Exploring factors hindering SMEs’ growth: evidence from Nambia

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar ◽  
Geoffrey Nambira ◽  
Geroldine Gomxos
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Special Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skilled Manpower ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This study aims to explore factors hindering small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) growth in Khomas region in Nambia. Methodology/design/approach Methodology adopted is qualitative approach with a case study research design including in-depth interviews and deep observations. Findings Findings indicate that these SMEs experience stealing, security problems and fights from the customers, which hinder business growth. In addition, though they understand the importance of technology in boosting business growth, they are not able to keep the pace with changing technology, which impacts their business development. It was further found that access to finance, appropriate marketing strategies, lack of skilled manpower and poor customer service also hinder their business growth. Research limitations/implications The special aspect of case study design is that it defines the delimitation of the research study and may find it necessary to adjust the boundaries that in any case have initially been determined arbitrarily. Being a case approach, it may be difficult to generalize for all kinds of SMEs. Practical implications The problem faced by business owners as explored in this study brings a further dimension to the current literature on factors that hinder growth of SMEs. According to literature studies on factors hindering business growth, especially for SMEs selling alcoholic beverages, factors such as fighting, stealing and insulting as found in this study provide a new dimension on popular businesses especially in high-density areas or locations as they are popularly known in Namibia. Originality/value The originality of this study is the line of business - SMEs selling alcoholic beverages. This line of business is very popular and many venture into this because of the demand and profitability but because there are no studies, this paper will contribute and provide a framework to ensure success and business growth for future entrepreneurs in this line of business.

scholarly journals Rubbing out gender: women and merchant ships

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Lavalle Acejo ◽  
Sanley S. Abila
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gender Differentials ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Gender Biases ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
And Training

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how gender differences are rubbed out and simultaneously reinforced in intentional and unintentional ways. It will do this by exploring the experiences of female cadets/seafarers. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is drawn from two independent PhD theses, where one of the theses conducted ethnographic fieldwork aboard a container ship in 2009. The other thesis used a case study research design of cadetship programmes in the Philippines using structured interviews, observations with the aid of fieldnotes and documentary analysis of records from seven maritime schools and cadetship programmes of ship-owners. Findings – This paper reveals that the merchant vessel remains to be a “man’s world” where female seafarers are marginalised. It also shows that the maritime colleges in the Philippines deploy training practices that reproduce the gender biases against women participation to seafaring because the socialisation of cadets are fraught with the values and symbols of a hegemonic masculinity intent to silence other genders. On board ships, similar contradictory rubbing out and reproducing of gender differentials are observed. This shows how controlling gender is difficult. Research limitations/implications – Observations conducted are limited to one shipboard voyage and whether the same manifestation in different types of ships, ship routes and crew mix would emerge require triangulation with other forms of data collection like in-depth interviews with seafarers on board. Practical implications – Ethnographic insights offer valuable insights for novice researchers and those conducting shipboard research. Originality/value – Not much study has been done with respect to the presence of women on board and how they disrupt and play with masculine space. This paper provides empirical evidence and insights on the ambivalence of integrating women in the seafaring profession owing to official and unofficial policies and training that intentionally and unintentionally construct women as unfit to work as sea-based professionals.

scholarly journals Marketing Strategy for Welding Workshops in the New Normal Era after the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Andika Isma ◽  
Andi Hidayatullah ◽  
Agung Winarno ◽  
Agus Hermawan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Prevention Protocol ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

The Covid-19 pandemic has a major impact on all aspects and sectors of public life, especially business actors. The impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic was also experienced by welding workshops, one of which was the Barakka Las workshop. This study aims to determine the implementation of marketing strategies in the welding workshop business "Barakka Las" in the New Normal Era after the Covid-19 Pandemic through the creation and design of social media and websites. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study research method. The data were obtained through collecting supporting theories and conducting in-depth interviews with the owner of the "Barakka Las" welding workshop. From the results obtained, in increasing brand loyalty and reaching wider consumers, Barakka Las implemented a digital marketing strategy through social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and through websites with various interesting promotional content and additional information about the Covid-19 prevention protocol

STRATEGI PEMASARAN PAKAN SATWA UNGGUL BLITAR

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Handika Rifki W.P ◽  
Yuli Arif Tribudi ◽  
Agustina Widyaworo Kunharjati
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Personal Selling ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Pricing Strategy ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Analytic Method ◽  
Distribution Strategy ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
Promotional Strategies

This study analyzes the marketing strategies of Pakan in PS SatwaUnggulBlitar views of the concept of the marketing mix.This case study research using descriptive analytic method with purposive sampling technique.Marketing mix strategy being conducted by PS Satwa Unggul are strategies related products (such as brand awareness on brand), pricing strategy (in the form of rebates), the distribution strategy (in the form of three patterns of distribution), and promotion strategies (in the form of veterinary inspection and a free counseling service) can be considered to have successfully accommodate the needs of customers with a variety of facilities and corporate excellence. Based on the research it was concluded that the strategy used in the form of improved relationships with customers through personal selling, promotion price, free inspection, extension livestock and other facilities. Suggestions for the company should maintain an edge marketing strategies implemented in the form of personal selling and promotional strategies, but it is also the company should conduct regular research on consumer behavior animal drugs that strategy actually implemented in accordance with market conditions.

Managing multichannel coordination in retail banking: the influence of customer participation

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loïc Plé
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Design ◽  
Retail Banking ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Retail Banks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the combining of marketing and organizational literature. This paper seeks to evaluate the relationships between multichannel coordination and customer participation, as seen through the lens of potential customer opportunism. It aims at showing the impact of this opportunism on the organizational design of multiple channels structures.Design/methodology/approachThe research reports on an exploratory case study in a French retail bank. A total of 25 in‐depth interviews were conducted, and the use of other sources enabled data triangulation.FindingsThe results show first that an increase in the number of distribution channels is liable to favor customer opportunistic behavior. To counter this, the bank mainly relies on impersonal coordination modes. An emerging result highlights the role of the customer as a “perceptual filter” between the different channels of employees.Research limitations/implicationsCustomer opportunism is studied via channels employees perceptions. An investigation using a customer survey may help to better understand this construct, e.g. to identify its antecedents, and to measure it precisely. Moreover, further qualitative and/or quantitative studies with larger sample sizes are needed to try and generalize these results.Practical implicationsIt is recommended not to forget that customers can facilitate or hinder multichannel coordination. Retail banks have the power to use them conveniently, provided that they are fully conscious of the scope of the “partial employee” role played by the customer.Originality/valueThis paper broadens understanding of how multichannel distribution structures are coordinated, and in a way belies traditional organizational design literature. The emerging result gives birth to the concept of “reversed interactive marketing”, which has interesting theoretical and practical repercussions.

The role of entrepreneurial families in entrepreneurial ecosystems: the family social capital approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Benavides-Salazar ◽  
Cristina Iturrioz-Landart ◽  
Cristina Aragón-Amonarriz ◽  
Asunción Ibañez-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Family Social Capital ◽  
The Family ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Entrepreneurial Dynamics

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how entrepreneurial families (EFs) influence the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) by using the family social capital (FSC) approach. Design/methodology/approach For this paper, the authors analyzed the Manizales EE as a case study. The authors used a variety of data collection procedures, including in-depth interviews with 26 entrepreneurs and mentors. Findings The authors established how EFs affect EE development, identifying how the FSC bridging mechanisms impact the EE’s social and cultural attributes, boosting entrepreneurial dynamics. Originality/value The results indicated the relevance of EFs’ embeddedness and the degree of the FSC institutionalization in promoting of entrepreneurship within the EEs.

Consumer reactions towards femvertising: a netnographic study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Marina Lima ◽  
Beatriz Casais
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Female Empowerment ◽  
Women Consumers ◽  
Cultural Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Comments ◽  
Consumer Reactions ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeThis paper identifies consumer reactions towards female empowerment in advertising in order to explore the supporting arguments for criticisms of lack of authenticity and the figuring of sexist stereotypes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a multi-case study research with content analysis of 905 coded online comments in a video hosting website towards four femvertising campaigns.FindingsResults indicate that femvertising plays an important role in the emotional connection between women and brands, but consumers may react negatively to femvertising when brands do not show knowledge about the real feminist values, maintaining sexist stereotypes. Consumers also blame companies of hypocrite and exploitation to sell products if there is not authenticity and brand-cause fit.Originality/valueFemvertising appears as a consequence of cultural changes and corporate social responsibility in order to engage women consumers. This paper contributes with explanations to sustain the dichotomic reactions towards femvertising, showing evidence of why some people react favourably and other people react negatively.

Ascertaining the effectiveness of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tackling corruptions in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 658-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Umar ◽  
Rose Shamsiah Samsudin ◽  
Mudzamir bn Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Poor Performance ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Current State ◽  
Financial Crimes ◽  
Lack Of Commitment ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to appraise the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of their role in tackling systemic corruptions and to associate how institutional and organizational factors influence the performance of the EFCC. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, non-participatory observations and documentary analysis. Findings The results of the integrative analysis show that the EFCC has apparently been ineffective, and further improvization of the organization is needed. Poor performance of the EFCC was associated with factors such as lack of commitment, inefficient judiciary, insufficient budgets and incompetent personnel. Practical implications This study recommends further improvements in the form of a greater political will, improved legal process and also elevated budgetary funds and recruitment of personnel to the EFCC. Originality/value The study adopted a descriptive, qualitative case study approach to describe the current state of the EFCC in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Reformasi Birokrasi Dalam Pelayanan Publik (Studi Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu)

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Yusriadi Yusriadi ◽  
Misnawati Misnawati
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Service Agency ◽  
Instrumental Case Study ◽  
Institutional Aspect ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Bureaucratic Reform ◽  
Organizational Needs ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study aims to identify the implementation of bureaucratic reforms, as well as to offer several solutions for the improvement of licensing administration services. This study used a qualitative approach with the type of instrumental case study research. The location of the research was conducted at Integrated Licensing Service Agency (BP2T) in Kabupaten Bone.Teknik data collection used, namely: in-depth interviews, document studies and observation. Data are analyzed through data reduction stages, data presentation, conclusion and verification. The results showed that the implementation of bureaucratic reform in the administration of licensing services, from the Institutional aspect that the licensing service of Bone Regency has been in the form of One Stop Service; Human Resources aspects that the existing employee qualifications are not in accordance with organizational needs, discipline and responsibilities of employees is still relatively low; aspects of the System and Procedures that generally permits are completed beyond the prescribed timeframe, the existence of discrimination and inconsistency. Through this research, verification of several concepts and theories, namely formalism as one of the characteristics of prismatic society proposed by Fred W Riggs on justified in this study, which in the phenomenon the author calls it by the term "Regulation of the Tongue.

scholarly journals Avant Healthcare: Building Competitive Advantages From Customer Service

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Carrick
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Modern Economy ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Do So

This case examines the importance of customer service in the modern economy. In order to do so, it presents the findings from a case study on Avant Healthcare. In-depth interviews were conducted with two executives from the firm and then the interviews were systemically analyzed. The results give a clear example of how firms can build competitive advantages from customer service.

scholarly journals Manajemen Personalia Lembaga Pendidikan: MA Darul Ihsan Samarinda dan SMA YPM Diponogoro Tenggarong Seberang

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
Misbahul Fuad
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Personnel Management ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Personnel Administration ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Collection Methods

In its development, madrasas experienced ups and downs in their development. The most basic problem is the management aspect. The following cases of management are interesting to note. There are schools or madrasas that initially experience setbacks, then can progress rapidly. On the other hand, there are schools or madrassas that initially developed, but then almost went out of business. One of the reasons is due to the management that is not mature enough, therefore personnel management in the world of education is very important especially in educational institutions especially Islamic-based educational institutions. This study aims to determine the application of personnel management in Islamic education institutions and supporting and inhibiting factors in its application. This research is a type of field research with a multi-case study research approach. Data collection methods used Participatory Observation and In-depth interviews. The steps of data analysis in this study use the analysis of the Miles and Huberman models. Based on the results of research in the field it was found that: 1) The implementation of personnel management in MA Darul Ihsan Samarinda and YPM Diponegoro Tenggarong Seberang High School which consisted of educators and education staff. There are several components of personnel management, including seven components that have different divisions and elements, namely planning, recruitment, coaching, dismissal, but there are three important components that have not been comprehensively applied, namely compensation, appointment and evaluation. 2) Supporting factors for the implementation of personnel management in MA Darul Ihsan Samarinda and YPM Diponegoro Tenggarong Seberang High School are the motivation given by the madrasa headmaster and headmaster to their personnel so that they always try to be better and give encouragement or enthusiasm in carrying out their tasks. Both vision, mission, goals because each institution must have a vision, mission and goals as well as MA Darul Ihsan Samarinda and YPM Diponegoro Tenggarong High School have a vision, mission and clear objectives, while the inhibiting factor in the implementation of personnel administration is a means of implementing administration in MA Darul Ihsan Samarinda and YPM Diponegoro Tenggarong Seberang High School due to the unavailability of sufficient funds and human resources in their fields.

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