ISM

University of Management and Economics, Vilnius, Lithuania

ISM University of Management and Economics (ISM) is Lithuanian private higher education institution, founded by BI Norwegian Business School in 1999.

University’s mission is to be the top-tier business university in Northern Europe, dedicated to be a step ahead, recognized for innovation, focus on future competences and thought leadership.  International Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral study programs (in Management and in Economics), Executive education is a platform, where motivated students meet experienced academics and successful business leaders. University offers Double Degrees (with BI Norwegian Business School, Kellog Business School, Kedge Business School, Illinois Technology University). ISM is distinguished for strong institutional relationship with business sector, national and international professionals’ and researchers’ associations and bodies, as well as partnerships with leading international researchers and research groups. It is a member of AACSB for international accreditation. ISM is committed to Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), has joined the UN Global Compact becoming part of National Network of Responsible Business to introduce the ideas of social responsibility and sustainable development to the students, and thus promote the development of responsible leadership in society.

The internationally oriented research is committed to excellence, addressing the evolving challenges of society, economy and corporate sector, aiming at wider impact and delivery of public benefit. Research groups are focused on areas relevant to governments, economies, businesses, locally and regionally, and contribute to the development of research-based education, supporting blended learning opportunities. Participation in strong international networks support active research collaborations and joint publications, including those in highly ranked journals. Researchers have experience in attracting and successful implementation of national grants, participation in international projects within priorities defined by Horizon Europe.

Academics

Valdonė Darškuvienė

Valdonė Darškuvienė is a professor of finance, with considerable academic and consulting expertise in corporate finance, valuation, financial strategy, corporate governance. She is invited guest lecturer and speaker on these topics in international research conferences and public business events. Has earned a degree of doctor in social sciences (economics) from Lithuania Academy of Sciences, Institute of Economics, habilitation (HP) from Vytautas Magnus University.

She is expert of the Lithuanian Research Council, member of EC Horizon Europe MSCA advisory group, has worked in EU H2020 Gender Advisory Group (2014-2017), member of  AFECA (president in 2014-2018), member of CIRIEC scientific committee on public enterprises. She has served as Vice-President for Research (2015-2019) and chair of Department of Economics (2016-2017) at ISM University of Management and Economics, previously held positions at Vytautas Magnus University, Vice-Dean of Faculty of Economics and Management, professor of Finance, has taken the lead in projects on study quality and international development, including several international Double Degree study programs – with Louvain School of Management (Belgium), NHH (Norway), Trento University (Italy). 

Her research interests include industrial organization, corporate finance, corporate governance and sustainability, behavioral finance. She has published on capital structure, employee financial participation, ownership structure, family firms, corporate governance and CSR, behavioral implications, the role of fintechs, and networks in financial markets. Her publications, based on joint research projects with partners from London School of Economics (LSE), Freie-Universitat Berlin, Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Corvinus university, etc., were published in international monographs, research papers, EU policy documents, including Eurofound reports PEPPER III, IV, V, EFES Position paper, etc.

Pijus Krūminas

Pijus Krūminas is an Associate Professor and programme director at ISM University of Management and Economics, Vilnius, Lithuania. He teaches subjects related to game theory, simulation games, and political economy, and leads the MSc programme in Financial Economics. His background is in economics (PhD) and political science (MA).

His core research interests include educational and academic wargaming (i.e. the use of serious games in teaching and research processes), including in the fields of economics, finance, and management. Pijus also has a strong interest in social science modelling through game theory, political economy, and economic history.

Pijus also has extensive experience in public sector consulting, mostly in innovation, digitalization, and education policy areas. This work covers research for national institutions, European Commission, European Space Agency, and other organisations.