SUMMER SCHOOLS

The summer school was organised as a Blended Intensive programme (BIP) with a physical and a virtual part.

Virtual part

The virtual segment of the 10th International Logistics Summer School, titled “Sustainable Travel: Re-defining the autonomous Drones will make last-mile deliveries in the future on sustainable travel practices. This segment was structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism, focusing on the main topics under the theme of “Sustainable Aspects of Travel.”

One of the key elements of the program was a detailed examination of the business model of a dispersed hotel. This topic was dissected through various sub-topics, offering participants an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of sustainable hospitality management. This part of the course aimed to foster a deeper understanding of how dispersed hotels can contribute to sustainable tourism while maintaining a profitable business model.

An engaging and innovative case competition titled “Pack a Green Suitcase! ” was a significant part of the virtual program. Participants were presented with various problems to solve, which included raising awareness among mass tourists about sustainable travel, greening transportation methods, and developing sustainable mobility solutions for destinations. One key challenge was designing a business model for a dispersed hotel in six defined destinations, specifically targeting a group identified in a case study featuring an archetype of an unsustainably oriented tourist, Mr. Klimko Netrajnostnik (Clemes Non-Sustainable).

The case study also addressed the actual problems of local communities, particularly those affected by floods in Slovenia in August. Participants were required to consider various elements in their proposed business model, such as stakeholder identification and roles, communication and cooperation with the local environment and external stakeholders, resource analysis for the proposed destination, and detailed hotel infrastructure and services planning.

This approach ensured a holistic view of sustainable tourism, encouraging participants to consider environmental, economic, and social aspects in their solutions. The program’s design fostered critical thinking and innovative approaches, making it an enriching and educational experience for all involved.

Physical part

The physical segment of the 10th International Logistics Summer School, integrating the courses “Sustainable Aspects of Travel” and “The Business Model of a Dispersed Hotel,” provided a dynamic and immersive educational experience. Beyond the enriching lectures and case study preparations, a significant highlight was the opportunity for participants to gain first-hand insights into excellent Slovenian practices through visits to various Slovenian regions. These excursions served as practical extensions of the theoretical knowledge imparted in the classroom, offering a unique perspective on sustainable travel practices in a real-world context solution.

The participants, through these two courses, acquired valuable competencies and knowledge, fostering not only academic growth but also the formation of long-lasting friendships and professional networks. This aspect of the summer school was particularly impactful, as it facilitated the exchange of ideas and cultural understanding among a diverse group of international attendees.

A pivotal component of the physical segment was the case study competition, where participants tackled complex challenges in sustainable development. The initial case featured an archetype of an extremely unsustainable tourist, Mr. Klimko Netrajnostnik. The first part of the competition challenged teams to use marketing tools to persuade Mr. Netrajnostnik to opt for a sustainable tourism product.

The final part involved developing a business model for a dispersed hotel to address the issues of the aforementioned places and appeal to Mr. Netrajnostnik.

The presentations by all teams surpassed the expectations of the expert committee, which faced a challenging task in selecting the winner.

This comprehensive approach to sustainability enabled students to delve into the complex challenges of sustainable development and mobility, requiring an interdisciplinary approach and innovative thinking.

At the Faculty of Logistics, we take pride in the achievements, knowledge, and skills acquired by the students during this unique experience. Moreover, we are immensely gratified to have provided a platform for connection and collective growth, echoing our commitment to fostering a sustainable future.

Integrating the objectives into the physical segment of the 10th International Logistics Summer School significantly enhanced the learning experience. The primary objectives of this segment were to provide comprehensive knowledge on sustainable travel and hospitality management, foster interdisciplinary thinking, and encourage practical application of theoretical concepts.

KIP methods and results

The methods and results of the physical segment of the 10th International Logistics Summer School were pivotal in achieving its educational and developmental goals. The methodology employed in this segment was multifaceted, combining traditional and innovative pedagogical approaches to maximize learning outcomes.

Methodology:

• Interactive Lectures: The program featured a series of interactive lectures by esteemed academics and professionals in the field of sustainable travel. These lectures were designed to provide foundational knowledge and stimulate critical thinking.
• Case Studies and Competitions: Participants engaged in case studies, focusing on real-world challenges in sustainable tourism. The case competition, particularly involving the archetype of an unsustainable tourist, Mr. Klimko Netrajnostnik, was a significant methodological component. It required participants to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
• Field Trips: Visits to various Slovenian regions were integral to the methodology, offering participants an immersive experience in observing sustainable tourism practices.
• Collaborative Work: Throughout the program, emphasis was placed on teamwork and collaboration, fostering a cooperative learning environment.
• Expert Guidance and Feedback: Continuous guidance and feedback from lecturers and industry experts were provided, ensuring a robust learning process.

Results:

The outcomes of this integrative approach were remarkable:

• Exceptional Solutions for Tourist Destinations: One of the most notable results was the preparation of exceptional solutions for selected tourist destinations. Participants, through their case studies and projects, developed innovative and practical strategies for promoting sustainable travel in these destinations.
• Competency Development: The participants acquired and honed a range of competencies, including critical thinking, problem-solving, sustainable tourism planning, and collaborative skills.
• Knowledge Application: The successful application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios was evident in the solutions proposed for the case studies, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities of sustainable tourism.
• Network Building: The program facilitated the building of professional networks and friendships among participants, which are expected to be beneficial for their future careers and collaborations.
• Positive Feedback from Experts: The solutions and presentations by the participants received positive feedback from the expert committee and guest lecturers, affirming the high quality and applicability of the work produced.

In summary, the methods employed in the summer school’s physical segment effectively engaged participants in a deep and practical exploration of sustainable travel. The results, particularly the exceptional solutions devised for tourist destinations, underscore the success of the program in achieving its educational and developmental objectives.