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Bown, Gerald Robin Weston. "Construing the small business and its market : a Heideggerian perspective." Thesis, University of Gloucestershire, 2009. http://eprints.glos.ac.uk/3189/.
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This exploratory research considers the difficulties that are associated with understanding market knowledge in a micro firm. The majority of micro firms gain their rewards from mutual beneficial exchange with their customers. The focus of this mutual exchange is often the product that is the basis of their business. The gaining of new customers is often difficult and requires a considerable degree of effort. The standard business approach is to apply cognitive rationality to this task. Some businesses succeed with this approach, but it is possible that other approaches might reveal a greater understanding of the small business situation. Research suggests that small business owners/managers develop tacit utilitarian, cognitively immediate and undetachable knowledge. In a developing business this is contingent with the entrepreneurial task. It can usefully be conjectured that this task is related to the introduction of new business areas. The entrepreneurial task can be seen as involving a qualitative introduction of new business into a market that has not existed before. The situational interplay of these two factors is investigated using a phenomenological research method and deep analysis of a small number of interviews. This research has found evidence that the development of market knowledge in a micro business can result from a leap into a new engagement. The possible grounding for such a leap is explored in the light of the philosophy of Heidegger. Heidegger's philosophy is noted for the exploration of being and time. He adopted hermeneutic and phenomenological approaches to discuss the leap into the grounding question of being. This leap into a new engagement requires a break from the content but not the methods of small business understanding and can be enabled by the developing attunement of the business owner. This is a different method of investigating the nature of market development in the small business. It is expected that this work will be found to be of value when undertaking further research in this business situation.
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Chijioke, Matthias Ikenna. "Strategies to Sustain Small-and-Medium Sized Business Enterprises." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3146.
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Eighty-five percent of all firms operating in Nigeria are small-and medium-sized business enterprises (SMEs) and contribute almost 55% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Nigeria. Capital flight and other growth inhibitors pose threats to the sustainability of SMEs in Nigeria. This exploratory multiple-case study was to determine strategies SME leaders use to sustain business operations in Nigeria. The study participants consisted of 15 SME leaders from 3 regional manufacturing firms who had successfully implemented strategies to sustain SMEs in Nigeria. Bertalanffy's general systems theory and Freeman's stakeholder theory were the conceptual frameworks used in the research. The data collection processes included semistructured interviews and reviewing company documents. After analyzing the interview data and validating through member checking, 5 core themes emerged during the data analysis process: creating new markets, encouraging opportunity for sustainable growth, securing additional funding sources, employee participation in decision making, and gaining competitive advantages. The findings may promote social change among the business community leaders by identifying essential characteristics to improve the posterity of SMEs in Nigeria.
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Hamza, Mukhail. "A Quantitative Study of Multilayered Market Systems and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1782.
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for approximately 50% of the world's gross domestic product. However, these economic agents suffer from inadequate access to liquid funds to finance their operations. The liquidity gap has led to early bankruptcy and liquidation, stagnant growth and development, and fewer employment opportunities. The problem under study was the effect of funding limitations on SMEs' business operations and growth. The purpose was to examine the impact of multilayered capital systems as alternative funding for SME growth. This study was informed by Gilbrat's law and the theory of financial exclusion. The research questions addressed the use of a multilayered capital market as a substitute for the conventional methods of funding for SMEs. A survey instrument was used to collect data using a stratified random sample of 54 small-scale business owners and finance professionals. These participants were identified from U.S. Census Bureau data between 2009 and 2014 across the information technology, service, and manufacturing sectors. Multiple regressions and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. The results showed that age, credit score, average turnover, and total assets have significant impacts on obtaining funding, especially total assets. Moreover, results showed that growth rates correlated with funding from multilayered capital systems. This study contributes positively to social change by highlighting alternative means of funding SMEs, leading to reduced dependency on government, less crime through gainful employment, and improved corporate social responsibility due to better interactions among community members
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Anthonissen, Carel Aaron. "Market requirements of a hosted MES for small and medium size manufacturers in South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95645.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.As small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) grow, the complexity of their manufacturing operations are likely to increase to a point where they can benefit from manufacturing specific information systems, such as a manufacturing execution system (MES), to manage the complexity of their operating environment. Unfortunately, the capital expense required to implement an MES may prohibit smaller enterprises from adopting this potentially advantageous technology. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a developing delivery channel that promises to realise the same economies of scales of large software implementations by hosting software centrally and allowing access by multiple customers through the internet. This delivery model promises, amongst its many benefits, access to advanced software at a subscription based fee, which reduces its capital expense and makes it affordable to smaller enterprises. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that would influence the adoption of SaaS based MESs in South-African manufacturing SMEs. A literature survey was conducted to understand the characteristics of SaaS, the functionality and benefits that can be derived from an MES and the characteristics of SMEs that differentiate them from larger organisations. Instruments were identified which can be used to assess the propensity of SMEs to adopt new technology. An internet survey of South-African manufacturing SMEs was conducted to determine their perceptions and beliefs regarding SaaS and MES, and their intent to implement licensed or SaaS based MES within the next 12 months. The survey results were analysed to determine which beliefs were the most influential in determining an SME’s intention to adopt an MES and particularly which beliefs bias their decision towards either a licensed or a SaaS based MES implementation. The perceived benefits of an MES were found to be the most significant factor in driving the intent to adopt an MES. It was found that some beliefs regarding SaaS and licensing may influence the choice of delivery channel, and the perceptions of industry peers and customers were also found to influence the decision to adopt either a licensed or a SaaS based MES. A simple screening of input variables was effective in improving the predictive ability of the research model. While a full set of variables was able to explain 9.4% of the variation in the intent to adopt MES, a screened set of variables was able explain 15.5%. Further improvement in screening techniques could further improve the predictive power of the model. Since the model was only able to explain around 15.5% of the variation in the intent to adopt an MES, it is likely that there may be other significant factors that drive the intention to adopt an MES that are not covered in this study. These could include personal attitudes of the owner that are independent of the enterprise itself.
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Vargas-Carcamo, Allen Hugo. "Export market selection process by small- and medium-sized mid-western export manufacturers of industrial goods." The Ohio State University, 1986. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1261483505.
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Smal, Charles. "Factors and considerations in black economic empowerment deals in the small and medium size enterprises market." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/966.
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Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Business persons engaging in BEE deals, pertaining to ownership, encounter many obstacles and challenges relating to the formulation of appropriate structures and solutions during the deal process. The SMME market is arguably one of the most critical contributors towards the SA GDP and a sector of the economy with the most growth potential as noted from recent history, especially relating to BEE ownership. It is in the above frame of reference that the research report attempts to follow a logical flow of events that the business persons in the SMME market would encounter. The report therefore has a holistic approach to this market and although many of the concepts could be applied to a variety of industries and even to other market segments, based on size, the primary objective and research has been centred around SMME’s. The core concepts that are covered relate to: - Understanding the essence of BEE and BBBEE as well as Government’s role as conduit to empowerment. The various elements under the BEE scorecard will also be a prominent factor as ownership only accounts for a portion of the entire BBBEE rating. - Aligning the BEE deal to strategy is a crucial consideration and entails attracting the right partner and ensuring that the BEE transaction is directed at value creation, growth and sustainability of the business. The transaction should make strategic and economic sense. - Determining firm value is in all probability one of the most complex issues and business owners should merely attempt to understand and interpret the vastly complicated process that may be presented by business brokers or valuers that facilitate the BEE deal. The fair value concept and required adjustments could be influential in the valuation process as well as choosing the correct valuation methodology. - Business tax structure. This is also a complex process that may vary significantly from business to business. Certain legislative impediments are influential and various amendments may also influence future structuring of BEE deals. The use of SPV’s is a prominent theme highlighted in this research report as it is very often the most preferred structure. - The BEE deal. This may have to consider hybrid financial solution from various sources, such as senior debt, franchise funding, mezzanine debt including venture capitalists, non-traditional lending sources and alternative supporting or indirect funders to the business. The lending criteria principles relating to cash conversion cycle, free cash flow and sustainable growth rate have also briefly been covered. BEE transactions inevitably enter an area of uncertainty for business persons when it comes to drafting business plans, determining the BEE scorecard, structuring the new shareholding and many other factors. In other words, they may not have the necessary business or financial acumen to prepare a satisfactory business proposal to attract lenders to the deal. It is therefore crucial to understand the different elements of the BEE deal formulation process, which is exactly the intent of this research report.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Besigheidspersone wat SEB-transaksies met betrekking tot eienaarskap aangaan, ondervind baie struikelblokke en uitdagings in verband met die formulering van toepaslike strukture en oplossings wanneer die transaksie aangegaan word. Die KMMO-mark is stellig een van die mees kritieke bydraers tot die SA BBP en ’n sektor van die ekonomie met die meeste groeipotensiaal, soos die onlangse geskiedenis ons geleer het, veral met betrekking tot SEB-eienaarskap. Dit is met bogenoemde in gedagte dat hierdie navorsingsverslag poog om ’n logiese vloei van gebeure te volg wat die sakepersone in die KMMO-mark sal teëkom. Die verslag het dus ’n holistiese benadering tot hierdie mark en hoewel baie van die konsepte op ’n verskeidenheid nywerhede en selfs op ander marksegmente, gegrond op grootte, toegepas kan word, is die primêre doelwit en navorsing op KMMO’s gerig. Die kernkonsepte wat behandel word, het betrekking op: - Begrip van die kern van SEB en BBSEB asook die Regering se rol as geleibuis tot bemagtiging. Die verskillende elemente van die SEB-telkaart is ook ’n belangrike faktor aangesien eienaarskap net ’n gedeelte van die algehele BBSEB-aanslag verteenwoordig. - Die inlynstelling van die SEB-transaksie met die strategie is ’n kritieke oorweging en behels die lok van die regte vennoot en die versekering dat die SEB-transaksie tot waardeskepping, groei en volhoubaarheid van die besigheid gerig is. Die transaksie moet strategiese en ekonomiese sin maak. - Die bepaling van stewige waarde is in alle waarskynlikheid een van die mees komplekse kwessies en besigheidseienaars moet bloot probeer om die enorme gekompliseerde proses te verstaan en te interpreteer wat deur besigheidsmakelaars en waardeerders wat die SEB-transaksie fasiliteer, voorgelê word. Die billikewaarde-konsep en die vereiste regstellings kan invloedryk op die waardasieproses asook die keuse van die korrekte waardasiemetodologie wees. - Besigheidsbelastingstrukturering is ook ’n komplekse proses wat aansienlik van besigheid tot besigheid verskil. Sekere wetlike struikelblokke is invloedryk en verskeie wysigings kan ook toekomstige strukturering van SEB-transaksies beïnvloed. Die gebruik van SDV’s is ’n prominente tema wat in hierdie dokument uitgelig word aangesien dit in die reël die verkieslikste struktuur is. - Die SEB-transaksie sal moontlik hibridiese finansiële oplossings van verskeie bronne soos seniorskuld, franchise-befondsing, tussenskuld insluitend waagkapitaliste, nie-tradisionele uitleenbronne en alternatiewe ondersteunende of indirekte befondsers van die besigheid moet oorweeg. Die uitleenkriteriabeginsels met betrekking tot kontantomskeppingsiklus, vry kontantvloei en volhoubare groeikoers word ook kortliks gedek. SEB-transaksies betree onvermydelik ’n gebied van onsekerheid vir sakepersone wanneer dit kom by die opstel van besigheidsplanne, die bepaling van die SEB-telkaart, die strukturering van die nuwe aandeelhouding en baie ander faktore. Met ander woorde, hulle kan moontlik nie die nodige besigheids- of finansiële vernuf hê om ’n bevredigende besigheidsvoorlegging op te stel wat uitleners na die transaksie sal aantrek nie. Dit is dus kritiek om die verskillende elemente van die formulering van die SEB-transaksie te verstaan, wat presies die doel van hierdie navorsingsverslag is.
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Ali, Madadi Jani Siavash. "The Role of Knowledge in Internationalization of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Handelshögskolan vid Umeå universitet, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-45564.
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Internationalization is one of the most complicated elements in Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) expansion. Researchers seem to agree more and more that none of the theories in this field can solely explain the dynamics of the internationalization of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises particularly small knowledge- and service-intensive firms. There are different theories and approaches toward the SMEs‘ internationalization; however there is one predictor in common among them: Firm‟s knowledge resources (Yli-Renko, Autio, & Tontti, 2002).Since the value-adding processes of firms are increasingly based on the creation and exploitation of knowledge, the natural focus of attention shifts from the control of static, firm-specific resources to the acquisition, assimilation, and exploitation of firm-specific knowledge (Bettis & Hitt, 1995; Grant, 1996; J.Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998). In today‘s global competitive landscape, firms succeed not because they have control over scarce resources, but because they have the ability to gain the knowledge, learn and use this learning more efficiently than others. In comparison with big companies SMEs have relatively less resources, which make knowledge very vital for their survival and growth. (Mejri & Umemoto, 2010)There has not been much empirical research on knowledge resources and capabilities although the importance of knowledge-related process is widely acknowledged. There is a notable limitation in SME literature on influence of knowledge that can only offer limited insight into firm‘s foreign market operations. In other words, there is a gap in the literature about the different types of knowledge and their role in the internationalization process and therefor this research has set it goal to answer the aforementioned issues.This research has used qualitative approach and case study research design, and six semistructured interviews were conducted with small Swedish firms that involved in international activities. Since this is an exploratory study, the data from the six cases was quite managable. Analysis was conducted by coding the interviews and categorization of the codes. The codes were interpreted and three types of knowledge were extracted based on both the data and theories; Technological Knowledge, Business Knowledge and Market-specific Knowledge. The main characteristics of each company were put together with regard to the three types of knowledge. The next step in analysis was to find out if there were any differences or similarities between the companies when it came to internationalization process. By using the aforementioned results a farmework was developed. The framework presents the role of each Knowledge in the internationalization process and is the key finding of this research.The results from this study indicate the significant role of different types of knowledge as the main source of competitive advantage for SMEs to go to international markets. However the result of this study also designates that the role of knowledge in the internationalization process must be understood in the context of the industry, the company and the people involved.
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Barwinski, Arne, and Caroline Burvall. "Fashionable Strategies : Internationalization process of small and medium sized Nordicfashion companies." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Handelshögskolan vid Umeå universitet, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-45570.
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In our master thesis “Fashionable strategies” we analyze the internationalization processof small and medium sized Nordic Fashion companies. In our study we conducted aquantitative survey and qualitative in-depths interviews to shed light on the topic. We usehereby an iterative research strategy through the triangulation analysis method as researchapproach. The combination of methodologies and perspectives allowed us to analyze ourtheoretical framework and the research questions in a favorable manner. The researchquestions we aim to investigate in our study were the following:· What are the reasons for the small and medium sized Nordic fashion companies wheninternationalizing, and what are the strategies the companies use hereby?· What influences the small and medium sized Nordic fashion companies in their choiceof strategy and market to enter?· Which barriers of entry and problems do the small and medium sized Nordic fashioncompanies see as critical in their internationalization process and how do theyovercome these issues?In the research we especially took a look at the following areas that we found mainlyimportant for fashion companies in their internationalization process: The reasons forexpanding, the choice of market, the entry modes that are used and barriers and problemsthat occur in the process. We take a view on the theoretical models of the Uppsala Model,Helsinki model, Revised Uppsala model and Born-Global Theory to explain the strategiesbehind the small and medium sized Nordic fashion companies.We see that the growth of the company and the profit increase are the main reasons for theNordic fashion companies when expanding their business. The entry modes used by thecompanies are agents and distributors, and when choosing the markets the fashioncompanies are contact-driven and focusing first on markets that have a rather smallerdistance to their own domestic market. The problems the companies have to overcome arecosts of entry, cash-flow and invoice payments which are all related to financial issues.We believe that our study has contributed with new information to the research field ofinternationalization concerning small medium fashion companies in the Nordic countries.
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Harmsen, Nadine, and Manuela Wurm. "Born Globals and their Strategic Behaviour : - A case study of small and medium sized companies in a global business environment." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Ekonomihögskolan, ELNU, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-20944.
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A lot of research has been done concerning the internationalization process of companies. However, researchers have identified a new type of firm that is leapfrogging and is operating internationally right after inception. These companies are Born Globals. We are interested in this trend and the purpose of this research is to understand the strategic behaviour of Born Globals. Therefore, we have done qualitative research on these companies and we will focus on their pre-internationalization steps, their key drivers and their relation to the home market. We have found three case companies, who have helped us in our understandings and we have made several conclusions, regarding their strategic behaviour.
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Phiri, Thandiwe. "The role of business relationships in export market knowledge acquisition and export performance of UK small medium sized enterprises." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2009. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=11531.
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Real, Sandra Magalhães. "Concretização do Small Business Act : Avaliação e Perspetivas." Master's thesis, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/10340.
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Mestrado em Contabilidade, Fiscalidade e Finanças EmpresariaisA globalização e os avanços tecnológicos conduzem a alterações constantes na economia. A importância do setor das pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs) para o crescimento da economia tem vindo a ser reconhecido. Estudos realizados indicam que as PMEs são as principais geradoras de novos empregos e devido à sua capacidade de inovação e flexibilidade, adaptam-se mais facilmente às mudanças do mercado e consequentemente impulsionam a criação de riqueza. Os governos têm vindo a reformular a legislação aplicável às PMEs com o objetivo de reduzirem as barreiras que restringem a sua criação e desenvolvimento. A Europa tem vindo a perder terreno na economia mundial pelo que, a União Europeia (EU) lançou o Small Business Act (SBA) que pretende colocar os interesses das PMEs no centro da política europeia. Numa primeira fase o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a implementação do SBA nos países da União. Posteriormente pretende-se realizar uma análise comparativa ao setor das PMEs em seis países: Reino Unido, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Austrália, Suécia e Finlândia. Concluiu-se que apesar da implementação do Small Business Act tomar diferentes abordagens e resultados consoante os Estados-Membros, teve um impacto positivo na promoção das PMEs e do crescimento económico nos Estados-Membros. Por outro lado, a análise do setor das PMEs nos seis países, mencionados anteriormente, permitiu concluir que existe uma convergência nas medidas políticas desenvolvidas pelos governos estimular as PMEs e combater os principais problemas que estas enfrentam.
Globalization and technological advance lead to changes in the economy. The role of small and medium-sized (SMEs) industry has been recognized as a key instrument to economical growth. Research indicates that SMEs are the main drivers of new jobs and due to their innovational and flexibility skills they easily adjust their strategies to the market changes and therefore generate wealth. Governments have been reforming the law applicable to SMEs with the intent to reduce the barriers that mine their development. Europe´s strength on the global market has been weakened hence, the European Union has launched the Small Business Act (SBA) which aims to put SMEs on the forefront of the European policy. Firstly, this thesis is set to evaluate the SBA´s implementation across EU Member States. Secondly, a comparative analysis will be conducted on SME´s industry for six countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden and Finland. According to the results achieved, although the SBA´s implementation on Member States vary as regards both the approach taken and the results obtained, it had a positive impact on the promotion of SMEs and to the economic growth. In addition, the comparative analyses regarding the SMEs sector on the six countries listed before showed that there is a convergence on the policies set by the governments to promote SMEs and to eliminate the barriers faced by them.
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Mathew, Nicholas. "Building International Business Competencies, Human Capital, and Service Capabilities: a study of emerging market professional service small-and-medium-sized enterprises." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1558271960535679.
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Solberg, Carl Arthur. "Strategy development in globalising markets : the case of Norwegian small and medium sized firms." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1994. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21332.
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This study develops and tests a model, the "Nine Strategic Windows". This is a matrix accounting for the company's global environment and its ability to respond to this environment. The purpose of the model is to aid company management in its search for strategic direction in international markets. The model is tested through 22 case studies of Norwegian SMBs and small and medium sized SBUs of larger concerns in two industries: ship equipment and construction deemed to be located at different positions in the model. The main conclusions are: - It is indeed possible for SMBs to operate successfully in globalising markets, although SBUs seem to be more prone to succeed. - In a multilocal market environment companies tend to consolidate their operations. In potentially global markets companies take a more expansionnist stance partly to counter competitive pressure partly to capitalise on market opportunities offered. In global markets companies tend to seek strategic alliances, by finding either a financial partner or a partner offering marketing networks. The model endeavours to capture both the competitive and the learning aspects of international strategy development, and concludes with a normative strategy recommendation based on the lessons learnt from both the internationalisation school and the "global management school". The "Nine Strategic Windows" distinguishes itself from other models (for instance those of Nordstrèom and Vahine, 1985; Johanson and Mattson, 1986; Porter, 1986; Rugman and Verbeke, 1993) in that it not only classifies companies in different strategic positions, but actually endeavours to identify the main the strategic thrusts of the same companies. Another important feature is that the model encompasses the situation of small to medium sized firms operating in globalising markets. The fate of this category of firms has previously not been the object of study relative to global or globalising markets.
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Laxman, Prachi, and Shameil Ferha Ahmed. "Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises towards an Emerging Market : A study of Swedish Tech Companies in India." Thesis, Södertörns högskola, Företagsekonomi, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-41586.
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The changes in consumer patterns, digitalization, and the augmented diplomatic relation between Sweden and India has opened new opportunities for Swedish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the Indian market, which is characterized as an emerging market. Although SMEs often have scarce resources, they are succeeding in entering foreign markets and competing with Multinational corporations (MNCs). The phenomenon called Born Globals contradicts with the conventional internationalization theories. It sheds light on new internationalization paths, where the firm often is an SME and offers digitized products or services. Business networks and brand strategies are set to be important factors when entering the international markets, yet there are still research gaps in how Swedish SMEs enter the Indian market. The purpose of this study is to investigate the motives of Swedish SMEs when establishing in the Indian market. A qualitative methodology was used, by collecting data through semi-structured interviews from multiple case studies: (1) advisory organisations and (2) companies. The findings show that India is perceived as a continent rather than a country since there are differences in state growth rates and purchasing power. Other findings show that international business networks and market knowledge are crucial for entering a new market. SMEs do not need to have an established brand to succeed in entering the Indian market.Förändringar i konsumentmönster, digitalisering och den ökade diplomatiska relationen mellan Sverige och Indien har öppnat nya möjligheter för svenska små och medelstora företag (SMF) att träda in på den indiska marknaden, som även kännetecknas som en tillväxtmarknad. SMF besitter oftast knappa resurser, när de vill konkurrera med multinationella företag (MNC) på den internationella marknaden. Fenomenet som kallas Born Globals strider mot de konventionella internationaliserings-teorierna och belyser istället hur SMF-bolagen expanderar och etablerar sig internationellt. Denna studie fokuserar på SMF som erbjuder digitaliserade produkter eller tjänster. Affärsnätverk och varumärkesstrategier anses vara viktiga faktorer vid inträde på de internationella marknaderna, men det finns fortfarande forskningsgap i hur svenska SMF träder in på den indiska marknaden. Syftet med denna studie är därför att undersöka vilka grundläggande motiv som svenska SMF har vid etablering på den indiska marknaden. En kvalitativ metod användes genom att samla in data genom semistrukturerade intervjuer från multipla fall: (1) rådgivande organisationer och (2) företag. Resultaten visar att Indien uppfattas som en kontinent snarare än ett land, eftersom det finns skillnader i tillväxt och köpkraft mellan staterna, vilket attraherar svenska SMF. Dessutom visar undersökningen på att utländska affärsnätverk och marknadskunskap är avgörande faktorer vid inträde på en ny marknad. Däremot behöver inte SMF ha ett etablerat varumärke för att lyckas träda in på den indiska marknaden.
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Dubihlela, Jobo. "Barriers, determinants and enablers of market orientation :|bimpact on business performance for small to medium enterprises in South Africa / Jobo Dubihlela." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/10191.
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Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as important for the economic success of countries all over the world because of their contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), to innovation, to export revenue, to the provision of goods and services to society and large enterprises, to social stability, to employment creation, and to the improvement of economic welfare. These organisations operate within an economic environment characterised by volatility, highly demanding dynamism and tough competition, which often seriously threaten their performance and their survival. The South African business environment in general is constantly changing in the face of an unreceptive economic environment and a subtle political setting which breeds a highly competitive market. For SMEs to withstand the hazards of such a precarious and unfavourable competitive climate, they need to engage in market-oriented strategies. While market orientation research in large organisations has been studied etensively, little attention has been paid to the market orientation of SMEs. Market orientation models have been developed and tested only for developed countries, which recognise the substantial importance of market orientation in the modern business arena. Despite its importance, market orientation and its implementation and relationship with business performance has not been widely researched in developing economies. This need for a market orientation model that is applicable to developing countries underlies this research, the principal purpose of which is to develop a market orientation–business performance conceptual model and test it in a developing country setting. For this purpose, the researcher applied the market orientation constructs as guided by various proponents in the field. Market orientation was identified from the large body of literature and a conceptual framework of market orientation–business performance was proposed. The conceptual framework considered barriers to market orientation, determinants and enablers of market orientation and market orientation with its dimensions (customer emphasis, information generation, intelligence dissemination and intelligence responsiveness or taking action) and economic and non-economic performance as consequences. This framework was then tested in order to identify the link between barriers to market orientation, determinants of market orientation, overall market orientation and business performance. Such efforts have been observed in previous market orientation literature but those studies did not distinguish barriers from determinants. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between market orientation and the performance of SMEs measured by financial and non-financial measures of business performance. It also sought to ascertain the barriers to market orientation and the determinants/enablers of market orientation and their relationship with market orientation. Another objective was to examine the extent to which SMEs in South Africa have adopted market-oriented practices. A quantitative method was used. Surveys were conducted with 273 SMEs respondents, which were identified using a convenience sampling method. Data from owners/managers of these SMEs were collected using structured questionnaires. This study is different from previous studies on various grounds. Firstly, this study on market orientation is particularly focused on SMEs. Secondly, this study considered barriers to market orientation and determinants of market orientation separately, as having two divergent effects on market orientation. Thirdly, this study considered both the economic and non-economic performance measures as business performance indicators, factorising all the dimensions and modelling the relationship structures. Finally, this study was conducted in a developing economy (South Africa) where limited market orientation studies have been carried out with emphasis on market orientation among SMEs. Quantitative research methods were used to arrive at a valid and convergent conclusion about market orientation and its relationship with business performance. For this purpose, quantitative survey data were obtained from officials of both marketing and non-marketing departments of SMEs in the Vaal Triangle (South Africa). The hypotheses of the study were tested using t-tests statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) goodness of fit. The findings of the study supported the hypotheses of the study and confirmed the applicability of the proposed market orientation framework. The findings also indicated that the market orientation of SMEs in South Africa is determined by four fundamental factors (top management emphasis, market-based reward system, inter-departmental connectedness and management risk posture). In addition, the findings identified four key barriers to market orientation (centralisation and formalisation, inter-departmental conflict, competitive intensity and turbulence). The study also found a significant effect of market orientation on business performance. The findings of this study are consistent with those of previous market orientation studies undertaken in developed countries. At the final stage, the first conceptual model of market orientation–business performance applicable to SMEs in a developing country (South Africa) was offered on the basis of the findings of this study. This conceptual model provides insights and groundwork for further research. Therefore, in order to verify its generic application, it is hoped that this model will be used as a starting point for further studies and be tested in other countries in the world, both developed and developing.PhD (Business Management)|cNorth-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus|d2013
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Thakoor, Priya. "Business models of non-MNC firms serving the BoP in South Africa." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/23053.
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As firms intend on entering low-income markets as a result of stagnation in developed economies, they face numerous organisational barriers within their firms and external that hinder entry and ensure continued success in these markets. In order to successfully serve these BoP consumers in emerging markets, new innovative business models are required; however there are entities that are currently serving the BoP successfully – these are Small and Medium Enterprises.The purpose of this study was to deepen our understanding of why small and medium sized businesses have been successful in low-income markets through an understanding of their business models and their competitive advantages over MNCs.The objective of this report, hence, was to explore the business models for firms that are currently serving the BoP successfully and what their competitive advantages are as compared to their MNC counterparts within the South African context. Using the grounded theory approach of building theory from data that offers a new perspective on the BoP for MNCs a framework resulted and was theorized from the data from interviews with owners of SMEs in the FMCG manufacturing domain. The BoP Blueprint is a framework that describes elements of business models of SMEs in the context of SME Fundamentals – basic business fundamentals and the Customer Core – focus on the customer. Eleven in-depth interviews were conducted with owners from 11 different companies to test the research questions that were derived from the literature.As a result of the grounded theory, no unique or innovative business models were discovered that made these SMEs successful contrary to the literature and the essence of the findings is that MNCs need to focus on fundamental business practises with the customer as the centre of their decisions when entering BoP markets.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
unrestricted
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Sandberg, Susanne. "Internationalization processes of small and medium-sized enterprises: Entering and taking off from emerging markets." Doctoral thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Ekonomihögskolan, ELNU, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-17726.
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The high economic growth of formerly closed markets such as China, Russia, Poland, and the Baltic states has created vast business and growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although this international business expansion of SMEs occurs in highly dissimilar business contexts and fierce international competition, it remains overlooked by research. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis is to contribute to an enhanced understanding of internationalization processes of SMEs by studying the overarching research question: What are the main features of internationalization processes of SMEs in an emerging market context? Three sub-problems are researched with regard to SMEs entering and taking off from emerging markets, as well as differences and similarities between these processes, in order to identify what features characterize them. Empirically, two surveys of 116 and 203 Swedish SMEs, respectively, with experiences of entry into emerging markets were conducted through standardized questionnaires via mail and on-site visits. In addition, case studies were conducted through interviews and observations of five internationalizing Chinese SMEs and four Chinese wholesale and retail market platforms. Five essays are compiled within the thesis and major findings and conclusions provide theoretical and empirical contributions to research on the internationalization processes of SMEs. With regard to the overlooked internationally experienced manufacturing SMEs from mature markets such as Sweden, theoretical advancements are made identifying the main concepts of their entry into emerging markets: entry node (the establishment point into the foreign business network); market-specific experiential knowledge; and perceived institutional distance. With regard to the internationally novel Chinese SMEs, these were seen to diverge from traditional internationalization paths. Indications were found of a parallel expansion abroad and at home, even using foreign markets as a springboard for further growth at home. The take-off node concerns the departure from an emerging home market, where a paradox of knowledge was found: the use of indirect export via a domestic intermediary facilitates the take off, but hinders further international expansion since no international experience or relationships are built up. Moreover, institutional distance was reduced due to collective internationalization through co-locating abroad. Generally, degree of maturity of the home market; as well as degree of internationalization and type of firm; are the main features behind differences between internationalization processes of SMEs in an emerging market context.
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Astbury, Marc, and Marius Lux. "Foreign Market Entry Strategies: A Study of Born Global B2B SME’s." Thesis, KTH, Industriell Marknadsföring och Entreprenörskap, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-209561.
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The global market place is becoming ever more accessible. Internet and communication technologies are opening up new opportunities for firms of all configurations. Based on that, this research will focus on Born Global business-to-business (B2B small, medium enterprises (SME) entering in the German market. The aim is to answer the following two research questions: ‘What does a Born Global B2B SME’s internationalization process look like?’ and ‘Which adaptations should a Born Global B2B SME make to acquire customers in the German market?’ A review of internationalization literature, complemented by company participation and interviews furthers the body of academic research in this subject area. Qualitative research is applied through a company case study and primary interviews are conducted. A case study is employed to further understand and practically apply adaptations a firm can make to increase its chance of success in a foreign market environment, once internationalizing. The conclusions drawn that a Born Global B2B SME entering a foreign market should make adaptations in its online presence to cater to the new market. Specifically, language adaptations are required to the native tongue. This research concludes with both practical and theoretical suggestions. The key findings from the interviews show that the Born Global B2B SME’s studied have taken an ‘accidental’ internationalization process.
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Han, Tianlai, Yipeng Luo, and Yue Qi. "Marketing Strategies : the situation and development suggestions for small and medium-sized travel agencies in China's Hainan province." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Sektionen för hälsa och samhälle, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-10883.
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Purpose/aim: This paper research to help SME travel agencies make ticket pricing strategy and choose the reasonable age group for publicity. Design/methodology/approach: This thesis will use SWOT to analyze the strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of Hainan’s SME travel agencies, and also the marketing theory and human resource management. Through discussion and research we will analyze the connection between the influencing factors for travel agencies. The data has been collected through questionnaires. The analysis includes a description of the samples and statistical tests in form of regressions. Findings: The analysis showed that there is a connection between the frequency of travel and the age of the travelers. There are also connections between the select ticket price and different cities. It is important for SME travel agencies make a ticket price strategy. Originality/value: According to this thesis, it is obvious that SME travel agencies have more problems with travelers and an unreasonable strategy in Hainan. Based on these findings we would argue that small and medium sized travel agencies should choose a group consisting of young and middle aged adults when they advertise, decide their ticket pricing strategy and when they develop new tourism products. This study has a value when it comes to analyzing the situation and develop suggestions for SME travel agencies in Hainan.
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Nerur, Radhakrishnan Ganapathy Subramaniam. "Effects of IT Infrastructure services on business process implementation-Focus on small and medium enterprises in emerging markets." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Handels- och IT-högskolan, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-20450.
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An organization’s information technology (IT) infrastructure capability is increasinglyrealized as a critical part to business effectiveness and efficiency. IT infrastructure servicesare particularly important for organizations looking to deploy business processes indeveloping markets. There has also been an interest from many small and medium sizedorganizations whose core business is not in IT to outsource and manage these servicesthrough third party service providers. However there is a need to create an understanding forthese organizations to deploy the right infrastructure services in order to enable easierimplementation or reengineering of the business process. There has been little researchfocusing on the patterns of the IT infrastructure capabilities in the small and medium sizedorganizations in the developing markets.The research aims for a comprehensive coverage by analyzing the requirements in thedeveloping markets and proposing a selection model for the organizations to choose ITservice provider in case they decide to outsource the infrastructure services. The effect of theIT infrastructure services on the business process implementation is presented with anemphasis on the boundary crossing services. Using empirical case study, the research analysesa firm in developing markets and compares it against four strategically similar organizationsfrom different industries. Data collection was primarily qualitative and ably supported bysecondary data.The requirements in developing markets reflect the same as in mature markets. The pricing isseen to play a major role in the selection of the service providers with service security notvery much organization’s priority. The number of boundary crossing services effectivelyenables information sharing and control. These services are the drivers in simplifying thebusiness process implementation. The findings have implications for both business andtechnical managers in regard to planning the IT strategy in the long term and developingappropriate infrastructure according to the process needs.Program: Magisterutbildning i informatik
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Eriksson, Hilda, and Jennifer Königsson. "With some power comes great responsibility : Ethical dilemmas occurring during Swedish small and medium sized enterprises’ entry process in politically unstable markets." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring (MF), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-75148.
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Due to an increase of internationalization Swedish SMEs are faced with more issues regarding ethical dilemmas when entering foreign markets than they have been in the past. The ethical dilemmas, such as bribery and corruption, affect companies’ entry strategies in regards of moral standards and becomes an issue for markets that are characterised as being unstable. A common denominator for unstable markets is political instability which usually leads to an increase of ethical dilemmas. This thesis provides a deeper understanding to how Swedish SMEs enter politically unstable markets and how CSR can be used as a tool to identify and avoid ethical dilemmas. To enable this study a qualitative research was conducted to analyse the process of already established Swedish SMEs in politically unstable markets. By doing so, practical and theoretical implications could be identified, subsequently contributing Swedish SMEs with valuable information on how to enter politically unstable markets. The outcome of this study suggests ethical dilemmas affect Swedish SMEs’ entry to politically unstable markets. In a market where ethical dilemmas are prominent SMEs ought to do a thorough risk analysis before entering the market and also select the mode of entry. This study concludes a trade based entry mode is most suitable for Swedish SMEs when entering politically unstable markets since local contact is crucial since it reduces the risks of entering the market. Furthermore, during the course of the study it became evident that CSR can be used as a moral framework to identify and avoid ethical dilemmas in politically unstable markets. CSR strategies provide moral and ethical guidelines for Swedish SMEs and thereby affect the selection process of markets and business partners. The findings of this thesis suggest there is a linkage between business ethics, CSR and entry strategies. Therefore, the research is valuable for Swedish SMEs who seek to enter politically unstable markets.
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Bekir, Levent, Nicolas Numhauser, and Rawa Abbas. ""The Jungle Telegraph" : A qualitative case study about the challenges for Swedish B2B Small and Medium-size Enterprises when entering the Sub-Saharan market." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring (MF), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-104922.
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As developed markets have become saturated to a greater extent, companies have instead targeted emerging economies. In recent years, a substantial number of companies have recognized the opportunities in the Sub-Saharan market, which has led to an increasing number of foreign firms entering this market. Nevertheless, companies are still experiencing numerous challenges in relatively unexplored markets like the Sub-Saharan region. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate challenges for Swedish manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) when entering the Sub-Saharan African market. Additionally, the thesis will examine how these challenges affect the entry modes as well as further market commitments. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that influence the choice of entry mode of SMEs in volatile environments. This study has adopted a qualitative research method with an abductive approach to allow for an elaborate and flexible research process. The empirical data have been collected from multiple cases, by conducting five semi-structured interviews. The outcome of this thesis demonstrates that the major challenges in the Sub-Saharan market are related to underdeveloped institutional frameworks. Although, by cooperating with institutional actors and providing valuable resources to the local environment, firms are able to relieve institutional pressures. Finally, innovation, adaptability, and flexibility are vital factors that influence the extent to which companies are able to commit to the Sub-Saharan market.
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Solomons, Richard. "Impact of working capital management on the profitability of small and medium enterprises in South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97296.
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Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The earnings of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) depend entirely on their reinvestment rate of capital. A quicker reinvestment rate of capital would not be possible when debtor’s collection period and stockholding period is slow, nor will it be possible with a shorter creditor’s payment period. Therefore, working capital management is fundamental when it comes to the overall performance of small and medium enterprises. As a result, this study examines the impact of working capital management on the profitability of small and medium enterprises in South Africa. Working capital management has a direct relationship with profitability. The data selected in this study consists of all firms listed on AltX, which is a division of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, for the period 2000 to 2013. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to evaluate the data collected and the results concurred with the relationship found between working capital management and profitability. Specific variables such as the cash conversion cycle, debtors’ collection period, stockholding period and creditor’s payment period are all associated with the profitability of firms. The dependent variable is return on assets and is the measure of profitability in this study. Furthermore, the results of this study may provide significant insight for financial analysts, shareholders, creditors and managers.
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Примаченко, К. О. "Перспективи розвитку малого та середнього бізнесу в Україні." Thesis, Одеський національний економічний університет, 2020. http://dspace.oneu.edu.ua/jspui/handle/123456789/12600.
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У першому розділі розкрито сутність визначення «підприємництво», визначено критерії, за якими класифікується малий та середній бізнес, розглянуто законодавчу базу, що регулює діяльність малого та середнього бізнесу.
У другому розділі проаналізовано стан ринку малого і середнього бізнесу, розглянуто доступні джерела фінансування підприємництва в Україні, проведено аналіз діяльності суб’єкта малого підприємництва «My Way Coffee».
У третьому розділі побудовано кореляційно-регресійну модель діяльності «My Way Coffee», виявлено проблеми розвитку сектору малого і середнього бізнесу в Україні та надано рекомендації щодо його активізації.The first section reveals the essence of the definition of "entrepreneurship", defines the criteria by which small and medium-sized businesses are classified, considers the legal framework governing the activities of small and medium-sized businesses. The second section analyzes the state of the small and medium business market, considers the available sources of financing for entrepreneurship in Ukraine, analyzes the activities of the small business entity "My Way Coffee". The third section builds a correlation-regression model of My Way Coffee, identifies problems in the development of the small and medium business sector in Ukraine and provides recommendations for its activation.
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Abdel-Aziz, Mostafa Rasha Hussein. "Competition strategies in international markets : the role of entrepreneurial orientation and the Internet on the export performance of UK based small and medium sized enterprises." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2003. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21209.
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This thesis explores the potential impact of the Internet and international entrepreneurship on the export performance of UK based Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the following sectors: food and beverages, textiles, clothing and fur, biotechnology and instrumentation, and computers and office machinery. The findings reveal that, in general, UK based SMEs are moderately committed to Internet technologies and that their owner/managers are innovative, moderately proactive and risk takers. The findings also show that the export performance of SMEs is influenced by a mix of entrepreneurs characteristics (i.e. perceptions of growth, profits and costs of exporting, level of education, work responsibility, work experience and proactivity) and the level of Internet commitment of the firm (i.e. email and Intranet, interconnectivity, Internet information, perceived external Internet benefits and promotion on the Web). These antecedents reflect the current environment w here globalisation and advances in information and communication technology (ICT) put pressure on SMEs and give them hope to participate more effectively in international markets. Also, this result gives support to the Resource Based View (RBV) and indicates that UK based SMEs export performance is highly attributed to the resources and competencies at the owner/managers level (i.e. owner/managers social psychological characteristics and entrepreneurial orientation behaviour) and at the level of the firm (i.e. level of Internet commitment). Moreover, the results give some support to the incremental internationalisation process, where almost half of the firms are following the conventional models of internationalisation and export to the psychically close country, namely the USA. Also, the findings support the 'born global' phenomenon where half the firms investigated have started internationalising either from, or shortly after, inception. Four categories of UK based SMEs were identified and recommendations made according to the firm level of Internet use (high versus low) and owner/managers entrepreneurial orientation behaviour (high versus low). Implications for policy makers evolved around targeting different SMEs with different export promotion assistance schemes and international business education programmes, raising awareness about the global scope of Internet e-commerce in helping SMEs enter and succeed in export markets, and fostering networking among firms interested in international markets.
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Gnatenko, Viktoria, Chenyu Huang, and Simon Olsson. "The Role of Foreign Market Knowledge in Internationalization of B2B Born Global SMEs : A Case Study of Deep Tech Companies." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring (MF), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-86279.
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The subject of internationalization of Born Global small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that start cross-border business operations shortly after the company’s foundation has received growing scholarly attention in the last decades. Although the research of the influence of the market knowledge - information a firm has about a specific foreign market, on internationalization decisions was developing rapidly to account for the challenges of the established internationalization theories, multi-factor comprehensive analysis of the influence of all the interlinked factors of the market knowledge remains overlooked by research. Therefore, the main purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the impact of foreign market knowledge on the decisions of business-to-business (B2B) Born Global SMEs regarding when, where to, and how to internationalize, and concerning the ways of operating in the foreign market(s). To fulfill the purpose of the paper, the authors carried out a qualitative multiple case study with six Born Global SMEs working in the deep tech industry which has started international operations up to one year after the establishment. Fieldwork consisted of 14 virtual interviews with the Marketing Managers and Founders of the firms. The results of this study show that the process through which the studied B2B Born Global SMEs internationalize is very similar among all companies: it starts between a few weeks up to one year after the inception of the company, and it follows a typical progressive process (first, the firms have one of their employees or external representatives physically going to the foreign market of interest; then establish the partnerships with local companies; later appoint a local representative to the market, and lastly establish a subsidiary company). Next, the research illustrates that the studied Born Global SMEs acquire foreign market knowledge from external parties by the method of grafting. Furthermore, the study also concluded that there are three groups of factors of the foreign market, which are categorized based on the firms’ perception of the factors’ influence on decisions of B2B Born Global SMEs about when, where to, and how to internationalize. These groups are: important (economic opportunities, networks, political context), disregarded (language, culture, and legal regulations) and overlooked (political context, legal regulations, and language) factors. Lastly, such foreign market knowledge factors were found to influence the decisions of B2B Born Global SMEs’ about ways of operations in the foreign market(s): political situation, economic opportunities, and legal regulation impact the companies’ decisions about operations in the foreign market(s).
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Pavlíková, Martina. "Kľúčové faktory úspešnosti stratégie tržných výklenkov v ČR." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2013. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-197629.
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The diploma thesis deals with the niche market strategy as one of the marketing strategies used mainly among small and medium-sized companies. The aim of the thesis is to analyze successful Czech firms that indicate the occurrence of characteristics of the studied direction, and to determine the key factors that influenced their success. In the research, primary data obtained through on-line questionnaires and interviews with company representatives as well as secondary data downloaded from the Internet were used.
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Chatzakis, Emmanouil. "Maintaining agility : a study of obscure New Product Development practices in small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises to understand how they maintain relevance to their markets." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2015. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/30321/.
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This thesis describes a sociocultural study which addresses the question of how New Product Development (NPD) practices in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) are influenced by obscure practices, deployed to meet emerging challenges that enable SMEs to remain relevant to their markets. Prior research in this area has assumed that a company’s innovation potential can be objectively explained by looking at critical factors such as peoples’ skills (e.g. leadership), company resources, capabilities, and its external orientation. However important, these variance-based approaches are generally discussed in isolation from the dynamic and idiosyncratic contexts where they emerge (such as the NPD process). As a result they fail to provide a holistic view of the phenomena that promote agility and innovation. This study’s purpose was to develop a methodological approach to explicate obscurity in SMEs’ innovation practices. To achieve this, the study employed a design-led qualitative research strategy to bring to the forefront the underlying contextual, situational and relational phenomena impacting a common core practice in manufacturing SMEs, their NPD process. The aim was to increase our knowledge of the notion of obscure practices in their effort to meet their emerging challenges. The research began by developing a theoretical model to consolidate ideas derived from: 1.Strategic management variance literature, which led to a multi-level theoretical framework (people, firm, and external levels). 2. Models of NPD processes, which led to the adoption of a generic process-model (Initiation, Development and Implementation) used as periods to study organisational practices. 3. Sociocultural literature, which led to the adoption of Activity Theory (AT) to guide analysis of NPD activities. The study approached its methodology in order to meet two key requirements. With regards to the sensitivities of the SME context (such as the disruption to participants’ day to day practices), the study developed a design-led process-mapping tool for data collection that provided rich insights in an engaging and fast way, whilst it allowed the triangulation and visualisation of the data, which was collected from staff members across different expertise and positions. In addition, an Activity Theory framework was adopted as a means to analyse the data and make sense of its complexity in line with the need to capture multi-level phenomena across different periods of the NPD process. The thesis provides a number of contributions to contemporary design research and beyond. First, it demonstrates the value of integrating variance and process-based research approaches and the richness of insights gained by applying them to organisational settings. Second, it argues for the usefulness of ‘obscurity’ as a term to describe the not-well-articulated practices that take place in the day-to-day business, as opposed to terms such as hidden, invisible, silent, and/or tacit. Third, it shows the value of the adopted research method (i.e. the Pytheas tool), to surface obscurity in innovation practices in a non-prescriptive, fast and engaging way by enabling participants to self-reflect on their own practices and by visualising organisational contexts in such a way that the richness and the depth of the practices can be captured and better appreciated. Consequently, the contributions of the study primarily concern design practitioners and strategists who need to find ways to better construe the organisational settings to which they are called to offer their expertise. Businesses may also benefit by this method as it provides a platform through which members can develop a greater awareness of their respective strengths and weaknesses and, through the visualised outcomes, it offers a legacy that businesses can use, revisit and refer to during their efforts to achieve agility and increase their innovation potential.
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Agyeiwaa, Owusu Jacqueline, and Aguirre Gonzalez Victor Raul. "ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMEs: A Case Study from a Ghanaian SME." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Företagsekonomi, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-28512.
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Aim: The purpose of this research is to develop an in-depth understanding on the environmental factors that influence the internationalization of SMEs in an emerging African market environment. Methods: The study was conducted by using a qualitative research design. To fulfil the purpose of this research, the researchers adopted the use of a single case study to explain the different aspects of the topic being studied within the emerging market context. The research was supported with primary data obtained directly from the company through interviews and also with secondary data in order to support and compare the results obtained from this research. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis with the use of the NVivo software to represent data collected. Results: The main findings of this research indicate the internationalization process of financial SMEs in an African country like Ghana is heavily influenced by the socio-cultural factors in their home market environment and the technological factors in their host markets. Again, it was realized that the internal resources of the firm, particularly the competitive advantage, remained highly relevant and influential in the internationalization process on both markets. Furthermore, it was found that the internationalization process was not only influenced by the firm’s resources or the environmental factors but also by the firm’s organizational internal processes, international activities, level of foreign experiences and firm identity. Conclusions: Environmental factors have both positive and negative influence on the internationalization process of financial SMEs in an emerging economy like Ghana. Some factors have more impact on the home market than on the host market and vice versa. In addition, the internationalization process of financial SMEs in Ghana can mostly be initiated and successful when the firm has a market gap or foothold strong enough to sustain competitive advantage in the long run on both host and home markets. More importantly, this unique edge must be buttressed by ample firm resources.
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Watts, Tony. "Strategies for New Zealand manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises going global : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Management at Massey University, Turitea, Palmerston North, New Zealand." Massey University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/1141.
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The strategies to employ when a small to medium sized enterprise (SME) enters the international market are important issues for a business to consider. This research study addresses the question “What strategies will position New Zealand manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises for international markets?” It is intended to compare various strategies for going global, discovering these through a literature review and personal interviews with New Zealand businesses who have successfully globalised. The research studies globalisation within manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand. It explores strategies available in order to discover their advantages and disadvantages, and suggests key strategic directions for New Zealand manufacturing SME’s to use when entering into international markets. The research is intended to benefit New Zealand SME’s considering entering the international market place, which in turn will contribute towards benefiting New Zealand as a whole as it endeavours to position itself in the international competitive arena. Specific strategies for New Zealand manufacturing SME’s wishing to establish global markets are explored with implications for theory, research, and business practices. A case study approach was adopted, with multiple research methods used to gather information for the study. An experience survey in the form of personal interviews was used to gather a range of views from people with knowledge and experience in exporting to international markets. Documents were analysed, together with information gained through the interviews to compile case histories of the businesses that participated in this research. Strategies relevant to going global were identified in a literature review and these strategies were compared with actions and directions taken by the businesses interviewed. The analysis of the findings reveals congruence with theoretical strategies for globalisation of SMEs identified in previous studies; however it was found that decisions made when going global were highly dependent on the individual circumstances that a business finds itself in, rather than committing to strategies based on assumptions from academic studies. The businesses involved in this study went global through opportunities more so than strategic purpose. They had not set out to be a global enterprise, however when the opportunities arose their globalisation effort needed total commitment. Their experiences are discussed in this study and have relevance for other firms looking to go global.
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Drbalová, Aneta. "Podnikatelský plán začínajícího podniku." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2014. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-193109.
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The aim of this Master's Thesis is to set up an initial business plan of the ice cream shop in the busy touristic area of the capital city of Prague. The thesis is divided into two parts: theoretical and practical. The theoretical part deals with the analysis of the small and medium enterprise segment in the Czech Republic and the local entrepreneurial environment in comparison with other European countries according to regularly compiled international reports. Additionally, an analyses of specific consumer behaviour will be carried out. The end of the theoretical part introduces the generally recommended structure of a business plan describing closer its respective parts. The practical part applies this structure into practise based on the example of the initial business plan in the traditional ice cream branch. The plan presents a new concept of selling the ice cream including the supplement products. It strives to reflect the up-to-date market needs which were revealed through the conveyed market research. The output of this thesis presents the conclusion regarding the feasibility and attractiveness of this contemplated project that can subsequently serve as a material for the internal management.
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Černohousová, Anežka. "Marketingový plán uvedení strojírenského produktu na trh B2B." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2013. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-191918.
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This diploma thesis deals with product launch marketing plan on B2B engineering market. The aim is to describe the marketing plan and comment it in terms of complexity and depth of this plan. The theoretical part describes the marketing plan and its parts considering the specifics of small business on B2B market. The practical part covers comments on the particular marketing plan in detail and suggests indicators which evaluate successful product launch. Finally, the conclusion evaluates marketing plan briefly and presents several suggestions to improve the plan based on specialized publications.
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Hung, Pui-ling Elsa. "Government support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2003. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B31967206.
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Jensen, Joan, and n/a. "Electronic Commerce and Small and Medium Business Enterprises." University of Canberra. n/a, 2005. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20070517.130605.
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The aim of this research was to discover the issues influencing the adoption of e-commerce by small and medium business enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The demand aspect of the theory of diffusion of innovation enabled the formulation of a number of research propositions which formed the focus for this research. Seventy-five randomly-selected SMEs within the ACT were interviewed. Of these seventy five, fifty had adopted e-commerce and twenty-five had not.
Findings complemented results from other studies, but also added to them. Factors from the demand aspect of the theory of time, resources (personnel, financial, technological), business organisation, size, return on investment, push by outside agencies or clients, and communication channels were found to be of little importance. Of greater importance were characteristics of the SME operators themselves (such as their innovativeness, their relative youth and educational level), the size of their business, the number of years it had been operating, and marketing issues. A prime consideration was that of attaining and maintaining a competitive edge over their competitors. Security and privacy issues were of little consideration prior to the adoption process, but became of much greater importance once SMEs had adopted e-commerce.
Some things discovered by this research that have not appeared in the reporting of other studies included:
� The importance of tertiary education for the primary decision-makers in the organisation;
� The role banks played in the adoption process;
� The high cost and difficulty of compliance with government regulations, especially regarding the employment of staff; and
� The lack of use of specifically established communication channels, set up by government bodies or associated industry organisations to educate and inform SMEs about the potential and process of e-commerce.
Results of this research have implications for a large number of associated stakeholders � government, educational institutions, and trade, industry and professional associations � and as such deserve to be widely disseminated.
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Nazari, Shahriar. "Small to Medium Enterprise Business Leaders Managing Change." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4393.
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Organizational change is necessary for businesses to survive and prosper. One of the main reasons organizational change is unsuccessful is the inadequate leadership style used by business leaders. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore leadership strategies business leaders used to manage change. The target population comprised a purposeful sample of 15 business leaders from various businesses located in the metropolitan area of Southern California. The conceptual framework for this study was the transformational leadership theory, which holds that leaders can use inspiration and motivation to inspire employees, especially during times of organizational change. A pilot study confirmed that all research questions were relevant to the research topic. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews and company document reviews. Data analysis included identifying relevant themes using a thematic approach to pinpoint, record, and examine patterns. Data were compared during each phase of the data collection process, revealing themes of managing employee's needs, mentoring/training programs, motivation, influence, and communication. Member checking was used to validate themes and strengthen the trustworthiness of the interpretations. The results from this study may assist business leaders in facilitating organizational change. The implications for positive social change include the potential to contribute to job growth and employee prosperity in local communities.
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Yeung, Ka-wing Ricky. "IT implementation in small and medium manufacturing enterprises /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1997. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B18873406.
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Mayanja, Jamiah. "Business ethics in Ugandan small and medium-sized enterprises." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8521.
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SMEs have been acknowledged by governments globally as a prime source of economic growth and development. In Africa there has been a noticeable increase in the number of SME establishments. In Uganda, SMEs are the most popular business choice and play a major role in the national economy. Although SMEs significant economic contributions are generally acknowledged, being ethical and successful has become a challenge, as many SMEs in Uganda have not fully adopted and integrated ethics into their business strategies. Understanding the reasons for the increased unethical behaviour in SMEs is central to their continued business success. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that influence ethical business conduct in Ugandan SMEs. From a comprehensive literature review, three main independent variables (staff-, business- and external environment factors) were identified as variables influencing ethical business conduct (dependent variable) of SMEs. A hypothetical model was developed to determine whether the independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable. Twelve hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between three staff factors, five business factors, four external environment factors and ethical business conduct. The study sought the perceptions of SME owners or managers in the Kampala District and utilised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed by three fieldworkers. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was utilised. The final sample comprised 384 respondents. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained by using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. A total of ten valid and reliable factors were retained. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the correlation and statistical significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. One statistically significant relationship was found between the staff factors (employee attitude) and ethical business conduct. Two statistically significant relationships were found between the business factors (knowledge acquisition and management practices) and ethical business conduct. Three statistically significant relationships were found between the external environment factors (legal requirements, industry norm and media power) and ethical business conduct. External environmental factors seem to have a greater influence on SME ethical business conduct in Uganda. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to identify if significant relationships exist between the eight demographic variables and seven reliable and valid independent variables. Furthermore, post-hoc Scheffé tests identified where the significant differences occurred between the different categories. Cohen‟s d-values were calculated in order to assess the practical significance of the mean scores. A total of twelve practical significant relationships were identified. SME owners or managers should consider employing staff with the right attitude to uphold sound ethical business values. They should implement ethical management practices to promote ethical business conduct amongst employees and ensure that employees are made aware of what is regarded as acceptable ethical business behaviour. SME owners or managers should adhere to legal requirements and industry norms to be known as businesses exhibiting ethical behaviour and utilise media to instil and guide ethical values in employees. Lastly, they must pay attention to the role that demographical variables such as: gender, level of education, current employment status, number of years in business and number of employees, play in behaving ethically in business.
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Armoutis, Nikolaos. "Small-medium engineering enterprises and e-business : executive summary." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2006. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/1165/.
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A preferred methodology for handling increasing customer demands and the resulting complexity is to design common modules or subsystems. The design of all the modules required by a complex system, such as a car, aeroplane or computer, is increasingly a task beyond the organisational resources of the OEMs and their close suppliers. Therefore, a larger burden is transferred down the supply chain. As a consequence, lower tier suppliers are required to play a more proactive role and demonstrate an appropriate breadth of skills and resources in order to provide complete sub-systems. This research focuses on collaboration and e-business for a solution which will enable engineering SMEs to respond to such challenges and undertake higher value projects. In particular, the aim of this engineering doctorate is to develop and implement a mechanism that puts together combinations of SMEs with the required capability, within an e-business environment. Accounting for 99.3% of all manufacturing companies and 50.8% of the total employment, SME prosperity and `well-being' has significant impact on the national economy. Analyses, such as these provided by KPMG and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, indicate that the demand for common components could substantially reduce the number of small manufacturers and subcontractors. Statistics published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) confirm the decline of the sector, a reduction of over 22% in overall sector turnover has been reported in the past two years. Although, improved communication links through collaboration and `e' enablement could permit SMEs to move towards a more enriched business model, there is evidence that ebusiness take-up and success in Europe among engineering businesses is low. For instance, focusing on on-line sales, the eEurope 2004 benchmarking report admits that only 14% of SMEs make on-line sales and in only 7% of SMEs do on-line sales constitute more than 5% of their overall sales. The vast majority of companies still continue to rely on old trusted methods of doing business even though outsourcing to lower cost regions and countries is a major threat to many engineering SMEs in Europe. Access to specific competences drives organisations to collaborate with each other. Focusing on the organisational competence, a notion which expresses the key skills and capabilities of an organisation, an ICT based methodology has been developed and tested in this research. The `Competence Profiling Methodology' facilitates collaborative business processes. The methodology enables the discovery of appropriate collaborators for the development and manufacture of complex systems by matching complimentary competences and softer factors. These ideas were developed and tested within two SME projects in the West Midlands, Autocle@r and Autolean 3, as well as with the DTI funded Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands, a one-stop shop to assist manufacturing SMEs. The results from these projects were used to develop a practical portal architecture, to help e-enable engineering SMEs. The resulting West Midlands Collaborative Commerce Marketplace, has over 2000 SME members, has had over 40,000 tenders through the system and over 100 companies are using collaborative spaces to coordinate resources. A key conclusion of this research is that traditional e-business is poorly suited to engineering SMEs being very standard product orientated. Skills and capabilities are far more generic than end products and focusing on them can support more effective eenablement of engineering companies. Results from the WMCCM (www.wmccm.co.uk) project confirm this.
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Mbambe, Putumani. "Construction small and medium enterprise development." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11681.
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The objective of this treatise study was to determine the leading causes which limit the development of SMME contractors, to ascertain the accessibility of SMME incubators available to support SMME development and to identify the cause of poor management performance by SMME contractors based in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative method was adopted for this study. The primary data was collected using a structured interview guide which incorporated the sub problems and the research questions. The salient findings of this study are: SMME contractors are unaware of the available business information and government support programmes designed to assist them; SMME contractors do not receive capital from banks when they don‟t have collateral; Desperation to secure projects among SMME contractors is the leading cause for under-pricing; SMME contractors are still paid later than the 30 day period for completed work; SMME owners who had started their construction companies lacked training and do not have the relevant experience and knowledge required to manage a construction company. In summary the study concluded that SMME who have access to capital have high growth prospects than those that have not. Accessibility to information and awareness of available opportunities remains significant for the growth of SMMEs. Construction related knowledge and training for SMME owners contributes vastly to the success of SMME companies. The study recommended that; Government needs to promote the accessibility of SMME incubators and ensure institutions designed to assist SMMEs with finance are accessible; The effectiveness of current development programs for small enterprises and skills development programs should be reviewed; MMBM should setup a mentoring program to help train SMME contractors theoretically and practically; NMBM local government should promote women to own SMMEs in order to close the gap of inequality in the built environment; Banks must work with government institutions to ensure that they are able to fund SMMEs.
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熊佩玲 and Pui-ling Elsa Hung. "Government support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2003. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31967206.
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Newby, Rick. "Examining the goals of small and medium enterprise owner-operations." University of Western Australia. School of Economics and Commerce, 2006. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2007.0021.
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[Truncated abstract] The focus of this thesis is to investigate the meaning and measurement of business success for owner-operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Taking a first step towards a greater understanding of SME performance, the study develops an instrument specifically designed to measure the business goals and objectives of SME owners. This development is based on a combination of a: literature search; quantitative analysis of a secondary data set of the goals and expectations of Australian retailers; qualitative (focus group) study of West Australian SME principals; and quantitative (mail survey) study of West Australian SME principals. Both these primary data studies used SME principals from a wide variety of industries . . . Tests of the power of the SOS to account for differences in economic performance revealed that the SOS significantly increased understanding of variations in owner returns and profitability and had a limited capacity to explain differences in revenue growth and staff revenue productivity. SOS satisfaction was found to describe differences in owner-operators’ perceptions of business success significantly better than objective measures of economic return. It is expected that such knowledge will help subsequent research develop an understanding of how SME onwer-operators modify their expectations of economic return for the utility they gain from their working life.
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Malik, Naveed Hussain, and Masood Hussain chaudhary. "Factors Effecting Small and Medium Enterprises, Selection of Market Entry Mode." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Sektionen för management, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-1152.
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Development in infrastructure limits the communication gap, speedy travel and low cost tariff barriers as well other drivers of globalization have made overseas markets easier to get small firms and gave more opportunities to SME´s internationalize. The market entry mode choice or selections have strong effect the success or failure of the company. For instance an insufficient or wrong entry mode selection can decrease opportunities and limit important choice for the firm and could lead to high financial loss as well as lose control on overseas market. The purpose of research study is to provide a deep and better understanding of the factors those effecting SME´s selection of market entry mode. Research question how can the influence of internal and external factors on the selection of market entry mode. A frame of reference led to the building of summary which in turn became the basis for data collection. Two qualitative case studies for Pakistani SME´s namely socks knitter Pakistan and RK International were undertaken. The main findings shows the clear link between the theories claim to be internal and external factors influencing market entry mode choice between SME´s.C/O Kamran Anjum Norrekaer 14. 7 Tv 2610 Rodovre Denmark
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Van, Niekerk Dirk Bouwer. "Small and medium enterprise transformation (South African manufacturing)." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/53055.
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Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.ENGLISH ABSTRACT "The environment sets many new requirements and SMEs can reactively adapt or they can design themselves to affect and operate in the environment as effective as possible. " - Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin (2000). The objective of this thesis is to assess how applicable transformation methodologies (essentially a design process) are to South African small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). Enterprise Engineering was chosen as the reference discipline for this study. Enterprise Engineering is an emerging discipline that draws upon a wide variety of reference disciplines as a foundation. Transformation from an Enterprise Engineering perspective is considered as a rigorous engineering approach through careful planning to transform an enterprise from a current state to desired future state. Two methodologies from the Enterprise Engineering discipline were chosen, and their applicability to serve as transformation methodologies was assessed for South African manufacturing SMEs. The thesis starts by stating the thesis objective, problem statement, approach followed, limitations of the research and thesis outline. Global competitive trends for nations and manufacturing enterprises are then discussed. The current South African environment for manufacturing SMEs is reviewed in order to better understand the specific needs for transformation. Current literature on the reference disciplines of Enterprise Engineering is introduced to establish a sound foundation for understanding the transformation concepts. Transformation, Enterprise Engineering methodologies and the type of transformation that each methodology presents are defined, and some important concepts of the methodologies are discussed and evaluated against prevailing South African practices. A pre-transformation assessment method is established to help in the decision process of whether a SME should go ahead with transformation at all, and if so, what the extent and type of transformation approach should be. An application for each of the two transformation methodologies is done. The Transform Enterprise Methodology was applied at a small manufacturer of microwave components for the electronic warfare industry, and the Master Planning methodology was applied to a business unit that specialises in rapid product development. The results of the applications are included in this report. Lessons learnt and conclusions drawn are presented in the sections following.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: "Die omgewing stel baie nuwe vereistes en klein en medium ondernemings kan reaktief aanpas of hulle self herontwerp om die omgewing te beinvloed en om so effektief as moontlik daarin te werk. " - Handel en Nywerheid Minister Alec Erwin (2000). Die doewit van die tesis is om te bepaal hoe toepasbaar transformasie metodologië is tot Suid Afrikaanse klein en medium vervaardiging ondernemings. Ondernemings Ingenieurswese is gekies as verwysings disipline vir hierdie studie. Ondernemings Ingenieurswese is 'n opkomende disipline wat gebaseer is op 'n wye verskeidenheid verwysings disiplines. Transformasie vanuit 'n Ondernemings Ingenieurswese oogpunt kan beskou word as 'n werksintensiewe ingenieurs benadering om 'n onderneming te transformeer van 'n huidige tot 'n toekomstige begeerlike toestand in ooreenstemming met 'n plan. Twee metedologië vanuit die Ondernemings Ingenieurswese disipline is gekies, en hulle toepasbaarheid om as transformasie metedologië gebruik te word is bepaal vir Suid Afrikaanse klein en medium vervaardiging ondernemings. Die tesis begin deur die tesis doelwit, probleem stelling, benadering gevolg, begrensing van die navorsing en oorsigtelike skema te gee. Globale kompeterende tendensies vir nasies en vervaardinging ondernemings word daarna bespreek. Die huidige omgewing vir klein en medium vervaardiging ondernemings in Suid Afrika word dan beskou. Dit word gedoen om beter te verstaan wat die spesifieke behoeftes vir transformasie is. Huidige literatuur oor Ondernemings Ingenieurswese verwysmgs disiplines word bekend gestelom 'n goeie fondasie daar te stel vir begrip van transformasie konsepte. Transformasie word gedefinieer en twee tipes transformasie metedologië word bekendgestel. Die belangrikste konsepte van die twee metedologië word dan bespreek en geevalueer teen algemene Suid Afrikaanse werkpraktyke. 'n Pro-transformasie evalueerings metode is opgestel om te help met die besluitneming of daar voortgegaan moet word met transformasie in 'n onderneming, en indien wel, watter tipe metedologie gebruik moet word en wat die omvang van transformasie moet wees. Toepassings van beide metedologië is gedoen. Die Transformeer Onderneming Metedologie is toegepas op 'n klein vervaardiger van mikrogolf komponente vir die elektroniese oorlog industrie, en die Meester Plan metedologie is toegepas op a besigheids eenheid wat spesialiseer in pas komponent vervaardiging.
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Sarosa, Samiaji. "The information technology adoption process within Indonesian small and medium enterprises." University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Information Technology, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2100/427.
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This thesis examines the adoption process of Information Technology (IT)-based solutions within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia, in the furniture and handicraft industries. As the Indonesian SMEs grew in size, they faced new problems in managing their businesses. They have tried to use IT to support their business and resolve some of these problems. Yet in their efforts to adopt IT, they often faced new problems by introducing new technology into the organisation. The thesis examines the experiences of 35 Indonesian SMEs when they adopted IT. We investigated what factors were influencing IT adoption; the process of IT adoption which covers decision making, implementation or deployment and evaluation; and how SMEs cope with and recover from failure. The participants’ experiences were compared to what has been reported in the existing literature. Analysis of the relevant research literature revealed some unexplored issues concerning IT adoption within SMEs. Most of the published research has been conducted in developed countries, with little in developing or less developed countries. From those few, only one was conducted in Indonesia and it was about IT diffusion. The focus of previous studies was mainly to explore factors influencing IT adoption and they mostly utilised survey techniques to elicit the factors. The scant literature suggests that exploring IT adoption can be approached from three different perspectives: individualist, structuralist, and interactive process. This thesis uses the interactive process approach to explore how well those factors that have been well documented in the literature actually work in Indonesian SMEs’ IT adoption. As a result of our exploration, we formulated a model of an interactive process view of IT adoption within Indonesian SMEs. A qualitative approach was used to answer research questions and explore the participants’ experiences in depth. In this thesis, we used in-depth interviews to explore participants’ experiences. These interviews enabled us to draw out not only IT adoption processes but also successes and failures in IT adoption. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection tool. They provided guidance so the interviews stayed well within the focus of the thesis, yet provided room to explore new and relevant issues that emerged during the interview process. Content analysis of the interview transcripts was used to extract answers given during the semi-structured interviews and to identify new themes that emerged from the data. The analysis resulted in important findings. First, it confirms some factors found in the literature as actually influencing IT adoption in Indonesian SMEs. Despite some similarities, we found some differences such as government role and competitors’ influence on IT adoption. The other findings are concerned with the failures faced by some of the participants. We then explore the differences between failed and successful participants, and how Indonesian SMEs cope with and recover from failed IT deployment. Finally, we revised the initial model of the interactive process of IT adoption. The extended model captures new insights into success and failure of IT adoption, and could provide a better understanding of IT adoption within Indonesian SMEs. The interaction between different factors in the IT adoption shows how those factors influence each other and how different stakeholders could manage their own interests related to IT adoption. The improved model could be used to guide Indonesian SME managers to manage their adoption of IT more effectively.
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Leith, Andrew Roydon. "Competitiveness of Australian small to medium enterprises in Indonesia /." View thesis View thesis, 2000. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030429.163902/index.html.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2000.A thesis submitted as part of the candidature requirement for the award of a Doctorate of Philosophy, November 2000, University of Western Sydney. Bibliography : leaves 204-215.
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Goncalves, Mark-Anthony. "Organisational commitment during business rescue in small and medium enterprises." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/79581.
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Business rescue is considered a new process in South Africa (Du Preez, 2012). To date the business rescue process has yielded minimal success and resulted in numerous organisations having to be liquidated. The business rescue process involves numerous stakeholders, yet existing research has focused much attention on business owners, business rescue practitioners and creditors (Lusinga & Fairhurst, 2020).
Employees can best be described as an organisation’s most valuable assets (Juan, Yao, Binti, Tamyez & Ozavize, 2019). Such assets should not be overlooked as they remain an important stakeholder in the business rescue process (Lusinga & Fairhurst, 2020).
The research study set out to provide a platform for a crucial stakeholder of the business rescue process namely, the employees, to share their voice their experience and perceptions of the business rescue process in addition to exploring their commitment levels during business rescue. The research study involved a qualitative research design, whereby 17 semi-structured and open-ended interviews were conducted with employees of SME businesses undertaking business rescue within Gauteng, South Africa. The research study employed purposive and snowball sampling methods.
The research findings established that employee’s commitment levels were influenced during business rescue. The findings suggested that more employee’s described increased commitment levels during a time of distress, followed by those fewer employees who mentioned decreased commitment levels. The research established that employee commitment levels are largely influenced by personal, interpersonal and organisational factors, such as remuneration, understanding of the business rescue process and duration of service.Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2020.
pt2021
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
MBA
Unrestricted
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Eybers, Carey. "Copreneurships in South African small and medium-sized family business." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1207.
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Taking cognisance of the increasingly important role that copreneurial businesses play in national economies, the unique challenges that they face, and the lack of research attention given to such spousal teams, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the more effective functioning of copreneurships in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their success. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the Perceived success of copreneurships in South Africa, as well as the conditions required for the effective and harmonious functioning of such spousal partnerships. This study seeks to incorporate previous findings and studies on team effectiveness and spousal relationships into a comprehensive conceptual model. After conducting a comprehensive literature study, as well as examining the different teamwork models proposed and the study by Farrington (2009), it became clear that successful teams have validated their proficiency with regard to two types of factors, namely, relational-based and organisational-based factors. Within these two categories of factors, 14 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the measures of effectiveness of copreneurships, namely the dependent variable Perceived success; and the intervening variable Financial performance. All of the factors in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from Farrington’s (2009) measuring instrument, as well as several measuring instruments used in other studies, were used in the operationalisation of these factors. In addition, several items were self-generated from secondary sources. Respondents were identified using the convenience snowball sampling technique, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data gathered from the 380 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated for this purpose. The original intervening variable Financial performance could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, Financial performance split into v two separate variables which were named Financial performance and Growth performance. The original dependent variable Perceived success was confirmed by the factor analyses. The relational- and organisational-based factors could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, seven new relational- and seven new organisational-based factors emerged, and where necessary these factors were renamed. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables in this study, was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Owing to the sample-size restrictions, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Instead, seven submodels were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent and intervening variables in this study: • Spousal relationship • Commitment to spouse • Equal status • Commitment to the business • Emotional attachment • Non-family involvement • Personal needs alignment • Leadership • Competencies • Internal context In order to investigate the influence of the various demographic variables on the intervening and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multiple Linear Regression analysis and t-tests were performed. How leadership occurs in a copreneurial business, the tenure of the business, the location of the business, the status of the copreneurship, the level of spousal involvement in the business and the vi number of employees were found to have an influence on the intervening and dependent variables of this study. By empirically investigating copreneurships, this study has added to the limited amount of family business literature on these complex partnerships. By way of the conceptual models developed in this study a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the factors influencing the success of copreneurships. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist couples in managing their copreneurships in such a way as to nurture their marriage relationships and at the same time enhance the performance of their businesses.
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Al-Ghailani, Hamed Hashim Al-Dhahab. "Innovation effort in small and medium-sized manufacturing companies." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.360071.
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Wadzwanya, Faith Chivimbiso. "Managing small and medium enterprises using project management principles." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2652.
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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration (Entrepreneurship)))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Although SMEs are aware of project management, it seems that a vast majority of firms are not actually well-informed about what project management is, and therefore, might not even be adhering to project management principles. Hence, the main objective of this study was to determine the extent to which SMEs (involved in construction, events and information technology and located in the Cape Metropolitan area in South Africa) apply project management principles. This study used a mixed method approach (both qualitative and quantitative) and various relevant instruments to collect and analyse data. A total of 223 questionnaires were administered to employees working in conjunction with a project management department, and five face-to-face interviews were conducted with owner-managers of selected SMEs. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) was used to analyse the quantitative data with results presented in a tabulated format; content analysis was used to transcribe qualitative data and categorise this data into themes. The study found that the project management sector is still predominately male-dominated, and project teams are not selected on the basis of experience. Furthermore, those who lack experiences are not trained. The nature of work done, company understaffing, time and financial constraints and poor team dynamics were all cited as factors affecting the application of project management principles within SMEs. Several recommendations emerged from the findings. First, it was recommended that women be empowered as active participants in project management, thereby reducing the evident gender imbalance; training and development should regularly be conducted to fully equip employees with vital skills and competencies. This will more strongly ensure that clients are satisfied with quality outcome and thereby establish a good reputation for SMEs. Project managers should create contingency plans for potential challenges. Additionally, the project manager should ensure that by virtue of the company being understaffed, specific roles and responsibilities of individuals should be clearly delineated, clearly communicated and clearly understood. Alternatively, the company may employ more personnel for particular projects, or independent contractors could be hired to assist. Moreover, time constraints can be eradicated by establishing timelines through the Gantt chart and measuring milestones. Finance and other resources should be allocated economically with and ongoing budget-cost analysis for monitoring expenditure. It was also deemed advisable that project managers send their teams for wellness training to avoid negative team dynamics, and as for labour unrest, senior managers should engage proactively with unions and delegates.
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McGlashan, Asha. "Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Obtaining Public Procurement Contract Awards." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5573.
Full textAbstract:
The dominance of federal and state contracts by large enterprises reduces the share of contracts small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) business leaders obtain. As of the last census reading in 2016, SMEs received only 23% of contracts. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies of 3 small business leaders, operating in south Florida, for obtaining state contracts through public procurement. The thematic findings were in the context of the principal-agent theory as the conceptual framework. The participants answered 10 questions in semistructured interviews and provided organizational procurement documents for review. The methodological triangulation of multiple data sources and data analysis led to the identification of 3 primary themes: business performance, overcoming barriers, and strategic initiatives. Enabling proper business performance protocols for revenue, company reputation, pricing, and compliance benefitted the 3 participants as a strategy for successfully winning state contracts. The participants first identified the barriers they experienced, which included access, bargaining power, funding, and labels. The barriers encountered by the participants became less overwhelming with the implementation of strategic initiatives based on knowledge, relationship building, skilled personnel, and taking action. Findings included the importance of SME business leaders and personnel educating themselves on the public procurement process and building relationships with individuals in the various agencies. Application of the findings may lead to a social change of higher small business employment rates, increased revenue, and improved innovation for business leaders.