An exclusive conversation with Dr. Melika MolkAra, the manager of the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Avicenna International College in Georgia.
An exclusive conversation with Dr. Melika MolkAra, the manager of the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Avicenna International College in Georgia.

According to the news website Kalameghalam, today the creation and development of any type of products and services by entrepreneurs, who use their creativity to innovate, is taking place. Entrepreneurship is important and vital in human life, civilization, and especially in developing countries. Entrepreneurship is always accompanied by creativity and innovation. Without creativity and innovation, […]

According to the news website Kalameghalam, today the creation and development of any type of products and services by entrepreneurs, who use their creativity to innovate, is taking place. Entrepreneurship is important and vital in human life, civilization, and especially in developing countries. Entrepreneurship is always accompanied by creativity and innovation. Without creativity and innovation, entrepreneurship does not achieve any results or accomplishments. Therefore, in this interview with Dr. Melika Molk Ara, one of the managers of Avicenna International College, we first provide an introduction to introduce this higher education center, and then present the text of the conversation with Dr. Melika MolkAra, the manager of the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Avicenna International College

Avicenna International College operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Georgia with a research-oriented approach and the perspective of fifth-generation universities in the field of higher education. Research and education are based on the application of modern sciences, adhering to the curricula and structures of global university systems. This requires the utilization of experienced faculty members and professors with deep connections to experts, industries, and service organizations on one hand, and close interaction with other universities and higher education centers around the world on the other hand

Avicenna International College in Georgia, under the leadership of Dr. Hussein Chenari, is the first international college to receive such a license from the Ministry of Science of a foreign country by an Iranian founder. Avicenna International College, with a practical approach, has started its activities in the field of higher education under the supervision of the Ministry of Science of Georgia

Fields and degrees: According to the educational regulations in Georgia and the determined criteria of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Georgia, admission of Georgian students is done through the Georgian entrance exam among applicants with a diploma. Regarding the admission of foreign students and education in English or Persian, it is possible to admit students while observing the current regulations outside the Georgian entrance exam. It is also possible to admit students in other fields and degrees and introduce them to other domestic and international universities and educational centers in Georgia through this college

Avicenna international College is committed to complying with Euro5 educational standards in all courses and educational levels. Therefore, graduates of this college will have the opportunity to continue their studies at other reputable European universities if they pass the exam and scientific interview

fields offered in the Georgian language : field  Currently, Avicenna International College offers undergraduate programs in Early Childhood Education, Accounting, Administrative Affairs, and Nursing-HSE in the Georgian language through the Georgian entrance exam. The academic terms in Georgia start in September and January
fields offered in other languages (English, Persian) : Avicenna International College is one of the few international colleges in Georgia that offers education in English and Persian, in addition to Georgian. The selected fields for education are based on the current needs of the global job market and ensure reliable employment with European educational standards. Choosing the undergraduate level is the fastest route to employment, with the ability to be accepted and continue studying in Europe. The admission and selection of foreign students (non-Georgian) is done through a student’s interview with the faculty

Avicenna International College offers a special higher education program in the Georgian language for Persian speakers. This program is held under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Georgia. One of the main advantages of this program is that students will be recognized as international students and will benefit from the legal privileges of being a foreign student in Georgia. It also facilitates further study in the Georgian language at other universities in Georgia with easier and more affordable conditions

online courses and virtual education:  Avicenna  International College directly or in collaboration with other universities and educational centers offers various job-oriented and skills-based courses through virtual learning platforms

international Professor Network (IPN) at Avicenna College: Avicenna International College has created virtual learning infrastructure and utilizes the best virtual learning system used in the most reputable colleges worldwide. This provides suitable conditions to support all active and capable Persian-speaking professors around the world, allowing them to benefit from the advantages and facilities of the college by joining this network

technical and scientific facilities: Use of the LMS virtual learning system – Issuance of international certificates with Euro 5 standard – Having a page introducing professors on the website – Accreditation of courses with the college’s credibility

interviewer: Mr. Seyed MohammadReza Hosseini Aliabad – Owner and Managing Director of Kalameghalam News and Analysis Website

Thank you, Dr. Melika MolkAra, for taking the time to talk to Kalameghalam media

?Dr MolkaAra, what is your definition of entrepreneurship? And what advantages does entrepreneurship have


There are various definitions of entrepreneurship, but they all emphasize that entrepreneurship is about creating a job that maximizes the opportunities based on understanding the conditions and needs of society
Entrepreneurship has numerous advantages and quick returns, both in the macroeconomics of the country and in the field of business economics and capital markets. Entrepreneurship creates new value, fosters positive competition among businesses, and naturally improves customer rights or service provision
Now, due to the many advantages of entrepreneurship, with your permission, I will explain three ways to become a tireless entrepreneur so that readers can benefit the most from this conversation
We have often heard the phrase, “Entrepreneurship is like running two marathons, not two sprints.” The challenge of two marathons requires great endurance. You have to wake up every day. Train hard and face countless challenges. Entrepreneurship is no exception to this rule. Only then can you maintain yourself on your entrepreneurial path, even when the whole world wants you to give up your efforts

On Saturday, you wake up and are fully ready to take on the world. You are focused and determined, and your business is thriving. On Monday, you feel invincible and things couldn’t be going better. However, on Tuesday, things start to change. It feels like your business world is crumbling. You are unsure of your ability to serve your customers. You may be bewildered and asking yourself, “Should I continue with my business or should I just give up?” Perhaps at this stage, giving up seems easier than facing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is hard work and it pushes a person to the brink of madness. Some entrepreneurs have come to understand that entrepreneurship is worth enduring all these hardships

:Therefore, there are three entrepreneurship strategies

:Focus on controllable factors

Many things in life and business are beyond human control. For example, you cannot control how others react to your services or products, how your employees perform, or how the market responds and its impact on your business. This means that you should focus on what you can control and then influence the other factors in the best possible way. So, ask yourself, “What can I control?” For example, you can control your actions, reactions, and interpretations of upcoming challenges. In other words, you can control yourself and your efforts to unconsciously influence those around you and the situations you find yourself in

:Master your thoughts and attitudes

People can usually handle difficult tasks when they show an interest in doing them; otherwise, they have no desire to do difficult tasks. Human attitudes fluctuate like the tides of the ocean. Not because their mental conditions are not balanced, but because of their external world that significantly influences their attitudes and thoughts. When you wake up and hear news about an economic recession, you may become doubtful and uncertain about your decisions and the continuation of your business. When you receive an email from an unsatisfied customer complaining about your services, your day may be completely ruined. The reality is that even if you receive dozens of thank-you and appreciation messages on that day, your mind is still preoccupied and saddened by that negative email. This means that we need to move beyond our emotions. We need to use a concept beyond emotions in the decision-making process. Do not let your negative emotions prevent you from doing something or dictate another action to you. Regardless of your mood, work hard, especially on days when you don’t feel like doing anything

:Create a regular daily exercise for yourself

One of the best ways to cope with the impact of mood swings is to create a regular daily exercise. I am a big fan of daily activities. Not only because it fills my time, but also because it helps me focus on other things. But what is a regular daily exercise? It is different for everyone. It can be anything from meditation to writing daily events and even listening to a specific music. My suggestion is to start writing daily events. Since starting a new exercise regularly can sometimes be difficult, I have provided a template for writing daily events for you. I use a mobile note-taking app or a notebook to write my daily events

?As an entrepreneur, tell our audience what role creativity and innovation play in entrepreneurship

 

Creativity and innovation are inherently intertwined with entrepreneurship. As defined, entrepreneurship means identifying a gap in society and meeting human needs by creating a business. Now, if all jobs already exist, how can a job both meet customer needs and sustain itself in the business world (i.e., stand out among competitors)? This possibility is created only through “innovation and creativity”… Once again, let me give an example in the fashion industry; there may be a multitude of clothing boutiques in the market, but a creative entrepreneur who utilizes innovation can succeed by offering a variety of ordering options and utilizing technological advancements for order placement (online) or by providing attractive packaging for products, and so on. It is this kind of creativity or innovation that sets them apart from other competitors

Therefore, creativity and innovation lead to greater success for entrepreneurs

?Dr. MolkAra, what is your suggestion or advice for those who want to start a business

My suggestion is for them to first identify their interests and talents in order to determine which field or area of business they can enter and grow in based on their motivation and aptitude. Then, they should analyze the market conditions and its attractiveness for starting a business. For example, if someone is interested in the fashion industry, they should thoroughly analyze the production market, imports, and customer demands, and then decide on the various subcategories within this field (men’s clothing, women’s clothing, children’s clothing, etc.) for their business startup. They need to decide whether they want to be a producer or a distributor, an importer or an exporter. All of these considerations are relevant to the individual entrepreneur’s financial capabilities and talents, which should be taken into account when starting a business

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at Avicenna International College, of which you are the director, serves a specific purpose. Since the college’s approach in all disciplines and levels is practical and job-oriented, we aim to focus on entrepreneurship as a specialized and academic subject by establishing the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department. We want to provide interested students with the necessary skills to become successful entrepreneurs. Furthermore, innovation and entrepreneurship are inherently interconnected, meaning that no business can sustain itself without innovation. Therefore, in the “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department,” our emphasis is on fostering creativity and innovation in future entrepreneurs

?As the director of this department, what plans do you have to make an impact and advance it

 

The foundation of this department is based on both theoretical and practical programs. Through practical workshops and scientific seminars on various topics related to innovation and entrepreneurship, we empower and nurture students in this field

In addition to these initiatives, we also have seminars, roundtable discussions, and specialized training sessions in the department’s programs to ensure significant progress within the department and the college

Furthermore, other programs of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department will be communicated through the Avicenna International College website

 

Universities should move towards innovation and entrepreneurship by adopting a fifth-generation approach. This involves focusing on job-oriented education, establishing connections with businesses and markets, and integrating practical applications into the curriculum. Universities need to redesign their courses and lesson plans to be more practical and provide short and long-term training in innovation and entrepreneurship

 

 

?What direction should universities move towards for innovation and entrepreneurship

 

The characteristics of fifth-generation universities include focusing on job-oriented education and establishing connections between the university, businesses, and the market. Therefore, if universities adopt a fifth-generation approach, they will naturally move towards innovation and entrepreneurship. They must redesign their course syllabi or lesson plans to be more practical and provide short and long-term training in innovation and entrepreneurship

 

In the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department, we have taken steps to address the needs and challenges of society. We collaborate with academic groups, experts, professors, and stakeholders in the field of entrepreneurship and business to fulfill our mission

 

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the media for providing me with this opportunity. I hope to have fruitful activities in advancing and growing this department on an international level