99618 - Introduction to Applied Economic Analysis and Industry Studies

Learning outcomes

Through this course, the student learns the basic elements of applied economic analysis, and the principles of business organization, management and strategies. Furthermore, the course introduces the student to the study of the construction industry from an economic perspective. At the end of the course, the student matures economic thinking, develops analytical skills and is able to handle economic and management theories, methods and tools (i.e., databases) to analyze autonomously selected industries and territories. Furthermore, the student achieves a working knowledge of the construction sectors in terms of key economic drivers, business organization and management, innovation performance, national policy and regulatory framework, as well as appraisal techniques.

Course contents

PARTE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

1. Introduction to applied economic studies: definitions, concepts and perspectives; 2. Elements of political economy and economic policy; 3. Elements of business organization, management and strategies; 4. Economic studies applied to industries and territories; 5. Applications to the case of the construction industry.

PARTE 2 – THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

6. Introduction: the economics of construction industry; 7. The market system; 8. Government intervention: reasons and tools;
9. Urban planning, regulation and speculation; 10. Environmental economics.

Readings/Bibliography

“Attending students” – i.e., students joining lectures with regular frequency are required to study the following textbook:

Di Tommaso M.R., Rubini L., Barbieri E., Pollio C., 2024, “Industry Organization and Industrial Policy. Production and Innovation, Development and the Public Interest”, Bologna, Il Mulino.

The textbook is available at this link: link:https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815388384

“Not-attending students” – i.e., students studying on their own without joining lectures with regular frequency are required to study:

1) Danny Myers. Construction Economics - a new approach. 5th edition 2022 Routledge. The Chapters to be studied are the following: 1,2,3,10, 11.

2) Rinaldi, R. (2023), "The construction industry in EU: scenarios, dynamics, and policy implications" in L'Industria, Rivista di Economia e Politica Industriale, 2/2023, Il Mulino, Bologna.

Teaching methods

For “attending students”: blended teaching involving frontal lectures and participation in classroom discussions.

For “not-attending students”: individual study of the book (see below “Assessment methods for not-attending students”).

Students are required within one week from the beginning of the course to decide whether to be “attending students” or not.

Assessment methods

i) Assessment for “attending students”:

Written exam (multiple choice questions) based on the topics covered during the classes. To get prepared for the written exam, students are required to study the slides shared by lecturers after the classes and to study the following book:

Di Tommaso M.R., Rubini L., Barbieri E., Pollio C., 2024, “Industry Organization and Industrial Policy. Production and Innovation, Development and the Public Interest”, Bologna, Il Mulino.

The chapters to be studied will be indicated by the Professor during the course.

Active participation in discussion and classwork will be positively evaluated.

Further detailed information will be provided to the classroom by the lecturers at the beginning and during the course.

ii) Assessment for “not-attending students”:

1) Danny Myers. Construction Economics - a new approach. 5th edition 2022 Routledge. The Chapters to be studied are the following: 1,2,3,10, 11.

2) Rinaldi, R. (2023), "The construction industry in EU: scenarios, dynamics, and policy implications" in L'Industria, Rivista di Economia e Politica Industriale, 2/2023, Il Mulino, Bologna.

Teaching tools

Frontal teaching delivered with the support of PPT presentations and papers, readings and further material provided by the lecturers. Active participation in discussion and classwork is required.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Rodolfo Di Tommaso

See the website of Riccardo Rinaldi