Overview

The program will focus on the sustainability, performance, and resilience of co-operative and mutual organisations.

The Co-Operatives and Mutuals Strategic Development Program (CMSDP) has been designed by Winthrop Professor Tim  Mazzarol and Dr Elena Limnios, recognised experts in the field, following extensive research into the needs of  cooperative and mutual organisations. This three-day program applies theory and industry best practice to the organisational realities of the participants.

The Crucial Need for the CMSDP

While there are many general management and development programs on the market, most do not meet the specific requirements of this sector, which has acknowledged the need for a dedicated course which captures the unique nature of the co-operative enterprise business model.

Many aspects of the way co-operative and mutual enterprises are managed are similar to more conventional businesses. However, there are also many important differences. These relate to areas such as their governance, distribution of share capital and voting rights, human resources, communications, marketing and strategic purpose.

Download program brochure

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the program participants should be able to:

• Compare and contrast the co-operative and mutual business model with that of investor-owned businesses
• Exhibit knowledge of the co-operative and mutual business model as it exists locally, nationally and internationally
• Demonstrate an ability to apply their understanding of co-operative and mutual enterprise business model dynamics to the solving of managerial problems
• Have greater insight into their personal leadership strengths and weaknesses and how they relate to their organisation’s imperatives
• Evaluate the impact, and make strategic decisions in relation to:

• government policies and legal environments
• competitive market dynamics
• social cooperation within their member community, and
• the impact of the natural environment

• Understand the nature of member loyalty and engagement within a co-operative and mutual enterprise and how to strengthen and retain member commitment.

Program Modules

Module 1: Understanding Co-Operative and Mutual Business Models
Module 2: Governance and Leadership in Member Owned Businesses
Module 3: Marketing Our Co-Operative Advantage (MOCA)
Module 4: Financing Co-Operative and Mutual Businesses
Module 5: Legislative Structures and their Impact on Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises.

About the Presenters

The program is designed and facilitated by Professor Tim Mazzarol and Dr Elena Limnios who are both world experts in the co-operative and mutual sector. They will be assisted by Organisational Psychologist, Dr Steve Brown.