Final Conference for the Operational Programme “Human Resource Development”  2012-2013, was held on 24 October at the CenterVille Hotel & Experience, whereat the overall results of the projects were presented. After the conference, a Project Fair was opened on which 23 grant beneficiaries presented the results of the projects they been implementing in the previous period.

These two events are part of the project “Strengthening the Publicity and Visibility of the Operational Programme “Human Resource Development 2012-2013”, which we carry out in cooperation with the Directorate for Financing and Contracting of EU Assistance (CFCU) within the Ministry of Finance. This project aims to adequately inform the public about the activities and achievements of the Programme, which is part of IPA component IV, focused on the development of human resources.

The implementation of the Programme started in December 2014. 40 projects in the field of employment, education and science, social inclusion and technical assistance are in the final phase of implementation, and all activities will be finalized by December 31 of the current year. For the purpose of presenting the Programme’s overall results, we have created a video animation.

Although there are still several months of intense work until the official end of the implementation of the Operational Programme, when we will able to measure the final impact of this Programme on the well-being of Montenegrin citizens, we already have remarkable results, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Kemal Purišić pointed out.

Institutions composing the Operational Structure for the IPA IV Component and responsible for achieving these results are: the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro. However, the key collaboration through individual projects is established with representatives of non-governmental organizations and associations, local self-government, private companies and employers, faculties and schools, said Darko Petrusic, General Director of the Directorate for Scientific Research Activities of the Ministry of Science.

Mubera Kurpejović, Assistant to the Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of training of 180 teachers, which is a long-term solution for producing adequate staff on the labor market.

Equal opportunities for all individuals is the most important goal of this Programme, emphasizes Hermanne Spitz, head of the European Commission Delegation for Cooperation in Montenegro, This is reflected in the main message of the Programme: “We invest in people our most valuable resource” and adds that the European Union will continue to financially support Montenegro on its way to the EU in the forthcoming period.

Project Fair was opened after the conference, whereat 23 grant beneficiaries presented the results of their projects supported through the Programme. Bild Studio presented the outstanding results achieved in two projects:

  • “Transfer of knowledge between education and research institutions and the business sector”, a project implemented in cooperation with the Faculty of Information Systems and Technology of the University of Donja Gorica.
  • “Montenegrin Medical Tourism Information System”, as partner of the Faculty of Information Technology of the University of Mediterranean. 

The total amount allocated for this Operational Programme amounts to € 5,803,344.00, of which 4.932.839.00 € are from European Union (EU) funds , while national co-financing is 870.505,00 €.

For more information on the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development”  2012-2013, visit the official web site: www.ipa4.me.

Foto: EU info centar.

But what’s not surprising is that Bild Studio is again part of the Somo Borac jury, represented by Ksenija Ikovic, Head of Design.

Somo Borac is a regional digital marketing competition held within the Rovinj Weekend Media Festival. The fifth in the row, SoMo Borac comes with the most novelties so far. The most interesting thing is that after four years of free registration, organizers will start charging. The price per application is 99 euros, and as the organizers say, the payment will ensure even higher quality of applications and the competition itself, today and in the future. Also, this year applicants can submit their applications only through a video presentation.

One of the news is also a somewhat larger regional jury that, as before, will be composed of experts from the best agencies in the region. The honor to present our agency was given to Ksenija Ikovic, Head of Design, whose expectations from this year’s festival and tips for preparing presentations can be read on the link.

Also, the organizational team involved a behavioral psychologist, Boris Surija, in the evaluation process. Changes occurred in categories, as well. Hence, with new categories of SoMo Web and SoMo App, jury will award the best website or the best mobile application.

“I think the most important change is the evaluation system itself, given we sought for even better quality judging,” says Ružica Vrdoljak Ličina from the SoMo Borac organization.

You can submit your application by September 7, and the award will be held as part of the 10th Weekend Media Festival, 21 – 24 September, in the premises of the old tobacco factory in Rovinj. Last year’s finalists and winners, as well as all other Somo Borac news, can be viewed on the SoMo website.

Our programmers Uroš Gogić, Emil Balija and Anton Nikprelaj participated in the PHP konferenciju 2017, held on 27 – 28 May in Belgrade. The conference aims to bring together those who want to expand their knowledge and skills in PHP technology.

This year’s event was an ideal opportunity to learn from the great experts in the industry and learn out about the innovations in PHP, web technologies, architecture and code testing. Interactive presentations encouraged discussions on the development of IT industry in the domestic and international markets, and as expected, the greatest interest was shown for the creator of PHP language, Rasmusa Lardorfa.

PHP enthusiasts learnt about the websocket technology, challenges in building microservices, DDD concepts, building API based on Slim framework, found out more on the advantages and disadvantages of different database systems and so on.

Although the lectures were largely focused on the theory, attendees also discussed practical issues, problems and solutions to be included projects.Lecturers recommended different software tools and discussed the topic of recent trends in PHP programming.

The conference was attended by numerous regional and international professionals and we are very pleased to have been part of the event which has given us the opportunity to exchange experience with colleagues from other companies. Our expectations were accomplished, hence,  we will attend PHP 2018 for sure, because it is of great importance to keep up with trends and needs in the industry, constantly educate and share knowledge with colleagues and experts from different companies and countries.

Each journey brings a new experience, and every year, families plan their travel destinations. This spring, our, not so small family, with its 15 members, headed to the two-day knowledge roller coaster – fifth Spark.me conference.

Day I

Predrag Lešić, CEO of the Domain.me company, founder of Digitalizuj.me, brilliantly announced the start of another successful conference, raising the question: How many sparks you need to hold the Spark.me? The answer: Only one. A special, magical spark, because everything is in that one spark that starts the flame.

The honor to open this year’s Spark was given to Max Mckeown, an English writer, consultant, and researcher specialized in innovation strategy and leadership, who used his extremely interesting illustrations to show the importance of timely strategic planning which will lead us, not from point A to an imaginary point B, but to the innovation, which is hidden in the future. He taught us that only ourselves can find it. He gave us a little hint: Just send yourself a message in a bottle, that will help you to shape your future and reach the paradise.

In a later talk with Max, our attention was drawn to a tattoo on his left forearm, which, how it turned out, was not really a tattoo, but a Max’s ideas recorded with marker. Namely, each time he prepares for the exhibition, he draws illustrative thesis, but depending on how he feels the audience, the lecture goes in a slightly different way every time. Well, it seems that even the greatest teachers sometimes, just like that, smuggle a little. ;)

Inspire and develop those who create tomorrow is a LEGO’s mission, as presented by Peter Kim,  VP of Digital Consumer Engagement at the LEGO Group. Speaking of our witnessing that the world is slowly but surely moving from physical to digital, he pointed to the importance of a brand communicating. His advice is to always be those who can laugh, who spread the light to others and those who believe in the brand story, because only through honesty we can get closer to our clients.

Robert Fitzpatrick, tech entrepreneur,has drawn attention to importance of positioning ourselves as an honest brand and discussing all aspects with customers in today’s world where everybody lies. For a company that is at its growing stage, acting too big is fatal. Do not go in the growth and expansion if initially you are not well acquainted with your customers, because it can be disastrous for your business, advised Robert. He mentioned three key steps for building a successful business, first, you learn; second: you get confirmation, and only then you start to grow.

Shortly after Robert,  Matt Desmier fronted the stage. He moderated the panel discussion on technology, health and welfare. The panelists were: Cate Murden (founder of PUSH Mind and Body), Fern Miller (Chief Strategy Officer, International, DigitasLBi), Mary Keane-Dawson (entrepreneurial leader and business mentor), who spoke about the fact that people are not really aware of dangerousness of treating ourselves computers. For causes dissatisfaction despite all the blessings we are surrounded with.

Jason Romeyko, Global Executive Creative Director at Serviceplan Group, advised all those who hesitate to start their own business, to go out and try, encouraging them not to be afraid, as fear must be converted into curiosity. As a grand finale on the first day, Kamran Elahian,  philanthropist, entrepreneur without borders and a global venture capitalist, said: Social entrepreneurship has a positive impact on a society and it is the message you need to transmit to all.

Day II

Heather B. Armstrong, world famous blogger in the field of parenting, had a honour to open the Day II. She revealed:  “You can be the best copywriter, expert in marketing or sales, but if you do not know the secret: The way you perceive people, they believe, nothing else is true.” Also, as much as it may seem contradictory to the modern capitalist system, Heather spoke about necessity to draw our attention to the empathy that really reaches out, not only to users, but to an each its cell.

Jon Burhart, award-winning keynote speaker and copywriter, with his ball concept, will certainly be remembered as one of the most interesting speakers at the conference. He proved that with a different approach you can get, and most importantly, keep the attention in real time.

A little bit extravagant Virginia Salas Castilo, CEO of consulting company Ginicanbreathe, has attracted attention with her appearance, but also with her lecture about the unpredictability of social networks, and possibilities of the Snapchat. After her, Sharad Sagar, a young entrepreneur from India who is on Forbes’s list of 30 successful people younger than 30 years appeared on stage.

Ancilla van de Leest, digital privacy and rights advisor, made us laugh with her question: Is there anybody that has never made a selfie? And then recalled to the original promise that the technology is only there to serve us. Yet, today we ask the question: Whether the smart home was really a stupid idea? Drawing attention to the importance of privacy protection in the digital world, she gave us 3 small tips: Be smart, be safe and be happy!

Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather UK, and co-founder of Ogilvy change- “the man, the myth, the legend,” as he was announced by Vladimir Vulić. Standing ovations, five-minute applause and the best possible finish of the fifth Spark.me conference. He introduced us with his concept of the brain perception, spoke  about necessity of good marketing, and, yet, just won’t asking for help in this area. He particularly advised to think 10 times: “The longer the longitude, the better it is!”

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sparkdotme/

This year’s Spark.me confirmed the label of greatest marketing conference in South East Europe. We are already packed for the next year, eager for knowledge, new experience, creativity and inspiring speeches. Spark.me, just gives a date! ;)

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sparkdotme/

Bild Studio and Directorate for Finance and Contracting of the EU Assistance Funds (CFCU), within the Ministry of Finance, signed a contract with the aim to efficiently implement the Communication Action Plan under the Operational Programme for Human Resource Development 2012-2013, which will promote the activities and achievements of IPA Component IV.

The right to use the Component IV funds is reserved only for candidate countries, which was granted to Montenegro in December 2010. IPA Component IV – Human Resources Development is a program framework that offers support in the areas of employment, education, social inclusion, and integration, as well as support to strengthening the institutional capacity and efficiency of state administration and public services in accordance with EU policies and standards.

The works on the Operational Programme started in March 2010, and after extensive consideration at the local and national level it was adopted by the Government of Montenegro two years later. The main objective of the projects under the Programme is to promote sustainable human resource development, modernization and development of education and training systems in Montenegro in accordance with the EU policies and standards with a particular focus on youth employment.

Bild Studio applied for a tender that relates to the Strengthening the Publicity and Visibility of the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development” 2012-2013” in Montenegro,  at the beginning of December 2016 and signed a contract with the Ministry of Finance on 26th May 2017. The purpose of this service contract is to inform the wider public and specific target groups in Montenegro about the EU, its policies and human resources development program and to promote the activities and achievements of IPA Component IV.

As part of the Technical Support Program, Bild Studio will carry out a number of activities in the domain of visual identity (design a logo, promotional material, provide technical support in publishing, etc), then develop an unique website, conduct numerous marketing and PR activities, from slogan and accompanying messages to the organization of a press conference and preparation of a promotional video that will sum up all the results within the Programme.

The total amount of funds allocated for the Operational Programme Human Resources Development 2012-2013 is € 6,568,240, of which 85% i.e. € 5,583,000 is financed by the European Union through IPA funds, and 15% i.e. € 985,240 as the co-financing is provided through the capital budget of Montenegro.

Every last Thursday in April is traditionally celebrated as the International Day of Girls in ICT. Aleksandra Bošković, General Manager of Bild Studio, held a lecture on that occasion at the elementary school “Pavle Rovinski” and brought closer the IT world  to the 7th grade pupils.

Just until recently, the IT industry was considered as the male sphere; however, in the recent decade, more talk about the role of women who are contributing to the advancement of the IT sector. The International Day of Girls in ICT is marked with the aim of raising the awareness of girls about the importance of information-communication technologies and their ability to build a career in a wide range of IT jobs.

Aleksandra Boskovic informed 7-graders about successful women in history, real revolutionaries in their fields, who bravely fought with prejudices about women and their social possibilities. Girls recognized some of the names from history books and popular movies. Florence Nightingale, the first modern nurse, dared to go to the battlefield even though it was considered immoral for a woman at the time. Her contribution to statistical research of diseases and categorization of the most common causes of death on the battlefield, a medical oath to nurses/ technicians, are just some of the things that have left a deep mark in history.

For the first time, these pupils met the term “suffragette”, on the example of significant women who fought for the legal equality of men and women. On the other hand, Coco Chanel was a known name for girls, a woman who changed the fashion and struggled for a better position of women in society, with strong influence on women’s fashion. Marie Curie, French physicist and chemist, Rosalind Franklin, British biophysicist and crystallographer, Amelia Earhart, aviator, Valentina Tereshkova, astronaut, are just a few of the mentioned women that marked the 20th century.

The girls were particularly interested in hearing more about the great achievements of women in the IT sector: Ada Lovelace, who made the first counting machine, Grace Hopper, who is, among other, responsible for the idea of writing a  programming language in English (FLOW-MATIC is the first such programming language used to create the first high-level programming language COBOL), then Margaret Hamilton, which enabled landing on the Moon using code.

Aleksandra used Bild Studio as a case study to describe all different jobs in the IT industry, by presenting each woman in Bild individually and explaining their role in the agency and its departments: software development, web and mobile applications development, website development, software testing, design, project management, marketing, finance. At the very end, the students were introduced with a few tools that can already be used if they are interested in IT:

  • Lisa Explains it All – educational site for website development,
  • Duolingo – application for learning foreign languages,
  • CODE – code learning for children,
  • Khan Academy – useful not only for coding, but for learning math, art, economics, etc,
  •  Alice – an educational program that teaches children how to make 3D animations,
  • Scratch – an animation and game creation program.

Particularly interesting was seeing young girls catching notes and advice on their smart phones. No paper was seen in the classroom. :)

We are very pleased to have celebrated this day and encouraged girls in elementary school to think about their future call, demystifying the position of women in the IT sector. We hope this lecture has tickled their imagination, bringing them a notion of a  bright IT future. We have seen a few eye sparkles in the classroom. :)

The Steering Committee of The Association of Montenegrin Managers awarded the most successful managers and entrepreneurs in Montenegro, of which Tarik Zaimović, Bild Studio’s director, received an award for the manager of the year in small companies.

Source: Association of Montenegrin Managers

Tarik Zaimović has been part of a Bild Studio development for 10 years now, which resulted in a successful agency that now offers a wide range of services (design; video and user experience, web design, web, mobile applications and software development, website development, hosting, marketing, consultancy and professional training). With his dedication to work, constant learning and clear vision, Bild Studio has become the fastest growing agency in the country with over 1000 successful projects.

Such results could not be achieved without successful management, which is reflected in defined vision, initiative, risk readiness, teamwork, quality planning and the ability to anticipate changes and new market opportunities.

Source: Association of Montenegrin Managers

A public competition for the award had a good response, as 156 proposals were received, of which 90 candidates were accepted in 11 different categories. The annual awards of the Association of Montenegrin Managers were given in the following categories:

  • Manager of the year in large companies and joint stock companies – Vladimir Lučić, Executive Director of Telecommunication Company Mtel;
  • Entrepreneur of the year, two equal awards: Hilmija Franca, General Manager of Meso-traffic and Gojko Bajović, General Director of Okov;
  • Manager of the year in medium – sized companies – Ljilja Pižurica, Executive Director of Neregelia;
  • Manager of the year in small companies – Tarik Zaimović, Director of Bild Studio;
  • Manager of the year in micro enterprises – Dragan Babić, CEO of D Photo Trade;
  • Young Manager of the Year – Mitar Jokić, Executive Director of Niksic Mlin;
  • Manager of the year in public companies – Dragan Laketić, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CES;
  • Project Manager of the Year – Veselin M. Kovačević, CEO of Bemax;
  • Manager of the year in public institutions and local administrations – Nebojša Kavarić, Director of the PHI Podgorica Health Center;
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Milan J. Perović, Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Montenegro;
  • The best institution for education and manager training – Faculty of Economics in Podgorica.

Source: Association of Montenegrin Managers

This award is a remarkable incentive for all Montenegrin companies, regardless of their size and activity, because promoting successful leadership can make our companies more competitive, improve the quality of our products and services, and stimulate the development of the domestic economy.

Source: Association of Montenegrin Managers

Award ceremony was held on April 27 at the Hilton Hotel.

We had a great honor to be sponsors of the 22nd Scientific Conference “Information Technology – Present and Future“, organized by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Montenegro, held in Žabljak, from 27th February to 4th March. The event was attended by more than 300 experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia and Turkey.

We presented Bild Studio in a slightly different way than usual. Gatherings, which involve a large number of students, professors and employers, are a great opportunity to present our internship programs as a long-term solution to the problem of lack of adequate staff on the market of Montenegro, hoping that others will follow our example. So far, 47 people were trained through various programs, which involved practical and theoretical work in order to meet the demands of the modern market, which are changing faster than the teaching program of formal education.

After the presentation of the companies, registered teams of students divided in groups and engaged in the Internet of Things (IoTON) and (Hackathon) programming competition. Our software engineer, Lindon Camaj, had the honor to be part of the jury that decided on the winners of this year’s Hackathon. Students were asked to write a program that simulates a simple graphics editor, and additional task was to create a graphical user interface (GUI) for the editor.

All of the companies, sponsors of this year’s IT conference, provided appropriate gifts for the participants of both competitions. For winners of this year’s Hackathon, Bild Studio donated Arduino robot kit,  three books in the field of programming and participation in our internship program for developers.

This year’s IT conference ended in traditional gathering in the hotel “Žabljak”, where winners of IoTON and Hackathon received their awards, while sponsors and friends of this year’s conference received a thank you gift. Impressions were not settled until the morning after.

As hoped, Žabljak weather treated us right, we enjoyed plenty of ideas and good organization. We are pleased to have been a part of the IT conference and will continue to participate in such events in the future.

Bild Studio representative, product manager Petar Dragas attended round table organized by Acosiation for democratic prosperity – ZID, on the topic “Unemployment of young professionals in the risk of marginalization for bad socio-economic standing and location of residence”

On the round table outline for national reporting on the topic of unemployment of youth and factors affecting it were presented. Report was created based on qualitative research conducted from February to May of this year. 

concerning fact is that in Montenegro up to 45% of youth age from 15 to 24 is unemployed, moreover percent of young, mostly  those with university degree in total employment takes only 19,10%. 
In addition to the fact that Montenegro stands out by the lower unemployment rate of young people compared to the countries in the region, more concerning is the fact that very high number of those with university degrees is unemployed. 

One of the reasons may be hyper-production of highly educated people, as well as, bad economic conditions. 

One of the results show that higher chances for employment have young people capable of conducting more tasks or have ability of multitasking, as well as, those with knowledge of advanced technologies capable of using them professionally in work. 

We use this opportunity to thank ADP – ZID for the invitation to actively participate in this round table, and through constructive dialogue give our contribution to better and wider problem perception and possible solutions.