Projects

Scientific-research projects

Scientific-research project ‘Quantum Field Theory, Non-commutative Spaces and Symmetry’. The project encompasses three main research areas: non-commutative properties and quantum geometry; generalized Calogero models; renormalization of non-abelian Yang-Mills theories in the Coulomb gauge. The collaborator on this project is an employee of University North Asst. Prof. Marko Stojić, Ph.D., and the leader is Stjepan Meljanac, Ph.D., of Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb. It began in 2007.

Scientific-research project ‘Lieve Groups, Integrable Systems and Symmetry’. The project investigates the properties of integrable non-linear evolution equations, non-commutative spaces and their symmetry from several different perspectives: the Riemann-Hilbert problem of factorization on groups of loops, Painlevé analysis, symmetry group determination, calibration transformations and the construction of explicit solutions. The leader is Saša Krešić-Jurić, Ph.D., of the Faculty of Science and Kinesiology, Split, and the collaborator is Asst. Prof. Marko Stojić, Ph.D. The project started in 2007 and ended in 2012.

Scientific-research project (ongoing) ‘Bioactive Components in Food - Changes Caused by Application and Storage’ (code: 058-0580696-2808). The title of the program is ‘The Stability of Bioactive Components of Food in the Function of the Processing Conditions’. The study aims to establish the share of bioactive components in tomatoes, garlic, honey and infant formulas present on our market, and how they qualitatively and quantitatively change during storage. Since 2008, an employee of the University Natalija Uršulin-Trstenjak, Ph.D., has collaborated on the project.

Prof. Marin Milković, Ph.D., was actively involved in the realization of the following scientific-research projects within the framework of the National Scientific Research Program of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports:

  • 1999 - 2002 ‘The Impact of Digital Printing Techniques and Graphic Materials on the Effectiveness of paper recyclability’, code: 128001, lead researcher Prof. Zdenka Bolanča, Ph.D.
  • 2002 - 2006 ‘Determining the Properties and Paper Formulations for Digital Printing and its Recycling’, code: 128007, lead researcher Prof. Stanislav Bolanča, Ph.D.
  • 2007 -2013 ‘Evaluation of Quantitative and Qualitative Criteria of the Graphic Reproduction Process’, together with Asst. Prof. Mario Tomiša, Ph.D., code: 128-1281955-1960, lead researcher Assoc. Prof. Nikola Mrvac, Ph.D.
  • 2007 – 2013 ‘Analytical Model of Monitoring New Educational Technologies in Lifelong Learning’, code: 227-2271694-1699, lead researcher Prof. Vladimir Šimović, Ph.D.
  • 2008 – 2013 ‘Information and Communication Competency of Educators’, code: 227-2271694-1166, lead researcher Prof. Ljubica Bakić-Tomić, Ph.D.

In addition to national research projects, Prof. Marin Milković, Ph.D., participated as a researcher in two international scientific-research projects:

  • 2010 - 2013 ‘Modernizing Teacher Education in European Perspective’, code: JP 159048-2009, within the framework of the EU research program TEMPUS IV, which is carried by the University of Münster and the University of Zagreb;
  • 2011 -2014 ‘Improvement of Reliability in Production and Exploitation of Welded Construction and Products’, which is carried out on the basis of bilateral cooperation agreements signed between the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia and Ministry of Science of Montenegro. The project is carried out by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, University of J.J. Strossmayer, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Podgorica, University of Montenegro; lead researchers: Prof. Ivan Samardžić, Ph.D. (CRO) and Prof. Darko Bajić, Ph.D. (MN).

Prof. Vladimir Šimović, Ph.D., participated both as a member and a researcher at the following international scientific-research projects:

  • Tempus III – Learning for Europe’ from 2006 to 2009 TEMPUS III JEP_40109_2005,
  • Tempus IV – ‘Modernizing Teacher Education in a European Perspective’ from 2009 to 2012,
  • TEMPUS IV JP_159048_2009 Staff mobility grant in the framework of the ‘Erasmus Mundus Basileus II’ project (at the University of Shkodra) from June 16, 2010, to July 14, 2010,
  • At the moment, he is registered as ‘research manager’ on behalf of University North - University Center Koprivnica within the international ‘Erasmus+ Key Action 2’ project: ‘Innovation Gate - Knowledge Alliances’, which is a transnational, structured and results driven project, designed between higher education institutions and the business sector, and open to every discipline and sector and for intersectoral collaboration. The project was developed with the University of Pannonia in Hungary, the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, and other institutions (Die Berater, Austria, European Business & Innovation Centre Network, Belgium, Dobre Kadry, Poland) and possible partners – universities in Finland and Italy, and others.
  • From 2007 to 2014 he was lead researcher and leader of the national scientific-research project of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, code 227-2271694-1699 ‘Analytical Model of Monitoring New Educational Technologies in Lifelong Learning’, together with research colleagues Prof. Marin Milković, Ph.D., Asst. Prfo. Winton Afrić, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Goran Kozina, Ph.D.
  • Since 2013 he is a research assistant and researcher together with Prof. Marin Milković, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Goran Kozina, Ph.D., and Prof. Ljubica Bakić-Tomić, Ph.D. at a national scientific-research project that received a short-term financial support from the University of Zagreb, lead researcher Prof. Siniša Fajt, Ph.D. with the following research topic: ‘Evaluation of the Quality of Educational Multimedia Spaces and Systems’.

He has successfully and actively participated as a researcher in several national research projects, namely:

  • From 1993 to 1995 he participated in a scientific-research project in the field of operational technique ‘Optimizing the Speed Assessment in the Analysis of Traffic Accidents Using Computers’ (Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, PC Zagreb, project leader Prof. Ivan Jelić, Ph.D., deputy Vladimir Šimović, M.Sc.), which concerned the application of information technology and science-based analytical methods to structure the model of optimization of the speed assessment in the analysis of traffic accidents using computers.
  • From 1996 to 1997 he participated as an associate researcher on the project of Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Croatia and partly of Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia ‘Intervention Kinesiology Program for Police Officers’ (a project led by Prof. Davorin-Joseph Rubes, Ph.D.), which refers to the application of information and kinesiology-analytical methods in structuring and ‘pilot’ implementation of the intervention kinesiology program for police officers.
  • From 1998 to 2001 he participated as an associate researcher on the project of Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Croatia code 2-09-366 ‘Development and Implementation of Information Science in Maritime Shipbuilding of the Republic of Croatia’ (project leader Prof. Slavko Šimundić, Ph.D.), which refers to the application of science-based methods (methods of operations research, analytical and IT) in the development and implementation of science in maritime shipbuilding of the Republic of Croatia. On the occasion of successful completion of the first section of the project on June 9, 1998, at the Croatian Academy of Science and Arts he held a lecture on the topic of ‘The foundations of the structure of intelligent information systems applicable to maritime affairs with reference to the possible applications in applying the polymer materials’, as part of the main topic ‘The use of polymers in maritime affairs’ of Prof. Z. Hella, Ph.D. (researches on the same project), organized by the Scientific Council for Maritime Affairs and in cooperation with the Section for Petrochemicals and Section for Macromolecules of the Croatian Society of Chemical Engineers and technologists.
  • From 2001 to 2003 he participated as an associate researcher on the project of Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Croatia code 2-09-366 (code 128024 in the Police Academy) ‘Development and Implementation of Information Science in Maritime Shipbuilding of the Republic of Croatia’ (project leader Prof. Slavko Šimundić, Ph.D.), which refers to the application of science-based methods in the development and implementation of information science in maritime shipbuilding of the Republic of Croatia.
  • From 2001 to 2003 he participated as an associate researcher from another institution on the project of FOI Varaždin and Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Croatia ‘Intelligent Systems for Decision Support’ (code 016001, agreed on the basis of a public call of May 28, 1997, lead researcher Prof. Božidar Kliček, Ph.D., institution: Faculty of Organization and Informatics), which sought to explore, develop and apply advanced methodologies and technologies, and to transfer and adapt the experience of developed countries to improve the strategic, tactical and operational decisions in Croatia. The emphasis was on improving the Croatian National Information Infrastructure (NII), using intelligent systems, analytical methods and methods for decision support, computer communications at the national level (CARNet), and multimedia systems.
  • From 2002 to 2005 he participated as an associate researcher on the project of Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Croatia, contract number 354-13-0311-2000 (code 130737 in PA) ‘Implemented Analysis of the Model of Ensuring the Authenticity and Sustainability of Electronic Documents’ (project leader Prof. Miroslav Kržak, Ph.D.), which refers to the application of information technology and science-based analytical methods in the implementation analysis of the model of ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of electronic documents.

Asst. Prof. Anica Hunjet, Ph.D., actively participated in the realization of three scientific projects of the National scientific-research program of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports:

  • 2008 - 2012 ‘Research of New Multi-purpose Dyes and Optical Brighteners’ - project leader Prof. Vesna Tralić- Kulenović, Ph.D. (project code 117-0000000-3283),
  • 2006 - 2010 ‘The Influence of Social Media in the Society of Knowledge’- project leader Prof. Darko Polšek, Ph.D. (project code 194-1001677-1501) i
  • 2002 - 2006 ‘Social Evaluation of Science, Higher Education and Technology’- project leader Prof. Darko Polšek, Ph.D., (project code 01940106).


Professional projects

Matija Orešković, full-time employee, a teacher of the Department of Civil Engineering, has worked in the last five years on several professional projects of which the holders were institutions outside the University; four projects in specific:

  • Restoration of Landslides in the Northwestern Croatia
  • Design of the Road Widenings in the Hilly Landscape
  • Design and Supervision of Foundations in a Problematic Soil
  • Design and Supervision of the Construction Pit

Prof. Marin Milković, Ph.D. and Domagoj Frank, M.Sc., have participated in the following professional projects in the field of telecommunications and multimedia:

  • 2012 - 2013 ‘Development of the Project on the Establishment of the Hybrid Digital Printing Center of the Croatian Post’,
  • Since 2012 ‘Development of the Project and the Establishment of Digital TV DVBT2 standard of the Croatian Post’ (for the purposes of HT production and connection transmitters), the establishment and management of the project.


Other projects

The project under the name of ‘Development Perspectives of Higher Education in the City of Varaždin’ was commissioned by University North (then as the Polytechnic of Varaždin) and the Institute of Social Sciences ‘Ivo Pilar’ in December 2011. A number of researchers from the University were involved in the project. It tested the attitudes of citizens, residents of Varaždin, on development issues, prospects and quality of life in the city, and the availability and quality of higher education as a necessary precondition for the development of a competitive urban community.

Project International Competences for Unemployed within the framework of Leonardo da Vinci program (Lifelong Education Programme). The aim was to enable international professional practice in Ireland and the Czech Republic for 15 unemployed graduates or students who graduated during the project. Professional internship was organized by the partner institutions whereas the costs of living, travel and language preparation were financed by the European Union. The project was implemented from October 24, 2012, to June 5, 2013.

Within the Tempus program Prof. Vladimir Šimović, Ph.D., participated in the projects ‘Learning for Europe’ (JEP_40109_2005) and ‘Modernising Teacher Education in a European Perspective’ (JP_159048_2009); Dinko Primorac, Ph.D., participated in the project ‘Fostering Entrepreneurship in Higher Education’, leader: Prof. Marina Dabić, Ph.D., 2009-2010.

Asst. Prof. Iva Matija Bitanga participates in the process of European cooperation as a cultural partner, European heritage of traditional shipbuilding at sea and rivers: EU boat project, Leonardo partnership project Kick off meeting Cork Ireland.

The project NIR-CEE (Network for Innovation and Research in Central and Eastern Europe) is a European research project in the research area of renewable energy potential in the Varaždin County. Five employees participated in the project - each of them wrote a certain subsection of the study ‘Using of Renewable Energies and Ludbreg Area’.

Končar’s development project Frequency Converter for Turbine 1.25MW. Two employees of the Polytechnic of Varaždin were members of a team of about 40 engineers who developed the frequency converter. Within this project, the Polytechnic of Varaždin managed the following sub-projects:

  • solution concept and detailed technical requirements/specifications of the converter system
  • analysis of applied technical and technological solutions on converters from other manufacturers
  • feasibility study and design requirements on the converter
  • power converters, circuits and magnetic components
  • integration and connecting of subsystems and other equipment into a complete frequency converter

In cooperation with Siemens the Polytechnic in Varaždin implemented the project Running Specialized Courses in accordance with the course program of SIEMENS for products and tools of the sector Automation & Drives.

The project Knowledge for Everyone - the Polytechnic of Varaždin was a contract user of a grant as part of the “grant” scheme for the ‘Regional network of local education institutions’, which is financed from IPA Program for Croatia, Component IV. The goal of the project was to educate the unemployed and introduce the participants to the essential knowledge in order to create the current employability, social inclusion, and to encourage the participants to lifelong learning.

The following lifelong learning programs verified by the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education and the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports:

  • AutoCAD Specialist 150 hours
  • Web Design Specialist 150 hours
  • Graphic Design Specialist 150 hours
  • Multimedia Specialist 150 hours
  • Web Programming Specialist 150 hours
  • E-business Specialist 150 hours

CCNA Exploration (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
CCNA program Cisco Certified Network Associate is a basic teaching program which includes basic knowledge and applications in the field of network technologies, and its purpose is to teach students basic knowledge and skills needed to design, build and maintain small and medium-sized computer networks. The program includes 280 hours, organized into 4 modules per 70 hours.

The foundation of the program is practical work and is delivered on modern network communication equipment and personal computers. The theoretical part consists of multimedia instructional materials available to participants online. 80% of the program is general, on the network technologies, and 20% of it is specific for Cisco equipment. All teaching material is in English, while lectures, laboratory exercises and consultations in the Croatian language. During each module there are exams to be done that are used to examine the students’ progress. All exams are in English and are done via a computer, on a server located at Cisco Systems.