Blog

Being Strategic about HR

Given that Human Resource Management (HRM) is designed to act as a support function, what exactly does “being strategic” entail? The human resource function assumes a different role depending on the stage of the organisation’s evolution: growth phase; product diversification phase, and steady state. HRM must be treated as a strategic function, must be integrated into all other strategic planning and implementation, and must be developed to operate as a strategic peer to all other institutional components such as operations, risk management, product development or finance.

Dinosaurs and Rabbits – Indian Microfinance Market Evolution

The microfinance world is changing – very fast. Because different clients have different needs and no one product or microfinance player is going to meet all needs. If microfinance is to deliver on its promise it must evolve and adapt in a way which meets clients’ needs more effectively, as clients change, and as the world changes around them. This note assesses what is needed for MFIs to keep up with the pace of change.

Managing Agent Networks to Optimise E- and M-Banking Systems Part-2

There is growing recognition that effectively managing agents is key to the success of e-banking and indeed m-banking systems. There is growing literature on the functioning of agent networks and strategies to get the best out of them. This note examines some of the international experience using the “8Ps of marketing” as a framework. MicroSave Briefing Note 73 analysed the agents of e-banking and m-banking systems in the context of Product, Price and Processes. This note extends the analysis into an additional 5Ps of marketing: Place, Physical Evidence, Promotion, Positioning and People.

Managing Agent Networks to Optimise E- and M-Banking Systems Part-1

There is growing recognition that effectively managing agents is key to the success of e-banking and indeed m-banking systems. There is growing literature on the functioning of agent networks and strategies to get the best out of them. This note examines some of the international experience using the “8Ps of marketing” as a framework – focusing on the first 3Ps: Product, Price and Process. MicroSave Briefing Note # 74 looks at 5 more Ps of marketing: Place, Physical Evidence, Promotion, Positioning and People.

Making Business Correspondence Work in India

This note summarises the findings of a 3-month project by MicroSave India to clarify prospects for a sound business model for Banking Correspondent operators under the current regulations. The study analyses three diverse cases that involve differing institutional arrangements with business correspondents and strategies for sustainability; concluding that achieving profitable operations will remain challenging under the current regulatory environment.

The Global Financial Crisis and Indian Microfinance

This note summaries the impact of current global financial crisis on Indian microfinance sector and analyses the response of various stakeholders. Note also suggests various risk mitigation strategies specifically for small and medium size MFIs to reduce their vulnerability to such economic shocks in future.