BUSINESS STRATEGY AND PLANNING

This course contributes to the Bachelor's Degree Programme main objectives of training undergraduates able to work in private and public organizations, by developing knowledge and skills in the business administration area. In particular, the course provides the theoretical framework and the operational skills needed to apply management tools for business planning and budgeting at different types of companies. The course deals with both the accounting aspects and the organizational implications.

The course aims to introduce the relevant aspects of programming tools inspired by economic convenience evaluation criteria through:
- the drafting of a business plan, considering both its qualitative and quantitative elements;
- the understanding and analysis of a business model, including sustainable business models;
- a critical discussion regarding both theoretical and applicative aspects of a business plan and a budget;
- the understanding of the role of a budget, both from an economic and organizational point of view and of the processes carried out for the preparation of a budget;
- the knowledge of the different sections making up the master budget (complete budget plan);
- the preparation of a budget, both for a start-up and for an operating business venture.

To attend this course, it is necessary to be familiar with the basic concepts of Economia Aziendale, Bilancio e analisi economico-finanziaria, and Analisi e contabilità dei costi. In particular, students are expected to have knowledge of the calculation and interpretation of financial ratios, cashflow statement structure and analysis, cost–volume relationships, breakeven point analysis.

Business Plan
• From strategy to strategic planning
• The objectives of a business plan
• The structure of a business plan
• The business model, including sustainable business models
• Evaluation of a business plan

Budget
• Origins and purposes of the budget
• The role of the budget in management control systems
• The budget process and roles
• The components of the budget and their preparation: the start-up company
• The components of the budget and their preparation: an existing company

Budget e Analisi delle Performance
Custom Publishing McGraw-Hill 2021
ISBN: 9781307735154

Cinzia Parolini, Business planning. Dall'idea al progetto imprenditoriale, Pearson 2020
ISBN: 9788891906151

Slides and excel files

The exam will be written on the whole program, with multiple choice as well as open questions.
An optional project work will be proposed on drafting a comprehensive business plan. Optional exercises will also be made available.

The course includes lectures during which the theoretical aspects are presented and examples of the analysis tools are carried out.

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