RATIONALE
Cooperatives play a vital role in Zambia’s economy and social development. Due to their membership-based nature, they directly affect the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in rural communities. Cooperatives serve as an alternative form of business organisation to individual enterprises and conventional companies, promoting collective economic participation and inclusive growth.
Rapid economic, political, social, demographic, and technological changes at global, regional, and national levels have increased the demand for skilled and competent personnel in cooperative and business management. In response to these changes, the Diploma in Cooperatives and Business Management has been developed to address the emerging needs of both the formal and informal sectors of the Zambian economy.
The programme aims to produce qualified Cooperative Development Officers equipped with relevant knowledge and practical skills to promote sustainable cooperative development, strengthen business management practices, and contribute meaningfully to national socio-economic development.
PROGRAMME PURPOSE
The purpose of the programme is to equip trainees with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required in Cooperatives and Business Management, enabling them to perform competently in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. Graduates will be capable of promoting cooperative development and effective business management within communities, thereby improving livelihoods and fostering economic empowerment.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the programme, the trainee will be able to:
Facilitate the formation and registration of cooperatives
Ensure that cooperative inspections and audits are conducted
Arbitrate disputes and resolve conflicts within cooperatives
Provide education and training to cooperators and farmers
Develop viable business models for cooperatives and entrepreneurs
Prepare business plans for cooperatives and individual entrepreneurs
Facilitate the marketing of goods and services
Start and manage cooperative enterprises
Manage Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs)
Apply computerised information systems in cooperative development and management
COURSE DURATION
The programme shall run for three (3) years, equivalent to thirty-six (36) months, inclusive of six (6) months of Field Attachment.
COURSE OUTLINE
FIRST YEAR
| Module Code | Module Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DCBM-01-A | Cooperative Organization and Management | 140 |
| DCBM-02-A | Business Communication | 100 |
| DCBM-03-A | Business Information Systems | 150 |
| DCBM-04-A | Business Management | 120 |
| DCBM-05-A | Business Mathematics | 170 |
| DCBM-06-A | Financial Accounting | 150 |
| DCBM-07-A | Microeconomics | 100 |
| DCBM-08-A | Agricultural Production I | 150 |
| Subtotal | 1,080 |
SECOND YEAR
| Module Code | Module Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DCBM-01-B | Cooperative Policy, Law and Regulation | 100 |
| DCBM-02-B | Agricultural Production II | 150 |
| DCBM-03-B | Cooperative Marketing I | 120 |
| DCBM-04-B | Business Statistics | 140 |
| DCBM-05-B | Macroeconomics | 100 |
| DCBM-06-B | Rural Sociology | 100 |
| DCBM-07-B | Research Methodology | 100 |
| DCBM-08-B | Field Attachment | 480 |
| Subtotal | 1,290 |
THIRD YEAR
| Module Code | Module Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DCBM-01-C | Cooperative Finance and Banking | 100 |
| DCBM-02-C | Cooperative Marketing II | 120 |
| DCBM-03-C | Cooperative Education and Training | 80 |
| DCBM-04-C | Project Management | 120 |
| DCBM-05-C | Entrepreneurship | 100 |
| DCBM-06-C | Human Resource Management | 100 |
| DCBM-07-C | Cooperative Auditing | 130 |
| DCBM-08-C | Research Project | 120 |
| DCBM-09-C | Field Attachment | 480 |
| Subtotal | 1,350 |
TOTAL PROGRAMME HOURS: 3,720
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Learning shall be delivered through a combination of theory lessons, demonstrations, discussions, simulations, study tours, and practical training.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Standard Qualifications
Grade 12 School Certificate or its equivalent.
Alternative Qualifications
A minimum of Craft Level IV Certificate or equivalent in a related discipline from an accredited institution.
EXEMPTIONS
Candidates who hold a two-year Certificate in Cooperative Development and Agribusiness Management (CDAM) or its equivalent shall be exempted from the first year of the programme.
Exemptions for other qualifications shall be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the content and duration of the courses completed.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Assessment shall comprise continuous assessment and final examinations.
- Continuous assessment (assignments, practical assessments, and tests): 40%
- End-of-year final examination: 60%
- Pass mark: 50%
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates shall be awarded a Diploma in Cooperatives and Business Management (DCBM) by Mulungushi University.