INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ECONOMICS

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ECONOMICS

Valerio Pelucco

Instructional goals

The course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the key theories and concepts used in the business setting. Theories will be applied using real-world case studies. By the end of the course students should be familiar with the main theories in the field of management and able to apply them to real-word business scenarios.

Intended learning outcomes

Students will learn the key theories and concepts in the field of business economics and accounting. They should be able to apply theoretical concepts to real case scenarios using the theories covered in class. To develop their ability to convert theoretical concepts into practice, students will be engaged in active class discussions and face teamwork project. Class discussions and the presentation of a group project will help students to develop their communication skills. Students will be stimulated to express their viewpoints by applying the theoretical frameworks and concepts. Upon completing the program, students will be able to address problems in strategic management.

Course Contents

The class covers the fundamental principles of business administration. In particular, the course will cover: - The economic activity: organizations, firms, and the economy - Theories of the firms: stakeholder versus shareholder view. - Corporate governance - Organizational structures - Introduction to accounting - Strategic analysis: diagnosis, formulation, and implementation - External analysis - Internal analysis - Business and corporate strategy - Entrepreneurship and innovation - Decision analysis and internazionalization

Reference Books

Business Economics and Management, McGraw Hill

Teaching Methods

Traditional teaching through lectures will be complemented by case study discussions and a group project Students’ participation during lectures is strongly encouraged.

Assessment Method

ATTENDING STUDENTS: The assessment of attending students is based on: 1) Written exam with a mix of open and closed questions (alternatively, two partial or a single final general exam). The exam will account for 80% of the final grade. The two partials have the same weight 2) Group project (20% of the final grade) Materials: Course book (Excluding Chapters 12, 16, and 17) and slides NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS The assessment method for non-attending students is based on a final written exam. Materials: Course book (all chapters) and slides

Thesis assignment criteria

Students should submit an extended abstract detailing: (1) a proposed title for their thesis; (2) the research question; (3) the relevant literature streams; (4) the proposed methodology

Week 1

The economic activity: organizations, firms, and the economy (Chapter 1) + slides Theories of the firms: stakeholder versus shareholder view (Chapter 2) + slides

Week 2

Corporate governance and management (Chapters 3 and 4) + slides

Week 3

Organizational structures (Chapter 5) + slides

Week 4

Introduction to accounting and exercises (Chapter 6) + slides

Week 5

Strategy and external analysis (Chapters 7 and 8) + slides

Week 6

Internal analysis (Chapter 9) + slides

Week 7

Business strategy (Chapter 10) + slides

Week 8

Corporate Strategy (Chapter 11) + slides

Week 9

Entrepreneurship and innovation (Chapters 14 and 15) + slides

Week 10

Decision Analysis (slides only) and internationalization (Chapter 13) + slides

Week 11

Group presentation

Week 12

Group presentation