Challenges and Prospects of Women Entrepreneurs Within Micro and Small Enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-31
Author(s):  
Yetimwork Anteneh Wondim

This study is to find out the challenges and prospects faced by female entrepreneurs within micro and small enterprises in the case of salon owners in Bahir Dar City administration. Although various empirical studies show most micro and small enterprises (MSEs) are operated by women, and face many challenges, this research is done concerning developed countries, and they have the problem of generalization. To this end, a qualitative research approach is pursued. The qualitative data is gathered through semi-structured interviews from beauty salon owner women. Consequently, the findings reveal that the major challenges that hinder the salon industry according to this research are classified as a problem in startup and the growth phase, which in turn affect the prospects of these enterprises in the future. To mitigate these challenges, banks should have a specific loan portfolio for women entrepreneurs in salon businesses and introduce more financial access for women.

Author(s):  
Bizuayehu Daba Feyisa ◽  
Kaleb Amanu Tamene

The main aim of this study was to assess the roles of Micro and Small Enterprises in Empowering Women in Jimma Town. In this study, the researchers employed purely qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling technique was employed as appropriate sampling technique to select research participants. In addition to this, the researchers also used data gathering tools such as in-depth interview and non-participant observations. The study found out that Micro and Small enterprises in Jimma Town have played significant roles in empowering some women entrepreneurs economically and socially by improving their livelihoods, enhancing their self-confidence, decision making capacity, financial autonomy, freedom of mobility and also boosting their social-interactions. The study also found out that women entrepreneurs have been facing serious challenges against their business such as lack of appropriate working and selling places, market linkages, loan, and shortages of raw materials and frequent interruptions of electric power supply. So, the researchers recommended that all concerned government institutions shall try their level best to address such problems to advance women’s empowerment through micro and small enterprises to the best level.


Author(s):  
Castro Ngumbu Gichuki ◽  
Milcah Mulu Mutuku ◽  
Lydia Nkatha Kinuthia

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the inability to access affordable credit in Kenya which hinders many women entrepreneurs from either starting their own or expanding existing enterprises and capital base. The emergence of table banking groups attempts to fill the existing credit gap. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey involving 225 randomly selected women entrepreneurs who participate in table banking groups within Nakuru Municipality was conducted. Data collection comprised a questionnaire whose reliability coefficient was 0.83 at 0.05 confidence level. Findings – Results indicated that a majority women entrepreneurs aged between 20 and 60 years with 71 per cent of them married. Further, 44 per cent had attained secondary-level education, while no illiterate entrepreneurs participated in the study. A positive increase in the number of employees, after members participated in table banking groups, was realized. Credit received from table banking influenced changes in the size of enterprises. Originality/value – The study shows that availability, affordability and accessibility of credit from table banking groups led to positive growth of women-owned enterprises.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 299-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruwan Abeysekera ◽  
Dean Patton ◽  
Andrew Mullineux

Recent developments in service literature highlight the importance of co-production between the firm and the client in order to create value. This paper presents a model of co-production within the context of microfinance provision and investigates the dyadic relationship between Counsellors from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and the Owner Managers of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). The paper develops a conceptual model that identifies the factors that facilitate co-production between Counsellors and Owner Managers. It also identifies co-production outcomes relating to MSEs and MFIs concerned. The model offers researchers a framework for empirical studies in the microfinance setting. Furthermore, microfinance policy makers can use this model to formulate strategies that offer many benefits to both MFIs and Owner Managers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. WEERAKOON ◽  
◽  
K.T. WITHANAGE ◽  
V. DISARATNE ◽  
◽  
...  

Construction industry is one of the devoting force of any country's economy. Around the world, Small Scale Contractors (SSC) has been found to play a significant role in creating jobs, infiltrating new markets and growing the economy in an inspired and inventive way. However, performance of SSCs in developing and minor developed countries is still not in adequate level due to various factors. Poor QS practices is one of the significant factor which affect to the current performance of the SSCs. Hence, this research aims to implement better QS practices to mitigate adverse impact to the small scale contractors due to plenty of poor QS practices. Particularly qualitative research approach was used for this study and accordingly data was collected from semi- structured interviews and analyzed using manual content analysis. Project delays, cost overruns of projects, cash flow problems, unable to win tenders, poor construction quality, delays in payments and contractual disputes were identified as major issues caused by the poor QS practices. This research suggests government to impose laws and regulations, offer tax relieves to contractors and impose legal requirements to participate in CPD sessions to minimize poor QS practices. Further clients and consultants can make timely payments to contractors and key suggestions to contractors are hire experienced and qualified professionals, provide well-coordinated training, adopt new technologies, keep clear and completed drawings and specifications, use cost and time controlling techniques and maintain good record keeping system.


Revista Foco ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Luiz Da Costa Alves Filho

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os relatos dos gestores de micro e pequenas empresas de João Pessoa-PB sob a perspectiva da Teoria Crítica, discutindo aspectos destes relatos associados aos mitos e fatos defendidos por Mintzberg (1990). A fundamentação teórica aborda três aspectos centrais: a importância da ciência da administração nos contextos teórico e prático; os mitos e fatos gerenciais e; a perspectiva da Teoria Crítica (TC) e suas reflexões no âmbito organizacional. Participaram da pesquisa 12 gestores, divididos em: graduados em administração, outra graduação e gestores sem formação superior. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, sendo, posteriormente, analisadas por meio da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados revelaram alguns aspectos peculiares entre os grupos de entrevistados, tais como: a necessidade dos mesmos em ter auto responsabilidade dentro e fora da empresa para buscar as informações e os conhecimentos necessários para garantir a sua sobrevivência ou ascensão no mercado atuante. Além disso, verificou-se que a abertura da gestão frente às propostas, sugestões ou críticas dos funcionários é um aspecto fundamental para tornar o ambiente de trabalho um lugar mais democrático e favorável às discussões pertinentes aos interesses de todos os colaboradores.  This study aims to analyze the reports of the managers of micro and small enterprises of João Pessoa-PB from the perspective of Critical Theory, discussing aspects of these reports associated to the myths and facts defended by Mintzberg (1990). The theoretical framework addresses three main aspects: the importance of management science in theoretical and practical contexts; the myths and facts and management and; the perspective of Critical Theory (CT) and its reflections on the organizational level. The participants were 12 managers, divided into: managers degree in business administration, with other graduate and managers without higher education. Semi-structured interviews, and later analyzed using content analysis were performed. The results revealed some peculiar aspects of the interview groups, such as the need for them to have self-responsibility inside and outside the company to find the information and knowledge needed to ensure their survival or rise in the active market and the sense of constant learning. Furthermore, it was found that opening the front to management proposals, suggestions or criticisms of the employees is a key aspect to make the workplace a more democratic and favorable place to discussions relevant to the interests of all employees.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0252014
Author(s):  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Elsa Lucia Escalante-Barrios ◽  
José Francisco Molina-Azorin ◽  
Quan Nha Hong ◽  
Joan Miquel Verd

Recent growth and institutionalization in the field of mixed methods research has provided fertile ground for a wide range of thoughtful criticism of how this research approach has been developed and conceptualized by some members of the mixed methods community. This criticism reflects the increasing maturity of the field as well as the different theoretical perspectives and methodological practices of researchers in different disciplines. While debates addressing these criticisms are likely to lead to valuable insights, no empirical studies have been carried out to date that have investigated researchers’ critical views on the development and conceptualization of mixed methods research. This study examines the criticisms of the mixed methods field raised by a cross-national sample of researchers in education, nursing, psychology, and sociology. We carried out a secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with 42 researchers and identified 11 different criticisms, which we classified in four domains: essence of mixed methods, philosophy, procedures, and politics. The criticisms related to the procedures domain were equally distributed among the four disciplines, while those related to the essence, philosophy and politics domains were more common among sociologists. Based on our findings, we argue that the divergence of views on foundational issues in this field reflects researchers’ affiliation to different communities of practice, each having its own principles, values, and interests. We suggest that a greater awareness of this divergence of perspectives could help researchers establish effective collaboration and anticipate potential challenges when working with researchers having different methodological approaches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Degwale Gebeyehu Belay ◽  
Moges Yirgabelew Kifle

This study had the objective of assessing the roles and challenges of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in urban employment creation in Debre Berhan Town, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. Mixed research approach was adopted and both primary and secondary data was collected. The study had a total of 352 respondents who were selected using systematic sampling technique. Tools of data collection were questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The findings of the study revealed that MSEs have indeed contributed significantly in creating urban employment, and in generating income of employees. However, the capacity of creating employment and generating income varies among MSE. While the construction and manufacturing sectors had better employment creation and income generation capacity, trade sector was the least in creating such opportunities. The challenges of MSEs in employment creation include lack of adequate finances, inputs, poor organizational structure and management, poor government support and regulations, and technological challenges.


Author(s):  
Rabi Sidi Ali

Existing results suggest that entrepreneurs vary considerably in their intentions to grow their businesses; that men have more success in pursuing growth than women. Prior investigations on entrepreneurship also suggest female business owners might deliberately choose to keep their business from growing. However, these studies have been conducted in developed countries. Diversity in context and theories could vary by gender, business sectors, and regions of the world. Scholars maintain that feminist perspectives theories are necessary to provide some insights into understanding the phenomena. The goal of this paper is to analyze research findings on the growth aspirations of the female entrepreneurs and offer alternative views of understanding, by employing feminist theories, in explaining why women behave differently in their adaptation of reduced growth intentions. In an attempt to understand the tendencies that might lead to reduced growth intentions in female entrepreneurship, literature was extensively reviewed on female entrepreneurship and growth intentions. The study uses a desk research approach to data collection. An overview of the main issues concerning female entrepreneurs’ growth intentions is presented. The conclusions drawn from the literature provide foundations for policy measures assisting women to overcome their low growth aspirations and measures required to encourage women to grow their businesses. The paper identifies research gaps that continue to exist in female entrepreneurs’ growth intentions research with the aim of encouraging further research in this field.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Nyamagere G. Sospeter ◽  
Mariam I. Nchimbi

This paper presents findings of the study that aimed at assessing the impact of business service providers (BDS) on growth of women owned MSMEs in Tanzania. Based on interviews conducted to five BDS providers and women owned micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) it was revealed that most women entrepreneurs were not aware of the existence of BDS providers and their services. For those who had used BDS, they were generally satisfied with their benefits and they continue using the services. Furthermore, the findings show that BDS assisted entrepreneurs in formalizing their businesses, increased business management and technology capacity, market coverage and contributed to business growth.Findings calls for the government, BDS providers and other key stakeholders to raise the level of awareness to women entrepreneurs on the availability and importance of using of BDSs. Government and donor community should advocate for business environment reforms that lowers the barriers to BDS providers for them to operate effectively and provide affordable services. BDS providers should focus on demand driven services in a more holistic and participatory way than they are currently doing in order to improve the quality, sustainability and development of the women owned MSMEs.


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