MATCOM Cooperative management training

Material and techniques for cooperative management training (MATCOM)

• About MATCOM

  The project "Material and Techniques for Cooperative Management Training" (MATCOM) was launched in 1978 by the International Labour Office. The project developed universal cooperative management training material, which was put at the disposal of national cooperative movements and development partners, who could then prepare local versions.
  
  Until its termination in 1993, the project published training manuals and learning manuals in English, many of which were translated into French, Spanish and Portuguese. These manuals covered the main types of cooperatives as well as all major topics of cooperative management. Much of this material has been adapted to local conditions and translated into more than 60 national languages. The material continues to be used throughout the world by cooperative HRD institutions, NGOs and development partners. During the project's existence, MATCOM activities were supported by a global network of MATCOM liaison officers who contributed to the design, field testing and dissemination of the material. Since many manuals and learning elements are now out of print, the Unit decided to convert the material into electronic format so that the broader public could use it. The production of national versions of the MATCOM training series is authorized under the condition that the ILO Publications Bureau has authorized the adaptation. The ILO is grateful to the Governments of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden which financed the MATCOM project between 1978 and 1993, and to the Government of Italy which provided funds for the production of compact discs at a later stage.

• Cross-cutting topics

  Resources for facilitators

  • Curriculum guide: For co-operative management training
  • Grassroots co-operative action: A guide for training of co-operative field workers
  • Basic training methodology: Material for training of co-operative trainers
  • Cooperative audit and control: Material for management training in co-operatives
• Agricultural cooperatives

  Resources for facilitators

  • Notes for the field trainer
  • Collecting and receiving agricultural produce
  • Cost accounting and control
  • Export marketing
  • Financial management
  • Management of larger agricultural co-operatives
  • Marketing of agricultural produce
  • Project preparation and appraisal
  • Risk management
  • Rural savings and credit schemes
  • Staff management
  • Storage management
  • Supply management
  • Transport management
  • Work planning

  Learning elements for staff

  • Basic economics of an agricultural co-operative
  • The budget
  • Crop collection
  • Planning
  • Storage
  • Supply services
  • Transport
• Consumer cooperatives

  Resources for facilitators

  • Trainer’s notes
  • Retail management

  Resources for learners

  • Basic economics of a consumer co-operative
  • Basic rules for the display of goods
  • Buildings and equipment for small shops
  • Cash and stock management
  • Cash control using a cash register
  • Cash control without a cash register
  • The display of goods in self-service shops
  • Easy lettering for signs and posters
  • Food spoilage and preservation
  • Handling of cash
  • Leakage
  • Ordering goods
  • Planning and controlling the business
  • Price-marking
  • Pricing
  • Receipt of goods
  • Salesmanship
  • Shop hygiene
  • Shoplifting
  • Stock control records
  • The stock range
  • Stock-taking
  • Weighing and prepacking
  • Work organisation and staff management
• Credit unions

  Resources for facilitators

  • Credit union organisation and management
• Handicraft cooperatives

  Resources for learners

  • A handicraft co-operative: Formation
  • A handicraft co-operative: Management
• Housing cooperatives

  Resources for facilitators

  • A housing co-operative organisation
• Worker cooperatives

  Resources for facilitators

  • A worker's co-operative: The decision to start
  • A workers' co-operative: Formation and management

  Resources for learners

  • A workers' co-operative: Basic economics
  • A workers' co-operative: Organisation