Ateneo - UPO

The course provides the basic knowledge that are preparatory to the analysis and interpretation of the markets. For this aim are analysed the current system of global production organization, the importance of territorial factors in the definition of entrepreneurial dynamics, characteristics of the main international markets, the role of multinational companies, some markets as case study, some countries particularly significant.

During lectures will be distributed handouts.
The course texts (available at the Department’s Library) are:
1. Tadini M. (2023), Analisi dei mercati e strategie internazionali delle imprese, McGraw-Hill, Milano
2. Hill C. W. (2008), International Business, edizione italiana a cura di Grando A. e Helg R., Hoepli, Milano, chap. 7-9-14
3. Conti S., Dematteis G., Nano F., Vanolo A. (2022), Geografia dell’economia mondiale, Utet, Torino, chap. 6-9
4. Tadini M. (2017), La geografia del sistema economico globale. Il ruolo dei mercati emergenti, Aracne Editrice, Roma, chap. 1-2

The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge to analyse markets through the contribution arising from the firms localization decisions.
At the end of the course the student:
- will understand the current global system of production;
- will be able to analyse the characteristics of main international markets;
- will know the importance of local factors in the definition of business dynamics;
- will evaluate and select possible alternative locations of enterprise;
- will evaluate and select potential markets of entry and how.

The course awards 6 CFU, corresponding to a total of 150 hours of study. Of these, 45 hours are devoted to face-to-face teaching activities, comprising lectures and interactive sessions; the remaining hours are devoted to self-study, through individual study of the reference texts and materials made available on the DIR platform.

None

The teaching will be conducted through lectures, held by the teacher or by experts, and through exercises and group discussions.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The final assessment is based on an integrated system that includes a mandatory written examination and an optional project work activity.

Written Examination (Mandatory): The exam is conducted in written form and covers all teaching content and study materials made available on the course's DIR platform, as well as the required textbooks. The test consists of open-ended questions structured to assess both the assimilation of fundamental theoretical concepts and the development of the student's critical analysis skills.
Project Work / Group Project (optional, for attending students only): Students may choose to develop a practical group project, to be carried out in teams. The final project must be submitted strictly within the deadlines defined and communicated by the instructor.

Final Grade Calculation (expressed on a 30-point scale):
- For students taking the written examination only: The final grade will correspond entirely to the outcome of the written test itself (100% of the grade).
- For students participating in the group project: The final grade will be calculated as a weighted average of the two assessments, distributed according to the following weights:
- 5/6 (approximately 83%): Written examination score.
- 1/6 (approximately 17%): Project work evaluation.

To pass the exam and achieve the various grades, students must meet the following criteria:
- Criteria for a pass (18–23/30): demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental theoretical concepts of economic geography, and a basic understanding of how to analyse markets and firms’ foreign location strategies.
- Criteria for average and good marks (24–27/30): demonstrate a good capacity for critical analysis, be able to independently link the topics covered during the course and, in the project work, propose correct and well-structured analytical solutions.
- Criteria for excellence (28–30 with distinction): demonstrate a thorough grasp of the subject matter, excellent critical analysis skills, excellent command of the scientific vocabulary of economic geography, and the ability to formulate innovative and integrated practical solutions (in the written examination and/or project work).
The written examination assesses knowledge of the topics covered during the course and of the specific terminology; the project work directly assesses the ability to analyse and interpret location choices in foreign markets in a practical context.

The course is divided into lessons of two hours, whose contents are listed below:
• The world system
• Globalization
• International trade
• The forms of economic integration
• Freight and Transport
• Global Production and Logistics
• Internationalization and relocation
• Multinational and transnational corporations
• Financial flows and foreign direct investments
• The criteria for analysing localization in foreign markets
• Some useful indexes for market analysis
• Multinational corporations: cases and strategies
• The world energy market
• Country cases and investment opportunities: Germany, South Korea

Although not a specific topic of the course, the gender dimension may be integrated transversally throughout the curriculum, offering a complementary analytical lens.

The written examination will assess the theoretical knowledge and practical skills developed by the student in relation to the following areas:

Knowledge and comprehension
- Basic knowledge of economic geography
- Identification of territorial factors contributing to competitive advantage
- Understanding of their influence on business activity
- Understanding of the methodology for market analysis and location strategies

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- Ability to analyse and interpret foreign markets
- Ability to select foreign markets

Independent judgement:
To develop a mature ability to analyse the characteristics of foreign markets and the location strategies adopted by companies (both multinational and non-multinational).