LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to examine strategic and operational dimensions related to the management of companies involved in coastal tourism. It typically includes cruises, ferries, marinas and other tourist activities developed along the coast and in the surrounding areas. For this purpose, the concept of coastal tourism is first defined by delimiting the boundaries of the object of study. Subsequently, the various types of tourism relevant to coastal and maritime locations are examined and the main theoretical constructs applicable to the management of businesses and companies operating within these competitive contexts are examined in depth. The course also explores the main issues related to sustainability, the green economy, the blue economy and the management of relations with relevant stakeholders. Particular emphasis is  posed on topics such as energy management and the environmental impacts of companies operating in the industry. Finally, strategic and financial support schemes available for companies operating in the coastal tourism domain are investigated, considering both the national and the European framework. The course provide an overview of the main managerial tools which can support the development of sustainable growth strategies by companies operating in the coastal and marine tourism domain.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures, business cases and company testimonials) and individual study will allow the student to:

• know in depth the different businesses belonging to the coastal tourism industry;
• apply the main theoretical constructs and conceptual models from management literature to different strategic business decisions that are taken by companies operating in coastal tourism;
• identify the main players in the coastal tourism supply chain, understanding their role, responsibilities and critical success factors;
• know and empirically apply the main theoretical models which allow to support value creation and to ensure the generation of adequate revenues to maintain the economic balance and positive cash flows;
• know and empirically apply the main theoretical models for optimizing the cost structure of the companies and for improving the management of operating processes that characterize the investigated companies;
• acquire a correct terminology with regards to the strategic, managerial and technical profiles of the coastal tourism domain;
• identify the negative externalities connected to the various coastal tourism activities and select strategic solutions aimed at improving the sustainability of corporate operations according to a "green" approach toward the business;
• ensure an efficient use of environmental resources within the processes operated by companies which belong to the industry;
• identify adequate forms of coverage for investments aimed at the introduction of successful and sustainable innovations within companies and businesses operating in the various areas of coastal tourism.

PREREQUISITES

The student must have acquired, during the prior studies, the following knowledge necessary to address the course topics:

• Competitive and growth strategies
• Configuration decision and coordination of value-generating activities
• Management of business processes
• Strategic marketing and operational marketing
• Investment and financing choices

This knowledge constitutes the necessary foundations for understanding the course topics and successfully overtake the exam tests.

It is recommended to have already pass the following exams: "Economia e gestione delle imprese", " Economia e gestione delle imprese di trasporto" and "Gestione degli investimenti e dei finanziamenti delle aziende di trasporto.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, business cases and corporate testimonials. In particular, the course is based on lectures, related to the theoretical study parts, and company testimonials on significant empirical business cases as regards the application of the managerial principles and tools useful for companies operating in the context of coastal tourism (cruises; boating; fishing; recreational-recreational, sporting, cultural and edutainment activities in the coastal area).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is aimed at acquiring the managerial know-how necessary for the successful management of companies and other entities operating in the heterogeneous businesses belonging to the coastal tourism industry. The course include lessons from both Prof. Giovanni Satta and Prof. Francesco Parola.

The teaching program includes 7-parts as reported below:

Part I - Coastal tourism: introduction and definitions

Part II - Specificity of the different forms of tourism

Part III - Managerial theories for the management of service companies operating in coastal tourism

Part IV - Externalities of coastal tourism and green strategies for reducing environmental impacts

Part V - Resource management and energy management

Part VI - Management of innovation processes and staff training activities

Part VII - The financing of innovation and corporate / business strategies related to coastal tourism companies

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be made available on “aulaweb” in the specific section dedicated to the course. For attending students, the notes taken during the lessons and the material made available on “aulaweb” by the professors in charge of the course are sufficient for the preparation of the exam.

At the beginning of the lessons, the teachers will indicate the suggested texts and additional teaching materials as support texts, especially for non-attending students.