Challenges for Pakistani SMEs in Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 ◽

Industrial Revolution ◽

Vital Role ◽

Raw Material ◽

Current Economic Situation ◽

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the development of any economy. The disruptive technologies of the fourth industrial revolution have ignited the flexibility and dynamic nature of the market. Industry 4.0 requires firms to deliver highly customized and high-quality products at low price and on time. However, the SMEs sector is not performing up to the standard, which is quite disturbing in the current economic situation of the country. This chapter has elaborated the application of advanced information and communication technologies of Industry 4.0 in the context of SMEs. Based on the requirements of Industry 4.0, this chapter has also explored the challenges faced by SMEs in Pakistan. The SMEs in Pakistan are presently coping the challenges such as limited access to finance, the undue compliance and excessive paperwork imposed by regulators, lacking mechanism of talent management, lacking skilled workforce, absence of networking and collaboration, mismanagement of raw material, and insufficient infrastructure.

Challenges for Pakistani SMEs in Industry 4.0

Research Anthology on Cross-Industry Challenges of Industry 4.0 ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-8548-1.ch098 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1959-1967

Author(s):

Qaisar Iqbal ◽

Noor Hazlina Ahmad

Keyword(s):

Industry 4.0 ◽

Industrial Revolution ◽

Vital Role ◽

Raw Material ◽

Current Economic Situation ◽

Twiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies ◽

10.1108/20450621111197163 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Juma James Masele

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Success Factors ◽

Innovation Management ◽

Subject Area ◽

Content Type ◽

TitleTwiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises.Subject areaThe case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.Study level/applicabilityThis case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business‐related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.Case overviewThe case addresses a number of issues including: Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise. Strategic management. Business revenue models.Expected learning outcomes To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas. To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures. The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures. To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.

Understanding the gendered nature of developing country MSMEs’ access, adoption and use of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D)

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship ◽

10.1108/ijge-07-2019-0117 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 273-295

Author(s):

Elisa Mohanty ◽

Anindya Jayanta Mishra

Keyword(s):

Dark Side ◽

Future Research ◽

Power Dynamics ◽

Content Type ◽

Time Period ◽

Purpose The widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has had a significant effect on various groups and communities of people including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their owners/managers. The current study aims to analyze recent literature regarding adoption of ICTs by MSMEs. Further, it tries to locate gender within this broader context of diffusion of ICTs among MSMEs. Design/methodology/approach Using the thematic analysis approach, the research articles pertaining to six leading journals on ICTs, gender and entrepreneurship published during the time period from 2011 to 2019 are reviewed. Findings The literature selected for the study has been discussed under two primary categories, viz. “adoption of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) for business purposes” and “insights on gender in ICT4D use by MSMEs.” Research limitations/implications The context-dependent nature of ICT use can enable future entrepreneurs to assess the scope of specific ICTs in given areas of operation. The gendered nature of ICTs helps to evaluate as well as question the empowerment potential of ICTs. The study emphasizes the need to account for historical specificities and transnational linkages in understanding access, adoption and use of ICT4D by women MSME entrepreneurs. Originality/value The study bridges together literature on ICT4D use by MSMEs and the role of gender in ICT-mediated entrepreneurial environments. While unraveling the interplay of power dynamics in such environments, the scope for future research in terms of tapping into the content of information exchanges and exploring the implications of “dark side of internet” for women MSME entrepreneurs is also indicated.

Open Innovation

Small and Medium Enterprises ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-3886-0.ch077 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 1521-1534

Author(s):

Hakikur Rahman

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Open Innovation ◽

The Road ◽

The Social ◽

Medium Enterprises ◽

Corporate Business

With the advent of innovative technologies and multi-dimensional researches along the setting of entrepreneurship development, philosophy, context and business handling has been transformed from being traditional to innovative. Depending on diversity and nature of the transformation, innovation has been shifted from closed to open to crowdsourcing innovation. Ranging from small entrepreneurs to corporate business houses are being immensely benefited by the innovation techniques, especially utilizing information and communication technologies. However, the road to innovation, despite being a paradigm shift is not smooth and ready for many, particularly the small and medium enterprises who mainly deal with the clients at the outer peripheries of the social circle. This chapter synthesizes issues of opportunities and challenges for small and medium enterprises by carrying out a broad literature review and synthesis. Furthermore, the chapter will provide a few research hints to be applicable for researchers and research institutions.

ICT Mediated Value Chain for Managing Weavers’ Livelihoods

Small and Medium Enterprises ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-3886-0.ch028 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 526-562

Author(s):

Harekrishna Misra

Keyword(s):

Market Orientation ◽

Value Chain ◽

Essential Information ◽

Medium Enterprises ◽

Returns On Investment ◽

Manage Innovation

Value chain practices focus on market orientation of products and services. Products and services highly rely on processes included in the supply chain in order to contribute to the value chain. Globalization, competition, and high cost of production influence the value chain imperatives. Thus, organizations involved in the value chain are challenged with creation of innovative designs and establishing lean production scenarios. This challenge is more serious in the cases of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The rugs industry in India is one example of such market behavior, and various SMEs are involved in this sector. Besides, the sector demands market orientation and customer retention for which continuous innovative practices are essential. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have played a crucial role in supporting these SMEs in India in rolling out innovative designs through customer engagements in the entire production life cycle. There are also efforts to use ICT as a tool to innovate processes, products, and services to harness better returns on investment and to sustain business. In this case, Jaipur Rugs Company (JRC) strives to manage innovation cycles to ensure development oriented value chain for the weavers and ICT applications have been intrinsic to realize these efforts.

Training for E-Commerce Success in SMEs

Managing Information Technology in Small Business ◽

10.4018/978-1-930708-35-8.ch019 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 334-348

Author(s):

Yanqing Duan ◽

Roisin Mullins ◽

David Hamblin

Keyword(s):

Business Performance ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Goods And Services ◽

Skills Shortage ◽

Set Up ◽

Rapid developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as electronic commerce (e-commerce), have revolutionized the way that business is conducted. E-commerce refers to the process of buying and selling goods and services electronically involving transactions using Internet, network, and other digital technology. It offers companies tremendous opportunities to improve their business performance in new and innovative ways. However, its huge potential benefit would only be realized by capable managers who can deal with these emerging technologies and implement them wisely. A skills shortage has been categorized as one of the challenges facing global e-commerce by Bingi and Khamalah (2000). The demand for highly knowledgeable and skilled managers and workloads places enormous pressure upon companies to improve or update their current knowledge and skills. This is particularly important in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as compared with their larger counterparts, as they are often described as “lacking the expertise needed to set up the technologies necessary, despite having a great deal to gain from doing so” (Anonymous, 1998).

Significance and role of using electronic communications in entrepreneurial companies

Ekonomski izazovi ◽

10.5937/ekoizazov2018086m ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (18) ◽

pp. 86-95

Author(s):

Mersad Mujević ◽

Safet Korać

Keyword(s):

Electronic Communications ◽

Doing Business ◽

Analytical Thinking ◽

Economic Philosophy ◽

Old Economy ◽

With the development of computer science, time and computer networks, primarily the Internet, as well as the increasing use of information and communication technologies in the company's business, it establishes a new form of business, and thus the economy. For several years, computing has been ranked high on political agendas in Europe and the world. Today, the European Commission considers computing to be literacy, which is the basis for understanding how digital technologies work and serves the development of 21st century skills, such as, among other things, "electronic business, ie. digital economics and analytical thinking. E-business operates on different principles in relation to the old economy and requires a different economic philosophy. Information, ideas, innovation and knowledge that create values, growth and productivity. The modern way of doing business guarantees a better access to the market and thus increases the position of companies, especially small and medium enterprises, in time and better use of their own resources provided by information and communication technologies. Companies, ie. SMEs in their challenges in the later stages of development will be precisely that, the better position in the global Internet market with its basic premises of creating good material bases and time make their offer accessible to potential consumers.

Innovación en los procesos de distribución, mediante el uso de las TIC. Un estudio exploratorio en las mipymes

Revista Relayn - Micro y Pequeñas empresas en Latinoamérica ◽

10.46990/relayn.2021.5.2.103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 109-122

Author(s):

Paula Rosalinda Antonio Vidaña ◽

Daniel Martínez Navarrete ◽

Luz del Carmen Muñoz Palacios ◽

Carlos Alberto Ruiz López

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Redes Sociales ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el nivel de adopción de las TIC´s en los procesos de distribución de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MIPyMES). El estudio fue concluyente de tipo descriptivo, que por tomar la muestra en un momento específico es transversal simple, aplicando una muestra de 483 encuestas en un periodo de febrero y mayo 2020, en los municipios de Orizaba e Ixtaczoquitlán. Se obtuvieron resultados, que en un 23.1% consideran que no necesitan medios como redes sociales, el 34.1% consideran no necesario el usar el servicio de paquetería, lo cual fue un punto discursivo como parte del análisis, entre otros resultados mostrados. Abstract The objective of this research consisted of identifying the level of impact Information and Communication Technologies (Ict) had in distribution processes in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The study consisted of a conclusive descriptive type: which, due to the application of a survey during a specific period, it is a simple cross-sectional study applying a sample of 483 surveys between the months of February and May 2020, in the municipalities of Orizaba and Ixtaczoquitlan, in the State of Veracruz. Results showed that 23.1% considered that they had no need for media such as social networks, 34.1% considered the use of postal or parcel services unnecessary, which was a discursive standpoint as part of the analysis among other given results.

The Effect of Gender on Perceived Benefits of and Drivers for ICT Adoption in Australian Medical Practices

International Journal of E-Politics ◽

10.4018/jep.2011010105 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 68-85

Author(s):

Robert C. MacGregor ◽

Peter N. Hyland ◽

Charles Harvie

Keyword(s):

General Practitioners ◽

Medical Practices ◽

Male And Female ◽

Ict Use ◽

Ict Adoption ◽

Similar to other Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), medical practices can gain a great deal by adopting and using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Unlike other SMEs, little is known about General Practitioners’ (GPs) perceptions of the benefits of ICT use or about the differences between these perceptions by male and female GPs. This paper reports a survey of these perceptions of the drivers for and benefits of ICT use by male and female GPs in Australia.

Entrepreneurship

Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-2255-3.ch262 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 2998-3008

Author(s):

Mehmet Eymen Eryılmaz

Keyword(s):

Industry 4.0 ◽

Industrial Revolution ◽

Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽

Strong Relationships

Many people will agree on the idea that entrepreneurship is one of the most important business concepts in recent days. In addition, it is said that we are experiencing the fourth industrial revolution (or Industry 4.0). Information and communication technologies are one of the key elements of this period. Therefore, some information about these two components, “entrepreneurship” and “information and communication technologies”, are given and the possible and strong relationships between them are discussed in this study.