No abstract

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) is regarded as a public health emergency of international concern. Patients contracting the severe form of the disease constitute approximately 15% of the cases [WHO). The covid-19 is affecting 203 countries and territories around the world. An epidemiological threat such as COVID-19 can have destructive effect on the economy.it is of great importance not to focus only on the epidemiological profile of the virus but also its impact on the economy. As much as economists think about risk-taking as a key driver of the economy, an economy only works if risks are largely known. With the impact of the covid-19 on travel services, durable expenditure, on supply chain and on social isolation (high skilled working from home, home schooling) and impact on demand and supply. On the bases of the listed impact on the economy global recession seems inevitable, there is also possibility of emerging markets. The overall demand effect is probably higher than the initial supply shock. There will be uncertainties, panic, a lot of panic buying and lock-down policies is a key to drive large drop in demand. The investment in a lot of firms especially the small and young firms, spending for households such as rent and mortgagor’s depend largely on cash flow. Large drop in demand will lead to force closure in a lot of firms and this will lead to an increase in lay-offs and hence further drop in consumption, and sadly the economy leads to depressing loop.

The major target of this study is to evaluate the effect of Microfinance Institution (MFIs) on the development of SMEs (Small and medium enterprises) in Lagos state Nigeria. Simple random techniques of sampling were employed in this study in selecting 70 SMEs which constituted the size of the sample of the research. To facilitate the obtaining of relevant data that was used for analysis in this study, structured questionnaire was designed. Descriptive statistics involving simple graphical charts and tables was strategically applied in presentation and analysis of data. The outcome of the findings indicates that large number of SMEs are benefiting from the loans granted by the MFIs, despite the fact that few of them have sufficient ability to secure the needed amount. Interestingly, most of the SMEs admit positive MFIs loans contribution towards advancing their market share, the economic competitive advantage of the company and achieving market excellence through product innovation.

The purpose of the study is to review empirical studies related to gender diversity on corporate outcomes and suggest the need for more empirical research on gender diversity in frontier markets. Several empirical studies have identified the need for a critical mass of female directors and executives in corporate firms. This review further justifies the clamour for more female representation on boards globally. Nigeria is a country that has very weak corporate governance compared to the United States (US) and other developed countries. Therefore, the ISSN 1946-052X 2015 present study suggests that more empirical studies in this area should be carried out and widely explored. It is hoped that capital market regulatory authority can consider the need for 35% women in public institutions and corporate settings. In other words, there is an urgent need for the implementation of this policy as this would have implications for women's development and career planning. Asian Journal of Finance & Accounting