Economics

The Faculty of Economics focuses on teaching in contemporary, practical forms and in accordance with developments and processes in national and international markets. The goal is to ensure graduates are competitive in global markets, as individuals or as integral parts of prestigious organizations. The Faculty of Economics provides guidance and prepares students for careers in society based on the latest industry trends, helping them acquire contemporary knowledge and develop a vision for the future. This approach allows students to adapt and face economic challenges, contributing to the change and progress of our society.

In this way, the Faculty of Economics serves as an important stakeholder in the country’s efforts for economic development. By offering quality and contemporary programs, the FE contributes to increasing the capacities and competencies necessary to increase businesses’ performance and create new market structures. Also, the Faculty of Economics promotes new and innovative research in the fields of banking, finance, management, marketing, and economics in general, helping to create a deep knowledge base and insights that contribute to society.

Considering all the important elements above, the mission of the Faculty of Economics is “to prepare future professionals and leaders with knowledge and analytical competencies in the field of economics through a student-centered teaching approach and innovative teaching methodologies, to engage in the generation of new knowledge through advanced scientific and applied research, and to promote entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to socio-economic development both nationally and beyond.”

Dean

Medain Hashani

Dean

Prof. Ass. Dr. Medain Hashani was born on October 26, 1980, in Ferizaj, where he also completed his primary and secondary education. In 2006, he graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pristina, specializing in Banking and Finance (https://uni-pr.edu/).
In 2008, he completed his postgraduate studies at the Academy of Advanced University Studies (ASAU), earning a
Master’s degree in Accounting and Auditing. Later, in 2019, he defended his doctoral dissertation at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Economics in North Macedonia. His dissertation was titled: “The Impact of External Auditing on the Quality of Public Procurement Procedures in the Government of Kosovo”. Upon successful defense, he was awarded the academic title of Doctor of Economic Sciences, with a specialization in Accounting and Auditing (https://ukim.edu.mk/en/).

His academic career began at the University of Pristina (https://uni-pr.edu/) in 2006, where he served as a Teaching Assistant until 2009. During the same period, he was also a Lecturer at the German Academy for Economics and Data Processing in Kosovo – DAWIDAK ([email protected]).
In 2011, he began working as a Professor at AAB College (https://aab-edu.net/), Faculty of Economics. From 2012 to 2014, he also served as a Lecturer at the Public University of Prizren (https://uni-prizren.com/), engaged within the Faculty of Economics. Between 2017 and 2024, he was a Lecturer at the AAB Institute for Certified Accountants and Auditors.

Since 2011, Prof. Hashani has continued to serve as a full-time Professor at AAB College, teaching at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. He is also the coordinator of the Master’s program in Accounting and Auditing. At AAB College’s Faculty of Economics, Prof. Hashani teaches the following subjects: Bachelor level: Accounting, Financial Accounting and Master level: Financial Management, Auditing and Assurance.

Managerial Experience in Academia, between 2012 and 2020, Prof. Hashani served as the Director of the Ferizaj branch of AAB College (https://aab-edu.net/). Since 2020, he has held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the same institution.

Professional Experience, from 2005 to 2009, Prof. Hashani began his professional career as a Senior Auditor at the auditing firm Audit, Tax & FAS. He continued his professional engagement from 2009 to 2012 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Palace of Youth, Culture and Sports in Pristina(https://pallatirinise.com/). 

Between 2019 and 2022, he served as a Board Member at the Non-Banking Financial Institution BI CREDIT Sh.a (https://bicredit-ks.com), and from 2023 to 2025, he has been acting as an External Public Procurement Expert at the Procurement Review Body of the Republic of Kosovo (https://oshp.rks-gov.net/).

Since 2015, Prof. Hashani has been serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Insurance Company PRISIG (https://prisig-ks.com/). In addition, since 2023, he has been appointed as a Court Financial Expert by the Kosovo Judicial Council (https://www.gjyqesori-rks.org/).

Scientific Publications and Conferences 

His contribution to academic research includes numerous publications in indexed journals such as SCOPUS. Among his most recognized works are:

Smajli, R., Kida, N., Morina, J., Morina, V., Miftari, F., Hashani, M., Pasjaqa, A. (2025). The external economic environment as an attractive factor for foreign direct investment in Kosovo: An econometric analysis. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, Vol. 20, No. 5, pp. 1857-1883. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.200505

Hashani, M., Bajrami, R., & Ziberi, B. (2025). External audit importance toward efficiency of public funds and the economic growth-a study case of Kosovo. Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, 13(1), 200-213. https://doi.org/10.18488/73.v13i1.4047

Bajrami, R., Tafa, S., Gashi, A., & Hashani, M. (2025). Analysing the impact of money supply on economic growth: A panel regression approach for Western Balkan countries (2000–2023). Regional Science Policy & Practice, 17(2), 100159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rspp.2024.100159

Kida, N., Smajli, R., Hashani, M., Morina, V., Morina, J., Miftari, F. (2025). The impact of trade and consumption on Kosovo GDP growth: An analysis based on the Cobb-Douglas model. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 503-526. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.200205

Miftari, F., Shabani, L., & Hashani, M. (2024). Does FinTech Affect Financial Inclusion in Balkan Region Countries. Journal of Governance and Regulation Journal of Governance and Regulation, 13(Special Issue), 388-395. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv13i1siart12 

Mulolli, E., Islami, X., & Hashani, M. (2024). Enhancing SME performance through innovation: evidence from a transition economy – Kosovo. Business, Management and Economics Engineering22(2), 401–420. https://doi.org/10.3846/bmee.2024.21800 

Bajçinca, E., Hajdini, A. R., Shala, B., & Hashani, M. (2024). The role of foreign direct investments in the developing of banking sector. Journal of Governance & Regulation, 13(1), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv13i1art10

Shabani, A., & Hashani, M. (2023). The study of factors that impact life insurance decision of individuals [Special issue]. Corporate & Business Strategy Review, 4(2), 375–385. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv4i2siart17 

Bajraktari, K., Bajrami, R., & Hashani, M. (2023). The impact of international trade freedom on economic growth: Empirical evidence of the Western Balkans countries. Corporate & Business Strategy Review, 4(2), 132–142. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv4i2art12

Shahini-Gollopeni, K., Rexha, D., & Hashani, M. (2022). The importance of internal audit in increasing performance of microfinance institutions: The case of the developing country. Corporate Governance and Organizational Behavior Review, 6(3), 120-127. https://doi.org/10.22495/cgobrv6i3p11 

Hashani, M., Bajrami, R., & Ukshini, K. (2022). The impact of tax changes on the liquidity of construction companies in the developing market. Journal of Governance and Regulation/Volume11(2).  https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv11i2siart3

Hashani, M., Ziberi, B., & Bajrami, R. (2022). The rule of thumb: Private consumption as a driving force of the economic growth of Western Balkan countries. Journal of Governance & Regulation, 11(3), 54–60. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv11i3art5

Anggadwita, G., Ramadani, V., Alamanda, D. T., Ratten, V., & Hashani, M. (2017). Entrepreneurial intentions from an Islamic perspective: a study of Muslim entrepreneurs in Indonesia. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 31(2), 165-179. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijesb.2017.084086

Participation in Scientific Conferences and Trainings:

In 2025, he participated in the International Conference Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Era of Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges, AAB College, Republic of Kosovo. (https://aab-edu.net/konferencat/)

In 2024, he participated in the International Conference Security, Peace, and Sustainable Development in a Shaken World, AAB College, Republic of Kosovo. (https://aab-edu.net/konferencat/)

In 2024, he took part in the International Staff Week at the Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland. (https://internationalweek.savonia.fi/)

In 2024, he participated in the International Staff Week at the University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. (http://staffmobility.eu/staffweek/international-erasmus-staff-training)

In 2024, he participated in the 9th International Scientific Biennial Congress at the University of Skopje, North Macedonia. (https://iconbest.utms.edu.mk/)

In 2023, he participated in the International Scientific Conference Challenges and Perspectives of Economic Cooperation between Kosovo, Albania, and the Region, organized by the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the Academy of Sciences of Albania. (https://ashak.org/)

In 2010, he participated in the World Congress of Accountants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (https://www.ifac.org/news-events/2010-11/world-congress-accountants-2010-opens-record-number-delegates)

In 2009, he participated in the seminar Planning for Social Democracy and the Financial Crisis, held in Struga, North Macedonia. (https://idscs.org.mk/)

In 2008, he participated in the Summer University Countries in Transition and Their Economic Development, at the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France. (https://www.coe.int/en)

Prof. Ass. Dr. Medan Hashani is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Economics at AAB College, one of the most prominent higher education institutions in Kosovo and the region. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board at the insurance company Prisig and is a Certified Court Financial Expert at the Kosovo Judicial Council. He has played a significant role in developing academic curricula and enhancing teaching quality at AAB College. Over the years, he has trained and mentored dozens of students on topics such as auditing, financial reporting, corporate governance, and fiscal policy. Beyond his academic commitments, Prof. Hashani has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. His contribution to scientific research is notable, with publications in both national and international journals. His writings have influenced public policy and served as key resources for students and researchers in the field of economics. As a recognized expert in economics, Prof. Hashani is frequently featured in the media, offering analyses on economic developments, fiscal policies, and structural challenges facing Kosovo. Prof. Hashani is one of the most dedicated and influential figures in the economic and academic landscape of Kosovo. By combining his professional expertise with academic experience, he has contributed not only to educating future generations but also to institutional and policy development in the country. His professional integrity, commitment to fiscal policy development, and ability to connect theory with practice make him a highly respected figure in both public and academic spheres.

He is married, has two children, and lives in Pristina.

Eriona Ajvazi

Lecturer and Quality Assurance Coordinator

Eriona Ajvazi was born on June 25, 1997, in Prishtina, Kosovo. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in English Language and Literature at AAB College in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Between February and July 2017, she participated in an academic exchange program through Erasmus+ at the University of Łódź in Poland , within the Faculty of Philology.

She is currently a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Graz (Austria) , focusing on Critical Discourse Analysis in English related to the Kosovo–Serbia Dialogue. Since 2019, her activities have included representation at the European Y-FED Model in Strasbourg, training and certification in digital marketing and SEO, presentations at international conferences on linguistics, education, and human rights, as well as numerous Erasmus+ trainings in countries such as France, the Netherlands, Austria, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Slovakia.

In 2025, she participated in interdisciplinary PhD workshops and seminars in Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Albania, focusing on linguistics, research methods, area studies, human rights, and sustainable education. These experiences have significantly enriched her academic and professional development, providing her with in-depth knowledge, international networking opportunities, and new interdisciplinary perspectives.

Since 2016, she has been part of the staff at AAB College as a translator, and since 2021, she has also been a lecturer in the Faculty of English Language. In parallel, since 2023, she has held the position of Quality Assurance Coordinator. She has also served as Deputy Curator at Global Shapers Prishtina (2020–2021) and as Public Relations Officer at the International Theatre Festival in Prishtina (2017–2019). She has worked as a translator in various contexts including KFOR, trainings, lectures, and camps.

Eriona Ajvazi has been actively involved in international academic and professional programs such as Erasmus+, workshops, conferences, and seminars across various countries including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia, and more.

She holds certifications in research methodology, human rights, higher education for adults, and competency-based assessment.

She possesses advanced knowledge of English and intermediate proficiency in German and Spanish.

She is an active member of the Western Balkans Alumni Association and has previously been involved with youth and civic organizations such as JEF Kosova and Global Shapers Prishtina, where she contributed to the promotion of democratic values and youth participation in decision-making. In terms of projects, she currently serves as a member of the Advisory Group of the ReLOaD3 project in Kosovo, supported by UNDP, which aims to strengthen local democracy in the Western Balkans. In 2020, she managed the project for Kosovo’s accession to CERN and was involved in the “Unconditional Basic Income” project, contributing to the promotion of innovative policies for social welfare and scientific development.

Her academic interests lie in interdisciplinary fields primarily related to linguistics, critical discourse analysis, linguistic landscapes, and sociolinguistics, with a particular focus on how language shapes identity, ideology, and power relations in political and social contexts.

She is recognized for her commitment to academic quality, continuous professional development, and for linking education with democratic processes, youth engagement, and sustainable development at the regional and European level.

Qëndresa Kukaj

Qëndresa Kukaj Prelvukaj has experience in managing projects and programs in higher education in Kosovo. She is currently a PhD candidate in Economics at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) in Hungary, focusing on the transition of youth from education to the labor market.

She completed her Master’s degree in Economics at Vanderbilt University in the USA as a scholar of the Transformative Leadership program funded by USAID. She also holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the “Haxhi Zeka” University in Peja.

Professional Experience

Ms. Kukaj holds the position of Lecturer and Teaching Coordinator at the Faculty of Economics at AAB College, where she is engaged in overseeing academic processes as well as the development and accreditation of study programs. She is also a researcher in the international EDULAB project funded by Horizon Europe, which aims to study the transition from education to the labor market for European youth. Additionally, she is involved as a researcher in the HUMLIT project, also funded by Horizon Europe, which focuses on studying how humor is produced, distributed, and accepted in Europe.

Her previous experiences include serving as Chairperson of the Temporary Board of Directors at KRU Hidrodrini in Peja, the role of Project Officer and Lecturer at AAB College, Lecturer and Program Coordinator for the University of London/London School of Economics programs at Riinvest College, Lecturer and Project Specialist at Universum College, as well as developer and coordinator of projects in the NGOs Play2Educate, Anibar, and Lens, where she was engaged in coordinating programs for youth empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and training for civil society organizations.

Research and Publications

Her research focuses on higher education and the transition from education to the labor market. Some of her recent research includes:

  • Kukaj, Q., Hashani, M. (2024) Emerging Trends in Post-Secondary Education: The Impact of Digital Technologies on Access, Delivery, and Credentialing, 2024 ICONBEST, University of Skopje

  • Vértesy, L.; Kukaj, Q. (2024) “Micro-credentials: Navigating New Frontiers for Skill Acquisition and Lifelong Learning”; Intellectual Potential of Society in the Context of Permanent Social Changes: Ways of Retaining and Development.

  • Kukaj, Q.; Boros, A.; Bislimi, K. (2023) “The impact of ownership type on the quality of study programs in higher education in Kosovo: a comparative analysis”, Prizren Social Science Journal, 7:2

  • Laszlo, V; Kukaj, Q.; Boros, A. (2023) “The legal framework for higher education and maintainers rights in Hungary and Kosovo”, DE IURISPRUDENTIA ET IURE PUBLICO: JOURNAL OF LAW AND POLITICAL SCIENCE 14:2 pp. 88-109

  • Ruxho, F., Dervishaj, V., Kukaj, Q. (2021) “Effects of gender and year of study on digital teaching performance in higher education in Kosovo during the Covid-19 pandemic,” 76th International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development – “Building Resilient Society,” Zagreb, Croatia

  • Dervishaj, V., Kukaj, Q. (2021) “Economic impact of government measures to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in developing countries: the case of Kosovo,” International Online Conference on Economics & Social Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Kukaj Q. (2020) “Analysis of factors influencing youth choices for higher education: the case of Kosovo,” 4th International Conference Towards Sustainable Development (TSD2020), Skopje, North Macedonia

  • Zhubi D., Kukaj Q. (2018) “Free Data?”, Lens, Pristina

Trainings and Awards

Throughout her career, Qëndresa has participated in initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and professional development of women in society. In 2019, she was selected as a mentor in the “Womentorship for Dialogue” program by OSCE, providing guidance to young girls in Kosovo for their personal and professional development. The same year, due to her involvement in the NGO Play2EDUCATE, which uses play and dialogue as tools to combat extremism, she was awarded the title “Volunteer of the Year for Community Impact” by USAID and Citizens Corps.

She is also a recipient of two full academic scholarships. In 2021, she won the “Stipendium Hungaricum” scholarship for doctoral studies in Hungary, while in 2016, she was selected as a scholar of the Transformative Leadership Program, which enabled her to pursue her master’s studies in the USA, funded by USAID and the Government of Kosovo.

Language and Computer Skills

Qëndresa’s native language is Albanian. She also speaks English (C2), Spanish (B2), and Serbian (A2).

Her computer skills include proficiency in MS Office and statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, and R.