# Unlocking Street-Smart Strategies: A Journey Through the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) - Savonia AMK

> Embark on a journey of discovery: The BIP unfolds street-smart thinking in business.

## Overview
Savonia’s International Business Degree Programme, in collaboration with HELMo University College (Liege – Belgium), NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (Leeuwarden – The Netherlands), and Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (Kaunas – Lithuania), recently organized a BIP themed “Street Smart.” The programme included two preliminary virtual sessions in February 2024, followed by an intensive study week at Savonia’s campus in Kuopio from March 11th to 15th, 2024. Twenty-four students, including four from Savonia’s BBA programme, participated in six teams carefully curated to ensure diverse perspectives and effective collaboration.

## Real-World Challenges
During the intensive week, teams tackled challenges provided by local companies in the Kuopio area, including:
* Prisma shopping center
* Bella Boats company
* Hydroline Oy

Each team was tasked with developing solutions to their assigned case, fostering critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills.

## Student Expectations and Methodology
Before the program began, students had a variety of expectations, ranging from gaining fresh perspectives to delving into street-smart thinking and company operations. Throughout the BIP, teams employed various strategies, including teamwork, strategic planning, research, and collaboration tools like Canva and AI. They embraced design thinking principles, prioritized customer needs, and sought guidance from mentors to develop innovative solutions.

## Outcomes and Cultural Exchange
Despite encountering challenges such as language barriers and time constraints, teams demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The cultural exchange component enriched students’ understanding of street-smart thinking in business, exposing them to diverse perspectives from different cultures. Presenting solutions to local companies at the Savonia’s Campus Heart provided a public speaking experience that students found both rewarding and transformative.

## Acknowledgments
This article was finalized with the collaborative input of all participating students and teachers.

**Contributing Teachers:**
* Rint Henstra
* Johanne Lambert
* Simona Jankauskaite

**Contributing Students:**
* Junyan Chen
* Cléo Martin
* Maurits Gramsma
* Océane Marchand
* Zara Marium
* Alyssa Koster
* Julien Mobers
* Nilgun Kurtar
* Luna Gelhay
* Evelina Cariova
* Adomas Kybartas
* Brigita Rokaitė
* Amelie Lira Sanchez
* Célia Hubaille
* Lola Maisse
* Sujana Tandukar
* Augustas Staras
* Salka Bidel
* Elyse Kammelar
* Myranda Houkpati

**Editorial Team:**
* Abdelazim Hannoura (Senior lecturer)
* Özerk Göker (Senior lecturer)
* Jade Jimenez Salgado (Teacher)
* Gerly Matihaldi (Teacher)