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CRD120Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Sociology of Cooperation

This course introduces the sociology of cooperation, focusing on its application within developing economies. It explores cooperative development, the Rochdale principles, and the formation and management of cooperatives. The course examines various cooperative typologies and mechanisms for promoting cooperative actions. It aims to equip students with a sociological understanding of mutual groups and their role in addressing limitations associated with small means, particularly in rural cooperatives. The course also identifies causes of cooperative failures and provides recommendations for success in the African setting.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Sociology of CooperationRochdale PrinciplesCooperative ManagementRural DevelopmentCooperative Finance

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Cooperative Definition and Nature

2

Rochdale Principles

3

Sociological Groups and Cooperatives

4

Types of Cooperatives

5

Motives for Forming Cooperatives

6

Cooperative Finance

7

Cooperative Management

8

Market Pooling

9

Gearing Ratio

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Cooperative Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Rural Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Entrepreneur

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureFinanceRetailCommunity DevelopmentSocial Enterprise

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE ONE: PERSPECTIVE DEFINITIONS OF COOPERATIVE, CLASSIFICATIONS AND ROCHDALE PRINCIPLES

3h

Unit 1: Defining the Co-operative and the Double/Dual Nature of Cooperatives

3 study hours
  • •Define cooperatives and explore their dual nature as social and economic organizations.
  • •Discuss the roles of agricultural and rural cooperatives in developing economies.
  • •Differentiate between investor-oriented and cooperative corporations.
Week
2

MODULE ONE: PERSPECTIVE DEFINITIONS OF COOPERATIVE, CLASSIFICATIONS AND ROCHDALE PRINCIPLES

3h

Unit 2: The Rochdale Principle: Principles or Practices

3 study hours
  • •Examine the Rochdale Principles and their applicability in modern cooperative practices.
  • •Analyze the principles of open membership, one person-one vote, and limited returns on stock.
  • •Evaluate the relevance of cash trading, member education, and political neutrality in contemporary cooperatives.
Week
3

MODULE ONE: PERSPECTIVE DEFINITIONS OF COOPERATIVE, CLASSIFICATIONS AND ROCHDALE PRINCIPLES

6h

Unit 3: The Concept of the Sociological Group and the Co-operative Business Enterprise

3 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of a sociological group and its relation to cooperative business enterprises.
  • •Distinguish between sociological groups and cooperative business enterprises.
  • •Explore the role of brotherhood economics in cooperative success.

Unit 4: Classification of Co-operatives: Types and Criteria

3 study hours
  • •Classify different types of cooperatives based on various criteria.
  • •Examine multipurpose, consumer, producer, marketing, and savings and credit cooperatives.
  • •Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cooperative marketing.
Week
4

MODULE TWO: RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING COOPERATIVES, DIMENSIONS AND FOOD SECURITY

4h

Unit 5: Motives for Forming/Joining Cooperatives

4 study hours
  • •Identify and analyze the economic, sociological, and emotional motives for forming or joining cooperatives.
  • •Discuss the role of cooperatives in providing economic benefits, security, and protection to members.
  • •Examine the influence of external pressures on cooperative membership.
Week
5

MODULE TWO: RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING COOPERATIVES, DIMENSIONS AND FOOD SECURITY

3h

Unit 6: Forming a Cooperative

3 study hours
  • •Outline the structural and administrative requirements for forming a cooperative.
  • •Discuss the steps involved in cooperative formation, including contacting development offices and formulating bye-laws.
  • •Examine the voluntary nature of cooperatives and the motives for individuals joining social networks.
Week
6

MODULE TWO: RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING COOPERATIVES, DIMENSIONS AND FOOD SECURITY

3h

Unit 7: Multi Dimensions of a Cooperative.

3 study hours
  • •Explore the multi-dimensional focus of cooperatives and their development challenges.
  • •Discuss the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of cooperative sustainability.
  • •Examine the different schools of thought concerning the future of cooperative action.
Week
7

MODULE TWO: RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING COOPERATIVES, DIMENSIONS AND FOOD SECURITY

3h

Unit 8: Cooperatives, Sustainability and Food Security

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the relationship between cooperatives, sustainability, and food security.
  • •Discuss the role of cooperatives in promoting financial, social, and environmental sustainability.
  • •Examine how cooperatives contribute to household food security in developing economies.
Week
8

MODULE TWO: RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING COOPERATIVES, DIMENSIONS AND FOOD SECURITY

3h

Unit 9: Cooperative as a Hybrid Organization

3 study hours
  • •Understand cooperatives as hybrid organizations with multiple goals and stakeholders.
  • •Discuss co-production and cooperative welfare services.
  • •Examine internal decision-making processes in multi-stakeholder cooperatives.
Week
9

MODULE THREE: COOPERATIVE FINANCE AND GROUP OPERATIONS

3h

Unit 10: The Financing of the Co-Operative Enterprise

3 study hours
  • •Outline the various forms and sources of finance for cooperative enterprises.
  • •Discuss the importance of initial capital and member investment plans.
  • •Examine the role of debt capital in cooperative financing.
Week
10

MODULE THREE: COOPERATIVE FINANCE AND GROUP OPERATIONS

6h

Unit 11: Cooperative Internal Financing

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the concept of internal financing in cooperatives.
  • •Discuss the importance and uses of reserve funds.
  • •Examine revolving capital financing plans and their benefits.

Unit 12: Multi-Stakeholders Cooperatives

3 study hours
  • •Describe multi-stakeholder cooperatives and their unique features.
  • •Examine the diverse membership categories and democratic governance principles.
  • •Discuss the challenges and benefits of balancing stakeholder interests.
Week
11

MODULE THREE: COOPERATIVE FINANCE AND GROUP OPERATIONS

3h

Unit 13: Internal Working of Group

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the internal management of cooperatives and the assignment of roles and responsibilities.
  • •Examine the management roles of members and the board of directors.
  • •Understand the selection process and responsibilities of the cooperative manager.
Week
12

MODULE FOUR: COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND GEARING RATIO

3h

Unit 14: Managing Cooperatives for Success.

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the key elements of managing cooperatives for success.
  • •Discuss the roles of members and the cooperative board of directors.
  • •Examine the selection and hiring process for a competent manager.
Week
13

MODULE FOUR: COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND GEARING RATIO

12h

Unit 15: Cooperative Manager

3 study hours
  • •Identify the roles and responsibilities of the cooperative manager.
  • •Discuss the strategic position of the manager and the planning activities involved.
  • •Examine the managerial functions of organizing, directing, staffing, and control and evaluation.

Unit 16: Market Pooling

3 study hours
  • •Explain market pooling and its advantages in agricultural marketing cooperatives.
  • •Discuss how pooling differs from other marketing methods.
  • •Examine the different types of pools and their characteristics.

Unit 17: Financing Cooperative Activities

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the financing of cooperative activities and the challenges of free-riding.
  • •Examine the mechanisms for promoting cooperation, including reciprocity, reputation, retribution, and rewards.
  • •Analyze the importance of member financing and external support.

Unit 18: The Gearing Ratio

3 study hours
  • •Understand the gearing ratio as an index of financial strength.
  • •Discuss the legal framework, privileges, and responsibilities of cooperatives.
  • •Examine the issues relating to declining external support and maintaining market share.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Focus on understanding the Rochdale Principles and their practical applications.

2

Review the different types of cooperative societies and their characteristics.

3

Practice calculating financial ratios such as the gearing ratio.

4

Study case studies of successful and unsuccessful cooperatives to identify key factors.

5

Create concept maps linking cooperative principles to real-world scenarios.

6

Prioritize understanding the roles and responsibilities of cooperative managers and board members.

7

Regularly review tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and seek clarification on areas of difficulty.

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