Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education

The two main objectives of the e-AgriMBA project were to develop and implement the Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education and to integrate the first Mol...

The two main objectives of the e-AgriMBA project were to develop and implement the Electronic Pan-European Learning System for Sustainable Agribusiness MBA Education and to integrate the first Moldovan university into the AgriMBA network. These goals were achieved through three specific objectives. O1 aimed to establish the AgriMBA Learning System — a digital platform based on MOODLE enabling online and blended learning across partner institutions. O2 focused on broadening the course portfolio of local MBA programs by creating and sharing nine high-quality courses developed collaboratively by international experts. O3 targeted the establishment of a new local AgriMBA program and the integration of a new partner university – Technical University of Moldova – into the AgriMBA network, extending both the network’s European neighbourhood dimension and bringing Moldova’s academic system as well as the agribusiness sector closer to the EU to facilitate the EU accession. These objectives directly supported EU priorities of inclusion, digital and green transformation, and lifelong learning by improving access to education, promoting innovation, and strengthening cross-border cooperation and quality in agribusiness higher education.

The e-AgriMBA project was implemented through four Work Packages (WP1–WP4), each addressing a specific objective. WP1 ensured coordination, communication, and quality management across the consortium. WP2 focused on developing the AgriMBA Learning System — an innovative, secure, and user-friendly digital platform. Activities included identifying best practices, assessing user needs, designing the system architecture, training teachers (“train the trainers” workshops in Mád and Chisinau), and preparing user guides and instructional videos. WP3 broadened the AgriMBA course portfolio: all partners jointly designed, developed, and tested nine complete courses integrated into the e-learning system, ensuring high pedagogical and technical quality. WP4 established and piloted the first AgriMBA MBA program in Moldova, implemented new modules, trained teachers, and carried out real-life testing with students. Together, these activities modernised agribusiness education, strengthened digital competencies, and expanded international cooperation within the AgriMBA network.

The project resulted in the successful implementation of the Electronic Pan-European Learning System AgriMBA Education. A report on best online e-learning practices (R2.1) and a needs and preferences analysis (R2.2) provided the evidence base for the system’s design. The AgriMBA Learning System (R2.3) was developed using the Moodle framework, integrating video tools. Written and video instructions (R2.4) were produced, and two international training sessions (R2.5) for teachers were organised in Hungary (2023) and Moldova (2024). Partners jointly developed curricula for 9 MBA courses (R3.1). High-quality course materials (R3.2) were prepared and implemented in the AgriMBA Learning System (R3.3). The courses were tested in real teaching within the newly established Moldovan MBA program. The Technical University of Moldova joined the AgriMBA network and established the first AgriMBA program (R4.1). The program received national accreditation, developed 6 new modules and 36 courses (R4.2), and trained over 40 local teachers to use the AgriMBA Learning System (R4.4). Necessary equipment and facilities were installed (R4.3). The first graduates successfully defended their theses (R4.5), and TUM achieved international accreditation.