Successful Jury Defense Showcases Innovative Research by MSc in Business Administration Students at Epoka University

On June 19, the final thesis defenses of Master of Science in Business Administration students Era Vlashi and Dea Qato were successfully held at Epoka University. The theses were supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja and evaluated by esteemed jury members Dr. Besjon Zenelaj and Dr. Vilma Cekani.

Era Vlashi presented her thesis titled "Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Sport Organizations: The Case of the Albanian Football Federation." Her study delved into the integration of innovation and entrepreneurial practices within the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF). By utilizing a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews with FSHF staff and thematic analysis through NVivo software, Vlashi identified both the opportunities and the barriers to fostering an innovative culture within the federation. Her findings revealed a strong recognition of innovation's role in ensuring long-term sustainability, yet highlighted challenges such as structural, cultural, and financial constraints. The study emphasized the importance of leadership commitment and international collaborations as key enablers of change. Furthermore, it showcased FSHF’s efforts to balance its social mission with commercial strategies through digitalization, partnerships, and grassroots development programs. Vlashi concluded with practical recommendations aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in non-profit sports organizations, particularly in developing countries like Albania.

Dea Qato defended her thesis entitled "The Power of Mentoring in Start-Up Growth in Albania: An Exploratory Study." Qato’s research explored the pivotal role of mentoring in shaping the growth of early-stage start-ups in Albania. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with mentors and mentees from local acceleration programs, she uncovered how mentorship goes beyond technical business guidance to build confidence, clarity, and resilience among young entrepreneurs. Her findings illustrated that effective mentoring helps start-up founders refine crucial aspects of their business models—including value propositions, customer segmentation, and revenue strategies—while also providing essential emotional support. Qato emphasized that trust, compatibility, and continuous learning are foundational to successful mentorship, particularly in Albania's evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her work offers valuable insights into how well-structured mentoring programs can drive innovation, strategic growth, and sustained success in start-ups.

Both defenses were met with high praise from the jury for their originality, methodological rigor, and relevance to the Albanian and broader regional context. The event highlighted Epoka University’s continued commitment to supporting research that addresses real-world challenges and promotes entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets among its students.