Economics and management

This course aims to provide students with academic/managerial knowledge, based on the models developed in the literature and empirical evidence from the market, necessary to understand, evaluate and manage the innovation and quality management processes of companies operating in dynamic and constantly expanding sectors (eg. tourism, transport, manufacturing, agrifood, etc.) characterized by digital transformation. The approach will make use of academic lectures, classroom exercises, project works and practical cases, in addition to individual study. Main Topics:  Innovation paradigms in response to digital transformation: new production processes and business models; digital readiness/business model maturity and digital platforms; Indicators and models of (technological and organizational) Innovation; Main theoretical frameworks in the Innovation Field; Scientific paper structure, nature of data, research approaches and methodologies; Disruptive Innovation, servitization and digital servitization, dynamic capabilities view; digital business models; the evolution of soft and hard skills for the digital transformation; Multi-to-Omni channel management. Sustainable Innovation.  The dimensions of quality management: the quality culture; the concept of quality in the design of products and services; the quality of business processes and information; quality certification; quality and customer satisfaction measures; total quality management (TQM) principles and strategies; quality & sustainability.

None

Teaching material selected and prepared by the professor (slides, case studies, academic articles, etc.) Supporting books: - Strategic management of technological innovation - Melissa A. Schilling (2022) - Business Strategies: Building Sustainable Models with Artificial Intelligence and Digital Platforms- Sorin Anagnoste (2024)

Lectures, case studies and project works, requiring active participation by the students (both during the lecture and in the hours of individual study and group work). Each one of the main subjects will be analysed through the reading and discussion in class of a referent seminal article. The students will be asked to critically read the paper, identify and highlight the most important insights, and find out practical/market applications of the topic of interest.

Active participation and lesson attendance (in presence) are strongly recommended

The exam consists of a final oral interview. - For students attending the course: the final grade is given by the grade taken in the written exam + the evaluation of the project and of the participation in the activities carried out during the cycle of lessons. - For students NOT attending the course: the final grade is given exclusively by the grade taken in the final oral exam.

Lectures, case studies and project works, requiring active participation by the students (both during the lecture and in the hours of individual study and group work). Each one of the main subjects will be analysed through the reading and discussion in class of a referent seminal article. The students will be asked to critically read the paper, identify and highlight the most important insights, and find out practical/market applications of the topic of interest.