Project Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of the course contents of BUS 213 (Co-operative Development) offered at various universities. The course aims to introduce students to the principles and practices of co-operative development, focusing on the role of co-operatives in fostering sustainable economic development and social inclusion. The review includes an analysis of the key topics covered in the course such as the history and principles of co-operatives, the legal and regulatory framework governing co-operatives, the financial management of co-operatives, and the role of co-operatives in community development. The study also examines the teaching methods used in BUS 213, including lectures, case studies, group projects, and field visits to co-operative enterprises. It assesses the effectiveness of these teaching methods in helping students gain a comprehensive understanding of the course material and develop the necessary skills to work in the co-operative sector. Furthermore, the review explores the assessment methods employed in BUS 213, such as exams, written assignments, presentations, and group discussions, to evaluate students' knowledge and critical thinking abilities. Moreover, the study investigates the learning outcomes of BUS 213 and assesses the extent to which the course achieves its stated objectives. It examines the skills and knowledge that students are expected to acquire upon completion of the course, including an understanding of co-operative principles, the ability to analyze co-operative business models, and the skills to develop and implement co-operative projects. The review also considers the relevance of the course contents to current trends and challenges in the co-operative sector, such as digitalization, globalization, and sustainability. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive overview of the course contents of BUS 213 (Co-operative Development) and evaluates its effectiveness in preparing students for careers in the co-operative sector. The findings of this study can inform curriculum development efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of co-operative education programs. By identifying strengths and areas for improvement in BUS 213, educators and policymakers can better equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the sustainable development of co-operatives and communities.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Bus 213  is a code given to a course titled Co-operative Development.  The course is being offered the whole students in the school of business studies, but housed in the Department of Co-operative Economics and Management (CEM).  It  was offered during the first semester of my NDII. The course was provided with the aim to enrich the students involved, with the knowledge of the growth and development of modern co-operative in the world. The course was in mimeography written by Mr. C.C  Bob Igwe, MBA NINIM, a lecturer in the co-operative Economics Department in Institute of Management and Technology, (IMT) Enugu.

As the Bus 213 is Co-operative Development indeed, then what is the meaning of this key words, “Co-operative and Development?”

Co-operative mean people working together to achieve a common objective (STAN .O. UCHENDU (1998:2).  It is therefore a general term which covers a wide range of activities in which two or more people work together either formally or informally, temporarily or ad hoc or on a permanent basis to achieve a given legal or illegal, socially accepted or unaccepted goal(s).

The concept of co-operation as economic and social organ started first among people whose means of livelihood were frustrated by the introduction of machine and factory system.  They were forced by poverty to submit to long hours of work, harsh discipline and squalor of industrial settlement (Industrial Revolution Period).   The basic idea of co-operation is that there is a group action to achieve common goal.

Development on the other hand could be referred to as the act or means of gradual advancement or progression of co-operation  from crude or cradle or from a particular speculation to other part of the world.  From one stage of maturity to another.

Development  of co-operation was not a child of circumstance but a child of necessity as it came on the stage when it was mostly needed to salvage the poor masses from the cruelty of the middlemen and exploitative employers.

1.1    DEFINITION:

       Co-operation can be seen as a union of people with common goal.  The  people did not unite for thin common goal to fall from heaven.  There is business enterprises inclusive in co-operation through which their needs should be reached and satisfied.

According to INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE ALLIANCE (I C A OF 1895), “Co-operative society is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and Democratically controlled enterprises.”

The ICA in addition went further to give out the most important characteristics:

a) A co-operative as an autonomous body means free from government control.

b) Joint voluntarily: They should not be forced to join instead it is through creating awareness.

c) A co-operative is an association of persons not capital.  The interest of the members must come before those of capital.

d) The objective of the group is to meet the members needs in the economic field as well as their aspiration in the social and cultural field, religions and political, criminal  objective are however excluded.