The course aims to explore the main issues and challenges faced by business leaders. It focuses on developing skills and attitudes needed to effectively manage external competitive dynamics. Initially, students will learn the importance of a strategic approach to maintaining consistent performance. They will then proceed with an analysis of how different managerial functions, such as Organization, Marketing, Innovation Management, Operations and Finance, are essential to value creation. The course also introduces financial valuation methods to quantify the value of the strategies adopted. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to synthesize different perspectives of a problem and use logic and discernment in analyzing complex situations.

At the conclusion of the course, students will have acquired the following skills and knowledge: - Knowledge and Understanding: o Interpreting the structure and functioning of business organizations and their interactions with the external environment. o Understanding and using the tools of analysis and formulation of business strategies in various market contexts. o Assessing a company's competitive position and employing tools for its improvement. o Develop strategic decisions related to major business functions. - Application Skills: o Use the concepts studied to address and solve complex business problems. o Apply theoretical models to real situations and business cases. o Diagnose and solve strategic problems in diverse competitive environments. - Analysis: o Decomposition of complex problems to facilitate management and implementation of specific solutions. - Autonomy of Judgment: o Critical evaluation of a company's competitive position and identification of strategies to improve performance. - Communication Skills: o Ability to effectively communicate, interpret and synthesize data related to the issues studied. o Appropriate use of economic and business terminology to explain and communicate strategic decisions. - Learning Skills: o Interpreting the dynamics of the competitive environment and adapting business strategies in response to these changes.

- The Enterprise and Its Environmental Context. o Relationship between environmental conditions and firm performance. o Analysis of competitive forces in the external environment. o Introduction to the concept of strategic grouping. o Examination of the elements of the competitive environment and tools for business analysis. - The Enterprise and Its Resources. o Identification of key resources and core competencies. o Strategic approach based on the enterprise's resources. - Competitive Strategies. o Exploration of the concept of competitive advantage. o Outlining the various competitive strategies. - Strategic Planning. o Development of enterprise-level strategic plans. o Strategic planning at the business and functional levels. - Business Functions and their Strategic Role. o Operations and supply chain management. o Business organization and its impact on strategy. o Innovation as a key element of business strategy. o Insight into the role of marketing. o Importance of finance in value creation.

Caroli M., “Economics and Sustainable Business Management,” McGrawHill Teaching materials provided by the lecturer

Lectures Case studies/simulations In-depth company testimonials Tutorials Group work

The verification of learning is structured as follows: Final written test (individual): The final test consists of a mix of open-ended (3), multiple-choice (5) and dichotomous (3) questions, which together make it possible to assess knowledge of the theoretical concepts acquired during teaching, the ability to apply them to the proposed practical cases and to independently develop critical evaluations. Group project work: up to 4 additional bonus points. Through this activity, it is intended to test the ability to understand complex business management problems, develop rigorous analyses using appropriate data and sources, propose reasoned solutions, communicate effectively within the work team, and discuss ideas with a wider audience during classroom presentations.

The assignment of the final paper is based on the following criteria: 1) Passing the examination; 2) Quality of the proposed research project and consistency with the faculty member's research interests. The quality of the research project is evaluated on the basis of the originality of the identified topic, the ability to comprehensively represent the theoretical frame of reference, and the appropriateness of the proposed methodological framework.