OVERVIEW

Innovation is driving a significant transformation in the maritime logistics sector. Technological advancements and the spread of innovative practices among companies are contributing to the change. The presence of diverse clusters of companies and institutions in different sectors of maritime logistics has made the innovation process more intricate than before. This course is designed to focus on various forms of innovation that are crucial in reducing negative externalities, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving the quality and reliability of logistics services.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course addresses the main topics related to innovation management and the diffusion of technologies across the maritime logistics field. The course focuses on the main theoretical concepts associated to the development and adoption of innovations in maritime logistics firms, emphasizing its systemic dimension across stakeholders’ constellations. The course provides also insights on the most common funding schemes for financing innovations processes in the addressed industries. Special attention is awarded to the innovation in the field of digitalization and diffusion of emerging technologies in ports and intermodal transportation, to the introduction of terminal automation, to energy management, and to those technological improvements enhancing operational efficiency and firm financial performance, also preserving the environment and the sustainability of the industry (e.g., LNG-fuelled vessels, production of energy from renewable sources, etc.).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course offers various training activities, such as traditional lessons, business case presentations, and professional seminars. These, when combined with individual study, enable the student to:

• acquire in-depth knowledge of innovation processes and technological trends in service companies;
• understand the role of innovators in technological development, including the input provided by relevant stakeholders and business partners;
• learn the various activities in the field of maritime logistics characterized by a high degree of innovation;
• understand the contribution of incremental and radical innovations in improving the efficiency of maritime logistics enterprises;
• comprehend the role played by innovations and emerging technological solutions in the definition of business differentiation strategies;
• acquire knowledge about financing and risk management in tangible and intangible innovations;
• understand the role of innovation and technology in making the maritime logistics sector more sustainable;
• comprehend the most widespread and most successful innovations in maritime logistics (common and best practices).

Through active involvement in the scheduled educational activities, at the end of the course, students will also acquire the following skills:

• Proficiency in effectively managing social interactions, adopting a collaborative attitude, and engaging in constructive communication in institutional and professional contexts.
• The ability to develop their imagination and creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving orientation, particularly in innovation processes.

These skills are of fundamental importance for effectively learning the topics covered in the course and for success in the professional field.

PREREQUISITES

To comprehensively comprehend the course's subject matters, the student must possess various management knowledge:

• Competitive advantage and critical success factors
• Cost leadership and differentiation strategies
• Value chain and operational processes in maritime logistics
• Physical and digital infrastructures in transport and logistics
• Basic knowledge of marketing and finance

These topics are fundamental to be able to adequately follow the course and obtain a positive evaluation during the exam.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, case analyses, and company testimonials.

Furthermore, students will be engaged in analysing and developing a case study. Workgroups will be formed during the course sessions, and each group will be assigned a specific case to examine using the methodologies learned throughout the course. During the course’s final week, each group will present their project, proposing innovative strategies and solutions.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical notions in the field of innovation and technology management, in relation to the maritime logistics sector (e.g., shipping, port facilities, land transport). The course program includes a first relating to theories and constructs on innovation management and a second specific part on the maritime logistics sector. In the latter, the technological trends and innovation processes activated in the various sectors of maritime logistics will be examined, with particular reference to digitization and sustainability strategies in port management and shipping.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The first part references Schilling M., Strategic management of technological innovation, McGraw-Hill Education.

In the second part, students have access to study materials such as slides, documents, book chapters, and reports that are discussed and made available on Aulaweb.

In-depth readings on single topics may be indicated to attending students; additional readings and materials will be published on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

NICOLETTA BURATTI (President)

CIDATMA-FRANCESCO VITELLARO (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

II semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on the preparation for the exam and the level of knowledge required in relation to the individual topics will be provided during the lessons.

The oral exam aims to verify the acquisition of basic and advanced notions related to the management of innovative processes in maritime logistics. The exam also makes it possible to evaluate the skills and competences acquired by the student, through the application of theoretical notions and concepts to concrete managerial contexts, as well as the presentation of empirical evidence connected to appropriate case studies.

Exam schedule