Agricultural cooperatives

About this programme

Knowledge equivalent to 180 hp at university level, of which at least 90 hp in business studies. English 6. The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest. Knowledge equivalent to 180 hp at university level, of which at least 90 hp in business studies. English 6. The aim of the course is to convey theoretical knowledge about agricultural cooperatives – why they are formed, what their main characteristics are, the governance system of different sizes and types of cooperatives, and which problems may arise when running the cooperative. The course is based on lectures and literature seminars, based on academic journal articles, a course project, a mandatory study visit, mandatory guest lectures and written exam. The course covers relevant theories, which may contribute to the understanding of the agricultural cooperative, focusing organizational structure, governance structure, leadership, and agency relationships. The course includes concrete examples of various agricultural cooperatives in Sweden and abroad. Beber, Caetano Luiz; Ludwig Theuvsen & Verena Otter. 2018. “Organizational structures and the evolution of dairy cooperatives in Southern Brazil: A life cycle analysis”. Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management , 6: 64-77. Benos, Theo, Nikos Kalogeras, Martin Wetzels, Ko de Ruyter; Joost ME Pennings. 2018. “Harnessing a ‘currency matrix’ for performance measurement in cooperatives: A multi-phased study”. Sustainability , 10.