- Docente: Azzurra Meoli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: IEGE-01/A
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: Azzurra Meoli (Modulo 1) Azzurra Meoli (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Chemical and Process Engineering (cod. 6706)
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course will be the introduction to the assessment of investments in the framework of industrial projects of the chemical and process industry, and the introduction to project management. Skill will be provided on the main tools used for the assessment of investments and for project management.
Course contents
The course examines the process through which companies identify, evaluate, and implement new investment projects, guiding students through the main stages of the project life cycle, from the economic evaluation of investment opportunities to project planning, execution, and control.
The course begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of business organizations and financial reporting, providing students with the knowledge required to understand the role of financial information in the decision-making processes that precede the initiation of an industrial project. It then presents the main methods for the economic evaluation of investments, with particular emphasis on cost and benefit estimation, cash flow analysis, and the principal financial appraisal techniques.
The second part of the course focuses on the principles and tools of industrial project management. Topics include the project life cycle, project objectives, activity planning, time, cost, resource, and risk management, project monitoring and control, as well as organizational aspects related to communication, leadership, and teamwork. The course also introduces both traditional (waterfall) and agile approaches to project management.
Teaching activities are complemented by practical exercises and applications based on an industrial project, through which students progressively apply the concepts and methods learned during the course to the economic evaluation and management of projects using either a case study or, whenever possible, a project developed in collaboration with an industrial partner.
Readings/Bibliography
Recommended books:
- Anthony, R.N., Macrì, D.M., Breitner, L.K. (2022). Il Bilancio. Analisi economiche per le decisioni e la comunicazione della performance, Milano: McGraw-Hill.
- Anthony,R.N, Hawkins, D.F, Macrì, D.M., & Merchant,K.A. (2022). Sistemi di controllo: analisi economiche per le decisioni aziendal. Milano: McGraw-Hill.
- Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., & Mantel Jr., S. J. (2021). Project Management: A Managerial Approach (11th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Son
Teaching methods
- Lectures, introducing the main theoretical models and analytical tools for the economic evaluation and management of industrial projects.
- Case study discussions, aimed at analyzing real-world industrial problems and developing students' analytical and decision-making skills.
- Practical exercises, focusing on the application of investment appraisal methodologies and project management tools.
Assessment methods
The assessment is designed to evaluate both students' understanding of the principles and tools for investment appraisal and industrial project management, and their ability to apply them to practical situations.
The final grade is based on:
- Individual written examination (60% of the final grade), assessing students' understanding of the theoretical concepts and their ability to apply investment appraisal methodologies and project management tools.
- Project work (40% of the final grade), carried out in small groups and focused on the analysis and management of an industrial project. The project work will be based on a case study or, whenever possible, on a project developed in collaboration with an industrial partner. Students will present and discuss their work during a dedicated project presentation session.
Only students who are officially enrolled in the course are eligible to take the examination.
Registration for the examination is available exclusively through the AlmaEsami online system.
Teaching tools
All teaching materials will be made available through the University's Virtuale e-learning platform. Materials will include lecture slides, exercise sheets used during classroom activities, and solutions to the exercises.
Office hours
See the website of Azzurra Meoli
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.