Course Description

Welcome to "The Economics of Worker-Owned Businesses," an exciting and thought-provoking course that challenges traditional economic models and explores the fascinating world of worker-managed firms. This introductory-level course, offered by EdinburghX, delves into the intriguing question: What if workers ran their own businesses?

Throughout this course, you'll examine the inner workings of employee-owned enterprises, comparing them to traditional capitalist corporations. You'll explore the potential efficiencies of worker-managed firms and discuss policies that could foster a thriving cooperative sector in our economy.

By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of cooperative economics, equipping you with the knowledge to engage in meaningful discussions about alternative business models, particularly relevant in our post-2008 financial crash world.

What You'll Learn

• The fundamental economics of worker-owned and worker-controlled firms
• Key issues surrounding the long-term sustainability of cooperatives
• Policy strategies to promote and support a cooperative sector within a market economy
• The internal dynamics of employee ownership, including productivity, governance, and management structures
• The broader societal impacts of employee ownership, such as effects on health, democracy, and local economies
• Economic theories specific to labour-managed firms
• Real-world examples and case studies of successful cooperative models

Prerequisites

• Basic high school mathematics
• Some foundational knowledge of economics is helpful but not mandatory
• An open mind and willingness to explore alternative economic models

Course Content

• The internal workings of employee-owned businesses
• External impacts of cooperative models on society and local economies
• Economic theory of labour-managed firms
• Long-term viability challenges and solutions for cooperatives
• Cooperative models in the finance sector
• Community renewable energy projects as examples of economic democracy
• Case studies of successful cooperatives (e.g., Kibbutzim, Pacific plywood cooperatives, Mondragon)
• Policies to promote and sustain cooperative sectors

Who This Course Is For

• Economics and business students seeking to broaden their understanding of alternative economic models
• Professionals interested in exploring innovative business structures
• Social entrepreneurs and community organizers looking to implement cooperative models
• Policy makers and researchers focused on economic development and wealth distribution
• Anyone curious about the potential of worker-owned businesses and their impact on society

Real-World Applications

• Participating in informed discussions about economic alternatives and policy-making
• Joining or establishing a cooperative business
• Advising organizations on implementing employee ownership structures
• Developing policies to support cooperative sectors in local or national economies
• Conducting research on the impacts of worker-owned businesses
• Evaluating investment opportunities in cooperative ventures
• Contributing to community development projects, such as renewable energy initiatives

Syllabus

By enrolling in this course, you'll embark on an enlightening journey that challenges conventional economic wisdom and opens your mind to the possibilities of worker-owned enterprises. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your economic horizons and become part of the conversation shaping our economic future!