The literature on big data analytics and firm performance is still fragmented and lacking in attempts to integrate the current studies’ results. This study aims to provide a systematic review of contributions related to big data analytics and firm performance. The authors assess papers listed in the Web of Science index. This study identifies the factors that may influence the adoption of big data analytics in various parts of an organization and categorizes the diverse types of performance that big data analytics can address. Directions for future research are developed from the results. This systematic review proposes to create avenues for both conceptual and empirical research streams by emphasizing the importance of big data analytics in improving firm performance. In addition, this review offers both scholars and practitioners an increased understanding of the link between big data analytics and firm performance.

In order to achieve financial inclusion objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide continuous financial support to the unbanked population, microfinance institutions (MFIs) must attain efficiency in their operations. Hence, the main purpose of this study is to examine various efficiencies of MFIs based on their goals and operational mechanisms. By utilizing a unique production process and network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) technique, we estimated three different types of efficiencies (operational, financial and outreach) of 90 MFIs from 2013 to 2018. It was discovered that the overall efficiency of the MFIs was not up to the required standard and it became even worse when the financial and social outreach efficiencies were considered. However, operational efficiency (ability to generate intermediaries) was relatively better and remained high among the regulated MFIs. On the contrary, the financial and social outreach efficiencies were found to be better among the unregulated MFIs. Moreover, our results also highlight the divergence in efficiency between regions, legal status and regulatory environment; with projection analysis suggesting a simultaneous reduction in input, and an increase in output of inefficient MFIs to facilitate their attainment of efficiency. Policy implications are subsequently discussed.