Family businesses are the oldest and most important form of organisation of entrepreneurial activity. More than 80% of companies worldwide are family businesses and thus combine the capitalist principle with the dynastic principle of the family community. Italy and Germany, for example, are both important cradles of family businesses. But what accounts for the success of family businesses? What particular strengths can they bring into play? And what challenges do they have to face? This course answers these questions.
For the compulsory prerequisites, please consult the website of the Degree programme: https://lt-ea.unibg.it/it/node/106
Frontal teaching will be combined with moments of analysis and discussion of case studies and exercises addressing issues relating to family businesses. In order to better structure these activities, the teachers will create working groups to facilitate interaction among students and to develop the ability to work in teams.
The frequency and dates of the in-class activities and assignments will be set by the teachers during the course, based on the characteristics of the class and on the timing and response patterns observed in the classroom.
Assessment of learning (for both attending and non-attending students) takes place through a final written test lasting 1 hour. The written test consists of 15 closed-ended questions (1 point each if correct, 0 points if incorrect) and 3 open-ended questions (5 points each).
Students must demonstrate that they are able to read and interpret the course contents and to provide concrete examples. If the score obtained in the written test is equal to 30, the teacher, on the basis of an overall evaluation of the exam, may decide whether or not to add honours (lode). The final mark corresponds to the score obtained in the written test, with the possible addition of up to a maximum of 3 points if the student has prepared and discussed the case studies and exercises assigned in class during the course. Results are published according to the standard procedures established and adopted by the university.
The instructor reserves the right to request a supplementary oral examination, including after the written test has been taken, whenever this is deemed necessary in order to verify the effective acquisition of the knowledge and skills set out in the course's learning objectives and to ensure the correct attribution of the grade.
Some myths to debunk about family businesses
The family business, a complex three-circle system
The three-dimensional developmental model
Governing the family business and the entrepreneurial family: from pathos to ethos
The interweaving of values and culture in family businesses
Conflict, communication and emotions
Succession: sowing today to reap a legacy
