Looking ahead six years, this Strategic Plan will provide continuity and reaffirms our continuing commitment to excellence in following five themes:
The PIR provides a teaching and learning environment in line with the contemporary best practices. The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, presentations, projects, essays, exams, internships and quizzes. All of these have helped the students to be prepared better for their further studies and for their career prospects. However, the teaching and particularly learning environment is not at the level expected from the department, as learning opportunities besides the lessons are very limited. The PIR will need to take vigorous steps in the next six years to improve the teaching quality and provide a quality environment of learning for students.
Specific goals for the Theme 1
Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 1.
The number of student enrolments to PIR according to Epoka University’s standards has been low, but much better in national terms when compared with other universities in Albania offering degrees in political science and/or international relations. 23 students were enrolled to the PIR’s freshman class in 2016, about 10% year on increase and about 15% international students. Increasingly the entering class has become stronger, with better average and more diverse. Perceived difficulties as regards the “profession” of political scientist or of a graduate of international relations as being “no profession” is often questioned and there are questions in the minds of the potential students as regards the “employability” chances after finishing the PIR. The PIR’s student numbers are second lowest in the EPOKA University and PIR aims for higher number of students. Since 2008 the freshmen pool has ranged between 11 and 30. But, even maintaining the current number is not possible without high quality in teaching and research. For the PIR to be able to attract more students we must reach out better to potential students, continue to listen very carefully to our students and enhance student life and student satisfaction.
Specific goals for the Theme 2
Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 2.
The PIR provides three study programs at the Master's level: 1. Master of Science in political science and international relations, 2. Master of Science in European Studies and 3. Professional Master in political science and international relations. In 2016, the PIR's new master student enrolment was 6, a small percentage growth. There have been no enrolments in 2016 to Master of Science in European Studies and to Professional Master in political science and international relations. Increasing the master student population and improving the quality of teaching and research at master level are priorities.
Specific goals for the Theme 3.
Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 3.
The PIR offers a PhD study programme in the field of political science and international relations. In 2015, the PIR had its PhD program reviewed by international faculty and by the national accreditation authorities. It went successful. The evaluation was positive and accreditation was received. In 2016, the PIR's doctorate student enrolment was 4. The rate of enrolment is highest at Epoka. To meet the expectations of the PhD students, the PIR needs to be ready to offer quality teaching, research and learning opportunities for doctorate students. Only associate professors can supervise the PhD students and currently the PIR has only one full time staff member with an associate professorship; and each professor can have maximum two candidates for supervision. With these rules in place, the PIR has no internal absorption capacity to meet the needs of all PhD applicants. Therefore, it will need to rely on part-time or external faculty for supervision of PhD students.
Specific goals for the Theme 4.
Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 4.
While over the years number of publications by PIR’s faculty has increased, the number of overall publications and specifically with impact factor is very limited. The faculty benefits from financial assistance provided by the University for attending research conferences, assistance for research projects and the faculty that have had publications receive financial compensation. Despite these incentives, the progress as regards research outputs has not seen growth and does not always compare well with other departments at EPOKA. Vigorous research and paper writing efforts will be needed over the next six years to enhance our research and academic standing as a department. Improving our standings in research and publications benchmarks makes PIR to have more welcoming environment in the eyes of students, staff, alumni and stakeholders.
Specific goals for the Theme 5
Measures in order to reach mentioned goals under Theme 5.