Organisational Development ... Building capacity NASFAM Cormecial NASFAM supports the continued strengthening of its member associations to operate as successful business “franchises” within the NASFAM system. A business model which was developed by associations as part of a detailed strategic planning process underpins Association development. Capacity support to Associations and their members to effect the business model falls under four main headings, covering institutional, business, production and financial capacities Institutional Development NASFAM supports the ability of member Associations to implement their business plans and put into place the operating systems, training programs and procedures that are needed to support the overall growth and strengthening of the organization. The institutional development unit is directly responsible and accountable for the performance of NASFAM associations within the targets laid out in business and work plans. Business Development The key to the NASFAM system is the ability of each association within the system to operate as a successful business. Each must continue to generate and expand its own services in order to sustain itself and contribute to the system. NASFAM gives strong emphasis on assisting each association to realise its business capacity, working with all NASFAM associations to develop and put into place their individual strategies for growth and to design the approaches that each will take to putting the NASFAM franchise model into place. NASFAM assists in preparation of in-depth strategic business plans for each association within the system and identification and delivery of business training activities required to support plan implementation. Audit & Financial Systems Associations are particularly vulnerable to financial mismanagement due to both human resource and infrastructure constraints (e.g. lack of banking, communication, transportation and security services). Low literacy and numeracy levels amongst association membership restrict effective leadership and management oversight of financial operations and personnel. Seven regionally-based financial advisors currently work hand-in-hand with association staff and leaders to develop their financial management skills and help them to deal with the expanding financial challenges of their business. NASFAM also runs, in conjunction with the University of Malawi Polytechnic, an intern program to support placement of interns as needed to augment capacity during peak times.