OVERVIEW

The course deals with the development of the service sector analisying the determinants of its growth and the development of the tertiary acitivites focusing on the economic aspects (role of public sector, commong goods, privatizations, etc.)

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Lectures deal with the main characteristics of the service sector: the intensity of knowledge and capital, the role of innovation, scale economies and positive feedbacks along with the structure of the supply side. 

The course will discuss the growing importance of the sevice sector for most of the developed economies.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be introduced to the main economic features of the service sector and its relevance in the developed economies.

At the end of the course students will be able to understand how the changes in the production system impact on society, wealth creation and income distribution.

Attending students who develop case studies will have the opportunity to work on alphabetical-functional competence at an advanced level. Upon passing the final examination, this competence will be recognised by means of an open badge.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites are necessary

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lessons and seminars. Morevoer, the course is conducted through lectures and case studies. Depending on the number of participants, group works may be carried out to develop advanced alphabetical and functional skills.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Lectures will present and discuss:

- how to evaluate public services

- public goods and common goods

- the formation of social externalities 

- evolution of the production processes in the service sector

- principles of pricing strategies and revenue management

- bundling

- technological unemployment

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students attending lectures may prepare for the examination on the notes and material presented in class and downloadable from the aulaweb.

Students non attendting lectures may choose one of the following books:

- J.O. Jansson, The Economics of Services, 2nd Edition, Edward Elgar, 2013 (first two parts to obtain 6 CFU, all chapters to obtain 12 CFU)

- J. Bryson, P. Daniel, B. Warf (2004) Service worlds: People, Organizations and Technologies, Routledge (first 6 chapters in order to obtain 6 CFU; all chapters to obtain 12 CFU)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CLAUDIO FERRARI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons of the first semester correspond to 6 CFU. Students that need 12 CFU have to attend also the lessons of the second semester.

Lessons start in accordance with the official calendar of the Department.

Class schedule

TERTIARY SECTOR ECONOMICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written tests (multiple-choice and open questions) are scheduled during the lecture period.

Exam consists in an oral colloquium.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment is carried out with a view to:

- the knowledge of the topics covered in the course

- the student's expository ability

- communication skills

- the correct use of specialist terms

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with a certified DSA, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning modes and provide suitable compensatory tools.