Social Entrepreneurship

Intended learning outcomes

After the course the students will be able to:

  • Explain and discuss the concepts of social entrepreneurship and its different shapes, and problematize the social impact of the enterprise, and/or the non-profit/NGO sector and its history.
  • Explain the concept and history of corporate social responsibility (CSR)
  • Evaluate the contextual and contingent effects on society by business
  • Evaluate the contextual and contingent effects on business by society
  • Identify usage of Public Relations planning and execution among social ventures
  • Develop advanced not-for-profit business models and Public Relations planning

Content

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the context of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Through project work students will increase their understanding of various theories and practices from the field, while being exposed to the action-oriented skills required for developing and implementing a social innovation and/or creating the social-oriented new venture.

In our society social needs are addressed in a variety of different ways. Some of these needs are addressed mainly through public organisations, some in private spheres through associations or businesses, and others in informal organisations or maybe not at all. As changes occur in our society, the current practices we use to meet our needs will not necessarily be the same practices we use to meet our needs in the future. In response, a number of initiatives are emerging. The creation of these new initiatives is the focus of this course.

Social innovation involves the identification of new problems and finding new solutions for action, individually or collectively. Entrepreneurship, as the process of developing and carrying out these initiatives, focuses on creating new ‘worlds’, in how we discuss these with others, and finally how we actually carry out concrete activities. Social innovation and entrepreneurship (sometimes) involve logics from different sectors of society (Non-profit and voluntary sector, Public sector and Private sector). During the course, ethical, moral and normative issues will be considered as contextual and contingent, to be related to practical examples and project work.

The course’s key topics are:

  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Norms, ethics and well-being
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Public Relations
  • Not-for profit business models

Teaching and learning activities

The course will mix and match lectures with debates, discussions and workshops by the students as well as leaders in the field. A case of social entrepreneurship will be constructed by the students in groups.

Grades and form of assessment

Examination

The student’s grade will depend on:

  • Participation
  • Literature exam
  • Reading assignments
  • Case (group report)

Literature and teaching aids

Literature will be announced in connection to the start and communicated to enrolled students.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory.

Additional information

The course language is English.
The course is offered within the framework of the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship.
Responsible institution: Stockholm University (SU).

Dates

2024-11-05 - 2024-12-31

Course type

MSc

Structure

The course runs after 5 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in 2-3 hour sessions

Course Number

KTH: ME2826, SSE: 8093, KI: 2XX062, KFK: SSES05, SU: FE6607, KMH: 3002

Credits

7.5 ECTS-credits

Taught At

Stockholm University

Swedish Course Name

Socialt Entreprenörskap