About this course: 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.
Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Taught by: Madhu Viswanathan, Diane and Steven N. Miller Professor in Business
Department of Business Administration
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
1 video, 5 readings, 1 reading
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.
7 videos, 3 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 1 Quiz
Graded: Module 1 Project Milestone
WEEK 2
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.
7 videos, 3 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 2 Quiz
Graded: Module 2 Project Milestone
WEEK 3
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.
6 videos, 4 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 3 Quiz
Graded: Module 3 Project Milestone
WEEK 4
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.
16 videos, 3 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 4 Quiz
Graded: Module 4 Project Milestone
WEEK 5
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.
8 videos, 5 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 5 Quiz
Graded: Module 5 Project Milestone
WEEK 6
Evaluating Ideas and Designing Solutions
In this module you will learn about evaluating ideas and designing various aspects of the chosen solution.
4 videos, 3 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 6 Quiz
Graded: Module 6 Project Milestone
WEEK 7
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.
9 videos, 3 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 7 Quiz
Graded: Final Project Milestone
WEEK 8
Course Summary and Conclusion
In this module we will recapitulate some key concepts we have learned in the course and offer concluding thoughts.
3 videos, 2 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module 8 Quiz
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Ratings and Reviews
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2016 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
