Course description
Cooperatives and Producer Companies
This course is about cooperative business, cooperative movement, cooperative organization, cooperative model, types of cooperatives, and cooperative development. In the beginning, the concept of a cooperative is explained and how it is different from an investor owned company. We also explain why this form of organization is required for producers in the dairy, agriculture, weaver artisan and other sectors of the economy.
We then discuss the basic principles of a cooperative and why they evolved. These principles were enunciated by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) of all countries. We provide a brief overview of the success of cooperatives in different countries. We discuss some issues in regulation, and the legal and constitutional issues in India. We also discuss how genuine, member owned FPOs or cooperatives can revitalize agriculture in India which still employs over 50% of the population. There are some basic issues related to finances. These include acquiring the initial capital to set up FPOs or cooperatives that are independent of outside control, whether from the Government or the NGOs. Working capital is another important issue for non-dairy, seasonal crops. Distribution of profits is different from the shareholder companies.
There are organizational issues regarding the structure and Governance of cooperatives.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Prerequisites
None
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you'll learn
- What is a cooperative?
- How can cooperatives be set up successfully?
- Understanding why Indian cooperatives have not done well in general.
- How can the cooperative situation in India be changed?
- Tips on financing the genuine FPOs
Training Course Content
Introduction
- Overview
- Defining a Cooperative
- Cooperative Principles
- What is not a Cooperative?
- A Conversation
- Cooperatives outside India
- Why do we need Cooperatives?
Forming Cooperatives
- Introduction to Forming Cooperatives
- Role of NGOs
- Challenges faced by NGOs
- Pool and Sell Model of Forming Cooperatives
- Quality Assessment of the Produce
- Promoting Agency and the Cooperative
Promoting Cooperatives
- Initial Operations for Promoting Cooperatives
- Financing a Cooperative
- Suggestions for a Better Functioning Cooperative
- Mistakes to be Avoided for a Better Functioning Cooperative
- Marketing and Organizational Framework for a Cooperative
- Pool, Process, Store and Sell Model
- The Way Forward
Course delivery details
This course is offered through Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, a partner institute of EdX.
2-3 hours per week
Expenses
- Verified Track -$49
- Audit Track - Free