Celebrating excellence: RIT Croatia Senior Capstone Presentations 2026
From left to right: Anastasija Grgurević, Lea Gugić, professor Milena Kužnin, Toni Praštalo and Danijela Dražeta on the day of the Senior Capstone Project presentations
The prestigious Hotel Palace in Dubrovnik served as the perfect backdrop for a significant milestone in the academic journeys of RIT Croatia’s Hospitality and Tourism Management seniors. In a day filled with rigorous academic inquiry and professional poise, these graduating students presented their senior capstone projects, representing the culmination of years of study and research.
Under the overarching guidance of Professor Rebecca Charry Roje, and supported by a dedicated panel of individual mentors, the Class of 2026 tackled some of the most pressing and contemporary issues facing the global hospitality industry. From the psychological impact of "toxic positivity" in the workplace to the geopolitical pressures affecting hotel operations, the breadth of research was as diverse as it was insightful.
Diverse research and local impact
The presentations highlighted several emerging trends and critical challenges:
- The Human Element: Several students focused on the well-being and management of the workforce. Tita Butić explored the "Facade of the Smile," investigating how toxic positivity affects hospitality employees, while Filip Milatović researched moral courage in the workplace.
- Local Dubrovnik Insights: The local industry remained a focal point, with Dora Šurković asking "Who is Dubrovnik for?" from a resident's perspective, and Patrick Gasparić examining the foreign language competence of the city's international hospitality workforce.
- Modern Consumer Trends: Students like Redon Redžić looked at the power of short-form destination videos (such as TikToks and Reels) in driving travel intent, while Mira Carnevale decoded the complex pricing structures of food delivery services.
- Leadership and Inclusivity: Danijela Dražeta provided an exploratory study on female chefs in professional Croatian kitchens, highlighting the evolving landscape for women in the culinary arts.
Senior Capstone Projects 2026
Below is the complete list of the visionary projects and the dedicated students and mentors who brought them to life:
|
Student Name |
Presentation Title |
Mentor |
|
Martina Rakiđija |
Capital Structure Determinants of Croatian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises |
Kevin Walker |
|
Mira Carnevale |
The Price of Convenience: Decoding Food Delivery Pricing |
Kevin Walker |
|
Ivana Menalo |
The Backbone of Hospitality: Recognizing the Value of Housekeeping |
Besim Agušaj |
|
Noor Alagić |
Is the Customer Always Right? |
Besim Agušaj |
|
Jovana Uljarević |
Unity in Diversity: Strengthening Team Cohesion in Multicultural Hospitality Teams |
Besim Agušaj |
|
Marija Đuričković |
What Makes Luxury Feel Like Luxury? |
Besim Agušaj |
|
Tita Butić |
The Facade of the Smile: Impact of Toxic Positivity on Hospitality Employees |
Besim Agušaj |
|
Tomo Naglić |
Mind the Gap: Intention vs. Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives |
Iva Adžić Kušt |
|
Marin Sućur |
More than a Race: Creating Shared Value through Du Motion |
Iva Adžić Kušt |
|
Antonela Rodić |
Perceptions of Leadership Style and Organizational Commitment of Hospitality Employees |
Iva Adžić Kušt |
|
Mar Andjelić |
Between Exit and Presence: Hotel Responses to Geopolitical Pressure |
Vanda Bazdan |
|
Talia Ahmed |
Moments Over Monuments: What Tourists Really Want in the MENA region |
Vanda Bazdan |
|
Redon Redžić |
From Screen to Suitcase: How Short Form Destination Videos Drive Travel Intent |
Vanda Bazdan |
|
Filip Milatović |
Moral Courage among Hospitality Employees |
Vanda Bazdan |
|
Danijela Dražeta |
Taking the Heat: An Exploratory Study of Female Chefs in Professional Croatian Kitchens |
Milena Kužnin |
|
Lea Gugić |
Design Speaks First: Interior Design as a Communication Tool in Luxury Boutique Hotels |
Milena Kužnin |
|
Toni Praštalo |
Fast Food with a Local Twist: A Case Study of "Barba" Restaurant |
Milena Kužnin |
|
Anastasija Grgurević |
Service Quality in Dubrovnik Fast Food Restaurants |
Milena Kužnin |
|
Lea Papak |
How Traditional Gastronomy Shapes Tourist Satisfaction |
Barbara Perić |
|
Estella B. Esposito |
Safety Perceptions and Support Effectiveness in Study Abroad Programs |
Barbara Perić |
|
Patrick Gasparić |
Foreign Language Competence of Foreign Hospitality Workers in Dubrovnik |
Barbara Perić |
|
Dora Šurković |
Who is Dubrovnik for?: Dubrovnik Residents' Perceptions |
Barbara Perić |
The professionalism and depth of research demonstrated by our seniors underscore RIT Croatia’s commitment to preparing leaders who are ready to innovate and elevate the hospitality and tourism sectors. Congratulations to all the presenters on their remarkable achievements!
