To accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises(SMEs),this study delves into the primary challenges encountered in adopting knowledge management(KM)within these organizatio...To accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises(SMEs),this study delves into the primary challenges encountered in adopting knowledge management(KM)within these organizations and identifies the essential methods for successful implementation.The objective is to provide practical recommendations for the effective adoption of KM.This research suggests that enterprises should promote knowledge management through three key approaches:enhancing employees’cognitive understanding,standardizing knowledge systems,and tailoring business scenarios to meet diverse needs.These findings offer valuable insights into the digital transformation of SMEs in the manufacturing sector,ultimately helping these businesses to remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing market.By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by SMEs,this study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how knowledge management can be leveraged to drive digital transformation and improve overall business performance.展开更多
The topic investigated competition in marketing as a survival yardstick for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The objectives addressed by this study were: (1) identifying different types and intensi...The topic investigated competition in marketing as a survival yardstick for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The objectives addressed by this study were: (1) identifying different types and intensity of competition that SMEs are exposed to along the life-cycle portfolio in Nigeria; (2) quantifying the strength of SMEs vis-a-vis some foreign enterprises in terms of market competition; and (3) proffering solutions on how best they could match competitively these foreign enterprises. Relevant models and theories were employed in literature to evolve detailed analysis of issues relating to the variables used in terms of competition in marketing and survival of juice-producing SMEs. Two hypotheses were investigated through the survey of 20 prominent Ikeja based SMEs using Cluster sampling, 5-points Likert summated rating scale was adopted, while Yard's formula with 95% confidence level and 5% error tolerance was used. Alternative form validity of the instrument was measured at 0.63 while its reliability was measured at Cronbach's alpha of 0.70. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used in testing hypothesis 1 while standard multiple regressions were used to test hypothesis 2. Findings revealed that there was strong relationship between survival of juice-producing SMEs with forms of competition on a firm's life-cycle; while competition had positive effects on survival components for the enterprises. It was concluded that since competition subsists in any firm's life-cycle, strategies to support operations for survival must be adopted. It was recommended that operators of SMEs have to monitor and manage competition as it affects their businesses positively and/or negatively.展开更多
According to Michael Porter's Diamond Model, a business cluster is defined as geographic concentration of inter-connected companies and institutions working in a common industry. In addition, clusters encompass an ar...According to Michael Porter's Diamond Model, a business cluster is defined as geographic concentration of inter-connected companies and institutions working in a common industry. In addition, clusters encompass an array of collaborating and competing services and providers that create a specialized infrastructure, which supports the cluster's industry. The economic cluster model, represents a synergy, a dynamic relationship and a network between not only the companies that comprise a cluster but also the successful partnering of the stakeholders. Today in all over the world, successful clusters have established a greater competitive advantage and wealth creation for their regions when compared to companies not in a cluster. Given this success more policy makers and regions are considering fostering cluster development as building blocks of regional economies. Research is planned and performed for understanding the clustering in SMEs (small and medium enterprises) industrial estate in Istanbul if it gives a competitive advantage to the cluster members or not. It is performed to determine and satisfy the lack of knowledge about the small and medium enterprises' issues, technologic systems, production quality standards, capacity usage ratios, interactions with other firms, habits of following the technologic improvements and clustering effects on the members.展开更多
Entrepreneurship has become an attribute of the current growth without business activities. Entrepreneurship is a global world. It is not possible to think about economic driving force of technological development and...Entrepreneurship has become an attribute of the current growth without business activities. Entrepreneurship is a global world. It is not possible to think about economic driving force of technological development and scientific research. It materializes knowledge and involvement of people and society. Expansion of business activities is a source of individual country's economic performance. It contributes to the development of people's living standards. In every market economy, it represents an irreplaceable role for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A strong representation of"micro-enterprises" can be found in the field of personal services. Companies within the course of their existence go through particular stages of their development--from their foundation through the stage of steady development. After this stage, there comes their decline that can develop even into their termination. We indicate this process as a company life cycle. The aim of the submitted project is to map the life cycle of particularly chosen companies providing accommodation and catering services and to find a mutual relation among observed quantities and their stable economic positions in the market. The analysis is based on the data of macro-economic character, the data about development of receipts in the sector, development of inflation, tempo of economic growth, and development of consumer prices. Out of a company, non-financial factors will also be considered. The core of the analysis is the stage of sustainable stability of the assessed companies. The point of the findings is revelation of the causes of risks of possible transition into the stage of termination due to the decline of services volume, decline of profitability, and long-lasting payment insolvency. The contribution of the project is to draw our attention to possible risks of critical situation development and to propose how to avoid them so that the company will not occur in financial straits. Achieved information could assist the company management to make relevant decisions.展开更多
Globalisation and competitiveness affected the way of enterprises undertake innovation, particularly in the case of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According with European Commission (2013) in Europe 99% of t...Globalisation and competitiveness affected the way of enterprises undertake innovation, particularly in the case of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According with European Commission (2013) in Europe 99% of the enterprises is SMEs. SMEs all over the world are considered as the lifeblood of the economies. The importance of this research is justified by the predominance of SMEs that represents the majority of enterprises in Portugal. SMEs contribute to the creation of jobs, as well as to the competitiveness of the economies, specially, in crisis time. This study has two main objectives; firstly propose a literature review focused on competitiveness of SMEs. Secondly analysis a sample of 23 enterprises identified as leaders of Portuguese SMEs in 2012. The data considering a ranking list of the largest 1,000 Portuguese SMEs in 2012, published by Exame (2013). This analysis considers some SMEs features such as, sales, market share, dimension, and sector. Additionally this research presents a SME case included in this database. Through the application of a questionnaire the study provides a complementary micro perspective of the factors that influences enterprises competitiveness. The questionnaire is divided into three parts: Part one refers to the characterization of the enterprise; Part two assesses the entrepreneurial competitiveness, considering nine questions to assess performance, six questions to assess internal processes and four questions to understand the relations with customers; and part three analyses the diffusion of innovation through three questions. Finally the study provides important clues relevant for the development of public policies that can support the innovation and competitiveness of SMEs. Moreover the discussions highlight some variables approached in literature review considered as pertinent in the case of innovative SME due to their contribution to exports and to economic growth.展开更多
Software engineering's lifecycle models havc proven to be very important for traditional software development. However, can these models be applied to the development of Web-based applications as well? In recent yea...Software engineering's lifecycle models havc proven to be very important for traditional software development. However, can these models be applied to the development of Web-based applications as well? In recent years, Web-based applications have become more and more complicated and a lot of efforts have been placed on introducing new technologies such as J2EE, PhP, and .NET, etc., which have been universally accepted as the development technologies for Web-based applications. However, there is no universally accepted process model for the development of Web-based applications. Moreover, shaping the process model for small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have limited resources, has been relatively neglected. Based on our previous work, this paper presents an expanded lifecycle process model for the development of Web-based applications in SMEs. It consists of three sets of processes, i.e., requirement processes, development processes, and evolution processes. Particularly, the post-delivery evolution processes are important to SMEs to develop and maintain quality web applications with limited resources and time.展开更多
Cloud Computing is an uprising technology in the rapid growing IT world. The adaptation of cloud computing is increasing in very large scale business organizations to small institutions rapidly due to many advanced fe...Cloud Computing is an uprising technology in the rapid growing IT world. The adaptation of cloud computing is increasing in very large scale business organizations to small institutions rapidly due to many advanced features of cloud computing, such as SaaS, PaaS and IaaS service models. So, nowadays, many organizations are trying to implement Cloud Computing based ERP system to enjoy the benefits of cloud computing. To implement any ERP system, an organization usually faces many challenges. As a result, this research has introduced how easily this cloud system can be implemented in an organization. By using this ERP system, an organization can be benefited in many ways;especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can enjoy the highest possible benefits from this system.展开更多
Creativity is an element of the personality of entrepreneurs which can be important for the foundation, advance, and business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Intrapreneurship can be develop...Creativity is an element of the personality of entrepreneurs which can be important for the foundation, advance, and business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Intrapreneurship can be developed in small and medium-sized enterprises where entrepreneurs have a sufficient level of creativity and it can influence the growth of enterprises. Hypotheses are specified and empirically tested based on responses to a structured questionnaire on a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises from China. The research results indicate positive relationships between the creativity of the entrepreneur and intrapreneurship and growth of the enterprise.展开更多
Formal training can play a particularly important role in supporting the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, the demand for education services by the latter still appears limited. T...Formal training can play a particularly important role in supporting the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, the demand for education services by the latter still appears limited. This is due to known structural and cultural limits that are found widely in this type of business and to the fact that the provision of training---especially that which is funded^oes not seem to address adequately SMEs' needs; in many cases, such training is not stimulating, because it is perceived as too general. In fact, SMEs do not constitute a single homogeneous group and therefore assistance needs vary among the different types of firms. So, especially in relation to internationalization, it is clear that there are important differences to consider due to the variety of approaches and ways of developing this process. In order to optimize the resources to invest in the promotion of training, there is a need to find a proper balance between providing "viable solutions for all businesses" and offering "targeted responses and tailored services". In such a context, the main objective of this paper is to identify and systematize the variables that most influence the SMEs' training needs related to internationalization by taking into account the differences among them. To this end, an empirical analysis was developed involving a significant number of Italian SMEs by using a combination of qualitative research methods. The results show the critical issues faced by the investigated firms during their internationalization process and highlight some important variables that affect their training needs: export involvement, characteristics of the product/market, characteristics of the company, exporting strategy, and human resources. Based on these variables, the writers identified clusters of firms characterized by similar needs and problems to be faced.展开更多
The construction industry in most developing economies is dominated heavily by small and medium scale enterprises. These construction enterprises need to thrive in an extremely competitive business environment. Conver...The construction industry in most developing economies is dominated heavily by small and medium scale enterprises. These construction enterprises need to thrive in an extremely competitive business environment. Conversely, most of these small and medium scale construction enterprises (SMSCE) are fraught with a plethora of barriers that inhibit and threaten their growth and survival. This research sought to evaluate the critical barriers that affect the growth of SMSCEs in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. The quantitative research method was adopted using a structured questionnaire with variables that were identified through a comprehensive literature review. The survey questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents comprising 250 SMSCEs, 100 Local Authority Engineers, and 50 Consultants to elicit data based on the identified variables. The major findings established by the study as barriers to the growth of SMSCEs in Ghana are largely structured as financial/fiscal barriers, business development barriers, technical/technological barriers, corruption barriers, knowledge management barriers, project acquisition barriers. A guiding framework should be developed based on the barriers identified to aid the growth and survival of SMSCEs in Ghana.展开更多
Domestic and foreign studies have revealed the existence of an interactive development relationship between nono cial nance and small and medium-sizedenterprises.Based on the empirical findings of a Hangzhou case stud...Domestic and foreign studies have revealed the existence of an interactive development relationship between nono cial nance and small and medium-sizedenterprises.Based on the empirical findings of a Hangzhou case study,this article substantiates the existence of a very strong symbiotic relationship between China’s nono cial nance and small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs).This symbiotic relationship is an equilibrium outcome among three market players:formalnance,nono cial nance and SMEs.Meanwhile,it is also a rational choice and suboptimal equilibrium point reached under the existing institutional spaceconstraints.In our empirical study,we found that formal nance failure left a space for symbiosis to survive in two ways:the comparative advantages of nono cialnance created an institutional basis for symbiosis to grow,and immense SME fund shortages created a market space for symbiosis to thrive.In this article,we alsoput forward some recommendations for further development of such a symbiotic relationship.展开更多
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of credit availability to SMEs on the economic growth in Nigeria. The study period was from 1981 to 2012. Vector autoregressive model was employed to avoid the proble...The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of credit availability to SMEs on the economic growth in Nigeria. The study period was from 1981 to 2012. Vector autoregressive model was employed to avoid the problem of endogenity. The results show that though inflation has a negative effect on SMEs fmancing, it still significantly influences economic growth. This paper therefore concludes that there is a need for government to intensify efforts to increase SMEs financing in the country through the introduction of a special intervention fund for SMEs.展开更多
Japan’s economy lost most of its industrial production force as a result of World War II. However, from 1955 onwards, Japan has achieved rapid economic growth, joining the group of the world’s most developed countri...Japan’s economy lost most of its industrial production force as a result of World War II. However, from 1955 onwards, Japan has achieved rapid economic growth, joining the group of the world’s most developed countries by the early 1970s. The period from 1955 to the early 1970s is generally regarded as a period of High Economic Growth. There are various opinions regarding the factors that enabled Japan to attain such high economic growth, referred to as the Economic Miracle. It can be said that Japan’s post-war economic development was the result of advancements in technological innovation on the basis of financial assistance from the United States, which established Japan’s position in the world economy, loans from the bank, and the introduction of technology from abroad. Needless to say, the “high growth of post-war Japanese capitalism has not been achieved only by giant companies alone. On the contrary, without small businesses, especially in their roles as subcontractors, it would have been impossible to achieve such high growth, which has drawn attention internationally” (Nomura, 1981, p. 126). The purpose of this presentation is to make clear the role of small businesses in the process of economic development.展开更多
The paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance and debt management of Vietnam's small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in a case study of a specific enterprise. It reveals one case that corpo...The paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance and debt management of Vietnam's small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in a case study of a specific enterprise. It reveals one case that corporate governance factors have strong correlation with performance, due to transparency to the lender, innovative and consistent to the debt management. The results indicate that timely reporting and level of disclosure positively affect corporate performance and ability to raise funds in the financial market. The paper seeds new light into the relationship between corporate governance and debt management of Vietnam's SMEs in current context. It finds ways to solve financial dilemma and raise corporate equity value that most SMEs are facing.展开更多
Until now, the issue of quality of the products of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) remains the main issues as the cause of low ability to compete. This study focused into the issue of what happened with regard t...Until now, the issue of quality of the products of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) remains the main issues as the cause of low ability to compete. This study focused into the issue of what happened with regard to the quality of products in the supply chain SME products. This study aims to describe how the culture of quality in the supply chain of SMEs and their role in contributing to the lack of SME products. The study involved 128 SMEs in the food processing industry cluster and garment industry. The research uses qualitative method with case study approach. The results showed an average internal quality culture reached 3.62661 supply included in the category enough. Of the five industry cluster, a culture of quality in the internal supply chain is the best T-shirt industry (4.3385) in both categories, while other four clusters exist in enough categories, with grades: hoods (3.661), soy crisps (3.6635), cassava chips (3.64), and the last chips fish balls (2.829). The low average internal quality culture supply mainly is in industrial processing of cassava chips and chips fish balls. One reason is the low awareness of quality. There is no technology and equipment adequate to safeguard the stability of quality. The upper most excellent quality culture occurred in the supply chain, where the product is controlled by big industry, is the industry shirts (4.018), soy crisps (3.613), and hoods (3.473), while when in the upstream industry controlled by small or SMEs, there is deterioration in the cultural values of quality: cassava chips (2.917) and chips fish balls (2.781). For downstream, 100% controlled by SMEs, there is an average value of quality culture 3.5662.展开更多
This study aims to contribute to the growing literature on issues of tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through comprehensive exploration of data, the study investigates factors leading to...This study aims to contribute to the growing literature on issues of tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through comprehensive exploration of data, the study investigates factors leading to successful and unsuccessful utilization of tax incentives among SMEs. Financial ratios were calculated based on the information retrieved from the companies' annual financial statement. Apparently, these financial ratios are evidence of how successful the companies are in utilizing the tax incentives. In this study, 129 small companies and 71 medium-sized companies were selected as samples for the period of 2003-2007. The result indicates that financial structure such as retained earnings, tax burden, cash flow, and inventory level determined the ability of companies to utilize tax incentives; hence leading to higher earnings generated from the business operation. The age of the companies affects the utilization of tax incentives and this denotes that older companies are more capable of generating higher earnings. Hence, a thorough analysis of the data allows us not only to determine the success of the company in utilizing tax incentives but also to identify the determinants that impact their performance.展开更多
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent a significant portion of gross domestic product (GDP) and are recognized as pillars of the economy in Albania. They are the first generators of employment and have a p...Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent a significant portion of gross domestic product (GDP) and are recognized as pillars of the economy in Albania. They are the first generators of employment and have a positive impact on revenue from taxes and fees. SMEs are the main bearer of new technology and innovation in the economic fields and the development and exchange of experiences between countries and cultures. The main problems facing the SMEs are administrative barriers, project financing, and lack of specialists in specific profiles. The fact in Albania needs too much work to be done to improve the high degree of informality. The financial system in Albania has not been confronted with a pure financial crisis. The system has had problems that stem from macroeconomic and microeconomic issues, such as fiscal problems, the existence of the informal market, lack of public knowledge about the financial market, and the impact of the international crisis.展开更多
The direct effect of access to finance on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)run by entrepreneurs is well studied.However,there is limited understanding on the difference in the rate of entrepreneurship g...The direct effect of access to finance on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)run by entrepreneurs is well studied.However,there is limited understanding on the difference in the rate of entrepreneurship growth across a nation.Further,the empirical findings relating to the financial literacy of entrepreneurs significantly differ across different geographic communities.Thus,the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of financial literacy on the relationship between access to finance and the business growth of the SME Sector in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka in the post-civil war context,as SMEs promote resilience of communities to recover from adversities such as civil war.The Indebtedness of Northern Province has suddenly increased,as there is a sharp growth evident in the average debt per family in the post-civil war context.Thus,demonstrating the lack of proper financial literacy and the discipline required to be financially stable,is a crucial benchmark for a successful business.According to the model of ambidextrous management in entrepreneurial growth companies,entrepreneurship is process where the entrepreneurial orientation turns into implementation and thereby leads to the business growth.However,the effect of access to finance to the entrepreneurs and the impact of financial literacy of the entrepreneur on this relationship are not examined.Thus,this study incorporates the effect of access to finance and the moderating effect of financial literacy to the existing model.It was evident from this study that,access to finance has a direct impact on the growth of the SMEs in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.The result also reflects that the financial literacy and ability to make the financial decisions influence access to finance,resulting in business growth.展开更多
Big data analytics has been widely adopted by large companies to achieve measurable benefits including increased profitability,customer demand forecasting,cheaper development of products,and improved stock control.Sma...Big data analytics has been widely adopted by large companies to achieve measurable benefits including increased profitability,customer demand forecasting,cheaper development of products,and improved stock control.Small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs)are the backbone of the global economy,comprising of 90%of businesses worldwide.However,only 10%SMEs have adopted big data analytics despite the competitive advantage they could achieve.Previous research has analysed the barriers to adoption and a strategic framework has been developed to help SMEs adopt big data analytics.The framework was converted into a scoring tool which has been applied to multiple case studies of SMEs in the UK.This paper documents the process of evaluating the framework based on the structured feedback from a focus group composed of experienced practitioners.The results of the evaluation are presented with a discussion on the results,and the paper concludes with recommendations to improve the scoring tool based on the proposed framework.The research demonstrates that this positioning tool is beneficial for SMEs to achieve competitive advantages by increasing the application of business intelligence and big data analytics.展开更多
文摘To accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises(SMEs),this study delves into the primary challenges encountered in adopting knowledge management(KM)within these organizations and identifies the essential methods for successful implementation.The objective is to provide practical recommendations for the effective adoption of KM.This research suggests that enterprises should promote knowledge management through three key approaches:enhancing employees’cognitive understanding,standardizing knowledge systems,and tailoring business scenarios to meet diverse needs.These findings offer valuable insights into the digital transformation of SMEs in the manufacturing sector,ultimately helping these businesses to remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing market.By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by SMEs,this study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how knowledge management can be leveraged to drive digital transformation and improve overall business performance.
文摘The topic investigated competition in marketing as a survival yardstick for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The objectives addressed by this study were: (1) identifying different types and intensity of competition that SMEs are exposed to along the life-cycle portfolio in Nigeria; (2) quantifying the strength of SMEs vis-a-vis some foreign enterprises in terms of market competition; and (3) proffering solutions on how best they could match competitively these foreign enterprises. Relevant models and theories were employed in literature to evolve detailed analysis of issues relating to the variables used in terms of competition in marketing and survival of juice-producing SMEs. Two hypotheses were investigated through the survey of 20 prominent Ikeja based SMEs using Cluster sampling, 5-points Likert summated rating scale was adopted, while Yard's formula with 95% confidence level and 5% error tolerance was used. Alternative form validity of the instrument was measured at 0.63 while its reliability was measured at Cronbach's alpha of 0.70. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used in testing hypothesis 1 while standard multiple regressions were used to test hypothesis 2. Findings revealed that there was strong relationship between survival of juice-producing SMEs with forms of competition on a firm's life-cycle; while competition had positive effects on survival components for the enterprises. It was concluded that since competition subsists in any firm's life-cycle, strategies to support operations for survival must be adopted. It was recommended that operators of SMEs have to monitor and manage competition as it affects their businesses positively and/or negatively.
文摘According to Michael Porter's Diamond Model, a business cluster is defined as geographic concentration of inter-connected companies and institutions working in a common industry. In addition, clusters encompass an array of collaborating and competing services and providers that create a specialized infrastructure, which supports the cluster's industry. The economic cluster model, represents a synergy, a dynamic relationship and a network between not only the companies that comprise a cluster but also the successful partnering of the stakeholders. Today in all over the world, successful clusters have established a greater competitive advantage and wealth creation for their regions when compared to companies not in a cluster. Given this success more policy makers and regions are considering fostering cluster development as building blocks of regional economies. Research is planned and performed for understanding the clustering in SMEs (small and medium enterprises) industrial estate in Istanbul if it gives a competitive advantage to the cluster members or not. It is performed to determine and satisfy the lack of knowledge about the small and medium enterprises' issues, technologic systems, production quality standards, capacity usage ratios, interactions with other firms, habits of following the technologic improvements and clustering effects on the members.
文摘Entrepreneurship has become an attribute of the current growth without business activities. Entrepreneurship is a global world. It is not possible to think about economic driving force of technological development and scientific research. It materializes knowledge and involvement of people and society. Expansion of business activities is a source of individual country's economic performance. It contributes to the development of people's living standards. In every market economy, it represents an irreplaceable role for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A strong representation of"micro-enterprises" can be found in the field of personal services. Companies within the course of their existence go through particular stages of their development--from their foundation through the stage of steady development. After this stage, there comes their decline that can develop even into their termination. We indicate this process as a company life cycle. The aim of the submitted project is to map the life cycle of particularly chosen companies providing accommodation and catering services and to find a mutual relation among observed quantities and their stable economic positions in the market. The analysis is based on the data of macro-economic character, the data about development of receipts in the sector, development of inflation, tempo of economic growth, and development of consumer prices. Out of a company, non-financial factors will also be considered. The core of the analysis is the stage of sustainable stability of the assessed companies. The point of the findings is revelation of the causes of risks of possible transition into the stage of termination due to the decline of services volume, decline of profitability, and long-lasting payment insolvency. The contribution of the project is to draw our attention to possible risks of critical situation development and to propose how to avoid them so that the company will not occur in financial straits. Achieved information could assist the company management to make relevant decisions.
文摘Globalisation and competitiveness affected the way of enterprises undertake innovation, particularly in the case of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According with European Commission (2013) in Europe 99% of the enterprises is SMEs. SMEs all over the world are considered as the lifeblood of the economies. The importance of this research is justified by the predominance of SMEs that represents the majority of enterprises in Portugal. SMEs contribute to the creation of jobs, as well as to the competitiveness of the economies, specially, in crisis time. This study has two main objectives; firstly propose a literature review focused on competitiveness of SMEs. Secondly analysis a sample of 23 enterprises identified as leaders of Portuguese SMEs in 2012. The data considering a ranking list of the largest 1,000 Portuguese SMEs in 2012, published by Exame (2013). This analysis considers some SMEs features such as, sales, market share, dimension, and sector. Additionally this research presents a SME case included in this database. Through the application of a questionnaire the study provides a complementary micro perspective of the factors that influences enterprises competitiveness. The questionnaire is divided into three parts: Part one refers to the characterization of the enterprise; Part two assesses the entrepreneurial competitiveness, considering nine questions to assess performance, six questions to assess internal processes and four questions to understand the relations with customers; and part three analyses the diffusion of innovation through three questions. Finally the study provides important clues relevant for the development of public policies that can support the innovation and competitiveness of SMEs. Moreover the discussions highlight some variables approached in literature review considered as pertinent in the case of innovative SME due to their contribution to exports and to economic growth.
文摘Software engineering's lifecycle models havc proven to be very important for traditional software development. However, can these models be applied to the development of Web-based applications as well? In recent years, Web-based applications have become more and more complicated and a lot of efforts have been placed on introducing new technologies such as J2EE, PhP, and .NET, etc., which have been universally accepted as the development technologies for Web-based applications. However, there is no universally accepted process model for the development of Web-based applications. Moreover, shaping the process model for small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have limited resources, has been relatively neglected. Based on our previous work, this paper presents an expanded lifecycle process model for the development of Web-based applications in SMEs. It consists of three sets of processes, i.e., requirement processes, development processes, and evolution processes. Particularly, the post-delivery evolution processes are important to SMEs to develop and maintain quality web applications with limited resources and time.
文摘Cloud Computing is an uprising technology in the rapid growing IT world. The adaptation of cloud computing is increasing in very large scale business organizations to small institutions rapidly due to many advanced features of cloud computing, such as SaaS, PaaS and IaaS service models. So, nowadays, many organizations are trying to implement Cloud Computing based ERP system to enjoy the benefits of cloud computing. To implement any ERP system, an organization usually faces many challenges. As a result, this research has introduced how easily this cloud system can be implemented in an organization. By using this ERP system, an organization can be benefited in many ways;especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can enjoy the highest possible benefits from this system.
文摘Creativity is an element of the personality of entrepreneurs which can be important for the foundation, advance, and business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Intrapreneurship can be developed in small and medium-sized enterprises where entrepreneurs have a sufficient level of creativity and it can influence the growth of enterprises. Hypotheses are specified and empirically tested based on responses to a structured questionnaire on a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises from China. The research results indicate positive relationships between the creativity of the entrepreneur and intrapreneurship and growth of the enterprise.
文摘Formal training can play a particularly important role in supporting the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, the demand for education services by the latter still appears limited. This is due to known structural and cultural limits that are found widely in this type of business and to the fact that the provision of training---especially that which is funded^oes not seem to address adequately SMEs' needs; in many cases, such training is not stimulating, because it is perceived as too general. In fact, SMEs do not constitute a single homogeneous group and therefore assistance needs vary among the different types of firms. So, especially in relation to internationalization, it is clear that there are important differences to consider due to the variety of approaches and ways of developing this process. In order to optimize the resources to invest in the promotion of training, there is a need to find a proper balance between providing "viable solutions for all businesses" and offering "targeted responses and tailored services". In such a context, the main objective of this paper is to identify and systematize the variables that most influence the SMEs' training needs related to internationalization by taking into account the differences among them. To this end, an empirical analysis was developed involving a significant number of Italian SMEs by using a combination of qualitative research methods. The results show the critical issues faced by the investigated firms during their internationalization process and highlight some important variables that affect their training needs: export involvement, characteristics of the product/market, characteristics of the company, exporting strategy, and human resources. Based on these variables, the writers identified clusters of firms characterized by similar needs and problems to be faced.
文摘The construction industry in most developing economies is dominated heavily by small and medium scale enterprises. These construction enterprises need to thrive in an extremely competitive business environment. Conversely, most of these small and medium scale construction enterprises (SMSCE) are fraught with a plethora of barriers that inhibit and threaten their growth and survival. This research sought to evaluate the critical barriers that affect the growth of SMSCEs in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. The quantitative research method was adopted using a structured questionnaire with variables that were identified through a comprehensive literature review. The survey questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents comprising 250 SMSCEs, 100 Local Authority Engineers, and 50 Consultants to elicit data based on the identified variables. The major findings established by the study as barriers to the growth of SMSCEs in Ghana are largely structured as financial/fiscal barriers, business development barriers, technical/technological barriers, corruption barriers, knowledge management barriers, project acquisition barriers. A guiding framework should be developed based on the barriers identified to aid the growth and survival of SMSCEs in Ghana.
文摘Domestic and foreign studies have revealed the existence of an interactive development relationship between nono cial nance and small and medium-sizedenterprises.Based on the empirical findings of a Hangzhou case study,this article substantiates the existence of a very strong symbiotic relationship between China’s nono cial nance and small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs).This symbiotic relationship is an equilibrium outcome among three market players:formalnance,nono cial nance and SMEs.Meanwhile,it is also a rational choice and suboptimal equilibrium point reached under the existing institutional spaceconstraints.In our empirical study,we found that formal nance failure left a space for symbiosis to survive in two ways:the comparative advantages of nono cialnance created an institutional basis for symbiosis to grow,and immense SME fund shortages created a market space for symbiosis to thrive.In this article,we alsoput forward some recommendations for further development of such a symbiotic relationship.
文摘The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of credit availability to SMEs on the economic growth in Nigeria. The study period was from 1981 to 2012. Vector autoregressive model was employed to avoid the problem of endogenity. The results show that though inflation has a negative effect on SMEs fmancing, it still significantly influences economic growth. This paper therefore concludes that there is a need for government to intensify efforts to increase SMEs financing in the country through the introduction of a special intervention fund for SMEs.
文摘Japan’s economy lost most of its industrial production force as a result of World War II. However, from 1955 onwards, Japan has achieved rapid economic growth, joining the group of the world’s most developed countries by the early 1970s. The period from 1955 to the early 1970s is generally regarded as a period of High Economic Growth. There are various opinions regarding the factors that enabled Japan to attain such high economic growth, referred to as the Economic Miracle. It can be said that Japan’s post-war economic development was the result of advancements in technological innovation on the basis of financial assistance from the United States, which established Japan’s position in the world economy, loans from the bank, and the introduction of technology from abroad. Needless to say, the “high growth of post-war Japanese capitalism has not been achieved only by giant companies alone. On the contrary, without small businesses, especially in their roles as subcontractors, it would have been impossible to achieve such high growth, which has drawn attention internationally” (Nomura, 1981, p. 126). The purpose of this presentation is to make clear the role of small businesses in the process of economic development.
文摘The paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance and debt management of Vietnam's small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in a case study of a specific enterprise. It reveals one case that corporate governance factors have strong correlation with performance, due to transparency to the lender, innovative and consistent to the debt management. The results indicate that timely reporting and level of disclosure positively affect corporate performance and ability to raise funds in the financial market. The paper seeds new light into the relationship between corporate governance and debt management of Vietnam's SMEs in current context. It finds ways to solve financial dilemma and raise corporate equity value that most SMEs are facing.
文摘Until now, the issue of quality of the products of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) remains the main issues as the cause of low ability to compete. This study focused into the issue of what happened with regard to the quality of products in the supply chain SME products. This study aims to describe how the culture of quality in the supply chain of SMEs and their role in contributing to the lack of SME products. The study involved 128 SMEs in the food processing industry cluster and garment industry. The research uses qualitative method with case study approach. The results showed an average internal quality culture reached 3.62661 supply included in the category enough. Of the five industry cluster, a culture of quality in the internal supply chain is the best T-shirt industry (4.3385) in both categories, while other four clusters exist in enough categories, with grades: hoods (3.661), soy crisps (3.6635), cassava chips (3.64), and the last chips fish balls (2.829). The low average internal quality culture supply mainly is in industrial processing of cassava chips and chips fish balls. One reason is the low awareness of quality. There is no technology and equipment adequate to safeguard the stability of quality. The upper most excellent quality culture occurred in the supply chain, where the product is controlled by big industry, is the industry shirts (4.018), soy crisps (3.613), and hoods (3.473), while when in the upstream industry controlled by small or SMEs, there is deterioration in the cultural values of quality: cassava chips (2.917) and chips fish balls (2.781). For downstream, 100% controlled by SMEs, there is an average value of quality culture 3.5662.
文摘This study aims to contribute to the growing literature on issues of tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through comprehensive exploration of data, the study investigates factors leading to successful and unsuccessful utilization of tax incentives among SMEs. Financial ratios were calculated based on the information retrieved from the companies' annual financial statement. Apparently, these financial ratios are evidence of how successful the companies are in utilizing the tax incentives. In this study, 129 small companies and 71 medium-sized companies were selected as samples for the period of 2003-2007. The result indicates that financial structure such as retained earnings, tax burden, cash flow, and inventory level determined the ability of companies to utilize tax incentives; hence leading to higher earnings generated from the business operation. The age of the companies affects the utilization of tax incentives and this denotes that older companies are more capable of generating higher earnings. Hence, a thorough analysis of the data allows us not only to determine the success of the company in utilizing tax incentives but also to identify the determinants that impact their performance.
文摘Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent a significant portion of gross domestic product (GDP) and are recognized as pillars of the economy in Albania. They are the first generators of employment and have a positive impact on revenue from taxes and fees. SMEs are the main bearer of new technology and innovation in the economic fields and the development and exchange of experiences between countries and cultures. The main problems facing the SMEs are administrative barriers, project financing, and lack of specialists in specific profiles. The fact in Albania needs too much work to be done to improve the high degree of informality. The financial system in Albania has not been confronted with a pure financial crisis. The system has had problems that stem from macroeconomic and microeconomic issues, such as fiscal problems, the existence of the informal market, lack of public knowledge about the financial market, and the impact of the international crisis.
文摘The direct effect of access to finance on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)run by entrepreneurs is well studied.However,there is limited understanding on the difference in the rate of entrepreneurship growth across a nation.Further,the empirical findings relating to the financial literacy of entrepreneurs significantly differ across different geographic communities.Thus,the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of financial literacy on the relationship between access to finance and the business growth of the SME Sector in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka in the post-civil war context,as SMEs promote resilience of communities to recover from adversities such as civil war.The Indebtedness of Northern Province has suddenly increased,as there is a sharp growth evident in the average debt per family in the post-civil war context.Thus,demonstrating the lack of proper financial literacy and the discipline required to be financially stable,is a crucial benchmark for a successful business.According to the model of ambidextrous management in entrepreneurial growth companies,entrepreneurship is process where the entrepreneurial orientation turns into implementation and thereby leads to the business growth.However,the effect of access to finance to the entrepreneurs and the impact of financial literacy of the entrepreneur on this relationship are not examined.Thus,this study incorporates the effect of access to finance and the moderating effect of financial literacy to the existing model.It was evident from this study that,access to finance has a direct impact on the growth of the SMEs in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.The result also reflects that the financial literacy and ability to make the financial decisions influence access to finance,resulting in business growth.
文摘Big data analytics has been widely adopted by large companies to achieve measurable benefits including increased profitability,customer demand forecasting,cheaper development of products,and improved stock control.Small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs)are the backbone of the global economy,comprising of 90%of businesses worldwide.However,only 10%SMEs have adopted big data analytics despite the competitive advantage they could achieve.Previous research has analysed the barriers to adoption and a strategic framework has been developed to help SMEs adopt big data analytics.The framework was converted into a scoring tool which has been applied to multiple case studies of SMEs in the UK.This paper documents the process of evaluating the framework based on the structured feedback from a focus group composed of experienced practitioners.The results of the evaluation are presented with a discussion on the results,and the paper concludes with recommendations to improve the scoring tool based on the proposed framework.The research demonstrates that this positioning tool is beneficial for SMEs to achieve competitive advantages by increasing the application of business intelligence and big data analytics.