The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the main concepts that are used in today's business world. Students will learn the basics of management theory and how to apply these concepts to real-world case studies. The course will equip students with the necessary concepts and frameworks to understand the drivers of competitive advantage and make better strategic decisions. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the key concepts and theories in management and how they can be applied to real-world business situations.

Students will learn the main principles of both firm external and internal analysis with the goal to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The course is structured to develop know-how and skills that allow students to elaborate and employ original ideas in complex contexts of analysis. Students will learn to apply theoretical concepts to real case scenarios. To develop their ability to convert theoretical concepts into practice, students will be engaged in active class discussions and face different teamwork assignments. Class discussions and presentations of projects will help students to develop their communication skills. Students will be stimulated to express their viewpoints based on data and adequate theoretical frameworks using appropriate business and economic terminology. Upon completing the program, students will be able to address problems in strategic management. To do so, students will be constantly asked to address the overall complexity of real-life business problems using the theoretical framework discussed in class and applying this knowledge using the data and information taken from reliable resources.

The class covers the fundamental principles of administration, delivering a thorough summary of the company, its internal structure, and its interactions with the competitive landscape. In particular the course will cover: - The economic activity: organizations, firms, and the economy - Theories of the firms: stakeholder versus shareholder view. - Protecting shareholders interests: corporate governance - Organizational structures - Strategic analysis: diagnosis, formulation, and implementation - Decision analysis - External analysis - Internal analysis - Business and corporate strategy - Internazionalization - Entrepreneurship and innovation

Business Economics and Management, McGraw Hill

Traditional teaching through lectures will be complemented by case studies discussions and assignements (group works) Students’ participation during lectures is strongly encouraged.

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 75% of the final grade. The two partials have the same weight 2) Group project (25% of the final grade) Materials: Course book (Excluding Chapter 6, 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 (excluding Chapter 6), slides, and "Strategic Management fundamental concepts for decision making and strategy execution by Shapiro (only chapters 5, 6, and 10).

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