"Haxhi Zeka" University is continuously proving that scientific research, inter-institutional cooperation and professional engagement of academic staff can be transformed into concrete results with a direct impact on society, economy and public policy. Two projects successfully implemented during this period represent significant examples of this strategic orientation.
The “Money Matters” Project – Investing in financial literacy and modern university education
Project “Money Matters”, funded by MASHT– HEI'25 and Austrian Development Cooperation, was successfully implemented under the coordination of Dr. Vlora Berisha Dranqolli (UHZ) and Albulena Shala (University of Prishtina). The project focused on strengthening the financial literacy of young people and modernizing the university approach to personal finances.
Within its framework, the following were analyzed: 23 syllabuses of economics programs to evaluate the way personal finances are treated in teaching, while 60 students from UHZ and UP were trained and tested through the methodology pre-test dhe post-test, providing clear data on the impact of training.
A special contribution came from the company IMB, which organized a workshop on digital personal finance and provided access to the platform Alpha Cloud, linking academic education with contemporary digital practices. Also, a questionnaire adapted from OECD, which was realized with 223 students aged 18–29, creating an empirical basis for scientific work and for the drafting of Practical guides to personal finances.
This project has provided a direct and measurable contribution in increasing financial literacy, improving teaching content, and connecting the university with digital developments in the field of personal finance.
“Is it Wise to Invest in the Tourism Sector?” – Scientific research in the service of local development
Within the framework of the project “Is it Wise to Invest in the Tourism Sector?”, funded by "Haxhi Zeka" University, a study has been published scientific book which addresses the main factors influencing the development of tourism in Municipality of Peja, as well as analyzes costs and benefits of investments in this strategic sector.
As a concrete product with practical value, the project has also resulted in the development of a tourism investment valuation calculator, which will be donated to UHZ Scientific Institute AND Directorate of Tourism in the Municipality of Peja, with the aim of supporting data-based decision-making and promoting sustainable investments.
The project coordinators are: Dr. Vlora Berisha Dranqolli (Faculty of Business) and Behrije Ramaj Desku (Faculty of MTH), while the project also contributed to Theranda Beqiri, professor at the Faculty of Business, and Agron Halitaj, administrative staff of the Faculty of Business. The project has been further enriched by the international expertise of Prof. Blake Rayfield AND Prof. Ruby Lee, as well as the active involvement of four students, making it a good model of combining teaching, research and practice.
This project represents a important scientific and practical contribution for the development of local tourism, linking academic research with the real needs of public institutions and investors.
Institutional value and vision for the future
"Haxhi Zeka" University expresses deep appreciation and gratitude for the authors, coordinators, staff, experts and students involved in these projects, who with professionalism and dedication have proven the active role of the university in producing knowledge with real impact. Such projects confirm the vision of UHZ to be a contemporary university, oriented towards concrete results, functional cooperation and sustainable development.
