BIP

Session Descriptions

Session: Social Entrepreneurship in Czechia
Instructor: Dr. Ondrej Krocil
Classroom: 1.09

Who are Czech social entrepreneurs? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Czechia? What role does Palacký University play in it? These and other questions will be explored during Monday’s session.

Tuesday, 21 April:

Discussion: Social entrepreneurship in our BIP participating countries
Instructor: Dr. Ondrej Krocil
Classroom: 1.09

European countries bring different approaches to social entrepreneurship and examples of good practice. During the online component of the BIP, students will be asked to prepare answers to pre-assigned questions. Tuesday's discussion will be dedicated to a comparison of social entrepreneurship systems in Czechia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Romania, Poland and Denmark including approaches to social entrepreneurship education.

Session: Soft Skills for Social Enterprise Leaders
Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Jaroslava Kubatova
Classroom: 1.09

What does it take to be a leader in social entrepreneurship across different cultural contexts? This session first explores global patterns of engagement in social entrepreneurship, drawing on GLOBE Project data. Next, insights from DEMS's own research are used to identify the core soft skills for social enterprise leaders. Finally, science-based practices are presented to develop one particular key soft skill at the individual level. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion about lessons learned and future directions for developing soft skills in social enterprise leadership.

Wednesday, 22 April:

Session: Project Mindset in Social Enterprises
Instructors: Dr. David Kosina, Dr. Michal Muller
Classroom: 1.09

This 90-minute session explores how the key pillars of the project mindset can be applied in the context of social enterprises. Before the class, participants will complete a short self-study task introducing the basic principles of project mindset. The on-site session will combine brief tutor input with group work, in which students will develop possible project solutions for real or realistic challenges faced by social enterprises. The session will conclude with a short debriefing and sharing of ideas across groups.

Session: How can we evaluate the social benefits of social entrepreneurship? And is it even possible?
Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Jarmila Zimmermannova
Classroom: 1.09

In this workshop, we will first focus on the issue of social benefits and costs. What is the difference between private and social costs/benefits? To better understand this, we will play a simple game related to social costs in environmental protection. This will be followed by a discussion focused on methods that can be used to evaluate social benefits. Is it possible to quantify all benefits? How can we evaluate the social benefits of social entrepreneurship? We will go through specific examples that illustrate the methods we can use. We will then apply one of the methods to a specific example of social entrepreneurship.

Friday, 24 April:

Final Workshop: Reflection and Shared Insights
Instructors: Dr. David Kosina, Dr. Michal Muller
Classroom change to: 1.12

This final workshop will conclude the intensive week by giving students space to reflect on their learning experience and take part in a broader discussion of social entrepreneurship in practice. The session will combine interactive activities, feedback, and guided discussion, together with a short input based on practical observations from the field. Overall, the workshop is intended as a reflective and participatory closing session connecting student experience with wider perspectives on good practice in social entrepreneurship.

Practical Information

Here are some useful tips and guidelines to help you prepare for your on-site week at Palacký University Olomouc.

Important: Please fill out the pre-arrival questionnaire by Monday, 13 April, evening – especially regarding dietary restrictions and allergies, as well as other practical information.

How to reach us

• Getting to Olomouc: To get to Olomouc from the major airports nearby (Prague, Brno, Vienna), please follow the instructions on this link: https://www.upol.cz/welcome-office/arrival-to-up/

• Getting to the dormitory: Most students will be acommodated at the Generál Svoboda Dormitory. Follow this link, and then scroll down for the directions: https://skm.upol.cz/en/accommodation/envelopa-campus/#c3816 

• Getting to the department: The Department of Economic and Managerial Studies is located in the historical city centre: 

Faculty of Arts of Palacký University in Olomouc
Department of Economic and Managerial Studies
Křížkovského 12
779 00 Olomouc

• To reach us using public city transport, you can take tram numbers 2, 3, or 4 from the main train station in Olomouc. Tram number 4 is also convenient if you're traveling from the main bus terminal. Get off at the U Dómu tram stop, then turn left onto Wurmova Street. Walk approximately 200 meters along the street to its end, where it curves right and becomes Křížkovského Street. Besides that, Olomouc is also a very walker-friendly city.

Meeting Points

• Registration, all sessions, discussion and workshop will take place at the The Department of Economic and Managerial Studies, Křížkovského 12.
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Classroom 1.09
  Friday: Classroom 1.12
• Please arrive 5–10 minutes before each session.
• Meeting points for field visits and leisure activities will be communicated in the WhatsApp group.

Communication

• Join the WhatsApp group for daily updates, meeting reminders, and tips about lunch or transport.

Lunch & Snacks

• At lunchtime, some restaurants serve only "menu meals". It's a set lunch with a few options, usually cheaper than ordering individually. It includes a main dish, and sometimes a soup or dessert. Good deal for a complete lunch! 
• Daily coffee breaks and light snacks will be provided at the department.

Wi‑Fi & Devices

• Wi‑Fi is available on campus. Login information will be provided on arrival.
• Bring your laptop or tablet if you indicated it in the pre-arrival questionnaire, as some sessions will involve online tools and group work.

Weather & Clothing

• April in Olomouc can be cool in the mornings and evenings, and warmer during the day. Bring layers and comfortable walking shoes for excursions.

Local Tips

• Olomouc is safe and very walkable. The historic city center is ideal for exploring after sessions.
• Keep some cash (Czech koruna, CZK) for small purchases; most places accept cards, but some local cafés may prefer cash.
• Tap water is safe to drink.

Health & Safety

• If you have any dietary restrictions or medical conditions, please inform the organisers immediately.
• Emergency number in the Czech Republic: 112