The objective of the study was to enhance our knowledge on institutional bottlenecks for financial development, financial inclusion, and microfinance, using Mauritania as a case study. We used a mixed-methods’ methodology that combines analysis of secondary data and an expert interview. First,...

In this paper, we propose methods of the determination of the rank of matrix. We consider a rank test for an unobserved matrix for which an estimate exists having normal asymptotic distribution of order N1/2 where N is the sample size. The test statistic is based on the smallest estimated...

In this paper, we develop methods of the determination of the rank of random matrix. Using the matrix perturbation theory to construct or find a suitable bases of the kernel (null space) of the matrix and to determine the limiting distribution of the estimator of the smallest singular values. We...

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to challenge the common idea that microfinance, which is part of alternative finance, was created by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2006. This chapter aims to outline past initiatives which can be compared to contemporary...