Syllabus
EN
IT
Learning Objectives
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Knowledge Management course pursues a twofold objective: 1) to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge, methodologies, and management tools necessary for the knowledge management of firms (small, medium, and large), with particular attention to systemic analysis and evolution of the processes of knowledge creation and enhancement, their relationship with the competitive and evolutionary dynamics of firms in complex environments, and the role of the time factor in its objective and subjective dimension; 2) provide practical knowledge, functional to theoretical knowledge, on some selected topics of the course, through seminars with testimonials from entrepreneurs, knowledge managers of firms operating in the manufacturing and services sectors, project works (in teams), and analysis of business cases, in order to allow students to have a direct approach to specific knowledge management problems within the framework of the most recent evolutions of the national and international economic-social system, the solution of which implies the acquisition of a solid base of general and specific theoretical knowledge.
The course trains students consistently with the purpose of the Master's Degree Course in Economics and Management, helping them to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills useful for their subsequent studies in the management area and to allow them to cover entrepreneurial or management roles in the vast and heterogeneous field of manufacturing and service firms.
At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes, in compliance with the Dublin descriptors, as follows:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the evolution of theories and knowledge management tools of firms, explain the complexity generated by the knowledge resource in governance and management processes and the impact on the firm economy. Identify and explain the different components of the knowledge structure, their mutual relationships, and the consequences on the strategic and operational behaviour of the firm. Analyze the main intrinsic criticalities in inter- and intra- firm learning processes and in the transition from organizational to business knowledge. Refine the ability to integrate people, structures, and processes into the overall knowledge management system of a firm and evaluate its effects on the economic performance of business knowledge and on the firm-environment adaptation.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, evaluate, and solve specific management problems inherent to the exploitation and exploration processes of a firm, according to a systemic approach. Apply the time-knowledge binomial. Compare concepts, methods, and tools learned during the course, and from related courses, and choose those most suitable for designing a new knowledge management strategy for a company operating in highly uncertain contexts.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
Identify the fundamental role of general and specific theoretical knowledge learned during the course in the re-elaboration, argumentation, and autonomous evaluation of problems linked to the management of knowledge (both tacit and explicit), including personal reflections on cultural and value assumptions, also of external context, that feed the processes of creation and enhancement of business knowledge. Making judgments based on limited or incomplete information.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
To present concepts, in written and oral form, using correct and appropriate language for the interlocutors and the reference context. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team and manage relational dynamics.
LEARNING
Identify the possible fields of application of the skills acquired for the future career.
Evaluate the importance of the theoretical and practical knowledge base acquired in the overall Master’s programme.
Develop a study and research method suitable for the consolidation of acquired skills.
The Knowledge Management course pursues a twofold objective: 1) to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge, methodologies, and management tools necessary for the knowledge management of firms (small, medium, and large), with particular attention to systemic analysis and evolution of the processes of knowledge creation and enhancement, their relationship with the competitive and evolutionary dynamics of firms in complex environments, and the role of the time factor in its objective and subjective dimension; 2) provide practical knowledge, functional to theoretical knowledge, on some selected topics of the course, through seminars with testimonials from entrepreneurs, knowledge managers of firms operating in the manufacturing and services sectors, project works (in teams), and analysis of business cases, in order to allow students to have a direct approach to specific knowledge management problems within the framework of the most recent evolutions of the national and international economic-social system, the solution of which implies the acquisition of a solid base of general and specific theoretical knowledge.
The course trains students consistently with the purpose of the Master's Degree Course in Economics and Management, helping them to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills useful for their subsequent studies in the management area and to allow them to cover entrepreneurial or management roles in the vast and heterogeneous field of manufacturing and service firms.
At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes, in compliance with the Dublin descriptors, as follows:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the evolution of theories and knowledge management tools of firms, explain the complexity generated by the knowledge resource in governance and management processes and the impact on the firm economy. Identify and explain the different components of the knowledge structure, their mutual relationships, and the consequences on the strategic and operational behaviour of the firm. Analyze the main intrinsic criticalities in inter- and intra- firm learning processes and in the transition from organizational to business knowledge. Refine the ability to integrate people, structures, and processes into the overall knowledge management system of a firm and evaluate its effects on the economic performance of business knowledge and on the firm-environment adaptation.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, evaluate, and solve specific management problems inherent to the exploitation and exploration processes of a firm, according to a systemic approach. Apply the time-knowledge binomial. Compare concepts, methods, and tools learned during the course, and from related courses, and choose those most suitable for designing a new knowledge management strategy for a company operating in highly uncertain contexts.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
Identify the fundamental role of general and specific theoretical knowledge learned during the course in the re-elaboration, argumentation, and autonomous evaluation of problems linked to the management of knowledge (both tacit and explicit), including personal reflections on cultural and value assumptions, also of external context, that feed the processes of creation and enhancement of business knowledge. Making judgments based on limited or incomplete information.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
To present concepts, in written and oral form, using correct and appropriate language for the interlocutors and the reference context. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team and manage relational dynamics.
LEARNING
Identify the possible fields of application of the skills acquired for the future career.
Evaluate the importance of the theoretical and practical knowledge base acquired in the overall Master’s programme.
Develop a study and research method suitable for the consolidation of acquired skills.
PAOLA PANICCIA
Prerequisites
In the didactic regulations of the CLEM master's degree program, there are no preparatory courses for the Knowledge Management course. However, to tackle the course effectively, it is useful to have already acquired the basic knowledge from the business area courses and, in particular, from the disciplines of Business economics and General Management.
Program
The program of the course is structured as follows:
PART I. CREATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE: THEORIES, BASIC CONCEPTS, EVOLUTIONS
Knowledge and firm: analysis perspectives, basic concepts, and processes. Managing knowledge. Change and its difficulties. Knowledge, culture, and learning. Knowledge sharing in inter-systemic relationships. The time-knowledge-based company. Intellectual capital, measurement, and communication tools. Human capital and human resource management models. Leadership and cognitive dynamics.
PART II. METHODOLOGICAL INSIGHTS AND CASE STUDIES
General management models and knowledge management tools. The time factor in the enhancement of firm knowledge: the Olivetti case. The measurement of intellectual capital: the Brembo case. The integration of people and technology: the Geox case.
PART I. CREATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE: THEORIES, BASIC CONCEPTS, EVOLUTIONS
Knowledge and firm: analysis perspectives, basic concepts, and processes. Managing knowledge. Change and its difficulties. Knowledge, culture, and learning. Knowledge sharing in inter-systemic relationships. The time-knowledge-based company. Intellectual capital, measurement, and communication tools. Human capital and human resource management models. Leadership and cognitive dynamics.
PART II. METHODOLOGICAL INSIGHTS AND CASE STUDIES
General management models and knowledge management tools. The time factor in the enhancement of firm knowledge: the Olivetti case. The measurement of intellectual capital: the Brembo case. The integration of people and technology: the Geox case.
Books
Paniccia P.M.A. (Ed.), Knowledge management per la competitività d’impresa. Modelli, strumenti, casi di studio. Aracne, Roma, 2018.
Additional materials exclusively related to the thematic seminars and business case study analysis will be available to students.
Additional materials exclusively related to the thematic seminars and business case study analysis will be available to students.
Bibliography
Paniccia P.M.A. (a cura di), Knowledge management per la competitività d’impresa. Modelli, strumenti, casi di studio. Aracne, Roma, 2018.
Senge P. (1990), The fifth discipline: the art and practice of the learning organization, Trad. it. La quinta disciplina. L’arte e la pratica dell’apprendimento organizzativo, Sperling & Kupfer Editori, 2006: Parte terza “Il nucleo centrale delle discipline: la creazione delle organizzazioni che apprendono”.
Nonaka I. (1994), A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation, Organization Science, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 14-37.
Senge P. (1990), The fifth discipline: the art and practice of the learning organization, Trad. it. La quinta disciplina. L’arte e la pratica dell’apprendimento organizzativo, Sperling & Kupfer Editori, 2006: Parte terza “Il nucleo centrale delle discipline: la creazione delle organizzazioni che apprendono”.
Nonaka I. (1994), A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation, Organization Science, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 14-37.
Teaching methods
The teaching activity, in coherence with the learning objectives of the course, responds to a theoretical-practical approach that combines lectures, thematic seminars, and discussion of business cases and project works, for a total of 36 hours of training, according to the calendar published before the start of the semester on the CLEM Master website. The lectures include the discussion of the theoretical and methodological foundations included in the course program and their application through the use of business cases and examples to allow students to develop understanding and application skills of concepts and methodologies suitable for solving dysfunctions related to the firm’s knowledge management. In addition, for some topics of the course chosen by the professor, also in relation to the socio-economic and environmental changes in the national and international contexts, there are several thematic seminars (at least one per week) introduced by the professor and given by managers and entrepreneurs of manufacturing and services firms as well as leaders of public and private institutions. These seminars are an integral part of the educational objectives of the course as they further and effectively develop the students’ ability to understand and apply through a direct approach to specific knowledge management problems, the solution of which necessarily requires a solid base of general and specific theoretical knowledge. During the lectures, the analysis of the cases, the discussion of the project work and the conduct of the thematic seminars, students are encouraged by the professor to ask questions and express doubts and their critical point of view by highlighting the theoretical concepts and tools used for their arguments, starting from those learned during the course. This allows the development of transversal skills useful, in particular, for organizing, selecting, making decisions and solving problems.
Exam Rules
For both attending and non-attending students, the exam focuses on the topics addressed during the course, including topics emerging from in-depth seminars and from the analysis of business cases. The exam consists of an oral test divided into: questions on the contents of the course and a presentation and discussion of a project work; they equally contribute to the final grade. The project work is valid only for one academic year. For attending students, the evaluation of the project work (in team) is based on a PowerPoint presentation and classroom discussion of the project. Each student, with his own work group, will present the project during the course and the grade will be given to the group. For non-attending students, the evaluation of the project work takes place on the basis of a report that must be delivered to the teacher within the last week of the course and discussed by the student during the oral test; the grade will be given to the individual student. Furthermore, in addition to the study of the text adopted and the supplementary teaching materials, non-attending students must study the Nonaka model through the article by the same author indicated in the bibliographical references.
The exam assesses the overall preparation by the student in accordance with the Dublin descriptors, as follows: acquired knowledge (quantity and quality) in relation to the topics of the programme and consequentiality of reasoning; ability to apply such knowledge and to make connections among the different parts of the programme, including also the acquired knowledge from other similar courses; analytical ability, synthesis, and autonomy of judgement; communication skills of the student (language properties, clarity of presentation, and appropriate use of terminology, specific to the course).
The final mark of the exam is expressed out of thirty and will be obtained through the following grading system:
Fail: important deficiencies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited analytical and synthesis skills; frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental abilities; the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
18-21: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline and has an analytical capacity that emerges only with the help of the teacher; the way of speaking and the language used are on the whole correct.
22-25: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline in a discreet way; knows how to orient him/herself among the various topics covered; and has an autonomous analysis capacity knowing how to express using the correct language.
26-29: the student has a well-structured knowledge base; he/she is able to independently rework the knowledge acquired in the context of the choice of conventional and unconventional materials according to the application; the way of speaking and the technical language are correct.
30 and 30 cum laude: the student has a comprehensive and thorough knowledge base. The cultural references are rich and up-to-date, which are expressed with brilliance and properties of technical language.
The exam assesses the overall preparation by the student in accordance with the Dublin descriptors, as follows: acquired knowledge (quantity and quality) in relation to the topics of the programme and consequentiality of reasoning; ability to apply such knowledge and to make connections among the different parts of the programme, including also the acquired knowledge from other similar courses; analytical ability, synthesis, and autonomy of judgement; communication skills of the student (language properties, clarity of presentation, and appropriate use of terminology, specific to the course).
The final mark of the exam is expressed out of thirty and will be obtained through the following grading system:
Fail: important deficiencies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited analytical and synthesis skills; frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental abilities; the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
18-21: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline and has an analytical capacity that emerges only with the help of the teacher; the way of speaking and the language used are on the whole correct.
22-25: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline in a discreet way; knows how to orient him/herself among the various topics covered; and has an autonomous analysis capacity knowing how to express using the correct language.
26-29: the student has a well-structured knowledge base; he/she is able to independently rework the knowledge acquired in the context of the choice of conventional and unconventional materials according to the application; the way of speaking and the technical language are correct.
30 and 30 cum laude: the student has a comprehensive and thorough knowledge base. The cultural references are rich and up-to-date, which are expressed with brilliance and properties of technical language.
LUNA LEONI
Exam Rules
For both attending and non-attending students, the exam focuses on the topics addressed during the course, including topics emerging from in-depth seminars and from the analysis of business cases. The exam consists of an oral test divided into: questions on the contents of the course and a presentation and discussion of a project work; they equally contribute to the final grade. The project work is valid only for one academic year. For attending students, the evaluation of the project work (in team) is based on a PowerPoint presentation and classroom discussion of the project. Each student, with his own work group, will present the project during the course and the grade will be given to the group. For non-attending students, the evaluation of the project work takes place on the basis of a report that must be delivered to the teacher before the oral test and discussed by the student during the oral test; the grade will be given to the individual student. Furthermore, in addition to the study of the text adopted and the supplementary teaching materials, non-attending students must study the Nonaka model through the article by the same author indicated in the bibliographical references.
The exam assesses the overall preparation by the student in accordance with the Dublin descriptors, as follows: acquired knowledge (quantity and quality) in relation to the topics of the programme and consequentiality of reasoning; ability to apply such knowledge and to make connections among the different parts of the programme, including also the acquired knowledge from other similar courses; analytical ability, synthesis, and autonomy of judgement; communication skills of the student (language properties, clarity of presentation, and appropriate use of terminology, specific to the course).
The final mark of the exam is expressed out of thirty and will be obtained through the following grading system:
Fail: important deficiencies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited analytical and synthesis skills; frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental abilities; the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
18-21: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline and has an analytical capacity that emerges only with the help of the teacher; the way of speaking and the language used are on the whole correct.
22-25: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline in a discreet way; knows how to orient him/herself among the various topics covered; and has an autonomous analysis capacity knowing how to express using the correct language.
26-29: the student has a well-structured knowledge base; he/she is able to independently rework the knowledge acquired in the context of the choice of conventional and unconventional materials according to the application; the way of speaking and the technical language are correct.
30 and 30 cum laude: the student has a comprehensive and thorough knowledge base. The cultural references are rich and up-to-date, which are expressed with brilliance and properties of technical language.
The exam assesses the overall preparation by the student in accordance with the Dublin descriptors, as follows: acquired knowledge (quantity and quality) in relation to the topics of the programme and consequentiality of reasoning; ability to apply such knowledge and to make connections among the different parts of the programme, including also the acquired knowledge from other similar courses; analytical ability, synthesis, and autonomy of judgement; communication skills of the student (language properties, clarity of presentation, and appropriate use of terminology, specific to the course).
The final mark of the exam is expressed out of thirty and will be obtained through the following grading system:
Fail: important deficiencies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited analytical and synthesis skills; frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental abilities; the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
18-21: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline and has an analytical capacity that emerges only with the help of the teacher; the way of speaking and the language used are on the whole correct.
22-25: the student has acquired the basic concepts of the discipline in a discreet way; knows how to orient him/herself among the various topics covered; and has an autonomous analysis capacity knowing how to express using the correct language.
26-29: the student has a well-structured knowledge base; he/she is able to independently rework the knowledge acquired in the context of the choice of conventional and unconventional materials according to the application; the way of speaking and the technical language are correct.
30 and 30 cum laude: the student has a comprehensive and thorough knowledge base. The cultural references are rich and up-to-date, which are expressed with brilliance and properties of technical language.