Learning objectives
1. Knowledge: This course will allow students to better understand the working of IDs which represent one of the real engines of the Italian economy.
2. Judgment: Students will improve their capacity to read and understand the contents both of official documents (e.g., Business Plans, etc.) and of media articles (e.g., The Economist, etc.) - with special emphasis on the analysis of IDs’ performances in the international markets.
3. Communication skills: This course encourages the communication skills of students (Group Activities with presentations of works).
Prerequisites
None.
Course unit content
The main aim of this Lab is to shed light on Industrial Districts (IDs) and its fundamental pillars – i.e., agglomerations of SMEs and those enterprises which are becoming always more frequent Big Players.
In the first part of the Lab a general framework will be explained with reference to the works of outstanding economists such as professors Alfred Marshall, Giacomo Becattini, Paul Krugman, Michael E. Porter and others.
In the second part of the Lab we will move on to the empirical evidence. Given the strength of IDs in the Emilia-Romagna region, the so-called “Emilian Model” will be scrutinized. We will host guest speakers from the business community and/or researchers from think-tanks.
In the third part of the Lab we will be visiting locally some companies which are leaders of their respective IDs.
In the final part of the Lab students will be divided into small Groups, so they will be able to prepare their Reports on one of the ‘case-studies’ which will be listed and analysed during the second and the third part of the Lab. At the very end, there will be an in-class presentation for each Group.
Full programme
The extended program will be published on ELLY Platform when the Lab starts (at the very end of October/very beginning of November).
Bibliography
The teaching materials will be listed by the teacher at the beginning of the Course, and they will contain: (i) one or two journal article(s); (ii) the slides presented during class-time by the teacher; (iii) the slides and/or other materials presented by guest speakers.
Teaching methods
The first part will be delivered by the teacher.
The second part will also be delivered by the teacher with regard to the general introduction of the ‘Emilian Model’, whereas guest speakers will present their respective case-studies.
During the third part the experience acquired by the companies will be illustrated by entrepreneurs and managers working on site.
Fourth part - See: Modalità di verifica dell'apprendimento (Assessment).
Assessment methods and criteria
The final assessment will consist in the evaluation of the Groups’ works in which each student will have had to actively participate in. The Groups’ works will be presented and discussed in class towards the end of the Lab. Attendance is mandatory.
Marks will be up to 30 (thirty), and Cum Laude/Honour will be possible for research papers of particular relevance.
Other information
Elective course/Optional;
Students 1st and 2nd year(s);
4 ECTS(CFU)
28 hours (total: Lectures + Guest speakers + Corporate visits + Presentations).
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
8 & 9
