Open Uni:Sustainable co-operative business model, 2023-24, online studies

Content

The origin of co-operative movement and co-operatives. The reach and relevance of the global co-operative movement. Co-operative identity, values and principles. The unique characteristics and specific issues of the co-operative business model and its ownership structure, governance systems and management. Co-operative entrepreneurship. In addition, the course introduces several special cases to the students (e.g., Spanish worker co-op Mondragon, Japanese consumer co-op Sapporo, etc.). This course develops generic skills in sustainability and responsibility, and leadership and development.

Study Materials

Video lectures and the study material on Moodle.

Modes of study
Video lectures 25-30 h, independent work (assignments and familiarization with literature) 132-137 h.
An online course with independent study of the learning material (video lectures with PP slides, articles, etc.). Written and multiple-choice assignments. The assessment is criteria-based (see the assessment criteria and the guidelines for scientific writing). Requirements for successful completion: passed completion of interim test(s) (evaluation: pass/fail), written interim assignment(s) (evaluation: pass/fail), and a final written assignment (evaluation: 0-5). In the overall assessment of the course (0–5), particular emphasis is placed on the completion of the final written assignment. The assessment of the final written assignment will place particular emphasis on a coherent mastery of the concepts and on an in-depth understanding of the themes at stake.

Evaluation: Scale on grade 0 -5.

Teaching Language: English

The course is at the Bachelor`s level. The course belongs to the Basic Studies in Management and the Intermediate studies in Management..