All posts by Aleksej Heinze

About Aleksej Heinze

Passport to Trade 2.0 project leader. My research interests are in the area of disruptive innovation using information technology (IT) and the use of IT in business management. Topics include: enterprise 2.0; web 2.0, international business culture, search engine optimisation, and social media marketing. View all posts by Aleksej Heinze →

Don’t forget short term insurance when making your travel plans

December 19, 2013Business CultureAleksej Heinze

Have you considered the option of short term vehicle insurance before your international trip? Car insurance is a legal requirement in European countries such as the UK. There are a number of providers which can help you with your insurance cover, ranging from large insurance comparisons websites to independent specialists such as Dayinsure.

Short term car insurance providers Dayinsure

Is short term car insurance for me?

With increasing numbers of people travelling between the UK and the rest of Europe, here’s a reminder of a few scenarios where temporary vehicle insurance which might be able to help you:

You have a UK licence or an EU licence and you want to take your UK-registered vehicle to Europe for a few days and then return back to the UK with it. For example, Dayinsure can provide comprehensive cover in the UK and in the EU, as long as your journey starts and finishes in the UK.
You have a UK or EU driving licence and want to visit family or friends in another part of the UK. In particular, if you are a student, you might not want to own a car and instead of hiring a car, there might be a cost benefit to borrowing a car and arranging short term insurance on it in your own name.
You have family/friends visiting you in the UK and you want them to be able to use your car for a few days. You could try speaking to your annual insurer to see if they are prepared to add a temporary additional driver to your policy – but it might well be quicker/simpler/cheaper to buy a separate short term policy for the visitor.
In the event of a claim, the No Claim Discount (NCD) on the annual policy is unaffected by incidents involving the short term policyholder.

How long does it take to buy short term car insurance?

Dependent on the insurance provider, short term insurance can be bought online in a couple of minutes, with the insurance certificate emailed to your inbox.

For example with Dayinsure, policies are added daily to the Motor Insurance Database (MID), and all cover is comprehensive and underwritten by Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer.

Am I eligible for short term insurance?

Generally cover is available from 1 day to 28 days, to give you maximum flexibility and ensure you only pay for the cover you need.

The minimum age is 21 and the maximum is 75 – unless you have a provisional UK licence, in which case you’re eligible for other policies for example a Dayinsure Learner policy from aged 17 and over, to get additional driving practice before you take your test.

Stay legal and learn here more about the motor insurance directives in Europe

Country specific information: learn how to behave

November 15, 2013Business Culture, Student placementsAleksej Heinze

My name is Mariya Totlyakova and I’m a Senior Expert at the Department of Academic Activities and I’m also part of the Erasmus programme team. I have been working at University of National and World Economy for 6 years and every time when students come back from their year abroad I’m amazed how they have changed – in a positive way. They are more responsible, organized and confident in their skills, they are looking for new challenges and experiences.

At the beginning of each study and work exchange everything is new for them, they don’t know where they are going or what to expect. There is a big proportion of students who decide not to go on Erasmus exchange because of lack of the country specific information.

I can now say that the new website “businessculture.org” is very useful to close this information gap.

Students can find specific information about the countries they are going to, they can learn how to behave there and to find answers to all their questions. Most of the students fall in love with the host countries and they want to prolong their stay by doing a placement there. I think that the website can give them advice on how to be successful and how to stand out from the competition.

Studying or working abroad is a big challenge, it is always interesting to get to know other cultures and ways of life. It is useful to observe different ways of teaching and working. I always advise students to spend one or two semesters abroad – it is a fortune, so read the website and pick a destination!

by Mariya Totlyakova, Senior Expert at the Department of Academic Activities and Erasmus programme team

Read, watch and enjoy the preparation of your new life

November 15, 2013Business Culture, Social media, Student placementsAleksej Heinze

I am a student who is interested in the international affairs and the opportunities which the world can offer. Currently studying for a master’s degree at the International Business at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria. Two years ago, during my Bachelor’s Degree, I decided to participate in an exchange program – called Erasmus – at the University of Applied Science in Prague, Czech Republic.

I was looking for a life changing experience and an opportunity to develop and educate myself. I have always been curious about studying abroad. While I was choosing where to do my Erasmus study, I made my own research about the countries, universities, and the cost of living and so on. It took me a long time.

Two years ago I would have recommended you to start the preparation as early as possible but today I wouldn’t.

There is a new website www.businessculture.org which can help you to get ready for the new experience abroad without any efforts. The website provides information in 9 different languages about 31 countries across Europe. This website could give an opportunity to increase your awareness about the study placements abroad and business opportunities.

If this site existed two years ago, I would not have lost so much time to make my own research because the information here is very well systematized, useful and easy to find. The information covers the main work & life related topics such as cultural taboos, education level, business communication, business etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance, social activities, etc.

The Passport to Trade 2.0 project will give you valuable insights about your upcoming life and will help you in your future endeavours. Read, watch and enjoy the preparation of your new life with the www.businessculture.org. I highly recommend it to you!

The six things you must know about Germany

November 15, 2013Social media, Student placementsAleksej Heinze

I am a recent graduate from Warwick Business School and during my third year of studies, I spent an exchange year in Munich, Germany. This guide would have definitely helped me settle in quicker. Especially, for students from lower income families, the cost of living is a matter of utmost importance. That is why the information about average example prices is very useful.

1. Germans prefer to use cash and not credit cards

Germans are still very fond of cash although cash cards are gradually becoming more popular. However, they do not use credit cards very often as is the case in many other Western countries. I found the report on Germany comprehensive and useful.

As is mentioned in the report, Germany is renowned for its education system which has long standing traditions and a complicated structure. It is important for foreign students to get acquainted with it before coming to the country and the websites given provide a good description.

2. Importance of work experience

The report accurately highlights the importance of work experience, which is interwoven in the education system. Students do their first placement while still in school and receive feedback on their performance. There are numerous opportunities for work placements during university studies. Practical experience is highly important in Germany and foreign students quite often overlook this fact when applying for jobs in the country.

The application process could last quite a long time, so like the report suggests it is advisable to apply several months in advance. Ensuring that all documents are in place and finding accommodation is also very important. The list with websites for placements is very convenient.

3. Healthcare system in Germany

The healthcare system in Germany is very well organized and foreign students are required to have health insurance. The report provides a website with information about visas and work permits which is also very important when looking for a work placement in Germany.

4. Xing is currently more popular than LinkedIn in Germany

Like in the other European countries, social networks in Germany are becoming more and more important for finding work and establishing contacts. The professional network Xing is currently more popular than LinkedIn and many people seek employment through it.

5. Importance of punctuality and planning

One cannot overstress the importance of punctuality and planning in the German business culture. The section on Business communication in Germany presents a good overview of the do’s and don’ts in a German work setting. Following business etiquette is essential.

6. German taboo subjects

Germans are very sensitive when it comes to discussing topics like World War II so one needs to be very cautious not to offend them. The division of private and work life is very clear and is important that foreigners are aware of this so not to get a wrong impression. It makes a good impression if one knows typical gestures like rapping the knuckles against the table top at the end of a presentation or a lecture.

Overall I found the report on Germany instructive and would recommend it to students looking for placements in Germany.

By Mariya Slavova

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that business etiquette is the same everywhere

November 15, 2013Business CultureAleksej Heinze

As research and development activities are inseparable part of my company – INTERIORPROTECT Ltd. – and I always strive to broaden our portfolio and horizons, I am considering expanding into other countries in the European Union and other European countries.

Established in 1997, INTERIORPROTECT Ltd. has been the leading Bulgarian enterprise for development and production of flame retardants, technologies and services for fire protection and prevention. INTERIORPROTECT Ltd. is the first private Bulgarian fire protection material company that acquired the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certificate. The company has received awards for its inventions and patents and I recently presented the company’s patent for halogen-free flame retardants.

While specific business know-how and innovative ideas are undoubtedly important, knowing how to communicate your knowledge and ideas to another business culture is no less crucial. Given the specificity of our business, I am well acquainted with the legislation in the different countries. Yet the website www.businessculture.org provides a good summary of the basic business communication “laws” that should be abided when one wants to do business in a foreign country.

Don’t think that business etiquette is the same everywhere

Although one might fall into the trap of thinking that business etiquette is the same everywhere, this website has compiled information from many different countries in one place showing some of the important differences that one needs to know to make a good impression.

Even a country like Turkey whose culture many Bulgarians believe to know well has its peculiarities.

Having information how to say basic words and greetings in the respective languages seems also useful. The website provides interesting tips on how to carry out negotiations in different business settings, what questions to consider beforehand and what topics to avoid.

I believe that www.businessculture.org presents a well written guide for small and medium sized companies that want to venture out and do business in foreign countries but do not have the time to invest in a lot of research themselves and I would recommend it to fellow managers.

Dr. Eng. Lydia Kostova