As the past provides examples of real life, students can see and assess the outcomes of companies’ and entrepreneurs ‘choices in different space and time. They will better understand the role that political, social cultural and institutional context played in shaping type and activity of the firms, and, vice versa, the contribution that enterprises gave to development and growth of different countries. Moreover, following the historical methods, they will learn to find, critically analyse and logically put together scattered pieces of information, thus improving their research skills, besides critical thinking. Students will also improve soft skills, such as academic writing and public speaking
Course Prerequisites
No prerequisite is needed, but a basic knowledge of history, economics and management is recommended
Those who attend the course will have a in class written exam (30%), a take home written exam (30%) and have to prepare a team report and presentation (30%). Attendance and participation in class activity is evaluated as well (10%). One to one discussion on the assigned reading for those who do not attend
Contents
The first part of the course presents and discusses the main aspects of the business history literature. Then attention turns to methodological issues, focusing bibliography and other sources. It follows an overview of the economic and industrial development of the western world, since the first industrial revolution: the different type of enterprises, from family firms to large managerial private and state-owned companies, are examined.Finally, single case studies are proposed and a critical analysis of entrepreneurial choices and decision-making processes in relation to technological, institutional and cultural factors is carried on
