UIF TPDJFUZ through the discipline of Architecture. t 1SPWJEJOH TUVEZ TDIPMBSTIJQT GPS FYDFMMFOU UBMFOUT GPS UIFJS GVSUIFS TUVEJFT BU Epoka university.

The process was supervised by the staff members; A great assistance were provided by the following ArkiSpace student Club members; This event will concluded with the Awarding Ceremony that was held on 26-05-2012.

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Epoka University Organized the First Inter-College Science Olympiad Epoka University and “Turgut Ozal” Education Company collaboratively organized the “1st Inter-College Science Olympiad 2012”, held in Tirana on May 12th, 2012.

The Inter-College Science Olympiad is devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.

The Science Olympiad goals are accomplished through the dedication of Epoka University professors who organize classroom activities, research, and after school training clubs. A main focus of our competition is to elevate science education and learning to a level of enthusiasm and support.

The Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of individual and team events, which students prepare for during the year.

These challenging and motivational events are well balanced between the various science disciplines of mathematics, biology, chemistry, computers and technology and English. There is also a balance between events requiring knowledge of science facts, concepts, processes, skills and science applications.

Epoka University 58

Indian Ambassador Welcomed Her Highness, Ms. M. Manimekalai, Indian ambassador to Romania and Albania, was greeted by a delegation of Indian professionals, including Mr. Vijaya Raju Mullagiri, pictured above presenting an honor shield to the Ambassador on behalf of Epoka University.

Mr. Vijaya Raju Mullagiri is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Engineering (CEN) at Epoka University and is the CEN International Relations Coordinator.

Sensitive Society 2011 Holidays Article The most delightful part of the holiday season is the chance to give meaningful gifts to children and help their families.

Sensitive Society Club members at Epoka University compete each year to see who can gather the best gifts for local children.

The Career and Planning Center led the charge by hosting the “Helping Needy Families” drive to collect meat for 150 families of martyred policemen.

“They had some clothes and toys there and said other groups are going to bring more,” Elda Doda, member of Sensitive Society Club says. “We set up gift drop-off boxes, and we also reached out to the community.”

Last year, more than 340 children benefited from the generosity of Epoka University students, Elda said.

Students are willing to help children to develop necessary social skills in different campaigns.

Dodaj said he’s hoping to expand deliveries next year to more communities in Albania. “You may not see it, but there is a real need here,” she said.

“We want to do everything we can to help people get on their feet.”

Sensitive Society Club is grateful to all the donors.

Report of Activities 2011-2012 59

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION

Epoka University 60

EPOKA UNIVERSITY Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences The list of Scientific Publication for 2011 - 2012 Academic Year

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities Cinar, B, 'BDP election strategy and the general election' Turkish Review, Vol. I, Issue: 4, May-June, pp.26-28

Type

A7

Cinar, B,

ฬตoย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย รฒย ย ยญย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ร ย ร วฃ Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Yย ย ย ยบย ฬต Y G G ศ อ ศ , ย ย ย ย วฆ ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รฒย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย อ อ วฆอ อ ย ย อ อ อ อ วก ย ย วคอ อ วฆอ อ

B3

Cinar, B, ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รฒย ย ย ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย อ อ ศ อ อ ย ย อ อ อ อ วก ย ย วคอ อ อ วฆอ อ อ

B3

Cinar, B, ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬต ย ย วก อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย อ วฆอ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก อ อ อ อ

B3

Cinar, B, ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฃ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย อ อ วฆอ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย อ อ อ อ วก ย ย วค อ อ อ วฆอ อ อ

B3

Cinar, B,

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฃ

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ศ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬตย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย

Cinar, B,

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬตย ย ย วฆ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฃ

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ อ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย วฆ ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ

Cinar, B, ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬตวก ย ย อ อ อ อ วฃ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฃ ฬถ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย ย อ อ วฆอ อ วก อ อ อ อ วก ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย

B3

Cinar, B, ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย วก อ อ อ อ ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย

B3

Report of Activities 2011-2012 61

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

Mustafa ร รง, ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย วฃ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย ย รงย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รฒย รฒ ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย วคอ อ อ อ วก ย ย อ อ อ วฆอ อ อ

A3

Mustafa ร รง, ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . Vย ย วคอ วก ย วค อ อ วก ย ย วค อ อ อ อ วก ย ย วคอ อ อ วฆอ อ อ

A3

Mustafa ร รง, ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย oย ร ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย รฒย รฒย ย ย อ อ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ยญ. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย

H3

Y. Kรถksal ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร Gยญย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย fย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬถ. f o .o G oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รง รฒย ยญรฒ Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย G .

Vย ย ย ย ย อ ศ ย อ ศ ย ย ย อ อ อ อ

A3

Y. Kรถksal .ย ย ร รงย ย ย ย ย oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รงย ร ย ย ย ฬต. รงย ย oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ศ อ อ อ อ ศ อ ศ อ วก อ อ อ วฆอ อ อ

A3

Y. Kรถksal

ย ย ย ย ย รง ย ย ย ยญย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รง ย ย ย รง ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ยบย ย ย ย ย ย ย ยบย ย ย ย ย ย รงย ย ย รงย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฃ ย ย ย ย ย Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รงย ย ย ย ย ฬต. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย oย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รฒย รฒ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ร ย ศ ย ย ย วฃ อ อ อ อ ย ย .อ ย ย ร ศ ย ย ย ย วฃ อ อ วก ย วค อ อ วฆอ อ

Y. Kรถksal

ย ย ย ย ย ยบย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ร ย ย ย รงย ย ย ย

ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย รฒย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ร ย วคศ ย ย ร วฃอ อ วก ร ย วฃ อ อ อ ย ย ย ร ย อ อ อ อ

T. Hagen Free to Learn: The Rationale for Legalizing Homeschooling in Albania. Central European Journal of Public Policy. (Dec 2011): 50 โ 84. Web. ย ย ย ย วฃศ ศ ย ย ย วคย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ อ อ ศ อ อ

A3 A7 A4

T. Hagen

วฒ ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย วฃ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย .

5.2 (2011): 77 โ 84. Print/Web. http://www.albanianuniversity.al/images/pdf/procedings. pdf#page=77

N. Mulleti ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฆ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย . อ อ อ อ วฃ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วค

A5 F4

Epoka University 62

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities A.Gerdeci,

Center for European Studies and the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Albanian Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural and Foreign Policy Issues. 2011: Epoka University Press.

Type

F4

N.Mulleti,

The role of Albanian foreign policy in the integration process of the Western Balkans.

Balkans: Foreign Affairs, Politics and Socio-Cultures. ed. Cüneyt Yenigün and Ferdinand Gjana, 393-411.

Tirana, 2011: Epoka University Press

C3

E. Demaj, Facebook Related Privacy Issues; The Albanian Case/ 2nd International Conference on Human and Social Sciences ICHSS 2012, 23-24 March 2012, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and Canadian Institute of Technology, Tirane, Albania. Published in Journal of Educational and Social Research, ISSN: 2240-0524, Vol. 3, No. 5, Apr. 2012, pg. 133-141

A3

E.Imeraj, Macroeconomics Policy and the European Union Accession: Albanian Case. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. ISSN: 2039-2117, Vol. 3, No. 5, Apr 2012

A3

N.Mera, The Impact of Government Debt and Debt Servicing on Economic Growth: An Empicical Approach for Albania. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, ISSN: 2039-2117, Vol. 3, No.5, Apr. 2012, pg. 265-270

A3

M.Likaj, Globalization dimensions and Glocalisation of Culture: Development of Tourism in perspective of Albanian Culture Case, 2nd International Tourism Conference: “Challenges of Sustainable Tourism Development 2011. 04 November 2011Shkodra University, Shkodra/Albania

B3

M.Likaj, 'The Moon Came on Earth: Lighting of Globalization and Cultural Diplomacy in After Communist Albanian Society. International Scientific Conference, 'Aleksander Moisi' Durres University. November 4th- 5th, 2011, Durres/Albania.

B3

M.Likaj, 'The Depressive Society and Depressive Social Institutions: Case of Albanian Family Structure in Transition Period: Case of Albanian Family Structure in Transition Period. II'nd International Scientific Conference “Development Problems Of Childhood And Adolescence In Transitional Societies. 2-3 December, 2011 Aleksander Moisi' Durres University ,Durres/Albania.

B3

M.Likaj, Hermeneutic: The Philosophy of Interpretation and the Contemporary issues of Religious Text. First International Conference On Humanities “The Spiritual Quest in Humanities”, Beder University. 11 – 13 May 2012,Tirana (Abstract)

B4

Report of Activities 2011-2012 63

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

M.Likaj, Albanian Society Internationalization: The Challenges and New Opportunities of Albanian Migration During Integration to European Union. Regional Science Conference with International Participation “Society internationalization – affectivity and problems”, Public University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka” Faculty of Business in Cooperation with University of Zenica & European College Dukagjini, 1- 2'nd, June 2012, Peja/Kosova

A4

M.Likaj, Albanian Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural Issues and Foreign Policy, The Center for European Studies and Department of Political Science and International Relations, Epoka University, Tirana-Albania, December 2011

F4

M.Likaj, Legal and Illegal Migrations: A Sociological View of Albanian Migration and Immigration Case, 6th Annual Conference of the Albanian Institute of Sociology (AIS): "Education in turbulent times: The Albanian case in European and global context" Tirana-Albania, 21-22 November 2011

B4

M.Likaj, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TXPzyZ N0gQ. A sociological view of happiness of Albanians.

Tv Program

G5

M.Likaj, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XziRN6m iASI. A sociological view of Origin of New Years and celebration in Albanian Society. TV Program, 4 January, 12’

G5

M.Likaj, A sociological view of Making Decision of Albanians. TVSH- ZIK ZAK PROGRAM, 24 April, 2012

G5

M.Likaj, The lecture materials published in the University`s web page as open source FALL SEMESTER: PIR 411 BUS 131 PIR251 PIR 327 SPRING SEMESTER: PIR 316 PIR 428 SOC 108 SOC AL 102

C7

E.Hysa, Une application des lois d'Engel en Turquie: Le changement de repartition des depenses de consommation (1994-2003), Éditions Universitaires Européenes. ISBN: 978-3-8381-8036-6, May 2012

C1

Epoka University 64

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

E.Hysa, Albanian Pension System: A Simple Model Referring Evasion Case. Journal of Economic and Social Studies, ISSN: 1986 - 8499, Volume 1, Number 3, May. 2012

A3

E.Hysa, Corruption and Human Development Correlation in Western Balkan Countries. EuroEconomica Journal, ISSN: 1582-8859, Issue 4(30), Nov. 2011 E.Hysa, Public versus Private Pension System: Albanian Case”, Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences ISSN: 2039-2117, Vol. 3, No. 9, Apr. 2012

A3 A3

E.Hysa, Corruption and Human Development: Albania and EU-27. Social Studies Journal. ISSN: 2220-461X, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2011

A5

U.Kryskulov, The Impact of Government Debt and Debt Servicing on Economic Growth: An Empicical Approach for Albania, Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, ISSN: 2039-2117, Vol. 3, No.5, Apr. 2012, pg.

265-270

A3

A.Kruja,

The kontribution of SME-s to the Regional Development, International Scientific Conference “The state Society and law: between transition and consolidation”

A.Kruja,

Social Economic and Educational Benefits of Enterpreneurship” , 6th international Conference of Albanian Institute and Sociology. Nov. 21-22, 2011, Tirane Albania ISBN:978-9928-4000-2-4

A.Kruja,

Enterpreneurship, Knowledge and Sustainable Development”. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, Special Issue. Vol.3, No.6, March 2012, pp21-26 ISSN: 2039-9340(Print):2039-2117(online)

A.Kruja, The Impact of Turism Sector Development in the Albanian Economy. Journal of the Research Center of Business Management Through Projects. Vol.15, No.1, June 2012, Romania ISSN:1454-0320(online)

B3 B4 A3 A3

Report of Activities 2011-2012 65

EPOKA UNIVERSITY Faculty of Architecture and Engineering The list of Scientific Publication for 2011 - 2012 Academic Year

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities วค วค ย ย ย รงวก วค วค ย ย ย ยบย ย วก Yย ย ย รง วก วฒ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร Yยบย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Gย รงย ย ย รฒย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ยบย ยบย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย Gย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วณวกอ ย ย Gย รงย ย ย รฒย วค ยบย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก อ อ วฆอ อ ย ย รฒย อ อ อ อ ย ยบย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย

Type

อ

Yย ย ย รง วควก วค ย ย ย ย ย วค วค ย ย ย รงวก

โ Tรฒย ย ย ย ย วฏย ย ย รฒย รฒย รฒย Gย รงย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย รฒย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร วณ วก อ วค Gย รงย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก อ อ ศ อ อ ย ย ร ย อ อ อ อ วก Gย รงย ย ย รฒย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ร ย ย ย ย fย ย ย ย ย วค ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย

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Yย ย ย รง วก

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Epoka University 66

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

ǡ ǡ Dz Ǧ dz ǣ ͕ UD, ǡ Ǣ ͕͜Ǥ͔͘Ǥ͖͔͕͖ Ǧ ͖͕Ǥ͔͘Ǥ͖͔͕͖Ǣ ǣ ̶ Ǧ

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ǡ

Ǥ ǣ ǣ ͕ ǡ ǡ Ǣ ͕͜Ǥ͔͘Ǥ͖͔͕͖ Ǧ ͖͕Ǥ͔͘Ǥ͖͔͕͖Ǣ ǣ ̶ Ǧ

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Ǧ ͕Ǧ ̶ǡ ǤǢ Ǥ Ǥ ȋ ǤȌǢ ǡ ͕ ȋ͖͔͕͖Ȍǡ

ǣ ͛͜͝͝​͖͜͝Ǧ͕͙͗Ǧ͔͕Ǧ͜Ǣ ͛

͗

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Report of Activities 2011-2012

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

Pojani.D, Noise Pollution Management Issues in Tirana, the Capital of Albania, Conference: REAL CORP, 16-18 May, Vienna, Austria

B3

Pojani.D, Urban Planning Education in a Democracy with a Market Economy: Learning Economic, Political, and Social Skills. International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference, Gozo, Malta, 20-23 Februar2012.

B4

Pojani.D, Spatial Planning in Albania. European Spatial Planning Development Network, European Module.

KU Leuven, Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Planning, Belgium, 27 April.

H3

Pojani.D, Urban Planning History of Tirana.

First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design, Epoka University, April 19-21, 2012

B4

Koçi.V, ‘Spatial Transformation of the Waterfront: Before, during and after Socialism Time-frame: [1900-44:45-90:91-2000] Case Study: Durrës - A Port City, Lambert Academic Publishing,ISBN: 978-3-8473-3993-9

C1

Koçi.V, Lattice Durrës: Water Urbanism in periurban area’ publication and oral presentation at the “ICAR 2012: (Re)writing history, International Conference on Architectural Research”; Bucharest - Romania, 18-20 May 2012

B3

Koçi.V,

Durrës Seaside Promenade: Urban Public versus Private Space, paper presented and published at 1-ICAUD: First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design Proceedings Book, Epoka University, Tirana– Albania, 19-21 April 2011ISBN:9789928-135-01-8

B3

Hysa.D, Housing Design: An Assessment on Architecture Design Studios at Middle East Technical University, 1957-2010. Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012.(ISBN:978-3-8484-1640-0)

C1

Hysa.D, "Remembering and Forgetting: The Commemorative Architecture of the Pyramid,Albania" in ICAR2012: (Re)writing History Proceedings Book, Bucharest/ Romania. May, 2012.

B3

Hysa.D, "Housing Design Education: in between Urban Planning and Architecture" in 1ICAUD: First International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design Proceedings Book. Tirana/ ALBANIA. April, 2012.

(ISBN:9789928-135-01-8)

B3

Hysa.D, "Exhibitions, Modernism and Style" in Theory for the Sake of Theory. Istanbul/ Turkey: DAKAM Publishing. November, 2011. (ISBN:978-605-4514-05-2) Tirana/ ALBANIA. April, 2012.

(ISBN:9789928-135-01-8)

B3

67

Epoka University 68

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

S.Yilmaz, Y.S. Tama ,H. Bilgin, “Seismic Performance Evaluation of Unreinforced Masonry School Buildings in Turkey�, / Journal of Vibration and Control / Ref Number: ID JVC-12-0023.R1

A12

O.Korini, H. Bilgin,

“A new modeling approach in the pushover analysis of masonry structures� “ International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering, ISCCE 2012, 10-11 May 2012, Epoka University, Tirana, Albania

I.Frangu, H.Bilgin,

“Evaluation of seismic analysis procedures for seismic actions: A Comparative study between Eurocode 8 and KTP-89�/ International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering, ISCCE 2012, 10-11 May 2012, Epoka University, Tirana, Albania

Y. Muceku, M.lame, H. Bilgin, B. Durmishi, O.haxhia, F. Buzra landslides and mitigation measures in the roads of resheni region, Albania“Albanian Geotechnical Society Landslides And Geo-Environment Geotechnical Symbosium In Balcan Region, October 2011�

Ǥ ‡­‹ǥ Ǥ YÂœÂ–ÂƒĂ§ÇĄ “Investigation of Risk Management perception in Albanian Construction Industryâ€?, / 1st International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design, ICAUD, 19-21 April 2012 Epoka University, Tirana, Albania J. Keçi, M. Baballeku,

“The effect of soil structure interaction on structural seismic demand: Neglected or considered?�, / International Students’ Conference on Civil Engineering, ISCCE, 10-11 May 2012 Epoka University, Tirana, Albania

E. Mustafaraj, Y.Yardim, “Strengthening and restoration of historical structures - Mirahor Ilyas Beg Mosque in Korçaâ€? 1st International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design, 19-21 April 2012, Epoka University, Tirana

B3 B3 B3 B3 B3 B3

E. Mustafaraj, Y.Yardim, “Conditional Assessment of Historical Structures: Earthquake Performance of Naziresha Mosque� International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering, 10-11 May 2012, Epoka University, Tirana

B3

Report of Activities 2011-2012 69

Scientific Publication and Academic Activities

Type

H. Binici , Y. Yardim, The durability of fired brick incorporating textile factory waste ash and basaltic pumice International Journal of Material Research DOI: 10.3139/146.110703 Direct link: http://www.ijmr.de/MK110703

A12

D.Sokoli, Y. Y Ç ǡ Calculation of equivalent lateral seismic forces based on ASCE 7-02 and Albanian Construction Standards International Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering, ISCCE 2012, 10-11 May 2012, EpokaUniversity, Tirana, Albania

B5

E. Periku, Y. Y Ç ǡ

Effect of Scour on Load Carry Capacity of Piles on Mat BridgeInternational Students’ Conference of Civil Engineering, ISCCE 2012, 10-11 May 2012 EpokaUniversity, Tirana, Albania

I. Hakrama, I. Ö. Bucak, Ö. Asilkan, Welfare classification using CMAC neural networks, IEEE Proceedings of AICT 5th International Conference, Oct. 2011, ISBN: 978-1-61284-831-0 Digital Object Identifier: 10.1109/ICAICT.2011.6111005 E. Zoto, I. Hakrama, E. Barolli,

Artificial Intelligence in the economic field: Benefits and Drawbacks, International Conference on Economic & Social Challenges 2011, Dec. 2011

B3 B3 B3

Epoka University 70