Competition in Marketing： Survival Yardstick for Small and Medium Enterprises （SMEs） in Nigeria

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.

Small and Medium Enterprises （SMEs） and Competitiveness： An Empirical Study

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.

Evaluation of a software positioning tool to support SMEs in adoption of big data analytics

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.

A Model of Cloud-Based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for Small and Medium Enterprise

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.

Competitive Advantages and Clustering of SMEs： An Analysis of Clustering Effect on Competition in Small-Scale Enterprises in Istanbul

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.

Delivery Service Management System Using Google Maps for SMEs in Emerging Countries

This paper proposes a Delivery Service Management(DSM)system for Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)that own a delivery fleet of pickup trucks to manage Business-to-Business(B2B)delivery services.The proposed DSM system integrates four systems:Delivery Location Positioning(DLP),Delivery Route Planning(DRP),Arrival Time Prediction(ATP),and Communication and Data Sharing(CDS)systems.These systems are used to pinpoint the delivery locations of customers,plan the delivery route of each truck,predict arrival time(with an interval)at each delivery location,and communicate and share information among stakeholders,respectively.The DSM system deploys Google applications,a GPS tracking system,Google Map APIs,ATP algorithms(embedded in Excel Macros),Line,and Telegram as supporting tools.To improve the accuracy of the ATP system,three tech-niques are applied considering driver behaviors.The proposed DSM system has been implemented in a Thai SME.From the process perspective,the DSM system is a systematic procedure for end-to-end delivery services.It allows the interactions between planner-driver decisions and supporting tools.The supporting tools are simple,can be easily used with little training,and require low capital expenditure.The statistical analysis shows that the ATP algorithm with the three techniques provides high accuracy.Thus,the proposed DSM system is beneficial for practitioners to manage delivery services,especially for SMEs in emerging countries.

A Novel Lifecycle Model for Web-based Application Development in Small and Medium Enterprises

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.

A Model to Analyze Small and Medium Enterprises＇ Training Needs Related to the Internationalization

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.

Barriers to the Growth of Small and Medium Scale Construction Enterprises in Ghana

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.

Profitability of RE-Technology Regarding the Economic Environment:A Case Study of Swiss SMEs

Considering the important changes in the Swiss energy sector, especially in renewable energy(RE)technologies, new revenue possibilities for small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs) emerge. However, the adaption of RE-technologies for Swiss enterprises relies on tangible financial returns, based on complex calculations. This article analyses business opportunities(BOs) of eight Swiss SMEs considering the net present value of RE-investments in an uncertain economic environment. We identify two profitable BOs for Swiss SMEs and three which are not profitable. Further, the article demonstrates that the profitability of such investments remains mostly positive even under economic uncertainties. Surprisingly the profitability does not change significantly if the SME receives a subsidy or not. The support instrument of the Swiss Government has not a ponderous impact on the decision to invest in RE-technologies or not. Therefore, the article emphasizes the importance of including SME in the Swiss attempt to decentralize the energy market.

Access to Credit by SMEs and Implications for Economic Growth in Nigeria

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.

Factor Analysis for the Development of Women Entrepreneurship in SMEs:An Empirical Evidence From Bangladesh

Women entrepreneurship is now a rapidly growing socio-economic phenomenon in developing country like Bangladesh.Women entrepreneurs’development in the SME sector is one of the most important challenge.The research aims to analyze the factors related to the development of women entrepreneurship in Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)sector of Bangladesh.The analysis is based on recent theoretical ideas that have been supported by empirical research findings.Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in this research.To analyze the factors we have interviewed 232 women entrepreneurs of SME businesses.The main tool of research was a structured questionnaire.This study illustrates an analytical framework based on institutional theory,which focuses on three kinds of factors:regulative,normative,and cognitive.Regulative factors refer to different rules and regulations of the Government that facilitate women entrepreneurship development of SMEs sector in Bangladesh.Normative and cognitive factors include norms,rules,regulation,and values of society.This study provides suggestions on how to overcome barriers and also many significant policy implications to improve women entrepreneurship in SMEs sector of Bangladesh.

Corporate Governance and Debt Management of Vietnam＇s SMEs

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.

Mapping the Supply Chain Issues SMEs and Impact for Quality Products

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.

The Financial Barriers of SMEs in Albania and Their Impact on the Economic Development

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.

Survey Explores Symbiotic Relationship between China's Nonofficial Finance and SMEs

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.

研发强度对“专精特新”中小企业竞争力影响的分析

近期中央及各级地方政府加大政策力度积极培育“专精特新”中小企业,并着力提升“专精特新”中小企业的竞争力。通过分析国内外文献构建了企业竞争力影响模型,并且针对608家上海市“专精特新”中小企业6年的面板数据开展回归分析。分析后发现企业的研发强度对于由毛利率表征的企业竞争力有直接影响,企业专利、政府专项支持分别具有中介效应和调节效应。此外,政府专项支持对于新能源汽车行业的企业调节效应更为显著。基于分析结果提出了提高“专精特新”中小企业竞争力的政策建议。

数字经济发展水平对中小企业绿色融资的影响研究——基于广东省中小企业调查数据

通过问卷调查了解数字经济影响中小企业绿色融资的现状及存在问题,基于调查数据,采用偏相关分析和多元回归分析等方法,研究数字经济发展水平与中小企业绿色融资的影响关系并建立量化模型。结果表明,区域数字经济和企业数字化水平与绿色融资呈显著正相关,且企业数字化水平影响更显著。文章提出从政府、中小企业、金融机构、数字化服务商等多角度采取措施,加快数字经济发展和企业数字化转型,提升中小企业的绿色融资能力,促进数字经济、绿色金融与中小企业融资的协同发展。

金融支持先进制造业的国际经验及借鉴

加快发展先进制造业,是我国加快形成新质生产力、建设现代化产业体系、加快构建国内国际双循环新发展格局的重中之重。文章以德国和日本为例,梳理总结了发达国家金融支持先进制造业发展的经验,剖析了我国金融支持先进制造业发展面临的技术识别专业度受限、科创类贷款与企业研发资金需求不匹配、产业链配套中小企业信用资源不足、部分行业产能过剩风险加大等方面问题。在此基础上,本文提出金融支持先进制造业的对策建议:坚持顶层设计,完善产业创新支持体系;坚持深化研判,强化对先进制造业产业链的认识;坚持放权赋能,提升产业链综合金融服务能力;坚持系统协同,加大配套中小企业“链式”支持;坚持底线思维,保障金融支持可持续性。

广东省中山市专精特新中小型企业在粤港澳大湾区的发展路径研究——基于深中通道契机

本文基于中山市专精特新中小型企业在粤港澳大湾区发展的路径,特别以深中通道为契机进行分析。首先,通过系统梳理相关资料和深入调研分析,本文提出深中通道作为连接深圳和中山的重要交通基础设施,为专精特新中小型企业的发展提供了前所未有的机遇。其次,通过历年数据比较提出中山市专精特新中小型企业在粤港澳大湾区发展路径需要注重技术创新和产业升级。最后,本文指出政府应加大对专精特新企业的支持力度,提供更加便利的政策环境和资金扶持,同时企业应把国际合作与拓展海外市场作为发展中的重要策略。