ADVANCED MANAGEMENT OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

This course is part of the theoretical and professionalizing academic track of the master's degree in International Management.
The course aims to professionalize students interested in learning more about the problems and opportunities of nonprofit organization management.

By the end of the course, students should have a full understanding of the nature, logic, and major problems of managing nonprofit organizations (NPOs).
Specifically, they are:
1) able to define and recognize nonprofit organizations (thus knowing the main concepts, scopes, and types of nonprofit organizations);
2) able to explain why nonprofit organizations exist and why they have emerged (thus knowing the main theories of nonprofit organizations);
3) familiar with how nonprofit organizations function (the main specifics from organizational, operational, and business-economic perspectives);
4) able to recognize nonprofit management issues in real-world situations.

Basic knowledge of management and business administration.

The course is organized into three main blocs and a concluding session:

1) WHAT ARE NPOs? (week 1)
In this bloc, we will address the variegated nature and blurred borders of the non-profit "sector".
We will cover the main concepts of NPOs, their main fields of activity, and the main types of NPOs.
[Background readings: Ch. 3, 5 of the textbook]

2) WHY DO NPOs EXIST? (week 1)
In this bloc, we will review the main theories that explain why non-profit organizations exist in market economies, focusing on the conceptual foundations, assumptions, and limitations of each theory.
[Background reading: Ch. 6 and 14 of the textbook]

3) HOW DO NPOs WORK (theoretically and empirically)? (weeks 2 - 4)
In this bloc, we will address the main specificities of managing non-profit organizations.
In particular, we will focus on organizational aspects, operational aspects, and accounting aspects.
[Background readings: Ch. 8, 11-13, 15 of the textbook & 3 case studies with representatives of three different NPOs in class]

CONCLUSION & RECAP (week 5)
To conclude the course, policy issues, developments, and future avenues for NPOs will be discussed.
Also, a recap of the main pillars of the whole course will be held, as well as some questions & answers time.
[Background readings: Ch. 16 of the textbook]

Anheier, H.K (2014), Nonprofit Organizations: Theory, Management, Policy (2nd edition), London, Routledge, Chapters: 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Case studies (will be communicated throughout the course and they will be available through Moodle)

Grading will be based on a final written exam and on other voluntary supplementary activities (teamwork or activity performed individually) that will provide the opportunity to supplement for up to 3 points to the final grade.

The course will alternate a theoretical approach (lectures) and an "active learning" approach (case study seminars and/or lab activities, such as interviews and talks with NPOs managers if available).

English

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development