Course Topics
The course covers the following topics: • Scientific method and research methodology • Selection of a research topic and research question • Structure, content, and objective of a literature review • Data collection and sampling strategies • Data analysis techniques and tools • Interpretation and critical reflection of findings • Academic writing of a scientific text aimed at the preparation of the MSc thesis proposal • Presentation and defense of research ideas

Teaching format
The course combines lectures focused on research methodology with individual and group practical assignments. The teaching format of the course comprise lecturers’ presentations, interactive discussions, and readings (academic articles and textbook chapters). Students are expected to engage in the course activities, which will give them the opportunity to effectively apply academic writing and research skills during their Master thesis trajectory.

Educational objectives
ILO (Intended Learning Outcomes) ILO 1 – Knowledge and Understanding ILO 1.1 Knowledge of economic-financial communication to stakeholders in national and international contexts ILO 1.2 Understanding of business models and performance measurement for planning and management control, as well as internal and external auditing methods and models. ILO 1.3 Accounting courses will also provide expertise in specialised topics that characterise the profession of chartered accountant and auditor ILO 1.4 Knowledge of economic and financial planning and evaluation of new investments ILO 1.5 Understanding of characteristics associated with extraordinary corporate management events, such as capital operations, access to financial markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate crises, and restructuring ILO 1.6 Understanding of issues and techniques related to the organisation and financial management of companies and financial intermediaries ILO 1.7 Knowledge of the fundamentals of corporate finance for the correct application, for example, of decision-making models and the management of financial data and risks in treasury management ILO 1.8 Understanding of management models and cost-effectiveness of different types of intermediaries, market microstructure, operational efficiency of financial markets, and the impact of financial markets on the economic conditions of intermediaries ILO 1.9 Knowledge of a wide range of investment, financing, and risk management tools, starting from the fundamentals of portfolio diversification and the classical models for asset pricing and risk measurement ILO 1.10 Understanding of specific Finance topics that characterise the roles of Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Administrative Manager, Controller, Internal Auditor, and Business Consultant ILO 1.11 Knowledge of economic-business models and tools for managing companies, whether family-owned or small-sized or internationally oriented ILO 1.12 Understanding of Management topics that characterise the roles of financial analyst, portfolio manager, risk manager, and consultant ILO 2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding ILO 2.1 Ability to analyse and solve complex problems in a national and international interdisciplinary context ILO 2.2 Ability to develop and integrate the results of economic-financial communication into corporate decision-making models ILO 2.3 Ability to design and manage corporate restructuring and other extraordinary operations ILO 2.4 Ability to engage and interact competently with heads of the various functional areas of the company, with financial markets, and with professionals in corporate and tax law ILO 2.5 Ability to analyse complex problems in national and international interdisciplinary contexts ILO 2.6 Ability to design and implement corporate restructuring and other extraordinary operations ILO 2.7 Ability to identify, evaluate, and manage investments in financial markets ILO 2.8 Ability to design coherent financial management strategies in companies or financial intermediaries, applying acquired knowledge in risk management techniques, asset valuation, and derivative handling ILO 2.9 Ability to conduct critical analysis and formulate solutions to complex problems in national and international interdisciplinary contexts within organisations of varying sizes ILO 3 – Making Judgements ILO 3.1 Ability to apply acquired knowledge to make managerial and operational decisions and to solve problems related to administration and finance in companies, intermediaries, and financial markets, while jointly considering multiple analytical perspectives, from economic to legal, financial, strategic, and managerial ILO 4 – Communication Skills ILO 4 Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, the specialised content of individual disciplines, using different registers depending on the audience and the communicative and educational purposes, and to assess the educational impact of such communication ILO 5 – Learning Skills ILO 5.1 Ability to use IT tools independently for bibliographic research, investigations, and for personal training and professional development ILO 5.2 Ability to frame a new problem systematically and to generate appropriate taxonomies

Assessment
The course grade is based on a combination of: • a written exam with a mix of multiple-choice and open questions • a research proposal in the form of an essay (ILOs assessed 1-5)

Evaluation criteria
Detailed information on the course program and assessment criteria are provided at the beginning of the course.

Required readings

To be announced at the beginning of the course.

Supplementary readings

To be announced at the beginning of the course.

Further information
The OLE course page is announced at the beginning of the course.