A high quality management information system (MIS) is a key component of any high performing microfinance institution (MFI). Information systems allow MFIs to reduce time spent on rote paperwork, effectively monitor both staff and clients, and quickly roll out new … Read More
Publications
Housing Microfinance: Designing a Product for the Rural Poor
Cheryl Young | January 10, 2007
This paper discusses the potential of providing housing finance to the poor through microfinance institutions (MFIs) and issues that are likely to arise in doing so. Using a demand assessment conducted at Ankuram Sangamam Porum (ASP) in Andhra Pradesh, the … Read More
DNA Typing: A Technology of Fear
Sujatha Byravan | January 9, 2006
The expansion of DNA databases in the United States, Europe and a few other countries to include not just convicted felons but arrestees, who might be innocent, raises a number of civil rights concerns. Sujatha Byravan explores how the use … Read More
Satin Creditcare Network Limited: Unique In its Field
Navneet Daga | January 8, 2006
This case study aims to identify innovative practices among MFIs operating in the urban space, particularly strategies for broad basing their clients, financial services offered, and community involvement. With the above goals in mind, this study details the strategies Satin … Read More
Reaching the Other 100 Million Poor in India: Case Studies in Urban Microfinance
IFMR LEAD | January 7, 2006
This study combines several independent CMF studies with six prominent microfinance institutions that operate in urban areas. These case studies identify innovative practices among these institutions, including strategies used for broad basing their clients, examining the array of financial services … Read More
Sea Level Rise: Impact on Major Infrastructure, Ecosystems and Land Along the Tamil Nadu Coast
Sujatha Byravan, Sudhir Chella Rajan, Rajesh Rangarajan | March 22, 2005
This report concentrates on the impacts of sea level rise on coastal infrastructure, ecosystem and land in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It aims to highlight the financial implications of sea level rise on existing and proposed infrastructure along … Read More
Innovative Ways to Improve the Savings Habit of Women
Deepti Kc | March 21, 2005
This brief captures lessons from a study that seeks to improve women’s awareness about savings products.
Filling the Gap: Innovative and Interactive Ways to Increase the Savings of Rural Women in India
Deepti KC, Mudita Tiwari, Vanya Mehta, Spandana Bhattacharya | March 20, 2005
This report presents findings from a study conducted as an experiment in Bihar, an eastern state of India, with 203 women, many of whom were a part of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The authors tested context-specific Financial Education (FE) to … Read More
Financial Literacy Education for Migrant Workers
Mudita Tiwar, Deepti Kc | March 19, 2005
This handbook contains context-specific financial literacy modules that aim to address the knowledge gaps about financial products and services among migrant workers.
Financial Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs
Mudita Tiwar, Deepti KC | March 18, 2005
The research was aimed at understanding the social, cultural and economic factors influencing modes of payments (cash versus electronic) used by small scale entrepreneurs. The findings indicate a strong preference for cash, which is a culturally accepted payment mode for … Read More