scholarly journals CUSTOMER-CENTRIC INNOVATION: CASE OF OMAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Matriano ◽  
M. Firdouse Rahman Khan
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Customer Interaction ◽  
Operational Issues ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Customer Centricity ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose: The objective of the study is to explore the concept of customer-centricity in Oman and to analyze the challenges of implementing customer-centric innovations, and the strategies in building momentum for the customer-centricity.  Design/methodology/approach: For carrying out the research study, the concept of customer-centric innovation and the current practices by selected top companies of Oman were considered. Findings: The finding of the empirical study reveals that the organizations in Oman are finding the way to transition from its existing customer-centric approach to a more innovative and technology aligned strategy, keeping the core strategies in place that are focused on operational issues. Practical Implications: Only a few notable organizations in the country are very open about their initiative to improve customer interaction. It is apparent that organizations in the country are still yet to realize the importance of building core strategies that put customers in the middle. Companies in Oman can drive growth by means of business process improvement that will attract more customers and building stronger business-customer relationships. Social Implications: There are several ways in which innovation can be integrated into customer-centricity. The technologies available today provide the best tools for improving customer interaction. Originality/value: No study has investigated before the customer-centric innovation in Oman, and this study will help the organizations especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to plan their strategies accordingly.

Prioritizing quality problems in SMEs: a methodology

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto Nuno Teixeira ◽  
Isabel Lopes ◽  
Sérgio Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Longitudinal Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to be used by small and medium enterprises to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the main causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review a methodology for diagnosing and prioritizing quality problems is proposed. Then two longitudinal case studies are performed to refine and validate the proposed methodology. The methodology is organized in six different steps which include gathering information about predetermined processes and sub-processes of quality management, defined based on Juran’s trilogy, and about predetermined results categories. Findings – The application of the methodology was successful in two case studies and a report was produced on the quality state of each industry, including a prioritization of the causes of poor performance. Research limitations/implications – The methodology may have to be adapted to better suit the needs of companies from different sectors, either by reviewing the processes, by integrating new tools or refining the existing ones. Practical implications – This paper presents a new methodology for identifying and prioritizing quality problems. Originality/value – Due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness, it is believed that the developed methodology can be applied periodically by companies as self-diagnostic and prioritization tool, aimed at continuous improvement.

Organizational readiness for change: an inherent concern for Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Sunil Budhiraja
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Organizational Readiness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Readiness For Change ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Readiness To Change ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss various determinants of organizational readiness to change for India small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and proposes a framework to strengthen the employees’ readiness to change which is integral to organizational readiness for change (ORC). Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon the subjective viewpoint of the author. Findings The paper brings forward the opportunities and challenges of Indian SMEs with a suggestive framework on employee readiness for change (ERC). Practical implications The paper will help SMEs consider a framework to assess ERC before implementing a change. Originality/value The exists no framework for Indian SMEs to look-up as a benchmark to assess their ORC and ERC. Hence the paper will contribute to the literature and will be a handy reference for SMEs.

Modelling cause and effect relationship among enablers of innovation in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1597-1622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himanshu Gupta ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Barua
Keyword(s):  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Organizations ◽  
Technological Growth ◽  
Component Supplier ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Successful Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Innovation is a prerequisite for economic and technological growth of any organization. Identifying enablers of innovation can help managers accelerate the process of economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prominent enablers of innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can help overhauling organizations and benefit them economically. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review and expert’s opinions have been applied to identify enablers of innovation. A case of automotive component supplier is considered for conducting the research. A coalescence of Grey and DEMATEL methodologies has been incorporated to first rank the enablers of innovation based on their importance and then identify the causal relationship among these enablers by characterizing enablers into causal and effect groups. Findings A few important enablers, namely, entrepreneur traits, knowledge management, resources for innovation, and linkage capabilities, have been identified as prominent enablers for successful innovation in SMEs. Practical implications This paper identifies enablers of innovation in SMEs and the causal relationship between these enablers. The identified enablers and the causal relationship between these enablers will help managers of small organizations in selecting the enablers that need to be focused on, which, in turn, can drive other enablers of innovation, thus saving time and resources of the organizations. Originality/value This paper uses a novel Grey–DEMATEL methodology to identify the causal relationship among enablers and also contributes to the literature on innovation by identifying enablers of innovation in SMEs.

How a firm’s competitive strategy can improve performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Pursuing an appropriate strategy can enable micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing countries to significantly improve their performance. Such firms should typically be best served by a cost leadership competitive strategy, the impact of which can be increased through an emphasis on key components of quality management. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

What affects the export entrepreneurship of SMEs?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-278
Author(s):  
Channappa Santhosh
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
International Market ◽  
Engineering Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different drivers’ and its impact on the export entrepreneurship (EE) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The proposed conceptual framework has been tested through analysis of a sample of 102 internationalized (exports) SMEs of the Engineering industry in the Bangalore district, Karnataka, India. Findings Results reveal that firms with younger entrepreneurs who have industry-specific experience and different social ties are able to achieve higher performance. Practical implications Overall, results facilitate understanding of the importance of entrepreneurial capabilities to successfully formulate and strategize their international efforts to achieve better performance in the international market. Originality/value The study enhances the importance of understanding the role of different drivers on EE in the context of an emerging economy where studies are limited and largely unexplored till date.

Factors influencing women entrepreneurs’ performance in SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima S.M.A Hasan ◽  
Muneer Mohammed Saeed Almubarak
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Opportunity Recognition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims at contributing to the entrepreneurship literature by identifying factors influencing women entrepreneurs’ performance and the corresponding challenges in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study also examines the opportunity recognition as a mediator between influencing factors and performance of women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach The study proposes a model that shows the effects of different internal and external factors on women entrepreneurs’ performance. Findings The paper demonstrates several challenges that are encountered by women entrepreneurs such as lack of access to financial resources, difficulty in finding qualified labors, work-home conflict and low profit. The results suggest that the most influencing factor is industry (SMEs) characteristics followed by entrepreneurial goals and motivations, and legal factors. Additionally, opportunity recognition is found to mediate entrepreneurial goals and motivations, and industry characteristics. Research limitations/implications As the study is conducted in Bahrain, it may lack generalization. In future research, it is advisable to expand study factors, use interviews as a research tool and make comparison between women and men entrepreneurial performances. Practical implications The paper can help increase women entrepreneurs’ performance and enable them to make use of the business environment in a more efficient and effective way. Originality/value Although several papers already exist that discuss issues on women entrepreneurs, there has been little research focusing on factors influencing and challenges facing women entrepreneurs, particularly in the Middle East. Our study explores important issues and calls for more research in this domain.

scholarly journals Mitigating the Challenges of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-99
Author(s):  
Babandi Ibrahim Gumel
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Unemployment Rate ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Central Question ◽  
Business Managers ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose- The purpose of the paper is to provide owners and managers of small businesses with necessary information about the challenges facing small businesses in Nigeria and present the possible tools, policies, and strategies to mitigate them. Design/Methodology- Using the multi-case qualitative study, managers of successful small businesses narrated in an interview the tools, policies, and strategies they used to mitigate the identified challenges. The study answered the central question: what are the tools, policies, and strategies used by managers of successful small businesses to mitigate the challenges facing their firms? Findings- The findings identified continuous government intervention and support to small businesses as a major tool that reduced the challenges facing the sector. Practical Implications- The information found in this study can be used by small business managers to mitigate the challenges facing small businesses and reduce their massive failure in the economy. Mitigating the challenges facing small businesses in Nigeria will increase the number of successful small businesses, which will result in the reduced unemployment rate in the economy. A reduced unemployment rate in the Nigerian economy will increase the wellbeing of citizens, thereby reducing the unemployment rate in the economy.

scholarly journals An empirical study on entrepreneurial traits and their impact on enterprise success

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sthitaprajnya Pattanayak ◽  
Munindra Kakati
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Enterprise Success ◽  
Behavioural Aspects ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Enterprise success is driven by enterprise actions, which, in turn, is influenced by entrepreneurial behaviours. Behaviours are guided by traits. Hence, it is highly likely that personality traits of entrepreneur are critical to enterprise success. This paper aims at finding the relationship between entrepreneurial traits and enterprise success, identify underlying construct and examine how successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs differ across traits. It also attempts enterprise profiling based on these traits and test predictive validity of entrepreneurial traits on enterprise success. Design/methodology/approach In this study, 396 micro, small and medium enterprises comprising both successful and unsuccessful ones are studied together across 11 personality traits. Data was analysed using various statistical techniques like co-relation, t-test, factor analysis, cluster analysis and regression to test hypothesis and arrive at given findings. Findings This study finds there is strong positive co-relations between traits and enterprise success. It establishes that successful and unsuccessful enterprises display distinct traits and significantly differ from each other. Entrepreneurial traits affect enterprise success, and the former has significant predictive value on the later (R-squared = 0.866). Practical implications The findings have implications to entrepreneurs in relation to enriching the existing traits and inculcating new ones. Financial institutions like banks can peruse the findings and include traits and behavioural aspects in borrower selection, credit appraisal, evaluation and credit decisioning, to make it more holistic. It also generates scope for further academic research. Originality/value This study contributes to existing literature and validates existing findings. It also finds that traits are contagious in nature, together of which can be grouped to build an entrepreneurs’ traits index which exerts strong influence on enterprise success.

Driving innovation strategy in new hi-tech SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Successful Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Concepts such as effectuation and opportunity shaping can play a key role in the development of a successful innovation strategy for young small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the hi-tech sector. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Increasing sustainability in SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Formidable Challenge ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
General Concern

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Pressure on businesses to operate in a sustainable manner has never been greater. As general concern for such as environmental welfare accelerates, firms are expected to be more accountable for their actions. Corporate social responsibility must therefore be high on the agenda. Around 90 per cent of companies worldwide can be classified as small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Statistics suggest that up to 70 per cent of global pollution is down to such firms. For many SMEs though, sustainability represents a formidable challenge. Limited finances and other resources are obvious impediments, while lack of knowledge is also commonly cited. Some small companies equate sustainability with high costs and give initiatives a wide berth on that basis. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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