scholarly journals External Environmental Analysis For Small And Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather C. Banham
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Font Size ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Medium Enterprises

<p style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges in the business environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>SMEs need to successfully deal with the prevalent forces for change if they are to survive and grow and meet the expectations to create investment and employment opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Successfully adapting to change from technological advances, customer expectations, supplier requirements, the regulatory environment and increasing competition requires successful implementation of organizational change. The &lsquo;Degrees of Turbulence&rsquo; Model is proposed as a self assessment tool to aid SMEs in their environmental scan and to assist in assessing the potential impact and adjusting to the impending changes in the external environment to ensure continued viability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></strong></p>

scholarly journals Extrapolative Collaborative Filtering Recommendation System with Word2Vec for Purchased Product for SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7156
Author(s):  
Kyoung Jun Lee ◽  
Yu Jeong Hwangbo ◽  
Baek Jeong ◽  
Ji Woong Yoo ◽  
Kyung Yang Park
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Filtering ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Recommendation System ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Share Data ◽  
Artificial Intelligence Technology ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Start Ups

Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) want to introduce recommendation services to boost sales, but they need to have sufficient amounts of data to introduce these recommendation services. This study proposes an extrapolative collaborative filtering (ECF) system that does not directly share data among SMEs but improves recommendation performance for small and medium-sized companies that lack data through the extrapolation of data, which can provide a magical experience to users. Previously, recommendations were made utilizing only data generated by the merchant itself, so it was impossible to recommend goods to new users. However, our ECF system provides appropriate recommendations to new users as well as existing users based on privacy-preserved payment transaction data. To accomplish this, PP2Vec using Word2Vec was developed by utilizing purchase information only, excluding personal information from payment company data. We then compared the performances of single-merchant models and multi-merchant models. For the merchants with more data than SMEs, the performance of the single-merchant model was higher, while for the SME merchants with fewer data, the multi-merchant model’s performance was higher. The ECF System proposed in this study is more suitable for the real-world business environment because it does not directly share data among companies. Our study shows that AI (artificial intelligence) technology can contribute to the sustainability and viability of economic systems by providing high-performance recommendation capability, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.

scholarly journals Learning from ERP Implementation: A Case Study of Issues and Challenges in Technology Management

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norani Nordin ◽  
Ojeniyi Adegoke
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Erp Implementation ◽  
Observation Methods ◽  
Skilled Manpower ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Implementation Stages ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose: ERP implementation comes with huge business competitive advantages nevertheless it also has its difficulties and challenges. This paper presents the findings of field work and interview conducted on issues and challenges of ERP implementation on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It proposes implementation strategies at each of the implementation stages for a successful ERP implementation within SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed both personal interview and observation methods. Findings: The findings revealed that reengineering (organization and infrastructures), top management commitment, funds, skilled manpower, implementation time and data fill-in were the critical issues and challenges faced by SMEs during ERP implementation. Hence, these factors were identifies as ERP implementation successful factors to be considered by SMEs. Also the study proposed three implementation strategies stages which will enhance successful ERP implementation in the SMEs. Originality/value: This study identified funds, skilled manpower and data fill-in as part of critical factors for successful ERP implementation in SMEs. Therefore, the study was used to generate successful implementation strategies for SMEs. 

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 Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh- Challenges and Determining Factors

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Afroze ◽  
Md Kashrul Alam ◽  
Eliza Akther ◽  
Nahid Sultana Jui
Keyword(s):  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Sales Promotion ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The aim of this study is to find out the major challenges that hinder smooth operation of women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh. It also finds the reasons behind the success of the women entrepreneurship. Both primary and secondary data have been used to conduct the study. The questionnaire included questions about economic problems, family related issues, social constraints and other limitations faced by women entrepreneurs and the reasons behind their success. Women involved in various small and medium enterprises take on the challenge to work in a male-dominated society, competitive and complex economic and business environment. However, the identified challenges are inadequate capital, sales promotion, getting permission to start-up a business, gender discrimination, illiteracy and lack of knowledge among women, non-availability of training program and technical support, lack of managerial experience, in some cases young people make ill talk about the enterprise and so on. Personal qualities such as hard work and perseverance, management skills and marketing skills, support provided by their spouses or family are the main reasons behind the success of the women entrepreneurs. The level of participation of women in mainstream economic activities remains insufficient and the percentage of women in business is still much below than that of their male counterparts.Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka) Vol.9(2) 2014; 27-41

scholarly journals Internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises from Arusha Tanzania: Market Information, Financial Resources and Product Quality Setbacks

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Liliane Pasape
Keyword(s):  
Product Quality ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Packaging Materials ◽  
Market Information ◽  
Processing Machinery ◽  
Key Players ◽  
Processed Products ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key players towards reviving the economy and livelihood development in Tanzania, yet their involvement in international business is still unsatisfactory. This study therefore assessed the three major setbacks for industrialization of Arusha’s SMEs namely as information, finance and quality. A cross-section research design was conducted using questionnaires. Through non-probability sampling, 50 respondents were stratified selected from SMEs owners, employees, business development support organizations and regulators. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and logit model. The findings on the existing business environment revealed that: majority of the SMEs involve women (68%) dealing with handcraft and tailoring, with less than five years of business experience. Moreover, the major identified information setbacks are low access to information source, use of irrelevancy market information, use of in effective medium of communication and high cost of the information. Besides, other financial related setbacks are limited sources of capital, lack of collateral, poor credibility history and high transaction cost. On quality setbacks include selling semi processed products, poor finished product and packaging materials as well insufficient processing machinery. Thus for SMEs internationalization the following recommendations are established: improving accessibility and affordability of relevant market information; designing various financial products at reasonable lending rates, strengthening entrepreneurial skills and formalization of enterprises; enhancing availability of processing machinery and packaging materials for improving product quality and competitiveness as well as avoiding selling of semi processed products . Above all, the government, regulators, private sector organizations and other key players along the value chain must play their respective relevant role towards supporting SMEs.

scholarly journals Software process improvement in SMEs: A comparative view

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepti Mishra ◽  
Alok Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Software Process ◽  
Software Process Improvement ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Development Organizations ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Automation Tools

The majority of software development organizations all over the world are small and medium enterprises. These organizations have realized that it is crucial for their business to improve their processes and working methods but they are lacking the knowledge and resources to do it. Successful implementation of SPI methodologies in small and medium-sized software enterprises (SMEs) is generally not possible because such organizations are not capable of investing the cost of implementing these programs. Limited resources and strict deadlines to complete the projects make it further difficult to implement SPI programs which can also affect quality issues in software project. There are various SPI methodologies to address these issues which have been also deployed in these organizations. In this paper, recent and significant SPI methodologies (OWPL, ASPE-MSC, iFLAP, PRISMS, SPM, MESOPYME) for SMEs are compared and discussed. This will facilitate the maturity of software process improvement in SMEs, standardization and also contribute in the development of automation tools for SPIs in future.

scholarly journals Small and Medium Enterprises in Mexico and the Craft Beer Sector in Baja California: Dynamic Capabilities, Culture, and Innovation

2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-203
Author(s):  
Araceli Almaraz
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Baja California ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Symbolic Capital ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Craft Beer ◽  
Medium Enterprises

This article studies how Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in emerging economies implement adaptative strategies to respond to constant changes in demand and global uncertainties, such as those stemming from the current SARS-COV2 pandemic. In this study the knowledge management capabilities used by SMEs in the craft beer sector in a region of northern Mexico are the focus of analysis. The objective is to present the competitive capabilities that craft beer sector has demonstrated in Baja California region and how small companies compete with the national industrial brewery and survive. Sources are data from a sample of companies and interviews with brewery owners, with which the analysis approaches, also, the Baja California business environment. The article highlights the routes of creativity, innovation, and symbolic capital of the companies in the region, and uses ideas from dynamic capabilities and knowledge management theoretical frameworks, to understand the craft brewery milieu. The conclusions in this article include the confirmation about the usefulness of these analytical frameworks based in the capabilities approach and the territorial knowledge. Also, the description of the existence of a complex Baja Californian milieu, where a multimodal scheme of craft beer characterized by different places of distribution and types of beer container, food-districts, at Mexicali, Tijuana, and Ensenada and a second generation of entrepreneur groups leading local business, is identified.

scholarly journals Customer expectations and service delivery: Are SME’s aware of the service quality standards gap?

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-184
Author(s):  
Johannes Arnoldus Wiid ◽  
Michael Colin Cant ◽  
Carly Prinsloo
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Service Standards

Competition among small businesses are high, as small businesses compete for market share which larger business do not engage with. A definite competitive advantage that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can rely on is service quality (Kasul & Motwani in Anuar & Yusuff 2011:328; Tseng & Wu 2014:77). SMEs do not necessarily understand service standards and how to ensure that the service standard is implemented. The research utilised a quantitative research design whereby the data was collected by means of a 5-point Likert scale survey known as the SERVQUAL model. The results indicate that there are discrepancies between dimensions those owners feel should be adhered to and the extent to which they perceive their businesses to adhere to these dimensions.

scholarly journals Implementation of East Ogan Komering Ulu Regent Regulation Number 17 of 2015 Regarding Technical Guidelines for Implementing Micro and Small Business Permits

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-24
Author(s):  
Nety Andriani ◽  
Slamet Widodo ◽  
Andy Alfatih
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Delivery Time ◽  
Training And Supervision ◽  
License Application ◽  
Internet Connections ◽  
Medium Enterprises

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to find out how the implementation of East Ogan Komering Ulu  (OKU) Regency Regulation Number 17 of 2015 regarding Technical Guidelines for Micro and Small Business Permits in three sub-districts in East OKU Regency and also to find out the factors that support and hinder the implementation of policies. The policy implementation is analyzed using three variables; the level of compliance, well-functioning routines, and the absence of problems, and the desired performance and impact of the policies implemented. The results showed that East OKU Regency Regulation No. 17 of 2015 concerning Technical Guidelines for Micro and Small Business Permits in three districts in East OKU Regency has not been implemented optimally. This is indicated by some costs that entrepreneurs must pay when they want to get a license, micro and small licensing processes that have been done in real time, reports on the implementation of micro and small licenses that have not been done by the district, and supervision from the Office of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises is not fully done. In line with that, the researchers found the factors that supported the successful implementation of the policy were efforts to take a license application from employers and the achievement of delivery time. While the factors that hinder the successful implementation of this policy are the unavailability of the budget, lack of infrastructure and working equipment, uneven network and internet connections, and lack of coordination. Therefore, improvements need to be made by meeting the resources needed, and also to maximize training and supervision of the implementation of micro and small licenses by the Office of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises.

scholarly journals Effects of Corporate Entrepreneurship Dimensions on Organizational Performance: Case of Small and Medium Enterprises in Holeta Town, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Gemechu Abdissa ◽  
Abebe Ayalew ◽  
Csaba Bálint Illés ◽  
Anna Dunay
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Town

Small and medium enterprises are paying the lion’s share in the innovation-based economy of today’s competitive business environment. To this effect, this study observed the effects of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) dimensions on the performance of SMEs in the town of Holeta, Ethiopia. We used both descriptive and survey research designs to meet the specified target of the study. The researchers employed both primary and secondary data sources; the former were collected from 173 participants using both primary and secondary data. The result of this study indicates that all of the explanatory variables used were statistically significant and had a positive relationship with the performance of SMEs. Thus, we recommend that owners of small and medium enterprises pay special attention to practicing CE to increase their business performance, sustainability, and competitiveness. Entrepreneurs should also come up with new and attractive product and service features to take high market shares. Furthermore, forecasting potential challenges for firms and devising possible ways of solving the situation in advance can safeguard businesses from failure.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document