Agricultural cooperatives
This course is aimed at those of you who want to learn more about agricultural cooperatives, their characteristics, role and aim. The theoretical basis of the course is based on academic journal articles, study visits, guest lectures and a possibility for students to focus on a topic of individual interest in a course-PM.
Agricultural cooperatives are a widespread phenomenon throughout the world. One key goal of the course is to explain and exemplify the cooperative organization and its role in agricultural markets. Of great importance is how these organizations are governed and challenges that are facing them. Also, comparisons are made, between agricultural cooperatives from different parts of the world, aiming at students getting an understanding of the role and farmer-benefits of cooperatives.
You will read several recent journal articles focusing agricultural cooperatives worldwide, and also be introduced to theories that can be used to analyze agricultural cooperatives. In addition, study visits and guest lectures will increase your understanding of these organizations. Also, a course-essay is an important part of the course, giving a possibility for students to ‘dig deeper into’ a topic related to agricultural cooperatives.
Information from the course leader
A warm welcome to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the course Agricultural cooperatives!
Below, you will find general information about the student account, registration for the course and other practical information.
The student account
You will need your student account to access e.g. your e-mail, Ladok and Canvas. For information regarding how to create your student account, follow this link: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/it-support/support/new-student---start/
Registration for the course
Self-registration for the course is done in Ladok between 2024-01-01–2024-01-15. Remember that you must be admitted and registered in Ladok to be able take the course. Having access to Canvas does not mean you are registered in the course and without registration, you are risking losing your place in the course. If you have been admitted to the course with conditions, you need to send your credit list to the course leader who will review it and decide if you can register. Do this as soon as possible as reviewing credits may take a few days due to the course start.
Educational support
If you are entitled extra educational support, please inform the course leader at the start of the course so that special arrangements can be made.
For educational support for an exam, see instructions in the exam registration in Ladok Student. You need to register for alternative exam arrangements no later than 10 workings days prior to the examination day. More information here: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/study-support/funka/.
Discontinuation of a course
If you want to discontinue the course, you should immediately notify the educational administrators at econ-edu@slu.se, who in turn will inform the course leader and register a non-completion of the course in Ladok after your approval. You are also able to register an early non-completion of the course (within three weeks after course start) in Ladok yourself.
Exams
You need to register for exams in Ladok. The registration closes 10 working days prior to the exam. You can find your anonymity code in Ladok Student. It's not possible to register for the exam after the deadline has passed.
On Wednesdays between 12:30-14:30 we have an exam hand out at the department (Ulls hus, 4th floor). Please remember to bring your ID-card.
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Do not hesitate to contact us at econ-edu@slu.se if you have any questions!
Kind regards,
The educational administrators
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
FÖ0442-30323 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for FÖ0442
Academic year 2024/2025
Agricultural cooperatives (FÖ0442-30219)
2025-01-20 - 2025-03-24
Academic year 2022/2023
Agricultural cooperatives (FÖ0442-40088)
2023-03-22 - 2023-06-04
Academic year 2021/2022
Agricultural cooperatives (FÖ0442-40105)
2022-03-24 - 2022-06-05
Academic year 2020/2021
Agricultural cooperatives (FÖ0442-40087)
2021-03-24 - 2021-06-06
Academic year 2019/2020
Agricultural cooperatives (FÖ0442-40072)
2020-03-25 - 2020-06-07
Academic year 2018/2019
Agricultural cooperatives (FÖ0442-40116)
2019-03-26 - 2019-06-09
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
FÖ0442 Agricultural cooperatives, 7.5 Credits
Lantbrukskooperativa företagSubjects
Business AdministrationEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0101 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
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.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 180 hp at university level, of which at least 90 hp in business studies. English 6.Objectives
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.
After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Have the theoretical background and skills to account for the reasons to form agricultural cooperatives.
Have the theoretical background and skills to account for the main characteristics of agricultural cooperatives, including the governance systems.
Have the theoretical background and skills to account for problems that may arise when running an agricultural cooperative.
Problematize the differences between agricultural cooperatives and other types of organizations and firms, based on theories treated in the course.
Content
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.
Grading form
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.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed exam.
Passed project work.
Participation in mandatory activities.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Responsible department
Department of Economics
Further information
Litterature list
**Information about the literature in FÖ0442 Agricultural Cooperatives
**Spring semester 2024
ALL literature will be available in the Canvas-link of the course. Hence, you need not buy any literature. In all, there will be c. 481 pages to read – mainly in the form of journal articles.