scholarly journals ‘Soft’ support infrastructure and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in European countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (230) ◽  
pp. 67-99
Author(s):  
Bojan Cudic ◽  
Iwona Skrodzka
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Union Member ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
European Countries ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
European Union Member States ◽  
Significant Factors

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between ?soft? support infrastructure (SSI) and the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study encompasses European countries? economic activity and SMEs? output in 2015 and 2018. The focus of the research is SMEs in the European Union member states and the Western Balkan countries. The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). This method enabled the examination of links between variables that are not directly observable. The results show that countries investing in SSI have better SME performance. Based on the statistical analysis, among other things, the authors identify the Human Development Index and the use of information and communication technology at the company level as the two most significant factors that impact on SMEs? performance.

Effect of internal integration on SMEs’ performance: the role of external integration and ICT

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Amoako ◽  
Zhang Huai Sheng ◽  
Courage Simon Kofi Dogbe ◽  
Wisdom Wise Kwabla Pomegbe
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Internal Integration ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe paper investigates the mediation role of external integration in the relationship between internal integration and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. Information and communication technology (ICT) was used to moderate the relationship between internal and external, and external integration and SMEs performance.Design/methodology/approachCross sectional method was used to distribute questionnaires to owners of SMEs in Abossey Okai business enclave to assess the various dimensions in the study. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationship among the dimensions, based on 163 validated questionnaires. Analysis of Moment Structures (Amos) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were used in analyzing the data.FindingsThe results indicate that, external integration mediated the relationship between internal integration and SMEs performance. In addition, ICT had positive moderating effect in the relationship between internal and external integration, and external integration and SMEs performance.Practical implicationsPractically, this research informs owners and managers of SMEs to appreciate the importance of developing internal structures of a firm and further linking their operations with external partners. Additionally, findings will aid managers’ and owners’ leverage on ICT capabilities to enhance performance in their operations.Originality/valueEngaging external integration to mediate the relationship between internal integration and SMEs performance and extending the relationship to include moderating role of ICT in both relationship that is internal and external integration on one side, and external and firm performance, the current study contributes to supply chain integration (SCI) and ICT available literature.

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 The EU and national sovereignty: the encounter of two concepts of sovereignty. Change or continuity?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aistė Deimantaitė
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Union Member ◽  
European Countries ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Verbal Expression ◽  
Political Actors ◽  
The Public ◽  
Strategic Narratives ◽  
European Union Member States ◽  
The Eu

The article aims to examine and critically evaluate the idea of sovereignty and the nuances of its verbal expression through the concept of strategic narratives, to reveal different models of sovereignty within the context of European Union Member States (mainly France, Hungary/Poland) and the European Union (EU) since 2017. The article seeks to answer the following questions: What idea of sovereignty has been projected to the public in selected European countries and the EU by their political actors since 2017? What model, functional limits and narratives do actors forge?

Examining the link between social capital, knowledge quality, SMEs innovativeness and performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-175
Author(s):  
Henry Boateng ◽  
Ramanah Visnupriyan ◽  
Kwame Simpe Ofori ◽  
Robert Ebo Hinson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Export Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Knowledge Quality ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between some elements of social capital, knowledge quality, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)’ innovativeness and export performance. Data were collected from owners/managers of SME exporters in Ghana. Structural Equation Modeling was used for the data analysis. The results indicate that the elements of social capital facilitate access to quality knowledge which consequently improves SMEs’ innovativeness. The study also shows that SMEs’ innovativeness affects their export performance.

Big data analytics adoption model for small and medium enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Maroufkhani ◽  
Wan Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail ◽  
Morteza Ghobakhloo
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Big data analytics (BDA) is recognized as a turning point for firms to improve their performance. Although small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for every economy, they are lagging far behind in the usage of BDA. This study aims to provide a single and unified model for the adoption of BDA among SMEs with the integration of the technology–organization–environment (TOE) model and resource-based view. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 112 manufacturing SMEs in Iran was conducted, and the data were analysed using structural equation modelling to test the model of this study. Findings The results offer evidence of a BDA mediation effect in the relationship between technological, organizational and environmental contexts, and SMEs performance. The findings also demonstrated that technological and organizational elements are the more significant determinants of BDA adoption in the context of SMEs. In addition, the result of this study confirmed that BDA adoption could enhance the financial and market performance of SMEs. Practical implications Providing a single unified framework of BDA adoption for SMEs enables them to appreciate the importance of most influential elements (technology, organization and environment) in the adoption of BDA. Also, this study may encourage SMEs to be more willing to use BDA in their businesses. Originality/value Although there are studies on BDA adoption and firm performance among large companies, there is a lack of empirical research on SMEs, in particular, based on the TOE model. SMEs differ from large companies in terms of the availability of resources and size. Therefore, this study aimed to initiate a conceptual framework of BDA adoption for SMEs to assist them to be able to take advantage of the adoption of such technology.

scholarly journals Change Management, Digital Maturity, and Green Development: Are Successful Firms Leveraging on Sustainability?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4019
Author(s):  
Anna Irimiás ◽  
Ariel Mitev
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Green Development ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this paper is to capture firms’ perceptions on the relationship between change management, digitalization, business performance, and green development. The adaptation of digital technologies has challenged the business environment, leading to a major incorporation of the role of entrepreneurs in the process of fostering green development. Building on data from a survey study with 270 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large companies located in a relatively developed Hungarian region and adopting the Strategic Action Field (SAF) theory, firms’ perceptions on change management, digital maturity, and green development were explored. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results revealed that change management has a direct positive effect on digital maturity and on business performance and has a small effect on companies’ commitment towards green development. This paper contributes to the debate on the relationship between digitalization and green development within entrepreneurial organizations.

Knowledge management as intellectual property

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 830-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Maldonado-Guzmán ◽  
Gabriela Citlalli Lopez-Torres ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Vikas Kumar ◽  
Juan Luis Martinez-Covarrubias
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between knowledge management and creation of intellectual property within the context of small and medium size manufacturing enterprises. Design/methodology/approach A hypothesis was formulated and tested using structural equation modelling. Data were collected through an instrument that was developed based on key constructs adapted from the literature and that was first validated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A Cronbach’s alpha test was also conducted and the Composite Reliability Index was calculated to ensure reliability of the theoretical model. The instrument was distributed among manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Aguascalientes region of Mexico, from were 125 valid responses were obtained. Findings In general, the results indicate that knowledge management has positive effects on the creation of intellectual property in manufacturing SMEs. This suggests that SMEs can create more intellectual property if they dedicate more efforts to the management of knowledge. Practical implications The implication of this research and its findings may inform the strategies formulated by policy makers, and the managerial practices that manufacturing SMEs can adopt to protect their knowledge. Originality/value Evidence suggests that studies focused on investigating the relationship between knowledge and intellectual property are limited. This paper provides a refined understanding of the relationship between knowledge management and intellectual property creation.

scholarly journals Effect of Organisational Culture on Sustainable Growth of SMEs: Mediating Role of Innovation Competitive Advantage

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Danjuma Tali Nimfa
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study is to investigates the effect of organisational culture on the sustainable growth of SMEs; mediating role of innovation competitive advantage. The electrical products small and medium enterprises was the realm of this study. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS was employed to test the hypotheses. Finding of this study revealed that organisational culture has a direct positive significant effect on sustainable growth of SMEs and innovation competitive advantage. Moreover, the study confirmed that innovation competitive advantage has a direct positive significant relationship with sustainable growth of SMEs. Furthermore, the findings established that innovation competitive advantage has fully mediates the relationship between organisational culture and sustainable growth of electrical manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria. This study sets out purposeful measures to encourage owner-mangers of the electrical manufacturing SMEs to maintain as well as installing innovative organisational culture that enhance efficient sustainable growth of SMEs and embedding innovation competitive advantage as a viable strategic mechanism in the enterprise. This study is distinctive because it tries to fill the small and medium enterprises gaps through encouraging managers of the electrical manufacturing SMEs to always strategize for better sustainable growth in the rapidly changing business environment. Keywords: Organisational culture, Sustainable growth of SMEs, Innovation competitive advantage, PLS-SEM (SmartPLS).

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) AND POVERTY IN NIGERIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-63
Author(s):  
ROSSAZANA AB-RAHIM ◽  
MUSA MOHAMED
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Youth Empowerment ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Multidimensional Poverty Index ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

This study examines the moderating role of youth empowerment on the relationship between Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in Niger State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to delve into whether SMEs has substantial impact on the reduction of poverty in Niger State, Nigeria. A survey technique was employed and questionnaire was used to collect data from 432 SMEs owners in 8 selected Local Government Areas of Niger State, Nigeria. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for descriptive analysis and Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) is used for testing for hypotheses. The results showed that there are positive changes in the socio-economic status of the people due to their involvement in SMEs activities of employment, innovation, human capital development and income; the results showed that the moderating effect of youth empowerment has positive influence on the relationship between SMEs and MPI. The results imply that SMEs owners should be empowered to enable them have access to resources to finance their businesses; and greater effort should be accorded to the empowerment of youth so as to further reduce poverty in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurship Orientation, Eco-innovation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Learning Adoption Capability: A case Study of Food SME’s in Central Java, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 226 ◽  
pp. 00046
Author(s):  
Vincent Didiek Wiet Aryanto ◽  
Kunio Kondo ◽  
Yohan Wismantoro ◽  
Pulung Nurtantyo Andono
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Food Industries ◽  
Marketing Performance ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

This study aimed to investigate the entrepreneurship orientation among the Central Java’s food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and its impact on their marketing performance, the business method through eco-innovation. This study also employed eco-innovation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learning adoption capability. The respondents of this study were withdrawn purposely from food industries located in Central Java. The location of the study was in Surakarta, Salatiga, Semarang and Kudus. The time frame of the study was from January 2019 to July 2019. The software of SEM version 23 (Structural Equation Modelling) was utilized to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that all the hypotheses (entrepreneurship orientation, ecoinnovation and ICT learning adoption capability) have significant impact on marketing performance.

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