B8891 - MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS AND NETWORKS

Learning outcomes

Students are expected to learn frameworks, methods and tools that can be useful to understand why and how individuals, firms and other organizations use alliances and networks to pursue their aims, with a particular emphasis on cultural organizations and creative industries. In particular, the student is expected to learn how to analyze, evaluate, compare and design partnerships and networks of individuals, firms and organizations in different contexts.

Course contents

Introduction to the course

Creating and managing partnerships

Multilateral, cross-sector partnerships

From relationships to social capital

Introduction to Social Network Analysis

Networks, status and uncertainty

Relationships and networks in clusters, communities and ecosystems

The knowledge brokers

Readings/Bibliography

The reading list, support readings and the case study are provided for each lesson in the course timetable. When available, papers can be downloaded through the SBA system [https://sba.unibo.it/en/almare/almare-tools-and-services/ezproxy/remote-access] . Apart from the first lesson, you are expected to read papers in advance and be ready to discuss them in class. On the Virtuale page of the course, I will upload for each class: slides, other support materials, and the “Check your learning” (CYL) list to focus your attention on the learning objectives of the day.

Teaching methods

The course will employ various teaching methods, including lectures, presentations by guest speakers, case-study discussions, and ongoing group work, culminating in the presentation of final reports.

Students are invited to actively participate in class discussions about case studies, teacher, and guest speakers’ lectures.

Students are required to organize  in groups (5-6 persons each), select a contact person who will work as an intermediary and send the group name, composition, and contact person via email by January 28.

Professionals and entrepreneurs will present their cases at the end of the course. Groups will be matched to cases. Groups will be asked to work on a final report demonstrating their ability to apply the course's proper models, tools, and frameworks to understand the assigned case, address major challenges, and propose possible solutions. The deadline for the delivery of the report is March 3. Further information will be shared in class.

Assessment methods

Final grade will be based on the following activities:

• Final written report 100%.
• Individual exam (for not attending students and attending students’ grade upgrade): a short case study discussion testing  knowledge of the frameworks and the topics of the course (please refer to the CYLs), as they were presented and discussed during the course.

The assessment grid will be as follows: <18 insufficient. 18-23 sufficient. 24-27 average/good. 28-30 very good. 30 cum laude excellent/outstanding 

The evaluation criteria include:

• Identification of key challenges/strategic issues (relevant to the course core topics).
• Appropriate use of theoretical frameworks and analytical tools of the course, including the use of charts and tables.
• Presenting realistic, workable, well-supported recommendations for action.
• Use of good communication skills

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Boari