i-manager Publications

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

Current Issue Vol. 5 Issue 3

Assessing the Impact of Rural Microfinance on Socio-Economic Development: A Case Study of Chimwala Village, Mangochi District
Practice and Challenges of Women Enterprise Decision Making in Arba Minch City Administration
From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening AML Frameworks in Banks Amid Emerging Laundering Techniques
The Impact of Microfinance Services on the Social and Economic Empowerment of Women in Blantyre, Malawi
Gender Perspective on Labour Force Participation in India
Impact of Demonetization on Consumer's Buying Behaviour Towards Online Shopping in Nagercoil Town

Most Cited

Volume 5 Issue 3 September - December 2025

Research Paper

Assessing the Impact of Rural Microfinance on Socio-Economic Development: A Case Study of Chimwala Village, Mangochi District

Mateo Kanthunkako*

DMI-St. John the Baptist University, Mangochi, Malawi.

Kanthunkako, M. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Rural Microfinance on Socio-Economic Development: A Case Study of Chimwala Village, Mangochi District. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 1-6.

Abstract

Microfinance has been recognized as a crucial tool for fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods in rural areas by providing access to credit for small businesses and households. This study assesses the impact of rural microfinance on socio-economic development in Chimwala Village, Mangochi District. Using a mixed-methods research design, it combines primary data gathered through questionnaires from 250 rural respondents with secondary data from existing literature. Data were analyzed using SPSS, focusing on means, standard deviation, and correlation analysis. Findings reveal that microfinance institutions (MFIs) have had a significant impact on outreach, financial inclusion, borrower welfare, and economic empowerment, though challenges remain in areas such as interest rates, accessibility, and loan flexibility. The study concludes with practical recommendations for MFIs, rural communities, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to enhance the developmental role of microfinance in rural Malawi.

References

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[14]. Ledgerwood, J. (2013). Microfinance Handbook: An Institutional and Financial Perspective. World Bank Publications.

[15]. Littlefield, E., Morduch, J., & Hashemi, S. (2003). Is microfinance an effective strategy to reach the Millennium Development Goals? Focus Note, 24, 1-11.

[16]. Makina, D., & Malobola, L. M. (2004). Impact assessment of microfinance programmes, including lessons from Khula Enterprise Finance. Development Southern Africa, 21(5), 799-814.

[17]. Mayoux, L. (2001). Tackling the down side: Social capital, women's empowerment and micro-finance in Cameroon. Development and Change, 32(3), 435-464.

[18]. Morduch, J. (1999). The microfinance promise. Journal of Economic Literature, 37(4), 1569-1614.

[19]. Otero, M. (1999). Bringing development back, into microfinance. Journal of Microfinance/ESR Review, 1(1), 2.

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Research Paper

Practice and Challenges of Women Enterprise Decision Making in Arba Minch City Administration

Fikremariam Girma Obse*

Paramed College, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.

Obse, F. G. (2025). Practice and Challenges of Women Enterprise Decision Making in Arba Minch City Administration. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 7-25.

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the practice and challenges of the performance of women involved in facility enterprises. The study aimed to identify the main opportunities available to women entrepreneurs for achieving their goals. Accordingly, they identified lack of workplace, shortage of working capital, shortage of training, lack of credit facility, burden of double responsibility and absence of husband support, and poor education background as major challenges that constrained the performance of women entrepreneurs. The various institutions providing support to women, together with the current constitution, are considered as opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the study area. The study utilized descriptive cross-sectional statistics to analyze quantitative data and content analysis to compute qualitative data. The study recommended various points to address the challenges and to take advantage of the different opportunities available for improving the performance of women entrepreneurs.

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Research Paper

From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening AML Frameworks in Banks Amid Emerging Laundering Techniques

Zmarialy Yousufi* , Harikumar P. N.**

* Institute of Management in Kerala (IMK), University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

** Department of Commerce, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Yousufi, Z., and Harikumar, P. N (2025). From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening AML Frameworks in Banks Amid Emerging Laundering Techniques. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 26-38.

Abstract

Money laundering remains a global threat that undermines financial stability and erodes trust in banking systems. Banks are particularly vulnerable given their broad customer base, diverse products and services, and technology-driven operations, which expose them to reputational, operational, and legal risks. This paper synthesizes secondary data and regulatory sources to examine the money laundering risks and challenges banks face, with specific attention to technological dimensions. Building on international standards such as FATF recommendations, Basel Principles, and the EU AMLD, the study proposes a Risk-to-Resilience AML Framework that integrates core compliance measures, such as the Risk Based Approach, Customer Due Diligence, Suspicious Transaction Reporting, and Beneficial Ownership transparency, with technology adoption as a moderating factor. The findings suggest that while money laundering risks cannot be fully eliminated, banks can strengthen resilience through risk-based programs, technological innovation, and adherence to global AML standards. By linking compliance effectiveness to organizational resilience, this study contributes a novel conceptual perspective that informs both policy and practice in the evolving fight against financial crime.

References

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Research Paper

The Impact of Microfinance Services on the Social and Economic Empowerment of Women in Blantyre, Malawi

Elinart Chirwa* , Fatima**

*-** Department of Business Management & Commerce, DMI- ST Eugene University, Zambia.

Chirwa, E., and Fatima. (2025). The Impact of Microfinance Services on the Social and Economic Empowerment of Women in Blantyre, Malawi. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 39-47.

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of microfinance services on the social and economic empowerment of women in Chirimba, with a specific focus on clients of Vision Fund Malawi. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are considered an important development program across developing nations, and Malawi is no exception. The revolution of microfinance has transformed access to financial services for the marginalized population worldwide, with the shared vision of poverty alleviation and women's economic development. This research paper draws special attention to the field of financial management to critically assess the impact of microfinance services on the socio-economic empowerment of women, using the case of Vision Fund Malawi. The research examines the types of microfinance services utilized by women, evaluates their impact on income levels and business growth, and investigates changes in decision-making power and social participation. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from women beneficiaries in Chirimba, Blantyre. The findings suggest that microfinance services contribute significantly to improving women's economic independence and self-confidence, although some challenges such as repayment pressure and limited financial literacy persist. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening microfinance support systems to enhance long-term empowerment. This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on gender equality and financial inclusion in Malawi.

References

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[2]. Armendáriz, B., & Morduch, J. (2010). The Economics of Microfinance. MIT Press.

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[7]. Kalanda, A. (2006). Development of Malawi's Microfinance Regulation and Regulation. Essays on Regulation and Supervision. Opportunity International Bank of Malawi.

[8]. Khursheed, A. (2022). Exploring the role of microfinance in women' s empowerment and entrepreneurial development: A qualitative study. Future Business Journal, 8(1), 57.

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[13]. Mayoux, L. (2001). Tackling the down side: Social capital, women's empowerment and micro-finance in Cameroon. Development and Change, 32(3), 435-464.

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Research Paper

Gender Perspective on Labour Force Participation in India

Sima Gupta*

University Department of Commerce and Business Management, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.

Gupta, S. (2025). Gender Perspective on Labour Force Participation in India. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 48-52.

Abstract

The Indian labour market has several notable features such as very low female participation in the labour force, considerable regional differences and the informalization of female employment. The interplay of social, cultural, educational, and economic factors greatly influences participation of women in economic activities. The present study tries to explore the trend and gender gap in labour force participation in India in order to better understand the trends and persistent gender gaps in the labour market. The study is based on secondary data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Reports, released by MoSPI. The findings of the study highlights that for both indicators of employment, labour force participation rates and unemployment rates reveal the significant presence of wide gender gaps in India.

References

[1]. Arora, M. S. (2020). The Indian labour market: A gendered perspective. International Journal, 8(1).

[2]. Bishnu, M., Chandrasekhar, S., & Murali, S. (2024). Gender Gap and Decline in Female Labour Force Participation in India: A Joint Search Perspective. SSRN.

[3]. Costagliola, A. (2021). Labor participation and gender inequalities in India: Traditional gender norms in India and the decline in the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR). The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 64(3), 531-542.

[4]. Gupta, P., & Kothe, S. (2024). Gender discrimination and the biased Indian labour market: Evidence from the national sample sur vey. World Development Perspectives, 35, 100613.

[5]. Mehta, B. S., & Awasthi, I. C. (2019). Persisting Gender Inequality in Indian Labour Market. Institute for Human Development.

[6]. Patil, S. (2025). Gender disparities in labour force participation in India: A state-wise analysis of rural and urban trends. Journal of Economics and Trade, 10(1), 17- 24.

[7]. Ranjan, K. (2024). Trend Analysis of Female Labor Force Participation in India from 1993-94 To 2020-21. IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute.

[8]. Sanghi, S., Srija, A., & Vijay, S. S. (2015). Decline in rural female labour force participation in India: A relook into the causes. Vikalpa, 40(3), 255-268.

[9]. Verick, S. (2014). Female Labor Force Participation in Developing Countries. IZA World of Labor.

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Research Paper

Impact of Demonetization on Consumer's Buying Behaviour Towards Online Shopping in Nagercoil Town

Mary Judit A.* , Sweetlin Subi G.**

*-** Department of Commerce, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.

Judit, A. M., and Subi, G. S. (2025). Impact of Demonetization on Consumer's Buying Behaviour Towards Online Shopping in Nagercoil Town. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 53-56.

Abstract

Every economy is undergoing significant transformation in today's world. The Indian economy also witnessed many reforms and transformations such as economic reforms, technological reforms, and others. Demonetization in 2016 is also a major policy decision. After this decision, the economy everywhere is in disarray. The objectives of this study is to analyze the impact of demonetization on consumers' mode of payment method while buying products through online shopping and to analyze the impact of demonetization on consumer buying behavior. The study focuses on the consumers opting for a digitalized system of transactions as well as the impact of demonetization on the consumer buying behavior pattern. Data for the study were collected from 100 respondents using a convenience sampling method, while secondary data were sourced from journals, books, newspapers, websites, and databases. The study concludes that there is a surge in demand for online and other alternative modes of payment, such as mobile wallets, credit cards, and debit cards, aimed at demonetization because of a severe shortage of liquidity in banks, ATMs, and, in addition, in the hands of the people.

References

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[2]. Aldousari, A. A., Delafrooz, N., Ab Yajid, M. S., & Ahmed, Z. U. (2016). Determinants of consumers' attitudes toward online shopping. Journal of Transnational Management, 21(4), 183-199.

[3]. Deekshith, D., Deepa, D., & Shibin Tad, D. (2021). Online Buying Behavior A Study With Reference To Nagercoil Town. In Proceedings of the First International Conference on Computing, Communication and Control System, I3CAC, 7-8.

[4]. Deswita, D., Farisal, U., Purwanto, E., Naila, S. S., Putri, K. A. W., Putri, K. W., & Pratiwi, E. E. (2024). Digital media consumption trends and changing consumer mindsets: A case study of online shopping behavior. Jurnal Bisnis Dan Komunikasi Digital, 1(4), 8-8.

[5]. Kaur, H. (2017). Impact of demonetization on e- commerce in Indian economy. Journal of Commerce & Trade, 12(2), 59-71.

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[7]. Nongsiej, D. W. (2017). A study on the Impact of Demonetization. Journal of Management in Practice (Online Only), 2(1).

[8]. Sajannavar, S., Dharwad, J., & Tandale, P. (2022). Online Shopping–An Overview. International Journal of Computer Engineering and Applications, 15(XII), 51-56.

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Impact of Demonetization on Consumer's Buying Behaviour Towards Online Shopping in Nagercoil Town

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*-** Department of Commerce, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.

Judit, A. M., and Subi, G. S. (2025). Impact of Demonetization on Consumer's Buying Behaviour Towards Online Shopping in Nagercoil Town. i-manager’s Journal on Economics & Commerce, 5(3), 53-56.

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* Institute of Management in Kerala (IMK), University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

** Department of Commerce, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.