Micro-Credit Policies And Institutions

1. Understand the policies and institutions governing microcredit.
2. Identify sources of funds for small-scale businesses.
3. Apply effective record-keeping and marketing strategies.
4. Implement general and contemporary management practices.
5. Analyze the causes of business failure and develop strategies to avoid them.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Micro Financing · 2 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 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..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Sources of Funds (Part 1) · 2 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..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Sources of Funds: Partnership and Cooperative Society · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 5: Non-governmental Organisation in Microfinance · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Government Policies · 2 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..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Micro Finance Institutions Part I · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Micro Finance Institutions Part II · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 4: How to Keep and Use Business Records · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 2:

   • Unit 5: Marketing – How to Sell Your Products · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 1: Marketing: Promotion Part I · 2 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..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 2: Management Cash · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship · 2 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 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..

13. Week 13Module 3:

    • Unit 5: General Management Practices in Small Scale Business · 2 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..