OVERVIEW

The Economics and Business Organization course provides a foundational overview of how firms and markets operate. Particular emphasis is placed on organizational structures, processes, and the economic and managerial mechanisms that characterize business activities and the behavior of economic agents within markets. The objective of the course is to integrate theoretical concepts with applied examples and real-world business cases, in order to highlight their relevance and to understand their main operational implications.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Economics and Business Organization course aims to provide students with the key elements of organizational design and the basic analytical tools for studying the behavior of economic agents (consumers, firms, government) and their interactions in markets, integrating theoretical concepts with examples, applications, and case studies drawn from the business world, in order to understand their relevance and implications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Economics and Business Organization course is designed for students enrolled in the Bachelor in Management Engineering, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the firm, its role within the economic system, and the ways in which it can operate effectively and efficiently. The course aims to analyse the different forms of business organizations, the general characteristics of firms, and the fundamental principles of organizational design, with particular attention to the division of labour and the coordination mechanisms both among individuals and, at a more aggregated level, among organizational units. In addition, the course provides the basic theoretical frameworks and analytical tools for studying the behaviour of economic agents (consumers, firms, and government) and their interactions within markets. By the end of the course, students will be able to master the main theoretical references related to the topics covered and to develop critical analytical skills, identifying the areas of applicability of theories, methods, and tools used in Economics and Business Organization.

TEACHING METHODS

Classroom lectures covering theoretical, methodological, and technological aspects, supported by and discussed through case studies.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Firms

The firm and its objectives. Forms of business organization. Ownership and control. The firm and its environment.

Firms in the Market

Supply and demand. Individual demand and market demand. Firm and consumer behavior, market equilibrium. Consumer preferences. Technology and production. Costs and production.

Organizational Design

Division, structuring, and coordination mechanisms. Types of organizational structures, structural configurations, and organizational mechanisms.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Microeconomics, B. Douglas Bernheim and Michael D. Whinston - McGraw-Hill Editore (3° ed.)

Understanding Organizations...Finally!: Structure in Sevens, Henry Mintzberg, Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Structure in Fives: Designing Effective Organizations, Henry Mintzberg,

Teaching materials provided by the professor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11924/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Preliminary written test and oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Knowledge and ability to apply theories, methodologies, and technologies acquired during the course

Ability to address case studies by effectively applying the skills and competencies developed during the course