B2583 - Law and Economics of Cooperation

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide basic training with an interdisciplinary approach that also takes into account the historical and economic dynamics that have shaped the evolution of the co-operative movement. Particular attention is paid, through the use of case studies, to operational aspects and practical assessment, drawing on the experiences of practitioners and experts. The aim is to foster dialogue with students, with a view to laying the foundations for developing the skills required for future employment within the cooperative sector.

It is an optional course for which the Commercial Law examination is a prerequisite.

Course contents

Unit 1

Mutualism: historical and economic development

Unit 2

The cooperative: social purpose and essential characteristics

Unit 3

Forms of mutual companies

Unit 4

The establishment of a cooperative company: incorporation, membership base and shareholder status

Unit 5

Co-operative governance

Unit 6

Growth and finance. The financing of the cooperative and mutual funds

Unit 7

Cooperative groups and other forms of cooperative association

Unit 8

Supervision and public controls

Unit 9

Crisis and insolvency

Readings/Bibliography

To prepare for the exam, the recommended textbook is F. Vella, R. Genco and P. Morara, *Il diritto delle società cooperative*, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018

 

In consultation with the lecturer, it is also possible to prepare for the exam using other textbooks.

Teaching methods

The course consists of classroom-based lectures. It will include the analysis of case studies.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning takes the form of an oral examination consisting of a discussion of three topics. The examination is designed to assess the student’s level of learning, including their ability to approach these topics with a critical eye.

There is no distinction made in the examination between students who have attended lectures and those who have not.

Final mark grading

 

Preparation covering a very limited number of topics; analytical skills evident only with the lecturer’s assistance; language generally correct → 18–19.

 

Preparation covering a limited number of topics; limited analytical skills; language correct → 20–24.

 

Preparation covering a wide range of topics; above-average critical thinking skills → 25–29.

 

Comprehensive preparation; above-average critical thinking skills; ability to argue independently → 30–30L.

Teaching tools

The course handbook makes use of an online interface with the Pandora Campus website, where summary slides and slides on the main topics covered will be available, along with software for critical analysis and a range of materials that will be uploaded progressively to enable students to practise using supplementary teaching methods.

Teaching support materials will be made available via the ‘Insegnamenti OnLine’ platform (https://iol.unibo.it/).

Students who, due to a disability or specific learning difficulties, require compensatory measures may inform the lecturer of their needs, so that they can be referred to the relevant contacts and agree on the most appropriate arrangements.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Vella

See the website of Michele Rossi