i-manager's Journal on Economics & Commerce (JECOM)


Volume 4 Issue 3 September - December 2024

Research Paper

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Credit Rating Techniques on Loan Repayment Amidst Prevailing Economic Challenges in Malawi: A Case Study of the Mangochi NEEF Branch

Nancy Belinda Basikolo* , Hastings Kumwenda**
*-** School of Management and Commerce, DMI St. John the Baptist University, Mangochi, Malawi.
Basikolo, N. B., and Kumwenda, H. (2024). Assessment of the Effectiveness of Credit Rating Techniques on Loan Repayment Amidst Prevailing Economic Challenges in Malawi: A Case Study of the Mangochi NEEF Branch. i-manager's Journal on Economics & Commerce, 4(3), 1-11.

Abstract

This paper aims to determine if the credit rating methods used by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) can assist Malawians in repaying loans during economic hardships. This paper examines the role of NEEF in national economic growth, analyzes its credit rating techniques, evaluates staff capabilities, identifies issues, and offers solutions. Motivated by concerns over inaccurate credit assessments leading to loan write-offs, this study emphasizes the impact of credit rating on economic decline. NEEF was formed in 2014, replacing MEDF and MARDEF, with the objectives of supporting MSMEs for economic growth, reducing unemployment, improving access to finance, and alleviating poverty. Economic downturns increase the risk of loan defaults, highlighting the need to assess NEEF's credit rating strategies during recessions. Stakeholders seek insights for promoting financial stability and responsible lending. Using a mixed-methods design and simple random sampling, 36 participants were studied through both primary and secondary data sources. The findings indicate that customer creditworthiness affects loan repayment, but current assessment methods are flawed. This study recommends enhanced staff training and the adoption of advanced technologies for credit assessments.

Research Paper

Evaluating Customer Perceptions of Service Quality in Bangladesh's Hotel Sector: An Empirical Investigation

Rinu Fatema*
Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
Fatema, R. (2024). Evaluating Customer Perceptions of Service Quality in Bangladesh's Hotel Sector: An Empirical Investigation. i-manager's Journal on Economics & Commerce, 4(3), 12-25.

Abstract

Bangladesh's economy is dependent on the service sector, especially the hotel industry. In order to better understand customer satisfaction and boost business performance, hotel industry service quality must be measured. Given this significance, this study's objective is to measure the service quality of the hotel sector and customer satisfaction. This study used random sampling in the case of choosing tourist destination hotel customers. Customers of Bangladesh's one- to five-star hotels provided data for the study, which uses a quantitative methodology. This study used the SERVQUAL model, which has five dimensions: tangibility, reliability, assurance, responsiveness, and empathy. By reviewing various literature, it also added four more dimensions: prices, location, access, and service recovery. Reliability tests of items, frequency analysis, and a gap analysis between perceptions and expectations were carried out based on a questionnaire survey of 400 hotel patrons. This study's findings show that sample hotels' overall service quality is rated at -1.09. In every SERVQUAL dimension, visitors' perceptions of the quality of the services received fell short of their expectations. The expectations of the guests have not been met by the hotels in the sample. According to this study's findings, the management of a few chosen hotels should be aware of what visitors expect from them, standardize pertinent services in line with those expectations, establish appropriate guidelines, and provide the necessary resources to help them close the gaps between perception and expectation and improve customer satisfaction.

Research Paper

A Study on Customer Segmentation Analysis at Swachanda.in

Limbani Masano*
Andhra University School of International Business, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Masano, L. (2024). A Study on Customer Segmentation Analysis at Swachanda.in. i-manager's Journal on Economics & Commerce, 4(3), 26-38.

Abstract

This study provides key insights into Swachanda, an online learning platform, focusing on user demographics, engagement behaviors, course preferences, motivations, and satisfaction levels. Through a comprehensive analysis of internal platform data and external industry reports, this study identifies key segments within the platform's user base, including students, and professionals. The findings reveal a youthful, predominantly female, and highly educated user base, with high demand for Science & Engineering and Business & Management courses. Users value affordability and recognized certifications, and most are likely to recommend the platform. Recommendations include expanding course offerings, optimizing the mobile experience, enhancing community features, and strengthening partnerships. These strategies aim to improve user satisfaction and position Swachanda for continued success in the competitive online learning market.

Research Paper

Amazon Online Shopping among College Students

Dharma Ragini R.* , Reka R.**
*-** Department of Commerce and Research Centre, Vivekananda College, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ragini, R. D., and Reka, R. (2024). Amazon Online Shopping among College Students. i-manager's Journal on Economics & Commerce, 4(3), 39-43.

Abstract

E-commerce is where consumers place an online order for goods or services. In most cases, the transaction also takes place online. Internet usage is heavily driven by online purchasing, and an increasing number of people are becoming more comfortable making purchases online. Venture capital funds are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in this industry, and Indian consumers are increasingly demonstrating trust in online shopping. Books, electronic devices, train and airline tickets, clothing, gifts, cell phones, computer accessories, CDs, and audio cassettes are among the items that many Indians buy. As a result of growing investment and the rising trend among college students toward online shopping, this study was conducted. The main aim of this study is to examine customer attitudes toward Amazon online shopping and the difficulties customers face while using Amazon. For data analysis, percentage analysis and t-tests were used to interpret the findings. This study investigates the actual situations of 120 respondents based on questionnaire surveys and case analyses. This study recommends that digital marketers focus more on email marketing. It reports that while a larger segment of respondents is influenced by social media, only a smaller portion is attracted by email marketing. The challenges faced by college students in Amazon online shopping were analyzed using a t-test. The analysis revealed that "lack of awareness," "high prices," "high delivery charges," "issues related to product quality," and "poor product descriptions" were significant, as the respective t-tests were significant at the five percent level. Therefore, these variables significantly impact the challenges faced in Amazon online shopping. Amazon can improve customer satisfaction by offering better-quality products at reasonable prices with minimal delivery charges.

Research Paper

Pharmacoeconomics, Economics and Humanistic Outcomes

Rehan Haider* , Asghar Mehdi**, Geetha Kumari Das***, Zameer Ahmed****, Sambreen Zameer*****
* Department of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Pakistan.
** Department of Pharmacology, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Air University, Karachi, Pakistan.
*** OPJS University, Rajasthan, India.
****-***** Department of Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
Haider, R., Mehdi, A., Das, G. K., Ahmed, Z., and Zameer, S. (2024). Pharmacoeconomics, Economics and Humanistic Outcomes. i-manager's Journal on Economics & Commerce, 4(3), 44-57.

Abstract

Pharmacoeconomics is a branch of health economics that evaluates the prices and results of pharmaceutical products and services. It entails studying the monetary effect of various healthcare interventions, treatments, and guidelines to optimize aid allocation and improve patient effects. One important factor in pharmacoeconomics is its consciousness of both monetary and humanistic consequences. Financial consequences in pharmacoeconomics embody cost effectiveness, value-benefit analysis, and price minimization analysis. These metrics evaluate the economic implication of healthcare interventions, comparing the costs incurred with the benefits gained in terms of stepped-forward health outcomes. By assessing the monetary efficiency of various treatment options, policymakers and healthcare carriers could make informed choices about aid allocation, making sure that confined healthcare sources are used effectively. However, humanistic results in pharmacoeconomics emphasize the patient's first-class quality of life, delight, and usual well-being. Those outcomes cross past conventional economic measures, the non-public stories and options of patients. Humanistic effects may additionally include elements including pain relief, functional popularity development, and psychological well-being. By incorporating those affected person-focused consequences into pharmacoeconomic critiques, policymakers and healthcare providers can better understand the actual global effect of healthcare interventions on sufferers' lives.