Project Abstract

Abstract
Co-operatives are unique business entities that operate based on the principles of cooperation, democratic control, and member ownership. One of the key challenges faced by co-operatives is securing adequate financing to support their operations and growth. This research project aims to explore the various methods of financing available to co-operatives, including traditional bank loans, government grants, member contributions, and alternative sources such as impact investors and crowdfunding. The study will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each financing option, considering factors such as cost, risk, flexibility, and alignment with co-operative values. By examining case studies of successful co-operatives that have effectively utilized different financing strategies, the research will provide practical insights and recommendations for co-operatives looking to optimize their financial structure. Furthermore, the research will investigate the role of financial education and capacity-building programs in helping co-operatives improve their financial management practices and access to financing. By conducting surveys and interviews with co-operative members, managers, and financial experts, the study will assess the current level of financial literacy within the co-operative sector and identify areas for improvement. In addition, the research will explore the impact of external factors such as regulatory frameworks, market conditions, and social trends on the financing options available to co-operatives. By understanding the broader economic and social context in which co-operatives operate, the study aims to provide recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to create a more supportive environment for co-operative financing. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge on co-operative financing by providing a comprehensive analysis of the various funding sources and strategies available to co-operatives. By offering practical recommendations and insights based on empirical evidence and case studies, the study aims to support co-operatives in achieving financial sustainability and fulfilling their social and economic objectives.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In this world it is known that professions have remarkable features that differentiation them from other professions depending on the effectiveness of the profession.

The layman’s idea about a profession is the nature of the job carried out by the members of the profession and its importance to the society. This is the reason it is mostly agreed that medicine and law are the only professions existing before the advent of the industrial revolution.

In recent past, secretarial profession was not regarded medicine and law irrespective of the indispensability of its service to the survival and growth of any organization.

Secretarial profession requires expertise training education and moral conduct. The position of secretaries then was not something to write home about, in a research carried out by carr-saunders (1964) confirmed the deteriorating social position of secretaries at that period when the issue of whether or not secretaries deserve the more honour to be consulted when matters affecting the conditions of their services are made. Secretaries were then regarded by people as more servant”.

Secretarial profession was the product of commercial school with in that period, those who attended commercial schools, were regarded as secretaries but in actual sense they ware typists.

However curriculum used in training of secretaries at the advent of industrial revolution changed to new techniques and equipment. Carr- Saunders (1964) also stated that the rise of the secretarial profession took place almost in our own time and may be traced down to profound changes which have come over the educational world.

Secretarial profession in Nigeria today is distinguished as one of the profession that exist as a result of its immense contributions to commercial social and political growth of any nation. It is generally conceived as an instrument for achieving national growth, more so now that there is urhant need for it.