Category: Class Assignment Questions and Answers

De Wit, B (2020), Strategy, An International Perspective; 7th edition, Cengage Learning EMEA, Andover, Hampshire
Jan 11

De Wit, B (2020), Strategy, An International Perspective; 7th edition, Cengage Learning EMEA, Andover, Hampshire

De Wit, B (2020), Strategy, An International Perspective

Summary of the Book

Bob de Wit’s renowned text, Strategy, is built on the principle that mastering the subject requires engaging with the diverse and often opposing perspectives within the field. Acknowledging the complexity of answering the question “what is strategy,” the author guides readers through contrasting viewpoints to stimulate discussion and debate. Additionally, real-world case studies emphasize the significance of strategy in business contexts. By placing students at the core of strategic debates, the text fosters essential qualities such as creativity, adaptability, independent thinking, and deep analytical skills necessary for developing strategic expertise.

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Table of Contents

Section I – Strategy

  1. Introduction
  2. Strategizing
  3. Missioning and Visioning

Section II – Strategy Content

  1. Business-Level Strategy
  2. Corporate-Level Strategy
  3. Network-Level Strategy

Section III – Strategy Process

  1. Strategy Formation
  2. Strategic Change
  3. Strategic Innovation

Section IV – Strategy Context

  1. The Industry Context
  2. The Organizational Context
  3. The International Context

Section V – Cases

  1. Zara: Fast Fashion in the Digital Age
  2. Bitcoin: A Disruptive Innovation or a Bubble Set to Burst?
  3. ‘Compassion vs Competitiveness’ Dilemma at Novo Nordisk
  4. Amazon.com’s Business Model and Its Evolution
  5. Alphabet Inc.: Reorganizing Google
  6. Renault-Nissan Alliance: Will Further Integration Create More Synergies?
  7. Time for a Change at The Change Foundation
  8. Federated Co-Operatives Limited: Change Management
  9. Netflix Inc.
  10. Tesla Motors’ Business Model Configuration
  11. Ricardo Semler: A Revolutionary Model of Leadership
  12. Huayi Brothers: Strategic Transformation

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Apr 03

African Traditional Justice System, Nigeria In Perspective

Introduction

Nigeria has a rich traditional justice system that dates back to pre-colonial times. The traditional justice system is deeply rooted in the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the Nigerian people. The traditional justice system operates alongside the modern justice system, and in some cases, it is the preferred means of resolving disputes, especially in rural communities. This book will provide an overview of the traditional justice system in Nigeria, including its history, structure, principles, and practices.

History of Traditional Justice System in Nigeria

The traditional justice system in Nigeria predates colonialism and is deeply rooted in the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Prior to the arrival of the British, each ethnic group had its own system of justice, which was administered by traditional rulers, elders, and village councils. These systems of justice were based on the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.

However, with the introduction of British colonial rule, the traditional justice system was undermined and replaced with a western-style justice system. The British colonial government saw the traditional justice system as inferior and barbaric and sought to replace it with a more modern and civilized justice system. This led to the erosion of the traditional justice system, which resulted in a loss of cultural identity and values.

Structure of Traditional Justice System in Nigeria

The traditional justice system in Nigeria is structured around the traditional rulers, elders, and village councils. The traditional rulers are the custodians of the traditional justice system and are responsible for administering justice in their communities. They are assisted by a council of elders, which is made up of respected members of the community who are knowledgeable about the customs, traditions, and values of the community.

The village councils are responsible for resolving disputes and conflicts that arise within the community. They operate on the principle of consensus, where all members of the council must agree on the outcome of the dispute resolution process. The traditional justice system is based on the principle of restorative justice, which seeks to restore the relationship between the parties involved in the dispute.

Principles of Traditional Justice System in Nigeria

The traditional justice system in Nigeria is based on several principles, which include:

  1. Consensus: The traditional justice system is based on the principle of consensus, where all parties involved in the dispute must agree on the outcome of the dispute resolution process.
  2. Restorative justice: The traditional justice system is based on the principle of restorative justice, which seeks to restore the relationship between the parties involved in the dispute.
  3. Community participation: The traditional justice system involves the participation of the entire community in the dispute resolution process.
  4. Customary law: The traditional justice system is based on customary law, which is the law that is derived from the customs, traditions, and practices of the community.

Practices of Traditional Justice System in Nigeria

The traditional justice system in Nigeria involves several practices, which include:

  1. Mediation: Mediation is the process of resolving disputes between parties through the intervention of a neutral third party. The mediator is usually a respected member of the community who is knowledgeable about the customs, traditions, and practices of the community.
  2. Arbitration: Arbitration is the process of resolving disputes between parties through the intervention of an impartial third party. The arbitrator is usually a respected member of the community who is knowledgeable about the customs, traditions, and practices of the community.
  3. Compensation: Compensation is the process of providing restitution or compensation to the aggrieved party. This is usually in the form of monetary compensation or restitution.
  4. Apology: Apology is the process of acknowledging wrongdoing and expressing remorse. This is an important part of the restorative justice process, as it helps to restore the relationship between the parties involved in the dispute.
Mar 31

Main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s

What do you consider the main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s?

ANSWER VERSION ONE

Since Nigeria gained independence in the 1960s, its foreign policy has been shaped by a variety of internal and external factors. Some of the main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy during this period include:

  1. Economic considerations: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been heavily influenced by its economic interests, particularly its desire to increase trade and investment with other countries. This has led to the establishment of economic partnerships and agreements with other countries and regions, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
  2. Regional leadership aspirations: Nigeria has sought to establish itself as a regional leader in Africa, particularly in West Africa. This has led to Nigeria’s involvement in various regional organizations and initiatives, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, and its promotion of regional peace and security.
  3. Ideological considerations: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been influenced by its ideological orientation, particularly during the Cold War era when it aligned itself with the non-aligned movement. Nigeria has also been an advocate for African unity and independence, and has played a leading role in various pan-African initiatives and organizations.
  4. Domestic politics: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been shaped by its domestic political dynamics, including ethnic and regional tensions, and military coups. For example, the country’s foreign policy underwent significant changes during the military regimes of the 1980s and 1990s, which were characterized by a more inward-looking approach and a focus on regional security.
  5. International pressures: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been influenced by external pressures, including pressures from other countries, international organizations, and global events. For example, Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth in 1995 was influenced by international pressure over its human rights record.

Overall, Nigeria’s foreign policy has been shaped by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, including economic interests, regional leadership aspirations, ideological considerations, domestic politics, and international pressures.

Main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s

ANSWER VERSION TWO

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, gained its independence in 1960 and since then, its foreign policy has been shaped by a variety of internal and external factors. Nigeria’s foreign policy has been driven by a complex set of determinants, including economic considerations, regional leadership aspirations, ideological considerations, domestic politics, and international pressures. This essay will explore each of these factors in detail, with reference to relevant literature and sources.

Economic considerations have been a primary driver of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s. Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa and has sought to increase its economic ties with other countries. This has led to the establishment of economic partnerships and agreements with other countries and regions, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Nigeria has also been active in promoting regional economic integration through initiatives such as the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) and the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Nigeria’s foreign policy has been driven by a desire to enhance its economic development and secure its energy resources.

Regional leadership aspirations have also been a significant factor in Nigeria’s foreign policy. Nigeria has sought to establish itself as a regional leader in Africa, particularly in West Africa. Nigeria has played a leading role in various pan-African initiatives and organizations, such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU). Nigeria has also been an active participant in the regional security architecture, including the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram. Nigeria has been driven by its desire to promote regional peace and security and to assert its leadership position in the region.

Ideological considerations have also played a role in Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s. Nigeria has been an advocate for African unity and independence, and has promoted the non-aligned movement. During the Cold War era, Nigeria aligned itself with the non-aligned movement and supported the liberation movements in southern Africa. Nigeria’s foreign policy has also been influenced by its commitment to human rights and democratic principles, particularly in its engagement with the Commonwealth of Nations.

Domestic politics have also shaped Nigeria’s foreign policy. Ethnic and regional tensions have influenced the country’s foreign policy decisions. For example, the 1967-1970 civil war in Nigeria, which was fought along ethnic lines, led to Nigeria’s decision to adopt a non-interventionist foreign policy. Nigeria’s foreign policy underwent significant changes during the military regimes of the 1980s and 1990s, which were characterized by a more inward-looking approach and a focus on regional security. Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 marked a shift towards a more active foreign policy, which sought to enhance Nigeria’s global status.

Finally, international pressures have also influenced Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s. For example, Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth in 1995 was influenced by international pressure over its human rights record. Nigeria has also been subject to international pressure over its handling of the Boko Haram insurgency and its response to the crisis in the Niger Delta. Nigeria’s foreign policy has been shaped by its engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the African Union.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s has been shaped by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, including economic interests, regional leadership aspirations, ideological considerations, domestic politics, and international pressures. These factors have driven Nigeria’s engagement with the international community, its regional leadership role, and its commitment to global issues. Nigeria’s foreign policy has evolved over time, responding to changes in the domestic and international landscape. The country’s foreign policy will continue to be shaped by these determinants

Mar 31

Analyze the post-war foreign policy of Japan

Analyze the post-war foreign policy of Japan

Japan’s post-war foreign policy was shaped by a desire to rebuild its economy, regain its status as a major power, and establish itself as a responsible member of the international community. Key features of Japan’s post-war foreign policy included its alliance with the United States, its emphasis on economic development and international trade, and its efforts to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

One of the most significant aspects of Japan’s post-war foreign policy was its alliance with the United States. Under the terms of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, signed in 1951, the United States agreed to provide military protection to Japan in exchange for access to military bases in Japan. This alliance was a key factor in Japan’s post-war economic development, as it provided a stable security environment and access to U.S. markets and technology.

Another important aspect of Japan’s post-war foreign policy was its emphasis on economic development and international trade. In the 1950s and 1960s, Japan implemented a series of policies aimed at promoting economic growth, including export-oriented industrialization and government support for research and development. By the 1970s, Japan had become one of the world’s leading economies and a major exporter of consumer electronics, automobiles, and other high-tech products.

In addition to its economic focus, Japan’s post-war foreign policy emphasized efforts to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. This included participation in regional security forums, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, and efforts to resolve territorial disputes with neighboring countries, such as China and South Korea.

Overall, Japan’s post-war foreign policy was largely successful in achieving its objectives of rebuilding its economy, establishing itself as a major power, and promoting peace and stability in the region. However, it has also faced criticism for its reliance on the U.S. alliance and its perceived lack of engagement with international security issues.

References

  • Kitaoka, Shinichi. “Japan’s Postwar Foreign Policy.” In The Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy, edited by Andrew F. Cooper, Jorge Heine, and Ramesh Thakur, 369-384. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013.
  • Mochizuki, Mike M. “Japan’s Foreign Policy.” In Routledge Handbook of Japanese Foreign Policy, edited by Saadia Pekkanen, John Ravenhill, and Rosemary Foot, 29-42. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2018.
  • Sneider, Daniel. “Japan’s Postwar Foreign Policy.” In The Cambridge Handbook of Japanese Foreign Policy, edited by Nobuo Okawara and Tadashi Yamamoto, 13-30. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017.
Mar 31

Explain the concepts of foreign policy,comparative foreign policy and national interest

Quesion: Explain the concepts of foreign policy,comparative foreign policy and national interest

 

ANSWERS

Concepts of foreign policy

Foreign policy refers to a set of principles, strategies, and actions adopted by a government to manage its relationships with other countries and international organizations. The main objectives of foreign policy include promoting national security, advancing economic interests, projecting influence and values, and fostering cooperation on global issues.

Foreign policy can be implemented through a variety of instruments, including diplomacy, military force, economic sanctions, foreign aid, and cultural exchanges. The choice of instruments depends on a country’s goals, resources, and constraints, as well as the nature of the issue or challenge at hand.

According to Robert J. Art, a prominent scholar of international relations, foreign policy can be analyzed at three levels of analysis: individual, state, and international. At the individual level, foreign policy is shaped by the personalities, beliefs, and perceptions of political leaders and decision-makers. At the state level, foreign policy is influenced by factors such as national interests, domestic politics, and bureaucratic dynamics. At the international level, foreign policy is shaped by the distribution of power, norms, and institutions in the global system.

Foreign policy can also be classified based on its orientation, such as isolationist, interventionist, realist, liberal, or constructivist. Each orientation reflects a different set of assumptions about the nature of the international system and the role of a country in it.

Foreign policy has become increasingly complex and interdependent in the 21st century, as globalization, technological innovation, and transnational challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics have blurred the boundaries between domestic and international affairs.

Concept of comparative foreign policy

Comparative foreign policy is the study of similarities and differences in the foreign policies of different countries. It involves analyzing how countries’ foreign policies are shaped by their history, culture, political institutions, economic conditions, and strategic interests, and how they interact with other countries in the international system.

The study of comparative foreign policy allows researchers to identify patterns and trends in the behavior of countries, as well as to explain why certain policies are adopted in some countries but not in others. It also helps to identify the factors that lead to successful or unsuccessful outcomes in foreign policy.

According to Frank P. Harvey and Michael Brecher, two leading scholars of comparative foreign policy, there are four main approaches to the study of comparative foreign policy: case studies, process tracing, comparative case analysis, and quantitative analysis. Case studies involve the in-depth analysis of a single country’s foreign policy. Process tracing involves identifying the causal mechanisms that explain why a particular foreign policy was adopted. Comparative case analysis involves comparing the foreign policies of two or more countries. Quantitative analysis involves using statistical methods to identify patterns and correlations in foreign policy behavior.

Comparative foreign policy has become increasingly important in the 21st century, as globalization and technological innovation have intensified interdependence and competition among countries, and as transnational challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism have become more urgent and complex.

Concept of National interest

National interest refers to the set of policies and objectives that a nation pursues to maintain and protect its sovereignty, security, and economic well-being. It is often seen as the overarching goal of a country’s foreign policy and is influenced by a variety of factors, including geopolitical considerations, economic interests, and domestic politics.

There is no one definition of national interest, as it can vary depending on the country and its specific circumstances. However, some commonly cited examples of factors that can shape a nation’s national interest include:

  • Security and defense: protecting the nation from external threats, such as military aggression or terrorism.
  • Economic growth and prosperity: promoting the development of a country’s economy and increasing its standard of living.
  • Energy security: ensuring a stable and reliable supply of energy resources, such as oil and natural gas.
  • Trade and commerce: facilitating international trade and investment to increase economic growth and opportunities.
  • Ideological or cultural values: promoting a nation’s values and principles, such as democracy, human rights, or national identity.

It is important to note that national interest can be a complex and contested concept, as different groups within a country may have differing views on what policies and objectives are in the best interest of the nation. Additionally, national interest can sometimes conflict with other values, such as international cooperation or moral principles.

Comparative Evaluation of the three concepts

In evaluating foreign policy, comparative foreign policy, and national interest, it is important to consider their interrelationship. Foreign policy is often shaped by a country’s national interest, and comparative foreign policy can help to identify similarities and differences in how countries pursue their national interests. At the same time, the pursuit of national interest can sometimes lead to tensions with other countries and can require careful consideration of the potential impacts on international relations. Therefore, effective foreign policy should balance a country’s national interests with a commitment to international cooperation and stability.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, these concepts are interrelated and play a critical role in shaping a country’s approach to international relations. Effective foreign policy should balance a country’s national interests with a commitment to international cooperation and stability. Comparative foreign policy analysis can provide insights into the drivers of foreign policy behavior and inform policy decisions. National interest should be pursued in a manner that is consistent with a country’s values and principles, and that takes into account potential impacts on international relations.

References

Art, R. J. (1980). To What Ends Military Power?. International Security, 4(4), 3-35.

Brecher, M., & Harvey, F. P. (2018). Comparative foreign policy: Theoretical essays. Routledge.
Cohen, B. J. (2018). The Making of US Foreign Policy. John Wiley & Sons.

Hill, C., & Smith, M. (Eds.). (2011). International relations and the European Union. Oxford University Press.

Nye, J. S., Jr. (2017). The Future of Power. PublicAffairs.
Hudson, V. M., & Vore, C. S. (Eds.). (2016). Foreign policy analysis: Classic and contemporary theory. Rowman & Littlefield.

Rosati, J. A., & Scott, J. M. (2019). The politics of United States foreign policy. Cengage Learning.

Mar 31

Discuss multilaterialism as a major aspect of china’s foreign policy focus

Multilateralism is a key aspect of China’s foreign policy focus, as the country seeks to promote greater cooperation and coordination among nations in addressing global challenges. This approach reflects China’s desire to play a more active role in the international community and to promote a more inclusive and equitable global order.

One example of China’s multilateralism is its engagement in the United Nations (UN) system. China is a founding member of the UN and has played an active role in many UN bodies and initiatives, including the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the World Health Organization (WHO). China has also been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, providing troops and funding to support these efforts (Hu, 2020).

China has also promoted multilateralism through regional organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The SCO is a regional security and economic organization that includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian states. China has played a leading role in the organization, advocating for greater regional cooperation on issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and energy security (Wang, 2019). Similarly, FOCAC is a platform for China to engage with African countries on a range of issues, including economic development, infrastructure, and peace and security (Zhao, 2019).

China’s focus on multilateralism is also reflected in its participation in multilateral trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). RCEP is a trade agreement between 15 Asia-Pacific countries, including China, that aims to reduce trade barriers and promote greater economic integration in the region (Li, 2020). BRI, meanwhile, is a massive infrastructure and investment initiative that seeks to promote connectivity and economic development across Asia, Europe, and Africa (Liu, 2021).

In conclusion, multilateralism is a major aspect of China’s foreign policy focus, reflecting the country’s desire to promote greater cooperation and coordination among nations in addressing global challenges. China’s engagement in the UN system, regional organizations, and multilateral trade agreements all demonstrate its commitment to this approach.

References:

Hu, J. (2020). China’s Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Practice and Challenges. China International Studies, 7(2), 67-84.

Li, L. (2020). The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: China’s Strategy for East Asian Integration. East Asia, 37(3), 221-236.

Liu, S. (2021). China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Beyond. Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, 8(1), 56-73.

Wang, L. (2019). Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Opportunities and Challenges for China. Journal of Contemporary China, 28(117), 768-783.

Zhao, Y. (2019). China’s Engagement with Africa through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Journal of Contemporary China, 28(115), 565-579.

Oct 19

Important and useful Tips to Start a Successful Business in Nigeria

How to Start a Business: 5 Keys to Start a Successful Business in Nigeria

Many people take a leap of faith every year in their career choices. They leave their nine to five jobs and begin their own business or company. While many aspire to be entrepreneurs, a few of them really know the hurdles attached to starting a successful business. There are many requirements and steps to be followed to ensure that a business in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world starts and grows successfully. I finally took the dip myself after reading numerous papers to discover how to start your own business.

1. Have a Great Business Idea

Your first and foremost task is to have a good business idea. Take your time to figure out what you really want to do and whether you can make it work. In forming your idea, make sure that you solve a problem every day, that you have a skill that you can easily do or that you already know well and that people are willing to pay for it. You can also focus on launching another successful brand as a franchise. Franchising benefits from the fact that people already know and trust the brand, so you could start generating income from day one. It is much easier. An example is starting your own branch in Nigeria with fast-food Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). People already trust the name of the brand and will enter any branch around the corner. You can proceed to draw up a business plan if you have decided on the business idea you want to start up.

2. Have a Business Plan

Next is to draw up a business plan. Your business plan will help you determine which key problem your company will be solving, how it will add value for your target customer, how you plan to achieve short-term revenues and profitability, how you plan to reach market penetration & growth, how you are raising startup capital and more. You will be focused on the goal and guided by an integrated business plan to achieve what your business has planned for. Imagine a soccer team going into an unplanned game. Imagine an army marching without planning against an enemy. Then imagine a company without a plan. It is certainly going to fail. It may not be the last plan your enterprise would be working with in the long run, but before you start your business it’s necessary to create one.

You will have to show banks and investors why they ought to invest in your business when you are looking for financing for your business. Lenders and investors only risk their time and money when they trust that your company is successful and profitable. One of the most valuable tools to help you achieve your long-term objectives is a comprehensive, thoughtful business plan. It provides you with a direction for your business, defines your targets, identifies strategies to achieve your objectives and helps you manage potential bumps. Preparing a business plan helps you to identify the goals and strategies you want to achieve. So instead of spreading yourself too thin, you can focus your resources and your energy on what you need to do. The planning process also helps you to take into account possible bumps and establish a plan to manage them better when they arise.

Developing your business plan helps you step back and see what works and can be improved on in your business. If you have employees, the planning process can provide you with a good opportunity to get feedback on ideas and improvements. Your staff will appreciate this opportunity to participate. Business planning can appear to be overwhelming and long-term. However, many successful companies see this as a chance. The planning process enables you to learn about the various forces and factors that can influence your success. It helps you step back and look at what works and what you can enhance, if you are already in business. An enterprise plan helps to give you a sense of control over your business and livelihood rather than worry about the future.

3. Choose a Location

You must determine where your business is situated after having produced a comprehensive and highly intuitive business plan. Your company must ideally be close to your target customers and not to your competition. The customer demographic and everything, must be considered when you choose to locate your business office. The location you select must be around the people who are most likely to pay for your products or services.

Ultimately, the location you choose to situate your business could determine if your business will do well or not. Make sure you find out if most of the area’s human traffic falls within your targeted consumer base. You can use location analysis tools such as Google Analytics to provide you with information such as traffic patterns and lifestyle data from those who come and go in the area for a fee. Such demographics include age, occupations, and income from households. You will be able to know how well your product will sell in that vicinity by figuring out the nearby demographics. Alternatively, by looking at where your competitors are, you can save on the cost of location analysis. Due to human traffic, fast food chains usually locate their businesses right next to each other. Seeing the location of your competitors gives you a good gage of the feasibility of doing business in the area. It’s up to you to design your business model to attract more customers.

4. Startup Capital and Legal Structure

You need a clearly defined way of running your everyday business financially, acquiring products, promoting your brand, etc. before you start your business. This requires capital to carry out. There are several ways for your business to raise startup capital, ranging from angel investors, personal finance, friends & family and many more. When you have a clear way of raising and acquiring a part of your corporate start-up capital, you can move on to determining the legal structure that is to be established. However, you need to know the different types and how they could fit you before you decide on which legal structure you want to create. If you will be mostly the only person in the company, you should be following a sole proprietorship model. If you have more than one partner in the company, you can register a partnership. This means both partners are liable to the company. You would have to set up a corporation if you want to separate your personal liabilities from the liability of your firm.

Before you register your business with the relevant governing bodies, it is important to understand the legal structure you want to form around your company. It should also be noted that most SMEs are in bankruptcy, so it is not necessary that you should start your own business. However, it is always a good idea to have measures in place to protect your new business against bankruptcy that seems to plague small businesses today. If you’re not confident about this, you can recruit a legal aid to help you.

5. Register Your Business with the Government

The next step is to register your business with the appropriate governmental agency. You would need to receive an article of association if you are registering a company. Usually, this includes plenty of business information. You would need to use a lawyer for everything when registering a limited liability company. You can simply register the company as a business if you don’t want to register a company. In Nigeria, to register a business name, you don’t have to have a lawyer. The laws are different in other parts of the world. You should register with the Federal and State Tax Offices after your company or business registration. When you register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), your tax identification number would be provided, which you will use for many other purposes such as opening a bank account for your business and much more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about the friendliness of Nigeria to start-ups and generally small enterprise businesses. Most people are of the opinion that the government does not have policies in place to support these types of businesses but factually, the federal government of Nigeria has made strides in making Nigeria a friendly environment for entrepreneurs. Once you are armed with your business ideas and you follow the key processes that I have listed above, be rest assured that you are on the right path to successfully getting your business off the ground. However, I must add that following these key processes does not in any way guarantee business success.

Feb 03

What are the major quality issues that were identified in the last State of Social Care (CSCI, 2009) standards report? What might be the implications for service users?

CSCI’s report, The State of Social Care in England 2009, concludes that services do not meet the expectations. The report is believed to highlight that social care services are struggling to meet people’s needs. Fewer people are receiving the care they need to enable them to live independent lives in their own homes. It is all so understood that the report will say there are continuing and chronic difficulties in recruitment and retention of staff throughout the whole care sector.

People, whether they pay for their care or are publicly funded, are not always getting the individualised help that they need to make decisions about their support which in the long term can be costly to individuals, family carers, councils and the NHS.

People are not always getting quality personalised support, particularly those with multiple and complex needs, some of whom may have little, if any, choice about their care. There are concerns about people who are ‘lost to the system’ because they are ineligible for publicly funded support or are ‘self-funders’.

There is an increased demand and resources are limited which is putting a lot of pressure. The report states that people who have complex needs are not getting personalised care. It notes excellent examples of people receiving the support they need but adds that too many people are not getting the right amount of personalised care.

Many people do not get the information, advice or support they need to help them make informed choices about their care.

Feb 03

Stakeholders are essential in health and social care regarding quality; discuss analysing the role of external agencies in setting standards

Stakeholder as one who is involved in or affected by a course of action. Patients are part of the stakeholder group that both pays for our health care system and are the end-user of it. The interests of health care organizations, medical professionals and other health care providers are represented through various government bodies, professional organizations and labour unions.

We must try and understand quality considering the perspectives of staff and also perspectives of those who use services. Quality might have the same outcome but opinions of the health and social care staff and the patients might be quite different.

In simple terms, quality is fitness for purpose. Quality is about meeting the service users’ requirements. If quality is about meeting service users’ requirements, it is important to discover what these requirements are. If we provide services with extras that service users don’t want, we will not be adding quality.

Stakeholders can be the external agencies eg Care Quality Commission; Supporting People; National Institute for Clinical Excellence; Health Service Commissioners; local authorities; users of services eg direct users of services, families, carers; professionals; managers; support workers.

There are many organisations in the UK known as health and social care regulators. Each organisation oversees one or more of the health and social care professions by regulating individual professionals across the UK. These organisations, also known as regulators, were set up to protect the public so that whenever you see a health or social care professional, whether private or in the NHS, you can be sure they meet the standards set by the relevant regulator.

To practise profession in health and social care, people must be registered with the relevant regulator. If they are not registered and still practise, then they are breaking the law and they may be prosecuted. These registers are made up of only those professionals who have demonstrated that they have met the standards set.

These registers are open to the public. So if you want to check your professional is registered, you can do this either online or by calling the relevant organisation.

In health and social care, professionals, clinicians and others, whose work is informed by traditional bodies of knowledge, are increasingly aware of the need for continuous personal development. High- quality services cannot be sustained unless health and care staff are consistently engaged in learning, individually and together.

All care services need to work to standards and have a system for measuring that they are meeting standards. The health care system has audits which check that services meet quality standards, while social services have inspection units which register and inspect services. Standards are influenced by laws, subsequent regulations, codes of conduct and values.

All organisations such as homes, day centres or community services, need a system to monitor how effectively services are being delivered and whether service users’ are having their needs met. Organisations may have their own quality monitoring systems. At a local level, quality assurance groups may seek to clarify, prioritise or set standards.

Different parts of the system and external agencies need to work together, as part of a culture of open and honest cooperation, to identify potential or actual serious quality failures and take corrective action in the interests of protecting patients.

Feb 03

Prepare a presentation, in which you explain ways quality can be evaluated, measured and maintained in Health and Social Care and the contribution of stakeholders

Prepare a presentation, in which you explain ways quality can be evaluated, measured and maintained in Health and Social Care and the contribution of stakeholders, external agencies and service users. You will provide speaker notes at the end of the session and include an executive summary to support the presentation.

The following points need to be addressed when preparing the presentation:

  • Explain stakeholder roles in relation to quality and standards in Health and Social Care

settings.

  • Explore the role of external agencies in setting and maintaining standards.
  • Evaluate the impact of poor quality and standards on health and social care.
  • Analyze methods for evaluating Health and Social Care quality of service provision.
  • Explain ways in which quality can be measured in health and social care.
  • Evaluate approaches to implementing quality systems
  • Analyze barriers to delivery of quality Health and Social Care services.