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1 – 10 of over 2000Ananya Hadadi Raghavendra, Siddharth Gaurav Majhi, Arindam Mukherjee and Pradip Kumar Bala
This study aims to examine the current state of academic research pertaining to the role played by artificial intelligence (AI) in the achievement of a critical sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the current state of academic research pertaining to the role played by artificial intelligence (AI) in the achievement of a critical sustainable development goal (SDG) – poverty alleviation and describe the field’s development by identifying themes, trends, roadblocks and promising areas for the future.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analysed a corpus of 253 studies collected from the Scopus database to examine the current state of the academic literature using bibliometric methods.
Findings
This paper identifies and analyses key trends in the evolution of this domain. Further, the paper distils the extant literature to unpack the intermediary mechanisms through which AI and related technologies help tackle the critical global issue of poverty.
Research limitations/implications
The corpus of literature used for the analysis is limited to English language studies from the Scopus database. The paper contributes to the extant research on AI for social good, and more broadly to the research on the value of emerging technologies such as AI.
Practical implications
Policymakers and government agencies will get an understanding of how technological interventions such as AI can help achieve critical SDGs such as poverty alleviation (SDG-1).
Social implications
The primary focus of this paper is on the role of AI-related technological interventions to achieve a significant social objective – poverty alleviation.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of a critical research domain such as AI and poverty alleviation.
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Luqyan Tamanni and Mohd Hairul Azrin Haji Besar
The purpose of this paper is to shed some lights on the process of mission drifting or abandoning poverty objective by Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFs). The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to shed some lights on the process of mission drifting or abandoning poverty objective by Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFs). The paper investigates whether the extensive use of banking logic changes IMFs, from focusing on both development and financial objectives to only considering sustainability as their primary mission.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts mixed methods by analyzing 7,200 microfinance data from Microfinance Exchange Market and reviewing annual reports and websites of 25 IMFs to examine their vision and mission statements and other related information.
Findings
The finding shows Islamic microfinance has not changed, despite increasing adoption of financial or banking performance measures. However, size and age of the institutions may affect the outcome in the future. The authors find that smaller microfinance institutions maintain genuine objective to serve the poor, as the grow larger they would be more inclined toward sustainability objectives.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited on the sample size as data on Islamic microfinance globally is limited. However, the paper looked at the global data rather than local data to compensate for this limitation. Future study would be further taking the study through qualitative methods to support the study.
Originality/value
This paper aims to shed some lights on the process of mission drifting or abandoning poverty objective by IMFIs. The paper investigates how has the extensive use of financing logic has changed IMFIs from focusing on both development and financial objectives to only considering sustainability as their primary mission. Arun and Hulme (2009) argued that the interaction of multiple logic within microfinance institutions, i.e. financial vs social, could pose some serious management dilemmas within microfinance institutions. Further, commercialization puts pressure on the field staffs to achieve financial targets and often neglect their poverty outreach mission to the poor. The well-known crisis in Andhra Pradesh, India where clients of microfinance institutions committed suicide after being shamed by field officers who tried to collect payments of loans (Mader, 2013; Taylor, 2011), provides a powerful case of the impact of financialization to microfinance clients.
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The purpose of the paper is to outline a practical perspective for testing performance in the process of institutional reform in developing countries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to outline a practical perspective for testing performance in the process of institutional reform in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The test is presented from a donor's perspective. The paper does so by introducing a framework for testing the sustainability, impact and replication of reforms, to achieve local development. These areas of performance are set against the institutional development agenda of structures, processes and contextual reforms. The test goes on to highlight the sustainable outcomes and institutional consolidation of such reforms. This is considered at community, local and central government levels.
Findings
Testing performance is an important part of United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) practice. Its current concerns for sustainability and policy impact are being enhanced by a more explicit connection between institutional reform, through decentralisation, and poverty impact.
Practical implications
The concepts outlined are designed to be of application to a donor concerned with seeking to achieve decentralisation through local development initiatives. The paper's value is as a reflection of current UNCDF policy experiments in the least developed countries (LDCs). These experiments are designed to enrich its practice and influence its partners in the field.
Originality/value
There are few normative frameworks for testing performance on institutional reform. This test is particularly acute in the LDCs, the primary focus for UNCDF work. This technical paper is an attempt to develop a framework to allow donors to test their own work concerning institutional reform, particularly at the local government level.
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Zainal Abidin, Wiwiek Rabiatul Adawiyah, Intan Shaferi and Akhmad Sodiq
Despite extensive research on supply chain management (SCM), the literature lacks a perspective to empirically assess the importance of poverty alleviation in social business…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite extensive research on supply chain management (SCM), the literature lacks a perspective to empirically assess the importance of poverty alleviation in social business. Using resources dependence theory, the purpose of this study is to analyze to ascertain whether financial innovation has a powerful solution for business sustainability and, hence, poverty alleviation in developing countries. This study reviews the financial innovations offered by Dompet Dhuafa Republika in integrated supply chain management (ISCM) of smallholder livestock business through Tebar Hewan Kurban (Spreading Sacrificial Animals) program to overcome capital and marketing problems at the farmer level and distribute Qurban meat to the recipients.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted using descriptive qualitative method. The data were obtained through a field survey, by interviewing two crowdfunding-based investment companies, 250 partner farmers, program managers and assistants, marketing partners, donors/consumers/person who sacrifice and Mustahik (recipients of Qurban meat) involved in program implementation, using purposive sampling method. Focus group discussion was conducted with selected panelists to validate the results of the field survey.
Findings
The results of this study showed that the Tebar Hewan Kurban program provides greater benefits to farmers, while increasing the distribution of Qurban meat to be more equitable. The role of moneylenders and middlemen can also be eliminated. Donors feel satisfied because their goals are fulfilled in the Qurban ritual. Program implementers and investors also got decent returns. ISCM is very feasible to be developed on a wider scale, to improve the welfare of farmers or fishermen.
Research limitations/implications
This study used a set of samples of the assisted areas from only one institution, which may lead to institution-specific results. Although the sample is small, the results of this study are expected to provide new insights into the implementation of the Qurban, which will provide more profits and benefits for partner farmers. In broader practice, the program flow is worth considering compared to similar programs in other institutions, in Indonesia or abroad. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the field survey and focus group discussion were carried out online.
Practical implications
The results show that ISCM is able to increase the income of farmers. Practically, this program can be duplicated in similar institutions, as well as in government or non-government organizations, in Indonesia and abroad, that have the same context and activity.
Social implications
This study offers several social contributions by exploring how and why ISCM can eliminate the role of moneylenders and middlemen, increasing the small farmers' income, providing reasonable profits to parties involved in marketing and satisfying donors and equitable distribution of Qurban meat.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by confirming the higher impact of ISCM in social business on poverty alleviation. Therefore, this paper provides an alternative solution to increase the income of small farmers through the supply of animals for Qurban or other religious rituals through ISCM arrangements.
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Mariana Guadalupe Vázquez-Pacho and Marielle A. Payaud
This article examines the strategic actions of multinational corporations (MNCs) in creating social value at the base of the pyramid (BoP), providing insights into novel business…
Abstract
Purpose
This article examines the strategic actions of multinational corporations (MNCs) in creating social value at the base of the pyramid (BoP), providing insights into novel business models (BMs) and tactics employed for poverty alleviation.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual article links three relevant pieces of literature – creating shared value (CSV), the three-value creation logic and the three core values of social development – to analyze the current research and real-world examples of MNCs implementing the BoP BMs.
Findings
The article identifies four strategies and 11 tactics used by MNCs to adapt BMs elements (value proposition, value constellation and value capture) and generate social value at the different levels (coverture of basic needs, self-esteem and freedom from servitude) by following the distinct value creation logics (chain, shop and network).
Originality/value
This article provides a conceptual framework that links relevant literature and sheds light on the strategic actions that MNCs apply in their BMs to tackle the multidimensionality of poverty in the BoP markets.
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This chapter critically examines the causes and effects of continuous poverty in two sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, despite various poverty alleviation strategies adopted by…
Abstract
This chapter critically examines the causes and effects of continuous poverty in two sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, despite various poverty alleviation strategies adopted by each country. It reveals the theoretical framework and the accompanying set of programmatic and policy tools for poverty alleviation in SSA.
Shabiha Akter, Md Hamid Uddin and Ahmad Hakimi Tajuddin
Performance assessment of microfinance institutions (MFIs) has long been a question of considerable research interest. The dual goals – financial performance and social…
Abstract
Purpose
Performance assessment of microfinance institutions (MFIs) has long been a question of considerable research interest. The dual goals – financial performance and social performance of MFIs widely studied yet remain unsolved in the existing literature. To assess the knowledge structure of research in this area and to aid future research, we review the literature with bibliometric analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Our study has used bibliographic data of 1,252 scientific documents indexed in the Scopus database from 1995 to 2020 (June 05). We have used the “bibliometrix” package in R language to analyze the data and illustrate the findings.
Findings
We find that there has been an increasing trend in publications, especially from 2006 onwards. Various bibliometric indicators allow us to follow the progression of knowledge along with identifying the most contributing and impactful authors, publication sources, institutions and countries. We illustrate the major research themes and identify that “poverty alleviations”, “group lending” and “credit scoring” are the major emerging and specialized themes besides the basic research evolved around “microfinance” or “microcredit”. Our further analysis of thematic evolution over different time frames reveals that “financial performance” aspect is getting more attention in recent times in evaluating the performance of MFIs.
Originality/value
The insights of knowledge accumulated from our bibliometric review and thematic analysis provide researchers with an efficient comprehension of the advancement of the research on microfinance performance and offer avenues for future scientific endeavors.
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Susmita Chatterjee, Sangita DuttaGupta and Parijat Upadhyay
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the facilitators and impediments of business sustainability of the microenterprises. The study also proposes a framework of social…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the facilitators and impediments of business sustainability of the microenterprises. The study also proposes a framework of social sustainability through women microentrepreneurs in India.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to fulfill the objectives, primary data have been collected and analyzed by employing binary logit model. Additionally, in-depth interviews and focus group interviews were conducted to get more precise insight on the issue.
Findings
The study finds out the factors determining sustainability of microenterprises. The economic, political, demographic factors along with family contribution are found to be important factors in determining sustainability and success of microenterprises. The study also show that microenterprises emerging from self-help groups (SHGs) are adding value to the society by overall women empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
The study will pave the way for further research about the sustainability factors of microenterprises in emerging economies.
Practical implications
The finding of this paper will give directions to policy makers as well as to stakeholders as small businesses are becoming way of life in all developing countries.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by identifying how microentrepreneurs emerging from SHGs are achieving societal goals of poverty eradication. It determines the indicators of business sustainability for small businesses run by women. Empirical and in-depth study explores the issues those have policy implications.
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There is a desire to improve economies as a way to solve social inequities while simultaneously addressing the issue of sustainability. Young and Tilley developed a model that…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a desire to improve economies as a way to solve social inequities while simultaneously addressing the issue of sustainability. Young and Tilley developed a model that describes a sustainability entrepreneur. The purpose of this paper is to apply the model in the Philippine setting to determine if there exists a special entrepreneur who looks beyond profit motivations, considers social inequities, and looks towards future generations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used the narrative approach in learning more about the motivations and sustainability practices of two Filipino entrepreneurs. The objective was not to compare the practices of both but to match it with the 12 elements of the sustainability entrepreneur model of Young and Tilley.
Findings
The concept of sustainability entrepreneurship is unknown to the two entrepreneurs. Yet, both engaged in sustainable business practices, meant to improve living conditions of marginalized groups. However, while they have actually helped communities to take better control of their livelihood, they have not yet consciously imbibed the element of futurity.
Research limitations/implications
The paper attempts to further the model of Young and Tilley. However, since the measurement of sustainable entrepreneurship is not definitive, the researcher used pseudo-measures.
Practical implications
Informing entrepreneurs of the value of sustainability entrepreneurship, may lead to more for-profit enterprises to consider the effects of their business practices on the future of marginalized group and the environment.
Originality/value
There is no publication yet that has applied the Young and Tilley model. This paper shows that the model may have practical implications for entrepreneurs.
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Masudul Alam Choudhury and Sofyan S. Harahap
The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: how do we derive a systemic understanding of community, business and microenterprise linkages in the light of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: how do we derive a systemic understanding of community, business and microenterprise linkages in the light of the cardinal episteme of Islamic belief, Tawhid?
Design/methodology/approach
The worldview of unity of the divine laws termed in the Qur'an as Tawhid (oneness of God or equivalently oneness of the divine laws and also unity of knowledge) is explained in the form of a general socioeconomic paradigm. This worldview is then used to address the complementary relationships between microenterprises and their embedded social environment comprising community and business.
Findings
The participatory development interrelationships explained by means of circular causation between the variables representing community, business and microenterprise comprise a specific example of application of the Islamic episteme of unity of knowledge to entities that exist in embedded learning systems. Such learning systems are governed by the episteme of unity of knowledge as explicated by the Qur'an and the Sunnah (Prophetic guidance). These together form the foundation of every Islamic methodological inquiry and application. Examples of microenterprises are Pasar Pagi (morning markets) and Pasar Malam (night markets) in Indonesia. Other comparative examples are given.
Originality/value
This paper shows how participatory development and sustainability‐by learning paradigms arise uniquely from the epistemic foundations of unity of knowledge (Tawhid). The productive transformation of microenterprise groupings through their complementary relationships with community and business is shown to invoke the Tawhidi epistemic worldview. The result of such complementary social embedding is expected to result in enhanced organization and productivity of microenterprises. The paper offers policy prescriptions for such participatory development change.
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