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COP311

Principles & Practices Of Cooperatives

This course introduces the principles and practice of co-operation, building upon foundational knowledge from COP101. It explores the historical context of co-operative movements, including the Industrial Revolution's impact and the contributions of key figures like Robert Owen and Dr. William King. The course delves into the structure, management, and values of co-operatives, with a focus on the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) guidelines and principles. It aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of co-operative enterprises and their role in economic and social development.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
48 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of COP311, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

COP311 · UNIT I NATURE, CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONS OF PRINCIPLES VIZ-A-VIZ CO- OPERATIVES

In the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), there is no lecturer unlike the Conventional University. It counts on your maturity and initiatives. Your drive is the force that propels you and you are the major determinant on when and how to complete the B.Sc Programme in Co-operative Studies successfully.

What you should be able to do

  1. Explain the core principles of co-operation.
  2. Analyze the historical development of co-operative movements.
  3. Evaluate the role of key figures in shaping co-operative thought.
  4. Apply ICA guidelines to co-operative governance.
  5. Differentiate co-operative enterprises from other business models.
  6. Assess the social and economic impact of co-operatives.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Co-operative Manager
  • Community Development Officer
  • Social Enterprise Consultant
  • Policy Advisor
  • Credit Union Officer
Where it is applied
  • Agriculture
  • Finance
  • Retail
  • Housing
  • Community Development

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 3: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation

    Unit 5: The Remaining 1995 ICA Reformed Principles: Autonomy and Independence; Education Training and Information; Co-operation among Co-operatives; and Concern for Community

    Understanding the nuances of balancing autonomy with external collaborations requires careful consideration of power dynamics and potential conflicts of interest.

  • Module 2: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation

    Unit 3: The Rochdale Equitable Pioneers (REP): Characteristics, Rules and Activities

    Requires understanding of historical context and the ability to analyze the factors contributing to the success of a specific organizational model.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 1: Nature, Characteristics and Functions of Principles viz-a-viz Co-operatives · 2 hours

      Understand the nature and formation of principles.. Differentiate between descriptive and normative principles.. Explain the functions of principles in organizations..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 2: Early Attempts to Form Co-operatives during the Industrial Revolution in Britain · 2 hours

      Describe the nature of the Industrial Revolution in Britain.. Explain workers' reactions to the Industrial Revolution.. Discuss the effects of the Industrial Revolution on workers' lives..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 3: Robert Owen and His Contributions to the Development of Co-operative Principles · 2 hours

      Discuss Robert Owen's background and his efforts to improve workers' living standards.. Compare Owen's activities with those of other capitalists.. Evaluate Owen's efforts in relation to co-operative practices..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 4: Dr William King and His Contributions to Developing Co-operative Principles · 2 hours

      Discuss Dr. William King's activities and his role in the Brighton Co-operative Society.. Explain the administration and management of the Brighton Co-operative Society.. List the contrasts between Robert Owen and Dr. King..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 5: The Contributions of Franz Schulze to the Development of Co-operative Principles · 2 hours

      Give a brief history of Franz Schulze.. Explain the circumstances leading to the formation of the co-operative in Delitzsch.. Discuss the principles of co-operation as propounded by Schulze..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 1: Friedrich Raiffessein and His Co-operative Principles · 2 hours

      Provide a brief historical background of Friedrich Raiffeissen.. Discuss his efforts in the formation of associations along co-operative lines.. Outline and comment on his principles of co-operation..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 2: The First Successful Co-operative Organisation in the World: The Rockdale Equitable Pioneers (R.E.P) · 2 hours

      Discuss the reasons why earlier co-operative societies failed.. Describe the formation of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers (REP).. Explain the management and plans of the REP..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 3: The Rochdale Equitable Pioneers (REP): Characteristics, Rules and Activities · 2 hours

      Describe the characteristics of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers.. Explain the rules and methods of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers.. Give reasons for the success of the REP..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 4: The International Co-operative Alliance (I.C.A.) · 2 hours

      Describe the shortcomings of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers' principles of co-operation.. Explain the formation of the ICA.. Give the mission and objectives of the ICA..

  10. Week 10Module 2: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 5: The 1937 Review of the Co-operative Principles · 2 hours

      Give reasons why the 1937 review of the co-operative principles was necessary.. Discuss the relevance of the committee set up for the review.. Explain the implementation of the report and its effects..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 1: The 1966 I.C.A Principles for Co-operation and Their Reformation in 1972 · 2 hours

      Explain the circumstances that necessitated the 1966 review exercise.. Describe the setting up of the review commission and its report.. Explain the decisions of the ICA based on the 1972 reformulation..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 2: The Statement of Co-operative Identity by the I.C.A · 2 hours

      Explain the background activities leading to the 1995 congress.. Define a co-operative based on the co-operative identity.. List the values of co-operatives..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Principles and Practice of Co-Operation
    • Unit 3: Definition, Features and Values of a Co-operative as Given by the I.C.A · 2 hours

      Write the formal definition of a co-operative society.. Discuss the features/characteristics of a co-operative society.. Describe the values of co-operatives..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a timeline of key events and figures in co-operative history (Units 2-5).
  • Compare and contrast the principles advocated by Owen, King, Schulze, and Raiffeissen (Modules 1 & 2).
  • Focus on the ICA's role in standardizing co-operative principles (Module 3).
  • Practice applying the 1995 ICA principles to real-world co-operative scenarios (Units 4 & 5, Module 3).
  • Review the characteristics and rules of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers (Module 2, Unit 3).

Questions students ask about this course

What is COP311 about?

This course introduces the principles and practice of co-operation, building upon foundational knowledge from COP101. It explores the historical context of co-operative movements, including the Industrial Revolution's impact and the contributions of key figures like Robert Owen and Dr. William King. The course delves into the structure, management, and values of co-operatives, with a focus on the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) guidelines and principles. It aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of co-operative enterprises and their role in economic and social development.

How many units does COP311 have?

COP311, Principles & Practices Of Cooperatives, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 118 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is COP311?

COP311 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Management Sciences.

Is COP311 hard?

COP311 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does COP311 take to study?

About 48 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.

How is COP311 assessed?

COP311 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with COP311?

Co operative Manager, Community Development Officer, Social Enterprise Consultant, Policy Advisor and Credit Union Officer.

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