OVERVIEW

The first and second modules of the course offer an analysis of the theoretical, epistemological and methodological foundations for the study of administrations, with particular reference to those operating within the public sphere. The lessons are designed as a critical reading of the fundamental contribution of Herbert Simon "The Administrative Behaviour". The central themes of this essay will be investigated and related to the subsequent evolution of organizational thought such as the relation between ‘structure’ and ‘environment’, the different types of structure and their behavioural and performance implications. The third module – compulsory for SAP students only – focuses on the performances of complex organizations, with a particular focus on the organizational strategies aimed at improving reliability.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course prepares students to recognize different organizational models and the parameters through which they are designed. Secondly, the lessons will focus on the main mechanisms through which it is possible to interpret the functioning of an organization, such as power, communication, learning and identification mechanisms. Finally, the course reflects on complex organizations, in particular public administrations, and management and policy strategies for improving their performances.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the students are expected to have acquired:

1. The ability to understand critically a classic of the social sciences.
2. Awareness of the main determinants of the functioning of complex organizations.
3. Awareness of the mechanisms related to organizational stability and change.
4. The basic concepts which are useful for evaluating the performance of organizations and policy programs.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of microeconomics, sociology and political science.

Interest for social, political and economic affairs.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be based mainly on lectures. The active participation of the students will however be encouraged.

Lessons will be held IN PERSON, in case of necessity the course could be held on the TEAMS platform at the following code: mprw3ry

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is organised into four Didactic Units (UD):

UD1 – Introduction to organization sciences

UD2 – Simon’s Administrative behaviour

UD3 – Organizational structures

UD4 – Myopia and reliability in complex organizations [III Module]

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Attending students.

All:

Simon H. (2001), Il comportamento amministrativo, il Mulino, Bologna. [professor will share his copy]

Only students enrolled in SAP curriculum (9 cfu):

Catino, M. (2009). Miopia organizzativa: Problemi di razionalità e previsione nelle organizzazioni, il Mulino, Bologna [Testo disponibile ON LINE nel catalogo del Sistema Bibliotecario di Ateneo]

Non attending students.

Lippi A. (2022) Modelli di amministrazioni pubbliche, il Mulino, Bologna.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO DI GIULIO (President)

GIAMPIERO CAMA

FRANCESCO BARALDI (President Substitute)

EDOARDO CORRADI (Substitute)

MARA MORINI (Substitute)

MARGHERITA SALVIA (Substitute)

MATTIA SGUAZZINI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending students will take the written exam that will take place IN PERSON at the first and second call ONLY. Subsequently, any student will be considered "non attending".

Non-attending students will take the oral exam to ascertain knowledge of the contents of the texbook indicated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with DSA certification or other special educational needs are kindly requested to contact Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and teacher of this course in order to agree specific teaching and exam methods, if necessary.