The course analyzes economic and financial characteristics of small and medium sized firms (SMEs) and compares them with those of large firms. In detail, the course aims at:

1) defining the concept of SMEs in Italy and abroad with a focus on the birth and development of industrial districts
2) analyzing the contribution of SMEs to the growth of Italian economy
3) identifying the economic and financial peculiarities of SMEs
4) extending to SMEs the traditional theories of corporate finance and adjusting these theories if required
5) explaining the financial decision making of SMEs in terms of investment choices, capital structure choices and risk