Business Commons^™

Nationalism In The People's Republic Of China: A Consequential Chameleon, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article describes how nationalism among political leaders in the People's Republic of China (PRC) can be the linchpin of divergent views on the desirability of the PRC's future in a globalized economy.

Front Matter, Journal Of Microfinance

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

No abstract provided.

Banking On Customer Loyalty, Craig Churchill

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Enhancing customer loyalty is a microfinance institution's most important business strategy. Every critical element involved in managing microfinance operations--from product pricing to staff incentives, from marketing to eligibility requirements, from client screening to the menu of available services--can (and should) be formulated to promote loyalty. While most MFIs recognize the importance of client retention, few have designed business strategies to maximize customer loyalty. Hopefully that will change. This article details the economic impact that customer loyalty has on a microfinance institution (and the negative effect of desertion).

Replication: Regressive Reproduction Or Progressive Evolution?, Graham Wright

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Increasing numbers of organizations are "replicating" the programs of successful microfinance institutions (MFIs). This approach allows rapid start-up using tested models and systems. These strengths are also weaknesses, though, since the models being replicated usually require substantial modifications to make them appropriate for local conditions. Furthermore, close adherence to "blueprints" is likely to substitute for careful research into the needs and opportunities for the provision of financial services to the poor--and thus the design of appropriate systems. Replication also risks the suppression of innovative ways of providing still better financial services--particularly when promoted by powerful apex funding organizations, as is …

Credit Scoring For Microfinance: Can It Work?, Mark Schreiner

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

In rich countries, lenders often rely on credit scoring--formulae to predict risk based on the performance of past loans with characteristics similar to current loans--to inform decisions. Can credit scoring do the same for microfinance lenders in poor countries? This paper argues that scoring does have a place in microfinance. Although scoring is less powerful in poor countries than in rich countries, and although scoring will not replace the personal knowledge of character of loan officers or of loan groups, scoring can improve estimates of risk. Thus, scoring complements--but does not replace--current microfinance technologies. Furthermore, the derivation of the scoring …

Microfinance In The United States: The Working Capital Experience— Ten Years Of Lending And Learning, Jeffrey Ashe

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Working Capital is the United States' largest peer-group lending program. This article reviews what Working Capital has learned about the market, its customers, program impact, and service delivery over its ten year history. It presents a model for understanding how participating in peer lending groups develops “social and economic capital” in poor communities. The article then discusses how participants judge the group model as they identify the characteristics of successful groups and the impact of the group on their businesses, on themselves personally, and on the larger community. The rest of the article discusses how Working Capital evolved from a …

Book Review- Microfinance And Poverty: Questioning The Conventional Wisdom By Hege Gulli, Lisa M. Jones

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

No abstract provided.

Moving Microenterprises Beyond A Subsistence Plateau, Beth C. Haynes, Kristie K. Seawright, William C. Giauque

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Enthusiasm for microcredit programs has increased during the past decade. The attention these programs have drawn stems philosophically from progress in cultivating self-sufficiency among those in abject poverty, and practically from the viability and high loan repayment rates of many microfinance institutions. The programs assume that lack of capital is the main barrier to the economic progress of the poor. The lack of entrepreneur business management experience and training, however, may create a barrier equally powerful and limit the growth potential of microenterprises. Microcredit programs could foster even greater economic progress by ensuring that clients receive appropriate human capital development. …

Impact Assessment Of Microfinance And Organizational Learning: Who Will Survive?, James G. Copestake

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

To what extent is it possible for organizations to reflect honestly on their own performance, draw appropriate conclusions, and then act on them? For many microfinance organizations this is now a question of survival. This paper argues that formal impact assessment can assist in the transition from donor-controlled replication projects to autonomous and adaptable organizations--but it often fails to do so. Pitfalls include inadequate attention to methodological detail and to the links between impact assessment and wider aspects of organizational change. The paper starts by highlighting the complexity of the overall task to which impact assessment is expected to contribute. …

Vol. 02 No. 2 Journal Of Microfinance, Journal Of Microfinance

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

No abstract provided.

Capital Enhancement Guarantees And Risk Management By Capital-Constrained Lenders, J.D. Von-Pischke

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

Commercial lenders require capital to bear risk. The capital enhancement guarantee (CEG) encourages lenders to make loans they would not otherwise make, such as microenterprise loans. The CEG is auctioned and awarded to bidders who promise the greatest amount of new lending for a given increment of permanent capital. Whether the incremental lending causes losses or gains for the lender, the incremental capital is free. The CEG subsidizes innovation in risk management. It places the analytical focus on risk and its cost, supports the key party to the lending decision, promotes skill in managing risk, is transparent, minimizes moral hazard, …

Trends. Licit And Illicit Human Trafficking: The Ultimate Violation Of Human Rights, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article discusses human trafficking for economic reasons and its context.

Comparative Advantage In Production And Trade In Nigeria., Emmanuel U. Ukeje

Bullion

The Nigerian economy is generally large and very diverse. The country is endowed with a highly productive agricultural base and generally favourable climatic conditions, which provide the potential for intensive production, both for domestic consumption and for exports. This paper reviews the production and trade pattern in Nigeria with a view to identifying major structural changes with regard to the relative comparative advantage enjoyed by the sectors, the other parts of the paper focuses on some theoretical and conceptual issues. The rest of the paper is divided into five sections. Section 2 focuses on some theoretical and conceptual issues. Section …

Interstate Economic Co-Operation: Issues And Options., Sarah O. Alade

Bullion

The main objective of this paper is to present a brief discussion of issues and policy options involved in interstate economic co-operation in Nigeria, and the rationale for economic co-operation among states as well as issues of economic co-operation.

The Cbn As A Catalyst To National Economic Policy And Development., J. O. Sanusi

Bullion

The paper examined the activities of the Bank into perspectives, particularly with the often-mis-construed belief the CBN should be held accountable for all the woes of the Nigerian economy. It also reviewed and appraised the performance of the CBN in the effort to meet its statutory mandate and adapt to the circumstances of the new global trend in Central Banking in which the maintenance of price stability supercedes all other objectives of monetary policy. The challenges facing the Bank are enormous, but not insurmountable. Efforts are already being made to confront these challenges. The instrument autonomy recently granted to the …

Commodities Taxes/Levies And Their Effects On Commodity Trade And Movements In Nigeria., Joe Alegieuno, A O. Balogun

Bullion

The Commodity Boards were noted for paying farmers prices that were lower than the world prices and sometimes even lower than their production costs. This difference represented implicit taxation of farm incomes and served as a dis-incentive to domestic production. This paper examines the administration of commodity taxes/levies and their effect on commodity trading in Nigeria as well as assessing the various systems of commodity marketing in Nigeria. The paper concludes that Commodity trade, in Nigeria began with the British companies exporting raw materials to their industries abroad. His was followed by the Commodity/Marketing Board era and finally trade liberation. …

Monetary And Financial Sector Policies In The Year 2000 Budget Of The Fgn, M. O. Ojo

Bullion

The paper attempts to review the monetary and financial sector policies of CBN during the 2000 fiscal year. It also discussed the issues and problems of implementation of the policies. The paper observes that the Nigerian economy witnessed some anxious moments during the 1999 fiscal year. Severe Pressures built-up in the economy mainly because of the expansionary fiscal policy of the Federal Government during the first five months of the year. lf price of oil in the international market continue to rise above budget expectations and expenditure does not rise in tandem, finance is likely to constrain achievement of most …

Trends. The People's Republic Of China And Permanent Normal Trading Relations: A Run-Up And Aftermath Of More Smoke Than Fire?, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article discusses the vote of the United States (US) House of Representatives to approve permanent normal trading relations (PTNR) with the People's Republic of China (PRC). Human rights violations are discussed.

The Imperative For Energizing The Industrial Transformation In Nigeria., D. Olu Ajakaiye, A. Sesan Ayodele

Bullion

The paper examined the imperative for energizing the industrial transformation. Given the foreign uncompetitive and high cost economic environment, the imperative for energizing the industrial transformation in Nigeria, is to create a conducive environment under which there would be free inflow of foreign investible funds. This may not be possible unless the current industrial environment changes to one whose enabling environment encourages industrial policy instruments that make Nigeria a least cost industrial producer. This suggests something drastic must be done policy-wise to modify the existing high bank-lending rate to make it supportive to the industrialization process. Besides, the depreciation of …

The Performance Of The 1999 Federal Government Budget, An Appraisal, Edet B. Akpankpan

Bullion

The annual budget is a key instrument for implementation of Government projects, programmes and policies. This paper attempts to explain the fact that the annual budget serves three important purposes, namely; as a tool for accountability and transparency; as a tool of management, and as an instrument of economic policy. The paper conclude that Despite the macrocosmic achievement of this, Administration, basic structural imbalances persist. These include the lingering problems of import dependence, reliance on a single economic sector-oil, weak industrial base, low level of agricultural production, a weak Private sector, high external debt overhang, inefficient public utilities, low quality …

Real Sector Policy Measures In The Year 2000 Budget And Sector Performance Appraisal, Isa Yuguda

Bullion

The article attempts to give the major thrust of the 2000 Budget, itemize the strategies for achievement as well as assessing the real sector performance from January- June 2000. The author noted that the It is important to mention that the year 2000 Budget was conceptualised within the framework of the overall projected economic policy targets of Government up to 2003. ln this regard, it is expected that the provisions of the budget will run in line with such set targets which include, GDP growth rate of 10%, single digit inflation, 70% employment (formal & informal), household access to electricity …

Remarks On The Focus Of The Policy Seminar., Mike Kwanashie

Bullion

The remarked was delivered at a seminar on the implementation of Year 2000 budget.

Data Generation In The Nigerian Environment: The Cbn Experience., A. A. Sere-Ejembi

Bullion

The paper examines data collection activities of the statistical services division in collaboration with its Lagos liaison office as well as the zonal research units. The paper analyzes the survey methods applied by them. The task of easing data collection should be regarded as a continuous process. This is relevant even to the most developed economies with sophisticated technology for data collection and processing. Finally, with an improvement in the literacy level and overall appreciation of the role of reliable statistics in the country, it is believed that the public would embrace data generation and availability of relevant statistics will …

Highlights Of The Year 2000 Federal Government Budget, Sarah O. Alade

Bullion

The paper attempts to give the highlights of the year 2000 Federal Government Budget, analysis of the budget, overall balance, composition of the budget expenditure as well as measuring the budget deficit.

In Search Of "Sound Practices" For Microfinance, Christopher Dunford

Journal of Microfinance / ESR Review

The notion of "best practices" for all microfinance is challenged in favor of "sound practices" that are appropriate for particular organizational strategies and situations. A simple conceptual framework is offered to facilitate understanding of the current diversity of experiments with product-market pairs (e.g., group-based lending to poor women struggling to earn enough for family survival). Since the microfinance movement is still in a mode of intensive learning, we should not presume too soon what will be "best" for all product-market pairs. We can expect to discover a somewhat different set of sound practices for each distinct product-market pair.

Trends. Labor And Environmental Standards And Human Welfare: Global Prescriptions, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article discusses the human consequences - labor and environmental impacts - of free trade, and the impact of possible standards for addressing those consequences.

Predicting Financial Sources For The Lodging Industry, A.J. Singh

Hospitality Review

Given the various changes that have occurred in the financing of the lodging industry, investors and developers interested in the industry are concerned about future sources of capital and the terms at which they will be available. This article presents results of a Delphi study which illustrates the extent to which individual financial institutions are expected to provide capital to the lodging industry and looks at terms and criteria used to make loans.

The Meaning Of Black Entrepreneurship In Constructing Community, Stacey Sutton

Trotter Review

The small business sector in the United States has traditionally been viewed as a strong source of economic growth and prosperity, as entrepreneurship epitomizes the quintessential American fantasy of rugged individualism. Given the myths about larger-than-life entrepreneurial heroes, business development has historically been touted as a viable trajectory toward economic and social mobility for immigrant groups and marginalized people. Stories about "great" American businessmen such as John D. Rockefeller, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs among others, often highlight rags-to-riches myths about innumerable possibilities within American capitalism given diligence, fierce competition, and an uncompromising work ethic. The work values of small business …

Tobacco Awareness Among Elementary School Students: Does Advertising Effect Children's Impression Of Cigarette Smoking?, John D. Johnson

The Corinthian

In 1996 the United States government began a series of lawsuits against the major tobacco manufacturing companies that have resulted in the elimination of major cigarette campaign slogans and/or characters judged to be aimed primarily at children. This action led to numerous state class-action lawsuits costing tobacco companies billions in future revenue. In their suit against tobacco companies, government lawyers successfully argued that tobacco companies had been deliberately marketing a dangerous product to the young. One of the more significant outcomes of this case was the elimination of the popular Joe Camel character.

In 1996 the United States government began …