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Madhu Viswanathan

The foundation for this course lies with unique synergies between pioneering research, teaching, and social initiatives through the Subsistence Marketplaces Initiative. Unique to this approach is a bottom-up understanding of the intersection of poverty and the marketplace.

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The foundation for this course lies with unique synergies between pioneering research, teaching, and social initiatives through the Subsistence Marketplaces Initiative. Unique to this approach is a bottom-up understanding of the intersection of poverty and the marketplace.

The goals of this course are to help you develop an understanding of marketplace activity in the radically different context of subsistence where much of humanity resides and survives, and for you to design solutions that can be implemented by individuals, businesses, and social enterprises through economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable products for subsistence marketplaces.

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Syllabus

Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
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Introduction to Subsistence Marketplaces Approach
In this module you will learn about the bottom-up approach to the study of subsistence marketplaces. The module will also discuss cognitive predilections engendered by low-income and low-literacy in subsistence marketplaces.
Consumers and Entrepreneurs in Subsistence Marketplaces
In this module you will learn about emotions and coping behaviors in subsistence marketplaces. The module will also expose you to the life circumstances of consumers and entrepreneurs in subsistence marketplaces.
Exchanges and Needs in Subsistence Marketplaces
In this module you will learn about unique aspects that characterize marketplace interactions between buyers and sellers in subsistence marketplaces. You will also learn about understanding needs and markets in subsistence marketplaces.
Gaining Marketplaces Insights
In this module you will learn about gaining marketplace insights in subsistence marketplaces. You will also learn about environmental issues in subsistence marketplaces.
Identifying Needs and Generating Ideas
In this module you will learn about understanding needs in subsistence contexts. You will also learn about a structured approach to generating ideas for addressing the needs in subsistence marketplaces.
Evaluating Ideas and Designing Solutions
In this module you will learn about evaluating ideas and designing various aspects of the chosen solution.
Crafting an Enterprise Plan
In this module you will learn about how to craft a detailed enterprise plan for sustainably delivering a solution in subsistence marketplace.
Course Summary and Conclusion
In this module we will recapitulate some key concepts we have learned in the course and offer concluding thoughts.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines subsistence marketplace trade from a bottom-up perspective, which is a unique approach in the field
Taught by Madhu Viswanathan, a recognized expert in the study of subsistence marketplaces
Develops an understanding of the cognitive predilections engendered by low-income and low-literacy in subsistence marketplaces
Gain insights into consumer and entrepreneur behavior in the unique context of subsistence marketplaces
Learn to identify and evaluate business opportunities for subsistence marketplaces that are economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable
Offers a structured approach to generating and evaluating ideas for addressing the needs of subsistence marketplaces
Provides guidance on crafting a detailed enterprise plan for sustainably delivering a solution in a subsistence marketplace

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Reviews summary

Engaging course for relevant research

Learners say this course offers a comprehensive overview of subsistence marketplaces and is a great learning experience. Students report especially valuing the engaging assignments, which are particularly relevant for their research.
Offers timely learning opportunities.
"timely course"
Covers comprehensive overview.
"comprehensive and timely course"
Relevant for research work.
"great learning, very useful for my PhD work"

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 Subsistence Marketplaces with these activities:
Review key concepts in poverty and social initiatives
Reviewing these concepts can strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Poverty
Show steps
  • Identify the key concepts related to poverty and social initiatives.
  • Summarize the main points of each concept.
  • Write down examples of how these concepts apply to real-world situations.
Attend a conference or workshop on subsistence marketplaces
Attending events can provide opportunities to engage with experts, learn from others, and expand your network.
Browse courses on Subsistence Marketplaces
Show steps
  • Research and find relevant conferences or workshops on subsistence marketplaces.
  • Register for the event and make travel arrangements if necessary.
  • Attend the event, actively participate in sessions, and connect with other attendees.
  • Follow up with individuals you met at the event.
Organize a study group or discussion forum for course topics
Engaging with peers can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and deeper understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Subsistence Marketplaces
Show steps
  • Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group or discussion forum.
  • Set regular meeting times and decide on a format for your sessions.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course topics, share insights, and work on assignments together.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Solve case studies on subsistence marketplace strategies
Solving case studies can enhance your problem-solving skills and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios in subsistence marketplaces.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Read and analyze the case study carefully.
  • Identify the key issues and challenges faced by the organization or community in the case study.
  • Develop and evaluate potential solutions to the issues identified.
  • Write a brief report or presentation summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Read and summarize: 'The Poverty of Abundance' by Willy Foote
This book provides insights into the complexities of poverty and the challenges faced by subsistence marketplaces.
Show steps
  • Read 'The Poverty of Abundance' by Willy Foote.
  • Take notes while reading, highlighting key points and concepts.
  • Write a summary of the book, including the main arguments, evidence, and implications.
Design a product or service for a subsistence marketplace
Developing a product or service for a subsistence marketplace can provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in the course.
Browse courses on Product Design
Show steps
  • Identify a need or problem faced by a subsistence marketplace community.
  • Research and analyze the target market and their specific needs.
  • Brainstorm and develop potential product or service ideas.
  • Create a prototype or mock-up of your idea.
  • Test and evaluate your product or service with potential users.

Career center

Learners who complete Subsistence Marketplaces will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee the implementation of projects. They work to ensure that the project is meeting its goals and objectives. This course can be helpful for Project Managers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that projects face in subsistence marketplaces. It can also help Project Managers develop skills in managing projects with limited resources.
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work on projects such as health care, education, and economic development. This course can be helpful for International Development Specialists because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help International Development Specialists develop skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Public Health Specialist
Public Health Specialists work to improve the health of communities. They work on projects such as disease prevention, health education, and environmental health. This course can be helpful for Public Health Specialists because it provides an understanding of the unique health challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Public Health Specialists develop skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Economic Development Officer
Economic Development Officers work to promote economic growth in communities. They work on projects such as business development, job creation, and infrastructure improvement. This course can be helpful for Economic Development Officers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that businesses and entrepreneurs in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Economic Development Officers develop skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Community Development Worker
Community Development Workers work to improve the lives of people in low-income communities. They work on projects such as affordable housing, job training, and youth development. This course can be helpful for Community Development Workers because it provides an understanding of the challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Community Development Workers develop skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. They work to connect people with resources and services that can help them improve their lives. This course can be helpful for Social Workers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Social Workers develop skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Case Manager
Case Managers help individuals and families who are facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. They work to connect people with resources and services that can help them improve their lives. This course can be helpful for Case Managers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Case Managers develop skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to solve social problems. They work to create businesses that are both profitable and sustainable. This course can be helpful for Social Entrepreneurs because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that businesses face in subsistence marketplaces. It can also help Social Entrepreneurs develop skills in creating businesses that are both profitable and sustainable.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners work to improve the built environment. They work on projects such as land use planning, transportation planning, and housing development. This course can be helpful for Urban Planners because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Urban Planners develop skills in planning for communities with limited resources.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of non-profit organizations. They work to ensure that the organization is meeting its mission and goals. This course can be helpful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that non-profits face in subsistence marketplaces. It can also help Nonprofit Managers develop skills in managing organizations with limited resources.
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs and projects. They work to ensure that the program is meeting its goals and objectives. This course can be helpful for Program Managers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that programs and projects face in subsistence marketplaces. It can also help Program Managers develop skills in managing programs with limited resources.
Grant Writer
Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations and government agencies. This course can be helpful for Grant Writers because it provides an understanding of the needs of subsistence marketplaces. It can also help Grant Writers develop skills in writing persuasive grant proposals.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course can be helpful for Teachers because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that students in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Teachers develop skills in teaching students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts collect and analyze data about markets and consumers. This course can be helpful for Market Research Analysts because it provides an understanding of the unique characteristics of subsistence marketplaces. It can also help Market Research Analysts develop skills in conducting research in challenging environments.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They work to develop and recommend solutions to policy problems. This course can be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides an understanding of the unique challenges that people in subsistence marketplaces face. It can also help Policy Analysts develop skills in analyzing complex issues and developing effective solutions.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Subsistence Marketplaces.
Sets the stage for understanding poverty in subsistence marketplaces by examining why the poorest countries are failing.
Provides a useful framework for understanding the challenges of innovation in subsistence marketplaces.
Valuable resource for developing effective strategies for addressing needs in subsistence marketplaces.
Provides practical guidance on how to develop and launch products for subsistence marketplaces.
Provides a visual tool for understanding and communicating business models for subsistence marketplaces.

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