Nirantar: Continuing Education Programmes (CEP) Admissions

Online Programme in Social Entrepreneurship 6th Cohort

Location: Mumbai

School: School of Management and Labour Studies

Centre: Centre for Social Entrepreneurship

Intake: 30

Eligibility

Eligibility:

Minimum undergraduate [10+2+3 or 10+2+4 (in case of engineering and other recognised degrees of four years duration)].

Selection  Process:

Screening of applications and written Statement of Purpose (SoP). Proficiency in English language will be mandatory.

Who Can Apply?

Business and social Entrepreneurs, CSR professionals, social workers, aspiring social entrepreneurs and scholars/academicians.

Description

For any queries, contact Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
Email ID: cse_opse@tiss.edu

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

OPSE_6th_Cohort_Result_2023-24.pdf

IMPORTANT DATES

1. Programme Introduction and Rationale: The role of entrepreneurship in the economic growth and standard of living of any country is widely discussed and accepted. An entrepreneur not only works hard to build his/her own business and provide for his/her family but also does a whole lot more for his/her local community, state, region and the country. The role of a social entrepreneur, however, has further extension to its functional relevance where the entrepreneur attempts to directly address a gaping challenge in the society. The field of social entrepreneurship has continuously acquired wider space in discussion and practice in recent years as a complimentary arm to the State. The Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (India), has been the pioneering institution in creating the subject knowledge and practicing the contours of social entrepreneurship in the country.

The Centre hereby presents an Online Programme in Social Entrepreneurship (OPSE) where participants from different disciplines and sectors would learn about social entrepreneurship and be sensitised to consider the consequences of their decisions on the social and environmental concerns. This programme will address issues such as inclusive growth, social security and carbon footprints to create lasting impact on the decision dynamics of the social entrepreneurs and professional managers.

2. Programme Objective: The participants would learn the basics of addressing the pressing issues entrepreneurially while building a sustainable business. Briefly, the participants will benefit by:

• learning the basics of social entrepreneurship
• learning the basics of venture creation
• identifying and learning the key tools of managing a business
• having a platform where the participants will learn from each other
• co-creating an ecosystem of support to sustainable social venture creation process which will have lasting social and environmental impact.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the participants will

• understand the basics of social entrepreneurship and venture creation
• learn key tools of managing a business
• reflect upon their own need for self-growth as a social entrepreneur.

4. Programme Structure: Online Programme in Social Entrepreneurship is divided into four modules. Modules I, II and III consist of four courses each (Each course is further divided into 10 sessions), and the last module, Module IV, will be exclusively for fieldwork.

New course contents will be uploaded weekly on the Moodle platform for the participants to access as per their convenience. Participants are expected to attempt the assignments/tasks/participate in the discussion forums and adhere to the communicated deadlines for the same. Weekend Live Session will be held via Zoom. The weekly schedule will be followed irrespective of any public holiday. Expert Sessions will be scheduled timely.

Details of which will be shared in advance.

Distribution of Credit Hours:

The overview of the programme is attached below:

Course Contents:

OPSE 001: ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Module: I

Introduction:

In this course, participants will learn about concept of entrepreneurship, principles of effectuation and how effectuation can be used as a method of social change. In addition, they will explore the concept of social entrepreneurship, social value, social change and social capital. This course will look at the concepts of entrepreneur and social entrepreneur as an individual, and entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship as process from skill perspective. The course will not address entrepreneurial traits but lay a foundation on learning skills for entrepreneurship. This course will offer experiential and reflective learning opportunities for decision making, useful in entrepreneurial process. Participants are expected to come prepared for discussion. They will find enough opportunity to apply the learnt concepts, make decisions, clarify doubts and learn from the peers.

The learning from the course will be beneficial to entrepreneurs intending to start their own ventures or others who desire to become entrepreneurial managers.

Course objectives:

• To understand self to become entrepreneur and to share ideas, concepts with team
• To understand entrepreneur as individual
• To understand entrepreneur/social entrepreneur as change maker
• To learn elements of entrepreneurship process
• To learn social entrepreneurship as a method for social value creation
• To understand models of social entrepreneurship

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Case studies
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and case studies on the given topic via Moodle.

***

OPSE 002: MICROECONOMICS

Module: I

Introduction:

The idea of Entrepreneurship and Economic Value Creation has emerged from the Discipline of Economics. In Microeconomics, Theories of Behaviour of Consumer, Firm and Market are discussed and analysed. These theories are the bases of the resource utilisation, economic exchange and distribution. The course on Microeconomics will focus on behavioural aspect of the consumer, firm and market so that the participant of Social Entrepreneurship can learn concepts, apply during identification of problems and venture formation.

Course objectives:

• To understand broad concepts of Demand and Supply to understand the consumer behaviour.
• To understand the concepts of firm behaviour and profit maximisation
• To understand the theories of market to learn the concepts of Monopoly, Oligopoly, Price Discrimination and Cartels
• To understand the theory of Asymmetric Information.

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 003: SOCIAL SECTOR PERSPECTIVES AND INTERVENTIONS

Module: I

Introduction:

To bring a social change, it is important to know the society and its problems. The focus of this course is to orient the participants about the social and developmental problems and theories and how a Social Entrepreneur can intervene to bring the positive social change. Participants will learn the Theory of Education, Poverty, Health and they will learn the problems of development, Globalisation and other current social problems.

Course objectives:

• To understand the theoretical perspectives of society and developmental problems like Development vs. Growth, Poverty, Health Issues, Power, Failure of Market, Gender Issues etc.
• To understand how social practitioners can intervene to address the social problems for bringing positive.

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 004: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL VENTURES

Module: I

Introduction:

Sustainability has become a buzz. UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability 2012, has stated that: sustainable development is not a destination, but a dynamic process of adaptation, learning and action. It is about recognizing, understanding and acting on interconnections- above all those between the economy, society and the natural environment (http://www.un.org/gsp/). There is substantial enthusiasm for advancing sustainability initiatives at the local and Global scale. In this context, promoting a new generation of social entrepreneurs, development practitioners and managers who can respond to the diverse development challenges in the age of sustainable development is imperative. This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding on the current debates in sustainable development and emerging models in sustainability practices across government and business enterprises.

Course objectives

• Provide in-depth understanding on key concepts and challenges in sustainable development
• Incorporate sustainability framework in own venture model.

Pedagogy

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 005: PROBLEM MAPPING

Module: II

Introduction:

Successful social ventures follow a process of planning which involves multiple decision making. The first level decision is about identification of problem and detailing all aspects related to it. The problem map thus evolves with continuous iterations. The articulation of the problems depends on the entrepreneurs and their teams; they define and explain the problem through their knowledge, experience and understanding. This is a process of realisation for a valuable and workable action planning.

Course objectives

• To learn the process of problem identification which has meaning to the individuals and relevance to the target groups
• To practice the process of problem mapping
• To plan experiments for validation of the problems and the assumptions there of
• To design experiments for venture pilot
• To prepare a venture plan.

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 006: BASIC ACCOUNTING AND COSTING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Module: II

Introduction

As future social entrepreneurs, participants are expected to gain a working knowledge in ‘Accounting & Costing'. This knowledge is regarded quintessential for you to support your firm’s social goals, with a focus on making the smartest decisions that can boost revenue and reduce costs for your firm.
Therefore, OPSE 006 is devised as an introductory course to fulfil this knowledge requirement. Thus, the aim of this course is to expose you to the disciplines of Accounting & Costing, through the lens of an entrepreneur. The intent is to make you understand the financial implications of your decisions and activity plans, which would contribute to the bottom line of your organization. It makes you realise that there is a story behind the numbers that feature as costs, revenues, assets and liabilities in the financial statements of your organisation. To know this story and its associated numbers, as essentially the story of the entrepreneurial efforts that goes into the making of a venture, should make you design your venture with utmost care and consciousness . To create this awareness in you as an entrepreneur and appreciation in you as a manager, is the aim of this course.

Course objectives:

• To lay the theoretical foundation of accounting and costing
• To understand the tenets in drawing and analysis of financial statements
• To appreciate the relevance of costing and financial planning in small enterprise management

Pedagogy:

• Assignments
• Reading Material

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 007: SOCIAL MARKETING

Module: II

Introduction:

This course provides a theoretical and applied perspective on the application of marketing principles and techniques to social causes and campaigns. The traditional theoretical framework of marketing is broadened to create, communicate, and deliver value to influence target audience behaviours that benefit society as well as the target audience in the areas such as public health, education, environment and sustainable lifestyles.

Course objectives:

• To develop participants’ knowledge and skills in the application of traditional marketing concepts to social issues and related behaviours.
• To understand the nature of social marketing as well as the theoretical foundations of the social marketing discipline.
• To provide an opportunity to understand the social marketing theory and its application to achieve positive social change.

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 008: OPERATION MANAGEMENT

Module: II

Introduction:

Social Entrepreneurs create and manage ventures to engage in manufacturing, service or a mix of manufacturing and services related activities for the target group of people and the markets. Process management is one of the important functions of such ventures. Efficient product and/or service delivery largely depends on process design and implementation with the help of a committed team. This subject will provide participants to learn functions like supply chain and project management.

Course objectives:

• To understand contribution of operations process management including project management in achieving the overall venture objectives
• To conceptualize on cross functional integration of management functions with marketing, accounts, human resource, etc for overall effectiveness
• To apply process management and performance metrics
• To prepare operations including project plan to pilot venture and thereafter.

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 009: VENTURE PLANNING FOR IMPACT

Module: III

Introduction:

Successful social ventures follow a process of planning which involves multiple decision making. The first level decision is about identification of problem and detailing all aspects related to it. The problem map thus evolves with continuous iterations. The articulation of the problems depends on the entrepreneurs and their teams; they define and explain the problem through their knowledge, experience and understanding. This is a process of realisation for a valuable and workable action planning.

Course objectives:

• To learn the process of problem identification which has meaning to the individuals and relevance to the target groups
• To practice the process of problem mapping
• To plan experiments for validation of the problems and the assumptions there of
• To design experiments for venture pilot
• To prepare a venture plan.

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 010: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND FUND RAISING

Module: III

Introduction:

As future social entrepreneurs, you are expected to gain a working knowledge in Finance. Therefore, OPSE10 is devised as an introductory course to fulfil this knowledge requirement. Since the financial management for SES have its theoretical underpinning in corporate finance and social finance, this course will involve both. Thus, it is a preparatory course launched to equip participants to understand finance theories, appreciate its limits and develop an analytical perspective on the financial strategies.

Course objectives:

• To lay the theoretical foundation in finance
• To understand and appreciate the disciplines of corporate and social finance
• Understand funding sources for the startup and growth stage ventures and familiarise with various tools and techniques for mobilizing resources
• Understand the pros and cons of sourcing of funds from each source
• Understand the due diligence process required for raising funds for their venture
• Understand the importance of building relationship with the donors, financing institutions and other funding sources
• Acquire skills for planning for mobilizing funds

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 011: ORGANISATION DESIGN AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Module: III

Introduction:

Organizational Design (OD) is the process of aligning an organization’s structure, systems, processes and people with its strategic objectives. It involves making decisions about how to organize work activities to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Human resource management is organizing, coordinating, and managing employees within an organization to carry out an organization’s mission, vision, and goals. This includes recruiting, hiring, training, compensating, retaining and motivating employees. The course will help participants in learning the concepts for building their organisational structure.

Course objectives:

• To learn the process of aligning an organization’s structure, systems, processes
• To learn to organize, coordinate, and manage employees

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 012: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

Module: III

Introduction

Strategy is about finding unique ways to manage an organisation. Organisations operate in dynamic environment which regularly challenges the systems and practices. Changes in the external environment significantly affect the performance. Organisations which are sensitive to political, social, economic and technological changes always stay ahead and perform better. They find critical resources, processes and other capabilities which provide them the strength to remain effective, also the leadership pays great attention to refine and nurture them. While remaining alert to the externalities, they also search for newer and better methods and resources. Continuous search, learning and adoption make these organisations different. The Course will deal with the creative process of strategic thinking and strategic management in an organisational context.

Course objectives:

• To facilitate participants to understand the concepts related to strategy, strategic thinking and strategic management
• To facilitate participants to understand the macro issues of strategic management
• To facilitate the participants to assume the role as ‘strategic thinker’ and ‘strategy implementer’

Pedagogy:

• Pre-recorded videos and weekend live sessions
• Discussion
• Assignment

Assignment:

Participation in discussion forums and assignment submission through Moodle.

***

OPSE 13: Field Work

Module: IV

Duration: 1.5 months

Introduction:

Participants can select an organisation on their own. They will submit a Proposal. The proposal will be ratified by assigned TISS faculty. The participants will be advised to seek mentorship and guidance from the host organisation and faculty members, during the duration of fieldwork.

Course objectives:

• To enable application of the skills and concepts learnt through taught courses.
• To enable practical learning through field exposure

Field Work Purpose: Exposure, Ideation and Reflection
Participants will select an organization and develop their own understanding about problems and witness grassroot innovations. The purpose is to allow them think about socio-political, economic and cultural issues and dimensions and validate their assumptions. As a result, participants arrive at some specific or broad ideas/problems which they desire to pursue through their ventures in the future. Thus, the desired outcome of the Field Work is a Social Venture Plan.

***

5. Programme Pedagogy:

a) Online Learning Process Focus: Self and group learning with problem-solving approach, case studies, pre-recorded video lectures, query-resolving and discussion sessions and reflective and participative discussions

b) Field-based Learning Process Focus: Experiences of the practitioners and self and reflective and participative discussions

c) Teaching method would specifically depend on the type of courses and the teaching strategy-fit designed by the respective faculty.

6. Programme Evaluation Method:

• Assignments
• Reflective Note
• Online Discussion Forum
• The final evaluation will include an individual venture plan presentation in front of a panel. The schedule will be shared in advance.

7. Grading Scheme: A Certificate of Completion will be awarded at the end of the Programme based on the completion of tasks and assignments assigned during the Programme tenure.

Fee Structure:

Course Fee

INR 50,000/- to be paid in a single installment before commencement of the programme

For queries, write us at cse_opse@tiss.edu