Challenges and constrains faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Al Batinah governorate of Oman

Abstract

Purpose

Although many studies have been conducted in this area in many countries, there is still, a few studies on these enterprises have been done in Oman concerning the obstacles and constrains. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The main purpose of this paper is to throw light on the challenges and constraints faced by small and medium enterprise (SMEs) in Al Batinah Governorate of Oman and try to give some suggestions to solve problems.

Findings

The data have been gathered through questionnaires from SMEs in Al Batinah Governorate in Oman. The descriptive analysis has been used to analyze the data, nonparametric testing and analysis of variance.

Originality/value

After the data have been analyzed, the results show that obstacles and constrains facing SMEs in Al Batinah Governorate accordance to their importance are as follows: the investment environment come fist obstacles, capabilities of business owners come second, followed by the marketing obstacles, finance obstacles, while the legislations and regulations obstacles came last. Some of the recommendations have been presented which call for more attention and concentration on solving the obstacles facing SMES in Oman.

Citation

Bilal, Z.O. and Al Mqbali, N.S. (2015), "Challenges and constrains faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Al Batinah governorate of Oman", World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 120-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-05-2014-0012