Course Catalogue

LJMU Partner Taught

In an ever-changing economy, the role of social enterprise is becoming more and more important. Both within the UK and further afield, the potential that social enterprises can provide is being harnessed and supported by policy makers, community members and private and public institutions. Although there is currently a renaissance in the interest behind social enterprise, there still remains a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this different business model. Is it a means of making improvements to the current economic and social systems, or is a radical alternative to the status quo? The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of social enterprises, their holistic development and position within the larger economy, value systems and enabling and inhibiting factors. The module will focus on both the theoretical perspectives of social enterprise and practice of social enterprise. Aims: 1. To allow students to critically examine the social enterprise business model and the reasons for its growth; 2. To provide students with an understanding of social enterprises' contribution to society and position within the economy; 3. To explore current opportunities and barriers to the continued growth of social enterprise; 4. To facilitate the ability of students to assess the support requirements of a social enterprise and suggest improvement strategies.

Outline Syllabus:The module will allow students to critically analyse: - The differences between social enterprise and the broader business community in the public and private sectors: including income and trading; accountability, the triple/multi-bottom line concept, organisational frameworks, the management of people, performance measurement and ethical issues; - Different types of social enterprise, including governance issues, organisational structures, legal classification, business practices and international comparisons; - The role of social enterprise within the local, regional, national and international economy/economies; - Social entrepreneurship and the imperative to prove the value of social enterprise; - Understanding the internal requirements, strengths and weaknesses of social enterprises. Therefore, lecture topics will include although are not limited to; The Third Sector and the Third System New Public Management Defining Social Enterprises Social and Ethical Capital Identities and Legalities Management Practices Income Streams and Social Investment Social Return on Investment

Additional Information:The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of social enterprises, their holistic development and position within the larger economy, value systems and, enabling and inhibiting factors. The module will focus on both the theoretical perspectives of social enterprise and practice of social enterprise.