B0059 - MANAGEMENT PUBBLICO

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of business and economics, focusing on the essential characteristics and ongoing economic operations of public companies. They will be capable of analyzing the processes related to the management of public companies and comprehending the key information presented in financial statements. Moreover, students will be able to recognize the principal elements involved in designing organizational structures, the composition of financial statements (such as the balance sheet, income statement, and notes), as well as the distinctions between corporate budgets and public budgets.

Course contents

The course is designed to introduce students to the management of public administrations through an economic and business perspective on administrative science. Its specific objectives are to: i) provide civic education about the functioning of public administrations; ii) stimulate interest in the public sector and its career opportunities; iii) emphasize the public sector's role in supporting the private sector; and iv) equip students with the knowledge needed for public management and digital innovation assessments relevant to public employment, including managerial positions.

The course is divided into five main sections: 1) definitions, characteristics, and managerial aspects of public institutions; 2) key interpretive theories (bureaucratic model, New Public Management, governance theory); 3) management methods and corporate functions in the public sector (organizational models, strategic planning, performance management, budget policies, public procurement, etc.); 4) innovation and change management within public institutions; and 5) the relationships between public institutions and other entities.

By studying these topics, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how public administrations operate in Italy and gain a comparative perspective, as well as insights into ongoing changes and innovations in the field.

Readings/Bibliography

Cucciniello, M. et al. (2024), Management Pubblico, Egea, Milano [chapters selected by the lecturer, as indicated on virtuale.unibo.it].

Teaching methods

The main pedagogical approach adopted is inductive, beginning with the analysis of public problems or specific public institutions. Our aim is to conceptualize and develop interpretative theories, and explore the management and policy implications related to public administration in Italy.

Attendance at lessons is highly recommended. Lecture slides and additional teaching materials such as case studies and exercises will be available on virtuale.unibo.it.

The course consists of 40 hours and includes 20 lessons. Of these, 6 lessons will be conducted online according to a schedule that will be shared with students at the beginning of the course. The first lesson will take place in a hybrid format.

Assessment methods

The final exam will cover the entire course material and will consist of the following sections: i) 10 multiple-choice questions (1 point for correct answer, 0 points for incorrect or missing answer); ii) 5 short answer questions (maximum 2 points per question); iii) 1 open-ended question (maximum 11 points).

Regularly attending students will take the written test during the last lesson of the course,as well as during the canonical exam sessions (3 in the winter session and 3 in the summer session). This test will have the same structure as that of normal exams but will focus exclusively on the chapters of the manual addressed by the teacher in the classroom. To verify attendance, signatures will be taken starting from the second week of the course (third lesson). To qualify as "attending," students must attend at least 14 of the 18 lessons.

The evaluation will consider students' ability to: a) Appropriately use theoretical and methodological tools acquired during the course; b) Master a scientifically adequate language to interpret the main orientations of modern public companies; c) Establish correct connections between different topics covered in the course; d) Discuss and present case studies, in order to contextualize them within the main contemporary public management theories.

Grading criteria are as follows:

- 30 cum laude (exceptional result, demonstrating extraordinary mastery of all material and many original contributions; equivalent to a score of 31.5)

- 28-30 (very good result, demonstrating excellent mastery of all the material and some original contributions)

- 26-27 (very good result, demonstrating solid mastery of all the material)

- 24-25 (good result, showing good mastery of some material)

- 21-23 (satisfactory result, demonstrating partial understanding of material)

- 18-20 (sufficient result, demonstrating just sufficient mastery of the material)

- 17 or lower (poor result, demonstrating insufficient understanding of the material)

Teaching tools

- Power point slides;

- Consultation of websites and online archives;

- Presentation and discussion of case studies;

- Recommended readings and articles for further information;

- Documentary viewing and discussion.

Office hours

See the website of Mattia Casula