Ever wonder how Italy’s industrial giants found their leaders? The story of SAA School of Management in Turin starts here. Founded in 1957 as the Scuola di Amministrazione Industriale SAI the school emerged from a unique collaboration. Professor Federico Maria Pacces partnered with Turin’s major industrial firms especially FIAT. Their goal was ambitious to cultivate the next generation of Italian managers.
The birth of SAI marked a turning point. It was one of Italy’s first and most significant partnerships between academia and industry. SAA quickly gained prestige during Italy’s economic boom in the 1960s. Its work was showcased at the international exhibition in Turin in 1961.
In December 1974 SAI became the Scuola di Amministrazione Aziendale SAA. It then linked itself to the Universit degli Studi di Torino. Back then SAA held a unique position. It was the only Italian business school within the university system operating in Turin a symbol of Italian industry. Plus it offered courses based on real business needs.
But SAA’s history isn’t without its shadows. In December 1979 during a period of social and political unrest the school was attacked. A commando from the Prima Linea armed organization stormed the institute. They held about 100 students hostage. Another armed group targeted professors and students shooting ten of them in the legs. The attackers escaped before the police arrived. This dark chapter was later depicted in the TV miniseries Gli anni spezzati.
In January 2013 SAA was renamed SAA S.c.ar.l. This aimed to strengthen ties with the University of Turin and create new academic projects. These projects involved major national companies like FCA Intesa Sanpaolo and international firms like PWC.
Today SAA’s campus sits beside the Palazzo a Vela within the Giuseppe Levi garden. The main building at Via Ventimiglia 115 houses classrooms an aula magna a restaurant a library and a language center.
SAA offers a range of academic programs. There is a three-year undergraduate course in Management dell’informazione e della comunicazione aziendale. Students study everything from private law to finance and choose a third language. SAA also provides opportunities for internships and scholarships. Furthermore the Business and Management course is taught entirely in English.
For those seeking advanced education SAA offers a Master in Business Administration MBA Executive. This program targets top managers seeking to boost their company’s competitiveness. Despite its reasonable cost the SAA MBA ranks highly for quality and post-graduation employment rates.
SAA provides numerous services to its students. The library named after Marcella Novo offers access to books publications tests and academic materials. The Associazione Alunni SAA connects students faculty and administrative staff. It allows students to voice concerns and propose projects.
The Self-Access Language Learning Centre SAC is a valuable resource. It helps students improve their skills in English French German and Spanish. The SAC offers multimedia resources language certifications and a supportive learning environment.
SAA leverages technology to enhance learning. It uses an e-learning platform Moodle for communication and resource sharing. The campus has free WiFi and computer labs.
SAA welcomes a diverse group of international students. Many come from Europe through the Erasmus+ program and from the United States through the USAC project. Each year SAA welcomes 200 international students from 68 partner universities and from 25 countries. The goal is to increase the incoming number year after year and to offer you the possibility to explore our territory to be part of our Region helping you with our language.
The school’s international outlook is reflected in its faculty. Professors emphasize the enriching experience of teaching multicultural groups. They highlight the exchange of ideas cultural models and diverse approaches that enhance learning for everyone. SAA strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for international students offering cultural and social activities.
So as you stand here remember the story of SAA School of Management. From its origins in Turin’s industrial heartland to its modern international campus SAA continues to shape the future of management education.