History of the Faculty of Management
Origins (1913–1947)
The Faculty of Management traces its roots back to the establishment of the Academy of High Commercial and Industrial Studies of Bucharest (AISCI), through the law adopted in April 1913. From the very beginning, the Academy offered courses essential to the future field of management: transportation, industrial technology, applied physics and chemistry, industrial legislation, and practical business studies.
In 1919, by Royal Decree, AISCI was structured into three sections, including the Industrial Section (later renamed in 1927 as “Section II – Industrial Administration”), which represented an important nucleus of what would later become the Faculty of Management.
Through reforms in 1938, the duration of studies was extended to four years, with “general courses” (Years I–II) and “specialized courses” (Years III–IV), organized into three sections, among which the Commercial-Industrial Section anticipated the current profile of the faculty.
Restructuring During the Communist Era (1947–1989)
In 1947, AISCI merged with the Academy of Cooperative Studies, forming the Academy of Commercial and Cooperative Sciences, which had two faculties.
A year later, through an educational reform, the institution became the Institute of Economic Sciences and Planning (ISEP), adapting the educational process to the requirements of the centralized socialist economy. During this period, the Faculty of Planning and Economic Administration appeared, with sections such as:
- Industrial Economics
- Agricultural Economics
- Commercial and Cooperative Economics
Later on, new sections were added:
- Labor Economics
- Economics of Technical-Material Supply
In 1958–1959, following a restructuring of higher education, this faculty’s content was integrated into the Faculty of General Economics.
In 1967–1968, the institution became the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), and among its six faculties was the Faculty of Production Economics, with sections such as:
- Industrial Economics
- Agricultural Economics
In 1971–1972, it was restructured as the Faculty of Industrial Economics, and in 1974–1975 became the Faculty of Industrial, Construction and Transportation Economics, to better reflect the specializations offered.
In 1986, the faculty temporarily merged with the Faculty of Accounting and Agricultural Economics under the name Faculty of Industrial and Agricultural Economics. This merger was dissolved in 1990, restoring the distinct faculties.
Post-Communist Period and Transition to the Market Economy (1990–Present)
Consolidation of the Faculty of Management
Starting in 1990, the faculty regained its autonomy under the name Faculty of Management, offering specializations in:
- Industrial Management
- Management in Construction, Transportation and Telecommunications
- General Economics
In 1993–1994, the faculty adopted study modules, and in 1995–1996 introduced the Public Administration section, which quickly attracted a large number of students interested in careers in public institutions.
European Educational Reform
In 1998–1999, the faculty adopted the transferable credit system and more specialized study tracks. Since 2005–2006, it has implemented the Bologna system (3 years bachelor’s – 2 years master’s – 3 years doctoral studies), facilitating the European recognition of its programs.
During this period, the faculty was organized into four chairs:
- Chair of Management
- Chair of Economic Efficiency
- Chair of Philosophy
- Chair of Public Administration and Management
Recent Developments and National Recognition
- 2010 – The Public Administration section separated and became the Faculty of Public Administration and Management.
- 2011 – ASE underwent a reorganization: chairs were replaced with departments. Thus, within the Faculty of Management were established:
- Department of Management (through the merger of the former chairs)
- Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences
During this period, the Faculty of Management received the distinction of being the top-ranked management faculty in Romania, reflecting its excellence in education and research as well as the professionalism of its academic staff.
