Managing A Co-Operative Society As Small Business Venture
(A case study of a co-operative society supermarket, oji-river)
Managing a co-operative society as a small business venture involves overseeing various aspects such as governance, financial management, member relations, and strategic planning. Effective management requires establishing transparent communication channels, fostering a sense of community among members, and implementing democratic decision-making processes. Financial management involves budgeting, accounting, and ensuring the sustainability of the society’s operations. Engaging members in regular meetings and consultations can help in understanding their needs and preferences, thus guiding strategic planning efforts. Additionally, promoting collaboration and teamwork among members fosters a supportive environment conducive to the success of the co-operative venture.
Co-operative society was introduced into Nigeria in 1935.The objective include the pooling of sources together to achieve common goal and the substances of rural economy through marking fund available to the enterprising rural populace.
However, members have been too much reluctant over the service offered to them by these co-operative societies, especially in Oji-River local Government Area of Enugu state.
There is need to ensure effective and efficient management system in order to realize the aspirations of its member, for this reason, management system of Oji-River cooperative supermarket and the full participation of its members constituted the core of this research work. The research dealt with preliminary studies and statement of the problems, purposes, scope and significance of the study were properly treated.
Furthermore, history of co-operative movement in Nigeria, importance of co-operative movement in rural development was covered. The research used both questionnaire and face to face interview method in data collection
In addition, the research highlighted problems and prospects as it concerns to co-operative education, marketing and production some of the problems besetting effective management system of co-operative supermarket Oji-River, not only emanated from their functional constraints and lack of orientation and massive education of member and staff but all due to poor accountability by the leaders, with respect to fund handling.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Preface
Tables of contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.3 PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.8 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
1.9 DEFINATION OF TERMS
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 meaning and definition of co-operative society
2.2 A brief history of co-operative movement
2.3 Cooperative in Nigeria
2.4 Kinds of cooperative societies
2.5 Structure and organization of cooperative movement
2.6 The role of government in cooperative development.
2.7 Theories of cooperative movement.
2.8 Meaning of cooperative as a business venture.
2.9 Importance of cooperative in rural development.
2.10 Sources of finance.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
3.2 AREA OF STUDY
3.3 POPULATION OF THE STUDY
3.4 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
3.5 INSRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
3.6 VALIDITY OF THE STUDY INSTRUMENT
3.7 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
3.8 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
4.1 ANALYSIS OF DATA TO THE COOPERATIVE SUPERMARKET OJI-RIVER
4.2 ANALYSIS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE COOPERATIVE
4.3 TESTING OF HYPOTHESIS
CHAPTER FIVE
FINDING RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION,
5.1 FINDINGS
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.3 CONCLUSION
REFERENCE
INTERVIEW GUIDE
QUESTIONNAIRE “A”
QUESTIONNAIRE “B”
INTRODUCTION
Cooperative movement is by and large a product of the altered socio-economic condition brought about by industrialization and a better farming economy in many of the advanced countries as well as the developing countries. Cooperative movement is designed to bring independent persons together for the betterment of their economic condition.
Cooperative I one or the other, have been used for effective in one form or the other labour, combination of Agro-industrialization development programme with the aim of promoting more egalitarian distribution of economic growth in all communities. Hence, the slogan “ self help through mutual help” by cooperators.
The government of a country has been helping in the formation of cooperative societies, since it is a way to improve the economic as well as the standard of living of the populace; Greater emphasis has been laid on rural development and self dependency and sufficient in food production.
In Oji-River Local Government Area Enugu State and in Nigeria as a whole, Urbanization for instance is taking place at a rap rate owing to a variety of such factor as Immigrations growth of industrialization and high rate of population increase. These rapid Urbanization bring in it’s wake several problems for industrial workers and other fixed income earners who also have to compete for commodities.
In developing countries, scarcity of commodities leads to high degree of adulterated products and high prices. In this case, cooperative societies has to ensure adequate supply of commodities, anticipate members demand, buy commodities in required quantities, ensure that selection and quantities of commodities selected are in accordance with the consumer taste and cooperate in an efficient manner at the prevailing margin to build up enough capital for future development.
These task call for a high degree of management skill and development of proper organizational structure and system that ensure efficient operation.
This research therefore tend to improve the extent of which his subject organization has been able to apply the main techniques of business management with the view of identifying the area for improvement.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
Onwukike M.J.C in his lectures titled “ structure and organization of cooperative said that a cooperative society is a business organization registered under the cooperative society law. It belongs to people who own and use it’ services. It is also run, financed and controlled by them for socio-economic benefits.
Management it self can be defined as the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together in groups accomplished efficiently selected aim.
As managers, people carry out the managerial function of planning. Organization staffing, leading and controlling. Management is concerned with productivity that implies effectiveness and efficiency with the sole aim of creating surprise. This help to rectify the problem of poor management in cooperative societies and to mobilize the rural people to fully participate in socio-economic development.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This success of any cooperative society depends on the managerial ability of the executive and the unification or cooperative of the members. Therefore, poor management planning and market planning has being the case of Kerworm eating the productivity and revenue generation of some cooperative societies. Another problem facing cooperative societies is inadequate organizational structural and execution of plans.
One of the problems of cooperative societies is that most of the members are illiterate and some have never had the opportunity to attend workshops, seminar or symposia on cooperative society management.
Also inadequate and effective allocation of funds to business ventures hinders cooperative management.
Other problems include inadequate capital, poor competitive position and poor communication management strategies have caused a great failure in cooperative societies. This is the case with cooperative society in Oji-River
1.3 PURPOSE AND OBEJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:
The broad objective of this research was to identify the problems in managing cooperative society. However, the following specific objectives have been carefully delineated by the researcher for achievement.
I To identify
Ii To find out
Iii To determine
IV To ascertain
V To suggest ways of eradicating these problems
Another purpose is to know the factors militating against the growth of cooperative societies and the contribution of government in finding cooperative societies.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
The important of this study is to meet the following demands:
1 To provide more available information to student of cooperative studies, management and trainers in cooperative discipline and other who may be keen in undertaking further research in cooperative management.
2 To make available to the government and operational and decision making tool for efficient, effective and virile cooperative development.
3 Numerous cooperators in the state will be exposed in area to exploit business.
4 To help lectures in the cooperative field to teach properly.
5 To help the cooperators as well as the future ones on the area of planning, organizing and business control to avoid liquidation.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
In Oji-River Local Government Area, there are over 23 cooperative societies as at last year, over 85% of these societies lack effective management system. My study is therefore limited to Oji-River Supermarket cooperative area as a representation of problems cooperative society movement in Enugu State are Nigeria in general.
This research is limited to Oji-River supermarket due to time constraint and limited space
Other restriction occurs due to the attitude of the respondents that is their inability to give out information about the cooperation society.
Another limitation arises as a result of cost of transportation which was white exorbitant in buying text book and research work.
Finally inaccurate information supplied in the questionnaires and financial problem.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Cooperative societies: This is defined as a form of organization where people voluntary associate together as human beings on the basis of equity for the promotion of the economic interest of themselves.
Small Business: Small business is defined as a type of business which the managers are also the owners; they operate mainly in local areas with a limited size. According to NBCI (Nigeria Bank of Commerce and Industries). It is defined as and industry with capital not exceeding #750.000 including working capital but excluding cost of land.
Share Holders: they are those that contribute the capital used in established the business.
Cooperators: they are the member of cooperative societies
Managing a cooperative society as a small business venture can be a rewarding endeavor. Cooperative societies are organizations owned and operated by their members for their mutual benefit. They can encompass various industries and services, including agriculture, housing, consumer goods, and more. Here are some steps to help you manage a cooperative society effectively:
- Form a Clear Vision and Mission:
- Define the purpose and objectives of your cooperative society.
- Determine the services or products you’ll provide to your members.
- Legal Structure and Registration:
- Consult with legal experts and choose an appropriate legal structure for your cooperative (e.g., limited liability, worker cooperative).
- Register your cooperative society with the relevant government authorities, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Membership Recruitment and Engagement:
- Attract members who share your cooperative’s values and goals.
- Develop strategies to engage and retain members, such as regular meetings and benefits like discounts or profit-sharing.
- Business Plan:
- Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your cooperative’s goals, strategies, and financial projections.
- Include a marketing plan to attract and serve your target audience effectively.
- Governance and Decision-Making:
- Establish a democratic governance structure where members have a say in decision-making.
- Hold regular meetings to discuss important matters, and ensure transparency in financial and operational matters.
- Financial Management:
- Set up a robust accounting system to track income, expenses, and member contributions.
- Develop a budget and financial policies to manage funds effectively.
- Operations Management:
- Efficiently manage day-to-day operations, including production, sales, and customer service.
- Implement quality control measures to maintain product or service standards.
- Risk Management:
- Identify and mitigate risks specific to your industry or cooperative type.
- Consider insurance coverage and risk-sharing among members.
- Legal Compliance:
- Stay informed about relevant laws and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with tax, labor, and cooperative laws.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Create a marketing strategy to attract new members and customers.
- Leverage social media, online advertising, and community outreach to build your cooperative’s presence.
- Financial Sustainability:
- Strive for financial sustainability to ensure the long-term viability of your cooperative.
- Consider reinvesting profits into the cooperative or providing dividends to members.
- Education and Training:
- Offer training and educational programs to members to enhance their skills and understanding of the cooperative model.
- Conflict Resolution:
- Develop a process for resolving conflicts among members or with management.
- Promote open communication to address issues promptly.
- Networking and Collaboration:
- Build relationships with other cooperatives, local businesses, and community organizations for mutual support and growth.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Regularly evaluate your cooperative’s performance and adapt to changing market conditions.
- Seek feedback from members and customers to make necessary improvements.
Remember that managing a cooperative society requires commitment, cooperation, and dedication from all members. Building a strong community within the cooperative is essential for its success as a small business venture.