A tool for measuring SMEs’ reputation, engagement and goodwill

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 170-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind Heather Whiting ◽  
Paul Hansen ◽  
Anindya Sen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Presence ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Scoring Tool ◽  
Google Search

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a rating and scoring tool for measuring small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) reputation, engagement and goodwill (REG), including internet presence and following on social media, by an exploratory study undertaken in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach A discrete choice experiment (DCE) applying the PAPRIKA method via an online survey was conducted to determine weights representing the relative importance of six indicators related to SMEs’ REG. Usable responses were received from 159 people involved with SMEs. Cluster analysis to identify participants with similar patterns of weights was performed. Findings The six indicators, in decreasing order of importance (mean weights in parentheses), are: “captured” customer opinions about the business (0.28); contact with customer database (0.19); website traffic (0.16); Google Search ranking (0.15); size of customer database, (0.11); and following on social media (0.11). These indicators and weights can be used to rate and score individual SMEs. The cluster analysis indicates that participants’ age has some influence on their weights. Research limitations/implications Only 159 usable responses for the DCE. Practical implications The indicators and their weights provide a practical and inexpensive tool for measuring SMEs’ REG. Originality/value This is the first study to use a DCE to determine weights representing the relative importance of indicators included in a tool for measuring SMEs’ REG. The tool is innovative because it includes readily available indicators of firms’ internet presence and following on social media.

Social media as tool for facilitating knowledge creation and innovation in small and medium enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armando Papa ◽  
Gabriele Santoro ◽  
Lia Tirabeni ◽  
Filippo Monge
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Digital Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of social media usage on four knowledge creation processes, namely socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation, and innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach A sample of 96 SMEs has been used to gather data through a standardised questionnaire and test the hypotheses through OLS regression models. Findings The results indicate that social media influence positively three out of four knowledge creation processes and that they help to foster the innovation process. Originality/value From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes to literature considering a specific digital tool and its effect on knowledge creation and innovation. In fact, a few studies have considered the impact of social media usage on other variables, such as ROI and productivity, but never on knowledge creation and innovation through a quantitative study. From a managerial perspective, the research suggests managers to implement and involve social media within business and innovation processes.

From strategic orientation to social media orientation

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1165-1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Dutot ◽  
François Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Performance ◽  
Future Direction ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Media Orientation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a framework of small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) strategic orientation (SO) and its impact on social media performance. Moreover, it introduces a new concept, social media orientation (SMO) (composed of sales and business development (SBD) and visibility) to add in the model. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was used and, based on a study of 257 SMEs, analyses were performed. A smartPLS analysis was judged appropriate regarding the sample size. Findings Results show that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and customer orientation have a positive influence on SBD which in turn has a positive influence on social media performance. Visibility is positively influenced by EO and has an indirect effect on social media performance. Social media performance is therefore directly influenced by SBD and indirectly by visibility. Research limitations/implications The authors complete previous research that called for the introduction of different SO on a same study and go further as the author highlight the role of EO on visibility (and not only on business or performance). A second contribution lies in the conceptualization of SMO (defined here with SBD and visibility) and third in the measurement of social media performance through growth and attention. Practical implications SMEs first need to develop their visibility, and then link it to SBD. Originality/value This research is one of the first to explore SMEs’ SO on social media and proposes a new concept defined as SMO. It gives SMEs future direction on how to perform on these platforms.

Identification of challenges and their ranking in the implementation of cloud ERP

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1056-1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivam Gupta ◽  
Subhas C. Misra ◽  
Akash Singh ◽  
Vinod Kumar ◽  
Uma Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integration Data ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Security Network ◽  
Business Complexity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical challenges in the implementation of cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP). The challenges identified were customization, organizational change, long-term costs, business complexity, loss of information technology competencies, legal issues, integration, data extraction, monitoring, migration, security, network dependency, limited functionality, awareness, performance, integrity of provider, perception, and subscription costs. Here the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large organizations were differentiated with respect to the challenges identified. This paper also suggested ranked lists of challenges both for SMEs and large organizations. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted and data of 93 respondents were analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically test the data. Here the SMEs and large organizations were differentiated with respect to the challenges identified. Findings This study shows that SMEs and large organizations differ from each other for most of the challenges except business complexity, integration, monitoring, security, limited functionality, performance, and integrity of provider. Also from the ranked list of challenges in cloud ERP, security was the top concern for both SMEs and large organizations. Originality/value The findings may help organizations to get a broad idea about the challenges which are critical for the implementation of cloud ERP.

scholarly journals Segmenting consumers’ reasons for and against ethical consumption

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 2237-2261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul F. Burke ◽  
Christine Eckert ◽  
Stacey Davis
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Consumerism ◽  
Ethical Products ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Ethical Purchasing

Purpose – This paper aims to quantify the relative importance of reasons used to explain consumers’ selection and rejection of ethical products, accounting for differences in ethical orientations across consumers. Design/methodology/approach – Reviewing previous literature and drawing on in-depth interviews, a taxonomy of reasons for and against ethical purchasing is developed. An online survey incorporating best–worst scaling (BWS) determines which reasons feature more in shaping ethical consumerism. Cluster analysis and multinomial regression are used to identify and profile segments. Findings – Positively orientated consumers (42 per cent of respondents) purchase ethical products more so because of reasons relating to impact, health, personal relevance, and quality. Negatively orientated consumers (34 per cent of respondents) reject ethical alternatives based on reasons relating to indifference, expense, confusion and scepticism. A third segment is ambivalent in their behaviour and reasoning; they perceive ethical purchasing to be effective and relevant, but are confused and sceptical under what conditions this can occur. Research limitations/implications – Preferences were elicited using an online survey rather than using real market data. Though the task instructions and methods used attempted to minimise social-desirability bias, the experiment might still be subject to its effects. Practical implications – Competitive positioning strategies can be better designed knowing which barriers to ethical purchasing are more relevant. The paper challenges the benefits in altruistic-based positioning and outlines shortcomings in communication about ethical products, including those relating to product labelling. Social implications – Through their purchase behaviours across a number of categories, ethical consumers aim to minimise the harm and exploitation of humans, animals and the natural environment. This research provides insights into the potential reasons why the uptake of ethical products is not being achieved and how it can be addressed to make improvements in making this movement more mainstream. Originality/value – This research examines an extensive list of reasons for and against ethical purchasing used by a general population of consumers. By forcing respondents to make trade-offs, this is the first study quantifying the relative importance of reasons utilised by consumers. It also highlights the value in using cluster analysis on best–worst scores to identify underlying segments.

Towards a better understanding of intellectual capital in Mexican SMEs

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Daou ◽  
Egide Karuranga ◽  
Zhan Su
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Based Economy ◽  
External Capital ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of intellectual capital (IC) in Mexican small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Due to the shift from traditional factors of production to knowledge-based economy, an understanding of the role of IC has become crucial for SMEs to develop a competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – This study takes an in depth look at the three components of IC: human, organizational, and external capital. In order to do so, a quantitative study on 445 SMEs was conducted based on data collected through an online survey. A structural equation model is proposed that is a fit with the reality of Mexican SMEs. Regional differences are highlighted by means of multigroup analysis. Findings – The results suggest that the features of human and organizational capital are consistent with previous studies on SMEs in emerging economies. However, external capital shows some distinctive characteristics unique to Mexican context. Practical implications – Implications for managers and policymakers are discussed, whereby an adaptation of programs and policies are required to fit the Mexican context at the national and regional levels. Originality/value – To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study that observes the components of IC in Mexican SMEs.

scholarly journals Strengthening digital collaboration to enhance social innovation capital: an analysis of Italian small innovative enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Chierici ◽  
Debora Tortora ◽  
Manlio Del Giudice ◽  
Barbara Quacquarelli
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Collaboration ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Resources Sharing ◽  
Innovation Capital ◽  
Collective Capacity

PurposeThe study aims to investigate whether and how digital transformation, in terms of digital collaboration, joint efforts with internal/external partners to achieve common goals and the adoption of digital tools supporting this practice, affect social innovation capital in the context of small innovative enterprises (SIEs).Design/methodology/approachThe research hypotheses derived from the analysis of the literature, evaluating how sharing resources, sharing intensity and digital patterns affect the collective capacity of SIEs to innovate, were investigated by applying multiple regression analysis. Data were retrieved from a sample of Italian SIEs through an online survey.FindingsThe main findings suggest that the propensity to spread resources and the sharing intensity positively affect the collective capacity of SIEs to innovate. Also, the effect of resources sharing on collective innovation increases as more digital patterns are used as tools. The connection is weaker for the intensity of resources sharing.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted on Italian SIEs, a particular cluster of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It would be interesting to compare and contrast the results of an analysis of a large sample of international companies, of different sizes and belonging to digital and non-digital sectors.Originality/valueThe results enrich the existing literature on social innovation capital, by clarifying its competitive benefits on the characteristic context of the SIEs and underlining the mediating role of the digital patterns.

scholarly journals Effects of Social Media Marketing Towards Probiotic Chicken Customers’ Purchase Intention: Customer Engagement as a Mediator

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 518-531
Author(s):  
Nadia Ambar Shofiya ◽  
Ira Fachira
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
The Social ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Social media has become an inseparable part of marketing, particularly for small and medium enterprises. However, there is a limited knowledge on how it helps small and medium enterprises in selling probiotic products. This study aims to explore how social media marketing influences the purchase intentions of probiotic chicken customers. This research uses a quantitative approach to collect data through an online survey from 215 participants. The results show that the factors of entertainment, trendiness, and e – word of mouth of social media marketing, alongside customer engagement, significantly affect customers’ purchase intentions. Data analysis reveals that the factors of social media marketing have greater influence towards purchase intention when mediated by customer engagement, compared to their direct influence towards purchase intention. Therefore, improving the quality of the social media marketing factors enhances customer engagement. Hence, customer engagement also plays an important role in social media marketing by directly influencing the customers’ purchase intentions.

Innovation process of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in greater Jakarta area (perspective from foodpreneurs)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sevenpri Candra ◽  
I Nyoman Agus Dwi Wiratama ◽  
Muhammad Airlangga Rahmadi ◽  
Vincent Cahyadi
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collective Entrepreneurship ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a critical part of a country or region’s economy. They have contributed to more than half of Indonesia’s gross domestic product. However, MSMEs today are still getting problems and obstacles in the Indonesian industry. One of them is the lack of knowledge about entrepreneurship that hampers the development of a business and the emergence of innovation. This study aims to understand the innovation process and extend the knowledge regarding entrepreneurship in food and beverage MSMEs in Greater Jakarta Area. Design/methodology/approach This study is descriptive–associative research. It uses the online survey as a data collection method with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique is purposive sampling with the criteria foodpreneurs from MSMEs in Greater Jakarta Area. The data are measured using Likert scale and analyzed using structural equation modeling-partial least squares. Findings The results suggest that centralized decision-making positively impacts collaboration, communication and contributes to innovation. Communication effects the entrepreneur's knowledge and collective entrepreneurship. In terms of collaboration, it affects entrepreneur's knowledge and collective entrepreneurship. Then, the entrepreneur's knowledge and collective entrepreneurship influence innovation. Research limitations/implications This research is only conducted using MSMEs of food and beverages in Greater Jakarta Area as the samples. Hence the results cannot be generalized. Different sectors may have different results. Practical implications A centralized decision can be done but limited in certain situations only. Then, foodpreneurs should collaborate and communicate more intensely with their employees. It will impact the harmonious collaboration and collective problem-solving to achieve creative solutions. Originality/value There is limited research focusing on foodpreneurs and the innovation process. So, this research results can add to the existing literature review.

Learning from the “data poor”: energy management in understudied organizations

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 424-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn B. Janda ◽  
Catherine Bottrill ◽  
Russell Layberry
Keyword(s):  
Energy Management ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present new empirical data on leases, energy management, and energy meters in the UK, with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other “minor” players. The paper develops a new segmentation model that identifies six different combinations of energy and organizational conditions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors surveyed participants in an online energy management and data analytics service. A 30-question online survey gathered data from 31 respondents on three kinds of infrastructure – legal, organizational, and technical. Findings – SMEs and other minor players are generally “data poor,” lack energy managers, and have legacy meters that are read only annually or quarterly; some rent via leases that inhibit permanent alterations to the premises, including the meter. Research limitations/implications – The research is exploratory and subject to self-selection bias. Further research is needed into: lease language, governance structures, social practices to facilitate cooperation between tenants and landlords; the scope for energy management positions in small organizations; low-cost “smart-er” meters that can be reversibly retrofitted onto existing energy meters; and the combination of these areas. Practical implications – Organizations may need to augment a combination of legal, organizational, and technical infrastructures to enable better energy management. Social implications – SMEs and other “minor” energy users are important to society and the economy, yet they are often overlooked by government programs. This developing data set can help policymakers include these groups in their programs. Originality/value – This paper presents a new conceptual framework for future research and new empirical data on understudied groups.

Twiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Juma James Masele
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

TitleTwiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises.Subject areaThe case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.Study level/applicabilityThis case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business‐related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.Case overviewThe case addresses a number of issues including: Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise. Strategic management. Business revenue models.Expected learning outcomes To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas. To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures. The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures. To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.

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