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James D. Thompson
and
Ian "Mac" MacMillan
How do we create innovative and effective solutions to social problems around the world ? This course was designed for individuals and organizations who want to identify and bring about transformative societal change. Professors Jim Thompson and Ian “Mac” MacMillan help you develop both a strategy and a framework for your social enterprise based on their years of experience and expertise teaching social entrepreneurship and advising entrepreneurs. You’ll learn how to define a social problem, understand contextual realities, develop a solution, and plan for effective deployment. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of the realities of launching an enterprise, be prepared for every step of the process, and put your social entrepreneurial venture on the path to success.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/boxqef/social
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1
In this module, you’ll learn how to define a social enterprise and develop its basic framework. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the critical importance of research to identify patterns, cause, and context. You’ll master the process of Idea Generation and analyze the successes and failures of others to be better able to attract funding for your social enterprise. You’ll also learn how to examine factors and contexts through Segmentation, and differentiate between Transactional Accessibility and Acceptability. By the end of this module, you’ll have a more clearly defined understanding of the problem your organization wants to tackle and how to fund your project.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1
In this module, you’ll learn how to define a social enterprise and develop its basic framework. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the critical importance of research to identify patterns, cause, and context. You’ll master the process of Idea Generation and analyze the successes and failures of others to be better able to attract funding for your social enterprise. You’ll also learn how to examine factors and contexts through Segmentation, and differentiate between Transactional Accessibility and Acceptability. By the end of this module, you’ll have a more clearly defined understanding of the problem your organization wants to tackle and how to fund your project.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops a clear understanding of the problem an enterprise is meant to solve, as well as research techniques for better contextualization
Examines different aspects of the enterprise's impact, allowing for a better understanding of how the venture aligns with its social goals
Taught by experienced professors in the field of social entrepreneurship, providing learners with access to industry knowledge and insights
Requires learners to have an understanding of research methods and statistical analysis, which may exclude those without a background in the subject matter
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Reviews summary
Structured framework for social impact
According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation and practical frameworks essential for structuring social enterprise ideas. Many find the content inspiring and motivating, praising the expert instructors for their clear and engaging delivery. While the course offers a solid introduction to the field, some students note that parts can feel repetitive or could benefit from more depth on specific topics like funding or legal structures. Despite these points, the course is widely seen as a valuable experience for those looking to create or support social impact ventures.
Solid starting point for the field
"This course provided me with a strong foundation in social entrepreneurship."
"As someone new to the field, this was an excellent starting point."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course and feel more prepared."
Motivating lectures by knowledgeable faculty
"Professor MacMillan is an outstanding lecturer; his insights are inspiring and highly valuable."
"The professors were knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter, making the lectures engaging."
"I was really inspired by the instructors' experience and the real-world examples they shared."
Provides useful tools and structure for ideas
"The frameworks presented are incredibly practical and immediately applicable to structuring my social venture."
"I found the course provided great frameworks to help organize my messy ideas."
"It gave me the structure and understanding I needed to define my social problem and potential solutions clearly."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Some concepts lack depth or repeat
"...some sections felt a bit repetitive, covering similar ground that could have been condensed."
"While the frameworks are useful, I wish there was more depth on financial modeling and fundraising specific to social enterprises."
"The course is a good intro, but if you have some background, you might find certain modules too basic or reiterative."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Social Entrepreneurship with these
activities:
Review core concepts of social entrepreneurship
Show steps
This review will refresh your knowledge on the key concepts and theories that are the foundation of the course, allowing you to start with a strong base.
Browse courses on
Social Entrepreneurship
Show steps
-
Revisit notes or textbooks on social entrepreneurship
-
Review case studies or examples of successful social enterprises
-
Discuss key concepts with peers or mentors
Gather resources on social entrepreneurship
Show steps
Compiling resources will provide you with a valuable collection of materials for ongoing reference, deepening your understanding of social entrepreneurship.
Show steps
-
Identify websites, articles, and videos related to the course
-
Organize and store the resources in a central location
-
Review and update the compilation regularly
Explore case studies of successful social enterprises
Show steps
Learning from case studies provides insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes of real-world social enterprises, helping you navigate your own journey.
Show steps
-
Review case studies provided in the course
-
Search for additional case studies online
-
Analyze the cases and identify key learnings
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Engage with social impact organizations
Show steps
Gain practical experience and insight by volunteering at organizations working on social issues, expanding your understanding of real-world challenges and solutions.
Show steps
-
Identify organizations aligned with your interests
-
Contact organizations and express your interest
-
Commit to regular volunteer hours
-
Participate actively in projects and activities
Write a blog or article on social innovation
Show steps
By creating content, you can articulate your understanding and perspectives on social issues, refining your ideas while sharing knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Social Innovation
Show steps
-
Choose a topic related to the course
-
Research and gather information
-
Develop an outline and write a draft
-
Edit and refine your content
-
Publish and share your article or blog
Attend industry conferences or networking events
Show steps
Networking opportunities allow you to connect with professionals, learn from their experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant industry conferences or events
-
Register and attend the events
-
Network with speakers, attendees, and professionals
-
Follow up with connections made
Analyze social enterprise financial statements
Show steps
Developing financial literacy will help you make informed decisions about your social enterprise's financial management, ensuring sustainability and impact.
Show steps
-
Gather financial statements (e.g., income statement, balance sheet)
-
Review key financial ratios and metrics
-
Analyze financial performance and identify areas for improvement
-
Discuss analysis with mentors or peers
Review core concepts of social entrepreneurship
Show steps
This review will refresh your knowledge on the key concepts and theories that are the foundation of the course, allowing you to start with a strong base.
Browse courses on
Social Entrepreneurship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit notes or textbooks on social entrepreneurship
- Review case studies or examples of successful social enterprises
- Discuss key concepts with peers or mentors
Gather resources on social entrepreneurship
Show steps
Compiling resources will provide you with a valuable collection of materials for ongoing reference, deepening your understanding of social entrepreneurship.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify websites, articles, and videos related to the course
- Organize and store the resources in a central location
- Review and update the compilation regularly
Explore case studies of successful social enterprises
Show steps
Learning from case studies provides insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes of real-world social enterprises, helping you navigate your own journey.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review case studies provided in the course
- Search for additional case studies online
- Analyze the cases and identify key learnings
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Engage with social impact organizations
Show steps
Gain practical experience and insight by volunteering at organizations working on social issues, expanding your understanding of real-world challenges and solutions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify organizations aligned with your interests
- Contact organizations and express your interest
- Commit to regular volunteer hours
- Participate actively in projects and activities
Write a blog or article on social innovation
Show steps
By creating content, you can articulate your understanding and perspectives on social issues, refining your ideas while sharing knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Social Innovation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic related to the course
- Research and gather information
- Develop an outline and write a draft
- Edit and refine your content
- Publish and share your article or blog
Attend industry conferences or networking events
Show steps
Networking opportunities allow you to connect with professionals, learn from their experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant industry conferences or events
- Register and attend the events
- Network with speakers, attendees, and professionals
- Follow up with connections made
Analyze social enterprise financial statements
Show steps
Developing financial literacy will help you make informed decisions about your social enterprise's financial management, ensuring sustainability and impact.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather financial statements (e.g., income statement, balance sheet)
- Review key financial ratios and metrics
- Analyze financial performance and identify areas for improvement
- Discuss analysis with mentors or peers
Career center
Learners who complete Social Entrepreneurship will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs create businesses to solve social problems and make a positive impact in the world. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Social Entrepreneur. The course will teach you how to identify social problems, develop innovative solutions, and build a sustainable business model. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the world.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of nonprofit organizations, such as social service agencies, educational institutions, and health care providers. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Nonprofit Manager. The course will teach you how to develop a strategic plan, manage finances, and build a strong team. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the community.
Program Officer
Program Officer
Program Officers manage grant-making programs for foundations and other philanthropic organizations. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Program Officer. The course will teach you how to evaluate grant proposals, make funding decisions, and manage relationships with grantees. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the world.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social problems. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Community Organizer. The course will teach you how to build relationships, develop strategies, and mobilize people to create change. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the community.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to inform decision-making. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Policy Analyst. The course will teach you how to conduct research, analyze data, and write policy recommendations. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the world.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to overcome challenges and improve their lives. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Social Worker. The course will teach you how to assess needs, develop interventions, and provide support to individuals and families. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the community.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers develop and implement curriculum, instruct students, and assess student learning. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Teacher. The course will teach you how to create lesson plans, manage a classroom, and motivate students. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the lives of your students.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and report on news and current events. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Journalist. The course will teach you how to research stories, interview sources, and write compelling articles. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the world.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and draft legal documents. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Lawyer. The course will teach you how to research the law, write legal briefs, and argue cases in court. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the world.
Doctor
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, and provide preventive care. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Doctor. The course will teach you how to assess patients, develop treatment plans, and perform medical procedures. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the lives of your patients.
Engineer
Engineer
Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure, products, and systems. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as an Engineer. The course will teach you how to solve problems, design solutions, and manage projects. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the world.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Business Analyst. The course will teach you how to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the organization.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems and make predictions. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Data Scientist. The course will teach you how to collect, clean, and analyze data. You will also learn how to build models and make predictions. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the organization.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Marketing Manager. The course will teach you how to conduct market research, develop marketing strategies, and manage marketing budgets. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the organization.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. This Social Entrepreneurship course from the University of Pennsylvania may be useful for those who want to work as a Sales Manager. The course will teach you how to develop sales strategies, manage sales pipelines, and close deals. You will also learn how to measure your impact and make a difference in the organization.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/boxqef/social
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Social Entrepreneurship.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social entrepreneurship, including its history, principles, and best practices. It showcases inspiring examples of successful social enterprises from around the world.
Presents a comprehensive analysis of the causes of poverty and offers a set of evidence-based solutions to address them. It provides a global perspective on the issue and highlights the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development.
Provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by established organizations in responding to disruptive innovations. It explores the concept of the "innovator's dilemma" and offers strategies for overcoming it.
This memoir provides a personal account of the author's experiences in founding and leading a social enterprise in Rwanda. It offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in the field of international development.
Provides a comprehensive guide to evaluating the effectiveness of social programs. It covers various evaluation methods, data collection techniques, and strategies for using evaluation findings to improve program outcomes.
Challenges traditional approaches to nonprofit management and offers a transformative framework for creating lasting social change. It emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in social work practice and research. It covers topics such as research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Introduces the principles and practices of design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving that can be applied to social innovation. It provides practical tools and techniques for generating ideas, prototyping solutions, and testing them with users.
Promotes a lean approach to building and launching new ventures, emphasizing the importance of experimentation, customer feedback, and iterative improvement. It can help social entrepreneurs develop their ideas into viable, sustainable businesses.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/boxqef/social
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University of Pennsylvania
Instructors
James D. Thompson
Ian "Mac" MacMillan
Language
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Business Strategies for A Better World. It's comprised of four courses:
- Corruption
- Business Strategies for Social Impact
- Global Trends for Business and Society
- Social Entrepreneurship (viewing)
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