Learning the Business of Microfinance
A CD ROM-based Microfinance Distance Learning Course
A new distance learning course intended to make basic knowledge
of microfinance accessible around the globe is now available from
the United Nations Capital Development Fund's Special Unit for Microfinance.
The course explores why and how microfinance operations grow to
provide financial services to poor and low-income people on a sustainable
basis. The course brings together advice and best practices from
successful practitioners and institutions around the world, from
Latin America to Africa to Asia and the Arab States.
The course was designed for working professionals who need to balance the demands of the job with new learning experiences. Staff of microfinance operations will find this course useful — a chance to step back and see how their work fits into global microfinance initiatives. New staff of agencies working in development or staff engaged in other fields can expand their knowledge of microfinance as an important development effort. Students will find this course complementary to their academic pursuits in economics, finance, business and international development.
The course curriculum, presented on a CD-ROM, is user-friendly, inter-active and attractively presented. Using the main menu as a road map, an expert narrator guides the student through eleven modules. .Case studies come alive as customers talk about microfinance services and products. Students interview staff members, the board and management of different microfinance institutions to assess the institutional strengths and challenges for growth. Exercises and computer graphics make financial statements easy to understand and analyze.
The Microfinance Distance Learning Course comes in a package with two CD-ROMs -one contains the Computer-Based Instruction, and the other a selection of reading to accompany the eleven lessons. A workbook is included that explores the topics in more depth, offering practice questions and solutions.
The University of Washington is now offering a course for university credit designed as an introduction to microfinance. The course is a 3-credit, graduate-level course, sponsored by the Evans School of Public Affairs. The course is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as practitioners, donors and others desiring a course for university credit.
The course retails to the public for US $49.95. A Guided Tour CD-ROM that provides sample course material is available free of charge through UNCDF by contacting distancelearning@uncdf.org or Fax (+1 212) 906-6479.
The course is available through the following distributors:
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Publications can be ordered from your local distributor or directly through: United Nations Publications (New York) United Nations Publications (Geneva) United Nations Bookshop Postage and handling: For faster service please fax, e-mail or call-in your orders. |
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Orders from Pact Publications
can be made by online secure payment at our website, www.pactpublications.com.
Orders can also be placed by telephone
Shipping within the United States by UPS Ground is $5 for the first book, and $2 for each additional book. International shipping charges vary by location and method of shipment. Consult the PACT website for full details. |
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