The impact of industry, firm age and education level on financial management performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hande Karadag
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Firm Age ◽  
Management Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for socio-economic growth due to their significant role in creating new workforce, gross domestic product increase, innovation and entrepreneurship. This paper aims to examine financial management performance in SMEs with regard to industry, firm age and education level of owner/managers differences. Design/methodology/approach The data used in the study are collected from 188 SMEs through structured questionnaires, and three hypotheses regarding the associations are tested by using structural equation modeling. Findings Findings of one-way ANOVA tests indicate that performance in financial management practices has a strong and positive correlation with education level of small business owner/managers, whereas no significant difference is found regarding SMEs operating in different industries. For the impact of company age, independent samples t-test is conducted, and a meaningful difference between small- and medium-sized companies which are five years or older and younger is found. Research limitations/implications This study shows that a significant difference for age of an SME is present between over and under five-year-old SMEs, with respect to financial management performance, which is an important finding for both small business and financial management literatures. The tests regarding the particular hypotheses about education level of SME owner/managers indicate that education level of SME owner/managers significantly impacts financial management performance. Practical implications The present study provides important practical implications. First, the importance of education level of owner/managers on SME financial performance is highlighted. Second, strong empirical support is found for the impact of company age on SME performance, which might be discussed as the importance of accumulation of knowledge of the owner/managers and the changes required with the growth patterns of the company, with increasing company age. Third, the study shows that industry differences do not exhibit a significant performance variation factor in financial management of SMEs, with respect to other demographic factors. Overall, these contributions help us better understand the financial management performance indicators in small and medium sized businesses. Originality/value This study focuses on company age, education level and industry differences with respect to financial management performance in SMEs in emerging economies, therefore provides additional empirical evidence to a research area where very few empirical studies exist.

Technopreneurship intention among nonbusiness students: a quantitative assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadur Ali Soomro ◽  
Naimatullah Shah
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
New Venture ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe present study attempts to identify the predictive power of technopreneurial-related activities (TRAs), technopreneurial self-efficacy (TSE) and technopreneurial motivation (TM) on technopreneurial intention (TE) among the nonbusiness students.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed for investigation. A quantitative approach is adopted for this research, and the data are collected from the 282 students of the different public sector universities with a survey questionnaire. The application of structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to investigate the impact of TRAs, TSE and TM on TE.FindingsThe results of SEM found a positive and significant impact of TRAs, TSE and TM on TE among the nonbusiness students of Pakistan.Practical implicationsThe study would be beneficial for the planners and policymakers of universities to improve modes of technopreneurship. The findings may encourage the students to develop strong beliefs, abilities and skills to start a new venture. The literature of entrepreneurship and technopreneurship may further enrich with empirical evidence of the present study.Originality/valueThe study would make technopreneurs able to deal with society's challenges.

Impacts of consumers’ perceived risks in eco-design packaging on food wastage behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Zeng
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Risks ◽  
Health Consciousness ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Food Wastage

PurposePackaging links products to consumers by delivering messages to promote healthy food consumption and reduce wastage. However, studies point to a knowledge gap and skepticism among consumers regarding the impact of eco-design packaging on food wastage reduction. To demystify this skepticism and fill the knowledge gap, this study aims to examine consumers’ perceived risks in eco-design packaging and their impact on consumer food wastage.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to identify consumer-perceived risks in eco-design packaging and explain whether, and why, some dimensions of perceived risk are more influential on consumer food wastage decisions.FindingsConsumers are prevented by financial, physical, functional, temporal and social factors from adopting eco-design packaging. Through structural equation modeling, we find consumer perceived risks in eco-design packaging influence their food wastage decisions through health consciousness and environmental awareness.Practical implicationsThis study provides practical suggestions for packaging manufacturers, the food industry and policymakers.Originality/valueDrawing on the perceived risk theory, this research highlights that the impacts of consumer-perceived risks differ, depending on the dimensions considered in their food wastage decision.

Controversial product advertisements in Lebanon

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya F. Farah ◽  
Lamis El Samad
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Religious Sect ◽  
Religious Sects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Consumer's Perception ◽  
Minimal Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of religious sect on the Lebanese consumer’s perception of controversial product advertisements. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a quantitative survey that was administered to a purposive representative sample of respondents from the two main Muslim sects in the country, namely, Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Findings – The results indicated significant differences in perceptions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims with regards to the offensiveness of the advertising of controversial products. Briefly, Sunni Muslims found the advertising of social and political as well as health and care products more offensive, whereas Shiite Muslims found the advertising of gender and sex-related products more offensive, and no significant difference in offensiveness perception between the two sects was found with regards to the advertising of addictive products. Research limitations/implications – Two main limitations faced the researchers: the fact that the respondents were not shown examples of offensive product advertisements; and that religiosity was not measured for the respondents, which could also be a factor in offensiveness perception. Practical implications – The study indicates that a consumer’s religious sect can play a determining role in how he/she perceives product advertisement, thus encouraging marketers to consider the differences between these sects while advertising to ensure no potential consumers are alienated. Originality/value – Although research has looked into the impact of religiosity and religion on the perception of offensive product advertisements, minimal research exists on the impact of religious sects on the perception of offensive product advertisement. The results of this study provide some insights into the consumer behavior differences between the two sects.

Impact of network capability on small business performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Zacca ◽  
Mumin Dayan ◽  
Thomas Ahrens
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Competitive Aggressiveness ◽  
Small Business Performance ◽  
Network Capability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of network capability (NC) on small enterprise performance via knowledge creation, and two dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO): competitive aggressiveness and innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach – The authors propose a theoretical model that was tested using a survey instrument administered to owners and managers of small-sized enterprises within the United Arab Emirates. Theory development was assisted by semi-structured interviews with an independent sample of owners and managers of small enterprises. Findings – The results show that NC is positively related to knowledge creation and that competitive aggressiveness and innovativeness are key mediators between knowledge creation and firm performance. Research limitations/implications – The study contributes to theoretical development by integrating the domains of NC and knowledge creation to EO and small business performance. The authors show that the conversion from NC to small business performance is mediated by knowledge creation and the two dimensions of EO: innovativeness and competitive aggressiveness. Practical implications – The study findings present interesting practical implications for small business owners seeking to shift their firm’s orientation toward being more entrepreneurial. Originality/value – The study highlights the crucial role innovativeness and competitive aggressiveness play as mediators when the relation between knowledge creation and small business performance is examined.

The role of the fit construct and sponsorship portfolio size for event sponsorship success

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 874-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Bruhn ◽  
Matthias Holzer
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Sponsorship Effectiveness ◽  
Portfolio Size ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend sponsorship literature by investigating the role of the fit construct and perceived sponsorship portfolio size for event sponsorship success. To analyze the sponsor–event fit in more detail, the authors draw on the network perspective and, as a consequence, split the sponsor–event fit into two constructs: the sponsor–artist fit construct and the sponsor–event organizer fit construct. Then, a model is developed and tested that examines the effect of these two constructs and perceived sponsorship portfolio size on sponsorship success. Design/methodology/approach – The model is tested with data from 330 visitors to two different concerts in Switzerland. Real events with non-student samples are examined. The data are tested using Mplus 6.0 structural equation modeling. Findings – Results report that the sponsor–artist fit, the sponsor–event organizer fit and perceived sponsorship portfolio size are important drivers of attitude toward the sponsor. Moreover, sponsorships that cause positive attitudes toward the sponsor are found to enhance willingness to pay a price premium and purchase intention. Practical implications – This paper reveals that it is important for sponsorship managers to correctly consider the fit construct and perceived sponsorship portfolio size for sponsorship success. Additionally, the tested model provides an instrument for measuring sponsorship effectiveness. Originality/value – The current paper reveals new results by investigating the impact of the sponsor–artist fit and the sponsor–event organizer fit on sponsorship success. Furthermore, the current research paper is the first to analyze the effects of a sponsorship portfolio which is not limited to one sponsorship category on sponsorship success.

Exploring the future impact of automation in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Lima ◽  
Julia Celia Mercedes Strauch ◽  
Maria Gilda Pimentel Esteves ◽  
Jano Moreira de Souza ◽  
Miriam Barbuda Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Socioeconomic Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Impact

PurposeBrazil is struggling as the unemployment rate is 12.4% and nearly 13m people are unemployed. The fourth Industrial Revolution is advancing, and the country needs to consider how it will impact the labor market. This work explores the impact of automation on the Brazilian workforce to supply decision-makers with information about the subject.Design/methodology/approachThe authors converted the probability of computerization from the seminal work of Frey and Osborne to each of the more than 2,500 occupations in Brazil. They then crossed the automation probability with socioeconomic information about workers and companies available in the Brazilian Ministry of Labor Database.FindingsIn total, 60% of employment in Brazil is expected to be highly impacted by automation in the coming decades, with eight out of the ten occupations with the biggest workforce being highly automatable. Automation probability decreases as workers' education level increases, with the most significant difference between workers with higher education and those without it. The results show other inequalities in the impact of automation: the higher the wage, the lower the automation probability of occupations; the bigger the company, the lower the automation index; and workers from 16 to 24 years old have considerably higher chances of being automated.Originality/valueThis work is the first to study, in the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution, the impact of automation in Brazil with a socioeconomic analysis.

The influence of fashion blogger credibility, engagement and homophily on intentions to buy and e-WOM. Results of a binational study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giada Mainolfi ◽  
Donata Tania Vergura
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fashion Products ◽  
Binational Study ◽  
Positive Word Of Mouth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe study aims to contribute to the knowledge on the role of the fashion bloggers in the product adoption process in both advanced and emerging markets. Specifically, the study investigates the impact of credibility, engagement and homophily on intentions to buy fashion products recommended by the blogger.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research builds on an online survey with a sample of 402 consumers (189 Italian and 213 Taiwanese). The proposed model was tested through structural equation modeling.FindingsResults showed that homophily and the fashion blogger credibility positively influenced the engagement within the blog. Moreover, perceived similarity with the other blog's followers (homophily) and a higher engagement with the blog both translated in a stronger intention to buy the sponsored products and to spread a positive word-of-mouth about the fashion blogger.Practical implicationsThe study has practical implications since it identifies strategic suggestions for both companies that create partnerships with famous fashion bloggers and bloggers who have turned their diary-style websites into a business.Originality/valueThe study contributes to a better understanding of the influence exerted by blog engagement on intentions to follow blogger's recommendations. The study also examines credibility and homophily as antecedents of engagement, which have not been extensively researched in the past with respect to blogs.

Chinese young consumers’ brand loyalty toward sportswear products: a perspective of self-congruity

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinzhao Lu ◽  
Yingjiao Xu
Keyword(s):  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Perceived Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Young Consumers ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to investigate Chinese young consumers’ brand loyalty toward sportswear products from a self-congruity perspective. With different performance observed between global and domestic sportswear brands in the Chinese market, this study also aims to examine the impact of country of origin on Chinese young consumers’ behavior toward sportswear brands. Design/methodology/approach – A survey with street intercept method was conducted in Shanghai to collect data for this study. Multiple independent t-tests and structural equation modeling (SEM) with bootstrap method were used to test the hypotheses. Findings – The SEM results indicate a significant influence of brand self-congruity on consumers’ brand association and perceived quality, which, in turn, influenced consumers’ brand loyalty. The multiple t-test results suggest a significant difference between Chinese and global sportswear brands in terms of consumers’ brand association and attitudinal brand loyalty. No significant difference was found in terms of consumers’ behavioral brand loyalty. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of this study comes from the convenience student sample. Practical implications – First, brands need to strategically design the brand image to represent the largest segment of the target market. Second, while global brands could focus on their pricing strategies, domestic brands need to focus more on maintaining a positive brand association in consumers’ mind. Originality/value – This study contributes to the growing research on the self-congruity perspective of brand loyalty by empirically confirming the indirect effect of brand self-congruity on brand loyalty via the mediation effects of brand association and perceived quality in the context of the ever-growing Chinese sportswear market.

Observing delightful experiences of other customers: the double-edged sword of jealousy and joy

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine L. Ludwig ◽  
Donald C. Barnes ◽  
Matthias Gouthier
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Level Of Service ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Reactions ◽  
Customer Delight ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Deciding on the appropriate level of service is one of the paramount decisions a firm must make. Making this decision more complicated is the debate regarding the viability of aiming for the highest level of service or customer delight. One avenue of research missing from the literature is the impact of providing delight to one customer while in the presence of others. In response the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the emotional and cognitive reactions of the observing customer. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling was utilized to evaluate a sample of 272 respondents. Additional moderation analysis was conducted on the impact of perceived deservingness. Findings Findings indicate that the observing customer experiences the dual effects of joy and jealousy which both impact perceptions of unfairness and subsequent behaviors of complaining and repurchase. The perceived deservingness of the customer experiencing the delight is shown to reduce the impact of jealousy on unfairness. Research limitations/implications The main limitations include cross-sectional data and the fact that the data were retrospective. Practical implications This research suggests that firms should embrace the positive contagion that occurs between the delighted customer and observer while attempting to minimize the impact of jealousy. Originality/value This is the first research to quantitatively evaluate the impact of a customer viewing another customer receiving delight.

WTPP for ecotourism: the impact of intention, perceived value, and materialism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nhung Thi Hoai Duong ◽  
Nguyen Khanh Chi ◽  
Hanh Thi Nguyen ◽  
Ngan Thi Kim Nguyen ◽  
Chi Phuong Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Actual Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ecological Sites ◽  
Customer Base ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study examines the impact of perceived value, materialism and tourist intention on willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism (WTPP).Design/methodology/approachData were collected and conducted in Vietnamese National Parks. The dataset consists of 927 valid responses by domestic travelers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships among perceived value, materialism, tourist intention and tourists' WTPP.FindingsThis study found a significant positive effect of perceived value on both tourist intention and their WTPP. The results also indicated that materialism is revealed to have a totally negative influence on WTPP for ecotourism; its indirect effect is transmitted through tourist intention. These findings highlight that tourists are mainly attracted when they received unique information about eco-destination. Therefore, they tend to participate in ecotourism and decide to pay for ecotourism.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study findings contribute strategies for tourism providers in their marketing activities by segmenting the target market which can be based on tourists with materialistic and nonmaterialistic. Second, ecotourism marketers need to focus on increasing the unique image of ecological sites. These efforts will create a favorable action for tourists. Third, ecotourism providers might increase the prospective customer base among consumers who have materialistic behaviors. Furthermore, they can provide ecotourism promotion materials for targeting customers. Finally, government needs to consider strategies designed to enhance the eco-destination places and environmental intention.Practical implicationsFirst, the study has not compared the efficacy of two different measures which are affective and cognitive items in perceived value construct. Second, this research does not discuss about the interrelationships among other factors influencing tourists' WTPP. Third, the customers' demographic characteristics in this study did not explore because the difference on gender may be perceived differently in analyzing advertising. Fourth, this study was conducted in Vietnam, not in different countries and other different cultures.Originality/valueThis study investigates the impact of perceived value and materialism on ecotourism intention and tourists' WTPP for ecotourism. This study reveals the understanding of how individuals' concern about the value of ecological sites and influences their intention to actual behavior in engaging ecotourism. Significant practical implications are also provided for ecotourism providers, marketers and government. In general, government needs to consider strategies designed to enhance the eco-destination places and environmental intention. Ecotourism marketers need to focus on increasing the unique image of ecological sites. These efforts will create a favorable action for tourists. Otherwise, ecotourism providers might increase the prospective customer base among consumers who have materialistic behaviors. Furthermore, they can provide ecotourism promotion materials for targeting customers.

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