SME Financing
SME Financing
SME Financing
According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in
Nigeria have contributed about 48% of the national GDP in the last five years. With a total
number of about 17.4 million, they account for about 50% of industrial jobs and nearly 90%
Though significant growth has been achieved in the MSME sector, there is still much to be
investing”, “there still exists a ‘missing middle’, which finds it hard to access funds due to the
category of funding they belong to.” Other challenges encountered by the sector include lack
of skilled manpower, multiplicity of taxes, high cost of doing business, among others
Small Enterprise: An enterprise whose total cost including working capital but excluding
cost of land is between ten million naira (N10,000,000) and one hundred million naira
(N100,000,000) and/or a workforce between eleven (11) and seventy (70) full-time staff and/or
with a turnover of not more than ten million naira (N10,000,000) in a year.
Medium Enterprise: A company with total cost including working capital but excluding cost
of land of more than one hundred million naira (N100,000,000) but less than three hundred
million naira (N300,000,000) and/or a staff strength of between seventy-one (71) and two
hundred (200) full-time workers and/or with an annual turnover of not more than twenty
cost of land is above three hundred-million-naira (N300,000,000) and/or a labour force of over
two hundred (200) workers and/or an annual turnover of more than twenty million naira
(N20,000,000) only.
2. One of the commonest characteristics of SMEs is that they are either sole
partnership
have limited access to long-term capital; even their access to short-term financing is
limited and sometime attained at a penal rate of interest and other conditionality
4. Since partnership spirit in Nigeria is at its infancy, partners in many SMEs pursue
individualistic goals at the expense of the overall interest of the SMEs. Consequently,
mortality rate among SMEs is high as a result of mistrust that often develops among the
owners
6. SMEs lack the appropriate management skills and because of lack of adequate capital
inefficient equipment thereby setting the stage abinitio for lower level of productivity
and poor product quality with serious consequences on product output and market
acceptability
Finance is a body of facts, principles and theories that deals with sources and application of
• Short-Term Financing
• Medium-Term Financing
• Long-Term Financing
1. Short-Term Financing
This source of finance is less than one year used to build stock in anticipation of seasonal
demands.
This source of finance is unreliable and risky for the provider of finance. It is might be
be raised is also limited. Depending on the cooperative, the loans from the cooperative might
( c ) Trade Credits
Suppliers of raw materials and stocks offer short- term credit facilities to their customers. The
buyers will be required to pay at an agreed period of time. The supplier must carry out robust
Bank borrowing takes two forms (Bank overdraft and bank loans)
This is short term facility whereby the banks allow current account holders draw over and
above their current balance for payment of interest on utilized amount. An overdraft may be
secured or unsecured.
Security takes the form of fixed or floating charges on asset on assets and sometimes personal
Bank loan is a formal agreement between a bank and the borrower that the bank will lend a
specific amount of money for specific period. Interest is payable is payable on the whole of
this sum for the duration of the loan. Interest charges and requirement for security are similar
to an overdraft. Unlike overdraft that is payable on demand, bank loans have a fixed term
period.
i. Character
ii. Capacity
iii. Conditions
iv. Collateral
v. Capital
Character: Character assessment will entail looking at a customer’s lifestyle and knowing
the type of person the he/she is. The lender will look at the honesty or reliability of the
customer. The past records with previous lenders could serve as reference to the prospective
lender
Capacity: The most important aspect of the lenders credit analysis of customers request is
the issue of the capacity of the borrower to repay the loan when due. The ability to repay
will depend on the pattern and volume of cash inflow and outflow. Character also entail
that the customer has requisite experience and know-how to handle the project being
contemplated
Capital: The expectation of a lender is that the borrower should make some equity
contribution into the business before approaching the lender for financial assistance. For
example, the lender expects that the customer should be able to contribute about 30% of
Conditions: This refers to the totality of the conditions of the environment in which the
Collateral: This has to do with the security the lender finds acceptable. Some form of
tangible security should back every credit granted. This is the alternative of recovering the
(e) Factoring
Factoring is a financial transaction whereby a business sells its account receivable (invoice) to
a third party (factor) at a discount. Sellers’s debts are purchased by the factor, usually without
2. Medium-Term Financing
Medium-Term Financing are related to the purchase of fixed assets, and can be extended for
This facility is granted for specific purpose. Loan account will be opened for the customer if
approved, while the customer’s current account is credited with the amount approved. Interest
is then calculated on a reducing balance basis. Medium -term loan ranges between 2 -5years
(b)Hire Purchase Agreement
A hire purchase agreement is a credit sale agreement whereby the owner of the asset grant the
purchaser the right to take possession of the asset but ownership will not pass until all the hire
Leasing
A lease is a contract between the owner of an asset (lessor) and the user of the asset (lessee)
granting the user or lessee the exclusive right to use the asset, for an agreed period in return
for the payment of rent. Leasing is different from hire purchase contract in the sense that in
hire purchase, the asset passes to the purchaser on the fulfillment of certain conditions, whereas
lease agreement creates the right to use an asset for a definite period of time
Types of Lease:
(i) Operating Lease: An operating lease is a short- term cancellable lease between the lessor
and the lessee whereby the lessor is responsible for the upkeep, insurance, servicing and
A finance lease is medium/ long term lease agreement between the lessee (user of the asset or
provider of the finance). In some cases, the provider of finance for the asset is not the
necessarily the supplier of the leased asset. The lessor might buy the asset from the supplier
(ii) The lessee is responsible for the upkeep, insurance, servicing and
(iii) The lease has a primary period that covers the whole or most of the
(iv) The lessor will ensure that the lease payment during the primary
period covers the full cost of the asset and a finance charge.
(v) At the end of primary period, the lessee has the option of
continuing to lease the asset for an indefinite period, for a nominal rent.
These are business financing that extends beyond ten years. Examples of long-term financing
includes;
(a) Debentures
Debentures are usually issued by longer established companies to raise money from
institutional like merchant banks, insurance companies, pension funds and specialist
institutions. Debentures issued by listed companies require trust deed where the trustee is
Ordinary shareholders are the owners of the firm that exercise control over the firm through
their voting rights. Ordinary shareholders bear the greatest risk of the firm since the company
must pay all fixed obligations before it can pay dividends to ordinary shareholders. The holders
of ordinary shares earn their reward in form of ordinary dividend. A firm planning to raise
(c ) Retained Earnings
Retained earnings are part of a company’s profit not paid out as ordinary dividend. It is a cheap
source of raising finance as compared to ordinary and preference share issue as no issue cost
is involved. Raising funds through retained earnings does not result in the dilution of control
since there is no share issue to outsiders. It is a veritable source of finance for firms that cannot
receive fixed rate of dividends before ordinary shareholders but after debenture holders.
Preference shareholders have both the features of ordinary and debenture holders; hence they
are called hybrid securities. Preference share can be cumulative and non-cumulative,
capital in small unquoted companies. In addition to funding, business Engels are able to
provide expertise and advice to assist the investor company. The business angels usually assist
Financial management is the study of how firms make their investment, and financing
decisions. This entails how much to invest in either physical asset or financial assets
(securities) and how much of their current income to pay-out to the owners of the firms and
the amount and type of financial assets to issue. These two broad financial decisions made by
firms can further be appreciated by considering the two sides of a typical firm’s statement of
financial position.
On the asset side of the balance sheet are items that the firm owns both on the short-term
(current asset) and long-term (non-current asset). On the liabilities side, are what the firm owes
to its owners (shareholders) and or outsiders (creditors) on both the long-term (long-term
capital) and short term (current liabilities). The firm uses what it owes to finance (financing
This function entails the analysis of financial data into a form that can be used to monitor
the firm’s financial position, evaluate the need for additional productive capacity and
This is the determination of appropriate mix and type of asset that should be on the
firm’s
Statement of financial position is one of the major functions of financial manager. Once
the mix of current and non-current assets is determined, the next step is to ascertain the
Two major decisions are usually made. They include the most appropriate mix of short-
term and long-term financing and the specific short-term or long- term sources of
financing that the firm should seek at a given point in time. The first decision affects the
firm’s profitability and overall liquidity while the second, has implication for the
Profit Maximization
This is the first stated objective of the firm. Most businesses believe that as long as they
increasing revenue while keeping down costs, they are achieving this objective.
Profit maximization objective is easily understood and measurable. It has also been criticized
for being vague, ignores time value of money and risk or uncertainty of future earnings.
Satisficing
creditors, management, staff, suppliers and customers. Since the various stakeholders are equal
partners, the firm’s objectives should offer all stakeholders a satisfactory return. This implies
that all stakeholders view profit same way and should assume the same level of risk. Satisficing
This objective provides that any extra wealth created will belong to equity/ordinary
shareholders. The wealth of shareholders will be maximised if the market price of firm’s share
goes up. Market price of company’s shares reflects the value placed on the firm by market
Agency Relationship
This exists where the day-to-day running of the firm is vested in the hands of managers
separate from the shareholders of the firm. There are fears that management might maximise
• Management did not put their best in the discharge of their functions
• Management places their interest far and above that of the organisation.
• Planning
• Analyzing
• Adaptability
• Growth
Financial planning should start with your company’s strategic plan. You should think about
what you want to accomplish at the start of a new year and ask yourself a series of questions
such as;
• Do I need to expand?
Create monthly financial projections by recording your anticipated income based on sales
forecasts and anticipated expenses for labour, supplies, overhead, etc. (Businesses with very
tight cash flow may want to make weekly projections.). Now, plug in the costs for the projects
Use your financial projections to determine your financing needs. Approach your financial
partners ahead of time to discuss your options. Well-prepared projections will help reassure
What would you do if your finances suddenly deteriorated? It’s a good idea to have emergency
sources of money before you need them. Possibilities include maintaining a cash reserve or
5. Monitor
Through the year, compare actual results with your projections to see if you’re on target or
need to adjust. Monitoring helps you spot financial problems before they get out of hand.
6. Get help
If you lack expertise, consider hiring an expert to help you put together your financial plan.
A basic concept in investment is that money has a time value. The concept states that money
• Future money or future cash flows are uncertain and may not be realised
• Inflation will also reduce the purchasing power of money in the future
It is therefore better to receive a naira now than receive the same amount in the future.
Simple Interest
The simple interest is the interest earned on an original amount invested (the principal). The
amount of principal and interest payments remain the same from period to period. Simple is
computed as;
• Simple Interest
Assume WAC Company Ltd. Invests N3,000 for a period, at a simple interest of 16% per year.
Calculate the simple interest due to WAC Ltd. At the end of two years?
Solution
Interest = N960
Compound Interest
The Compound interest is the interest earned on the principal plus previously earned interest.
Interest is added to the principal as it is earned during the period. Interest is then computed on
the new balance (compound amount) during the next period. Interest can be compounded daily,
Example
Assume WAC Company Ltd. Invests N3,000 for a period, at a compound interest of 16% per
year. Calculate the compound interest due to WAC Ltd. at the end of two years?
1 2 3 4
Year Balance at Compound Balance at the
Beginning Interest(2X0.16X1) end of the period
The future value of a lump sum (single amount) invested today can be computed as;
FV = P(1+R)n
Where,
FV = Future Value
P = Principal
R = Interest rate per annum
n = Number of years
Example
An investor has identified a three-year investment paying 15% per annum. If he invests
N6,250,000, how much will his investment be worth at the end of the 3 years.
FV = P(1 +R)n
FV =N6,250,000(1+0.15)3
FV =N6,250,000(1.15)3
FV =N6,250,000(1.5209)
FV =N9,505,625
Multi-period Compounding
The formula for calculating the future value of a single amount for a multiple compounding
FV = P(1 + r/m)nm
Where,
FV = Future value
n = number of years
Example
WAC Ltd took a loan of N50,000 from Keystone bank agreeing to repay the principal with
interest rate at 8% compounded semi-annually. How much will company repay at the end of
3 years?
Solution
FV = P(1 + r/m)nm
FV =50,000(1 + 0.08/2)2*3
FV =50,000(1.04)6
FV =50,000(1.2653)
FV =N63,265.00
The timing of each series of payment/receipt affects the future value computation since interest
will not accrue until the end of each period. The last payment will not attract interest since
each series of payment or receipt is assumed to be made at the end of each year. However, if
individual payment is made at the beginning of each year, the last payment will attract interest.
Example
Calculate the future value of the series of payment N5,000 in the first year, N6,000 in the
second year and N7,000 in the third year with each payment made at the end of each year at
FV =N21,400
Supposing the series of payments in the example above are made at the beginning of each year,
Solution
FV =N25,680
An Annuity is a series of equal payments or receipts over some periods, with compound
• Ordinary Annuity
• Annuity Due
Ordinary Annuity is a series of equal payments or receipts that occur at the end of each period
involved.
Annuity Due is a series of equal payments or receipts that occur at the beginning of each period
involved.
FV = A (1+r)n -1
• r
Where
n =Number of years
FV =Future value
Example
Calculate the future value, if Rita makes a deposit of N6,000 to a savings plan at the end of
three consecutive years, with each payment earning 16% interest compounded annually?
Solution
FV = A (1+r)n -1
r
FV =6,000 (1 +0.16)3 -1
0.16
FV = N6,000(3.5056)
FV = N21,033.60
FV = A (1+r)n+1 – (1 +r)
n =Number of years
FV =Future value
Example
Calculate the future value, if Rita makes a deposit of N6,000 to a savings plan at the beginning
of three consecutive years, with each payment earning 16% interest compounded annually?
Solution
FV = A (1+r)n+1 – (1 +r)
0.16
0.16
FV =N6000 0.65
0.16
FV =N6,000(4.0625)
FV =N24,375
Following the concept of time value of money, money held today is worth more than the same
FV =P(1 + r)n
P = FV
(1+r)n
Where
P =Present value
n =Number of years
Example
Calculate the present value of an investment by Dunni Ltd expected to have a future value of
Solution
PV = FV
(1 + r)n
PV = N5,036,000
(1+0.15)3
PV = N5,036,000
(1.15)3
PV = N5,036,000
1.5209
PV = N3,311,197.32
Calculate the present values of the following series of payments if interest rate is 25% per
annum.
1 25,000
2 28
3 32
4 40
5 42
Solution
PV =FV + FV…………FV
PV = N84,414
Multiple payments that have to be made today either at the end or beginning of the year to
PVOA = A 1-(1+r)-n
Example
If Innocent needs to repay a car loan of N17, 408,300 over the next three years.
The loan which is at an interest rate of 10% P.A shall be repaid in equal installments. Calculate
Solution
17,408,300 = A 1-(1+r)-n
17,408,300 = A 1 – (1+0.1)-3
0.1
17,408,300 = A 1 – (1.1)-3
0.1
17,408,300 = A (2.4869)
A = 17,408,300
2.4869
A = N7,000,000
The present value of an annuity due is the amount that would be invested today at a certain
compound interest rate to enable the investor to receive the series of future payment from now
Example
Paul has N 70,000 debt obligation to repay at the beginning of each of the next three years.
Paul wants to know how much he would have to invest today to enable him repay the debt if
r
PVAD = 70,000 (1+0.1) – (1+0.1)-(3-1)
0.1
0.1
PVAD = N191,485
PPA = A
Example
Ayo expects a perpetual sum of N15,000 annually from the estate of his late uncle.
What is the present value of annuity if Ayo can invest at the rate of 20% per annum?
PPA = N15,000
0.2
PPA = N75,000
A sinking fund is a fund established by an economic entity by setting aside revenue over a
Loan amortization is simply the process of a borrower paying back the borrowed money in
Example
Keystone bank needs to provide N5m to replace its ATM machine in Oregun branch in 5 years
time. In order to provide this amount, the company has decided to set aside an equal amount
annually out of its profits. The bank will invest any amount set aside at 20% interest rate per
annum. Calculate the amount the bank should set aside annually and present the sinking fund
schedule.
Solution
FVOA = A (1 + r) n -1
N5,000,000 = A (1 + 0.2)5 -1
0.2
N5,000,000 = A (7.4416)
A =N5,000,000 = N671,898.52
7.4416
Year A b c D=a+b+c
1 - - 671,898.85 671,898.85
Rita needs to repay a N5m loan with Keystone bank over the next 5 years. The loan which is
at an interest rate 20% per annum shall be repaid in equal installments. Calculate the amount
Solution
PVOA = A 1- (1+r)-n
PV =N5m
i =20%
n =5years
A =?
N5,000,000 = A 1 – (1+r)-n
N5,000,000 =A 1 – 1+0.20-5
0.2
N5,000,000 = A 1 – 1.2-5
0.2
• N5,000,000 = A(2.9906)
• A = N5,000,000
• 2.9906
• A = N1,671,905.30
Loan Amortization Schedule
Financial Statements
statement of financial position shows SMEs ability to meet present and future
obligations with current resources. How much is owed and how much is owned by
the organization.
Components of Statement of Financial Position
owned by the SME or by the bank to others net worth of the bank
owed to it by others
a specified period of time usually one year. It summarises all revenue earned and
income statement so that it can determine its net profit or loss (the difference
Refers to money earned by an SME for Represent costs incurred for goods and
goods sold and services rendered services used in the process of earning
Statement of Cash Flow shows where an SMEs cash is coming from and how it is
being used over a period of time. A cash flow statement classifies the cash flows
Investing Activities: Income and expenditures that have been made from or on
owners.
Financial Analysis
Financial Analysis is the computation of analytical ratios from financial statements
management decisions.
Ratio Analysis
assess their progress. Ratio analysis help answer two primary questions. Is the
objectives?
Taken together, the ratios provide perspective on the financial health of an SME
• Equity/shareholders
• Loan/debenture holders
• Trade union
• Management
• Government
• Financial analysts;
• Stockbrokers;
• Competitors;
• Financial institutions.
5.1 LIQUIDITY RATIOS: These measure the company’s ability to fulfill its short-term
profitability ratios
*ROCE = EBIT
Total capital Employed
*Return on Equity = Profit after tax
Total Equity
5.3 LEVERAGE RATIOS: These ratios measure the company’s ability to meet its long-term
debt obligations. They throw light on the long-term solvency of a company. The commonly
ratios. These ratios measure the efficiency in asset management. They express the relationship
between sales and the different types of assets, showing the speed with which, these assets
generate sales
*Current asset turnover = Sales
Current assets
*Fixed asset turnover = Sales
Fixed assets
*Total asset turnover = Sales
Total assets
The financial statement below is extracted from the annual reports of PM Plc
Statements of Financial Position for the year ended 31 December 2021
2021(‘000) 2020(‘000)
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 16,459,377 13,850,434
Intangible assets 77,163 101,815
Repayments 148,451 147,125
Trade and other receivables - 58,485
Total Non -Current Assets 16,684,991 14,157,859
Equity
Share capital 488,168 488,168
Share premium 350,211 350,211
Retained earnings 8,720,870 7,804,903
Total Equity 9,559,249 8,643,282
Liabilities
Employee benefits and liabilities 3,965,520 2,520,881
Deferred tax liabilities 1,658,048 1,391,983
Total non Current liabilities 5,623,568 3,912,864
Current liabilities 5,166,154 6,053,200
Trade and other payables 19,838,045 18,724,244
Loans and borrowings 9,729,211 12,269,615
Total current liabilities 34,733,410 37,047,059
Total liabilities 40,356,978 40,959,923
Total equity and liabilities 49,916,227 49,603,205
Statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December
2020 in thousands of naira.
2021(‘000) 2020(‘000)
Sales 126,436,219 120,256,164
Cost of Sales (97,505,943) (92364739)
Gross profit 68,930,276 27,891,425
Other income 373,490
Selling and distribution expenses (7,51,620) (6,226,312)
Administrative expenses (4,063,728) (3,481,949)
Results from operating activities 17,294,928 18,556,654
Finance income 917,369 1,259,604
Finance costs (1,712,377) (503,704)
Net finance costs (795,008) 755,900
Profit before tax 16,499,920 19,312,554
Income tax expense (5,768,642) (6,243,033)
Profit for the year 10,731,278 13,069,521
Other comprehensive income
Items that will never be reclassified
Re-measurements of defined benefits (646,071) 91,194
Related tax 193,821 (27,358)
Other comprehensive income net tax (452,250) 63,836
Total comprehensive income 10,279,028 13,133,357
Profit attributable to:
Owners of the company 10,731,278 13,069,521
Required: Calculate the following ratios for the year ended 2021/2020 and state with reasons
whether you would invest in PM shares.
i. Current ratio
ii. Total debt ratio
iii. Gross profit ratio
iv. Return on Assets
v. Quick ratio
Working Capital Management
management focuses on a firm’s current accounts which comprise of current assets and current
liabilities. A firm is expected to maintain positive working capital to ensure that a firm is able
to continue its operations and has sufficient funds to satisfy both maturing short-term debts
assets are less than current liabilities, a firm has working capital deficiency, also called a
Gross Working Capital: This refers to all the current assets and represents the amount of funds
invested in current assets. Current assets are those assets which can be converted into cash
within the short-term period. Therefore, gross working capital is the total of all current assets
such as;
➢ Trade debtors
➢ Bills receivable
difference between current assets and current liabilities is called net working capital
A positive net working capital is when current assets exceed current liabilities
While a negative working capital will arise when current liabilities exceed current assets.
Example: The following is the balance sheet of M-G Ventures Ltd as at 31 December,2021
Solution
Liabilities N Assets N
The nature and volume of business is an important factor in deciding the needed working
capital
Public utility service (like railway companies) as compared to manufacturing concerns require
a lesser amount of working capital. A larger amount of working capital is required for trading
or merchandising institutions
The general principle in this regard is that the bigger the size of the unit, the greater the amount
of working capital requirement. However, consumers goods industry would require a larger
The longer the period of manufacturing, the larger the inventory required
The length of cash conversion cycle is an important determinant of working capital. A firm
with shorter cash conversion cycle would require greater amount of working capital than a
Buffer Stock:
Where there is need to stockpile raw materials, larger amount of working capital required. This
To Avoid Stock-Out:
Organisations keep inventory to avoid and/ minimize stock-out and its associated costs.
This is also known as operating cycle, refers to the duration between the firm’s payment of
cash for raw materials, entering into production and inflow of cash from debtors and realization
of receivables. It is the length of time it takes to turn the net current assets and liabilities into
cash. The longer a business is tying up its working capital without earning a return on it. A
positive working capital cycle balances incoming and outgoing payment to minimize net
iv. Conversion of finished goods into account receivables and debtors through sales
Were
R = Raw materials
W= WIP
F = Finished stock
B = Cash at bank
Example
The following data have been extracted from the financial statements of a manufacturing firm.
Purchases 3,000
Work-in-progress 200
Sales 2,650
Debtors 210
Creditors 175
Assuming a 360 day a year, determine the firm’s working capital (operating) cycle
Solution
Over Capitalisation
The implication of over capitalization is that a lot of resources that could have been invested
Over capitalization will lower the rate of return on the company’s investment
Symptoms of Over-Capitalisation
Solution to Over-Capitalisation
Overtrading
This is a situation of insufficient working capital. Overtrading can be described as the inability
of a firm to provide the level of working capital required to sustain a given level of trading.
Symptoms of overtrading
• Lack of cash flow. The company will repeatedly have a dip into overdraft and borrow
cash regularly.
• Small profit margins
• Excessive borrowing
• Loss of suppliers support for credit
• Offering of unreasonable discount to induce sale
• Inability to pay salaries, tax and dividend as at when due
Management can be defined as all the activities and tasks undertaken by one or more persons
for the purpose of planning and controlling the activities of others in order to achieve an
objective or complete an activity that could not be achieved by the others independently.
If a manager’s goal is to create a lasting, high performance environment in the company the
Every company has a particular work environment that dictates to a large extent how its
heritage of its past leaders. However, shaping that environment is critically important part of
every incumbent manager’s job, regardless of what was inherited. Over time, most managers
• Established business and people concepts that are consistent with their goals and values
Whether the manager is the prime mover of the company’s strategy or not, he or she is
A commonly accepted framework for strategy formulation and appraisal highlights the
following elements:
• the task, its defined mission, competitive position, functional goals and efforts,
of important decisions that determine the effectiveness of the strategy. Successful strategies
usually start with good ideas and evolve over time as they are exposed to the realities of the
market place.
Successful strategy requires resources to convert them into reality. The manager’s role in
a. First, the manager is the person who can commit resources across the entire business
b. Second, the manager must be the chief decision maker of trade-offs among key projects
and functions competing for limited resources. Since most businesses lack the resources
c. Third, once a decision is made to pursue a strategy, the manager assumes the
Allocating resources often involves the manager in a series of negotiations with external
entities (i.e. financial institutions, major investors, government agencies and labour unions) as
well as internal constituents. Resource allocation is not limited to strategic decisions alone; it
extends to operational decisions as well. It is however essential that both resource allocation
is productively employed.
Upgrading the Quality of Management
Many managers contend that the selection, development, and deployment of people are the
most important responsibilities. Therefore, most managers of SMEs involve themselves in:
• Defining and supervising the process for selecting and developing the company’s senior
• Seeing that each function periodically analyses its skill requirement and people needs
• Making sure that outstanding managers are challenged and their talents effectively
• Making sure that the on-boarding process is rigorous and competitive to attract best
hands
• By his/her style
If the manager is a direct, personal leader, things will usually be done in a direct, personal way.
Less direct leaders may rely on a consensus-driven approach. The manager’s responsibilities
cover a wide range of activities. Individually, they may not be as important or as interesting
as the development of a business strategy. Taken together, however, they keep the business
going effectively, thus meeting its goals. A primary skill of the manager is to pick the specific
areas where his or her involvement will have the greatest impact on business results. The scope
of the job is such that a manager nearly faces many problems and opportunities that he/she can
possibly deal with personally. The manager may decide to put greater emphasis on strategy
formulation; at another time, the focus may be on the development of people or the working
environment knowing what to emphasize, when to emphasize it, what and when to delegate,
HRM is a process of making the efficient and effective use of human resources so that the set
goals are achieved. HRM is thus a management function that helps managers to recruit, select,
train and develop members for an organisation. HRM is concerned with people’s dimension
in organisations.
a. HRM Involves the Application of Management Functions and Principles. The functions
and principles are applied to acquiring, developing, maintaining and providing remuneration
to employees in organisation.
d. HRM Functions are not confined to Business Establishments Only but applicable to non-
business organisations such as education, health care, recreation and like. HRM refers to a set
of programs, functions and activities designed and carried out in order to maximise both
(I)Deciding what staffing needs and whether to use independent contractors or hire employees
(iv) Ensuring your personnel and management practices conform to various regulations.
8.2.1Definition
HRP is the process of determining manpower needs and formulating plans to meet these needs
● Attract and retain the number of people required with the appropriate skills, expertise and
competencies;
● Develop a well-trained and flexible workforce, thus contributing to the organisation’s ability
Definition
Definition of Job Analysis Job analysis is a systematic analysis of the behaviour required to
carry out a task with a view to identifying areas of difficulty and the appropriate training
techniques and learning aids necessary for successful instruction. It can be used for all types
Designing the Job In designing the job one has to start by:
1. Identifying the use to which the information will be put: This will determine the type of
data you collect and the technique you use to collect them
relation to other jobs, and its requirements for competent performance are essential
information needed for a job evaluation. This information can be had by reviewing available
background information such as organisation charts, class specification and the existing job
descriptions ITQ 1: What is job analysis? which provide a starting point from which to build
3. Selection of Jobs for Analysis: To do job analysis is a costly and time-consuming process.
undergone undocumented changes in job content. The request for analysis of a job may
originate with the employee, supervisor, or a manager. Some organisations establish a time
cycle for the analysis of each job. For example: A job analysis may be required for all jobs
4. Collection of Job Analysis Data: Job data on features of the job, requited employee
qualification and requirements, should be collected either form the employees who actually
perform a job; or from other employees who watch the workers doing a job and there by
acquire knowledge about it; or from the outside persons, known as the trade job analysis who
5. Processing the Information: Once job analysis information has been collected, the next
step is to place it in a form that will make it useful to those charged with the various personnel
functions. Several issues arise with respect to this. First, how much detail is needed? Second,
can the job analysis information be expressed in quantitative terms? These must be considered
properly.
6. Preparing Job Descriptions and Job Classifications: Job information which has been
collected must be processed to prepare the job description form. It is a statement showing full
details of the activities of the job. Separate job description forms may be used for various
activities in the job and may be compiled later on. The job analysis is made with the help of
these description forms. These forms may be used as reference for the future.
7. Developing Job Specifications: Job specifications are also prepared on the basis of
placed on the job. It specifies the standard by which the qualities of the person are measured.
Job analyst prepares such statement taking into consideration the skills required in performing
Recruitment forms a step in the process which continues with selection and ceases with the
placement of the candidate. It is the next step in the procurement function, the first being the
manpower planning. Recruiting makes it possible to acquire the number and types of people
necessary to ensure the continued operation of the organisation. Recruiting is the discovering
The factors that attract employees to an organisation can be classified as internal and external
• Turnover rates
• External cultural factors. For instance, example, women may not be recruited in certain
• Economic factors: such as a tight or loose labour market, the reputation of the enterprise
in the community as a good pay master or otherwise and such allied issues which
determine the quality and quantity of manpower submitting itself for recruitment
• Political and legal factors also exert restraints in respect of nature and hours of work for
Employee’s appraisal system may be considered one of the indicators of the quality of Human
employees‟ appraisal is not only the necessary basis of successful employee performance
management, but also provides valuable information for other human resource management
Relationship.
his present job and what his strong and weak points are.
3. Training and Development: Performance appraisal gives an idea about strengths and
4. Feedback: Performance appraisal gives an idea to each employee where they are, how
they are working, and how are they contributing towards achievement of organisational
objectives.
better performance.
8.6 Training and Development
Definition
According to Obisi (2001) training is a process through which the skills, talent and knowledge
of an employee is enhanced and increased. He argues that training should take place only when
the need and objectives for such training have been identified
Types of Training
There are two major types of training, on-the -job training and off- the -job training
mentors' to help employees adjust to their work and to equip them with appropriate job related
skills Armstrong (1995) argues that on-the-job training may consist of teaching or coaching
Off-the-job Training - According to Ejiogu (2000) off-the-job training would include lecture,
vestibule training, role playing, case study, discussion and simulation Armstrong (1995) listed
group exercises, team building, distance learning, outdoor and workshops as part of off-the-
job training.
Definition
Succession planning assesses the likely turnover in key posts, identifies suitable candidates to
fill these posts in future, and ensures that they have the right training and exposure for their
future work. Given the effort and support required for undertaking succession planning, it is
normally confined to the directorate and those ranks immediately below, plus any grades with
Succession planning is a very important exercise because it minimizes the impact of turnover
in these key ranks and gives a branch or department early warning of any skill shortages or
likely difficulties in finding suitable candidates. Ideally a succession plan should cover 3 to 5
• causes of turnover
• posts for which no apparent successor exists and the remedial action planned
9.0 Marketing Management for SMEs
Marketing can be defined as internal and external, individual and corporate, goal directed
activities in which businesses engage in with the aim of satisfying customers’ wants and needs.
Marketing creates time, place and possessions, it arranges for production and making goods
‘’Kings’’. The interest and desires of consumers must always be taken into consideration in
bringing out product or any business activities. The basic idea behind marketing concept is
consumer orientation. The planning and operation of the organisation must be consumer
oriented i.e. having the consumers at the centre of the mind while planning. It is assumed that
Product Development: This must suit the needs and preferences of the consumers
Planning and Organisation: Plan and organise a marketing programme before offering
Consumer Orientation: This is the concept of marketing which begins and ends with the
needs and wants of the consumers rather than that of the organisation.
Consumer Sovereignty
This concept states that consumers are always right. This is the supremacy the consumers have
in determining what a firm has to produce. A firm can only determine the needs and wants of
Product Price
Place Promotion
A product can be described as anything that satisfies the needs of a target client. The term is
generally used to describe all the goods and services offered in exchange for monetary value.
Products therefore, are bundles of attributes, features, functions, benefits, delivery and services
that can be either tangible (physical goods) or intangible (service benefits) or a combination
of both
CORE: This is the reason why the client wants to pay for the product. This also refers to the
ability to satisfy the intrinsic need of the client. It reflects the client’s perception of importance
in this regard.
ACTUAL: This refers to the specific features that characterize what the client is buying.
AUGMENTED: This refers to how the client receives the product-the packaging. This also
To illustrate the three components, as mentioned above in ‘’Bottled Water’’ as a product, the
CORE: Provision of chilled water to quench thirst. This will eventually restore someone to
normalcy
ACTUAL: this refers to the terms and conditions of the purchase. This refers to the price of
the commodity
AUGMENTED: This refers to how the client receives the product, the packaging. This also
Product Development is seen as the process of improving existing products or developing new
products either for the banks’ existing clients or for new types of clients.
complaint and suggestion database can capture and process these ideas.
information. Because former clients have less to lose than existing costumers, their
• INSIDERS: Observation and intuition can be generators of product ideas. Field staff
have ample opportunity to observe customers and prospective customers; the insight of
• OUTSIDERS: Consultants, donors, researchers and other visitors may generate good
ideas, especially if they have spent time working with other banks. The fresh perspective
9.5 PRICING
A price is the value or sum of amount at which a supplier of product or service and a buyer
agree to carry out an exchange transaction. The price of a product of a given quantity is the
amount of money a buyer must give the seller for a specific quantity of the product. It must be
stated that price is the only element in the marketing mix that yields revenue, others produce
costs. Price can be described as the amount for which a product or service is exchanged, or
Loss Leader Policy: This is a type of pricing in which the business deliberately sells one of
its products at a price that is below cost in order to attract customer to buy their products.
Fixed Margin Policy: This is the type of pricing policy whereby the business add a constant
mark- up percentage to its cost or fix its gross profit at a constant margin of its selling price.
Composite pricing policy: This is the pricing policy in which business uses a combination of
its own cost and the prices charged by its competitors to fix price. e.g. a business may say its
One price policy: This is a pricing policy in which the business resolves to sell its products to
all buyers at the same price irrespective of the purchasing power of the buyer.
Differential pricing Policy: This is the opposite of one price policy. It involves charging
different grade of customers different prices. These differentials can be as a result of graduated
Follow the Leader: This is the pricing policy in which the business do not fix its own prices
Cost of production
Quality of substitutes
Changes in legislation
Penetration pricing policy: This is the pricing policy used to enable a new product just
introduced into the market to gain wide spread acceptance. It is very useful when the product
faces equally powerful substitutes in the market and customers can only patronize it if a lower
price is charged. For this policy to be effective, it must be possible to achieve cost reduction
determinant of pricing decision. The most common approach is referred to as full cost- plus
pricing.
Product Position: The manner in which a business positions its product determines its pricing
decision.
It will be paradoxical for business to tag its product as high quality and the place a low price
on it.
Product Life Cycle: The stage a product has attained in its life cycle is a major determinants
of pricing decision. For example, it is rational to price a young product at low in order to
expand its market share while a product at decline stage should be at a high price to so as to
maximize profit.
Corporate policy and objectives: Organizations corporate and marketing objectives plays a
major role in its pricing policy. For example, a business that has a policy of high- quality
product would reflect it in its pricing policy or a policy for effective market strategy.
Aggregate Demand: This means the total sum of goods and services demanded by
individuals. The higher the demand for goods and services, the higher the price and vice versa.
Price of Competing Brands: In determining the price of goods and services, organizations
normally consider the price of competing brands. This factor is mostly considered by
• Price plays an important role in the marketing mix of a service because pricing attracts
revenue to the business which has a direct impact on the profitability of the business.
• Pricing decisions are significant in determining the value for the customer.
• Pricing gives a perception of quality i.e. the price charged for service signals to
• If the prices are too low that it is attracting undesirable kinds of customers who have no
• If prices are two high compared to those charged by competitors and relative to the
• If the SME price is reflecting negatively on the business image and its product
9.6 DELIVERY SYSTEM (PLACE)
9.6.1 Definition
This is defined as various elements, including channels, procedures and processes businesses
SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS
Direct Marketing
effectively
INDIRECT MARKETING
reports
9.6.3 CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
Channel 2: Producer-----Agent-----Consumer
Channel 3: Producer—Wholesaler—Retailer---
Consumer
Channel 4: Producer—Agents—Wholesaler—
Retailer—Consumer
Nature of the Product: Consumer goods that are of low value would probably have longer
channels of distribution while industrial or durable goods are likely to have direct channels of
distribution.
Nature of the market: A market with many existing and potential customers would require
the use of intermediaries to reach the customers while a market with few customers would
Resource Availability: A firm with adequate financial and human resources would prefer to
deal directly with final customers while the one with inadequate financial resource would
Cost of the channel: In choosing the channel of distribution, a firm must consider the cost
9.7.1 Definition
Promotional Mix comprises personal and non- personal forms of communication used by
organizations to create awareness of their products and services. It consists of the specific
blend of advertising personal selling, sales promotion and public relations tools, that the
➢ Advertising
➢ Personal Selling
➢ Sales Promotion
➢ Public relations
➢ Publicity
➢ Branding
9.7.2 Advertising
This can be defined as any paid form of non- personal communication which is directed to the
customers or target audience through various media in order to present and promote products,
services and ideas. Advertising informs, educates and persuades people to buy the advertised
ADVERTISING MEDIA
Advertising media are means through which information concerning goods and services are
-Television
-Radio
-Cinema
-Billboards
-Catalogues
Personal selling involves the direct personal contact of sellers with the potential buyers with
view to making sales. It can also be referred to as face-to-face meeting of the salesman with
the potential buyers in their houses, officers or market place e.g. door-to-door selling. It is
Sales promotion can be defined as any activity that is used to stimulate sales of a product. It is
a special promotion technique designed to encourage brand patronage. Sales promotion may
• Consumer promotions
• Trade promotions
The following are examples of consumer promotions.
-Premium Offer
-Competitions
-Trade Fairs
Trade Promotions
• Free Goods
• Special discounts
• Co-operative Advert
9.7.5 PUBLICITY
Publicity can be defined as news about products or companies, appearing in the form of
editorial material with cost to the sponsor in the press, on radio or television.
USES OF PUBLICITY
• Photographs
• Feature stories
• News conference
• Work visits
9.7.6 Branding
Branding is a general term covering brand names, designs, trademarks, symbols which may
be used to distinguish one firms’ product from that of another. Branding is the act of giving a
distinctive label or name to a product. The brand name may be registered as a trade mark, thus
protecting it from competitors. The main aim of branding is to distinguish one manufacturer’s
The fact that SMEs have not made the desired impact on the Nigerian economy in spite of all
the efforts and support of succeeding administrations and governments gives a cause for
concern. It underscores the belief that there exists fundamental issues or problems, which
confront SMEs but which hitherto have either not been addressed at all or have not been
wholesomely tackled.
1. Inadequate, inefficient, and at times, non-functional infrastructural facilities, which tend to
escalate costs of operation as SMEs are forced to resort to private provisioning of utilities such
3. Lack of easy access to funding/credits, which can be traceable to the reluctance of banks to
extend credit to them owing, among others, to poor and inadequate documentation of business
proposals, lack of appropriate and adequate collateral, high cost of administration and
4. Discrimination from banks, which are averse to the risk of lending to SMEs especially start-
ups
6. Uneven competition arising from import tariffs, which at times favour imported finished
products
development
8. High dependence on imported raw materials with the attendant high foreign exchange cost
those in authority. 10.Unfair trade practices characterised by the dumping and importation of
by the effect of globalisation and trade liberalization, which make it difficult for SMEs to
usage, processing and retrieval, personnel management, accounting records and processing,
etc. arising from the dearth of such skills in most SMEs due to inadequate educational and
technical background on the part of the SME promoters and their staff.
12. High incidence of multiplicity of regulatory agencies, taxes and levies that result in high
cost of doing business and discourage entrepreneurs. This is due to the absence of a
harmonized and gazetted tax regime, which would enable manufacturers to build in recognized
13. Widespread corruption and harassment of SMEs by some agencies of government over
14. Absence of long-term finance to fund capital assets and equipment under project finance
for SMEs
15. The lack of scientific and technological knowledge and know-how, i.e. the prevalence of
ii. Lack of process technology, design, patents, etc., which may involve payment of royalties,
iii. Lack of technical skills in the form of technological and strategic capability
iv. Inability to meet stringent international quality standards, a subtle trade barrier set up by
example is the impending ban of marine foods, vegetables, fruits and other agricultural
v. The inability to penetrate and compete favorably in export markets either because of poor
quality of products, ignorance of export market strategies and networks or lack of appropriate
mechanism and technology to process, preserve and package the products for export.
16.Lack of initiative and administrative framework or linkage to support and sustain SMEs’
intellectual resource
17.Lack of appropriate and adequate managerial and entrepreneurial skills with the attendant
lack of strategic plan, business plan, succession plan, adequate organisational set-up,
transparent operational system, etc. on the part of many founders and managers of SMEs in
Nigeria. As a fallout of this, many of the SME promoters purchase obsolete and inefficient
equipment thereby setting the stage ab initio for lower-level productivity as well as
substandard product quality with dire repercussions on product output and market penetration
and acceptance.
18.Lack of suitable training and leadership development. In spite of the fact that training
institutions abound in Nigeria, they rarely address the relevant needs of SMEs especially in
Enterprises. Essentially, SMEs are left most often on their own to eke out success amidst the