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PlaNet University
About PlaNet University
PlaNet Finance offers a curriculum composed of 44 modules designed to enable microfinance institutions, regional microfinance networks, APEX institutions, formal financial institutions, donor organizations and governments to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of microfinance activity.
Six of the most important courses, which together provide the foundation for understanding the fundamental issues of the microfinance sector and the key challenges of managing a microfinance program, are provided by PlaNet Finance Japan on-line through its e-learning platform PlaNet University.
The training program is made up of self-paced lessons which are geared toward the following audiences
- field practitioners setting up a new microfinance program or improving an existing program
- donor organizations who want to understand more about the basics of microfinance programs and the challenges such programs face
- government regulators who want to provide support to the microfinance sector in their country
- a general audience interested in learning more about microfinance
Each of the six courses is offered in both an abridged and full version, in downloadable PDF format.
Note
These learning materials are offered free of charge via this website. The contents are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Any use for commercial purposes or anything other than its intended use is strictly prohibited.
Course 1:
Basic Microfinance
This module discusses the fundamentals of microfinance, such as the historical development of the sector, who the key players are, and what kinds of products and services are offered. Real-world case studies are also provided.
| Lesson 1 | Background: the microfinance environment |
|---|---|
| Lesson 2 | Institutional forms of microfinance organizations |
| Lesson 3 | Microfinance products and services |
| Lesson 4 | The regulatory environment for microfinance |
Course 2:
Setting up a microfinance program
This module discusses the key requirements and challenges of setting up a microfinance program.
| Lesson 1 | General planning |
|---|---|
| Lesson 2 | Business plans |
| Lesson 3 | Funding |
| Lesson 4 | Organizational structure |
| Lesson 5 | Human resources |
| Lesson 6 | Field goals |
| Lesson 7 | Implementing credit groups |
Course 3:
Market research for microfinance institutions
MFIs need to know the market in which they operate, the needs of their clients, and their position vis-à-vis their competitors. This module shows how to use market research techniques to gather and analyze that information.
| Lesson 1 | Basics of market research |
|---|---|
| Lesson 2 | Specifying the data to collect |
| Lesson 3 | Coordinating the research |
| Lesson 4 | Using data collection tools |
Course 4:
The viability of microfinance institutions
Setting interest rates correctly is vital for an MFI to achieve long-term success. This module shows how to determine the appropriate interest rate on loans in order to ensure the sustainability of the program and reduce the reliance on subsidies.
| Lesson 1 | Interest rate setting |
|---|---|
| Lesson 2 | Funding and subsidy dependence |
Course 5:
Financial analysis of microfinance institutions
MFIs must ensure their long-term organizational, financial and operational success. This module shows how to use financial analysis to achieve self-sustainability.
| Lesson 1 | Overview |
|---|---|
| Lesson 2 | Sources of information |
| Lesson 3 | Portfolio quality |
| Lesson 4 | Efficiency and productivity |
| Lesson 5 | Profitability and sustainability |
Course 6:
MIS for microfinance institutions
A strong management information system that provides accurate and timely information is a key factor for achieving efficiency – and often one of the most difficult and costly issues an MFI has to contend with. This module describes how to plan for and create an effective MIS.
| Lesson 1 | Components of MIS |
|---|---|
| Lesson 2 | Setting up an adequate MIS |
| Lesson 3 | The different phases to develop and implement MIS |
A special note of thanks
These learning materials were developed and translated with the help of the following volunteers
| Daichi Hirose (team leader) | Keio University, Economics Faculty |
|---|---|
| Seiko Saito (translator and reviewer) | University of London, MSc in Development, Administration and Planning |
| Noriko Osada (reviewer) | MBA, University of Washington, Seattle |
| Yuya Hashimoto (translator) | Keio University, Law Faculty |
| Mai Asaoka (translator) | Tsuda College, Liberal Arts Faculty (development studies) |
| Michiko Sugita (translator) | International Christian University, International Economics Faculty |
| Yoshie Hashimoto (translator) | Keio University, Faculty of Letters |
| Kaori Shiono | Shinsei Bank Credit Risk Division |