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


Volume 5 Issue 1 January - April 2025

Research Paper

Challenges of Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) on Fiscal Management of Public Funds in Ministry Departments

Mateo Kanthunkako*
DMI St- John the Baptist University, Mangochi, Malawi.
Kanthunkako, M. (2025).Challenges of Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) on Fiscal Management of Public Funds in Ministry Departments. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.26634/jecom.5.1.21261

Abstract

This study examines the challenges of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) on fiscal management of public funds in ministry departments in Malawi. It also evaluates how public financial management systems can be improved through greater transparency and more equitable resource allocation. The study emphasizes the need for reforms that enhance the transparency of fiscal activities and ensure that resource distribution is aligned with the priorities of government departments. The research objectives were to identify challenges faced by IFMIS users, analyze optimal resource allocation, and determine the overall impact of IFMIS on public financial management. Data was collected using questionnaires from 50 respondents across various departments. The results showed that lack of training, coordination, and delays in civil servant salaries were the primary challenges. Recommendations include intensive training for personnel and improvements in network infrastructure to optimize the system's effectiveness.

Research Paper

The Impact of Word Choice in Business Coaching

Adedayo Ogunleye*
Adedayo Ogunleye Business Coaching Academy (AOBC Academy), Oyo, Nigeria.
Ogunleye, A. (2025). The Impact of Word Choice in Business Coaching. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(1), 6-18. https://doi.org/10.26634/jecom.5.1.20990

Abstract

A major construct that underpins a successful business coaching session is communicating properly with the right kind of words. This study examines the significance of the words the business coaches use in their coaching sessions in a sample of 150 professional coaches and their effect on the outcomes of coaching sessions through a mixed-method approach. It uses both the quantitative analysis of surveys and performance metrics and the qualitative transcription of coaching sessions and interviews with the coaches and coachees. The research shows that coachees who are talked to by their coach using positive and uplifting language tend to be much more motivated and engaged. When coaches use solution-focused and growth-oriented vocabulary, coachees benefit from a more productive coaching experience and show tangible performance improvements. When coaches use more negative or vague language, coachees tend to report lower satisfaction with the coaching and less progress. This research highlights how important language precision can be in the coaching context and how coaches can maximize the helpfulness of their interventions by using particular types of words to achieve a positive and productive flow of their conversations. Such empirical evidence can enrich the coaching academic landscape by suggesting empirically valid guidelines that contribute to improving coaching communication strategies and practices coherently.

Research Paper

Assessing the Impact of Riverbank Erosion on Livelihood and Household Food Security in the Teesta Riverine Areas of Bangladesh

Md. Hazrat Ali* , Farid Uddin Khan**, Md. Redwanur Rahman***, Mst. Rinu Fatema****
* Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary, Ministry of Education, Bangladesh.
** Department of Economics, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.
*** Institute of Environmental Science, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.
**** Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh.
Ali, M. H., Khan, F. U., Rahman, M. R., and Fatema, M. R. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Riverbank Erosion on Livelihood and Household Food Security in the Teesta Riverine Areas of Bangladesh. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(1), 19-31. https://doi.org/10.26634/jecom.5.1.21354

Abstract

Riverbank erosion poses a significant threat to Bangladesh, as it is an endemic and recurrent natural hazard in our country. A study was conducted on riverbank erosion, livelihoods, riverine food security, and the response of susceptible households. A baseline investigation was conducted in four upazilas of Lalmonirhat District to assess the impact of Teesta riverbank erosion on local food availability. The results indicated that the majority of people in the study area are affected by riverbank erosion. The study utilized data from focus groups in which the heads of households in the most severely affected areas participated and survey data from 385 rural households in Bangladesh that were vulnerable to riverbank erosion. The Food Security Index (FSI) has been created to better understand household food insecurity, with 3 indicating food security is adequate, inadequate, or scarce. Approximately three out of four households have lost their homes more than three times, and 77% have lost their homes at least three times in recent years. Furthermore, agricultural production is gradually decreasing due to the loss of farmland caused by the catastrophe and its impacts. In some cases, people lose their entire homesteads, leaving them with few income opportunities and low purchasing power. As a result, they face the constant threat of a food crisis. The affected individuals employ various coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations, such as turning to cheaper or less preferred food options. Households struggling to sustain themselves through farming are adjusting and adapting. While local government authorities have implemented some programs to assist them, such as providing food aid and social safety net schemes, more support is needed due to the government's limited institutional resources and capacities. The results of this study suggested that the creation and execution of efficient rural development strategies may enhance the food security of individuals residing in Bangladeshi areas at risk of riverbank erosion.

Research Paper

Investigation on the Role of Women Village Bank on Alleviating Rural Household Financial Vulnerability: A Case Study of Mangochi Rural Area

Noel Matemba* , Hastings Kumwenda**
*-** Department of Management and Commerce, DMI-St. John the Baptist University Mangochi, Malawi.
Matemba, N., and Kumwenda, H. (2025). Investigation on the Role of Women Village Bank on Alleviating Rural Household Financial Vulnerability: A Case Study of Mangochi Rural Area. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(1), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.26634/jecom.5.1.21189

Abstract

Financial vulnerability in rural households is prevalent in many developing countries due to limited banking access, irregular incomes, and inadequate savings. Women Village Banks (WVBs), grassroots microfinance institutions led by women, play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing accessible credit, fostering financial literacy, and promoting entrepreneurship, particularly among women in remote areas. This study investigates the impact of WVBs on financial vulnerability in the Mangochi district of Malawi, focusing on income generation, savings behavior, and resilience against economic shocks. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach with surveys, in-depth interviews, and case studies, the research highlights the multifaceted contributions of WVBs to rural financial stability. A comprehensive literature review situates WVBs within the broader context of economic empowerment. The study employs rigorous data collection and analysis methods to ensure robust findings. Results indicate significant improvements in financial stability and community cohesion due to WVBs. The study concludes with recommendations to optimize the impact of WVBs, addressing issues like financial mismanagement and cultural barriers, and advocates for policies supporting sustainable rural development and gender equality.

Research Paper

A Study on Online Trading in Kanniyakumari District

Antony Pratheesha B.* , Ferusha Pearl J.**
*-** Department of Commerce, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.
Pratheesha, B. A., and Pearl, J. F. (2025). A Study on Online Trading in Kanniyakumari District. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(1), 40-46. https://doi.org/10.26634/jecom.5.1.21266

Abstract

Online trading is the act of purchasing and selling financial products on the Internet. The trader buys and sells using an online trading platform. Online trading may include trading in bonds, stocks (shares), futures, international currencies, and other financial instruments. Most people trade online through an online broker. An online broker is a brokerage firm that offers its services on the Internet. Unlike traditional brokers, the investor does not meet the broker face-to-face or via the telephone. Everything happens on the web. The online trader has much more control over trades than the traditional trader. They can execute trades considerably faster than they ever could face-to-face or over the telephone. Apart from being able to manage multiple positions simultaneously, the online trader has access to extensive data. Online brokers and other websites provide comprehensive information on companies, exchanges, and markets. The Internet has opened the door to the investment world to a wide range of people. At present, trades can be executed not only by wealthy individuals but also by those further down the socioeconomic ladder. This democratization of trading has led to the development of a plethora of educational resources, making financial literacy more attainable for aspiring traders. The rise of user-friendly mobile trading applications has significantly lowered the entry barrier, inviting even those with minimal investment experience to participate in the financial markets. The main objective of the research paper is to identify the most preferable attribute of stock traders towards stock broking firms and to analyze the problems of online stock trading. This study conducted is descriptive in nature, and the sample size used for this study is 220. The method used for this study is the primary and secondary data collection method. For collecting the data, a structured questionnaire was used in this study.

Research Paper

Customer Awareness and Perception of GST in the Automobile Sector of Kanyakumari District

Jemima Grace B.* , Ferusha Pearl J.**
* Department of Commerce, Arunachala Arts and Science College for Women, Vellichanthai, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.
** Department of Commerce, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.
Grace, B. J., and Pearl, J. F. (2025). Customer Awareness and Perception of GST in the Automobile Sector of Kanyakumari District. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(1), 47-53. https://doi.org/10.26634/jecom.5.1.21273

Abstract

This study explores customer awareness and perception of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the automobile sector of Kanyakumari District. GST, introduced to create a unified tax structure, has affected various industries, including the automobile sector, influencing pricing, demand, and consumer choices. The research aims to assess how well customers understand GST's impact on automobile purchases, their views on pricing changes post-GST, and the overall influence of the tax on their buying decisions. By examining these factors, the study seeks to highlight the level of awareness among consumers and identify any misconceptions or knowledge gaps that may exist within this sector.