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University of Pennsylvania

Social Entrepreneurship

James D. Thompson
Ian "Mac" MacMillan

Instructors: James D. Thompson

10,324 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(397 reviews)

6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(397 reviews)

6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Business Strategies for A Better World Specialization
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There are 4 modules in this course

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.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

This module was designed to promote a deep understanding of your beneficiaries through segmentation in order to design solutions to the Social Problem of your enterprise. After identifying and segmenting major factors and contexts of your population, you’ll draft a Segment Attractiveness Scoring Table that will enable you to analyze the beneficiaries of your solution, and then use the Beneficiary Experience Table to refine that solution. Finally, you’ll learn how to differentiate between Screen-In and Screen-Out Criteria to identify potential problems. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to create a Concept Map for your own social enterprise, and visualize the trajectory and potential outcomes of your solution.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

In this module, you’ll examine the details and operational realities of your social enterprise. You’ll identify deliverables, needs of beneficiaries, and expected costs. You’ll explore key concepts such as Unit of Business, Social Impact and Financial Goals, and the Deliverables and Cost Table to assist in operationalizing the venture. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to better assess how success will be defined in your venture and the key deliverables and capabilities required to maintain your social enterprise.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module was designed to help you test the feasibility of your social enterprise. By utilizing the Most Competitive Alternatives in organizing a Proposed Beneficiary Experience Table, you’ll be able to assess advantages and disadvantages against relevant competition. Once you have a plausible and attractive proposition, you’ll deploy a quick and cost-effective test-of-concept to scaffold future success for your venture. Finally, you’ll discover the inevitable socio-politics that emerge with multiple stakeholders, and learn how to navigate these issues effectively while maintaining support. By the end of this module, you’ll have developed a powerful strategy that will ensure success for your social entrepreneurial ventures.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.7 (45 ratings)
James D. Thompson
University of Pennsylvania
1 Course10,324 learners

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4.7

397 reviews

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DD
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Reviewed on Dec 15, 2018

JH
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Reviewed on May 25, 2019

SG
5

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2019

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