The new Big Five in Management - the values and vision of an effective leader

Sunday, 13 July 2025., on the initiative of the Institute of Psychology of the School of Vocational Training, a meeting of students from the Prof. Dr. Jerzy Mączyński - eminent organisational and management psychologist, recognised expert in the field of intercultural leadership. The event was also attended by Dr Artur Ziolkowski, Professor of the School of Vocational Training, Director of the Institute of Psychology, and Piotr Stępkowski, M.Sc. The aim of the event was to present the innovative concept of the New Big Five in Managementbased on the results of a long-term study conducted by the international GLOBE Leadership Project.

Five pillars of effective management according to the New Big Five

Prof. Dr. Jerzy Mączyński and Prof. Dr. Artur Ziółkowski from the School of Vocational Training presented five fundamental dimensions of effective leadership:

• Achievement orientation.
• Vision for the development of the organisation.
• Inspirational leadership.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Participatory leadership.

The meeting became a space for a valuable exchange of ideas with students on contemporary challenges in management. The role of organisational culture, the importance of ethics in leadership and the practical implications of the research findings for 21st century leaders were at the centre of the discussions.

Take a look at the photo report of the event!

Vocational Training College establishes cooperation with therapeutic centre in Aleksandrów Łódzki

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław has concluded a cooperation agreement with Special Schools and with the Non-public Health Care Institution Międzyszkolny Zakład Rehabilitacji i Korekcji Wad Postawy (Inter-school Rehabilitation and Postural Defects Correction Centre) in Aleksandrów Łódzki. The facility provides comprehensive care for primary and secondary school pupilsincluding for children with a special educational needs assessment. The establishment offers a wide range of services: psychological and pedagogical support, speech therapy, neurology, dog therapy, sensory integration, music therapy, physiotherapy and art therapy.

Purpose of the visit

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Irena Malinowska on behalf of Managing Director Dr Bartosz Blaszczak together with Prof. Janusz Soboń from the College of Vocational Training visited the facility in Aleksandrów Łódzki to learn about its activities and the way the therapy team works. The meeting was a working one and dealt with the possibility of cooperation in the area of practical training and the joint development of educational programmes.

Summary of the visit

The meeting took place in a friendly and professional atmosphere with the full commitment of the hosts. The visit confirmed the high potential of the partnership between the University and the Department and the will to continue the joint activities in the practical field of education, therapy and specialist support.

Development prospects

As part of the planned development activities, consideration is being given to the possibility of extending the educational offer University College of Professional Education graduates Erasmus' High School with Integrated Branches in Aleksandrów Łódzki. This provides an opportunity for young people with the experience of inclusive education to continuing education at university level in areas particularly suited to their interests and aptitudes.

Security in the 21st century: a new look in the latest issue of "Law & Security"

The College of Vocational Training in Wrocław is pleased to announce the publication of a new issue of the scientific journal "Law & Security", edition 3(4)/2025. The publication contains a collection of interdisciplinary articles on current legal issues and security challenges in local, European and global dimensions.

In the issue, among others:

- International cooperation in countering global threats. Julia Kobets, Tetyana Strutynska. pp. 7-17 | DOI.
- Security versus openness: dilemmas of border protection in the Schengen area. Grzegorz K. Hare. pp. 18-35 | DOI.
- Security threats in times of contemporary conflict. Weronika Parczewska, Emilia Kurzyk. pp. 36-45 | DOI.
- Factors influencing Russia's initiation of war with Ukraine (part 1). Marcin Liberacki. pp. 46-61 | DOI.
- The main causal factors of Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. Mieczysław Stolarczyk. pp. 62-95 | DOI.
- The impact of the war in Ukraine on global energy security. M. Chodyka, T. Grudniewski, M. Dobrzyńska-Dąbska. pp. 96-108 | DOI.
- Legal protection of police officers. Mariusz Michalski. pp. 109-122 | DOI.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles in rescue. M. Magniszewski, P. Grelewski, R. Parczewski. pp. 123-141 | DOI.
- Social determinants of cultural security. Marek Bodziany, Małgorzata Pacer. pp. 142-162 | DOI.
- Methods for the classification of fingerprint images. Tadeusz Niedziela, Brunon Hołyst. pp. 163-199 | DOI.
- NGOs under the Civil Protection and Civil Defence Act. K. Ochyra-Żurawska, W. Marcinek. pp. 200-211 | DOI.
- Anti-victimisation competences in the formation of pro-social attitudes. Bartosz Błaszczak, Brunon Hołyst. pp. 212-240 | DOI.
- Protecting citizens' bank deposits and social security. Irena Malinowska, Jan Znajdek. pp. 241-254 | DOI.
- Acquisition of real estate by foreigners - legal analysis. Aleksandra Siewert. pp. 255-277 | DOI.
- Compensation or repression? Article 244c of the Penal Code as a tool to counteract the evasion of reparation. Marcin Czosnek, Marta Czosnek. pp. 278-296 | DOI.

Why reach for the latest issue?

Issue 3(4)/2025 of the journal "Law & Security" presents a broad spectrum of topics of high societal and legal relevance - from geopolitical conflicts to modern technologies in the service of security. The publication represents an important a source of knowledge and reflection for students, experts and representatives of professional practice.

We encourage you to read!

Training on the anti-bullying procedure in the academic environment

9 August 2025 at 17.00 an online training course will be held for all staff of the College of Vocational Training. The meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform. A link to participate will be sent by email. The training will be led by MA Małgorzata Piórkowska, Rector's Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment.

Purpose and scope of training

The training has been prepared with a view to creating a a safe, ethical and development-friendly working environment and science. Its aim is:

• to raise awareness of bullying in an organisational and psychological context,
• discussion of current procedures anti-bullying,
• identification of good institutional practices on the prevention of psychological violence,
• stressing the importance of protecting human rights in professional and academic relationships.

Addressees and importance of participation

The training is aimed at academic and administrative staff of the university. Active participation is encouraged - the topic is not only about applicable legislation, but also about an organisational culture based on mutual respect, empathy and respect for personal dignity. Participation in the training is mandatory for all university employees.

Opportunity to publish in an international monograph for academics in the School of Vocational Training!

Employees of the College of Vocational Training may submit articles for an international monograph being prepared in cooperation with the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine. The publication is realised on the basis of the scientific conference held online on 27 May 2025 in Kharkiv. The deadline for the submission of texts is 31 July 2025. The monograph will be published by Oficyna Wydawnicza ASPRA-JR from Warsaw and makes it possible to acquire 20 MEiN points.

Effect of international cooperation and scientific conference

The monograph is being produced as a result of a conference entitled 'The Future of the World. "Regulating public management and local government: comparative experiences and contemporary challenges". organised in cooperation with the Scientific Research Institute of State Building and Local Government of the N.A.N.P. of Ukraine. As part of the partnership agreement, the publication will cover both conference presentations as well as additional articles prepared by the staff of the School of Vocational Training.

Editorial details and submissions

The thematic scope of the monograph remains in line with the conference theme. The contact persons for applications and conditions of publication are:

• Prof. Janusz Soboń - sj@list.pl;
• Dr Ruslana Selezneva - seleznevaruslana@gmail.com.

Participation in the publication is an opportunity to presentation of research results in an international academic environment, gain valuable MEiN credits and establish lasting cooperation with foreign institutions.

The first part of the workshop "Fundamentals of psychological research methodology" is behind us.

7 July 2025 year took place first part of the workshop online under the title "Fundamentals of psychological research methodology" led by Dr Beata E. Andrzejewska. The event was organised with a view to third semester psychology students. The meeting lasted from 17:00 to 19:30. The second part of the workshop is scheduled for 14 July.

A practical introduction to psychological research methodology

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about basic issues related to the design of psychological research. Topics discussed included how to formulate research questions and hypotheses, and how to translate mental phenomena into measurable variables. Dr Beata E. Andrzejewska explained differences between the dependent variable and the independent variable and introduced the concept of operationalisation.

Why methodology matters

Participants reflected together on the role of methodology in the research process and the consequences of not following it. A walk-through of the stages of research design is illustrated concrete examples from psychological practice. The workshop provided a concrete basis for understanding research and selecting effective methods of working with a patient or client according to the approach of the evidence-based.

Dr Monika Bidzan-Wiącek from the School of Vocational Training has received a prestigious scholarship from the Minister of Science and Higher Education!

We are delighted to announce that Dr Monika Bidzan-Wiącek, affiliated with the Institute of Psychology at the School of Vocational Training, was among the winners of the prestigious scholarship Minister of Science and Higher Education for outstanding young scientists.

Prestigious award

This is one of the most important scientific awards in Poland, awarded to researchers who can boast exceptional achievements in their field. This year's edition received as many as 1711 applications from all over the country - only 228 young scientists. Dr Bidzan-Wiącek is among this elite group, which is a great source of pride for our entire academic community.

Purpose of the scholarship and congratulations to the winner

Scholarship, allocated for three years, aims to support further scientific development and motivate the continuation of research at the highest level.

Heartfelt congratulations to the Doctor! Thank you for your commitment, passion and competence you inspire others - students, colleagues and the entire Institute team. Official results available on the website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education: Announcement of the results of the procedure for the award of scholarships of the Minister of Science and Higher Education for outstanding young scientists in 2025 (edition 20) - Ministry of Science and Higher Education - Gov.pl Portal.

Researcher from the School of Vocational Training at the PTNP seminar: on how to understand Eurasia

On 30 June 2025, the second online scientific seminar was held Eurasian Area Studies Section of the Polish Political Science Association. The College of Vocational Training was represented by dr. Wojciech Kazanecki, a research fellow at the Institute of Administration and Political Science.

Lecture by Prof. Dr Joachim Diec

During the seminar, a lecture on "How can we understand Eurasia?" delivered by Professor Joachim Diec, Ph.D. The professor presented the geographical framework of Eurasia and the differences in the understanding of this concept in Western and Russian science. He devoted particular attention to the differences that exist in the traditions of geopolitical thought. The professor also presented the results of a study on the sense of identity of the Eurasian people, considering the chances of a creation of a coherent political entity based on a shared religion, ideology or sense of community.

Discussion on Russian soft power

The lecture was followed by a discussion, which focused on issues relating to the civilisational attractiveness of Russia's proposals and the pervasiveness of Russian soft power.

New chapter in international cooperation: agreement with 'Innovative Medical Platform' and joint scientific journal

We are pleased to announce that The University of Vocational Training in Wrocław has signed a strategic agreement on international cooperation with the Ukrainian public organisation 'Innovative Medical Platform'. This agreement is not only a further step in the development of our academic cooperation, but also a significant boost to the strengthening of the international research network in the fields of medical science, psychology and health education.

Key objectives of cooperation

The main objective of the partnership is to promotion of high standards of medical care and the professional development of mental and somatic health professionals. The initiative will also enhancing the quality of academic education national and international level, fostering the interdisciplinary exchange of experiences and implementing modern educational practices.

The contract provides for:

• implementation of joint research projects,
• the organisation of international conferences, seminars and training courses,
• scientific publications,
• exchange of teaching materials,
• the organisation of traineeships and internships for students, in particular Psychology majors.

International scientific journal: "International Medical Herald"

A particular achievement of this collaboration is the initiative to establish a new international scientific journal, entitled 'The Scientific Journal of the World'. "International Medical Herald". It is an ambitious undertaking that aims to create a an open publication platform promoting the highest standards of science and exchange of knowledge in the fields of psychology, psychiatry and medical science.

The journal will be published in four languages: Ukrainian, English, German and Polish, which will significantly broaden its reach and facilitate access for the international research community. The multilingualism and high level of publication have the potential to make the journal a a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of research results of global importance.

Shared mission and development perspective

The concluded agreement and the planned initiatives are part of the a long-term strategy for the internationalisation of scientific activities University of Vocational Training. Our aim is to develop a partnership network, to jointly implement projects with high application value and to strengthen the the presence of our University in the international circulation of knowledge.

We firmly believe that this cooperation will bring real benefits for the academic community of both institutions, will enrich the teaching and research offer and open up new perspectives for our students, lecturers and partners. With compliments to the partners and hope for long-term cooperation -. thank you for your trust and shared vision of the future.

Workshops with a smile - creativity and integration in action

A unique workshop was held on 17 May 2025 at 2pmwhich was organised by Bartosz Głowacki, M.Sc., as part of his student internship. The aim of the meeting was to work together on expression of facial expressions, integration of participants and to draw attention to the value of equality through play and speech therapy exercises. The workshop lasted 1.5 hours and took place in an atmosphere of openness and mutual support.

Course of the workshop

The workshop began with a short presentation and introduction, which introduced participants to the purpose of the meeting. Then It was time for the creative part, or "Smile in the Lens". - a photo shoot using a variety of props: hats, wigs and coloured glasses. People who did not want to pose, could test themselves as photographers.

Mimicry and breath work

Later, participants took part in a series of exercises entitled "A smile on your face". The programme included:

• gymnastics for the speech apparatus (exercises with straws);
• mouth and tongue gymnastics;
• manual facial massage;
• elements of facial yoga;
• Breathing exercises with a blow-up ball;
• facial massage with medi-scrub brushes (Wilbarger method).

The exercises were aimed at activating the circular muscle of the mouth and improving facial expressions. Sterile and disposable speech therapy aids were used, providing full comfort and safety.

Integration through questions

It concluded with a Integration session "Question bank" - participants drew lots and answered questions on topics such as dreams, values or memories. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of trust and all statements remained confidential within the group.

The workshop showed that by practising, playing and talking together, not only can facial expressions be taken care of, but also get closer to each other and look at the world with more openness.