Course 2020-2021 a.y.

30529 - ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STRATEGIC INNOVATION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Department of Management and Technology

Course taught in English
Go to class group/s: 31
CLEAM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - CLEF (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - CLEACC (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - BESS-CLES (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - WBB (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - BIEF (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - BIEM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - BIG (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10) - BEMACS (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  3 credits SECS-P/07  |  3 credits SECS-P/10)
Course Director:
STEFANIA SAVIOLO

Classes: 31 (II sem.)
Instructors:
Class 31: STEFANIA SAVIOLO


Suggested background knowledge

Background knowledge in business policy and basic accounting is recommended.

Mission & Content Summary

MISSION

The course proposes an experiential learning solution to develop the skills most critical to success in today's business landscape: design and plan innovative business models. The course has an industry focus, the fashion and luxury systems, a collection of traditional industries where business model innovation has transformed many product categories and markets segments. Students will learn how to design and plan innovative business models with the support of a simulation software allowing them to develop a practical approach integrating innovation with competitive and economic dimensions. Action learning is becoming very relevant today particularly when topics are complex and multi-faced as business models innovation and planning. Students can see the immediate consequences of their decisions and learn what it’s truly like to juggle competing priorities amidst a constant influx of information provided by the professors. The learning process will be enhanced by the collaboration with an international fashion incubator and accellerator, Startupbootcamp.

CONTENT SUMMARY

Key topics include:

  • Pillars of business models in fashion.
  • Entrepreneurship in fashion.
  • Drivers for strategic and business models innovation (sustainability, technologies, customers, product offers).
  • Business planning.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Define entrepreneurship determinants in fashion.
  • Identify key pillars of a business model in fashion and drivers for strategic and business model innovation.
  • Identify requirements and implications of global expansion and the quest for sustainability .
  • Recognize the implications of Business Models Digital Transformation: impact of digital transformation on different pillars of the business model in fashion and luxury (i.e. revenue models, supply chain design, managing suppliers…).
  • Understand the importance of IP protection in innovation management.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Evaluate their entrepreneurship potential.
  • Assess strategic options for long-term competitive advantage and international growth in businesses with major importance of creativity, branding and a global scope of activities.
  • Design and develop business plans.
  • Discuss and promote your idea and business plan in front of a potential investor/accellerator.

 


Teaching methods

  • Online lectures
  • Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
  • Exercises (exercises, database, software etc.)
  • Case studies /Incidents (traditional, online)
  • Group assignments
  • Interactive class activities (role playing, business game, simulation, online forum, instant polls)
  • Participation in external competitions

DETAILS

  • Introductory sessions about entrepreneurship, business models innovation, sustainability in fashion and business planning techniques in fashion also with the support of guest speakers (approx. 30%). Action learning through the Business Game Simulation FAST to be carried out in 3 full days by students organized into groups with professors available for tutorship in dedicated session (60%), final plenary sessions wrap up  (10%).
  • The Business Game  simulation FAST has a unique focus on fashion and the possibility of understand the impact of managerial decisions in these industries (i.e creativity models, make or buy in supply chain design, seasonal product offer size and scope, planning licensing contracts, opening stores, evaluating how to incorporate sustainability into the strategy and business processes…).

Assessment methods

  Continuous assessment Partial exams General exam
  • Written individual exam (traditional/online)
     x
  • Group assignment (report, exercise, presentation, project work etc.)
     x
  • Active class participation (virtual, attendance)
     x
  • Peer evaluation
     x

ATTENDING STUDENTS

The attending students evaluation is 70% group based (the outcome of the business plan simulation FAST) and 30% based on a written individual test.

Students are evaluated on several factors: the knowledge of different business models in fashion and best cases and knowledge of the innovation drivers in fashion (individual test) and the ability to define an innovative entrepreneurial idea that they can protect, the ability to build a consistent and profitable business model for that idea, the ability to make the right strategic choices for global expansion and for a sustainable business (group assignment).  


NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

The evaluation is 100% based on an individual written test with a mix of open questions and multiple choice/answer aimed at assessing: knowledge of the concept of business model innovation with examples, knowledge of the creative process within symbol intensive companies and approaches to IP protection in innovation, capability to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on business models in fashion, how supply chains in fashion work, how investors evaluate sustainable business models.


Teaching materials


ATTENDING STUDENTS

Course handouts and supporting materials communicated as the course starts.

S.Saviolo, Borney G.M. "The branded supply chain", Bocconi University Press, 2021 (selected chapters)


NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

  • Course materials available on Blackboard

  • S. SAVIOLO, "Managing creativity and the creative process for symbol intensive brands", edited by Stefania Saviolo, EGEA, 2016 (all chapters).

  • S.Saviolo, Borney G.M. "The branded supply chain", Bocconi University Press, 2021 (selected chapters)
  • Business of Fashion-McKinsey "State of Fashion 2021" (available on line)
Last change 10/12/2020 10:46