scholarly journals Design Support Needs to Realize More Effective and Resource-Efficient Offerings: A Comparison Among Large Companies and Small and Medium Enterprises

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio A. Brambila-Macias ◽  
Tomohiko Sakao
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Design Support ◽  
Economic Paradigm ◽  
Conflicting Objectives ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Realization Process ◽  
Product Realization

In an economic paradigm where companies think that more is better and resources are considered infinite, waste, pollution, and environmental degradation are often the result. This can, in turn, be addressed by companies focusing on offerings that are both effective and resource efficient. However, this type of offerings can be more uncertain and complex due to multiple factors such as multiple actors and conflicting objectives taking place at once. Dedicated design support for the relatively new offerings will be helpful for designers in industry. Large and small companies could benefit from the dedicated design support to successfully realize these types of offerings. However, the type of support they might need is not clear. Differences and similarities among large and small companies could guide researchers in providing more reliable support. Therefore, the aim of this research is to present differences and similarities of design support needs among large companies and small and medium enterprises. This is carried out through semi-structured interviews and follow-up meetings. The results show that differences include a formal product realization process for large companies and an informal or no process for smaller ones. Similarities point at design support for better communication and management of their offerings with regard to lead time as well as lifecycle and strategic thinking for decision making. The conclusions highlight the importance for researchers to provide design support that purposefully addresses specific needs.

Revisiting presenteeism to broaden its conceptualization: A qualitative study

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mouna Knani ◽  
Pierre-Sébastien Fournier ◽  
Caroline Biron
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Holistic Interpretation ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Negative Factors

BACKGROUND: Presenteeism is generally viewed as a symptom of organizational or individual dysfunction and is rarely considered as a behavioral response to positive triggering factors. Our study examines this issue in small enterprises (SEs), which are an unexplored environment in terms of presenteeism. OBJECTIVE: Through in-depth analysis, this study aims to understand the positive and negative factors that impact presenteeism in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on SEs. METHODS: We adopt a qualitative methodological approach in which we conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with employees and owner-managers of SEs with between 20 and 49 employees. RESULTS: Our thematic analysis shows that presenteeism can be explained by factors related to pressure to attend work, by individuals’ constraints and commitment, by organizational and individual characteristics and by a congenial work environment. Presenteeism can also be a type of “therapy” which helps individuals to avoid focusing on being sick and enables them to stay active and avoid social isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study differs from earlier research by providing a more in-depth analysis of the positive and negative factors that trigger presenteeism. This article will help to expand the current theoretical knowledge about presenteeism and encourage a more holistic interpretation of the phenomenon.

scholarly journals The Innovation Type and Strategy Implemented by Chinese SMEs: Case Study of Manufacturing Industry in Shanghai

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 907-915
Author(s):  
Khaled Mohammed Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cluster Strategy ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Social Wealth ◽  
Innovation Type

In China, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in economic development and social wealth in terms of GDP growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation. In the age of technology and information, innovation has been regarded as one of the most significant drivers for the growth and prosperity of SMEs. Therefore, it is necessary for SMEs to implement innovation strategy, which would help them to initiate new products, adopt new processes and increase their competitiveness. From this point of view, this study attempts to identify the innovation situation of Chinese SMEs with regard to innovation type as well as innovation strategy. The research data is collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from SMEs of manufacturing industry in Shanghai, China. According to the data results, process innovation and marketing innovation are adopted more frequently than product innovation and organizational innovation by Chinese SMEs. This study also demonstrates most SMEs in China implement free-riding strategy; some of them adopt niche strategy; and few SMEs practice cluster strategy. Although innovation is increasingly important for Chinese SMEs, their implementation of innovation strategy is not highly effective and successful.

scholarly journals Pathways to Local Partnerships in a Semi-Rural Setting: A Qualitative Study of Community Engagement and Employer-Supported Volunteering in Small and Medium Enterprises and Local Nonprofits

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Gagnon ◽  
Myriam Beaudry ◽  
Louise Lemyre ◽  
Alexandra Guay-Charette
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Local Partnerships ◽  
Petites Entreprises

There remains a knowledge gap regarding the factors that drive the development of business-nonprofit partnerships in the context of employer-supported volunteering—especially in small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, there is a need to consider how enterprises operate in their cultural contexts to better understand how they support volunteering trends in Canada. This study aimed to improve understanding of the multi-level factors that foster the development of business-nonprofit partnerships in the context of employer-supported volunteering. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with community and small business actors in a semi-rural setting in Francophone Québec. Results challenged the traditional view of volunteer support as a distinct activity, showing an integrated system of inter-dependence. Results suggest the relevance of conceptualizing small enterprises’ support of volunteering as part of an inclusive approach to community engagement. RÉSUMÉLes facteurs liés au développement de partenariats entre entreprises et OBNL dans le contexte du bénévolat appuyé par l’employeur sont méconnus – particulièrement au sein des petites et moyennes entreprises. Il est également pertinent de considérer le contexte culturel pour mieux comprendre les tendances canadiennes du bénévolat appuyé par l’employeur. Cette étude vise l’obtention d’une meilleure compréhension des facteurs multiniveaux associés au développement de partenariats entreprises-OBNL dans le contexte du soutien au bénévolat. Quinze entretiens semistructurés ont été effectués auprès d’acteurs du secteur communautaire et des petites entreprises dans un milieu semi-rural francophone-québécois. Les résultats repositionnent la notion d’activités distinctes et témoignent plutôt d’un système intégré d’interdépendances. Les résultats suggèrent de conceptualiser le soutien au bénévolat des petites entreprises au sein d’une approche inclusive d’engagement communautaire.

scholarly journals Connecting Inward and Outward Internationalisation of Malaysian SMEs: A Learning Approach

2018 ◽  
pp. 264-275
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

When SMEs are part of global value chain, the flows of information in cross-border buyer-supplier relationships which emerge from inward-outward internationalisation connections should be addressed. This study therefore investigates the learning processes of internationalising small and medium enterprises that engage in inward and outward internationalisation. Hence, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach based on ten cases of the internationalising SMEs in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews with the Managing Directors of the selected SMEs were conducted over a two-year period. Additionally, participant observations were conducted by attending the meetings related to import-export activities and documentations were gathered for data triangulation Findings of this study highlights that the relationship with key foreign suppliers empowered case firms to connect inward to outward internationalisation through collaborative knowledge sharing. The distribution of knowledge through tacit-tacit and tacit-explicit knowledge sharing underpinned by formal planning was a prerequisite for inward-outward internationalisation connections to be established.

Identifying The Optimal Product Strategy By Applying Portfolio Segmentation Methods – Case Of Smes In Banking Sector

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-126
Author(s):  
Simona - Mihaela Nămolosu ◽  
Iuliana Cetină
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
High Potential ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Motivational Systems ◽  
Potential Market ◽  
Segmentation Methods ◽  
Medium Enterprises

AbstractSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a high potential target for banks to attack, but also a risky segment; high potential because the need for financing is increasing, but risky because the crisis affected a lot the solvability and profitability of these companies. On the other hand, loan facilities are some of the most complex banking products (if we analyse diverse financing needs of small companies, but rather due to the analysis and approval processes in banks). In defining strategic alternatives for financing products for SMEs, the following steps are essential: evaluating potential market segments and/or sub segments, always focusing on the general and particular commercial objectives of the bank, analysing the strategies used by the major competitors and last, but not least: developing motivational systems for the employees of the branches - the main distribution channel for a banking product.

scholarly journals Innovative Social Media Marketing Communication Application for Thai Hotel SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Torboon Puangmaha ◽  
Tatri Taiphapoon ◽  
Pakpachong Vadhanasindhu ◽  
Sukree Sinthupinyo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Design And Technology ◽  
Marketing Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Industry Professionals

<p class="0abstract">Social media marketing communication has been widely adopted in organizations due to its values of interactivity, integration of communication channels, information collection and immediacy.  Nevertheless, a majority of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not realize how to systematically and effectively implement social media marketing communication.  In addition, few studies on application development of social media marketing communication have demonstrated the support for Thai hotel SMEs. This study aims to understand the pain points and expectations of SMEs in the Thai hotel industry, to design and develop an innovative social media marketing communication application for business promotion. The research utilizes design thinking process for application development using semi-structured interviews with 10 industry professionals. Based on results from the data analysis and conceptual prototype design, validated by group of professionals in business, innovation design and technology, the proposed prototype is practical and suitable for developing an innovative application that promotes Thai hotel SMEs’ social media marketing communication.</p>

scholarly journals The status of strategic planning in Small and Medium Enterprises: Priority of afterthought?

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corrinne Thompson ◽  
Maria Bounds ◽  
Geoff Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Strategy Formation ◽  
The Status ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
Medium Enterprises

<p>Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are faced will many challenges, and the development of a sound strategy for the SME could define how these challenges are met which, in turn, could mean the difference between success or failure of the enterprise. If a sound strategy is major contributing factor to the success of a small business, but the evidence of sound strategic management (as taught in universities and business schools) is not present in successful SME’s, one could question the way strategic management is conceptualised. The study thus aims to gather a greater understanding of strategic management – and strategy formulation practices in particular – within SME’s. The study employed a qualitative, descriptive design with semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 SME owners in Gauteng. Findings reveal that the majority of participants were in favour of and supported the notion of having a strategy for small and medium enterprises, but none of them made reference to a formal process regarding strategy formation.</p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> Strategy; strategy formulation, small and medium businesses; planning; qualitative research</p>

The Factors Affecting Supplier Relationship Management in the Food Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi ◽  
Julia Fallon
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Production Capacities

The Tanzanian food industry is one of the most critical sectors in the country. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the largest processors of food. Although SMEs mostly deal with processing food, they still face challenges, especially with their suppliers. Though previous researchers have investigated partnership issues in SMEs, little has been reported on the factors that impact the supplier relationships found in food manufacturing SMEs. This study employed a qualitative design where semi-structured interviews with 13 experts were conducted to identify the factors that impede SRM in Dar es Salaam. The findings reveal that poor relationship management, poor storage facilities, poor transportation and inadequate production capacities are the main challenges affecting SRM within these firms. To overcome these challenges, it has been recommended to improve the supplier relationships through being transparent, fostering trust and sharing quality information with the suppliers on time. Furthermore, investment in technology has been recommended to reduce costs and to enhance the information sharing between suppliers and SMEs. Government support is required with regard to financial aid and the improvement in the infrastructure to facilitate the easier flow of goods from SMEs to the customers.

scholarly journals Enhancing Employee Engagement for Small and Medium Enterprises in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1318-1339
Author(s):  
Kuo-Tai Cheng ◽  
Kirk Chang
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Work Commitment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

The aim of the research is to study the employee engagement strategies utilised in Taiwan's SMEs from the perspective of the employees. In doing so, a qualitative research method was employed using semi-structured interviews. Nine participants from five sectors of SMEs (electronics & information, metal transportation, machinery and equipment, food manufacturing, and textile) were interviewed. The authors' results reveal that having high levels of engagement amongst employees in Taiwan's SMEs will bring about an increase in work commitment amongst employees which encourages productivity for the organisation. These findings hold several important theoretical and practical implications.

scholarly journals Readiness of Culinary Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to Support the Development of West Java International Airport (WJIA) Kertajati (Case Study: Kertajati Village, Kertajati District, Majalengka Regency-Indonesia)

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-95
Author(s):  
Ruri Rahmawati ◽  
Asnita Frida Sebayang ◽  
Aan Julia
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Community Readiness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
West Java ◽  
Community Ownership ◽  
International Airport ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The purpose of this research is to find out how the stages and strategies of handling the readiness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) entrepreneurs in supporting the development of West Java International Airport (WJIA) Kertajati. The method used is descriptive analysis method with a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out through structured interviews and questionnaires with 4 respondents from culinary Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Kertajati Village. Techniques for measuring community readiness using the Community Readiness Modelconsisting of no awareness, denial/resistance, vague awareness, preplanning, preparation, initiation, stabilization, expansion/confirmation, community ownership. The results showed that the readiness of Kertajati Village Culinary MSME actors in supporting the development of WJIA Kertajati using 5 readiness dimensions, namely having a score of 4.4 or being in the preplanning stage which means that the community already has an understanding of the issues/problems that must be solved together. The handling strategy uses quantitative SWOT with the result that the strength (S) and opportunity (O) factors have a higher score than the weakness (W) and threat (T) factors. So there are several strategies or policy implications that can be carried out, namely providing incentives or capital assistance to culinary actors in Kertajati Village.

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