Family Business
Code
2416
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Alexandre Wende Dias da Cunha
Teaching language
English
Objectives
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. Managing the Family Business 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.).
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
Session 1: Introduction and Overview;
Session 2: Theoretical perspectives on Family Business;
Session 3: Family dynamics;
Session 4: Family Business ownership;
Session 5: Succession - the next generation;
Session 6: Succession - the transfer of power;
Session 7: Non-family managers and the family-owned business;
Session 8: Financial matters and estate planning;
Session 9: Family Business Governance: the role of the board;
Session 10: Family Business Governance: the role of family;
Session 11: Communication and fair process;
Session 12: Wrap-up and/or live case presentation.
Bibliography
Poza, Daugherty: Family Business, International Edition 4e (ISBN-13: 978-1-285- 05688-3 / ISBN-10: 1-285-05688-4)
Additional reading material (articles, cases, etc.) will be made available during the course.
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:
Evaluation method
The final exam is mandatory and must cover the entire span of the course. Its weight in the final grade can be between 30 to 70%. The remainder of the evaluation can consist of class participation, midterm exams, in class tests, etc. Overall, written in class assessment (final exam, midterm) must have a weight of at least 50%.
Final grades will be determined by the following inputs, depending on individual students personal choice between two options (A and B):
Class participation: 15% (option A) or 10% (option B)
Group assignments (between four and six Shared Learning Papers): 35% (option A) or 30% (option B)
One Final exam: 50% (option A and option B)
One Individual project: 20% (option B only)