Economics of Markets, Government, and Nonprofits

Modern challenges require a deep understanding of how businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations interact to shape our society. This course provides a clear, foundational look at how these three sectors allocate resources, address societal needs, and navigate complex ethical decisions. By completing this course, you will learn to analyze economic policies, identify market failures, and evaluate the unique role that governments and nonprofit entities play where traditional markets fall short. What you'll learn: Understand core economic principles governing markets, public goods, and externalities; Analyze the distinct roles, funding structures, and motivations of governments and nonprofit organizations; Evaluate ethical frameworks used to guide resource allocation and policy decisions; Identify market failures and examine how public policy and social enterprises step in to correct them; Explore modern public-private partnerships and contemporary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations. The course begins with foundational economic definitions and market mechanics before moving into the specific economics of government intervention and nonprofit operations. This text-only course is designed for beginners, requiring no prior background in economics, finance, or public policy. Start reading today to build a comprehensive understanding of the economic forces shaping our world.