No abstract

Many studies focus on microfinance institutions (MFIs) profitability, client retention, and default rate. Yet, they do not pay much attention to the way in which microfinance (MF) can improve the living conditions of the poor and satisfy their needs. This article presents a new way to assess the performance of MF lending process based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The aim is to suggest some solutions to improve the performance of processes that create and support MF products and services. Not only should this study contribute to the research literature but it can also help the MFIs to control the risk derived from their operations and increase client satisfaction. Thus, MFIs can enhance their performance and their role in reducing poverty.

Improving the efficiency and performance of microfinance investments is essential to achieve its objectives in terms of economic and social development. One parameter that influences such a performance is the kind of the activity exercised by the micro-entrepreneurs. The aim of this paper is to provide a decision-making guide to help both microfinance institutions and investors to choose the appropriate Islamic banking contract with respect to each sector of activity. To attain this goal, an Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS evaluation is conducted in collaboration with Moroccan Islamic finance experts and practitioners. The proposed approach has the advantage to deal with the lack of quantitative historical data, as well as the uncertainty of the decision makers’ judgments. The suggested work will be helpful for the Moroccan participative banks and for the future Islamic microfinance institutions as well.