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CRD332Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Micro-Credit Policy & Institutions

This course introduces students to the role of micro-credit policy and institutions in Nigeria. It covers the background of microfinancing, featuring micro-credit, its features, and beneficiaries. The course explores traditional microfinance practices, governmental and non-governmental organizations involved, and sources of funds. It also delves into cash management, contemporary management practices, entrepreneurship, and possible projects, equipping students with the tools to manage micro-credit policies and institutions effectively.

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39h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Micro-creditMicrofinancePolicyInstitutionsSmall Business

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Micro-credit Policy

2

Microfinance Institutions

3

Traditional Micro Finance

4

Sources of Funds

5

Cash Management

6

Business Ethics

7

Entrepreneurship

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Microfinance Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Small Business Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Entrepreneur

Apply your skills in this growing field

Business Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Loan Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

BankingFinanceEntrepreneurshipSmall Business DevelopmentNon-profit Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Micro Financing

2h

Unit 1: Micro Financing

2 study hours
  • Define micro financing and micro credit.
  • Discuss the features of micro credit institutions.
  • Identify the beneficiaries of micro credit.
  • Explain the elements of microfinance and its activities towards the poor.
Week
2

Module 1: Micro Financing

2h

Unit 2: Traditional Micro Finance Practice in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • Explain traditional micro finance practices in Nigeria.
  • Discuss the characteristics of traditional micro finance, including savings and group components.
  • Describe the operations of Esusu and its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Identify the limitations of traditional micro finance practices.
Week
3

Module 1: Micro Financing

2h

Unit 3: Micro Finance Institutions (Part I)

2 study hours
  • Discuss the roles of Industrial Development Centers (IDCs) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
  • Explain the functions of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO).
  • Describe the activities of the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).
  • Outline the advantages of these institutions to SMEs.
Week
4

Module 1: Micro Financing

2h

Unit 4: Micro-Finance Institutions (Part II)

2 study hours
  • Explain the activities of the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP).
  • Discuss the roles of the People's Bank of Nigeria Limited (PBN) and Community Banks (CBs).
  • Describe the functions of the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB).
  • Outline the objectives and advantages of Micro Finance Banks (MFB).
Week
5

Module 1: Micro Financing

2h

Unit 5: Government Policies

2 study hours
  • Define government policy and explain the need for micro finance policy.
  • Discuss the initial efforts to promote micro-enterprises.
  • Explain the functions of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
  • Outline the advantages of various government policies.
Week
6

Module 2: Sources of Funds

2h

Unit 1: Non-governmental Organizations in Microfinance

2 study hours
  • Define Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and explain their role in micro credit financing.
  • Discuss the features of NGOs, including their beneficiaries and adoption of credit plus approach.
  • Explain group delivery methods and their advantages.
  • Describe the focus on rural women and pre-loan training programs.
Week
7

Module 2: Sources of Funds

2h

Unit 2: Sources of Funds (Part1)

2 study hours
  • Identify different sources of funds for businesses.
  • Explain personal savings, loans from family members, and deposits from customers as sources of funds.
  • Discuss hire purchase finance and its benefits and disadvantages.
  • Describe how cash from the business can be used as a source of funds.
Week
8

Module 2: Sources of Funds

2h

Unit 3: Sources of Funds: Partnership and Cooperative Society

2 study hours
  • Explain partnership as a source of funds, including its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Discuss loans from cooperative associations and their role.
  • Describe the principles and requirements for membership in cooperative societies.
  • Outline the advantages and disadvantages of cooperative societies.
Week
9

Module 2: Sources of Funds

2h

Unit 4: How to Keep and Use Business Records

2 study hours
  • Explain the importance of record keeping in business.
  • Describe the characteristics of a good record and its advantages.
  • Discuss the types of records to be kept, including receipt booklets, invoices, and daily cash records.
  • Explain how to fill the record book and use it for business control.
Week
10

Module 2: Sources of Funds

2h

Unit 5: Marketing – How to Sell Your Products

2 study hours
  • Define marketing and its importance to business activities.
  • Explain how to get to know your customers and your market.
  • Discuss the four P's of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion.
  • Describe how to satisfy customers and increase sales and profit.
Week
11

Module 3: Contemporary Management Practices in Small Business

2h

Unit 1: Cash Management

2 study hours
  • Define cash and explain its importance in business.
  • Discuss the cash operating cycle and its components.
  • Explain how to make a cash flow plan and its benefits.
  • Describe how to separate business and family finances.
Week
12

Module 3: Contemporary Management Practices in Small Business

2h

Unit 2: Contemporary Management Practices in Small Business I

2 study hours
  • Define time management and its benefits.
  • Discuss the causes of time mismanagement and how to manage time effectively.
  • Explain stress management and its symptoms and causes.
  • Describe how to manage stress and promote social responsibility in small business.
Week
13

Module 3: Contemporary Management Practices in Small Business

4h

Unit 3: Contemporary Management Practices in Small Business II

2 study hours
  • Explain business ethics in small business management.
  • Discuss the importance of quality of work life and total quality management.
  • Describe how to implement TQM in a small business.
  • List possible projects for small and medium enterprises.

Unit 4: Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship

2 study hours
  • Review the definition of an entrepreneur and their role in the economy.
  • Discuss the business environment and its various components.
  • Explore possible projects for small and medium enterprises.
  • Identify exportable items and their markets.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units, focusing on key definitions and concepts related to microfinance and small business management.

2

Create summaries of each module, highlighting the main points and examples.

3

Practice applying the concepts learned to real-world case studies, especially those related to Nigerian businesses.

4

Pay close attention to the roles and functions of various microfinance institutions and government policies.

5

Understand the ethical considerations and social responsibilities of small business owners.

6

Practice cash flow planning and financial record-keeping techniques.

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to identify areas needing further study.

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