Business sciences

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the main areas of management, structured into complementary thematic modules. The exam will cover all topics addressed during the lectures, including group activities and company case studies. The introductory part examines the dynamics of the firm and the competitive environment, through the study of the main theories of the firm and the stakeholder versus shareholder perspectives. Further attention is devoted to issues of business ethics and corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, and the role of organizational culture, corporate purpose, and leadership in managerial processes. A subsequent module is dedicated to strategic analysis, enabling students to apply tools such as Porter’s Five Forces and resource and capability analysis to conduct both internal and external diagnoses. Particular emphasis is placed on the formulation and implementation of strategies, at both the business and corporate levels, supported by practical exercises and group work. Another module focuses on the main business functions, covering decision-making processes and organizational structures, as well as human resource management, corporate finance, marketing, and operations. Within this module, marketing is analyzed in its strategic and operational dimensions, with specific attention to planning and the marketing mix (product, promotion, price, and distribution). Finally, the course emphasizes the integration of theory and practice through the study of real business cases and guest lectures from companies, allowing students to connect conceptual models with the actual dynamics of organizations.

No prerequisites are required.

Valerio Pelucco (2025), Business Economics and Management, McGraw Hill. Attending students are required to study Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 17 of the textbook, as well as the supplementary materials provided by the instructor. Non-attending students are required to study the entire textbook in addition to the supplementary materials, which must be requested directly from the instructor via email.

Attendance is strongly recommended in order to ensure a full understanding of the course contents and active participation in group activities and company guest lectures. To be formally recognized as an attending student, participation in at least 80% of the scheduled class hours is required, as documented through signed attendance sheets.

For attending students, learning outcomes are assessed through a final written exam, consisting of multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions. An optional oral exam is also available. Assessment also takes into account active participation in lectures, group activities, and the discussion of articles and/or business cases, which contribute to evaluating students’ critical and applied skills. The purpose of the assessment is to verify the level of knowledge of the topics covered in class, the chapters of the textbook indicated in the Texts section of the Syllabus, and the supplementary materials provided by the instructor. Furthermore, assessment considers the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the clarity of expression, and the ability to critically and coherently connect theory with practice. For non-attending students, learning outcomes shall be assessed through a final written exam, consisting of multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions, followed by a mandatory oral exam upon successful completion of the written test. These assessments aim to verify the level of knowledge of the topics covered in class, the reference textbook (see the Texts section of the Syllabus), and the supplementary materials, which must be requested directly from the instructor via e-mail. Evaluation takes into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, as well as the ability to critically apply the concepts learned and to establish effective connections between theory and practice.

Teaching is delivered primarily through traditional lectures, aimed at providing the theoretical and methodological foundations of the topics covered. Lectures are complemented by guest talks from company representatives and professionals, designed to link theoretical concepts with real business cases and organizational practices. In addition, group activities and class discussions are included to enable students to apply the tools learned, develop problem-solving skills, and strengthen collaborative and argumentative competences.