Overview and learning objectives

The PhD program integrates the typical competencies in economics and business with mathematical, statistical and econometric tools, to offer a training program that will enable students to carry out high-quality research, as well as work in consultancy and business.The PhD program consists of three complementary curricula :

A) Economics and Institutions (E&I)
This curriculum aims at providing advanced theoretical knowledge in economic disciplines, especially on themes linked to the institutional dimensions of economic systems. In particular, the following topics will be covered:
  1. the analysis of firms and industries, with particular reference to productivity, technological change and internationalization strategies;
  2. the economic analysis of contracts;
  3. the study of labour markets and policies;
  4. the analysis of functional and personal income distribution and inequality, as well as regional disparities in economic development;
  5. the regulation of energy prices and resources, and the relationship between economic growth and energy constraints;
  6. the supply and demand of natural resources and environmental assets.

The theoretical analysis of these topics will be supported by a rigorous application of qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis.


B) Economics and Business (E&B)
This curriculum aims at providing in-depth knowledge of the different governance models, management and administration of companies (including managerial and family firms, as well as state-owned and no-profit organizations). In particular, the curriculum will focus on decision-making and organizational processes, aimed at understanding the basic conditions underlying firms' competitiveness. Attention will be devoted to the themes of strategy, including the managerial aspects of firms' internationalization and innovation processes. Finally, this curriculum will analyse the impact of regulatory changes on the development of internal expertise and methodologies of administrative and accounting control, to support the ability of various business organizations to face international competition.

C) Quantitative Methods for Economics (QME)
The curriculum provides:
  1. a basic understanding of quantitative tools for the study of economic and financial phenomena (statistical inference, multivariate analysis, micro- and macro-econometric models, stochastic processes), which are essential for students who want to develop empirical analyses in the context of the other two curricula;
  2. specific training for professionals and academics specializing in the use and development of advanced econometric tools.

Complementarities also emerge between the "Economics and Institutions" curriculum, focused on the institutional dimensions of economic systems, and the "Economics and Business" one. Both will provide an in-depth knowledge of firms' governance and organizational models, as well as an understanding of the competencies needed in different management areas, from accounting to marketing, and allow to carry out an analysis of firms' strategic competitiveness.


The call for applications and all information related to this PhD program are available at: http://www.unipg.it/didattica/dottorati-di-ricerca Up to 6 students will be admitted this year, but only 3 will be entitled to receive a grant. The deadline for applications is September 07, 2015. For more information, please contact Prof. Cristiano Perugini (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)