Yalova University Department of Business Administration Hosted the International Business Management Study Trip
The Department of Business Administration at Yalova University hosted a significant event as part of the 2025 International Business Management (IBM) Study Trip. This year’s destination for the annual study trip, organized by the University of Northampton in England, was Yalova, held from April 28 to May 2, 2025. A delegation of 41 students and 4 academics from the University of Northampton participated in the program.
Throughout the intensive week of academic and cultural exchange, which began on Tuesday, April 29, students from both Northampton and Yalova Universities engaged in a variety of collaborative activities. The preparation and coordination of the workshop were led by Prof. Dr. Selami Özcan, Head of the Department of Business Administration at Yalova University, with support from Vice Heads Dr. Özlem Usman, Dr. Vedat Demirkol, and Dr. Vildan Taşlı Karabulut. From the University of Northampton, Dr. Kiran Kaur, Dr. Deniz Meriç, Dr. Khaza Ahmed, and Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun played key roles in the successful implementation of the program.
The study trip commenced with a welcome speech by Yalova University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Senay Yürür, followed by an introductory presentation about the university. Presentations continued with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Ünlü on “Business Management Education in Turkey” and Dr. Vildan Taşlı Karabulut on “Turkish Culture and Business Management.”
As part of the program, students delivered group presentations on topics including cultural comparisons, communication barriers, leadership, and innovation in the business world. To foster interaction and engagement between students from both universities, a series of icebreaker activities and business plan workshops based on market research were conducted.
At the end of the first day, student teams showed performance in "Sailaway competition" and presented original marine vehicle design projects produced from sustainable and recycled products. The designs were evaluated based on creativity, durability, and aesthetics, with the seventh design receiving first prize.
On the second day, participants visited the Paper Museum in Yalova, where they explored the historical development of paper. In the afternoon, as part of concurrent business visits, the group toured the AKSA Factory and Proses T.I.M. Later, they visited the "Samast Ornamental Plants Enterprise" within Garden A.Ş., further enriching their field experience.
On May 1, participants explored Istanbul’s historic and cultural landmarks, gaining firsthand experience of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. The program concluded on May 2, and the delegation returned to the UK.
A collaborative meeting was also held between the Business Departments of Yalova University and the University of Northampton to discuss participation in the ICOBS 2025 Conference, scheduled for late October or early November. The host department also shared information regarding the involvement of Northampton students in the upcoming event.
Throughout the program, Yalova University business students played an active role as volunteers. Each guest student was paired with a Yalova student, significantly enhancing academic and social interaction.
The event was coordinated with valuable contributions from research assistants İlknur Koçyiğit Bayniş, Merve Erarslan Tuğcu, Mustafa Yılmaz, Dr. Halil İbrahim Zengin, Dr. Hacer Öztürk, Dr. Tuğba Cengiz, Gökçen Evci, Hakan Baltacı, Dr. Hümeyra Yılmaz, Filiz Ercan Yıldırım, and Dr. Gülnur Haçat Yılmazoğlu.
Such international events are considered highly beneficial in fostering global perspectives by encouraging the exchange of knowledge and culture between students and academics. The Department of Business Administration at Yalova University remains committed to hosting similar academic collaborations in line with its internationalization vision.
