Where There are No Jobs
Poverty. Promise. The developing world has both in abundance. Take classes in international development and social enterprise so you more thoroughly understand the obstacles and are better equipped to invest in the potential. See Top 10 Ways to Help People Get Jobs
BUS435: Social Enterprise
Unlike traditional business entrepreneurs, whose bottom-line concerns are financial, social entrepreneurs are focused on generating social value—but not at the expense of producing revenue. Social enterprises are different than charities, and the most successful ones don’t rely primarily on donations to subsidize their efforts. They make money. They improve systems. They change lives.
In this class, students will:
- Understand social entrepreneurship, including how to initiate and implement social enterprises, by studying successful cases of “business as mission”
- Learn to develop a business plan that includes strategies for marketing, organization and finance
- Understand how to generate, utilize and control the resources necessary for building a growth-oriented venture—and then be able to predict and subsequently analyze the venture’s success
- Develop a “kingdom perspective” on job creation and fostering vibrant, sustainable and fulfilling economic activity
BUS440: World Poverty and Development
Nelson Mandela said, “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice.” To do justice to the fight against poverty, one must understand the complex causes and contexts and the role of socio-economic, cultural, political and religious factors. A thorough understanding of global poverty and development is fundamental for promoting transformational development projects.
In this class, students will:
- Explore and understand the heart of God for the poor
- Understand and be prepared to respond faithfully to the Biblical mandate to care for the poor as individuals, communities and organizations
- Learn the “industry of development” and the difference between investment and exploitation
- Understand how to promote development and justice, both generally and in specific country contexts
- Appreciate the variety of approaches for assisting the poor—and learn to evaluate their integrity and effectiveness
Dr. David Befus, Program Director
Dr. David Befus is passionate about sharing good business principles and practices with people in developing countries, enabling them to lift themselves out of poverty. His resume includes employment and entrepreneurial partnerships with Opportunity International, World Vision, the World Bank and the United Nations. He is the author of Where There Are No Jobs: Enterprise Solutions for Employment and Public Goods for the Poor.
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