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 aims to introduce students to issues related to managing public administrations using an economic-business approach to administrative science. Specifically, the course aims to: i) provide civic education on how public administrations function; ii) generate interest in the public sector and its career opportunities; iii) highlight the public sector's role in supporting the private sector; iv) equip students with the knowledge needed for tests in public management and digital innovation for public employment, including managerial positions.

The course covers five main parts: 1) definition, characteristics, and managerial aspects of public institutions; 2) key interpretative theories (bureaucratic model, NPM, 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 in public institutions; 5) relationships between public institutions and other entities.

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

Readings/Bibliography

Cucciniello, M. et al. (2024), Management Pubblico, Egea, Milano.

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.

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. 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. There will also be a participation bonus (from 0 to 2 points) which will be assigned to each student based on the quality of participation in classroom discussions.

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;

- Thematic seminars held by consultants and experts.

Office hours

See the website of Mattia Casula