Educational qualification degree: BACHELOR
Form of education: FULL-TIME, PART-TIME
Study duration: 4 YEARS
Higher education field: 3. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND LEGAL SCIENCES
Professional orientation: 3.7. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
Professional qualification: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MANAGER
ECTS credits: 240
I. SPECIALTY PROFILE
The Bachelor’s program in the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” in the professional direction 3.7. “Administration and Management” has a professional qualification “Artificial Intelligence Manager”. The program is offered in full-time and part-time forms of study. The disciplines in the curriculum are divided into three areas – mandatory, mandatory elective and optional. Bachelors are trained according to the credit system, which allows for quality of training, in accordance with EU requirements and directives. The training is implemented through theoretical training and practice in the field of management and artificial intelligence.
The training in the specialty aims to prepare highly qualified specialists who are able to respond to new challenges in the business environment, to be informed about new technologies and artificial intelligence. This is also the leading factor in developing the curriculum and curricula – training of managers based on national and international experience, introducing good practices and ethical standards. The qualification profile is a basic document determining the development of the curriculum and study programs. It is in accordance with the Law on Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria, the Regulation on the State Requirements for Acquiring the Bachelor’s Degree, the National Classification of Professions, the National Qualification Framework of the Republic of Bulgaria (RMS No. 96/ 02.02.2012) and the regulations of the Higher School of Telecommunications and Post.
The qualification profile has been developed based on the principles, requirements and standards of the Council of Europe Resolutions on academic education, the competencies set out in the European and Qualification Profiles, as well as the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), providing opportunities for mobility of students and teachers, practices and internships abroad and participation in inter-university seminars.
II. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SPECIALTY
The aim of “Management and artificial intelligence” specialty for Bachelor degree of study is to meet the growing need for talented professionals with skills and advanced applied knowledge to develop, evaluate, improve and implement in the management of applications and technologies related to artificial intelligence. It also emphasizes the management and leadership skills necessary to achieve both the strategic and operational goals of organizations through sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in the globalized world, which requires modern training, preparing highly qualified specialists in the field of management and artificial intelligence.
The main goal and additional goals are highlighted, with the following meaning:
Main goal
The main purpose of the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” for the Bachelor’s degree is to create the necessary conditions for the professional training of managers with specialized competencies, who can be realized in the labor market and occupy job positions in the business sector, the IT sector, technical and managerial positions in high-tech enterprises, as well as develop successful entrepreneurial business in the conditions of Industry 5.0. The specialty aims to develop technologically competent leaders and professionals who possess knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of value creation processes in an increasingly high-tech environment. Through general theoretical and specialized training, graduates of the specialty acquire practical knowledge, allowing them to quickly adapt to new requirements in the field of artificial intelligence.
Additional goals
The training in the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” for the Bachelor’s degree is related not only to the preparation of highly qualified managers, but also has additional objectives for their motivation, creating lifelong learning habits, refreshing and accumulating new knowledge in the field of management and, more specifically, in the use and handling of artificial intelligence and the digital transformation of business. For the training of students, it is important to develop their intellectual potential, to perceive digital culture, to have ethical and moral norms of behavior. These additional objectives relate to the creation of responsible managers, capable of working and making decisions in a high-tech environment, to adapt to digital changes and challenges.
Objectives:
1. Acquisition of modern knowledge, skills and competencies that are relevant to digital entrepreneurship and work with artificial intelligence.
2. Creation of conditions for an educational environment that motivates students to generate modern, up-to-date and reliable information about trends and business practices when working with artificial intelligence, when generating artificial intelligence and its development in an entrepreneurial environment.
3. Stimulating the creative potential and abilities of students to solve cases, management issues and practical problems that require innovative ideas and adequate behavior in a high-tech environment.
4. Promoting communication and open dialogue, a prerequisite for students’ research activity in the educational process, their scientific and artistic and creative activities.
5. Conditions for personal expression, ignoring differences and discrimination of students in the educational process, an equal start, regardless of gender, physiology, age, ethnicity, etc.
6. Inter-university and international mobility of students, allowing them to compare systems and good practices in the field of education, science and work and the generation of artificial intelligence – improving acquired knowledge, skills and professional experience.
7. Access of students to information resources and halls with modern equipment, which allow for a learning process with theoretical knowledge and work in a high-tech university and business environment.
8. Domestic, administrative and career support for students on UTP campus, provision of scholarships, awards, certificates, etc.
III. QUALIFICATION STANDARD
III.1. Structure and organization of the educational process
Teaching in the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” meets the European requirements for modern education, combined with the tradition and practice of related universities in the country and abroad. The curriculum is based on the theory, experience and practice of management and the generation of artificial intelligence, borrowed and approved by leading universities, on the business activities of high-tech companies, developing and achieving leading market positions. The specialty is distinguished by a unique profile, combining management, various IT competencies and practical experience in high-tech production and systems. The specialty emphasizes the specificity of management and artificial intelligence, and the educational process involves qualified and experienced teachers, proven specialists in the scientific field. Students receive fundamental, specialized and practical knowledge in their professional training in an academic and real environment.
The curriculum is structured in blocks in semesters based on compulsory, compulsory elective and optional subjects in the field of management and artificial intelligence in the business sphere.
The compulsory block includes the subjects that build the theoretical preparation of the students and the acquired knowledge and competencies in the field of management. The subjects are structured according to functional areas in the educational process – from those related to the specialty to disciplines with a narrow profile in the professional field, with a balance between them. An integral part of the curriculum are the seminar and practical modules accompanying the lecture courses.
The compulsory elective subjects from the curriculum enrich the preparation of students in the specialty by providing them with specialized knowledge in the field of management and the work and generation of artificial intelligence. They complement the fundamental block in the specialty and reveal the connection between the theoretical foundations of general engineering and the knowledge that is needed in the field of management and artificial intelligence. Compulsory elective subjects profile the preparation of students in the specialty.
Optional subjects provide general knowledge to students in relation to their interests, goals and needs in the specialty. These subjects in the curriculum play a supporting role in the educational process.
Students can participate in extracurricular work, which increases interest in the specialty and the desire to appear in the professional field. Through formal and informal contacts for participation in projects of the University of Telecommunications and Post, scientific societies, clubs, student scientific sessions, etc., students are committed to the cause of the specialty, announcing their interests at national and institutional scientific forums, round tables, etc.
The methodology of teaching, training and assessment is in line with the European forms and directives for the quality of education and lifelong learning. The specialty applies avant-garde and effective forms of training, combining theory and practice of leading companies in the country and abroad. The problem-based approach is widely used, using real-life cases for which a practical solution is sought. The emphasis is on modern, non-traditional, innovative and creative teaching methods, digital simulation of business and role-playing games, digital and practical cases, discussions and presentations in real and online environments. The learning process is accompanied by lectures and online demonstrations, individual and group tasks, subsequent solutions, practical examples and visits to organizations.
The curriculum of the specialty encourages a multidisciplinary orientation, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of business and technology. The development of an entrepreneurial culture among students is encouraged through the practice of innovative and creative thinking.
A student-centered approach is used, which aims at the active participation of students in the educational process. To stimulate student activity in the practices, emphasis is placed on observation, information and knowledge, creativity, public speaking and presentation skills in real and online environments, independent and team work, etc. The assessment of the acquired knowledge and skills is carried out within the discipline (module, project, assignment) through a written exam (test or open questions) or based on the forms listed above – course projects, multimedia presentations, video conferences, digital practices.
III.2. Acquired knowledge, skills and competences
The training in the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” encompasses multidisciplinary training, oriented towards the formation of modern managers, acquiring up-to-date knowledge, skills and competencies necessary in the labor market. The envisaged framework of knowledge, skills and competencies is in line with national legislation and European requirements for acquiring higher education, so that the training managers are prepared for the new trends in the conditions of Industry 4.0 and the upcoming Industry 5.0. The specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” is unique in that it provides a combination of insightful management knowledge and basic skills in the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis. In this way, students are prepared to face the challenges of an increasingly dynamic and globalized environment within the framework of Industry 5.0.
The Bachelor in “Management and Artificial Intelligence” responds to the growing demand in the global labor market for professionals and leaders in today’s high-tech economy. Students have the opportunity to become familiar with theories that provide a deeper understanding of the ongoing technological revolution and the related social and business changes. In addition, students will master the tools for multidimensional analysis of digitalization processes and will acquire the necessary skills for identifying, acquiring, storing and analyzing large data sets (Big Data).
Field and scope of knowledge
Graduates of the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence”:
• have theoretical foundations to interpret, analyze and evaluate events, situations and facts related to digital entrepreneurship and the work and generation of artificial intelligence;
• are familiar with current business models and business practices in digital technologies and systems;
• know the basics of marketing 5.0. and digital marketing models;
• know the specifics of the IT sector, policies, programs and projects;
• know new technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality, and their impact on the development of society and the economy;
• know neural networks and machine learning techniques used in business;
• know the ethical standards for working with artificial intelligence.
Field and scope of the skills
Graduates of the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence”:
• are able to handle research methods and management practices, to apply them in the field of digital entrepreneurship and work with artificial intelligence;
• possess management skills;
• possess leadership skills;
• possess entrepreneurial skills;
• possess project management skills;
• possess innovation management skills;
• possess skills in the field of marketing 5.0. and digital marketing models;
• possess skills in working with and generating content with artificial intelligence;
• possess skills in creating and supplementing databases in artificial intelligence systems;
• possess data visualization skills;
• possess skills in building a digital organizational culture;
• possess skills in managing digital transformation;
• possess skills in applying digital leadership styles;
• possess skills in creating and developing digital entrepreneurship;
• have skills for analysis, synthesis and making management decisions in the IT sector;
• have skills for using modern IT technologies;
• have skills for building and managing digital teams;
• have skills for communication in a cyber environment.
Competences
The competencies that will be acquired by students who have graduated from the “Management and Artificial Intelligence” specialty are reduced to:
• Independence and responsibility
Graduates of the specialty:
– clearly define the goals and objectives in the digital entrepreneurial environment;
– use in practice the theory of analyzing problems related to technology management and the role of technology in modern society;
– apply strategic planning techniques to the problems of a given organization;
– apply business models developed in Industry 5.0;
– apply digital marketing models in practice;
– take responsibility for the results of the digital business;
– take responsibility for working with people in a digital environment;
– demonstrate initiative, innovation and managerial creativity in a digital environment;
– take responsibility for the transformation of processes in the digital business.
• Learning competencies
Graduates of the specialty:
– assess their professional competencies and those of the people they work with;
– monitor trends and trends in the development of artificial intelligence;
– monitor changes and transformations in digital business;
– monitor innovations in the IT sector and the development of business technologies;
– implement a lifelong learning strategy and develop their careers.
• Communicative and social competencies
Graduates of the specialty:
– develop communication skills for working in a digital environment;
– develop skills for communicating with artificial intelligence;
– develop leadership skills for influencing in a digital environment;
– uphold people’s positions and ethical standards in the cyber environment;
– create an attitude for motivation and adaptation of people in a digital environment;
– are socially responsible towards digital business and comply with ethical standards.
• Professional competencies
Graduates of the specialty:
– will be prepared to become future leaders in the management of high-tech organizations and projects in the modern economy driven by technology;
– demonstrate a deep understanding of the contemporary needs of companies, as well as a strong awareness of the phenomena and trends in their corporate environment;
– are able to identify, evaluate and apply modern business and management models;
– have in-depth theoretical and practical training in the field of management, entrepreneurship, business processes, information technologies, the creation of databases in artificial intelligence systems, working with artificial intelligence, generating content with the help of artificial intelligence;
– have knowledge and competencies in the use of modern information and communication technologies;
– have knowledge and competencies in the analysis, synthesis and making management decisions in the digital entrepreneurial environment;
– apply innovative methods and strategies in conditions of business digitization;
– offer management solutions for changing and improving business processes in the context of digital transformation.
IV. MAIN RESULTS OF THE STUDIES
The training in the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” is carried out in accordance with the requirements for holding a bachelor’s degree in accordance with the European directives for the training of students and occupying positions under the Unified Job Classification in the Republic of Bulgaria.
Managers who have successfully received a bachelor’s degree can realize themselves in the IT sector, develop digital entrepreneurship, be successful leaders in the digital organizational and institutional environment, and occupy positions in cybersecurity and protection, knowing the mechanisms of entrepreneurship in a digital environment and working with artificial intelligence.
V. STANDARD ADMISSION CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS. RULES FOR PREVIOUS STUDIES RECOGNITION
During the course of study (after successfully passing exams), students of the specialty may transfer to another higher education institution or be accepted by one in the country and abroad, as the disciplines in which they were trained:
• are equated as mandatory (or are similar), according to the curriculum;
• are recognized as elective, if they correspond to the professional field;
• are accepted as optional, if they correspond to those set out in the curriculum.
The conditions and requirements for admission and the procedure for recognizing previous education are regulated on the basis of national regulatory bases and European directives, internal regulatory acts of the UTP, Regulations on the organization and activities of UTP, Regulation on educational activities at UTP.
VI. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
The entire course of study ends with the defense of a thesis or a comprehensive state exam in the specialty. Students who complete the full course of study in the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” receive an educational and qualification degree “Bachelor” in professional field 3.7. “Administration and Management”, professional qualification “Artificial Intelligence Manager” in accordance with the National Classifier of Higher Education Fields and Professional Fields, and in accordance with the state requirements for acquiring higher education in the Republic of Bulgaria.
VII. OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL REALIZATION
Graduates of the “Management and Artificial Intelligence” specialty can occupy professions and positions in the field of management that require work with artificial intelligence, such as:
• managers of high-tech companies;
• AI product management;
• managers in the field of management and analysis of large data sets;
• managers of automated processes;
• digital transformation management;
• IT/AI/ML consultants;
• management of technological innovations;
• managers in service organizations, telecommunications companies, high-tech companies and data analysis research centers;
• digital project management managers;
• managers in various units and divisions in high-tech enterprises;
• successful entrepreneurs in a digital business environment;
• experts in digital entrepreneurship;
• managers generating content based on artificial intelligence and working with artificial intelligence;
• analysts and consultants in digital business.
Students with scientific potential and creative inclinations are provided with the opportunity to participate in student sessions and forms with provided certificates, preparation for work with projects (research and under EU OPs), opportunities for scientific work with participation in conferences, scientific journals, collections, etc.
By studying the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence”, students can enroll in additional courses and practical seminars in the field of their professional realization – “Administration and Management”.
Graduates of the specialty “Management and Artificial Intelligence” with a Bachelor’s degree:
• acquire the professional qualification “Artificial Intelligence Manager”;
• can work in various positions and positions in high-tech enterprises;
• have the opportunity to acquire a second or other higher education in a Bachelor’s degree;
• have the option to upgrade their education in a Master’s degree;
• develop their competencies based on continuing education on the principle of “lifelong learning”.