Financing Small Business in Ogun State , Nigeria : The Critical Role of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria ( Smedan )

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-43
Author(s):  
Oluseyi O. Oduyoye ◽  
Solomon A. Adebola ◽  
Adekunle O. Binuyo
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Development Agency ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Medium Enterprises

scholarly journals Strategic Planning and Competitive Advantage of ICT Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary B. Awino
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Balanced Score Card ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The Paper is the research findings on the role of strategic planning and competitive advantage of ICT Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya. Literature suggests that the contemporary business environment in which organisations operate is increasingly becoming uncertain and unpredictable. Significant changes are mostly driven by technological changes, globalisation and trade liberalisation. As a result, like large enterprises, SMEs are facing new and unexpected challenges that threaten their competitiveness. While most countries acknowledge the critical role that SMEs contribute to their economies, both as an engine of growth and sustainable development, many questions still remain unanswered as to the determination of the critical challenges facing SMEs and how these challenges could be addressed to improve their competitiveness. These challenges have increased the need for empirical information which is essential for decision making in addressing issues that are likely to enhance SMEs survival and growth. It is noted that there has been no adequate research studies on the role of strategic planning and competitive advantage of SMEs. This study contributes to the need to address the research gaps and thus explored the role of strategic planning and competitive advange of SMEs in Kenya. The study population consisted of 238 ICT SMEs from Nairobi and its environs. A sample size of 146 firms constituting 61 per cent of the total population was selected through stratified sampling. The study aimed to collect data from 438 respondents from top, middle and lower management teams. Structured questionnaires with closed and open ended questions was used for data collection, 239 responses were received from 123 ICT firms a response rate of 55 per cent and 84.2 per cent respectively. Key characteristics of strategic planning including formality, environmental analysis processes both internal and external orientations, strategies adopted, and implementation and control were recorded. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, correlation matrixes and regression analysis. The key findings revealed that strategic planning has significant and positive influence in performance of SME’s. The test of hypothesis revealed that strategic planning has positive and significant influence on competitive advantage. The study demonstrated strategic planning as a learning tool and a strategic resource which is consistent with the underlying assumptions of resource based theory, systems theory, chaos theory and balanced score card model assumptions. It is envisaged that, this kind of research is likely to generate useful discussions on the role of strategic planning and performance, of SMEs. It is apparent that entrepreneurs of SMEs cannot ignore strategic planning as significant changes in competitive advantage is the result of change or effective application of strategic planning. Policy makers and academicians may need to address the capacity needs of SMEs and develop strategic planning model that address the challenges that SMEs encounter in a dynamic environment.

scholarly journals Innovative CRM and Performance of SMEs: The Moderating Role of Relational Capital

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
Nagwan AlQershi ◽  
Sany Sanuri Mohd Mokhtar ◽  
Zakaria Bin Abas
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Key Customer

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is more than an information tool and plays a critical role in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The present study explored the moderating effect of relational capital (RC) on the relationship between CRM dimensions and the performance of 284 Yemeni manufacturing SMEs. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study’s hypotheses. Results indicate that only three of the CRM dimensions have a significant effect on performance. The moderating effects of relational capital on this relationship were also examined and were found to be significant for only two CRM dimensions: technology-based CRM and CRM organization. Key customer focus and CRM knowledge management had no effect. The findings of this study offer important insights for owners and managers of SMEs, researchers, and policymakers to further understand the effects of relational capital and CRM on SMEs’ performance. SMEs should be encouraged to develop their CRM and relational capital to improve their performance.

scholarly journals Small but Stylish: Pushing Innovation Ambidexterity in International Small and Medium Enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Faizah Mashahadi ◽  
Noor Hazlina Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Innovation Activity ◽  
The Core ◽  
Enhance Efficiency ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been the core agents in accelerating growth and providing jobs opportunities for the nation. Indeed, with industrial revolution rapidly evolving, there is a stronger exigency for SMEs to explore new opportunities aims to enhance efficiency so that SMEs able to compete and grow internationally. Recent development has heightened the need for SMEs to involve in innovation activity as the means to improve competitiveness and sustaining performance becoming a reality. Many studies emphasize on the critical role of innovation ambidexterity in determining SMEs success but the existing studies yet to conclude the predecessor of innovation ambidexterity in internationally operated SMEs. This article aims to provide a conceptual model that explores the potential of international entrepreneurial orientation in determining innovation ambidexterity in international SMEs in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Does Environmental Uncertainty Affect Entrepreneurs’ Orientation and Performance? Empirical Evidence from Indonesian SMEs

2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Rina Herani ◽  
Otto Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Environmental Uncertainty ◽  
Uncertain Environments ◽  
Uncertain Environment ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a critical role in economic growth in Indonesia and become the backbone for job creation, poverty alleviation, and safeguard during the crisis. However, they are highly exposed to uncertain environments. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of SMEs’ entrepreneurial orientation on business performance when uncertain environments exist. A total of 152 Indonesian SMEs were studied in order to assess this relationship. Moderated regression analysis is performed as the main statistical procedures to analyse the moderating role of environmental uncertainty on the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance. Surprisingly, the result of the present study did not confirm the previous predominant studies which found that entrepreneurialorientation dimensions are positively associated with business performance in growing in an uncertain environment. Indonesian entrepreneurs were reluctant to innovate, be proactive, and take risks when an uncertain environment exists. The present study was an endeavour to provide better insight in explaining the inconsistent and ambiguous findings from existing literature.

scholarly journals Role of ICT4D in the Growth and Development of SMES : A Solution To Digital Divide

2021 ◽  
pp. 294-303
Author(s):  
Masese Chuma Benard ◽  
Mbugua Samwel Thaiya ◽  
Korongo Julia Nduta ◽  
Joram Mutai Kiptoo ◽  
Dr. Nambiro Alice Wechuli
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Productivity And Competitiveness

ICTs have played a critical role within the development of business particularly small and medium enterprises. During a modern digital era, technology is most vital pillar within the provision of data and knowledge for the growth of development, sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises. The primary goal of this study was to research on the role of ICT4D in the growth and development of SMEs: a solution to digital divide. The paper used secondary data. It was noted that small and medium enterprises take part in a significant role in Kenya’s economy. Enterprises in Kenya, more especially SMEs, have enjoyed the benefits and the potential of adoption and utilization of ICT within their operations. ICT has the potential of remodeling the business and improve.

scholarly journals ECONOMIC SECURITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

2021 ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
Vera Shumilina ◽  
Anastasiaya Borzykh
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Economic System ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The article highlights the place of small business in the general economic system of the Russian Federation, analyzes the role of economic security in the system of small and medium-sized businesses. The main aspects that influence the level of economic security of small and medium enterprises are revealed.

Peran Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik Baznas Dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Ekonomi Mustahik

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-494
Author(s):  
Ali Idrus ◽  
Ade Maman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Economic Welfare ◽  
Descriptive Data ◽  
Medium Enterprises

One of the solutions proposed by Badan Amil Zakat Nasional is to form Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik which has the task of improving the quality of life of mustahik through its programs. So, the purpose of this study is to find out how the role of Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik Badan Amil Zakat Nasional in improving the economic welfare of mustahik. This study uses qualitative research methods that produce descriptive data. Where this research is based on observations made by the author and then explained according to what the author observed in the field. The data collection that the researchers did was using the method of observation, documentary interviews, and other data. When the data has been collected, the researcher conducts an analysis and then draws conclusions from the analysis. The results of this study are Lembaga Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Mustahik BAZNAS plays a role in the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and focuses on potential creative businesses, empowers by providing business development capital assistance, in accordance with the budget draft proposed by mustahik, and approved by LPEM BAZNAS. Keywords: The Role of LPEM BAZNAS, Mustahik's Economic Welfare

Effects of cloud computing assimilation on supply chain financing risks of SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Lu ◽  
Jinliang Chen ◽  
Hua Song ◽  
Xiangyu Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Financing ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how cloud computing assimilation reduces supply chain financing (SCF) risks of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study also investigated the mediating roles of internal and external supply chain integration between cloud computing assimilation and the SCF risks of SMEs, as well as the moderating role of environmental competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from surveys of SMEs located in China. Multiple regression analysis was used to validate the proposed theoretical model and research hypotheses. Findings The findings show that cloud computing assimilation could reduce the SCF risks of SMEs directly. The results also indicate that both internal and external supply chain integration mediate the relationship between cloud computing assimilation and SCF risks. Furthermore, environmental competitiveness inhibits the effects of cloud computing assimilation on SCF risks. Originality/value To our best knowledge, this is the preliminary study to explore the role of cloud computing assimilation in reducing the SCF risks of SMEs. Also, this study attempted to investigate the process by which cloud computing assimilation affects the SCF risks of SMEs.

How to survive in the age of artificial intelligence? Exploring the intelligent transformations of SMEs in central China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinqiang Wang ◽  
Yaobin Lu ◽  
Si Fan ◽  
Peng Hu ◽  
Bin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Central China ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Text Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
Medium Enterprises

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to explore how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in central China achieve intelligent transformation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Because of unequal resource allocation, constraints on the intelligent transformation of SMEs in central China are different from those in economically and technologically well-developed coastal provinces. Hence, the authors focus on SMEs in central China to identify drivers of and barriers to intelligent transformation.Design/methodology/approachThe interview data were collected from 66 SMEs across 20 industries in central China. To verify the validity of the data collection method, the authors used two methods to control for retrospective bias: multi-level informants and enterprises' AI project application materials (Wei and Clegg, 2020). The final data were validated without conflicts. Next, the authors cautiously followed a two-step approach recommended by Venkatesh et al. (2010) and used NVivo 11.0 to analyze the collected text data.FindingsSMEs in central China are enthusiastic about intelligent transformation while facing both internal and external pressures. SMEs need to pay attention to both internal (enterprise development needs, implementation cost, human resources and top management involvement) and external factors (external market pressure, convenience of AI technology and policy support) and their different impacts on intelligent transformation. However, constrained by limited resources, SMEs in central China have been forced to take a step-by-step intelligent transformation strategy based on their actual needs with the technological flexibility method in the short term.Originality/valueConsidering the large number of SMEs and their importance in promoting China's economic development and job creation (SME Bureau of MIIT, 2020), more research on SMEs with limited resources is needed. In the study, the authors confirmed that enterprises should handle “social responsibility” carefully because over-emphasizing it will hinder intelligent transformation. However, firms should pay attention to the role of executives in promoting intelligent transformation and make full use of policy support to access more resources.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document