The course in Economics and Sustainable Business Management is part of the core curriculum of the Master’s degree program in Human Sciences for the Environment. The program aims to provide students with a basic understanding of how businesses operate and the key management challenges they face. The course will emphasize the value of corporate sustainability as an innovative approach based on a company’s ability to make strategic choices that integrate social and environmental issues into both business processes and stakeholder relations. The course aims to provide both classical theories and modern approaches to corporate governance, strategic management, organization, and business practices. By the end of the course, the proposed learning activities and independent study will have enabled students to: 1) acquire knowledge of the guidelines, tools, and methods adopted by companies to make decisions regarding both the external environment and their operational activities; 2) understand the role of management in the sustainable development of a company; 3) evaluate business management models and tools and identify conflicts and synergies between the economic and socio-environmental dimensions of corporate activities; 4) apply the knowledge acquired to analyze and interpret corporate dynamics and specific problems, practices, and case studies.
teacher profile teaching materials
Alternative book: F. Fontana, M. Caroli, Economia e gestione delle imprese, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2017 (quinta edizione).
Selected chapters and paragraphs will be indicated during the lessons.
Programme
The firm and its goals - The firm as a sustainable system - The relationship between the firm and the external environment - Stakeholders and the governance of relations - Social responsibility and business ethics - The strategic management of the sustainable firm - The analysis of the competitive environment - Resources, competencies and competitive advantage - Competitive strategies - Growth strategies - Collaboration strategies - Strategies for environmental and social sustainability - Business models, green and circular economy - Strategic plan and sustainability - Organizational design - The sustainable management of business functions - Marketing - Human resources management - Operations and logistics - Finance - The management of technology and innovation.Core Documentation
M. Caroli, Economia e gestione sostenibile delle imprese, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2021 (prima edizione).Alternative book: F. Fontana, M. Caroli, Economia e gestione delle imprese, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2017 (quinta edizione).
Selected chapters and paragraphs will be indicated during the lessons.
Reference Bibliography
Books for further study: Sciarelli, S., La gestione dell’impresa. Tra teoria e pratica aziendale, 2020, Wolters Kluwers Sciarelli, S., Sciarelli M., Il Governo etico d’impresa, 2018, Wolters Kluwers Additional materials will be provided during the course (slides, scientific articles, case studies, etc.)Type of delivery of the course
The course is organized in both traditional and distance learningAttendance
Although not mandatory, classroom attendance is highly recommended.