The course is organized into four thematic modules:
1. Impact Measurement : Shared value and sustainability; Theory of Change; Impact metrics and SROI ; Impact data collection and analysis.
2. Social Innovation and the Impact Challenge: Foundations of social innovation; Systems thinking and transformative change; Launch and development of the Impact Challenge
3. Public-Private Partnerships: Social Impact Bonds and outcomes-based finance; Co-production and collaborative governance; Cultural ecosystems and social innovation
4. Sustainable Business Models: ESG and SDG frameworks; Regenerative and sustainable business models; ESG in public procurement; Community cooperatives and local development models
Teaching Methods
Lectures (in-person and online) – Expository teaching (DE)
Interactive workshops and labs – Interactive teaching (DI)
Group work and collaborative assignments (Impact Challenge)
Guest speakers and real-world case presentations
Up to 30% of the hours may be delivered remotely (synchronous or asynchronous)
Prerequisites
Students should have a solid understanding of basic business management principles and a strong interest in sustainability, innovation, and organizational change. A proactive and participatory attitude is encouraged.
Assessment Methods
Attending students:
- Final oral exam (60%) to assess theoretical knowledge and critical reasoning
- Impact Challenge project (40%), evaluated on methodological coherence, analytical quality, communication effectiveness, and teamwork skills. The project will be presented in the final session.
Non-attending students:
- Final oral exam (100%), covering course materials and additional readings made available on the platform.
Required Readings and Materials
All readings (academic papers, policy briefs, case studies, and slides) will be provided through the e-learning platform. No mandatory textbook is required.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This course directly addresses the following UN 2030 Agenda Goals:
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Course Syllabus
Obiettivi formativi
Conoscenza e comprensione (DdD1)
Il corso fornisce conoscenze avanzate sui modelli e strumenti del management orientato alla sostenibilità, con particolare attenzione al concetto di valore condiviso, all’innovazione sociale e alla valutazione d’impatto. Gli studenti acquisiscono familiarità con le principali architetture di partnership pubblico-private e i framework di sostenibilità (SDGs, ESG), affrontando casi studio e pratiche emergenti a livello nazionale e internazionale.
Capacità di applicare conoscenza e comprensione (DdD2)
Attraverso esercitazioni pratiche e lo sviluppo dell’Impact Challenge, gli studenti applicano i contenuti teorici per analizzare e valutare iniziative reali. Il lavoro include la costruzione di una Theory of Change, la definizione di metriche di impatto, la raccolta e analisi di dati e la formulazione di raccomandazioni strategiche. Il percorso valorizza la capacità di risolvere problemi complessi e progettare soluzioni sostenibili.
Autonomia di giudizio (DdD3)
Gli studenti sono sollecitati a valutare criticamente approcci teorici e pratici al management sostenibile, analizzando dilemmi e implicazioni delle scelte strategiche in contesti multi-attore. Le discussioni in aula, i feedback sui progetti e i casi studio favoriscono lo sviluppo di giudizi autonomi e motivati.
Abilità comunicative (DdD4)
La presentazione orale e scritta dell’Impact Challenge permette di potenziare le competenze comunicative, con attenzione alla chiarezza, sintesi ed efficacia dell’esposizione. Il corso prevede attività interattive che promuovono la partecipazione attiva e il confronto tra pari.
Capacità di apprendimento (DdD5)
Attraverso lo studio di materiali didattici, l’analisi di casi e la sperimentazione progettuale, gli studenti acquisiscono capacità di apprendere in modo autonomo e riflessivo, con un approccio critico e interdisciplinare alle pratiche manageriali innovative.
Contenuti sintetici
Il corso è articolato in quattro moduli tematici:
- Impact Measurement
- Valore condiviso e sostenibilità
- Theory of Change
- Metriche d’impatto e SROI
- Raccolta e analisi dati
- Social Innovation and Impact Challenge
- Innovazione sociale e change-making
- Sistemi complessi e trasformazione sociale
- Lancio e sviluppo del progetto Impact Challenge
- Public-Private Partnership
- Social Impact Bonds e finanza outcome-based
- Co-produzione e modelli collaborativi
- Ecosistemi culturali e innovazione sociale
- Sustainable Business Models
- Framework ESG e SDGs
- Modelli di business rigenerativi
- ESG negli appalti pubblici
- Cooperative di comunità e sviluppo locale
Programma esteso
Il corso si svolge nell’arco di dieci settimane consecutive, alternando lezioni il mercoledì pomeriggio e il giovedì mattina. Le attività didattiche si tengono in presenza, con la possibilità di erogare fino al 30% delle ore in modalità online, sia sincrona sia asincrona.
Settimana 1
• Mercoledì 18 febbraio 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 19 febbraio 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 2
• Mercoledì 25 febbraio 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 26 febbraio 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 3
• Mercoledì 4 marzo 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 5 marzo 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 4
• Mercoledì 11 marzo 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 12 marzo 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 5
• Mercoledì 18 marzo 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 19 marzo 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 6
• Mercoledì 25 marzo 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 26 marzo 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 7
• Mercoledì 1 aprile 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
Settimana 8
• Mercoledì 15 aprile 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 16 aprile 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 9
• Mercoledì 22 aprile 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
• Giovedì 23 aprile 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Settimana 10
• Mercoledì 6 maggio 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 ore)
Giovedì 7 maggio 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 ore)
Metodi didattici
Lezioni frontali (in presenza e online) – Didattica erogativa (DE)
Workshop e laboratori – Didattica interattiva (DI)
Attività collaborative e lavori di gruppo (Impact Challenge)
Testimonianze e casi reali con ospiti esterni
Fino al 30% delle ore potranno essere erogate da remoto, in modalità sincrona o asincrona
Modalità di verifica dell'apprendimento
Studenti frequentanti:
Esame orale individuale (60%), volto a verificare conoscenze teoriche e capacità di analisi critica dei contenuti del corso.
Impact Challenge (40%), valutato in base a: coerenza metodologica, qualità dell’analisi, efficacia comunicativa, capacità di teamworking. Il project work sarà discusso durante la presentazione finale.
Studenti non frequentanti:
Esame orale individuale (100%), basato sul materiale didattico assegnato e sugli approfondimenti forniti attraverso la piattaforma.
Testi di riferimento
Tutti i materiali (articoli scientifici, policy paper, casi studio e slide) saranno forniti attraverso la piattaforma e-learning. Non è previsto un manuale obbligatorio.
Periodo di erogazione dell'insegnamento
secondo semestre
Lingua di insegnamento
Inglese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding (DdD1)
The course provides advanced knowledge of models and tools for sustainability-oriented management, focusing on shared value, social innovation, and impact measurement. Students will become familiar with hybrid public-private partnerships and sustainability frameworks (SDGs, ESG), using real-world cases and emerging practices from various institutional settings.
Applying knowledge and understanding (DdD2)
Students apply the theoretical tools acquired through a project-based learning process called the Impact Challenge. The work includes the design of a Theory of Change, selection of impact metrics (including SROI), data collection and analysis, and the formulation of actionable recommendations. The course enhances problem-solving skills and the ability to design strategies for sustainable innovation.
Making judgements (DdD3)
Through discussion, case analysis and structured feedback, students are encouraged to critically assess strategic options, evaluate sustainability practices, and formulate evidence-based solutions in complex and multi-stakeholder environments. Real-life case studies from business, social enterprises, and public organizations support the development of critical thinking.
Communication skills (DdD4)
Students will improve their oral and written communication skills through project presentations and discussions. The course promotes active participation and peer-to-peer dialogue, with an emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences using narrative and visual tools.
Learning skills (DdD5)
The course promotes autonomous learning through readings, case studies, collaborative work, and peer review. Students are encouraged to build a personal learning path by exploring real-world cases, international policy frameworks, and critical reflections on managerial practices. The aim is to enable lifelong learning and critical engagement with sustainability and innovation.
Contents
The course is organized into four thematic modules:
- Impact Measurement
- Shared value and sustainability
- Theory of Change
- Impact metrics and SROI
- Impact data collection and analysis
- Social Innovation and the Impact Challenge
- Foundations of social innovation
- Systems thinking and transformative change
- Launch and development of the Impact Challenge
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Social Impact Bonds and outcomes-based finance
- Co-production and collaborative governance
- Cultural ecosystems and social innovation
- Sustainable Business Models
- ESG and SDG frameworks
- Regenerative and sustainable business models
- ESG in public procurement
- Community cooperatives and local development models
Detailed program
The course is delivered over ten consecutive weeks, combining Wednesday afternoon sessions and Thursday morning sessions. Teaching takes place on campus, with up to 30% of the hours potentially delivered online in synchronous or asynchronous mode.
Week 1
• Wednesday, 18 February 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 19 February 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 2
• Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 26 February 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 3
• Wednesday, 4 March 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 5 March 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 4
• Wednesday, 11 March 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 12 March 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 5
• Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 19 March 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 6
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 26 March 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 7
• Wednesday, 1 April 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
Week 8
• Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 16 April 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 9
• Wednesday, 22 April 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday, 23 April 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Week 10
• Wednesday, 6 May 2026, 13:30–16:30 (3 hours)
• Thursday,7 May 2026, 08:30–10:30 (2 hours)
Teaching methods
Lectures (in-person and online) – Expository teaching (DE)
Interactive workshops and labs – Interactive teaching (DI)
Group work and collaborative assignments (Impact Challenge)
Guest speakers and real-world case presentations
Up to 30% of the hours may be delivered remotely (synchronous or asynchronous)
Assessment methods
Attending students:
Final oral exam (60%) to assess theoretical knowledge and critical reasoning
Impact Challenge project (40%), evaluated on methodological coherence, analytical quality, communication effectiveness, and teamwork skills. The project will be presented in the final session.
Non-attending students:
Final oral exam (100%), covering course materials and additional readings made available on the platform.
Textbooks and Reading Materials
All readings (academic papers, policy briefs, case studies, and slides) will be provided through the e-learning platform. No mandatory textbook is required.
Semester
Second semester
Teaching language
English
Sustainable Development Goals
Staff
-
Luigi Corvo
-
Lavinia Pastore
