Cooperative Business best practice and innovation

Based on the readings and lecture notes identify the following for each of the 8 case studies:

1. The innovative co-operative practice(s) of the case study
2. The reasons for selecting this practice or these practices

The format for the work should be in point form:

Case study 1 – Title

• most relevant innovative cooperative practice
• reason for identifying this practice (could include quote with page number from relevant case study)

Case Studies:

1. CLUSA’s Community Health Cooperatives (Kenya)
2. The Co-operative Group (UK)
3. Cooperative Home Care Associates (US)
4. Co-operative opportunities presented in The Cooperative Solution (International)
5. Corrections co-operatives (Italy)
6. Desjardins Group (CA) and Credit Unions (US), a comparative analysis
7. Forestry co-ops and carbon sequestration (International)
8. Organic Valley (US)

No bibliography required

Only a few sentences for each case study – no lengthy write up required, as this is just a draft of a larger compilation to identify trends and best practices.

Background:

Cooperative Business is different than the for profit capitalist business operations. In the cooperative business environment the organization is made up of members who utilize the services and share in the profits. These members direct and control the operations through democratic practices and have the opportunity to hold a seat on the board of directors.

***In identifying innovative cooperative practices it is important to stay relevant to the cooperative principles:

7 Cooperative Principles:

Cooperatives around the world generally operate according to the same core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members—those who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative—who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
3. Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives:
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.

Files included:

1. Instructions – (this file)
2. Lecture notes from professor outlining overall topic.
3. Readings: resource materials which have been selected by professor and to be used exclusively for this assignment.

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