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ENT201Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Micro-Credit Policies And Institutions

This course introduces students to the policies and institutions governing microcredit, with a focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It explores traditional microfinance practices in Nigeria, sources of funds, and the role of government policies and non-governmental organizations. Students will learn about record keeping, marketing strategies, and general management practices relevant to small-scale businesses. The course also covers contemporary management practices, causes of business failure, and potential project opportunities.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

MicrocreditSMEsFinanceEntrepreneurshipPolicies

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

Microcredit Policies

2

Traditional Microfinance Practices

3

Sources of Funds

4

Government Policies

5

Microfinance Institutions

6

Business Management

Total Topics6 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

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Small Business Owner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Microfinance Officer

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

Entrepreneur

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

BankingFinanceEntrepreneurshipSmall Business ManagementNon-Profit

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

4h

Unit 1: Micro Financing

2 study hours

•Define micro financing and micro credit.
•Identify the features of micro credit or micro finance institutions.
•Discuss the benefits of micro credit to beneficiaries like Mrs. Adeawo.

Unit 2: Traditional Micro Finance Practice in Nigeria

2 study hours

•Explain traditional micro finance practices like 'Esusu' or 'Ajo'.
•Outline the characteristics of traditional micro finance, including savings and group components.
•Discuss the advantages and limitations of traditional micro finance practices.

Week

2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Sources of Funds (Part 1)

2 study hours

•Identify various sources of funds, including personal savings and loans from family members.
•Explain the benefits and disadvantages of owner's equity.
•Discuss hire purchase finance and its implications for small businesses.

Week

3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Sources of Funds: Partnership and Cooperative Society

2 study hours

•Explore partnership and cooperative societies as sources of funds.
•Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of partnerships.
•Explain the principles and benefits of cooperative associations.

Week

4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Non-governmental Organisation in Microfinance

2 study hours

•Explain the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in microfinance.
•Discuss the features of NGOs, including their focus on rural women and group delivery methodology.
•Identify the advantages of group methodology in microcredit financing.

Week

5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Government Policies

2 study hours

•Define government policy and explain the need for micro finance policies.
•Discuss various government policies, including the Small Scale Industries Credit Scheme (SSICS).
•Explore the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme (ACGS) and its features.

Week

6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Micro Finance Institutions Part I

2 study hours

•Identify micro finance institutions such as Industrial Development Centers (IDCs) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
•Explain the activities of these institutions in providing technical support and training to SMEs.
•Discuss the role of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) in supporting exporters.

Week

7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Micro Finance Institutions Part II

2 study hours

•Explain the activities of institutions like the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP) and the People's Bank of Nigeria Limited (PBN).
•Discuss the features of these institutions and the reasons for their successes and failures.
•Explore the role of Community Banks (CBs) and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) in providing financial services to the poor.

Week

8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: How to Keep and Use Business Records

2 study hours

•Explain the importance of record keeping in business.
•Identify the advantages of record keeping, including cash and credit sales availability.
•Discuss the types of records to be kept, such as receipt books and customer accounts.

Week

9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Marketing – How to Sell Your Products

2 study hours

•Define marketing and its importance to business activities.
•Explain how to identify your market and understand customer needs.
•Discuss the four P's of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion.

Week

10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Marketing: Promotion Part I

2 study hours

•Explain the different methods of promotion, including advertising and sales promotion.
•Discuss how to be a successful salesperson and improve customer satisfaction.
•Explore the importance of packaging in marketing.

Week

11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Management Cash

2 study hours

•Define cash and explain the cash operating cycle.
•Discuss how to create a cash flow plan and manage cash effectively.
•Explain the importance of separating business and family finances.

Week

12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 3: Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship

2 study hours

•Define entrepreneur and entrepreneurship.
•Discuss the risks borne by the entrepreneur and their role in the economy.
•Explore the factors that induce entrepreneurship and the business environment.

Unit 4: Definitions of Business Types

2 study hours

•Differentiate between cottage, small scale, and medium scale industries.
•Discuss the nature and characteristics of small-scale enterprises (SSEs).
•Explain the importance of SMEs in the Nigerian economy.

Week

13

Module 3:

2h

Unit 5: General Management Practices in Small Scale Business

2 study hours

•Explain general management practices in small-scale businesses, including planning, organizing, and staffing.
•Discuss contemporary management practices such as time and stress management.
•Explore the causes of failure in small-scale businesses and how to avoid them.

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 module objectives and key terms.

2

Practice applying microcredit policies to real-world scenarios.

3

Create a detailed outline of each unit, focusing on main concepts.

4

Study examples of successful and unsuccessful SMEs.

5

Focus on understanding financial statements and cash flow management.

6

Practice writing concise and well-supported answers to essay questions.

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