Investigating entrepreneurial success factors of women-owned SMEs in UAE

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namrata Gupta ◽  
Anita Mirchandani

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key factors affecting the success of women entrepreneurs who own and manage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in UAE. The extant literature on the relationship between determinants of entrepreneurial success points to a lack of clarification of the link between success factors (Personal, environmental and other) and performance of women-owned SMEs particularly in UAE. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaire, through mail survey, is used to collect the data. Cronbach’s α test and factor analysis have been carried out to test the reliability of data and validate the hypothesis. Findings The results suggested that the personal, environmental factors and government support affect positively and significantly to the success of women-owned SMEs in UAE. Research limitations/implications The study has some limits as to its potential for generalization owing to the sample size, wide geographic spread of respondents and time limitations with the respondents. Practical implications The results indicate that several factors including personal, environmental and government support are linked with the success of women entrepreneurs of UAE. The results of this study will provide some insights to policymakers and business practitioners to formulate the strategies intended to promote unveiled potential among women entrepreneurs in UAE. Originality/value Most of the studies focused on women entrepreneurship have taken either their motives or the hurdles faced by them into consideration. Moreover, only a few studies have been carried out in Arab world particularly in UAE. Therefore, this study is an attempt to fill the gap and contribute to a better understanding of UAE’s women-owned SMEs.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizwan Ullah Khan ◽  
Yashar Salamzadeh ◽  
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah ◽  
Mazhar Hussain

AbstractIn the present era, women are recognized as successful entrepreneurs through their strong desire, qualities, and capabilities for robust economic development. Due to such an important contribution of women in economic development, we propose to investigate the factors which affect women entrepreneur’s success in Pakistan. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 181 registered SMEs operating in Pakistan. A conceptual model is developed, while SPSS and AMOS software’s are used for analysis. The results indicate that the internal factors including the need for achievements, risk-taking, and self-confidence and external factors including economic factors and socio-cultural factors have a positive and significant influence on the success of women-owned enterprises. This research recommends Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), policymakers, and practitioners to encourage women entrepreneurs to run their businesses for the long term by providing a variety of incentives and supports related to those internal and external factors. Numerous studies have been conducted to test the different factors’ effects on women’s entrepreneurial success, but our study investigated some psychological, cultural, and religious factors that are still almost untouched especially in Pakistan. The current study also contributes to the existing literature through empirical shreds of evidence.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
RIZWAN Ullah KHAN ◽  
Yashar Salamzadeh ◽  
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah ◽  
Mazhar Hussain

Abstract In the present era, women are recognized as successful entrepreneurs through their strong desire, qualities and capabilities for robust economic development. Due to such an important contribution of women in economic development, we propose to investigate the factors, which affect women entrepreneur’s success in Pakistan. Data collected through structured questionnaires from 181 registered SMEs operating in Pakistan. A conceptual model is developed, while SPSS and AMOS software’s are used for analysis. The results indicate that the internal factors; including the need for achievements, risk-taking and self-confidence and external factors including economic factors and socio-cultural factors have a positive and significant influence on the success of women-owned enterprises. This research recommends Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), policymakers and practitioners to encourage women entrepreneurs to run their businesses for the long term by providing a variety of incentives and supports related to those internal and external factors. Numerous studies have been conducted to test the different factors’ effects on women's entrepreneurial success, but our study investigated some psychological, cultural and religious factors that are still almost untouched especially in Pakistan. The current study also contributes to the existing literature through empirical shreds of evidence.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
RIZWAN Ullah KHAN ◽  
Yashar Salamzadeh ◽  
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah ◽  
Mazhar Hussain

Abstract In the present era, women are recognized as successful entrepreneurs through their strong desire, qualities and capabilities for robust economic development. Due to such an important contribution of women in economic development, we propose to investigate the factors, which affect women entrepreneur’s success in Pakistan. Data collected through structured questionnaires from 181 registered SMEs operating in Pakistan. A conceptual model is developed, while SPSS and AMOS software’s are used for analysis. The results indicate that the internal factors; including the need for achievements, risk-taking and self-confidence and external factors including economic factors and socio-cultural factors have a positive and significant influence on the success of women-owned enterprises. This research recommends Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), policymakers and practitioners to encourage women entrepreneurs to run their businesses for the long term by providing a variety of incentives and supports related to those internal and external factors. Numerous studies have been conducted to test the different factors’ effects on women's entrepreneurial success but our study investigated some psychological, cultural and religious factors that are still almost untouched especially in Pakistan. The current study also contributes to the existing literature through empirical shreds of evidence.


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Juma James Masele

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muneer Abbad ◽  
Ibrahim Hussien Musa Magboul ◽  
Kholoud AlQeisi

Purpose In response to a turbulent industrial environment, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organizations have widely adopted e-business to improve their processes. This study aims to propose a model that encapsulates the determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption. Design/methodology/approach The determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption were tested using data gathered from 282 managers and analysed using structural equation modelling techniques. Findings The results indicated that owner support, perceived ease of use and government support were important determinants that influence e-business adoption. Attitude, competitive pressureand relative advantage were not significant. Regarding outcomes, e-business adoption had a major impact on SME functioning and operational progress; however, it had no influence on competitive advantage. Originality/value By ascertaining the determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption, the findings provide e-business practitioners and managers with guidelines that can encourage more efficient and effective e-business adoption within their organizations. The results also provide a basis for more precise e-business studies to be conducted in developing countries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmela Di Mauro ◽  
Alessandro Ancarani ◽  
Tara Hartley

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the Canadian public procurement, by seeking to identify barriers and supporting factors of MSMEs’ participation and success in public tenders. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis builds on a unique survey run by the Canadian federal government, which addressed firms either participating or not participating in public tenders. Model estimation on the survey data relies on sample selection methodologies, which allow separating determinants of MSMEs’ decision to participate from determinants of success. Findings Results provide evidence that costs stemming from asset specificity and uncertainty (e.g. costs of bidding, requirements for participation, bundling of contracts and award rules based on minimum price) affect participation in public procurement. Within MSMEs, micro-firms are the most discouraged from participating. However, after controlling for factors affecting participation, micro-firms emerge as having a higher success rate, possibly because of high specialization and joint participation with larger firms. Research limitations/implications Because of the cross-sectional nature of the data used for hypotheses testing, endogeneity may arise if ex post variables affect ex ante decisions. This may apply if participation in procurement feeds on success in past tenders. Social implications Findings may inform policies for the inclusion of smaller firms in the public marketplace. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempting to disentangle determinants of participation in public tenders from determinants of success. Separating the two aspects helps fine-tune SME-friendly public procurement policies, by identifying actions that effectively facilitate success of MSMEs in public tenders.


Author(s):  
Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi ◽  
Julia Fallon

The Tanzanian food industry is one of the most critical sectors in the country. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the largest processors of food. Although SMEs mostly deal with processing food, they still face challenges, especially with their suppliers. Though previous researchers have investigated partnership issues in SMEs, little has been reported on the factors that impact the supplier relationships found in food manufacturing SMEs. This study employed a qualitative design where semi-structured interviews with 13 experts were conducted to identify the factors that impede SRM in Dar es Salaam. The findings reveal that poor relationship management, poor storage facilities, poor transportation and inadequate production capacities are the main challenges affecting SRM within these firms. To overcome these challenges, it has been recommended to improve the supplier relationships through being transparent, fostering trust and sharing quality information with the suppliers on time. Furthermore, investment in technology has been recommended to reduce costs and to enhance the information sharing between suppliers and SMEs. Government support is required with regard to financial aid and the improvement in the infrastructure to facilitate the easier flow of goods from SMEs to the customers.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjeev Kumar ◽  
Neha Singh

PurposeThis paper aims to encapsulate the gendered support and hindering factors along with the role of the state experienced by Delhi-based women entrepreneurs in setting up/operating their enterprises amidst the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study used mixed methods to explore the challenges faced and recovery mechanisms adopted by women entrepreneurs with special reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 50 Delhi-based young women entrepreneurs (42 actual entrepreneurs + 8 prospective/struggling entrepreneurs) selected using snowball/purposive sampling were studied through both a semi-structured questionnaire and personal interviews. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) were consulted for the government’s policy documents and data. The SPSS package was used for quantitative data analysis.FindingsLow-budget/very small-scale women entrepreneurs face common as well as gender-based challenges in the context of the market, finance, social capital, family support and awareness in addition to accessing the state’s resources/policies in both their startups and crisis situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Although gender sensitization, entrepreneurial family background, and equal access to technology and the Internet has enabled women entrepreneurs to initiate, adapt, and scale their enterprises, male domination within the family, society, market, and state apparatuses is omnipresent and has served as a bottleneck for women-owned startups while hindering the recovery of their enterprises amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to exploring the challenges and prospects of Delhi-based women entrepreneurs at the beginning of their enterprises and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the study had access to data and facts announced by the Indian government. No data were available on the implementation of policies and programs, and therefore specific policy analysis was not attempted. However, the reachability and accessibility of government resources and policies were employed.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the complexity of patriarchy, which hampers women entrepreneurs in all family, society, market and state domains. Therefore, policy enactment and implementation and further research on women entrepreneurship are suggested to focus more deeply on the gender dimension.Originality/valueThe data used in this work comprised inputs from government sources as well as insights from fieldwork that have not been used by any other publication.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreeranga Bhat ◽  
E.V. Gijo ◽  
Anil Melwyn Rego ◽  
Vinayambika S. Bhat

PurposeThe aim of the article is to ascertain the challenges, lessons learned and managerial implications in the deployment of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) competitiveness to micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSME) in India and to establish doctrines to strengthen the initiatives of the government.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts the Action Research methodology to develop a case study, which is carried out in the printing industry in a Tier III city using the LSS DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) approach. It utilizes LSS tools to deploy the strategy and to unearth the challenges and success factors in improving the printing process of a specific batch of a product.FindingsThe root cause for the critical to quality (CTQ) characteristic, turn-around-time (TAT) is determined and the solutions are deployed through the scientifically proven data-based approach. As a result of this study, the TAT reduced from an average of 1541.2–1303.36 min, which in turn, improved the sigma level from 0.55 to 2.96, a noteworthy triumph for this MSME. The company realizes an annual savings of USD 12,000 per year due to the success of this project. Top Management Leadership, Data-Based Validation, Technical Know-how and Industrial Engineering Knowledge Base are identified as critical success factors (CSFs), while profitability and on-time delivery are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the MSME. Eventually, the lessons learned and implications indicate that LSS competitiveness can be treated as quality management standards (QMS) and quality tools and techniques (QTT) to ensure competitive advantage, sustainable green practices and growth.Research limitations/implicationsEven though the findings and recommendations of this research are based on a single case study, it is worth noting that the case study is executed in a Tier III city along with novice users of LSS tools and techniques. This indicates the applicability of LSS in MSME and thus, the modality adopted can be further refined to suit the socio-cultural aspects of India.Originality/valueThis article illustrates the deployment of LSS from the perspective of novice users, to assist MSME and policymakers to reinforce competitiveness through LSS. Moreover, the government can initiate a scheme in line with LSS competitiveness to complement the existing schemes based on the findings of the case study.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document