PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This course contributes to the overall learning objectives of the degree in Economics and Administration of Arts and Culture, by training students to look at arts organizations and projects with a strong case-based and critical approach. It provides students with some conceptual tools to familiarize with the managerial dimension of project management, inviting them to acknowledge the specificity and complexity of cultural settings which require careful managerial approaches.

The students are expected to understand the strategic aspects of project management in arts and cultural organizations. In particular, students are expected to:

- Explore the different sectors in which cultural organizations operate (for-profit, non-profit, public organizations).
- Identify sustainability-related threats and implement effective actions to decrease and their carbon footprint
- Identify the context in which cultural organizations operate through environmental and stakeholder analysis.
- Learn and discuss the steps involved in realizing a project for arts organizations, including ideation, management, implementation, and evaluation.
- Address potential issues in project development and explore elements of crisis management.
- Identify and discuss challenges related to attracting, assigning, and managing resources, considering the trade-off between available resources and final objectives.
- Effectively use project management tools such as GANTT charts and SWOT analysis.

Students are required to have basic knowledge of management and accounting. The program includes various talks from field experts operating in different organizations within the cultural sector. Additionally, there are exercises designed to facilitate a hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to take an active role during lectures and proactively interact with speakers.

The course introduces students to the principles of project management for arts and cultural organizations, covering aspects such as planning, stakeholder and partner identification, resource acquisition, sustainability, implementation, and result evaluation.

The course will provide an overview of the dynamics and life cycle of a project, including:

-Introduction to project management practices and methods.
-Project management techniques: concepts, mission, work breakdown structure, schedule, and feasibility, including SWOT analysis and stakeholder analysis.
-The planning phase, including tools such as GANTT charts, elements of budgeting, financial considerations, and aspects of fundraising. Financing culture will be explored, including Artbonus, Italian Council, and PNNR.
-The implementation and monitoring phase, involving putting plans into action, tracking progress, maintaining control, and responding to disruptive events.
-Reflections on sustainability
The program includes various talks by field experts operating in different cultural organizations, along with hands-on exercises. The full list of seminars and speakers will be communicated through Moodle.

Main References:
Meredith, J.R. & Mantel S.J., Project Management: A Managerial Approach, Wiley, New York. (Chapter 1-6-8)

Addis, M., & Rurale, A. (Eds.). (2020). Managing the Cultural Business: Avoiding Mistakes, Finding Success. Routledge. (Chapters 3-4-5); pp. 78 – 183

European Commission (2016), Managing Art Projects with Societal Impact. Study Book for Students, Stakeholders and Researchers; Sybellius Accademy research

Case Studies, chapters and selected papers will be communicated throughout the course, in class and on Moodle, and will be made available on Moodle.

The evaluation will be 30/30.

Grading:

50% Group Project Work (including presentation & discussion in class and a case report)
50% Written exam on the studying material

At the end of the course (second week of May - 9th May and 10th May ), students will present their group work to the class, which will be discussed and peer-evaluated by other groups. Subsequently, they are required to submit a written report on the project based on the comments and suggestions received in class.

Details about the project work will be provided during the first week of the course. To successfully complete the Project Work, students must study all the materials used throughout the course (assigned readings, slides, and cases presented by experts). The report will not include cases details but will cover conceptual issues discussed during case presentations.

For non-attending students:

70% Written Exam based on the study material present on Moodle (3 open-ended questions)
30% Case Report (Instructions will be uploaded on Moodle during the first week of the course). Non-attending students are required to contact the lecturer to identify the case.

The course combines ordinary lecture, with project works and guest lectures from professionals in the field.
Guest lectures and seminars is to have the students combine the theory (presented during ordinary lecture) to real-world cases. Ask questions and be curious is a Must!
The introduction to group assignments will be delivered during the first week of the course meeting.
In-class active participation in discussions or exercises is expected.

English

written and oral