01.08.2025 00:00 - 30.07.2026 00:00

Learning assignment due date options for the academic year 2025-2026: 30.10.2025, 28.2.2026, 31.5.2026

Opintojakso kuuluu Johtamisen perusopinnot 26-30 op (UEF) opintokokonaisuuteen.

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.

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.

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). 

Learning assignment due date options for the academic year 2025-2026: 30.10.2025, 28.2.2026, 31.5.2026

Grading 0 -5.

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).

Antti Talonen

Study materials

Video lectures and other study material on Moodle.

Teaching Language: English

120 €. Hinta sisältää Mikkelin kesäyliopiston maksun ja Itä-Suomen avoimen yliopiston opintojaksokohtaisen maksun yhteensä 72 €.

20.11.2025 mennessä

Ilmoittautumisen voi perua maksutta 31.7.2025 saakka. Mikäli ilmoittautuminen tehdään 1.8.2025 jälkeen, ilmoittautumisen voi perua maksutta 14 vuorokauden kuluessa ilmoittautumisesta. Mikäli ilmoittautuminen perutaan myöhemmin tai peruutusta ei tehdä lainkaan perimme Mikkelin kesäyliopiston maksuosuuden riippumatta siitä, onko rekisteröitymistä tehty opintojaksolle Itä-Suomen avoimeen yliopistoon. Opintomaksut ovat perintäkelpoisia (Laki n:o 706/2007). Ilmoittautumisen peruminen tehdään aina kirjallisesti sähköpostitse (koulutus@mikkelinkesayliopisto.fi).