Cooperative & Social Enterprise

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Cooperative & Social Enterprise

Overview

Cooperative enterprises are distinct from other forms of business enterprises. While all the other forms of business enterprises have profit as the motive, cooperative enterprises are service oriented. They are basically formed to render services to their members and protect them from being exploited by producers, sellers, and middlemen. Cooperatives are voluntary associations of persons formed for protecting and promoting the interests of members. They are operated in a democratic manner with a service focus. This course has been developed with input from experts and practitioners from the social sector and cooperative enterprises. The course focuses mainly on the cooperative enterprise and its management for sustainability, leadership, and the unique nature of a cooperative structure. It is designed for senior managers and directors who have the authority and personal inspiration to translate organisational strategy into effective performance. In addition, there is the opportunity to focus on specific areas related to cooperative learning and financial management. This is achieved through dedicated modules that focus on factors that distinguish managing in cooperative enterprises from others, and on the implementation of cooperative values and principles.

Description

Learning Mode

Classroom

Study Level

Certificate Course

Duration

7 days

Course Delivery

Intensive

Start Date

22nd September, 2020

Cost

£250 per module

Campus

London

Description

The programme is a resource for people desiring to form a cooperative or learn more about the unique nature of a cooperative-structured business, and for cooperative leaders as they govern and manage these unique member-owned companies. The Cooperative Enterprise Programme is available to assist with other ‘group-action’ efforts of persons belonging to a member organisation, or persons interested in forming a member-based association to address an economic need or acquire a necessary service. This course is designed to equip students for management careers and/or voluntary service at a senior level in a wide range of cooperative enterprises. It is also designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to participate meaningfully and effectively at the leadership level in the decision-making, management, and entrepreneurial processes of cooperative enterprises.

objectives

  • Become equipped for management careers and/or voluntary service at a senior level in a wide range of cooperative and social enterprises.
  • To equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to participate meaningfully and effectively at leadership level in the decision-making, management and entrepreneurial processes of co-operative and social enterprises
  • Develop the capacity to respond creatively to the needs and problems of the wider community and society Explore how cooperatives as a social economic model can contribute to community development. Develop the skills, knowledge, and experience to develop a cooperative business plan that aligns with cooperative values and principles.
  • Be able to explain the importance of cooperative values and principles to member-based businesses.

Courses Curriculum

Module 1

Cooperative enterprises and other forms of business enterprises

Module 2

Nature, principles, and values of a cooperative-structured business

Module 3

Functions and roles of cooperative enterprises

Module 4

Formation of a cooperative business/enterprise

Module 5

Developing a cooperative business plan

Module 6

Cooperative enterprise as a social economic model for community development

Module 7

Decision-making, management, and entrepreneurial processes of cooperative enterprises

Module 8

Leadership and governance of a cooperative-structured business

Module 9

Leader-member relationship in cooperative businesses

Module 10

Nature of teamwork, team building, and cooperative spirit in cooperative business structure

Module 11

Rural communities and social enterprising

Module 12

Financial management of cooperative enterprises

Module 13

Social learning theories applied to cooperative learning

Key Benefit

  • Students are provided with step-by-step guidance from a range of invited guest speakers with expertise in different areas of cooperative operations to teach them how to form a co-operative business.
  • Discuss and debate professional opinion on the functioning and roles of co-operatives and social enterprises.
  • Participants will develop teamwork skills and develop c-operative solutions to common problems like ‘free riders’ and leadership conflict.
  • This programme will be of value to students seeking to work in environments where knowledge of co-operative principles and working practices are applicable.

Teaching Methods

The Teaching Methods For This Course Include:

  • Individual or group activity on a topic area of interest to the students pertaining to cooperative and social enterprise.
  • Daily discussion and reflection questions on readings.
  • Short activities to support readings.
  • Daily journals for students to engage in discussions with their peers.

Fees and funding

Level 1

£1,250

Level 2

£1,950

Please submit your application at least two weeks prior to the programme start date. Since qualified candidates are admitted on a rolling, space-available basis, early application is encouraged. Admission is selective and based on professional achievement and organisational responsibility. Although there are no formal educational requirements, proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. LSSE expects the full commitment of the participant and their organisation because our programmes enhance the leadership capacity of the participant as well as their organisation. While participants are attending a programme, sponsoring organisations agree to relieve them of their work responsibilities so that they can fully focus on the learning experience.
This course is accredited and, to be awarded credit, you must satisfactorily complete written components. Successful students will receive credit, awarded by the Board of Studies of London School of Social Enterprise and International Affiliates. The award will take the form of an Advanced Certificate. Exceptional students will be recognised.

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