Draft

The Association of Economists of the Dolenjska and Bela krajina regions in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia , Ministry of the Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Faculty of Organizational Sciences in , Faculty of Administration in , Slovenian Foundation for Business Excellence, Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Novo mesto, of mesto, University Research Centre in Novo mesto and organizes

20 International Forum of Excellence and Mastery Otočec

on 22 and 23 May 2008,

In 2008, the above mentioned institutions will organize another forum at Otočec. This time it will be the 20 jubilee Forum of Excellence and Mastery and it will take place on 22 and 23 May 2008. The topic will be devoted to the current issues of inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, searching also for the opportunities provided by the strategy of excellence related to the coexistence between different economies and nations. We are glad that the Forum 2008 will be accompanied with the EFQM Winners’ Conference, SFPO Forum and the Conference on Excellence organized by the Faculty of Administration from ; in addition the programme will also discuss the cooperation with international institutions.

The »International Forums of Excellence and Mastery Otočec« have won recognition of professional and other public through their new, innovative approaches and quests which should contribute to successful economy and top business results, as well as to excellence in life and work. The quests were always focused on how to improve the quality of life, and make it better. With this respect a great emphasis was laid on the symbiosis between economy and culture. Nowadays, when we are faced with increased globalisation and exceptionally rapid changes in all fields of science, we have devoted much of our time to the issue of people-friendly growth, development and progress. The constantly present thought was that a vision of excellence and mastery is a must as well as some concrete actions for their implementation in practice. In all nineteen yearbooks published to mark the previous Forums, several local and foreign top-level scientists and also people from practice summed up their reflections about the most important issues of the present and of the future; giving also recommendations and motives for implementing the principles of excellence and mastery.

There are several principles and focuses which have to be considered with the implementation of excellence and mastery. If we want to reach the top level, we have to possess several different skills. A proper approach or mental orientation can be very helpful. A small and simple flicker of thought often leads us all the way to excellence and mastery. Doing this, we have to respect and build the climate or the system of values covering mutual trust, respect and cooperation; we have to engage in continuous learning and try to find the best sustainable solutions at world level.

When making the plans for our twentieth Forum we took these guidelines in account and have also invited respected guests from the , , , FranceIndiato join us on this occasion and demonstrate their paths towards excellence and mastery. We firmly believe that under the current globalisation circumstances and pressure we need and have to search for and confirm universal patterns of healthy life and prosperous work, which will be to the benefit of all economies and all nations.

We would be anxious to offer our highly appreciated visitors something new that will give them fresh impetus and vitality. Something small and simple at first sight, which however carries great power in terms of strategy, an important motive, content and message. We know everything starts with the first step, which however has to be made in the right direction and has to be deliberated from all aspects. The key on our path to excellence and mastery is how to patiently and persistently repeat this first step and upgrade it. Despite innumerable traps and difficulties.

This path towards universal excellence and mastery is endless. When we think we have reached the goal, we come to another open door and open windows.

Not only pure economic growth, but also the development related to cultural and other elements, is an imperative for the present time and even more so for the future. Thus, the progress that will implement a balanced symbiosis between economy, culture, ecology and other sciences and whose goal is human development.

A good tool to help us doing this is also the Model of Excellence and Mastery Otočec«,

All papers and the entire event at the Forum will be related to the term »more and better« which is the basis for growth, development and progress and to the philosophy «and, and«, which is the textual basis for innovativeness and is entertained at our Forums from the very beginning.

History teaches us that the coexistence between »small and big nations« is possible, which particularly holds true for the field of economy. Even the »small nations« were often protagonists of important ideas and providers of actions that have far surpassed their otherwise low number and small territory. We feel confident that with joint efforts we can do a lot to make our world, in the forthcoming strained years, a better place all-around, and as such also more economically viable. The theory and practice of universal excellence and mastery can be a very helpful tool with this respect.

Within the scope of 20 Forum of Excellence and Mastery we shall organize a ceremony to confer the , which has gained high prestige. It will be granted to the personality who successfully combines the values of humanity and exceptional universal efficacy. It is understandable that the 2008 winner meets, like all previous winners, high criteria of universal excellence and mastery.

The special document called “ will be accepted. With it we wish to give additional impetus to universal excellence and mastery. This strategy should become a new important item of mutual cooperation between states and nations and special motivation to all aspects of coexistence on international level.

We shall also confer the , which employed the highest number of new professional associates in the past year in our region. We take full employment as a big and precious value, without which we could not speak of an excellent economy or excellent society.

Everybody wishing to broaden their knowledge from the field of management, time management, economy, ecology, culture, psychology, sociology, human resource management, motivation, public communication, personnel management and other skills needed for the implementation of top quality, excellence and mastery, is kindly invited to attend the Forum.

The time we live and work in is extremely demanding. We are all responsible for setting up solid foundations for the present, and particularly for the future. We will be judged mostly by our strategic thoughts and actions. Therefore the organisers of the 20 Forum of Excellence and Mastery will engage great efforts to make 22 and 23 May 2008 two special and exceptional days, abounding in joy, incentives and innovative ideas.

For the Organizing Programme Committee:

• Ms. Zvezdana Bajec,
• Dr. Janez Gabrijelčič,
• Mr. Jože Colarič,
• Dr. Nineta Majcen,
• Ms. Loredana ,
• Dr. Polona Kovač,
• Mr. Uroš Zarnik and
• Ms. Slavka Štemberger.

Novo mesto, 29.December 2007