Cooperative Education Training And Effective Management Of Cooperative Business Enterprises
(A Case Study Of Cooperative Societies In Udi Lga)
Cooperative education, a collaborative learning approach that intertwines academic study with practical work experience, plays a vital role in fostering competent management within cooperative business enterprises. By integrating classroom learning with hands-on training in real-world cooperative settings, individuals gain invaluable insights into cooperative principles, business operations, and effective management strategies. This symbiotic relationship between education and practical experience cultivates a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of cooperative enterprises, including governance structures, member engagement, financial management, and market dynamics. Moreover, cooperative education fosters a culture of innovation, resilience, and collective decision-making, essential for sustaining cooperative enterprises amidst evolving economic landscapes. Through continuous learning and application, individuals develop the expertise and adaptability necessary to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities within the cooperative sector, thus contributing to its growth and sustainability while enhancing their own professional development.
The study was conducted to examine cooperative education/training and effective management of cooperative business enterprises (A case study of cooperative societies in Udi Local Government Area).
The research divided the study into five chapters. Based on the above. Chapter one is all about, the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of this study, significance of the study, scope and limitation. Generally, history of cooperative education in the developing countries of the world foundation of cooperative has been the lack of cooperative education/training. In specific terms, the objectives of the study are: to determine the importance of cooperative education/training. To access how the cooperative education has affected the effective or ineffective working of the management of cooperative business enterprise.
Chapter two is all about the literature review of the past related work of this topic.
Chapter three covers the population of the study which consists of all the registered primary cooperative societies in Udi Local Government Area, sampling and sample size determination, sample technique, source of data were from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources were collected through oral interview, questionnaire and observation while secondary source were collected through cooperative texts, literature review and journals.
Chapter four is all about presentation, analyzing and interpreted, tabular modes of data presentation on percentage basis.
Chapter five is all about summary of research findings, conclusion and recommendation. Improvement of cooperative Education/Training, so as to ensure that, it makes great positive impacts on the effective working on the management of cooperative business enterprises. With reference to the findings, the researcher recommend that a thorough training is needed to be conducted.
Adequate cooperative Education/Training and Effective Management of Cooperative Business Enterprise will help in the development of cooperative societies in Udi Local Government Area.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Content
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of Problem
1.3 Objective Of The Study
1.4 Significant Of The Study
1.5.1 Scope And Limitation
1.6 Definition Of Terms
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Meaning And Concept Of Cooperative Education/Training
2.2 Importance Of Cooperative Education/Training
2.3 Need For Cooperative Education/Training
2.4 Factors That Militate Against Cooperative Education/Training.
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Study Area
3.2 Population Of The Study
3.3 Sample And Sample Size
3.4 Sample Technique
3.5 Method Of Data Collection
3.6 Description Of Data Collection Instrument
3.7 Method Of Data Analysis
Chapter Four
4.0 Result And Discussion
4.1 Presentation And Analysis Of Data
Chapter Five
5.0 Recommendation And Conclusion
5.1 Recommendation
5.2 Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Cooperative Education/Training is one of the cooperative principles which seek to provide Education/Training for cooperative members, elected representatives, managers and employees, so that they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Its importance cannot be overemphasized in cooperative development. Cooperative education/training stands in the centre of the cooperative movement.
From the inception of the early cooperative of Rochadale, the pioneers of the world cooperatives movement, one of the unique tasks embarked upon was philosophy and practice of cooperative. Even in the recent review of cooperative principles in 1966, the International Cooperative Alliance “ICA” re-stated Cooperative Education/Training as one of the cardinal principles of cooperation. The cooperative rules laws and bye-laws of respective cooperative societies and the 1993 cooperative decree stipulated that some percentage of the cooperative society surplus should be appropriated as a provision for education, training and information of the members, management committee and other cooperative officials. The management of cooperative business enterprises is a body of elected members in a cooperative society who handles the affairs and the day to day running of the cooperative business enterprise. The importance of management in any organisation is axiomatic. The success or failure of an organisation depends to a great extent on the quality of the management committee.
Therefore officers and management of cooperative business enterprise required a more technical education/training to be able to control the management. Moreover, in order to alleviate the problems of illiteracy, ignorance of members, misconduct and poor management. Cooperative education/training and management of cooperative business enterprises must be tenaciously pursued.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Generally, history of cooperatives education in the developing countries of the world reveals that the main cause of rickety foundation of cooperation has been the lack of cooperative education/training.
Lack of cooperative education/training is disloyalty of members, high incidence of over-due and unpaid loans, low attendance at meetings, ignorance of members’ proposals, poor member relations, bad management, low productivity resulting in little or no surplus, poor public image, inability to change with the times and other harmful result.
Lack of education/training and business inexperienced limits the effectiveness of managers, president, secretaries, treasurers and other management committee members. Quite often, some people come together as members pool their resources together and form a cooperative society without the proper cooperative ideology. They enter into cooperative business for political or personal interests, without adequate cooperative education/training to equip them for an effective task.
Some cooperative societies, due to their small-size, low membership, find it very difficult to raise fund sufficient to organize or sponsor special training programmes for their management of cooperative business enterprises. Such cooperative education/training programme includes seminars, conferences or relevant courses institutions of higher learning.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The basic objective of this stud is to determine empirically the cooperative education/training and effective management of cooperative business enterprise in specific terms the objectives of the study are:
(i) To determine the importance of Cooperative Education/Training on cooperative development.
(ii) To access how the cooperation education/training has affected the effective or ineffective working of the management of cooperative business enterprise in the cooperative sector in Udi Local Government Area.
(iii) To examine the modalities for proper cooperative education/training and management of cooperative business enterprise.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
According to the statement of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in its 1972 congress, “All Cooperative Societies should make provision for cooperative Education/Training for their members officers and their employees as well as the general public, in the principles and techniques of cooperative both economic and democratic” (Agbo 1992).
This study aims at solving the problems of acute shortage of managerial manpower. It also aims at facilitating cooperative development. Through well designed articulated and functional cooperative education/training, mass enlightenment and publicity.
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
The study covers a limited number of selected primary cooperative societies in Udi Local Government Area. This study focuses on the Cooperative Education/Training and Effective Management of Cooperative Business Enterprise.
However, the following factors were the limitation of the study.
(i) Lack of finance: The main factor that can disorganize the effort was lack of finance. To take a wider study on the cooperative education/Training and Effective Management of Cooperative Business Enterprise, of cooperative societies in Udi Local Government Area, requires a huge some of money which will enable the researcher travel far and wide, searching for valuable materials and information to work with.
(ii) Inadequate research materials: The materials relating to this project were scarce and difficult to lay hands on. However, best use was made of what was available.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
(i) Cooperative is an association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspiration through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
(ii) Education/Training is a process designed to give knowledge and develop skill. This is the fifth (ICA) cooperative principle which stipulates the provision of Education/Training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees of cooperative societies to the development of their cooperatives.
(iii) Management of cooperative business enterprise. The governing body of a registered cooperative society to whom the management of its affairs is entrusted.
Cooperative Education Training And Effective Management Of Cooperative Business Enterprises:
Cooperative Education and effective management of cooperative business enterprises are crucial elements for the success and sustainability of cooperatives. Let’s explore these two aspects in more detail:
- Cooperative Education:a. Member Training: Cooperative members should receive education and training on cooperative principles, values, and their roles within the cooperative. This includes understanding democratic decision-making, financial management, and the cooperative’s mission and goals.
b. Skill Development: Members should acquire the necessary skills to actively participate in the cooperative’s operations. This may involve training in various areas such as business management, marketing, financial literacy, and conflict resolution.
c. Awareness of Cooperative Values: Cooperative education should emphasize the core values of cooperation, including equality, solidarity, and member participation. Members need to understand how these values guide the cooperative’s actions.
d. Leadership Development: Identifying and developing leaders within the cooperative is essential. Leadership training can help members take on roles such as board members, committee leaders, or managers.
e. External Partnerships: Cooperatives can collaborate with educational institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to provide training and education resources to their members.
- Effective Management of Cooperative Business Enterprises:a. Clear Governance Structure: Establish a transparent governance structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for members, the board of directors, and management. Ensure that decision-making processes align with cooperative principles, such as one member, one vote.
b. Professional Management: Hire or appoint competent managers and staff with the necessary skills and experience to run the cooperative efficiently. This includes having qualified individuals for financial management, marketing, and operations.
c. Strategic Planning: Develop a clear strategic plan that outlines the cooperative’s long-term goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving them. Regularly review and update this plan as circumstances change.
d. Financial Management: Implement sound financial management practices, including budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing. Ensure that financial resources are managed prudently and sustainably.
e. Member Engagement: Encourage active member participation in the cooperative’s activities, including attending meetings, providing feedback, and volunteering for leadership roles.
f. Market Research and Marketing: Conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences. Develop effective marketing strategies to promote cooperative products and services.
g. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks that could threaten the cooperative’s viability. This includes having appropriate insurance coverage and contingency plans.
h. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the cooperative. Regularly evaluate performance, seek member input, and make necessary adjustments.
i. Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing cooperatives, business operations, and taxation.
j. Social Responsibility: Cooperatives often have a social mission beyond profit. Ensure that the cooperative fulfills its social responsibilities to the community and stakeholders.
k. Conflict Resolution: Establish mechanisms for resolving conflicts among members or between members and management to maintain a harmonious cooperative environment.
In summary, cooperative education and effective management are essential for the success and sustainability of cooperative business enterprises. By investing in member education and implementing sound management practices, cooperatives can thrive, achieve their goals, and make a positive impact on their communities.