BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRM-1

The course Business Economics and Management of the Firm is a core course within the Business Administration and Management degree programme. The course provides a systematic introduction to the foundations of how firms and economic systems operate, with a focus on the key concepts of modern business, management, and organization.
The aim of the course is to develop a basic understanding of the main economic and managerial processes characterizing firms: from value creation and resource organization to production management and organizational design, as well as firms’ interaction with the competitive and institutional environment. The course integrates economic and managerial perspectives, combining theoretical frameworks with applied examples and business cases.
Special emphasis is placed on contemporary developments in business, internationalization processes, ethics and social responsibility, and the role of organizational and technological innovation. The course is structured into two closely integrated parts, sharing learning objectives, teaching materials, and learning activities.

1. Knowledge and understanding. Students will acquire basic knowledge of the fundamental concepts of business economics and management, and understand how firms, economic systems, and organizations operate.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding. Students will be able to apply theoretical concepts to real-world business situations, including through the analysis of examples and case studies.
3. Judgmental abilities. Students will develop the ability to critically interpret economic and organizational phenomena, comparing alternative explanations and forming independent judgments.
4. Communication abilities. Students will develop communication skills through group work, presentations, and in-class discussions.
5. Learning abilities. The course will strengthen students’ ability to learn autonomously, to use teaching materials critically, and to integrate different sources of knowledge.

Students are expected to have achieved the learning objectives and to have passed (propaedeutic subjects) the exams of "Principles of Management and International Accounting - 1" and "Principles of Management and International Accounting - 2". In particular, students should be familiar with concepts an methods related to basic management and financial accounting (cost terms and concepts, budget and budgeting process, etc.).

PART I
1. Introduction to business and economic systems
-The concept of business and economic systems
-Demand, supply, and economic systems
-Economic performance and business cycles
2. Ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability
-Business ethics
-Corporate social responsibility
-Sustainability and stakeholders
6. The management process
-Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
-Managerial roles and skills
8. Production, operations, and quality
-Operations management
-Innovation, technology, and quality management

PART II
3. Global business
-Foundations of international trade
-Modes of entry into foreign markets
-Multinational enterprises
4. Forms of business ownership
-Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations
-Advantages and limitations of different legal forms
5. Entrepreneurship, small business, and franchising
-The role of small business in the economy
-Entrepreneurship and business planning
7. Organization and organizational design
-Organizational structures
-Delegation, decentralization, and organizational culture

William M. Pride, Robert J. Hughes, Jack R. Kapoor, Foundations of Business, 7th Edition, Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-0-357-71794-3. Chapters 1–8.

Jacobs, F. Robert, Chase, Richard B. Operations and supply chain management. ISBN 9781259666100. Chapters 2, 3, 7, 9

Written exam; no texts or notes allowed. The exam will be written and will cover both parts of the course, with 30 multiple-choice questions (15 on the first part and 15 on the second part; duration: 35 minutes). The questions will assess knowledge of the basic concepts presented in the course, the ability to apply them to examples, and critical understanding of these concepts.
The maximum grade that can be recorded for students who take only the written exam is 26/30. Students who obtain at least a passing grade in the written exam (18/30) may take an oral exam, which allows evaluation up to 30/30 with honors; however, the oral exam may also lower the grade obtained in the written exam.
The final grade will also take into account any group work or case studies offered to students on a voluntary basis, which may be worth up to 2 additional points.

written and oral

A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned based on:
- Sufficient knowledge and understanding applied in reference to the course curriculum;
- Limited ability to apply knowledge by forming independent judgments;
- Adequate communication skills, especially concerning the use of specific language related to the business management areas;
B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned based on:
- Fair knowledge and understanding applied about the course curriculum;
- Fair ability to apply knowledge by forming independent judgments;
- Fair communication skills, especially concerning the use of specific language related to the business management areas;
C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned based on:
- Good or excellent knowledge and understanding applied about the course curriculum;
- Good or excellent ability to apply knowledge by forming independent judgments;
- Fully appropriate communication skills, especially concerning the use of specific language related to the business management areas;
D. Distinction will be awarded based on excellent knowledge and understanding applied to the curriculum, exceptional judgment, and communication skills.

The course is based on classroom lectures, combined with case study discussions and group work activities. Teaching materials (slides, cases, multimedia content) will be made available on the Moodle platform.
During the course, group works will be proposed, to be carried out throughout the entire course (Part I and Part II), consisting of the production of business documentaries aimed at analyzing real-world business cases.

Exam Registration
Only registered students will be able to take the exam.

Accessibility, disability, and inclusion
Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning disabilities.

Ca 'Foscari complies with Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities. This includes students with motor, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999) and with specific learning disabilities (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodation (e.g. alternative tests, readers, take notes or interpreters) contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disable@unive.it

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development