scholarly journals Selected skills required for sustainable small and medium businesses

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-388
Author(s):  
Jean-Marie Mwepu Mbuya ◽  
Maria Bounds ◽  
G. Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Entrepreneurial Skills ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
Business Behavior ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

The objective of the study was to determine to what extent the selected skills contribute to the growth and the sustainability of small and medium businesses. In an attempt to understand the underlying factors contributing to the high failure rate of small and medium businesses, this study focused on the extent to which small and medium business owners from two age groups perceived five identified skills generally associated with entrepreneurial and business behavior as conducive to either success or failure. A lack of entrepreneurial and business skills impacts on the growth and survival of small and medium businesses in the Johannesburg Metropole. A quantitative study approach using structured survey questionnaires was used amongst 150 small and medium businesses in the Johannesburg Metropole. Factor analysis was used to analyze the responses gathered from the survey. Findings indicated that all selected entrepreneurial skills (leadership, creativity and innovation, networking, goal-setting and time management) appeared to be critical for small and medium businesses sustainability and growth. Although previous researches have indicated that entrepreneurial skills played crucial role in small and medium businesses sustainability, this study highlighted some of the key skills and attributes that SMEs owners should possess in order to operate their business ventures successfully

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial Skills to Be Successful in the Global and Digital World: Proposal for a Frame of Reference for Entrepreneurial Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 356
Author(s):  
Jacinto Jardim
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Digital Communication ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Frame Of Reference ◽  
Job Market ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Entrepreneurial Skills ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

For most professionals to succeed in the current job market, they need some entrepreneurial skills (ES). This study aimed to describe and systematize these skills, considering the current globalization and digital transformation phenomena. The documental analysis and the critical reflection on the collected data allowed us to identify the socio-economic and socio-cultural reasons for the relevance of this problem. Consequently, to elaborate a frame of reference intended to be adequate to the needs of the professionals of the current global and digital era. The results pointed to a tripartite ES model—to be open to novelty, to create solutions to emerging problems, and to communicate effectively—which integrates the following skills: Creativity and innovation, the spirit of initiative, self-efficacy and resilience, strategic planning, and evaluation, resolution of problems and decision-making, transformational leadership, clear and visual communication, teamwork and networking, and digital communication. In the continuation of this study, an ES scale will be created and validated according to this model, which will make it possible to measure the degree of development of these competencies.

Does strategic planning determine innovation in organizations? A study of Indian SME sector

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 493-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Safal Batra ◽  
Sunil Sharma ◽  
Mukund R Dixit ◽  
Neharika Vohra
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Senior Executives ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
Creativity And Innovation ◽  
The Relationship

While some researchers argue that strategic planning assists new product development and can be viewed as a framework for innovation, others believe that it restricts creativity and innovation. Despite a literary appreciation that strategic planning is linked to innovation, the nature of this relationship remains ambiguous. In this study, we argue that this relationship is context dependent and contingent on other organizational factors. Data for this study were collected by administering standardized survey questionnaires to entrepreneurs or other senior executives of small and medium businesses in India. Quantitative analysis of data obtained from 162 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector reveals a positive relationship between strategic planning and innovation. This study also establishes a significant positive moderating role of commitment to learning on the relationship between strategic planning and innovation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

The Population of a Trout Stream and the Survival of Released Fish

1958 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
AG Nicholls
Keyword(s):  
Salmo Trutta ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
River System ◽  
Fish Population ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Brown Trout Salmo Trutta ◽  
Preceding Season ◽  
The Mean

The fish population of a river system was studied by electro-fishing in 25 places, after which 1000 marked yearling brown trout, Salmo trutta L., were released at each of 10 sites. In a re-examination 8 to 9 months after the release it was estimated that about 10 per cent. of these were surviving; the survival after 18 months was estimated to be below 5 per cent., and the survival to takable size, at about 3 years of age, at 2 per cent. At no site were the younger age groups of the natural population truly represented in either season, but the numbers of older fish in the second season were greater than those of the corresponding year classes in the preceding season, showing that the streams receive recruitment of younger fish from other sources. Some evidence is produced to show that "nursery" streams provide the source of recruitment. The average annual mortality for fish of 2 and 3 years of age is estimated at from 70 to 80 per cent. for the system. It is estimated that there were about 45,000 takable fish in this river system at the beginning of each season. It is shown that the mean lengths of trout decrease with increasing density of population, and that there is a curvilinear relationship between population density and total weight of all fish per acre. The standing crop of trout at different sites ranged from 1 to 182 lb/acre over the two seasons. The condition factor showed a decrease with increasing age of the fish, and the released fish had a lower factor than resident fish of the same age at all sites. In general there was a relationship between the depth of water and the length of the fish, sections over 14 in. deep having greater populations of larger fish. A study of the ability of each section of stream to carry fish, based on the lengths and condition factors of the fish, the number and weight of the population per acre, and the ability of each section to absorb additions to the population, shows that where populations were low, conditions were Iess favourable to the growth and survival of fish.

scholarly journals Creativity and innovation in science and technology

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yashwantrao Ramma ◽  
Martin Samy ◽  
Ajit Gopee
Keyword(s):  
Technology Education ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Science And Technology Education ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Purpose – This paper stems from a study which was conducted as a means to first, find out whether there is a gap between the secondary and tertiary education levels, second identify any existing gap in Science and Technology education, and third, examine the impact of the above upon students’ creativity and innovativeness at university level. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – As such, a group of teachers and students at both secondary and tertiary levels were selected as the sample of the study. Questionnaires were administered to trained secondary school teachers and to university students. Interviews were also conducted to triangulate data. These enabled an analysis of the current situation in terms of students’ engagement/creativity/innovativeness in Science and Technology at secondary and tertiary levels. Findings – The findings reveal a problematic situation arising with respect to beliefs and what truly prevails in the education sector at secondary and tertiary levels. This study has revealed a number of salient issues related to the gap existing between the secondary and tertiary levels of education in Mauritius, with special bearing on creativity and innovation in Science and Technology. Research limitations/implications – Only three institutions were involved, with a small sample of students, so that the findings cannot be generalised. Moreover, gender is a variable that has not been taken into consideration. Practical implications – The study has proposed a number of recommendations to enable Mauritian students (at secondary and tertiary levels) to develop creativity and hopefully become innovators. This leads us to believe that the recommendations emerging from this study will be beneficial to various stakeholders who wish to understand the gap existing between secondary and tertiary education in Science and Technology education. Originality/value – This study takes a case study approach adopting a mixture of interviews, surveys and observations to understand the research problems with regards to the younger generations need to be equipped with scientific and technological advances in acquiring knowledge, new sets of skills and values. Therefore, this study endeavours to document the perceptions of learners and faculty staff.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurs' learning preferences: A guide for entrepreneurship education

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Nieuwenhuizen ◽  
D. Groenewald
Keyword(s):  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Human Relations ◽  
Entrepreneurial Skills ◽  
Entrepreneurial Training ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to determine guidelines for effective entrepreneurship education and training, focusing on the development of entrepreneurial skills, based on what successful, established entrepreneurs look like, how they operate and their learning and thinking preferences. Problem investigated: Entrepreneurial skills training is the difficult part of teaching entrepreneurship and is different from teaching functional and managerial skills related to entrepreneurship. The problem is that training and education focuses primarily on the management and functional business training of entrepreneurs and very seldom on the entrepreneurial skills. This study focuses on the much neglected second leg of entrepreneurship training, as most entrepreneurship programmes focus on the first leg, namely business planning and functions and management skills. Design/methodology/approach: This is a formal and exploratory study. Two measurement instruments (Schein Career Orientations Inventory and the Neethling Brain Instrument) were used and completed by a sample of 50 entrepreneurs of the identified population. The paper address the entrepreneurship education needs as determined by the learning preferences of entrepreneurs. Findings: The research indicated that all the essential entrepreneurial skills are seldom addressed in entrepreneurial training. The entrepreneurial skills that need to be incorporated in these programmes are self-concept, creativity and innovation, risk orientation, good human relations; perseverance and a positive attitude. The research also revealed that entrepreneurs have different learning preferences from other students / learners and this should be taken into consideration in the design of entrepreneurial curricula. Value of research: The paper assist curriculum developers of entrepreneurship education programmes to better align their content to the entrepreneurial skills identified by successful entrepreneurs that need to be developed, and to conduct entrepreneurship education according to the learning preferences of entrepreneurs. Conclusion: The application of the Garavan and O'Cinneide model regarding the methodology in the education of entrepreneurs can therefore be confirmed and recommended. The results of the career anchor and brain instruments indicate the importance of entrepreneurial skills-training and include training in the following areas : self concept; creativity and innovation; risk orientation; good human relations, perseverance and positive attitude.

scholarly journals Assessing the Preparedness of Postsecondary Graduates Entering the Landscape Contracting Industry

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 312-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kory M. Beidler ◽  
Jeffery K. Iles ◽  
Sarah M. Nusser ◽  
Ann Marie VanDerZanden
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Business Training ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Course Work ◽  
Client Relationships ◽  
Business Knowledge ◽  
Recent Graduates

Industry input can assist postsecondary institutions as they strive to provide relevant knowledge and skill-building exercises for the professional development of their students. Using a mail questionnaire, we invited landscape contracting decision-makers to comment on the efficacy of landscape contracting curricula at colleges and universities. The population of Associated Landscape Contractors of America 2003 online member list (2049 companies) was organized into four strata based on company size. A stratified random sample of 400 companies was selected. We received 137 completed questionnaires (35% response rate). Most of the population was either satisfied or extremely satisfied (52%) with college graduates recently hired; only 8.1% of the population was dissatisfied or extremely dissatisfied. When respondents were asked to consider four knowledge categories, a majority (53%) said recent graduates were deficient in business knowledge, followed by construction (25.1%), horticultural (9.6%), and design (5.1%) knowledge. When respondents were asked to rate the importance of topics that could be taught in undergraduate landscape contracting programs, business topics (personnel management, estimating and bidding, and clientele management) were identified as their top three choices. The population also named three business-related skills (client relationships, time management, and managing employees) among the five most important skills for landscape contracting professionals. Despite the stated importance of business knowledge and training, 68.3% of the population said when hiring for an entry-level landscape contracting position, they prefer candidates with strong horticultural skills over those with strong business skills. These results suggest landscape contracting firms would welcome a postsecondary-trained work force with improved business skills; however, this business training should not come at the expense of horticultural course work and experience.

scholarly journals Basics of Good Business Plan for Small-Scale Agribusiness Investors in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustapha Momoh ◽  
Caroline Aturu-Aghedo ◽  
Nana Usman Bature
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
Job Experience ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Entrepreneurial Skills ◽  
The Face

This chapter provides a synthesis of planning small-scale entrepreneurial skills to guide the current and prospective micro investors to harness wide ranges of agribusiness value chains in Nigeria. This initiative considered alternatives in business strategic options to harness the potentials therein, which involve production, distribution, processing of agricultural products and services integration for converting agricultural outputs for regular and timely supply of domestic and international needs. The current outcry for economic diversification couple with high rate of unemployment in Nigeria requires concerted efforts to boost the agriculture sector as a viable alternative for growth and development. Suffices to say, most agribusiness investors more often than not, experience failure because of the dearth of requisite business skills for planning the survival and growth of small-scale agribusinesses in the face of modern realities. In this wise, the chapter brings the benefits such as risk mitigation, cost savings, and income generation through combination of known production planning and business management skills. The chapter adopts discursive taxonomy, interpolating elicited facts from available literature plus the knowledge of ‘on-the-job-experience’ to promote and support the development of agribusinesses strategy for the transformation of the agriculture sector to generate employment, income, and promote food security, and competitiveness in the marketplaces.

scholarly journals Perilaku Bisnis Muslimah : Muslimah Berkeluarga Anggota IWAPI di Kota Surabaya

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 896
Author(s):  
Sesha Ayu Permatasari ◽  
Muhammad Nafik HR
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Main Task ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Business Behavior ◽  
Depth Interviews

The purpose of this research is to know whether the business behavior of a Muslim family of IWAPI members in Surabaya in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This study used a qualitative approach explanatory case studies. Data collection techniques using in-depth interviews, interviews, participant observation and documentation.In this study, the behavior of the Muslim business in terms of aspects of motivation, commitment to family, barriers experienced, responsibilities and activities as well as adopting a business strategy which includes four properties of the Prophet namely: Siddiq, Trustworthy, Fatonah, Sermons. Results of this study are doing business is not forbidden in Islam as long as it does not ignore the views of the main task of a Muslim as a housewife. Business motivation ofhousewives is gain a flexible time management so as to enable a balance between the obligations of housewives and business. Thus a Muslim is able to prove that a Muslim could succeed as a wife, IWAPI members and businesswomen.

scholarly journals The Teacher’s Beliefs and Practices on the Use of Digital Comics in Teaching Writing: A qualitative case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60
Author(s):  
Muflikhatun Nisa Muyassaroh ◽  
Abdul Asib ◽  
Sri Marmanto
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Teaching Writing ◽  
Vocational Students ◽  
Teacher Belief ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Teacher's Beliefs

In the industrial era 4.0, the use of digital comic as a multimodal teaching medium is seen as the new trend in EFL classrooms. Although many teachers had already used this medium, so far, there was not any study which inquires the use of comic in another setting such as vocational high schools. Considering this gap, this study aimed to explore teacher belief, practice, and problems in implementing digital comics to teach writing for vocational students. This study used a qualitative case study approach. The subject was an experienced English teacher who held M. A. in English language. As the findings, the teacher believed that the implementation of comics-manga was the best method to switch the vocational students’ stereotype on English; from English as the most difficult subject to English as the enjoyable subject. This medium was implemented by using the genre approach. However, as the consequence, the combination of digital comics and process approach confronted a major challenge, namely time management.

Preparing Indonesian civil engineering graduates for the world of work

2021 ◽  
pp. 095042222110461
Author(s):  
Heni Fitriani ◽  
Saheed Ajayi
Keyword(s):  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Core Knowledge ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Personal Traits ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Study Population

This study investigates numerous competencies expected from civil engineering graduates based on employers’ perspectives in Indonesia to provide an understanding of employers’ requirements related to knowledge, skills and personal traits. Using the employers of civil engineering graduates as the study population, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted for data collection and analysis, following an exploratory sequential mixed method design. The results, developed from a factor analysis, show that the underlying skills, knowledge and general traits that can give competitive advantages for graduates include 10 elements. The most significant components consist of interpersonal management skills, personality traits and entrepreneurial and business skills. As the first two factors, categorised as soft skills associated with traits and character, were the most important, the implication is that employers tend to prioritise building strong characters, even when recruiting or selecting employees with limited technical skills normally obtained during university studies. Other competencies expected of Indonesian civil engineering graduates discussed in the article include digital skills, as well as core knowledge of civil engineering, such as design and geotechnics skills. The findings will benefit universities seeking to enhance their graduates’ employability as well as students who are hoping to be ahead of the game. The article also provides insights for civil engineering employers who may want to understand the key skills and competencies in demand by other employers of civil engineering graduates in Indonesia.

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