The Master’s degree programme in Management Engineering aims to develop professionals with cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary skills, strongly focused on innovative business design and management, with the ability to promote business creation, development, leadership and innovation. This objective is pursued through a curriculum that fosters the following in students: - the ability to interpret business activities and their technical, organisational, managerial, economic, financial, regulatory and social aspects in an integrated and systemic manner, including aspects relating to the human factor, safety, energy and the environment; - the ability to tackle complex problems relating to the organisation and management of business operational processes using a logical-quantitative approach and appropriate skills in modelling phenomena; - the ability to devise and utilise technological, managerial, organisational and information and communication technology (ICT) levers as tools for innovation and the development of business activities. The programme also develops strong competencies in methods for the design, management and development of business processes, with a particular focus on the possibilities offered by the information systems used within organisations; in economics, organisation and management of business and innovation, including within the context of internationalisation dynamics; and in the main technical and economic-management challenges facing production activities most deeply rooted in the local area, along with the levers for their management and innovation. The degree programme is divided into three specialisations: Logistics and Production Specialisation. This offers an in-depth study of key issues in production systems operating within the global competitive environment, such as the design and management of various production technologies; the optimisation of choices and the management of energy-related aspects, maintenance, safety and environmental sustainability; and the quantitative description of processes and activities geared towards the technological improvement characteristic of the smart factory. The Economics and Organisation Programme offers an in-depth study of key aspects of optimising extensive logistics supply chains, and the modelling of industrial production processes, with particular attention to innovation projects and complex decision-making – aspects of particular importance for companies operating within the context of extended inter-company collaboration and technical and organisational innovation. The Modelling and Optimisation programme is characterised by a specific focus on the potential for improving business processes and activities through their quantification, modelling and simulation, carried out using the most suitable algorithms available, as well as an in-depth study of methods of analysis, control and decision-making in complex processes of significant importance in the present and future management of production resources. The choice of curriculum is made upon enrolment on the degree programme. The degree programme spans two years and requires the acquisition of a total of 120 CFU, divided into core, related or supplementary modules and student-chosen modules, in addition to activities relating to the preparation for the final examination and the acquisition of further knowledge useful for entering the world of work. Some of these modules may optionally be undertaken as part of international exchange programmes at partner universities abroad.

Management Engineer

Role within a working context

Holders of a Master’s degree in Management Engineering design and manage – including through innovative approaches – companies and production systems, with a particular aptitude for promoting the creation, development, management and innovation of industrial and service enterprises, both private and public. They may take on roles coordinating work groups and liaising with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as those in commercial and specialist technical fields. Typical roles include manager of business management systems, head of a business consultancy team, head of production and plant maintenance, head of a business function (purchasing, planning, sales, logistics, etc.), and head of a production or service unit.

Skills

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Management Engineering possess skills that enable them:

- to interpret business activities and their technical, production, organisational, managerial, economic and social aspects—including those relating to the human factor, safety, energy and the environment—in an integrated manner as a single, complex system;

- to tackle complex problems relating to the organisation and management of business operational processes using a logical-quantitative approach and appropriate skills in modelling phenomena;

- to design and utilise the tools made available by innovation processes and information technology as a means of organising and developing business activities.

The programme also develops strong skills enabling students to:

- apply methods for the design, management and development of production and logistics systems and to exploit the possibilities offered by the information systems used within the organisation;

- manage innovation within organisations, including in the context of internationalisation and the shift towards a more rational use of resources;

- address and resolve the main technical and economic-management issues facing production activities most deeply rooted in the local area, utilising the appropriate levers for their management.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Management Engineering are primarily destined to work in private and public industrial companies, service or consultancy firms, and to practise as independent professionals. Their exceptionally broad-based training equips them with the ability to understand the full range of issues typical of complex organisations, making them particularly well-suited to attain managerial or entrepreneurial positions. They may also continue their studies on second-cycle master’s programmes and/or PhD programmes. They may sit the professional qualification examination to be registered on the register of engineers in the industrial or information technology section.

The Master’s Degree Programme in Management Engineering aims to train professionals with cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary skills, specialising in the design and management of organisations and production and service systems, in both the public and private sectors. This objective is set out in accordance with the specifications of competences and skills indicated in the section ‘Key learning outcomes for the degree class: LM-31 Management Engineering’ and is pursued through a study programme designed, in particular, to foster the development of students’ abilities to:

• interpret the full range of business and production activities in an integrated and systemic manner, combining technical, production-related, organisational, legal, economic and social aspects, including those relating to the human factor and safety, the use of resources (e.g. energy) and the environment;
• tackle and resolve the complex problems that characterise the organisation and management of operational processes, using a logical and quantitative approach based on adequate skills in modelling and the critical analysis of data and results;
• utilise and manage the tools made available by ongoing processes of innovation and change, such as ‘Information Technology’ and the energy transition.

The degree programme is organised into several specialisations, and students choose their specialisation at the start of the two-year course. The specialisations include a number of core modules, which ensure the acquisition of robust skills in the following areas:

• the design, development and management of production and logistics systems;
• the potential offered by information systems;
• economics and organisation, focused on business management and innovation, including within the context of internationalisation dynamics;
• the evolution of processes towards a more rational use of resources;
• technical and technical-economic issues relating to production activities, including those most deeply rooted in the local area, and tools for addressing these issues, including through innovative approaches;
• production, logistics and service activities in international contexts.

Within this shared and structured educational pathway – which is geared towards developing multidisciplinary professional skills focused on the management of complex systems – the various degree programmes offer specific in-depth study in key thematic areas relevant to the management of companies and production organisations. These degree programmes address the topics listed below.

A specific objective of a curriculum is to equip students with skills vital for production systems operating within the global competitive environment, such as:

• the design and/or management of production technologies, including innovative ones;
• the optimisation and management of decisions relating to the energy aspects of production processes;
• the organisation and management of plant maintenance activities;
• the organisation and management of health and safety in production processes;
• continuous improvement of the environmental sustainability of processes and products;
• a vision of activities and processes aimed at the technological improvement characteristic of the smart factory.

A curriculum has the specific objective of providing skills of particular importance for companies operating within the context of extended and integrated inter-company collaboration, in a context of technical and organisational innovation, with a view to:

• optimising supply chains, including those that are extensive and complex;
• manage interconnected production processes, both in the industrial sector and within service organisations, whilst also paying attention to aspects relating to labour, law and innovation;
• manage projects involving technological and/or organisational change;
• guide decision-making processes for making decisions in contexts characterised by high complexity and uncertainty.

The programme is characterised by a specific focus on opportunities for improvement – including at the planning stage – of business processes and activities, recognising the strategic importance of optimised management of production resources. To this end, students’ skills are developed in:

• quantifying and modelling production and/or service processes, including through the use of algorithmic problem-solving techniques;
• mastering the tool of system simulation, with a view to improving the design and management of processes and systems;
• conducting critical analyses aimed at identifying and resolving problems, and managing and guiding decision-making processes, even in complex contexts.

The above learning outcomes are pursued by striking an appropriate balance between the breadth of general engineering training and the depth required to consolidate the professional skills typical of management engineering. The breadth and variety of the skills outlined above – which are, moreover, characteristic of Management Engineering students – also underpin the diversification in the identification of scientific disciplines identified as related or complementary, together with the opportunity offered to students to make their own choices. Furthermore, skills and competences are reinforced by the variety of teaching tools employed and the breadth of the disciplines on offer. Teaching activities will include not only lectures but also tutorials, seminars, laboratory/project work, self-directed learning and guided visits, involving various disciplines and areas that are not solely technological but also social, economic and legal. A key contribution to students’ education is provided by work placements carried out at manufacturing and service companies, including in relation to the preparation of the final dissertation. In this regard, the degree programme also offers the option of free choice for some modules; students, in the cases provided for in the Degree Programme’s Academic Regulations and subject to the constraints of the RAD and the credits deemed compulsory upon the programme’s launch, may submit an application to the relevant CCSA for approval of an individual study plan.

The CCSA for Industrial Engineering has also established a specific study pathway reserved for students on the Modelling and Optimisation curriculum who participate in Erasmus mobility programmes. This pathway allows students to take all modules in English: the first year consists of modules attended abroad as part of the Erasmus+ programme, whilst the second year is undertaken at the University of Brescia.

Required qualifications

To enrol on the Master’s Degree programme in Management Engineering, applicants must hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree or university diploma, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as suitable. Admission to the programme is subject to meeting the curriculum requirements and to an assessment of the applicant’s individual academic background, which will be carried out as specified below. Any required supplementary coursework must be completed before the assessment of the applicant’s academic background takes place.

Curricular requirements

Graduates may be admitted to the Master’s Degree programme in Management Engineering if, during their previous university studies, they have obtained at least 72 CFU within the following groups of scientific-disciplinary sectors (SSD), subject to the limits specified on a case-by-case basis:

a) basic study modules totalling at least 36 CFU in the following sectors: SSD INF/01, ING-INF/05, MAT/02, MAT/03, MAT/05, MAT/06, MAT/07, MAT/08, MAT/09, SECS-S/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/07, FIS/01, FIS/03

b) core modules totalling at least 36 CFU in the following fields: ICAR/08, ING-IND/08, ING-IND/09, ING-IND/10, ING-IND/11, ING-IND/12, ING-IND/13, ING-IND/14, ING-IND/15, ING-IND/16, ING-IND/17, ING-IND/21, ING-IND/22, ING-IND/35, ING-INF/01; ING-INF/04; ING-INF/07

In addition, the following condition must be met:

c) at least 18 CFU in the following subject groups: ING-IND/16, ING-IND/17, ING-IND/35, ING-INF/04.

When verifying curricular requirements and reviewing the student’s previous academic record, the CCSA may assign specific individual study plans to admitted students, or impose requirements regarding the formulation of the study plan, taking into account the content already acquired during their previous studies and the credits already earned that may be recognised towards a possible shortening of the duration of the Master’s Degree programme. Should an applicant fail to meet the required academic criteria, the CCSA will specify the necessary academic supplements, either in terms of university credits or specific modules, which must be completed before a new application for admission can be submitted.

Admission to this Master’s degree programme also requires knowledge of a European Union language in addition to Italian, at least at CEFR level B2. Students with a B1 level of proficiency may be admitted to the programme provided they are assigned a study plan that includes 3 CFU dedicated to acquiring further language skills. The procedures for assessing foreign language proficiency are set out in the programme’s Academic Regulations.

Suitability of prior academic background

The procedures for assessing the suitability of prior academic background are set out in the programme’s Academic Regulations, based on the student’s previous university studies, taking into account the results achieved in obtaining the qualification used to gain admission to the programme.

Admission procedures

To enrol on the Master’s Degree programme in Management Engineering, applicants must hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree or university diploma, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as suitable.

Admission to the Master’s degree programme will be decided by the CCSA for Industrial Engineering through a final and binding decision, based on verification of the fulfilment of curricular requirements, following an assessment of the candidate’s academic record and verification of their personal preparation. The candidate will only be admitted if both assessments are successful. To carry out these assessments, the CCSA may appoint a dedicated Assessment Committee. The admission procedures are set out in the Regulations for Admission to Master’s Degrees in Engineering and are available via the link provided.

The admission procedures for students who are not Italian citizens and who hold a first-cycle degree awarded in Italy are governed by the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research’s Regulations on Access for Foreign Students to University Courses, Ref. No. 7802 of 24 March 2014.

Information on the various administrative procedures relating to enrolment, fees and services can be found on the University’s website.

Freshers’ Orientation

The degree programme takes part in the freshers’ orientation initiatives organised at both the macro-area and University levels, which are detailed on the relevant page of the University portal; this page also provides access to the specific initiatives for each macro-area. These initiatives are coordinated by a working group comprising the Rector’s Representative for Orientation, the Departmental Representatives for Orientation and staff from a dedicated organisational unit (U.O.C. Orientamento). The design and delivery of the orientation activities, developed by the U.O.C., are certified to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard.

Routine activities, news and the latest initiatives can be found on the dedicated page

Student Guidance

Ongoing Student Guidance

Tutoring initiatives are organised at University level in accordance with the annual tutoring plan, which is drawn up each year by the University Tutoring Committee and approved by the Academic Senate. The Tutoring Service contributes to ongoing guidance with the aim of ensuring students progress smoothly through their studies and identifying the critical issues that contribute to drop-out rates. The administrative management of the student tutoring service is certified to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard and is provided as part of the services supporting the right to education by a dedicated organisational unit.

Tutoring

Features of the final examination

The final examination consists of the preparation, presentation and discussion, before a designated examination board, of a wide-ranging piece of work, developed independently and in an original manner, on a topic agreed between the student and a faculty member who will act as their supervisor. Should the student have undertaken a work placement or internship, the final examination may focus on the work carried out and the results achieved at the host organisation (company, institution or professional body). In all cases, whilst preparing for the final examination, the student will be guided by one or more supervisors. The work undertaken in preparation for the final examination may be theoretical, experimental or project-based, and provides an opportunity to apply and explore – including through an interdisciplinary approach – the concepts and skills acquired; to learn and utilise new techniques and tools for investigation and analysis; to acquire further practical skills; and to independently develop interpretative frameworks and models.

The final examination aims to assess the student’s technical and scientific maturity, the competence and independence of judgement attained within the scope of the topic covered, any innovative contributions made, and their ability and effectiveness in communication.

Procedure for the final examination

The final examination consists of the preparation, presentation and discussion, by the graduate student, of the Master’s thesis: a written and/or graphical work, carried out in an original manner by the student, resulting from design, study and research activities, and demonstrating mastery of the subject matter, the ability to work independently to solve problems of significant complexity, and a good level of communication skills.

Admission to the final examination requires the acquisition of all credits specified in the degree programme regulations, with the exception of those obtainable through the examination itself. However, only students who have provided evidence of compliance with the teaching assessment procedures will be admitted to the final examination.

The procedures for submitting an application for a Master’s degree, the arrangements for the examination and the relevant assessment criteria are governed by the documents contained on the University website page, the Regulations for the Master’s Degree Final Examination of the CCSA in Industrial Engineering, and the University’s Academic Regulations.