Talent Management as a Determinant of Firm Performance: A Conceptual Approach

This study attempted to clarify the growing concept of strategic talent management and highlights its effect on organizational performance. This study employed archival method and as such extant literature was reviewed and collated for development of propositions. These propositions were developed based on the findings from the literature. Regardless of the increasing reputation talent management has and more than ten years of discussion as well as publicity, the idea behind talent management is still vague. Huge ambiguity still exists in the meaning and latitude of the concept. The recent expression ‘talent management’ has been initiated in the last decade. The term "Talent Management" was initiated recently to provide a single solution for the issues relating to the attraction and retention of qualified workforce. Talent management is beset with misunderstandings, doubts and lack of clarity, implying that the subject is not grounded in practice and thus reinforcing why it is viewed by many experts as a puzzle. Also, the effect talent management has on the outcome of an organization remains an issue particularly wherever only high ranked staff are considered the talents in an organization. This paper advocates the continuous training of personnel to obtain the required level of capacity of employees. The work-force who is involved in the talent management program is expected to be more innovative and contribute excellently to the success of the organization

The Role of Microfinance Institutions in Financing Small Businesses

SMEs all over the world play a strong role in national development. This is attributed to the massive employment it provides to the citizenry of the country where it exists. The financing of these ‘’goose’’ which have being laying so many golden eggs has come under scrutiny by academics and practitioners. Due to the recognition accorded this very important sector, the Nigerian government established microfinance banks in the year 2007 to serve as mechanisms for financial sources for various SMEs. This study explored the roles of these micro finance banks and institutions on small and medium enterprises as well as the extent to which the small businesses have benefited from the credit scheme of microfinance banks. Primary data was obtained via interviews conducted in 15 small businesses across Lagos state with their responses summarized in tables. This study advocates the recapitalization of microfinance banks to enhance their capacity to support small business growth and expansion and also to bring to the knowledge of the management of microfinance banks and institutions the impact of the use of collaterals as a condition for granting credit to small businesse