From April 19 to 24, 2026, the University of Lomza hosted 21 students from Belgium, Romania, Lithuania, and Malta as part of the BIP SMIDI project (Strategic Management and Innovation in the Dairy Industry). The initiative forms part of the University’s internationalization strategy and marks the first edition of the program delivered in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) format.
Working alongside students from the University of Łomza, participants formed international and interdisciplinary teams to tackle a real-world case study focused on OSM Piątnica, one of Poland’s leading dairy producers. Their work explored the cooperative business model, management strategies, and the company’s financial policy. The teams also addressed key contemporary challenges, including production process automation, the use of AI in the food industry, and the implementation of sustainable development practices in line with ESG standards.
The program was further enhanced by two inspiring lectures. Dr. Marek Kruk delivered a session titled “Great Questions of International Marketing”, encouraging participants to reflect on major dilemmas facing modern marketing in a globalized environment. Bartosz Sokoliński, in turn, presented practical applications of AI in business, demonstrating how emerging technologies are reshaping organizational processes. Both lectures attracted strong engagement and provided valuable support to the analytical work carried out by the teams. Dr. Milena Stachelska presented the key stages of mozzarella production, followed by a tasting session for the participants. The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities extends its sincere appreciation to both speakers and Dr. Milena Stachelska for their expertise, commitment, and contribution to the project.
The program had a strong practical orientation. Students developed intercultural and language competencies, strengthened their teamwork skills in diverse environments, and gained experience in presenting analytical results to a professional audience, including a representative of OSM Piątnica, Ms. Ewa Czajkowska. The week culminated in a series of strategic presentations delivered on April 23, 2026, before an evaluation committee. Each presentation included a problem diagnosis, methodological approach, analytical findings, and original recommendations for the company.
A key component of the program was close cooperation with the strategic partner. Thanks to the involvement of OSM Piątnica, participants had the opportunity to visit the production facility in Piątnica and observe the full dairy production proces, from raw material intake to final product. This direct exposure to industry practice significantly enhanced the educational value of the project and provided participants with authentic professional insight.
The program also incorporated educational and cultural activities. Students participated in workshops at Ziołowy Zakątek in Korycin, where they explored the potential of using local herbs in the development of innovative dairy products. The cultural highlight of the week was a performance by the MEANDRY Artistic Project, an engaging presentation of the music, dance, and traditions of the Podlasie region, which left a lasting impression on participants.
The project delivered tangible benefits to all stakeholders, creating a meaningful platform for collaboration between academia, business, and young talent. Students gained hands-on experience, enhanced their intercultural and language skills, and enriched their professional portfolios. For the University of Lomza the initiative demonstrates its capacity to deliver modern, interdisciplinary educational programs and strengthens its position in international cooperation. For OSM Piątnica, the project provided access to fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and direct interaction with emerging talent from across Europe.
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Lomza extends its sincere thanks to all partners and contributors involved in the project. Special appreciation goes to our international partners: Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution (Kaunas, Lithuania), Leadership Consultancy and Training Services Ltd – MLI (Birkirkara, Malta), Romanian-American University (Bucharest, Romania), and UCLL University of Applied Sciences (Leuven, Belgium), as well as to our strategic partner, OSM Piątnica, for its openness and active engagement, which gave the project a truly practical dimension.
We would also like to thank Dr. Marek Kruk and Bartosz Sokoliński for their inspiring contributions, as well as Ms. Urszula Doda and the MEANDRY Artistic Project team for their outstanding cultural performance, which became an unforgettable part of the program.
See you at the next edition of BIP!
