Journal articles on the topic 'Australian small and medium enterprises (SME)'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Australian small and medium enterprises (SME).
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Australian small and medium enterprises (SME).'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Xiang, Dong, and Andrew Worthington. "Finance-seeking behaviour and outcomes for small- and medium-sized enterprises." International Journal of Managerial Finance 11, no. 4 (September 7, 2015): 513–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijmf-01-2013-0005.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – Model finance-seeking behaviour and outcomes by Australian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using firm-level panel data. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – Using firm-level three-year panel data for more than 2,000 SMEs from the Business Longitudinal Database compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the authors estimate separate models for the seeking of finance (debt and/or equity) and the outcomes of finance seeking (successful or unsuccessful). Key explanatory variables include declared business focus (on financial, cost, operational, quality, innovation, and human resource measures), presence of business plans and other documentation related to successful finance seeking, innovation, indicators for family and foreign-owned businesses, and profitability. Control variables include sales, the number of employees, length of operations, export and import activity, government financial assistance, and industry classification. Findings – Business objectives together with a large number of firm-level characteristics, including firm age, size, industry and sales, profits, growth and exports, significantly affect both finance-seeking behaviour and outcomes. The authors find evidence that the pecking-order and agency cost theories of capital structure at least partly explain the financial behaviour of Australian SMEs. Research limitations/implications – Several of the responses in the underlying survey data are qualitative so the authors are unable to assess how the strength of these relationships varies by the levels of sales and profitability. Practical implications – The findings show that business objectives significantly affect SME finance-seeking decisions and outcomes. SMEs that focus on profitability or growth have a strong willingness to seek additional finance; in comparison, SMEs that focus on the quality of their products or services are less likely to apply for additional finance. As only half of the SMEs in the sample considered profitability or growth to be a major business focus, core business objectives greatly affect SME financing decisions. Further, pecking-order theory not trade-off theory better explains the financial behaviour of SMEs, yielding evidence that SMEs continue to face financial constraints when pursuing growth. Some evidence also of agency cost theory in the positive effects of family ownership on debt seeking. Originality/value – One of very few studies to examine finance seeking by SMEs, especially in Australia. Further, only study known to include declared business strategy, presence of business plans and other finance-related documentation and innovation in addition to the usual focus on growth and profitability to explain financing behaviour. Very large panel of longitudinal data used to explain financial decision making over time.
2
Jie, Ferry, and Denise Gengatharen. "Australian food retail supply chain analysis." Business Process Management Journal 25, no. 2 (April 1, 2019): 271–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/bpmj-03-2017-0065.
Full textAbstract:
PurposeThe Australian retail food sector, comprising mostly small enterprises, is undergoing change as a result of the innovative supply chain approach adopted. This change has implications across the entire food value chain in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the adoption of supply chain management practices on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian food retail industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveys 120 SME retailers in the food sector. A stepwise multiple regression using SPSS version 14.0 was performed on the data.FindingsStatistical results suggest that lean thinking and the quality of information shared can lead to greater efficient supply chain performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample is the main limitation. The findings bear important implications for further research as understanding these dimensions can help to position key changes and industry improvement that will increase revenue and reduce cost to the SMEs in the food retail supply chain.Practical implicationsAdopting lean thinking and improving information sharing in the supply chain can reduce the cost for SMEs.Social implicationsThis study has unique implications for social sustainability, especially the smaller food enterprises, which are hard pressed to combat the challenges within the food sector.Originality/valueInnovative supply chain management helps SMEs to see beyond the silo mentality and helps them to focus on greater value addition in the supply chain.
3
Hardie, Marie. "Vectors of technical innovation delivery by small and medium Australian construction firms." Construction Economics and Building 16, no. 3 (September 8, 2016): 59–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.5130/ajceb.v16i3.5158.
Full textAbstract:
Long-established Schumpeterian theory on innovation assumes that significant innovations are generated by large companies with ample spare resources. The allocation of time and money to speculative endeavours with unclear outcomes has often been regarded as beyond the scope of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a result, authorities sometimes advise SMEs to concentrate on the adoption of existing innovative products and processes rather than the generation of new creative ideas. Despite this traditional wisdom, some very capable individuals actively choose to participate in the SME sector because the relative absence of internal bureaucratic processes and the capacity for agile response to changing circumstances. Ten case studies of significant technical innovations generated within construction SMEs were examined in the light of common themes identified through a literature review. The case studies were classified according to existing taxonomies of innovation. Content analysis was used to map the identified themes against the published material about the innovations from patent applications, company websites, trade literature and industry magazines. The findings indicate that SME innovation stems from several distinct motivations. These drivers of innovation can be described vectors. They inspire innovative solutions but the generated innovations also drive development towards solutions for other, quite different problems.
4
Sandu, Nitirajsingh, and Ergun Gide. "Investigation of challenges and opportunities for the adoption of cloud-based Internet of things (IoT) in Australian agricultural SME." Global Journal of Information Technology: Emerging Technologies 7, no. 3 (December 24, 2017): 116–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.18844/gjit.v7i3.2833.
Full textAbstract:
Increasing adoption of the Internet of things (IoT) is bringing revolutionary changes in the agricultural, manufacturing, retailing and finance industries, as they improve the existing business processes and reduce cost. IoT is seen as a powerful tool for agricultural SMEs in Australia, with the potential to transform farming and food production into a smart web of interconnected objects and, thus, improve the general productivity and sustainability of the food chain. However, as some of the innovative solutions may need to store the data locally on the device, and mostly on the cloud, it raises serious privacy and regulatory concerns. This paper used a pilot online survey to investigate the challenges and opportunities for adoption of IoT for Australian SMEs in agriculture and it is expected that it will help application and solution providers to address any issues that may arise in the Australian scenario.
Keywords: Internet of things, cloud systems, small-to-medium enterprises, adoption issue, agriculture, Australia.
5
Bhinekawati, Risa. "Government Initiatives to Empower Small and Medium Enterprise: Comparing One Stop Shop for Licensing in Indonesia and Australia." JAS (Journal of ASEAN Studies) 4, no. 1 (August 9, 2016): 87. http://dx.doi.org/10.21512/jas.v4i1.964.
Full textAbstract:
This article analyzes the initiatives taken by both Indonesian and Australian governments in undertaking bureaucratic reform to support small and medium enterprises. The focus is on how government harmonizes bureaucracy and regulations to empower small medium enterprise in starting, operating, and growing their business. One of the key initiatives in the two countries is to streamline business regulations and licensing through a single portal so called “one stop shop for licensing”. Both Indonesia and Australia have started such initiatives almost at the same time, in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Until recently, the two countries have made important progresses but with different approaches. In Indonesia, the objective of the one stop shop is to provide easiness for companies to start the business; while in Australia, the purpose is broader and more comprehensive, which is to achieve “seamless Australian economy”. This study was conducted in Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia. The research has found important key lessons from Australia that may be applicable to Indonesia in establishing mechanisms for government initiatives to better support small and medium enterprise through a single portal or one stop shop for licensing.
6
Carey, Peter John. "External accountants’ business advice and SME performance." Pacific Accounting Review 27, no. 2 (April 7, 2015): 166–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/par-04-2013-0020.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – This study aims to investigate whether “small- and medium-sized enterprises” (SMEs) benefit from their external accountants’ business advice through enhanced firm performance. Most SMEs draw on external support, and their main advisors are external accountants (Bennett and Robson, 1999). The resource-based view of the firm suggests that firms will seek external support if they perceive a gap in their internal resources. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from a questionnaire mailed to a random sample of Australian SMEs, defined as businesses having between 5 and 200 full-time employees. Findings – An analysis of 380 survey respondents confirms a positive relationship between the voluntary purchase of business advice and SME performance, and that SME performance is further enhanced when business advice is purchased jointly with auditing. These relationships apply to the small (5-49 employees) but not to the medium-sized (50-200 employees) businesses. Findings are consistent with smaller firms having narrower resource bases and thus a greater need to source business advice. Practical implications – The accounting profession has long encouraged a broadening of its service base, and evidence that small businesses perceive a performance benefit from their accountants’ business advice provides support for the profession’s strategy. Originality/value – This research extends the empirical literature investigating the link between the business advice of an external accountant and SME performance. It explains small firms’ demand for business advice by extending the application of the resource-based view of the firm and provides new evidence consistent with “knowledge spillover” from auditing to business advice in the small firm environment.
7
Lingard, Helen, Michelle Turner, and Sara Charlesworth. "Growing pains: work-life impacts in small-to-medium sized construction firms." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 22, no. 3 (May 18, 2015): 312–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ecam-07-2014-0100.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the quality of work-life experiences of workers in construction firms of differing sizes and explored the work conditions and circumstances that impact upon the work-life experiences of workers in small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected in two stages. First, data from a sub-set of construction industry workers were extracted from a large scale survey of workers in Victoria, Australia (the VicWAL survey). The survey measured work-life interference using the Australian Work and Life Index (AWALI). Next a subset of survey respondents was identified and interviewed to gain more detailed explanatory information and insight into work-life experiences. Findings – The survey results indicated that respondents who reported working for a construction firm with between 16 and 99 employees reported significantly higher AWALI scores (indicating high work-life interference) than workers in organisations employing 15 or less or more than 100 workers. The follow-up interviews revealed that workers in small construction organisations were managed directly and personally by the business owner/manager and able to access informal work-life supports that were provided on an “as needs” basis. In comparison workers in medium-sized firms perceived higher levels of work pressure and an expectation that work would be prioritised over family life. Research limitations/implications – The research shows that the findings of work-life balance research undertaken in large construction organisations cannot be generalised to SMEs. Organisation size should also be treated as an important variable in work-life balance research in construction. Practical implications – The research suggests that a better understanding of how workers in SME construction firms experience work-life balance is important in the design and development of work-life balance programs. In particular the challenges faced by workers as companies grow from SMEs require careful consideration and management. Originality/value – Previous research has focused on the work-life balance experiences of employees in large construction firms. Little was previously known about the experiences of workers in SME construction firms. The research provides new insight into the work-life experiences of construction workers in organisations of varying sizes.
8
Bevan, Emma A. M., and Ping Yung. "Implementation of corporate social responsibility in Australian construction SMEs." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 22, no. 3 (May 18, 2015): 295–311. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ecam-05-2014-0071.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) related activities in small to medium sized construction enterprises within Australia. Reasons behind the implementation level are also evaluated. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative and qualitative company level data from 28 Australian small to medium sized construction enterprises were collected using an in-depth questionnaire. Levels of CSR implementation in three aspects, namely, environmental, social and ethical, were measured. Each aspect was broken down into sub-areas and implementation scores were aggregated and normalised. Awareness level and concern for economic aspect, the two hypothesised reasons for level of implementation, were also measured. Non-parametric correlation analyses were used to examine the hypotheses. Findings – The findings suggest small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporate some aspects of CSR into their business activities even though they do not refer to the practices as CSR, as none of them have a formal CSR policy in place. Most SMEs in the construction industry implement ethical and economic aspect of CSR; however implementation across environmental and social issues is limited. Non-parametric correlation analyses show that higher awareness of CSR issues leads to higher levels of implementation and that concern about economic aspect is not a reason why CSR is not implemented into business practices. Research limitations/implications – Everett Rogers’ diffusion paradigm can also be applied to CSR implementation, but more research works are required to theoretically and empirically examine the relationships between CSR implementation and economic aspect. Originality/value – It is apparent that there is a significant gap in the research regarding Australian SMEs and sustainability issues as the majority of the literature is focused upon large organisations even though the approaches taken by SMEs towards CSR are very different to those of large corporations. The SME business sector is a significant sector in terms of its environmental, economic and social impacts. Hence recognition of this sector is growing and is now becoming the focus of an agenda to promote the implementation of CSR practices in SMEs. This paper aims to provide useful and detailed information to add to what is currently an underdeveloped body of knowledge in this area.
9
Rawindaran, Nisha, Ambikesh Jayal, and Edmond Prakash. "Machine Learning Cybersecurity Adoption in Small and Medium Enterprises in Developed Countries." Computers 10, no. 11 (November 10, 2021): 150. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/computers10110150.
Full textAbstract:
In many developed countries, the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has become important in paving the future path in how data is managed and secured in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector. SMEs in these developed countries have created their own cyber regimes around AI and ML. This knowledge is tested daily in how these countries’ SMEs run their businesses and identify threats and attacks, based on the support structure of the individual country. Based on recent changes to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Brexit, and ISO standards requirements, machine learning cybersecurity (MLCS) adoption in the UK SME market has become prevalent and a good example to lean on, amongst other developed nations. Whilst MLCS has been successfully applied in many applications, including network intrusion detection systems (NIDs) worldwide, there is still a gap in the rate of adoption of MLCS techniques for UK SMEs. Other developed countries such as Spain and Australia also fall into this category, and similarities and differences to MLCS adoptions are discussed. Applications of how MLCS is applied within these SME industries are also explored. The paper investigates, using quantitative and qualitative methods, the challenges to adopting MLCS in the SME ecosystem, and how operations are managed to promote business growth. Much like security guards and policing in the real world, the virtual world is now calling on MLCS techniques to be embedded like secret service covert operations to protect data being distributed by the millions into cyberspace. This paper will use existing global research from multiple disciplines to identify gaps and opportunities for UK SME small business cyber security. This paper will also highlight barriers and reasons for low adoption rates of MLCS in SMEs and compare success stories of larger companies implementing MLCS. The methodology uses structured quantitative and qualitative survey questionnaires, distributed across an extensive participation pool directed to the SMEs’ management and technical and non-technical professionals using stratify methods. Based on the analysis and findings, this study reveals that from the primary data obtained, SMEs have the appropriate cybersecurity packages in place but are not fully aware of their potential. Secondary data collection was run in parallel to better understand how these barriers and challenges emerged, and why the rate of adoption of MLCS was very low. The paper draws the conclusion that help through government policies and processes coupled together with collaboration could minimize cyber threats in combatting hackers and malicious actors in trying to stay ahead of the game. These aspirations can be reached by ensuring that those involved have been well trained and understand the importance of communication when applying appropriate safety processes and procedures. This paper also highlights important funding gaps that could help raise cyber security awareness in the form of grants, subsidies, and financial assistance through various public sector policies and training. Lastly, SMEs’ lack of understanding of risks and impacts of cybercrime could lead to conflicting messages between cross-company IT and cybersecurity rules. Trying to find the right balance between this risk and impact, versus productivity impact and costs, could lead to UK SMES getting over these hurdles in this cyberspace in the quest for promoting the usage of MLCS. UK and Wales governments can use the research conducted in this paper to inform and adapt their policies to help UK SMEs become more secure from cyber-attacks and compare them to other developed countries also on the same future path.
10
Parker, Craig M., Emilia Bellucci, Ambika Zutshi, Luba Torlina, and Bardo Fraunholz. "SME stakeholder relationship descriptions in website CSR communications." Social Responsibility Journal 11, no. 2 (June 1, 2015): 364–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/srj-09-2013-0114.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to report on an exploratory, qualitative study of how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) describe their firm’s relationships with or impact on stakeholders when communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR) on their websites. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative content analysis was conducted on 22 Australian SME websites from the information media and telecommunications sector. Stakeholder theory was used as the basis for analysis. Findings – An important aspect of CSR communication is reporting the firm’s relationships with stakeholders such as society/communities, ecological environment, employees, customers and suppliers. This paper provides insights into how these relationships are manifested in SME website communications. For example, three-way relationships between the firm and stakeholders were described on some websites, but few explained the impact of their CSR on stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – This study concentrated on identifying the CSR communication on websites from one industry sector in Australia. These limitations provide the basis for future research to explore and compare CSR communication on websites by SMEs from other industry sectors and countries. Practical implications – The findings offer SME owner-managers ideas on different ways they can incorporate details of stakeholder relationships in CSR website communications. Originality/value – There has been little research on how SMEs use channels such as websites to communicate CSR. This paper addresses this gap in knowledge by providing insights into how SMEs describe stakeholder relationships in CSR website communications.
11
Hosseini, M. Reza, Saeed Banihashemi, Nicholas Chileshe, Mehran Oraee Namzadi, Chika Udaeja, Raufdeen Rameezdeen, and Tammy McCuen. "BIM adoption within Australian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): an innovation diffusion model." Construction Economics and Building 16, no. 3 (September 8, 2016): 71–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.5130/ajceb.v16i3.5159.
Full textAbstract:
Despite the envisaged benefits of BIM adoption for SMEs, BIM in SMEs has remained an underrepresented area within the available academic literature. This study proposes and draws upon a framework grounded on innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to provide an illuminating insight into the current state of BIM and the main barriers to BIM adoption within Australian SMEs. Based on analyses of 135 questionnaires completed by SMEs through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and grounded on the proposed framework, the current state of BIM adoption and barriers to BIM adoption for SMEs are discussed. The findings show that currently around 42% of Australian SMEs use BIM in Level 1 and Level 2 with only around 5% have tried Level 3. It comes to light that lack of knowledge within SMEs and across the construction supply chain is not a major barrier for Australian SMEs. In essence, the main barriers stem from the risks associated with an uncertain return on investment (ROI) for BIM as perceived by key players in SMEs. The findings also show the validity of the framework proposed for explaining BIM adoption in Australian SMEs.
12
Corral de Zubielqui, Graciela, Janice Jones, Pi-Shen Seet, and Noel Lindsay. "Knowledge transfer between actors in the innovation system: a study of higher education institutions (HEIS) and SMES." Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing 30, no. 3/4 (May 1, 2015): 436–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jbim-07-2013-0152.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how and why small to medium enterprises (SMEs) access knowledge from external actors in general and from higher education institutions (HEIs) in particular and what is the extent to which these knowledge access pathways affect SME innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach – The paper involved both quantitative and qualitative approaches: a survey of 1,226 SMEs and a mini case study to follow-up on issues arising from the survey analysis. Survey data were analysed using both non-parametric and multivariate Poisson regression analysis. The case study was based on a medium-sized manufacturing firm in South Australia. Findings – While there are significant differences between the micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, the evidence suggests that SMEs generally use “generic” university–industry knowledge transfer pathways (e.g. published research results) rather than university–industry links with high “relational” involvement. More significantly, the results indicate that SMEs are more likely to rely on organisations other than universities and related R&D enterprises for knowledge acquisition like clients/customers or suppliers. While collaboration is most likely to occur within the same state/territory, or Australia, many SMEs also collaborate internationally, usually as part of normal supplier–customer relationships, reinforcing knowledge acquisition from organisationally proximate partners. These findings are also supported by the case study. Research limitations/implications – This research was limited to surveying SMEs in one geographic (metropolitan) region in Australia. It also does not account for the different patterns of HEI–SME interactions in different industry sectors. There is also only one case study. Originality/value – First, the research adds to the few field studies that have investigated accessing knowledge for innovation among SMEs. Specifically, the research contributes to an understanding of the heterogeneous roles that different actors play in facilitating knowledge access for improving innovative SMEs outcomes. Second, the research does not treat all SMEs similarly in terms of size effects but instead accounts for differing SME sizes and how this affects their selection of knowledge access pathways. Third, the research contributes to a small number of studies that attempt to understand how HEIs and SMEs can work better together in the context of a regional innovation system, especially one that is relatively less competitive to the larger economy.
13
Hume, Craig, and Margee Hume. "What about us? Exploring small to medium Australian not for-profit firms and knowledge management." Journal of Knowledge Management 20, no. 1 (February 8, 2016): 104–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jkm-12-2014-0497.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to research the practice of knowledge management (KM) in not-for-profit (NFP), small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to identify gaps in the current body of knowledge. Previous work has been conducted in small, medium and large enterprises; however, NFP SMEs have been underexamined. Given the prevalence of NFP, SMEs’ further research is warranted. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study methodology, this research advances previous KM work (Hume and Hume, 2008). Based on previous work in SMEs, KM and the application to NFP organizations, this work offers a set of propositions related to strategic development of KM in NFP organizations with multiple data sources across hierarchical levels sought and analyzed within each of the case studies. This process provided data variation. Collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The paper supports analysis with the use of Leximancer 3.0 and offers a unique approach to qualitative research using textual and narrative analysis. Findings – This paper explores the definition of knowledge, the importance of knowledge planning, capture and diffusion and offers development in NFP SMEs. The paper concludes by introducing the link between KM and internal marketing to address the importance of cultural and social issues of “me” which are central to knowledge capture, renewal and sustainable KM in NFP organizations. The paper introduces socialization strategies and informal knowledge capture specific to the transient, volunteer and permanent employee mix in NFP organizations and introduces the notion of understanding the significance of social mission to employees and volunteers in the embodiment of KM. Research limitations/implications – This study has aimed to access all empirical articles in the field of KM in SMEs. To ensure the consideration of the advancement in wireless, mobile computing technology and smartphones as KM support, articles from 2005 onwards were primarily sought. This search restriction has limited the role of earlier works in the research. It is arguable that the sample cases may not offer a comprehensive coverage of all NFP firms, with the qualitative approach further limiting the generalization of the findings. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, KM has been applied specifically in very few NFP SME firms, with scant exploration of the constructs of socialization, social mission and informal knowledge structure in NFP considered or previously published in academic journals.
14
Zeller, Bruno, and Camilla Baasch Andersen. "Australian Trade Policy and the sme Backlash: Are Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (smes) Sufficiently Respected and Reflected in our Trade Agreements and Outcomes?" Global Journal of Comparative Law 5, no. 2 (July 30, 2016): 262–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2211906x-00502004.
Full textAbstract:
This paper discusses the importance of smes in the context of Australia’s trade policy. The question is asked; is sufficient attention given to smes in the drafting of ftas or is the trade policy directed to “the big end of town?” This paper highlights the difficulties of enterprises in navigating through the multitude of trade agreements. One of the issues is that the documentation accessing ftas is not uniform. This causes compliance problem specifically in relation to rules of origin. As a corollary to the different documentary requirements the associated transaction costs are examined with the conclusion that Australia does not exploit its growth potential, as smes are not maximizing their contribution to international trade.
15
Thomas, A. J., and D. Webb. "Quality systems implementation in Welsh small- to medium-sized enterprises: A global comparison and a model for change." Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture 217, no. 4 (April 1, 2003): 573–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1243/095440503321628251.
Full textAbstract:
This paper initially investigates the rate of development and subsequent implementation of structured quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9000, EFQM, etc.) within small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Wales. While the effective implementation of quality systems in SMEs is seen as a major priority to the supply chain and quality professionals alike [1], the implementation of formal quality systems within SMEs in South Wales is still very low. The common reasons of high cost, high effort and limited effectiveness are given by SMEs for the poor implementation rate, but a wider set of arguments that go beyond these issues are presented. This naturally raises the question as to whether it is at all possible to implement such formal systems within SMEs, or whether there is a need to develop an effective model specifically for small-to-medium manufacturing enterprises. The findings from a survey of some 500 manufacturing-based SMEs in South Wales are used alongside comparative studies conducted by academics in the United States, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand into SME activities in order to provide a broader explanation for the poor implementation level of quality management systems. The paper then goes on to developing a conceptual framework for the development of a specific SME quality model.
16
Wilkin, Carla. "The Role of IT Governance Practices in Creating Business Value in SMEs." Journal of Organizational and End User Computing 24, no. 2 (April 2012): 1–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/joeuc.2012040101.
Full textAbstract:
Much has been written about information technology governance (ITG) in larger organizations, wherein control of information technology (IT) is addressed with attention to three core elements, namely structures, processes, and relational mechanisms. These elements focus on governing the size of IT investment, the ubiquity of IT functionality to business processes and the demonstrated value from IT investment. For Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) it is less apparent how IT is or should be governed, how these core elements may contribute to ITG, and how this all contributes to the creation of business value. Through a survey of small SMEs in the Australian tourist accommodation industry regarding their use of and planning for IT investment to deliver business value, this paper delivers new understanding about SME practices related to governing IT. Findings revealed evidence of some sound practices but the opportunity to achieve greater strategic business value beyond the largely operational value already acquired. The paper concludes by proposing a redefined framework of the core elements of structures, processes, and relational mechanisms that is tailored to an SME context.
17
Wiesner, Retha, and Bruce Millett. "Strategic approaches in Australian SMEs: Deliberate or emergent?" Journal of Management & Organization 18, no. 1 (January 2012): 98–122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1833367200001097.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractThe aim of this paper is to determine whether Australian SMEs could be characterised as ‘deliberate’ or ‘emergent’ in their strategic approaches. More specifically, surveying 1230 Australian SMEs, this paper focuses on answers to the following questions: What is the nature and prevalence of strategic practices in Australian SMEs? and to what extent does firm size differentiate the patterning and prevalence of strategic practices? The findings add to the little empirical research showing the principal activities and tools that comprise the strategic practices undertaken in Australian SMEs. Overall, and in both small and medium enterprises respectively, strategic thinking and action seem to be undertaken with the use of a framework of a written business plan which is in line with the ‘deliberate’ approach; however few sophisticated strategy making techniques were employed. Researchers and practitioners may find it valuable to develop tools that will naturally suit SME firms so that these tools can be of more value. Academics and tertiary institutions will be well advised to develop strategic management courses which also specifically focus on more emergent approaches designed for smaller firms including specially developed techniques and tools that are less time-consuming and expensive to use and more suited to smaller firms. This would enable SMEs to expand the range of strategy making tools they employ.
18
Wiesner, Retha, and Bruce Millett. "Strategic approaches in Australian SMEs: Deliberate or emergent?" Journal of Management & Organization 18, no. 1 (January 2012): 98–122. http://dx.doi.org/10.5172/jmo.2012.18.1.98.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractThe aim of this paper is to determine whether Australian SMEs could be characterised as ‘deliberate’ or ‘emergent’ in their strategic approaches. More specifically, surveying 1230 Australian SMEs, this paper focuses on answers to the following questions: What is the nature and prevalence of strategic practices in Australian SMEs? and to what extent does firm size differentiate the patterning and prevalence of strategic practices? The findings add to the little empirical research showing the principal activities and tools that comprise the strategic practices undertaken in Australian SMEs. Overall, and in both small and medium enterprises respectively, strategic thinking and action seem to be undertaken with the use of a framework of a written business plan which is in line with the ‘deliberate’ approach; however few sophisticated strategy making techniques were employed. Researchers and practitioners may find it valuable to develop tools that will naturally suit SME firms so that these tools can be of more value. Academics and tertiary institutions will be well advised to develop strategic management courses which also specifically focus on more emergent approaches designed for smaller firms including specially developed techniques and tools that are less time-consuming and expensive to use and more suited to smaller firms. This would enable SMEs to expand the range of strategy making tools they employ.
19
Mitra, Jay. "Nurturing and Sustaining Entrepreneurship." Industry and Higher Education 14, no. 3 (June 2000): 183–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/000000000101295039.
Full textAbstract:
This article is the second of two dedicated to the nature and scope of university–industry interaction in Australia. The first article, published in the October 1999 issue of Industry and Higher Education, was concerned with overall strategies, policies and instruments facilitating innovation and technology-based entrepreneurship, especially through the development of science and technology parks (STPs). STPs continue to remain the focus of this article as it is based on the findings of the same study mission to Australia that informed the first article. However, specific attention is given here to the features of particular university or science park based entrepreneurial activities, especially as they serve to promote innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises located on the STPs. While the descriptive scope of the article is general in nature, the objective is to examine individual schemes and projects that have been developed to foster better university–industry interaction, and SME growth and development, especially entrepreneurial good practice.
20
Xiang, Dong, and Andrew C. Worthington. "The impact of government financial assistance on the performance and financing of Australian SMEs." Accounting Research Journal 30, no. 4 (November 6, 2017): 447–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/arj-04-2014-0034.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of government financial assistance provided to Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study uses firm-level panel data on more than 2,000 SMEs over a five-year period from the Business Longitudinal Database compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The authors measure the impact of government financial assistance in terms of subsequent SME performance (income from sales of goods and services and profitability) and changes in the availability of alternative nongovernment finance. Findings The authors find government financial assistance helps SMEs improve performance over and above the effects of conventional financing. They also find than the implicit guarantee effect signalled by a firm receiving government financial assistance suggests firms are more likely to obtain nongovernment finance in the future. Control factors that significantly affect SME performance and finance availability include business size, the level of innovation, business objectives and industry. Research limitations/implications Nearly all of the responses in the original survey data are qualitative, so we are unable to assess how the strength of these relationships varies by the levels of assistance, income and profitability. The measure of government financial assistance of the authors is also general in that it includes grants, subsidies and rebates from any Australian Government organisation, so we are unable to comment on the impact of individual federal, state or local government programmes. Practical implications Government financial assistance helps SMEs improve both immediate and future performance as measured by income and profitability. This could be because government financial assistance quickly overcomes the financial constraints endemic in SMEs. Government financial assistance also helps SMEs obtain nongovernment finance in the future. The authors conjecture that this is because it overcomes some of the information opaqueness of SMEs. Originality/value Few studies focus on the impact of direct government financial assistance compared with indirect assistance as typical in credit guarantee schemes. The authors use a very large and detailed data set on Australian SMEs to undertake the analysis.
21
Becker, Karen, Frances Jørgensen, and Adelle Bish. "Knowledge Identification and Acquisition in SMEs." International Journal of Knowledge Management 11, no. 3 (July 2015): 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijkm.2015070101.
Full textAbstract:
Researchers and practitioners have been preoccupied with identifying ways for larger organizations to acquire and manage knowledge, however far less research attention has been directed towards these same pursuits in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper examines how SMEs engage in knowledge identification and acquisition; in particular how they identify knowledge needs and source this knowledge to enhance their business. The research studied six SMEs in Australia and Denmark. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the findings suggest that SMEs engage in identification and sourcing of critical knowledge, albeit often with less than formal processes. These organizations relied on business plans to direct knowledge activities and ensure balance between long-range planning and flexibility. The results address a lack of empirical evidence about SME approaches to knowledge identification and acquisition, and demonstrate that although SMEs may approach such activities in an informal way, they are nonetheless deliberate and strategic in their knowledge activities.
22
Raar, Jean. "SMEs, environmental management and global warming: a fusion of influencing factors?" Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 22, no. 3 (August 17, 2015): 528–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jsbed-10-2013-0157.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – Stakeholder theory provided the broad theoretical lens to explore environmental issues in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The diversity in issues examined ranged from concern for immediate stakeholders, their industry group and the influence of global warming on their business activities, to the type of environmental information included within their internal information systems. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A mailed survey was used to obtain data from SMEs operating in Australia. The focus was primarily directed to medium size firms. Findings – The findings indicate that SMEs were aware that their stakeholders, particularly their employees and customers were concerned with environmental issues. The respondent SMEs were also aware that global warming would influence their activities, for example, the design of their projects, occupational, health and safety, labour contracts and customer relations. Overall, the findings suggest that any tailored approach to regulate or self-regulate environmental management in SMEs, be industry and stakeholder driven. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of this research are primarily those applicable to the survey method, SME response rates, and the geographical location covered by the survey. The focus of this study is primarily medium size firms, rather than micro small business. Originality/value – This study gains insights into some of the practical aspects of environmental management in SMEs and in so doing adds to the growing body of literature in this under researched area.
23
DE ZUBIELQUI, GRACIELA CORRAL, JANICE JONES, and LAURENCE LESTER. "KNOWLEDGE INFLOWS FROM MARKET- AND SCIENCE-BASED ACTORS, ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY, INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE — A STUDY OF SMEs." International Journal of Innovation Management 20, no. 06 (July 13, 2016): 1650055. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s1363919616500559.
Full textAbstract:
Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly opening up their innovation processes in order to improve innovation outcomes. Exactly how openness influences enterprises’ ability to innovate and benefit from external sources of innovation is not well understood. Despite theoretical models explicating knowledge inflows as the antecedent and innovation as the consequence of absorptive capacity, to date, the relationships between external knowledge inflows from specific external actors, absorptive capacity, innovation and SME performance remain underexplored. We address this gap, focussing on market- and science-based knowledge flows, absorptive capacity, innovation and SME performance. Using structural equation modelling on a sample of 838 Australians SMEs, we find evidence indicating that the mechanisms by which external knowledge inflows from market- and science-based actors affect innovation differ: external knowledge inflows from market-based actors influence innovation directly or “serendipitously”, while external knowledge inflows from science-based actors influence innovation indirectly via absorptive capacity. We also find that their effect on innovation differ, with external knowledge inflows from market-based actors exerting a positive direct effect on innovation vis-à-vis external knowledge inflows from science-based actors where there is no significant direct effect. In contrast, external knowledge inflows from science-based actors influence innovation through absorptive capacity. In addition to this mediation effect, absorptive capacity has a positive direct effect on innovation, and an effect on firm performance through innovation. This research contributes to our understanding of how, and the extent to which, external knowledge inflows from specific external actors influence absorptive capacity, innovation and firm performance in SMEs.
24
Pablo, Zelinna, and Kerry Anne London. "Stable relationality and dynamic innovation: two models of collaboration in SME-driven offsite manufacturing supply chains in housing construction." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 27, no. 7 (April 24, 2020): 1553–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ecam-07-2019-0346.
Full textAbstract:
PurposeThe study analyses collaborative practice in offsite manufacturing (OSM) housing supply chains, focusing specifically on supply chains driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study’s analysis builds on previous work where we argued that collaboration in OSM housing construction comprises nine elements. In this study, the authors demonstrate empirically that SMEs enact these collaborative practice elements in distinct ways, foregrounding key elements over others. One core model and two sub-models of collaboration emerge from our two case studies.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses two SME-driven supply chains using qualitative case study techniques. Data were gathered through 12 semi-structured interviews conducted in two housing construction supply chains: one in South Australia, Australia, and another in Tasmania, Australia.FindingsA comparative case study of SMEs shows that collaboration in OSM supply chains has a number of common elements, including a champion for innovation, investment in long-term relationships, resourceful use of limited assets and physical co-location. However, SMEs can also enact these elements through a range of diverging collaborative strategies that can be distilled into different models: stable relationality and dynamic innovation.Originality/valueFindings provide a compelling empirical basis for arguing that SMEs can successfully lead OSM supply chains if key collaborative practice elements are strategically mobilised in ways that are suited to their strengths and limitations. The study therefore interrogates the widely held and often limiting assumption that OSM can only be driven by large organisations with access to capital assets, capacity to invest and undisputed bargaining power.
25
Elijido-Ten, Evangeline, and Louise Kloot. "Experiential learning in accounting work-integrated learning: a three-way partnership." Education + Training 57, no. 2 (March 16, 2015): 204–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/et-10-2013-0122.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – Work-integrated learning (WIL) helps improve the work readiness of accounting graduates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by large and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) employers in providing experiential learning opportunities to accounting students in an Australian higher education context. Design/methodology/approach – Case-study data for this research were collected from the case university’s processes, semi-structured in-depth interviews with employer representatives and online survey with WIL students. Findings – The analysis reveals that both SMEs and large firms provide good training opportunities that enhance the student’s experiential learning particularly when proper WIL structures for pre-placement processes, training, supervision and performance reviews are in place. The results also confirm that WIL is seen as a positive experience by employers and students alike. Originality/value – There is a three-way partnership between the university, employers and students in a WIL contract. Calls for collaborative research involving all three parties have been made to enhance WIL programs. This study is a response to this call.
26
Alam, Khorshed, Mohammad Afshar Ali, Michael O. Erdiaw-Kwasie, Peter A. Murray, and Retha Wiesner. "Digital Transformation among SMEs: Does Gender Matter?" Sustainability 14, no. 1 (January 4, 2022): 535. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14010535.
Full textAbstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated some of the challenges that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face in times of crisis, disrupting their operations, weakening their financial positions, and exposing them to a wide range of financial risks. While previous studies have viewed digital transformation as a vital source of innovation and productivity growth for economic recovery in SMEs, there has been limited focus on digital transformation in the regional context, with very little attention focused on women-led enterprises. This study aims to investigate (i) the determinants of perception of digital transformation among regional SMEs, and (ii) whether the gender of the SME owner or manager has an impact on the drivers of the digital transformation experiences of SMEs operating in regional Australia. Building upon the resource-based view, this study uses a unique dataset of 281 SMEs collected from a survey conducted within a regional area of Queensland, Australia. Employing Feasible Generalised Least Squares and Generalised Least Squares estimations, the study found that the perceptions of digital transformation can be explained by the use of social network platforms, innovation processes, workplace culture, and information and communication technologies. This study also found that there is a significant difference between female-led and male-led SMEs regarding their perceptions of digital transformation. This study offers two key policy and practical insights: (i) digital transformation of regional SMEs should be used as a fundamental tool for crisis recovery strategies, and (ii) the need for policymakers to mainstream gender into postcrisis transformative interventions and policies should be fast tracked.
27
Glavas, Charmaine, Shane Mathews, and Rebekah Russell-Bennett. "Knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms." International Marketing Review 36, no. 1 (February 11, 2019): 74–107. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/imr-02-2017-0041.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose Technology has profoundly transformed the international business environment, particularly regarding the flow of information and the way in which knowledge is acquired and shared. Yet, the extent of this transformation is still underappreciated. The purpose of this paper is to examine how small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner/founders acquire and utilize knowledge for internationalization via internet-enabled platforms. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis draws on multiple case study methodology to examine 13 Australian SME owner/founders and the knowledge they acquire from utilization of internet-enabled platforms. Findings The analysis reveals four differing types of internet-enabled experiences: “technical internet-enabled experiences,” “operational internet-enabled experiences,” “functional internet-enabled experiences,” and “immersive internet-enabled experiences.” The findings indicate that internet-enabled experiences can generate both explicit and tacit forms of knowledge for the pre, early and later phases of internationalization. Practical implications The findings provide a structured approach by allowing SMEs to “plot” themselves against the classification of internet-enabled experiences to denote their level of technological involvement, and for discerning the types of knowledge that can be acquired. The findings are particularly helpful for owner/founders, highlighting that internet-enabled platforms are affecting the ways in which knowledge can be acquired and applied to international businesses processes. Originality/value The findings extend the conventional notion of knowledge acquisition for international business by highlighting how information and knowledge can be acquired via internet-enabled platforms. The findings lay the necessary groundwork for building an evidence base and theoretically extending the concept of knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms.
28
Ceranic, Slobodan, and Blaženka Popovic. "Human resources management in small and medium enterprises." Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce 3, no. 1-2 (May 30, 2009): 71–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.19041/apstract/2009/1-2/8.
Full textAbstract:
Development of small and medium enterprises (SME) represents primary goal of every modern economy. It is complex challenge which includes great number of directly concerned parties in every sector of the state and economy. SME stimulate private ownership and entrepreneurship. Their characteristic is that they are flexible and can easily adjust to changes in supply and demand on the market. At the same time they open possibilities for increase of employment, promote diversification of economical activities, support sustainable growth and give significant contribution to export, trade and increase the competitiveness of the entire economy. Importance of SME for economy is undisputable. All research show that globally, more than 90% of all business activities are realized by SME. SMEs employ two thirds of total labor of European Union. Approaching to European Union presumes harmonization of the systematic environment and improvement of the climate of entrepreneurship, private initiative, development of SME. This determination has strongpoint in current world processes that prefer the development of SME, utilizing their profit efficiency and established advantages relating to the adaptability of small business to dynamic changes in economy. Problem of Human resources management is very sensitive issue in SMEs. Namely, in big companies there are entire teams of agencies or consultants are hired for selection and education of new employees, whereas in SMEs this work is done by owner or manager. Therefore, in this paper several facts were pointed out which need to be considered in selection of new employees, since every mistake in this activity can cause far-reaching consequences on functioning of SME.
29
Bórawski, Piotr. "SMALL AND MEDIUM-SE1ZED ENTERPRISES (SME) INTERNATIONALIZAT1ON." sj-economics scientific journal 7 (December 30, 2009): 71–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.58246/sjeconomics.v7i.528.
Full text
30
Bhardwaj, Shikha. "Data Analytics in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)." Information Resources Management Journal 35, no. 2 (April 2022): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/irmj.291691.
Full textAbstract:
Data Analytics in small and medium enterprise (SME) is an emerging area of research and practice. Despite of growing importance of SME and increasing research in data analytics, the existing literature lacks an integrated view of the phenomena. To bridge this gap, a systematic literature review of 42 published research studies from peer-reviewed journals from 2010-2021, related to data analytics and SME is performed. After classification, categorisation, and synthesis, four broad themes are addressed namely enabling factors, restraining factors, investing SMEs and performance indicators. Further, research gaps identified thrust research areas and insights for future research directions are presented.
31
Nykyforuk, O. I., and U. B. Berezhnytska. "Transformation of institutional environment of small and medium enterprises development." Ukrainian Society 79, no. 4 (December 30, 2021): 64–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.15407/socium2021.04.064.
Full textAbstract:
Theoretical and historical perspectives study the logic and dynamics of institutional changes in the deregulation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The paper specifically considers the conditionally and nature of institutional changes in socio-economic systems in the context of leading trends and challenges of our time. These processes are designed for SME development policy. The methods of scientific cognition, analysis and synthesis, logical generalization, deductive technique, complex evaluation, graphics, and others are used. Based on the definition of relationships between the basic categories of institutionalism under the influence of economic changes and the clarification of the functional purpose of the institutional environment to create a favourable “microclimate”, appropriate conditions for activity and development, the process of the institutional environment of SME development formation during the 30 years in Ukraine is generalized. The process mentioned above is divided into three periods: the 1st – since 1991, the intensification of institutional changes in SME development policy when the State Committee of Ukraine for Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship Development and the Ukrainian Entrepreneurship Support Fund were established; the 2nd – since 1998, when the SME support system was formed and developed directly during 2000–2011; and the 3rd period – since 2014, when there was stagnation and decline of the constructed SMEs development support system, but there were some isolated, unfortunately, chaotic institutional initiatives during 2018–2020. The scientific novelty lies in the reflection of economic changes in the institutional environment of SME development in Ukraine under the influence of the most fundamental structural socio-economic transformations and global factors: globalization, internationalization (1991–1997), innovative development, socialization, intellectualization of the economy (1998–2013), sustainable development, digitalization (2014–2021). The presented scheme of influence allowed generalizing the tendencies under the influence of which the institutional environment of SME development formed and gave the chance of predicting at the expense of what components and from what sources institutional changes can be expected. Practical significance: the recommendations can be used in forming and implementing of the national and regional targeted programs for SME support and development in Ukraine.
32
DHEWI, Ratna Marta, Stefani Nawati EKORESTI, and Eusi SUSILOWATI. "E-COMMERCE IMPLEMENTATIONS FOR RECYCLED PRODUCTS BY SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES." DISEMINASI: Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat 1, no. 1 (May 27, 2019): 34. http://dx.doi.org/10.33830/diseminasi.v1i1.855.2019.
Full textAbstract:
An increasing global awareness on the need for sustainable production and environmental behaviour has encouraged small medium enterprises (SME) to develop products with recycled content. However, how to sustainably marketing the recycled products has also challenged the SMEs. There is a small business managed by orphans in Bogor namely Kelompok Belajar Masyarakat (KBM) Salimah that develop recycled products from plastics and newspaper. Preliminary study has found that there has been a challenge on how to sustain the marketing activities of recycled products in this digital economy. Therefore, it is worth exploring the e-commerce to help such SME to have sustainable business for the recycled products. This research develops a business planning in utilising online shopping, web and social media, establishing customers by email and engaging in online store, furthermore emphasizes on barriers to e-commerce implementation by the SME. The analysis of e-commerce adoption to encourage the benefits for SME and consumers will be presented
33
DHEWI, Ratna Marta. "E-COMMERCE IMPLEMENTATIONS FOR RECYCLED PRODUCTS BY SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES." Diseminasi: Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat 1, no. 1 (May 27, 2019): 34–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.33830/diseminasiabdimas.v1i1.518.
Full textAbstract:
An increasing global awareness on the need for sustainable production and environmental behaviour has encouraged small medium enterprises (SME) to develop products with recycled content. However, how to sustainably marketing the recycled products has also challenged the SMEs. There is a small business managed by orphans in Bogor namely Kelompok Belajar Masyarakat (KBM) Salimah that develop recycled products from plastics and newspaper. Preliminary study has found that there has been a challenge on how to sustain the marketing activities of recycled products in this digital economy. Therefore, it is worth exploring the e-commerce to help such SME to have sustainable business for the recycled products. This research develops a business planning in utilising online shopping, web and social media, establishing customers by email and engaging in online store, furthermore emphasizes on barriers to e-commerce implementation by the SME. The analysis of e-commerce adoption to encourage the benefits for SME and consumers will be presented
34
Adamowicz, Mieczysław, and Aldona Machla. "Small and medium enterprises and the support policy of local government." Oeconomia Copernicana 7, no. 3 (September 30, 2016): 405. http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/oec.2016.024.
Full textAbstract:
The subject of this research are small and medium enterprises (SME) in the Polish economy, the support of this sector by local government and the functioning of small and medium enterprises in the local system of the town and commune of Pułtusk. The aim of this study is to present the condition and the role of SME in the local systems in light of the selected features of this sector in the country and evaluation of support for SME given by local government of the town and the commune. The case study research methods applied were literature research, documentation review and survey-based research using questionnaire. The survey was conducted in spring, 2014, on a random sample. The research resulted in learning the profile of a local entrepreneurs and the action characteristics of SME in the examined unit. The diagnosis of the sector’s situation was made, the stimulating and limiting factors of its prosperity were identified. The SME support system of local government and the entrepreneurs’ expectations towards commune government in the field of development of local enterprises were evaluated. The results and conclusions confirm the need for development of local government activity in formulating and implementation of the development of local enterprises policy.
35
Nasution, Zulkarnain. "ANALISIS INVESTASI, PAD DAN JUMLAH UNIT UKM TERHADAP PENYERAPAN TENAGA KERJA UKM DI KABUPATEN LABUHANBATU." ECOBISMA (JURNAL EKONOMI, BISNIS DAN MANAJEMEN) 5, no. 1 (September 19, 2019): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.36987/ecobi.v5i1.50.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of investment, PAD, the number of SMEs and the absorption of SMEs workforce in Labuhanbatu District. The sample was obtained from the statistics book of small and medium enterprises of Cooperative and SME Office 2007- 2016. The analytical method in this study is Ordinary Least Square (OLS) with the help of IBM SPSS 20 computer program. The result of analysis shows that SME investment and the number of SME business unit have a significant effect on the absorption of small and medium enterprises. Meanwhile, PAD has not significant effect on the absorption of small and medium enterprises
36
Zhang, Long, Ali Kara, John E. Spillan, and Alma Mintu-Wimsatt. "Exploring market orientation among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises." Chinese Management Studies 11, no. 4 (November 6, 2017): 617–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/cms-08-2016-0158.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose The role of marketing as a business function is rapidly changing in China. Consequently, their views on marketing orientation – whether it is accepted, rejected, modified or reframed – have been seriously impacted. This paper aims to report on the results of a survey among Chinese small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers and their perceptions of the market-orientation philosophy. In particular, emphasis was placed on three dimensions of market orientation: intelligence generation, intelligence dissemination and responsiveness. The effect of market orientation on business performance was also examined. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected data from 214 managers from SMEs. These businesses were located in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The commonly used market orientation (MARKOR) measure was used to test the hypotheses. Findings Consistent with the extant literature, the findings provided empirical support for the three dimensions of market orientation among Chinese SME. The authors also found that a positive relationship existed between Chinese SME market orientation and firm performance. Research limitations/implications This study provides major insights into the market orientation measurement and practices of SME in China. From a measurement perspective, the empirical support for MARKOR across a non-Western context is noteworthy. From a practitioner perspective, the implications relating to understanding Chinese SME and how these companies can best market their products and services to their respective markets are critical. Some of the limitations of our study relates to the sample size, convenience sampling and geographic concentration of the respondents. Originality/value This study addresses the gaps in the literature by exploring market orientation in non-large scale businesses as well as the adaptation of the concept in a non-Western cultural setting. The findings extend the conceptualization and application of market orientation to Chinese SME.
37
LE, Tien Dat, and Phong Tuan NHAM. "Leadership Styles in Vietnamese Small and Medium Enterprises." Webology 18, no. 2 (December 23, 2021): 317–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.14704/web/v18i2/web18324.
Full textAbstract:
Leadership and leadership styles are considered as decisive factors to the success and failure of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The objectives of the paper are to identify benefits and drawbacks of applying three major leadership styles, namely autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire styles of Vietnamese SMEs leaders, who are working in various business fields. The qualitative approach was used to explore the perceptions of 51 Vietnamese SME managers, and the N-vivo software was useful in data analysis. The theoretical contribution, therefore, can be seen by the in-depth investigating on the leadership styles from the multi-dimensional viewpoints of SMEs leaders in the culture context of one Asian emerging nation such as Vietnam. The paper is also expected to be useful for SME managers to better understanding leadership styles, in order to adjust and perfect their leadership behaviors for more effective managerial and organizational performance.
38
Queiroz, Stefania A. B., Glauco H. S. Mendes, Jorge H. O. Silva, Gilberto M. D. Ganga, Paulo A. Cauchick Miguel, and Maicon G. Oliveira. "Servitization and performance: impacts on small and medium enterprises." Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing 35, no. 7 (April 10, 2020): 1237–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jbim-06-2019-0277.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of the servitization on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The study uses data from Brazilian SMEs and applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the research hypotheses. Findings The findings suggest a positive relationship between servitization and SME performance. It is found that the strategy of offering base services does impact SME performance. Furthermore, servitization aims to promote a fit between environmental pressures and SME performance. Practical implications SMEs can use servitization to increase their performance in spite of their resources restrictions, size limitation and low level of service revenue. However, the adoption of servitization should be accompanied by managerial adjustments in servitization practices. Originality/value This paper is dedicated to investigating the servitization-performance relationship in the context of SMEs, which is not a usual research publication. Moreover, it adds to the servitization theory by demonstrating that it is not necessary to reach a critical mass of services to be profitable and base services may be also a source of revenues and profits.
39
Fanta, Ashenafi Beyene. "Exploring the economic significance of small and medium enterprises." Journal of Governance and Regulation 4, no. 1 (2015): 27–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.22495/jgr_v4_i4_p3.
Full textAbstract:
This paper aims at providing a detailed account of economic significance of small and medium enterprises by drawing on the extant body of empirical literature. It has been noted that studies on the link between SME development and economic growth are inconclusive. While modeling growth in the SME sector and its impact on economic development is a matter of ongoing scientific investigation, we emphasized on the most conspicuous economic benefits of SMEs that includes, among others, job creation, contribution to national output, reducing income inequality and poverty. We believe this may help researchers frame their future investigations in line with the benefits discussed in the paper.
40
Patil, Kapil. "Public procurement policy for small and medium enterprises in developing countries." International Journal of Public Sector Management 30, no. 4 (May 8, 2017): 391–410. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-10-2016-0160.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose Increasing the share of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in public procurement through targeted support policies is often fraught with organisational and institutional challenges as can be seen from the experiences of many developed countries. This has profound implications for emulating such policies in developing countries where administrative capacities may be low for efficient policy management. The purpose of this paper is to widen the canvass of SME procurement policy discourse by exploring a developing country context. Design/methodology/approach The study provides qualitative assessment using insights from policy implementation-related theories. Due to limited reporting of target data on SME participation in India, the study conducts analysis based on key informant interviews with 20 public sector enterprises. Findings The evidence drawn from India mainly shows uneven performance among the procurers in achieving the SME procurement targets, and reveals serious policy implementation shortcomings. These findings correspond and complement the earlier studies on SME procurement in the developed world. The Indian case additionally reveals barriers which may be common to other developing countries such as the lack of policy-administrative capacity compounded by the prevalence of “efficiency syndrome” on the part of procurers. Originality/value By providing an in-depth developing country-specific assessment, the study helps informing assumptions underpinning SME-oriented procurement policies. The study, therefore, fills a gap in the literature on SME-oriented public procurement policy-making and its execution.
41
Brūna, Inta, and Inta Millere. "DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA." Latgale National Economy Research 1, no. 2 (June 30, 2010): 42. http://dx.doi.org/10.17770/lner2010vol1.2.1772.
Full textAbstract:
The significance of small and medium enterprises (SME) including the development of micro enterprises has been emphasized more and more often in the national economic policy of many countries. This issue is also topical in the economy of Latvia, especially in the situation when it is necessary to revive and stimulate the economic activity in the country. Taking into account the measures planned by the European Commission and the amendments to the legislation of the Republic of Latvia and the planned measures regarding the support of SME as well as the differentiation of requirements in the field of accounting depending on the scale of activities the authors analyse the questions which are connected with the potential development trends in the accounting of enterprises. The authors study the criteria of SME and micro enterprises in the normative documentation of European Union and the Republic of Latvia, analyse the accounting requirements for SME, especially, for micro enterprises, identify the topical problems and make recommendations concerning the solution.
42
Reswita, Andi Irawan, and Ketut Sukiyono. "THE ROLE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SME) ON THE ECONOMY." International Journal of Social Science 1, no. 4 (December 14, 2021): 467–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.53625/ijss.v1i4.743.
Full textAbstract:
SME is the productive economic activity widely occupied by the people to sustain their household economy, community, and nation's economy. The SME sector can stand firmly as one of the economic prime-movers for many circles within the community, providing and absorbing workforce to decrease unemployment in the society. The presence of SMEs can also provide added value on farming products so that the farming commodity may increase its usefulness value. This article aims to discuss the role of SMEs in the Indonesian economy. The research method implemented in arranging this study is a literature study by reviewing articles published by the previous writers and examining the abstract of those researches. Based on the literature study, this research concluded that SME presence, either internationally, nationally, or developing economic growth in various regions in Indonesia. The SME has the crucial meaning and roles for developing and increasing the income (PDB and PDRB), provider and employee/workforce, diminishing poverty rate, increasing investment rate, increasing foreign commerce through export, and contributing tax as the state income sources.
43
Dayana Das, Adithi Pradeep,. "FINANCIAL VULNERABILITIES FOR SMALL ENTERPRISES IN KERALA." Psychology and Education Journal 58, no. 2 (February 26, 2021): 6509–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.17762/pae.v58i2.3184.
Full textAbstract:
The small and medium-sized enterprises sector is an important segment of the Indian economy. Results of Third All India SSI unit censuses show a declining growth trend at the All India level and a growing trend in the Kerala sector. With the exception of the Fourth Census, employment growth in the Kerala SME sector has shown an increasing trend. Growth in the SSI Sector can do a lot to solve Kerala's acute unemployment problem. Sickness among the Kerala SME units is a major problem.
44
Wang, Shouhong, and Hai Wang. "Big data for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME): a knowledge management model." Journal of Knowledge Management 24, no. 4 (April 21, 2020): 881–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jkm-02-2020-0081.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose Big data has raised challenges and opportunities for business, the information technology (IT) industry and research communities. Nowadays, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are dealing with big data using their limited resources. The purpose of this paper is to describe the synergistic relationship between big data and knowledge management (KM), analyze the challenges and IT solutions of big data for SME and derives a KM model of big data for SME based on the collected real-world business cases. Design/methodology/approach The study collects eight well-documented cases of successful big data analytics in SME and conducts a qualitative data analysis of these cases in the context of KM. The qualitative data analysis of the multiple cases reveals a KM model of big data for SME. Findings The proposed model portrays the synergistic relationship between big data and KM. It indicates that strategic use of data, knowledge guided big data project planning, IT solutions for SME and new knowledge products are the major constructs of KM of big data for SME. These constructs form a loop through the causal relationships between them. Research limitations/implications The number of cases used for the derivation of the KM model is not large. The coding of these qualitative data could involve biases and errors. Consequently, the conceptual KM model proposed in this paper is subject to further verification and validation. Practical implications The proposed model can guide SME to exploit big data for business by placing emphasis on KM instead of sophisticated IT techniques or the magnitude of data. Originality/value The study contributes to the KM literature by developing a theoretical model of KM of big data for SME based on underlying dimensions of strategic use of data, knowledge guided big data project planning, IT solutions for SME and new knowledge products.
45
Chłoń-Domińczak, Agnieszka, and Aneta Ptak-Chmielewska. "The use of register data to monitor micro, small and medium-sized enterprises’ economic situation at the local level on the basis of the example of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship." Wiadomości Statystyczne. The Polish Statistician 65, no. 6 (June 30, 2020): 52–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0014.2345.
Full textAbstract:
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) play a significant role in the economy. According to the European Commission data, the SME sector in 2018 represented 99.8% of all enterprises in Europe, and likewise in Poland, therefore it is vital to have access to information regarding this sector and its economic situation on the lowest possible level of aggregation. The aim of the study described in this paper is to assess as to what degree data collected in public registers in Poland, including the information compiled by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) register, can constitute a source of information about the situation and development of the SME sector at the local level. The paper presents the economic situation of the SME sector in Europe, and also a range of information collected in ZUS registers relating to micro enterprises (including the self-employed enterpreneurs), small and medium-sized enterprises. Information concerning the SME sector in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship as of December 2018 is used in the research. The results confirm that register data enables the assessment of the economic situation of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises at the level of gminas (municipalities, communes), as per the OECD recommendations to broaden knowledge about the condition of the sector at a local level.
46
PRAWIRA, ADITYA, and SITI MUTMAINAH ZULFARIDATULYAQIN. "PENGARUH MODAL, JAM KERJA, DAN JUMLAH TENAGA KERJA TERHADAP PENDAPATAN PENGUSAHA UMKM BERBASIS KULINER DI KECAMATAN BANJARMASIN TIMUR." JIEP: Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi dan Pembangunan 2, no. 3 (December 23, 2019): 576. http://dx.doi.org/10.20527/jiep.v2i3.1193.
Full textAbstract:
Aditya Prawira (2018) Effects of assets, operational hours and amounts of labours on the income of culinary-based Small Medium Enterprises (SME) in the sub-district of East Banjarmasin.Advisor: Dra. Hj. Siti Mutmainah Z, MT This research was conducted to find out the characteristics of culinary-based SME in the East Banjarmasin sub-district, to find out whether assets, operational hours, amounts of workers simoultaniously and partially affected the income of culinary-based SME entrepreneurs in the sub-district of East Banjarmasin. All the respondents in this research is all of owners of 22 culinary-based SMEs on the sub-district of East Banjarmasin. The research data’s was processed and analyzed using the multiple linear regression analysis method.The results the research showed that the of assets, operational hours and amounts of labours simoultaniously effected the income of the culinary-based Small Medium Enterprises (SME) in the sub-district of East Banjarmasin. Assets is the mos dominant variable that effected the income of the culinary-based Small Medium Enterprises (SME) in the sub-district of East BanjarmasinKeywords : Income, assets, operational hours, amounts of Labours
47
Stojanovic, Mirjana D., and Vladanka S. Acimovic-Raspopovic. "Communication Issues for Small and Medium Enterprises." International Journal of Productivity Management and Assessment Technologies 1, no. 4 (October 2012): 41–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijpmat.2012100103.
Full textAbstract:
This article considers communication issues for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from both provider and customer perspectives. SME communication infrastructure at the individual site should usually be built around Ethernet-based local area network with a remotely manageable integrated access device that enables high speed Internet access, virtual private networking, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functionality and collaborative services. The authors further address several open quality of service (QoS) issues that include: service level agreements, signaling for quality of service and management aspects. The proposed framework for service management encompasses interfaces for QoS-aware and legacy applications, generic service level specification, functional model of service negotiation and management policies.
48
Hubeis, Musa. "Dissemination Technology For Small-Medium Scale Enterprise." Business and Entrepreneurial Review 5, no. 1 (October 19, 2016): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.25105/ber.v5i1.961.
Full textAbstract:
<p>Small-medium scale enterprises enterprises (SME) found in developing and developed countries is still facing classical handicap such as technology, finance, managerial and market accessibility, in spite of its high flexibiliry, responsiveness, dynamic and resistance. Therefore, designing and management of SME in context of technology dissemination needs to understand business dimension as enterprise description, product/service, market, enterprise location, competition, management, personnel, budget, research and development. Beside general technology, both SME in general and specific are closely related to: (1) Technology choice covering technology complexities, capital intensity, and human resource (HR) quality; (2) Technology learning strategy based on learned technology position combination, both process and products with faced competition, through existing learned technology, technology integration, technology development and basic research; (3) Enterprise unit covering enterprise scale, HR, organization,<br />location, product type, enterprise unit, experiences, competition level and business network; (4) Performance indication of business unit and business man, and technology diffusion institutions; (5) Linkages of business with characteristics of authority, functional, normative and diffusion. Dissemination pattern of integrated and sustainable technology is expected to establish network among development subjects intensively and dynamically, to compile agenda of transfer technology, implement technology that is appropriate and develop learning organization for technology dissemination activities.</p>
49
Vidal Olivares, Javier, and María Inés Barbero. "Latin American Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Historical Perspective." Journal of Evolutionary Studies in Business 7, no. 1 (January 12, 2022): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1344/jesb2022.1.j097.
Full textAbstract:
This special issue seeks to appreciate the long-term study of SMEs as key players in the Latin American economies, with contributions on six countries: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. This is a representative sample of the Latin American subcontinent’s diversity when it comes to economy size, population, and inequality index. The articles presented spot key topics in the study of Latin American SMEs. This introduction focus on three central issues that arise from those articles: the role of public policies in SME emergence and development, the strategies pursued by these firms to adapt to environment changes, and the links between informality and SME creation.
50
Prokhorenko, I. "Center and Regions in Spain's System of Small and Medium Enterprises Support." World Economy and International Relations, no. 10 (2010): 32–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.20542/0131-2227-2010-10-32-43.
Full textAbstract:
Problems in small and medium entrepreneurship development are typical for any country. The main difference of Spain is that small and medium enterprises (SME) form here the basis for business and production structure of economy. Establishment and improvement of the modern government regulation and SME support system took place as late as during the post-Francoist period. In the article, the management model for such enterprises, their information support, sponsoring, access to innovations, the role of small and medium business in employment of population, especially amid the 2007–2009 global crisis are thoroughly actualized.