Financial Modelling for Social Enterprise (FMS 607)

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Financial Modelling for Social Enterprise

Overview

This programme explores the successes and limitations of microfinance as an economic development strategy. The focus will be on the role of microfinance in international poverty alleviation efforts. We will explore the history and evolution of the field from both  theoretical and practical perspectives, while the roles played by various constituencies (e.g., clients, policy makers, donors, investors, etc.) will be examined; emphasis will be on the perspective of practitioners and the challenges of managing a (double bottom line) institution.

Description

Learning Mode

Classroom

Study Level

Certificate Course

Duration

7 days

Course Delivery

Intensive

Start Date

22nd September, 2020

Cost

£300 per module

Campus

London

Description

Students in this course will be exposed to how microfinance institutions provide financial services to the poor. Financial services include credit, savings, and insurance. This course explores the role of microfinance in economic development. It will discuss how poor people in poor countries use financial services, such as credit and savings; the history and practice of delivering such services; what is known about their contribution to development; and how stories and statistical studies shape public perceptions of microfinance.
The definition of who is poor varies by country and region, but largely includes those who work within the informal economy in developing countries. This course introduces students to the practices of microfinance institutions in a variety of developing countries, including: India, Mexico, Bolivia, Samoa, and Haiti.
It defines the wide variety of practices and governance structure of these organisations, and the issues they confront. The course focuses on two major issues: impacts of microfinance on the well-being of clients, and the problems confronting managers of microfinance institutions.

objectives

  • Be introduced to the practices of MFIs in a variety of different developing countries.
  • Identify the impact of microfinance on the well-being of the masses and businesses, both socially and economically, and to understand how poor persons have benefited.
  • Identify problems confronting managers of MFIs.
  • Identify ways to improve access to, and the utilization of, microfinance services in developing countries to minimize the challenges faced by poor and vulnerable persons in microfinance transactions.
  • Understand the extent to which the establishment of microfinance banking systems will stimulate economic development.

Courses Curriculum

Module 1

Microfinance as an economic development strategy

Module 2

History and evolution of economic development inequity and policy across nations

Module 3

History of the practice of delivering financial services and microfinance

Module 4

Role of microfinance in economic development and international poverty alleviation efforts

Module 5

Challenges of managing microfinance institutions

Module 6

Successes and limitations of microfinance in economic development

Module 7

Roles of stakeholders in microfinance operations (i.e., clients, policy makers, donors, investors, etc.)

Module 8

How microfinance institutions provide financial services

Module 9

Governance structure and management of microfinance institutions

Module 10

Cases of statistical reports on microfinance and public perception

Module 11

Use and practices of microfinance institutions in developing countries: case reports

Module 12

Impacts of microfinance on the well-being of clients

Module 13

Problems confronting management of microfinance institutions in developing countries

Module 14

The lifecycle of social enterprise financing

Module 15

Analysis and evaluation of microfinance

Key Benefit

  • Participants will understand how microfinance can maximize profits over short periods to encourage microenterprises engaged in simple retail operations – as opposed to complex industrial firms which may be less profitable in the short term but lay the foundations for long term economic development.
  • Participants will know how microfinance reduces poverty by allowing the poor to start or expand income-generating microenterprises, such as selling fruit and handmade clothing.
  • Participants will understand that reliance on foreign aid by businesses is a major barrier to economic development and microfinance has the capacity to minimize such reliance, making it a clear benefit to development.

Teaching Outcomes

After studying this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand the relationship between microfinance and the ‘real economy’ (that is, the area of the economy involved in production, distribution and consumption of goods and services) during economic development.
  • Develop and apply formal models econometric work.
  • Analyze financial inter-mediation.
  • Identify the social and institutional underpinnings of financial activity.

Teaching Methods

The Teaching Methods For This Course Include:

  • Individual or group activity on a topic area of interest to the students pertaining to cooperative and social enterprise.
  • Daily discussion and reflection questions on readings.
  • Short activities to support readings.
  • Daily journals for students to engage in discussions with their peers.

Fees and funding

Level 1

£1,250

Level 2

£1,950

Please submit your application at least two weeks prior to the programme start date. Since qualified candidates are admitted on a rolling, space-available basis, early application is encouraged. Admission is selective and based on professional achievement and organisational responsibility. Although there are no formal educational requirements, proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. LSSE expects the full commitment of the participant and their organisation because our programmes enhance the leadership capacity of the participant as well as their organisation. While participants are attending a programme, sponsoring organisations agree to relieve them of their work responsibilities so that they can fully focus on the learning experience.
This course is accredited and, to be awarded credit, you must satisfactorily complete written components. Successful students will receive credit, awarded by the Board of Studies of London School of Social Enterprise and International Affiliates. The award will take the form of an Advanced Certificate. Exceptional students will be recognised.

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