Social planning for sustainability, innovation, and gender inclusion

The course focuses on the analysis of the ongoing social, economic and cultural transformation processes with reference to the issues of sustainability, innovation and gender inclusion. With the primary purpose of training an analyst figure capable of selecting, analyzing, interpreting and connecting quantitative information on a wide range of relevant social aspects, the course is characterized by a distinctly operational character. In fact, it is designed to transfer to students an articulated basket of methodological, statistical, “issues oriented” skills: 1. design and acquisition of empirical bases for the secondary analysis of data on social inclusion and sustainability; 2. development of a data analysis plan anchored to substantive issues and goals; 3. application of data analysis techniques and models; 4. use of statistical tools for data analysis; 5. construction of a research report. - Knowledge and understanding The first aim of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge on the logical, technical-procedural, data processing and analysis aspects in the context of research paths centered on the issues of sustainable, inclusive and gender sensitive innovation. - Applying knowledge and understanding The methodological and statistical training acquired is functional for identifying and querying the most recognized national and international statistical sources, as well as for the design and management of complex empirical analyses with secondary data. - Making judgements The course is aimed at integrating the training path with a reflective and critical dimension starting from the comparison on the topics addressed, on the contents of the proposed readings (scientific contributions, guidelines, reports), on the main results of empirical research, analyzed and/or produced during the lessons. - Communication skills Through the comparison and discussion on the study issues, the course aims to develop communication skills on the training topics, also through a systematic presentation of the results of the exercises, carried out individually and in groups. The student will be able to explain the logic of the analyses - carried out in person or found in the empirical literature - and to communicate the results effectively, using an appropriate and rigorous language. - Learning skills Classes and practical exercises are aimed at students' acquisition of skills of analysis and re-elaboration of the study materials, as well as the acquisition of methodological and statistical abilities that can be used in concrete and versatile empirical research opportunities. At the end of the course, the student is expected to have acquired a basket of skills that can be easily transferred to many thematic areas and to be able to design and manage the most operational phases of specific empirical research paths. The student will be able to handle data of different nature, query nationally and internationally recognized statistical databases, independently producing research results and favoring a comparative perspective in terms of space and time.