ECONOMICS OF CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: CHIARA DI PUMA

Expected Learning Outcomes

In conformity with the Dublin descriptors, at the end of the course, students will be able to

- acquire a thorough understanding and advanced knowledge, developing proficiency in the essential concepts of their discipline;

- apply their acquired knowledge and understanding in a way that demonstrates a professional approach, developing skills useful both in developing and supporting arguments and in solving problems specific to their field of study;

- develop learning skills that will enable them to pursue further studies with a high degree of autonomy.

 

The course aims to promote the acquisition of theoretical and practical skills through the analysis of the contexts of the different cultural areas and of the functioning of companies operating in the cultural sector and in the creative industries. Students will be supported in the development of the ability to express concepts using the technical language of the sector, to use analytical tools and to develop an autonomous ability to evaluate the various management aspects of the cultural sector, acquiring independence of thought and argumentation.

Course Structure

The course will consist of interactive lectures. Group work will be organized to apply theoretical concepts to cases selected by both the lecturer and the students. In addition, testimonials will be given by professionals from the sector, who will share their experience in the management of cultural firms in the classroom.

Required Prerequisites

No prerequisites required

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is not compulsory

Detailed Course Content

Module 1: The notion of business

This module introduces students to the concept of cultural and creative firm, examining its distinctive characteristics and role in the economic and social system. The main economic and legal actors involved will be analyzed, as well as the importance of assets and income in the management of cultural enterprises. Furthermore, the fundamental components of assets (assets and liabilities) and the process of determining income will be illustrated, providing the basis for understanding financial statements applied to the cultural sector. The module provides an essential overview of the cultural company as a dynamic and complex system.

Module 2: The theories of business organization

This module explores the fundamental principles of corporate governance as applied to cultural and creative enterprises, highlighting their role in the pursuit of strategic objectives.

The main organizational theories will be presented, with a focus on the historical evolution and comparison between classical and modern models. Several theories will be explored during the course: Taylorism, Fordism, Human Relations Theory and Contingent Theories, understanding how each has contributed to the development of organizational thinking. The aim is to provide a critical and in-depth view of the theories in order to understand their application in contemporary business contexts.

Module 3: Corporate and Governance

This module focuses on the design and organization of cultural and creative firms, examining the different types of organizational structures (functional, divisional, network, etc.) and the criteria for effective management. Operational mechanisms, coordination and control tools, as well as the importance of leadership style and internal communication for improving business performance in the cultural sector will be explored. Through case studies and concrete examples, it will be analysed how the organizational structure influences the ability of a cultural enterprise to adapt to market changes and audience needs.

Module 4: Economics And Business Management

The fourth module explores the strategic and operational processes underlying the management of cultural and creative enterprises. Students will analyse the main business functions applied to this sector, including cultural production, marketing, financial management and human resources administration. Special attention will be paid to strategic planning and management control, with a focus on budgeting, the identification of performance indicators and the economic sustainability of cultural initiatives. The module provides practical tools for the effective management of enterprises operating in the cultural and creative field.

Textbook Information

-          Fontana F. Caroli M., “Economia e gestione delle imprese”, McGraw-Hill Education, Milano. ULTIMA EDIZIONE.

-           Marinello V., “Evoluzione sostenibile nel turismo. Standard e certificazioni per l'ospitalità 4.0 in Sicilia”, libreriauniversitaria.it , 2024

-          Materiale didattico aggiuntivo messo a disposizione durante il corso.

 

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.
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