OVERVIEW

The course ideally consists of four parts:

1. introduction to service management and corporate-level strategies
2. Strategies and value-added services in transport; modes of transport
3. case studies, thematic testimonials and specific analyses
4. oil supply chain

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course, of a technical-business nature, starts from a perspective of "service-dominant logic" and strategic growth of service companies, introducing the concept of "servitization" and the managerial strategies connected to it. The central focus of the course is on a specific type of service companies, i.e. transportation companies, operating in various modes, which are analyzed by placing them within the context of logistic-manufacturing systems of various sectors, also through the use of case studies. A very important part will be made up of specific in-depth studies, possibly through curricular seminars, aimed at providing the essential elements at the basis of managerial choices, as well as the competitive factors operating in the various transport sectors serving cargo and passenger demand. With specific reference to the strategies of transportation companies, some technical foundations are provided, related to the concept of "container", train management models, Incoterms, and other crucial themes for the sector. Finally, two monographic parts will be carried out. One will focus on the concept of "energy supply chain", where topics such as sustainability in transport and infrastructures, as well as the examination of alternative and frontier energy sources (e.g., LNG), will be addressed. The other one will relate to the so-called "relocation management", that is, the process of moving an industrial plant to a new location.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Ample space will be dedicated to the topic of service management and its added value and quality objectives, as well as to the process-based approach and corporate-level strategies.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the study of business functions in production and marketing. The essential elements underlying managerial decisions and the competitive factors operating in various transport sectors serving cargo and passenger demand will be specifically explored.

At the end of the course, students will have a solid theoretical understanding of service management, business strategies in the transport sector, and the dynamics of the energy supply chain, enabling them to critically analyze and evaluate managerial decisions in these contexts.

Specifically, they will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of "service dominant logic": Students will be able to explain the importance of service-oriented logic in modern businesses and how it influences growth and business strategies.
2. Analyze servitization: They will be able to describe the process, evaluating its strategic implications for transport companies and the manufacturing sectors connected to them.
3. Evaluate service quality: They will know the main methods and tools for measuring the quality of services offered by companies, with particular attention to transport companies.
4. Apply the process-based approach: They will be able to identify and analyze various business processes, understanding how a process-based approach can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.
5. Understand technological innovation: They will be able to explain how technological innovation influences business strategies and contributes to the competitive advantage of transport companies.
6. Analyze corporate-level strategies: They will be familiar with business growth strategies and will know how to evaluate the basic strategic options that transport companies can adopt.
7. Understand the competitive micro-environment: They will be able to analyze extended competition and co-opetition in the transport sector, understanding how these elements influence companies' strategic choices.
8. Distinguish types of transport companies: They will be able to describe the different types of transport companies and their main characteristics.
9. Evaluate business functions: They will understand the importance of business functions, particularly operations and marketing, and how these contribute to the competitiveness of transport companies.
10. Analyze case studies: They will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired through the critical analysis of real case studies in the transport sector.
11. Understand the energy supply chain: They will have an in-depth understanding of the energy supply chain, with a focus on sustainability in transport and infrastructure, and will be able to evaluate the various alternative energy sources.

PREREQUISITES

Compulsory exams: Economia Aziendale.

TEACHING METHODS

Students with certification of disability, specific learning disorders (DSA), or special educational needs should contact, at the beginning of the course, both the instructor and the Department’s disability liaison, Prof.ssa Elena Lagomarsino (elena.lagomarsino@unige.it) to agree on teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the objectives of the teaching unit, take into account individual learning needs and allow the use of compensatory tools if necessary. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

PART 1 – Introductory Concepts on Service Management. 1.A. Service Management, 1.B. Servitization, 1.C. Service Quality Measurement, 1.D. Process-Based Approach, 1.E. Technological Innovation, 1.F. Corporate-Level Strategies;

PART 2 – Strategies of Transport Companies. 2.A. The Micro-Environment: Extended Competition and Co-opetition, 2.B. Transport Companies: Some Types, 2.C. Business Functions. The Relevance of Operations, 2.D. Marketing in Transport Companies, 2.E. Basic Strategic Options, 2.F. Business Growth Strategies, 2.G. Modes of Transport;

PART 3 – Case Studies and Ad Hoc Testimonials

PART 4 – Energy Supply Chain

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides

Remondino Marco, Management dei servizi e del trasporto", Webster Press - Libreria Universitaria. EAN:9788833594200 ISBN:8833594203

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

II semester

Class schedule

TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written exam consisting of three questions: one on service management, one on transport modes and strategies in that sector, and one on operational/strategic aspects in the analyzed transport sectors. There is an opportunity to prepare a project work on a real company, with details communicated at the beginning of the course.

The exam aims to evaluate not only the learning of concepts expressed during the course but also the student's ability to provide real-world examples, an aspect facilitated by the many case studies presented during the course.