Family Business

Objectives

To understand the special characteristics of Family Firms and be able to work with this type of business organizations (where the pressure of competitiveness meets the power of emotions). 


General characterization

Code

2416

Credits

3.5

Responsible teacher

Alexandre Wende Dias da Cunha

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

n/a 


Bibliography

Poza, Daugherty: Family Business, International Edition 4e (ISBN-13: 978-1-285-05688-3 / ISBN-10: 1-285-05688-4)

Optional Textbook: Zellweger: Managing the Family Business - Theory and Practice, 1st edition, Edward Elgar (ISBN-13: 978-1-78347-070-9)


Teaching method

Students are expected to prepare the materials announced in advance (readings and/or cases) and consequently to participate in class in a meaningful way (i.e. with inputs that improve the quality of learning of the class). The course will combine theoretical concepts with a practical view. The following methods will be used:

  • Lectures
  • Case discussions
  • Examples from real life experiences
  • Sessions with guest speakers
  • Evaluation method

    Final grades will be determined by the following inputs:

    • Class participation: 10% 

    • Group assignment: 40% 

    • Final exam: 50% 


    Subject matter

    In the past, academic circles did not pay much attention to family firms, because it was assumed that relevant companies, with the exception of first-generation entrepreneurs, were highly professionalized and either state-owned or widely-traded. Business schools have come to recognize that family firms are an established form of business organization around the world, and that family involvement in business is a complex and exciting subject, which is worthy of study. The Family Business elective is addressed to students who:

    - are members of a business-owning family;

    - may one day work for a family-owned business;

    - may one day work as advisors or service providers to family-owned businesses (as accountants, bankers, consultants, etc.). 


    Programs

    Programs where the course is taught: