Learning objectives

The purpose of the course is to enable students to acquire an understanding of the economic principles governing transportation, developing skills to analyze and evaluate transportation policies and strategies. Additionally, they will grasp the costs and benefits of infrastructure projects, market dynamics in the sector, the role of transportation in supply chains, the importance of public logistics infrastructure, and the international context of transportation activities. The course will provide methodologies and models to guide public and private operators in operational decision-making, both in static and dynamic contexts. The main objective is to foster students' abilities to interact and solve specific economic problems related to transportation modes. The course will cultivate awareness of future challenges and emerging opportunities in the transport sector, with a particular focus on promoting sustainable and innovative solutions for an efficient and environmentally respectful transportation economy. By the end of the course, students should demonstrate the ability to assess a transportation system and the role of logistics infrastructure in industrial development

Prerequisites and basic notions

To take this course, you need to have basic knowledge of micro and macro economics.

Program

The first part will be integrated and complemented by analyses and in-depth analyses of the key factors influencing the organizational models, technological choices, and institutional governance structures of operators and entities involved in freight transport management. A focus will be placed on the defining elements of European, national, regional, and local transport policy (strategies, instruments, and budgets) to understand the direct and indirect effects of public sector intervention in a market so crucial to overall economic development, with specific attention to the most recent European initiatives related to the Smart & Sustainable Strategy, Green Deal, and Greening Transport package. The second part of the course will explore the technical and economic aspects of individual modes (road, rail, maritime, and air) and their interchange hubs (ports, airports, and freight terminals). The third part will explore the role of infrastructure in supporting freight transport, identifying tools to support the decision-making process during the planning phase (cost/benefit analysis and multi-criteria analysis) and the geoeconomic and geopolitical implications of freight transport infrastructure decisions. The course is enriched by several particularly significant company testimonials to complete the analysis, from FSLogistix (Italy's leading integrated railway operator), MedLog (MSC Group's intermodal company), STEF (market leader in temperature-controlled transport), and Piano23 (a consultancy firm for the development of sustainability in freight transport).

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The predominant teaching method used is lectures, therefore, to promote learning processes, strong class participation is essential. Teaching involves the interaction of various teaching methods (discussions, role plays, mini-cases presented during the testimonials) and is supported by a Moodle platform.

Learning assessment procedures

At the end of the course, there will be a final written exam with both open-ended and multiple-choice questions to assess the level of understanding of the topics covered.

Evaluation criteria

The exam consists of a written test with open and closed questions.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

In thirtieths

Exam language

Italiano