scholarly journals Financial performance of Hungarian and Romanian retail food small businesses

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (11) ◽  
pp. 3451-3471
Author(s):  
Veronika Fenyves ◽  
Kinga Emese Zsido ◽  
Ioan Bircea ◽  
Tibor Tarnoczi
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Food Retailing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Food

PurposeChanges in food retailing (globalization, concentration) have negative impacts on smaller, “traditional” food retail businesses. Their market share decreasing year by year. The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the financial performances of these businesses under the given circumstances and current economic environment in a Hungarian and a Romanian county.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on two complete databases, including all companies that behoove retail food activity (considering the NACE cod) in the counties of Hajdu-Bihar (Hungary) and Cluj (Romania). The database analyzed contains the financial statements for five consecutive years for 212 and 690 businesses. Databases were examined by the most typical financial indicators using the multivariate and univariate analysis of variance and the k-medoid cluster analysis methods.FindingsThe results of the analysis have shown that there are differences in the number of retail food companies in the case of two counties, both in number and in financial performance. Companies in Hajdú-Bihar county perform better in terms of financial ratios than those in Cluj county. The groups created by k-medoids cluster analysis are relatively well distinguished in the case of Hajdú-Bihar county, while the picture is much more mixed in the case of Kolozs county. However, it is also important to note that the companies analyzed should generally perform better to survive.Research limitations/implicationsAmong the limitations of the study, it is important to note that the findings are relevant only to the two counties examined. Another limiting factor is that quite several companies had to be excluded from the analysis due to missing data or outliers.Practical implicationsThe study presents for the corporate decision-makers the current performance of the companies of the sector examined in the two counties. The results of the study highlight the business areas of concern in management. The findings show that they need to change this performance to strengthen their market position. We believe that it is not enough to complain about the expansion of the supermarket chains, but they should take appropriate actions to improve their situation. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is a need to improve the financial efficiency of retail food companies in both counties to survive in the long run. This improvement is essential because retailers can play an important role in smaller settlements and narrower residential environments.Originality/valueComparative analysis of retail food companies in similar counties in these two neighboring countries has not been conducted using complex financial analysis. The study revealed the common and/or individual characteristics of these companies.

Mixed-gender ownership and financial performance of SMEs in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Desiree Simo Kengne
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Firm Survival ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Gender Composition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Gender

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the presence of women among owner-stakeholders affects firms’ financial performance. Particularly, it extends the corporate governance literature by linking stakeholder theory and gender differences to explain why gender composition of ownership matters for firms’ performance. As the management of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) revolves around owner-managers and their individual characteristics that are likely to affect their achievements, the study further investigates the relationship between the gender composition of ownership and the firm survival. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data on SMEs for 2007 and 2010, this study uses a panel-level heteroskedasticity technique and a probit methodology to assess the effect women’s presence among owners may exert on SMEs performance and survival, respectively. Findings Results indicate that firms jointly owned by men and women appear to perform better than those owned by men although the presence of women among owners does not correlate with firm survival. Research limitations/implications While the findings of this study shed some light on the performance impact of gender composition of firm ownership, reports based on the presence of women among owners may not present the full picture. Whether the ownership is shared equally between different genders might provide further insides on the magnitude and/or robustness of such effect. Moreover, a small sample period (T = 2) was used to analyse a single industrial sector (manufacturing), and even though the Hausman test confirmed the use of random-effects specification, caution should be taken when generalizing the findings to other cases. Practical implications The findings suggest that the leadership in mixed-gender context propels a perspective of women as a valuable resource within SMEs, but relying on it to sustain the survival would be unwise. Social implications South Africa scores particularly high on positive actions towards women entrepreneurship, and this is compounded in the SMEs sector by managerial attitudes that could offer positive developments for women. Originality/value The positive and significant relationship between women’s presence among owners and SMEs financial performance in South Africa complements the almost exclusively reported negative impact of gender diversity on firm performance. Consequently, mixed-gender owners’ team can be used as a fulcrum to promote SMEs growth in South Africa.

Antecedents of small business financial performance: the role of human resource management practices and strategy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willie Chinyamurindi ◽  
Janatti Bagorogoza Kyogabiirwe ◽  
Jolly Byarugaba Kabagabe ◽  
Samuel Mafabi ◽  
MTutuzeli Dywili
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Resource Management Practices ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThere is noted emphasis on the role of small businesses as conduits for economic development especially in emerging economies. Given this, there is need for constantly seeking for ways to assist small businesses achieve success. Calls exist in the literature to investigate the combined role that strategy and human resource management practices can play leading to efforts of financial success.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was utilised and data collected from 401 small businesses operating in the Eastern Province of South Africa. Pearson product–moment correlation and hierarchical regression were used in the data analysis.FindingsThe results confirm that a direct relationship exists between strategy and financial performance. Further, the relationship is made significant only through the mediation effect of human resource management practices.Practical implicationsTo fully realise the enactment of strategy within small businesses there is need to pay attention to the role that human resource management practices may potentially have on financial performance. Small business owner-managers need to ground their strategies with sound human resource management practices. Through this, firm financial performance can be attained.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light and presents a model that illustrates the mediating role of human resource management practices on the relationship between strategy and financial performance.

Fostering performance through leaders’ behavioral competencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Tognazzo ◽  
Paolo Gubitta ◽  
Fabrizio Gerli
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Firm Financial Performance ◽  
Performance Determinants ◽  
The Individual

Purpose This paper aims to identify which top leaders’ behavioral emotional intelligence (EI)-competencies affect firm performance when considering the overall organization orientation toward efficiency, human resources and adaptability to the external environment as an interface (i.e. a filter) between the individual leader and firm outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted on a sample of Italian top leaders. The authors used a cross-level analysis that distinguishes individual characteristics, mid-level performance determinants and organizational results. The authors used a variety of methods of assessment: behavioral event interviews for top leaders’ EI-competencies; subject matter experts’ evaluations for organizational orientation; a non-parametric statistical analysis for distinctive competencies; objective financial data for firm financial performance. To identify which competencies impact on financial performance, factor and regression analysis was used. Findings In firms oriented toward efficiency, human resources and adaptability to the external environment, top leaders’ people management EI-competencies are the most frequent distinctive abilities. These distinctive competencies can be further distinguished into task, relationship and change-oriented behaviors, although only the first two appear to be related to firm performance. Practical implications To foster firm performance, top leaders should leverage certain EI-related competencies, especially those that are task and relationship oriented. Leaders should not only see the organization as an extension of themselves but also be aware that the organization might obstacle their individual impact. Originality/value This original empirical study uses different data sources and methodologies, it assesses a multi-level model and is conducted in Italy. No previous empirical study has considered the organization as a filter – and not an enhancer – between the top leader and firm performance.

Effect of the global financial crisis on the financial performance of public listed construction companies in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Ying Lai ◽  
Abdul Rashid Abdul Aziz ◽  
Toong Khuan Chan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The aim of this case study is to characterize the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis on the financial performance of public listed construction companies. Design/methodology/approach – Financial analysis was conducted on 32 public listed construction companies in Malaysia. Twelve financial ratios were examined to determine the profitability, liquidity, activity, leverage and solvency of these companies over the period between 2005 and 2010. This was complemented by a distress analysis using Altman’s Z-index. The study also used a content analysis of the Chairman’s or Managing Director’s statement to shareholders to uncover the responses and strategic initiatives undertaken by the management in response to the financial crisis. Findings – The only direct impact of the financial crisis was a reduction in profitability. Total revenues and total assets of these companies continue to grow due to increased demand for construction from year 2007 following two large capital investment programs initiated by the Malaysian Government to mitigate the potential effects of the financial crisis. Net profits rebounded back to 5 per cent by year 2010. These companies immediately responded to the crisis with more prudent financial management; curtailing expenses, cutting dividends, reducing bank borrowings, increasing equity; and to the extent of disposing of assets to mitigate losses. Research limitations/implications – The sample of only 32 public listed companies out of a total of more than 60,000 construction companies may be considered small, but these 32 companies represent nearly 20 per cent of the total construction volume for 2010. Practical implications – The study documents the effects of increased capital spending by the government to mitigate the loss of investor confidence followed by a slowdown in economic growth during a period of global financial distress. Key findings will inform on prudent financial management to withstand future financial crises. Originality/value – The responses and strategies adopted by the management to mitigate the effects and to enhance future performance of these companies have been uncovered. These are important considerations in managing construction companies; the analysis and observations will be invaluable to researchers intending to study how the construction industry responds to a future slump in demand.

Inventory management, managerial competence and financial performance of small businesses

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-398
Author(s):  
Laura A. Orobia ◽  
Joweria Nakibuuka ◽  
Juma Bananuka ◽  
Richard Akisimire
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bootstrap Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Correlational Research ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Managerial Competence ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this study is twofold (1) to establish the relationship between inventory management, managerial competence and financial performance and (2) to test whether inventory management mediates the relationship between managerial competence and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachWe employed cross-sectional and correlational research designs. A questionnaire survey of 304 small businesses in Uganda was utilized. Hypotheses were tested using a bootstrap analysis technique with the aid of Analysis of Moments Structures (AMOS) software.FindingsResults indicate that inventory management and managerial competence are significantly associated with financial performance of small businesses. Further, inventory management partially mediates the relationship between managerial competence and financial performance.Originality/valueRather than focusing on only the direct effects of managerial competence and inventory management, moreover independently, the indirect effect of inventory management is tested. Further, the behavioral perspective of inventory management, as opposed to financial ratios, is utilized.

scholarly journals Linking internal marketing orientation to balanced scorecard outcomes in small businesses: the case of travel agencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javad Khazaei Pool ◽  
Masood Khodadadi ◽  
Ezat Amirbakzadeh Kalati
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Internal Marketing ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Process ◽  
Marketing Orientation ◽  
Process Learning ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how internal marketing orientation affects balanced scorecard outcomes (financial performance, customer, internal process, learning and growth) in a small service businesses context. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the small businesses, the relationship between internal marketing orientation and performance is hypothesized and tested. A structural equation modeling (SEM) test with maximum likelihood estimation was performed to test the relationship between the research variables. Findings The results obtained from the SEM analyzes revealed that internal marketing orientation positively impacts the levels of financial and non-financial performance. The results also indicate that non-financial performance measures (that is, customer, internal process, learning and growth) directly affect financial performance. Originality/value This study unpacks the mechanism between internal marketing orientation and balanced scorecard outcomes and contributes to the academic research of internal marketing orientation in the context of small businesses.

Why buy new, when used will do?

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Michael Robert Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Equity Capital ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Impact

Learning outcomes Students are exposed to debt and equity financing; analysis of company affairs using selected financial statement information; use of ratios in financial analysis; the impact of adequate financing on company performance; and trade-offs companies must make in their day-to-day operations. Case overview/synopsis Jetcon Corporation’s business model involved the importation of pre-owned cars from Japan for re-sale in Jamaica. It was a fiercely competitive business as there were over 100 companies involved in this sector. There was also a vibrant new-car sector. Jetcon focused on importing mid to low price Japanese pre-owned models, which were already common on Jamaican roads, and which would be affordable to the larger segment of buyers. Like most small businesses, it experienced difficulty raising financing in the amounts and cost that is required and this contributed to its decision to raise equity capital through an initial public offer. It was the first used-car dealer to list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Complexity academic level This case is suitable for final-year undergraduate students in finance. By that time they should already have been exposed to debt, equity and stock markets. It helps students to explore some of the issues involved in financing a company’s operations. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for renal cell carcinoma brain metastases

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 489-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Hernandez ◽  
Lucia Zamorano ◽  
Andrew Sloan ◽  
James Fontanesi ◽  
Simon Lo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Median Survival ◽  
Renal Cell ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) in achieving a partial or complete remission of so-called radioresistant metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to propose guidelines for optimal treatment Methods. During a 5-year period, 29 patients (19 male and 10 female) with 92 brain metastases from RCC underwent GKS. The median tumor volume was 4.7 cm3 (range 0.5–14.5 cm3). Fourteen patients (48%) also underwent whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) before GKS, and two patients (6.8%) after GKS. The mean GKS dose delivered to the 50% isodose at the tumor margin was 16.8 Gy (range 13–30 Gy). All cases were categorized according to the Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA) classification for brain metastases. Univariate analysis was performed to determine significant prognostic factors and survival. The overall median survival was 7 months after GKS treatment. Age, sex, Karnofsky Performance Scale score, and controlled primary disease were not predictors of survival. Combined WBRT/GKS resulted in median survival of 18, 8.5, and 5.3 months for RPA Classes I, II, and III, respectively, compared with the median survival 7.1, 4.2, and 2.3 months for patients treated with WBRT alone. Conclusions. These results suggest that WBRT combined with GKS may improve survival in patients with brain metastases from RCC. Furthermore, this improvement in survival was seen in all RPA classes.

An empirical examination of firm financial performance along dimensions of supply chain resilience

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Li ◽  
Qun Wu ◽  
Clyde W. Holsapple ◽  
Thomas Goldsby
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
Firm Financial Performance ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of three critical dimensions of supply chain resilience, supply chain preparedness, supply chain alertness and supply chain agility, all aimed at increasing a firm’s financial outcomes. In a turbulent environment, firms require resilience in their supply chains to prepare for potential changes, detect changes and respond to actual changes, thus providing superior value. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 77 firms, this study develops scales for preparedness, alertness and agility. It then tests their hypothesized relationships with a firm’s financial performance. Findings The results reveal that the three dimensions of supply chain resilience (i.e. preparedness, alertness and agility) significantly impact a firm’s financial performance. It is also found that supply chain preparedness, as a proactive resilience capability, has a greater influence on a firm’s financial performance than the reactive capabilities including alertness and agility, suggesting that firms should pay more attention to proactive approaches for building supply chain resilience. Originality/value First, this study develops a comparatively comprehensive definition for supply chain resilience and explores its dimensionality. Second, this study provides empirically validated instruments for the dimensions of supply chain resilience. Third, this study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence for direct impact of supply chain resilience dimensions on a firm’s financial performance.

A benchmarking study of Indian seaports

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-102
Author(s):  
Sajeev Abraham George ◽  
Anurag C. Tumma
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Port Authorities ◽  
Financial Performance Measures ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to benchmark the operational and financial performances of the major Indian seaports to help derive useful insights to improve their performance. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology has been used with the help of data collected on the 13 major seaports of India. The first stage of the DEA captured the operational efficiencies, while the second stage the financial performance. Findings A window analysis over a period of three years revealed that no port was able to score an overall average efficiency of 100 per cent. The study identified the better performing units among their peers in both the stages. The contrasting results of the study with the traditional operational and financial performance measures used by the ports helped to derive useful insights. Research limitations/implications The data used in the study were majorly limited to the available sources in the public domain. Also, the study was limited to the major seaports which are under the Government of India and no comparisons were carried out with other local or international ports. Practical implications There is a need to prioritize investments and improvement efforts where they are most needed, instead of following a generalized approach. Once the benchmark ports are identified, the port authorities and other relevant stakeholders should work in detail on the factors causing inefficiencies, for possible improvements in performance. Originality/value This paper carried out a two-stage DEA that helped to derive useful insights on operational efficiency and financial performance of the India seaports. A combination of the financial and operational parameters, along with a comparison of the DEA results with the traditional measures, provided a different perspective on the Indian seaport performance. Considering the scarcity of research papers reported in the literature on DEA-based benchmarking studies of seaports in the Indian context, it has the potential to attract future research in this field.

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