scholarly journals Small business enterprises: Strategies for the 1980s

1982 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ernst W. Neuland

The importance of small business enterprises in a free market economy is reflected by their contribution to economic activity, maintaining competitiveness, and provision of employment opportunities. Despite their economic importance, small business firms are characterized by a high failure rate, inter alia, owing to their unique problems. The independent entrepreneur accordingly has a definite need for aid - which is rendered to the small business sector in the majority of capitalistic countries, including South Africa. It would appear that research in the field of small business has, almost without exception, been conducted in an unsystematic and fragmentary manner. In this paper a conceptual framework, which is based on the developmental approach and the life cycle concept, is advanced. By relating the specific problems of small business firms to the stage of development of the firm in a strategic sense, a systematic approach for studying the dynamic small business firm ensues. This approach will also serve as a conceptual framework for: research into small business firms; developmental aid to the small business sector; development and training of entrepreneurs; financing considerations by the financial sector; and strategy formulation and implementation for the small business firm as such.

2022 ◽  
pp. 359-382
Author(s):  
Olakunle Olayinka ◽  
Martin George Wynn

Digital transformation is now impacting businesses in both the developed and developing worlds, and this chapter examines this phenomenon in the small business sector in Nigeria. Adopting an interpretivist philosophy, the methodology combines a survey of small business enterprises (SBEs) with in-depth case studies of three Nigerian companies. Ten critical influencing factors are identified, and a model (Engage-Deploy-Exploit-Transform – EDET) is developed and applied to the case studies to assess the status of digital transformation. The influencing factors provide a checklist for SBEs embarking on digital transformation projects, and the model can be used to assess progress and identify new opportunities for digital transformation at the business process level. The authors believe this to be a useful contribution to the growing literature in this field that can be used by both researchers and practitioners in similar developing-world contexts.


Author(s):  
Nataliia MITSENKO ◽  
Igor MISHCHUK

The main purpose of the publication is the development of theoretical approaches, systematization of the results of analysis and definition of measures for the formation of logistic systems of trade enterpreneurship subjects (trade enterprises), which belong to the small business sector. The peculiarities of formation were identified and the problematic aspects of the modern stage of entrepreneurship development in Ukraine were identified. The existence of the logistic component in the general complex of the conduct of trading activity by the entrepreneurship subjects is determined. The essence and ratio of concepts «system of logistic» and «logistics system» of the enterprise are determined. The objective of the logistics system organization as a complex, economic and technical and technological system covering the logistics system of the enterprise is emphasized), personnel of the management services of the enterprise logistic activity, as well as legal, organizational,managerial and methodical principles of all these elements interaction of the system and its management, formed on the basis of the scientific and theoretical basis (theory) of logistics management. The peculiarities of the functioning of small business entities in Ukraine and the averaged parameters of commodity flows in this sector of economy are investigated, factors of logistic flows organization specificity formation in the retail segment, which influence the requirements for the creation and operation of trade enterprises logistic systems and the choice of approaches to them, are determined. The attention is drawn to the need to consider as the main factor in the formation of the trade complex system of logistic of operational and functional processes of logistics activities, which are carried out by a trading company in order to bring commodity flows to end buyers of goods. The necessity of determining the structure of the logistics system of the trading company is focused on taking into account the resources available from the dealer in order to create opportunities for organizational, economic, technical and technological interaction with other supply chain participants in which the given enterprise is involved, and simultaneously ensuring compliance of the goods sold with the requirements end buyers. The key directions of logistic activity improvement of enterprises of trade – subjects of small (and micro) entrepreneurship, which are connected with technical and technological and infrastructure improvements within the enterprise logistics system, introduction of modern management technologies in the logistics management subsystem and logistics administration, are grounded, as well as the use of outsourcing capabilities of logistics functions and operations and the use of modern communication tools for the radical change of trade technologies , which will be reflected in the requirements for organizing a complex of logistics activities of retailers and, accordingly, logistic systems created by them. The purpose of the research is to develop theoretical approaches, to systematize the results of the analysis of the essential characteristics and the composition of the trade company system of logistics, and to identify the main measures for the formation of the system of logistics of the subjects of trade enterprise (trade enterprises), which belong to the small business sector. Object of research – subjects of trade enterprise – trade enterprises, which belong to the small business sector. The subject of the study is theoretical and methodological principles of logistic activity organization and conceptual approaches to the construction of logistic formations in the conditions of integration processes. In accordance with the goal formulated, the main objectives of the study: • on the basis of analysis of the most common scientific theories to determine mechanisms for managing them; • to identify new approaches for identifying the essence of logistics, the content of logistics activities of trade enterprises and identify the actual problems of their construction; • to formulate a conceptual approach, basic principles and applied principles of organization of logistic formations with the participation of small business entities; • to develop scientific and practical recommendations on the construction of trade enterprises systems of logistics and their development taking into account the integration processes in the field of commodity circulation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-155
Author(s):  
I. V. Trushchenko

In article the author has considered a role and value of outsourcing for small business enterprises. Small business, as well as other enterprises, can have several kinds of activity that complicates conducting accounting and demands more qualified specialists. Application of services of outsourcing will allow to concentrate on increase in efficiency of primary activities and in general on the organization.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Schaper

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the development of the SME sector in Australia, concentrating on a number of key areas: small business definitions and numbers; the role of government; the emergence of key industry groups; and the evolution of education, training and research services. Design/methodology/approach – The study is a result of extensive literature reviews, desk research and the recollections of various participants in the field. Findings – There have been major changes to the Australian small business sector over the last 40 years. In 1983-1984 there were an estimated 550,000 small firms, and by 2010 this had grown to almost two million. Government involvement in, and support for, SMEs was virtually non-existent before 1970. Following the delivery of the Wiltshire report (1971), however, both state and federal governments responded by developing specialist advisory services, funding programmes and other support tools. Virtually non-existent before the 1970s, several peak industry associations were formed between 1977 and the 1990s. At the same time, formal education and teaching in the area expanded in the 1970s and 1980s and is now widespread. Practical implications – Development of the small business sector in Australia has often paralleled similar trends in other OECD nations. State and territory governments have often (but not always) been the principal drivers of policy change. Originality/value – There has been no little, if any, prior documentation of the evolution of the small business sector in Australia in the last 40 years.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Döckel ◽  
AA Ligthelm

Entrepreneurial conduct holds the key to economic growth. Thus those business that show growth and development are considered entrepreneurial, implying that SMME policy initiatives should focus on businesses with growth potential, and not the small business sector as a whole.  The success of a small business seems to depend on the intentions of the owner, together with factors associated with the ability of, and opportunity for, the specific business to grow.  The aim of this article is to make use of a multiple linear regression model to determine the variables that impact positively on business growth.  In addition to demand factors, it was established that smaller and younger businesses are the ones that grow faster. A successful business also shows a positive correlation between business management skills and entrepreneurial conduct.


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