Sustainable co-operative business model, acad.year 2025-26, online studies
- Credits:
- 6 ECTS credits
- Location:
- -
- Continuous learning category:
- Business and international collaboration
- Teaching format:
- Online teaching
- Price:
- 120 € (VAT 0%)
This course is part of the YUFE Skills of the Future Programme
Learning outcomes
The course introduces various perspectives related to the sustainable co-operative business model. Students will gain an understanding of the global and national relevance of the co-operative movement and co-operative identity, values and principles – the co-operative difference in comparison to for example investor-owned firms. Students will get acquainted with the unique features and specific issues of co-operative management, governance and ownersip control. The students will also learn to understand the dual nature of co-operatives - combination of social and economic elements of the firm - and its importance for practical managerial work. Students will be able to use their knowledge in further studies and in expert, administrative, governance, managerial and leadership positions in co-operatives.
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.
Modes of study
The studies are independent online studies where you familiarise yourself with the learning material and submit learning assignments and/or participate in course exams.
Studying is completely independent. Academic studies require self-direction, good study skills, and planning. The course has predetermined completion dates, from which you choose the one that suits you. Retaking an exam or increasing your grade also takes place on these course-specific dates during the academic year. Pay attention to the due dates when planning your studies.
Video lectures 25 h, independent work (assignments and familiarization with literature) 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).
Learning assignment due date options for the academic year 2025-2026: 30.10.2025, 28.2.2026, 31.5.2026
Study materials
Video lectures and other study material on Moodle.
Responsible teacher: Antti Talonen
Evaluation: Grading 0 -5.
Teaching Language: English
The course is at the Bachelor`s level. The course belongs to the Basic Studies, Management and Leadership (johtamisen perusopinnot) or the Intermediate studies, Marketing and Retailing (Johtamisen aineopinnot)
You will receive the right of study from the date of registration until the end of the academic year (July 2026). In practice, the completion takes place within the stated due dates of the course.
LOG IN to the Open University Business and Economics study community (elearn/Moodle), as directed by the starting instructions which you receive after your registration has been processed. In the Business and Economics study community, you can find general instructions for studying, links to course environments, and course keys.
Guidance services for Business studies
We are happy to guide you throughout your learning journey, even before registration when you are just starting to plan your studies. You can contact us via email or phone. For guidance in English, please contact Academic Affairs Coordinator Jasmin Sokkanen. You can also book an online appointment for guidance in English.
Join our English-language info on August 27th at 4 pm about open university studies and learn more!
Register for the information session here.*
*By registering for the info session, you will receive a reminder of the event and can ask questions in advance. Registration is not mandatory and you can also participate without registering in advance via the link above.
NB! Are you registering for the course through YUFE Skills of the Future Programme? Please, register to the course filling this form.”
The study fee is 20 euros per ECTS credit for individual study units, and 15 euros per credit for study modules. The study fee is paid at registration.
By paying the study fee, the student receives a temporary right to study that entitles them to attend a particular course. The right to study is course-specific, and is required to complete the course as specified in the syllabus for the term, covering both teaching and course exams. If the course is continuously open for registration, the maximum time to complete the course is from 1 August to 31 July for that academic year. The right to study for a module lasts until the end of the academic year, which is, until 31.7.2026.
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