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Article
Publication date: 6 October 2021

Ahmad Raza Bilal and Tehreem Fatima

This study aims to extend the much-held strategic entrepreneurial orientation stance and conceptualized it as a psychological disposition of small- and medium-scale enterprises…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to extend the much-held strategic entrepreneurial orientation stance and conceptualized it as a psychological disposition of small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) owners. Based on this notion, the authors theorized that individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) is a precursor of success in manufacturing sector SMEs. Building on the credo of action regulation, the authors clarified the IEO and SMEs’ success association by introducing exploration activities as a conduit. Further, the authors posited that entrepreneurial alertness augments the nexus of IEO, exploration activities and SMEs success.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-wave survey was done by drawing a cluster-based sample of 389 SME owners in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The mediation and moderation analysis were done by PROCESS macro that uses bootstrapping with 5,000 draws to calculate the indirect (Model 4), conditional and conditional indirect effects (Model 7) at a 95% confidence interval.

Findings

The results offered empirical support to the conjectured association among IEO and SMEs’ success mediated by exploration activities. Moreover, the conditional direct (between IEO and exploration activities) and indirect impact (among IEO and SMEs’ success mediated by exploration activities) of entrepreneurial alertness was substantiated.

Originality/value

The authors added to the sprouting body of knowledge in the field of entrepreneurial orientation by focusing on its individual-level psychological conception. The authors have unlocked the interplay between IEO and SMEs’ success via the role of action characteristics of exploration activities and entrepreneurial alertness based on the action regulation tenet. Thus, the authors made a novel contribution by linking the micro-level entrepreneurial orientation and actions with macro-level SMEs' success.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2018

Sam Alfoqahaa

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Palestine, and thus to contribute to the existing knowledge on the critical…

1428

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Palestine, and thus to contribute to the existing knowledge on the critical success factors (CSFs) of SMEs in the Palestinian context, especially in the West Bank.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is comprised a survey of a convenience sample of 370 SMEs operating in the West Bank, Palestine. It uses a multiple regression analysis to examine the effect of a set of CSFs, namely, reputation of the brand, excellence of customer services, reliable delivery and product innovation on the success of SMEs.

Findings

The results show that brand reputation, excellence of customer of services and reliable delivery strongly influence SME success, while innovation is weakly associated with SME success. These results imply that success is tied to customers and competition more than to production, structures or finance. That is, reputable brands, excellent customer service and reliable delivery are means to success according to the results of this research.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the need for Palestinian SMEs to maintain and develop their brand reputation, institutionalize customer service and develop its logistical systems and practices. Generally, the study suggests that there are specific investment areas for SMEs that can contribute to achieving success. Specifically, excellence in customer service was found to be the factor most linked to the success of SMEs, followed by reliable delivery and then by brand reputation and innovation.

Originality/value

While plenty of research has been done on what contributes to the failure or success of SMEs, research on CSFs for SMEs is limited. The study combines four CSFs not previously used in combination to model the successful performance of SMEs in general and in the Palestinian context in particular. Only some specific factors are critical to the success of SMEs and should be the focal point of SMEs’ efforts as long as they are consistent with their nature as small economic entities competing with big companies in small markets. Thus, instead of using general factors of SME success, the study explains how success becomes more possible through specifying areas for decision-making or activities for the entrepreneurs to undertake, keeping in mind that there is a mechanism by which these factors work together toward the success of the SME.

Details

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2022

Moza Rashed AlShehhi, Jacob Poopada Cherian, Sherine Farouk and Moza Al Nahyan

This study aims to analyze how international entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between influential dynamic capabilities and the internationalization success of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how international entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between influential dynamic capabilities and the internationalization success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a quantitative approach, the researchers designed a questionnaire based on an extensive literature review and used structural equation modeling to ascertain the mediating role of international entrepreneurial orientation in the relationship between influential dynamic capabilities and SMEs' internationalization success.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that international entrepreneurship orientation mediates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and internationalization success, as the indirect impact value is greater than the direct effect value for the relationship. Because the existence of the mediator in the model has no significant impact on the model's direct effects, full mediation is the most appropriate mediation type.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. One of the major limitations of this study relates to the limited finances of the incumbent, as the questionnaires were delivered to the respondents via email, but the incumbent had to follow up with phone calls and reminders. Second, this study mainly relied upon primary data and analysis based on the use of qualitative techniques; in future, researchers can incorporate qualitative aspects using interviews and other qualitative analysis tools and techniques. Third, limitation relates to sample size, as the sample size of research was above 500 but was limited to just UAE. Future researchers can conduct a cross-sectional analysis to determine the mediating role of different factors for the promotion of internationalization.

Practical implications

This study highlights the fundamental factors affecting the internationalization of SMEs in the UAE context, which has rarely been discussed. This study broadens the scope of internationalization by discussing its impact on SMEs' financial and non-financial performance.

Social implications

This study will contribute to the advancement of current information about the elements that impact the internationalization of SMEs and develop a new framework for analyzing SMEs' internationalization in the UAE.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by developing and testing a framework based on a comprehensive literature review to include different factors and their constructs that impact the potential internationalization of SMEs in developing economies. This study identifies and addresses a research gap regarding the relationship between internationalization and company performance among UAE SMEs.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2022

Hamood Mohammed Al-Hattami, Abdulwahid Abdullah Ahmed Hashed Abdullah, Jawahar D. Kabra, Maged A.Z. Alsoufi, Mohammed M.A. Gaber and Abdullah M.A. Shuraim

This paper aims to examine the influence of accounting information system (AIS) success on planning process effectiveness (PPE) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of accounting information system (AIS) success on planning process effectiveness (PPE) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of Yemen, a less developed nation (LDN).

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a theoretical model based on IS success model (DMISS2003). The model’s components were tested using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS on a sample of 325 SMEs.

Findings

The empirical results imply that AIS success positively affects PPE if SMEs focus on AIS information quality, system quality, user satisfaction and usage.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on SMEs in Yemen. Thus, it can be expanded to include different other countries.

Practical implications

The results of this study could be considered by owners and managers of SMEs, policymakers and AIS designers/vendors. This study could provide them insight into the role of AIS success in promoting PPE in SMEs. This study could assist policymakers in analyzing the work of SMEs and assessing their success, referring to AIS. Moreover, knowing the most critical determinants of AIS success could direct designers’/vendors’ efforts toward upgrading and improving the present AIS.

Social implications

Government policymakers in LDNs considering how to motivate SME development in their nation should be aware of the significance of AIS success and implementation among SMEs and its role in the nation’s economic development.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first that investigates the impact of AIS success on PPE in SMEs. Current literature largely lacks the investigation of such an impact, especially among SMEs in LDNs such as Yemen. Most AIS’s prior research focused on SMEs in developed nations, which may not fully apply to LDNs such as Yemen. Indeed, no existing literature is available where AIS success impacts PPE in SMEs of LDNs. In this respect, this study claims its uniqueness.

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

Alan Murphy and Ann Ledwith

This paper aims to examine the use of project management practices in small high‐technology firms and to identify what contributes to project success.

14475

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use of project management practices in small high‐technology firms and to identify what contributes to project success.

Design/methodology/approach

The results presented in this paper are based on a survey of Irish high‐technology small‐to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). A questionnaire was distributed to over 200 organisations via e‐mail and a response rate of 20 per cent was achieved.

Findings

Results suggest that the existence of a project manager and the use of project planning significantly contribute to project success. Control for projects resides primarily with owner‐managers and achieving quality standards is a significant success criterion. Additionally, having clear goals/objectives and top management support are identified as the most important success factors in the firms surveyed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents the findings of an initial investigation into the management of projects within SMEs. The study has been limited by the number of respondents and also by the use of a survey as a research instrument. Further research to develop a deeper understanding of how projects are managed in SMEs and how project success can be improved would require a more varied research methodology.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that project management tools and techniques are being used to a limited extent by high‐technology SMEs. Analysis suggests that the employment of a project manager and the implementation of project planning techniques are likely to contribute to the overall success of projects. SMEs also strongly believe that past experiences are a vital factor in implementing effective management procedures and determining future success.

Originality/value

While most research into the use of project management has concentrated on practices within large firms, there has been a lack of investigation into project management in small firms as addressed by this paper.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 June 2023

JohnBosco Kakooza, Immaculate Tusiime, Sophia Namiyingo, Ruth Nabwami and Mellan Basemera

This paper aims to report on the results of a study carried out to establish the contribution of business choice and location decision to the success of small and medium…

1104

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the results of a study carried out to establish the contribution of business choice and location decision to the success of small and medium enterprises in an emerging economy like Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 181 small and medium restaurants. The data were analyzed through correlation coefficients and hierarchical regression using statistical package for social sciences.

Findings

The findings reveal that both business choice and location decisions positively and significantly contribute to the success of small and medium enterprises. However, it was noted that more attention should be paid to location decision than business choice as determinants of SME success.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the contribution of business choice and location decision to the success of SMEs using evidence from a developing African country like Uganda. Finally, this research offers practical contributions to managers and owners of SMEs who have to make strategic decisions for firm profitability, survival and growth in the competitive business arena.

Details

Journal of Money and Business, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2596

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 March 2022

Michael Kuttner, Stefan Mayr, Christine Mitter and Christine Duller

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack adequate accounting systems and may even fail because of accounting inefficiencies. Indeed, accounting can mitigate the…

3613

Abstract

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack adequate accounting systems and may even fail because of accounting inefficiencies. Indeed, accounting can mitigate the course of a crisis and support a troubled SME’s turnaround. Its impact on reorganization success, however, has scarcely been researched so far. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effects of several accounting parameters, namely, the quality of accounting systems, quality of early warning systems, formal planning, the standard of financial accounting and reorganization planning on the short- and long-term success of court-supervised reorganization.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of accounting on reorganization success is investigated in a sample of all SME bankruptcy cases with ten or more employees (n = 117) in Upper Austria in 2012 including data for short-term survival (in 2016) and long-term survival (in 2019).

Findings

This study found evidence that the general quality of accounting systems, the quality of early warning systems and written reorganization plans positively influence the outcomes of the analyzed court-supervised reorganizations of SMEs. In particular, the existence of a reorganization plan significantly increases the short- and long-term reorganization success by ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources in the reorganization process.

Practical implications

This study should increase the awareness of SMEs’ owner managers, consultants, creditors and legislators for the importance of accounting in the context of reorganization. The fact that the effect of accounting on reorganization success is less pronounced in the long-term view indicates the necessity of increasing the strategic focus in SMEs’ accounting instruments.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on the impact of specific accounting parameters on the short- and long-term success of the court-supervised reorganization of SMEs. Furthermore, this study points out the high relevance of reorganization plans for SMEs.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2020

Noorliza Karia

Besides small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) constraints, there is a lack of critical observations of the human capital model naturally inspiring themselves from within…

Abstract

Purpose

Besides small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) constraints, there is a lack of critical observations of the human capital model naturally inspiring themselves from within. Therefore this paper exposes the factors of emotional intelligence (EI) that make entrepreneurs gain sustainable competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A data of self-administered survey from 397 SMEs in Malaysia was investigated using regression analysis.

Findings

The results reveal factors of EI comprised of self-confidence, self-innovation, self-inspiration and self-vision that have significant positive impacts on entrepreneurial performance. Amazingly, EI contributes almost 30% of the success, where self-vision and self-innovation are the robust EI to strengthen and sustain entrepreneurial performance. In contrast, self-confidence and self-inspiration are generic EI of human capital and easy to be applied by rivals.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a comparative benchmark model for SMEs, managers and entrepreneurs inspiring themselves from within that they can emulate and attain the same success. SMEs can obtain success by investing and culturing EI factors within themselves.

Practical implications

The study provides a comparative benchmark model for SMEs and managers inspiring themselves from within and expands the theory of heterogeneous SMEs and the human capital to sustainable business and competitiveness. SMEs can obtain success through capitalizing human capital attributes within themselves.

Originality/value

The study is the first providing the viable model for SMEs or entrepreneurs leading themselves from within, to their action, behaviour, decision and achievement or the performance mechanism with a benchmark model of entrepreneur EI as a booster.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2015

Hind El Makrini

The purpose of this paper is to examine the managerial determinants of the export success of Moroccan small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on resource-based view (RBV) of a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the managerial determinants of the export success of Moroccan small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on resource-based view (RBV) of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative design was employed involving a questionnaire completed by 100 managers of Moroccan SMEs. Multiple regression analyses were carried out to confirm or reject eight hypotheses.

Findings

It was found that management export commitment and management customer orientation are the main managerial factors in the export success of Moroccan SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to one context, and it followed a cross-sectional approach. Export success was measured by only subjective method with Likert scale. The study suggests that further investigations can be made to incorporate other factors affecting export success.

Practical implications

The results offer insights into the practices of Moroccan exporting SMEs and recommendations for policy makers as well as an indication for further research. The research can also be used in teaching.

Originality/value

First, the tested model is one of few that consider developing country contexts. Second, this research can serve as a guide for future researchers who intend to study export success in other developing countries, particularly in Maghreb regions where there is a gross dearth of research. Therefore, the study is of significant value to practitioners and scholars alike.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Fatemeh Hamidinava, Abdolhamid Ebrahimy, Roohallah Samiee and Hosein Didehkhani

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a cloud business intelligence model for industrial SMEs. An initial model was developed to accomplish this, followed by validation and…

1033

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a cloud business intelligence model for industrial SMEs. An initial model was developed to accomplish this, followed by validation and finalization of the cloud business intelligence model. Additionally, this research employs a mixed-techniques approach, including both qualitative and quantitative methods. This paper aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) Recognize the Cloud business intelligence concepts. (2) Identify the role of cloud BI in SMEs. (3) Identify the factors that affect the design and presenting a Cloud business intelligence model based on critical factors affecting SMEs during pandemic COVID-19. (4) Discuss the importance of Cloud BI in pandemic COVID-19 for SMEs. (5) Provide managerial implications for using Cloud BI effectively in Iran’s SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, an initial model was first proposed, and the cloud business intelligence model was then validated and finalized. Moreover, this study uses a mixed-methods design in which both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. The fuzzy Delphi Method has been applied for parameter validation purposes, and eventually, the Cloud business intelligence model has been presented through exploiting the interpretive structural modeling. The partial least squares method was also applied to validate the model. Data were also analyzed using the MAXQDA and Smart PLS software package.

Findings

In this research, from the elimination of synonym and frequently repeated factors and classification of final factors, six main factors, 24 subfactors and 24 identifiers were discovered from the texts of the relevant papers and interviews conducted with 19 experts in the area of BI and Cloud computing. The main factors of our research include drivers, enablers, competencies, critical success factors, SME characteristics and adoption. The subfactors of included competitors pressure, decision-making time, data access, data analysis and calculations, budget, clear view, clear missions, BI tools, data infrastructure, information merging, business key sector, data owner, business process, data resource, data quality, IT skill, organizational preparedness, innovation orientation, SME characteristics, SME activity, SME structure, BI maturity, standardization, agility, balances between BI systems and business strategies. Then, the quantitative part continued with the fuzzy Delphi technique in which two factors, decision-making time and agility, were deleted in the first round, and the second round was conducted for the rest of the factors. In that step, 24 factors were assessed based on the opinions of 19 experts. In the second round, none of the factors were removed, and thus the Delphi analysis was concluded. Next, data analysis was carried out by building the structural self-interaction matrix to present the model. According to the results, adoptability is a first-level or dependent variable. Regarding the results of interpretive structural modeling (ISM), the variable of critical success factors is a second-level variable. Enablers, competencies and SME characteristics are the third-level and most effective variables of the model. Accordingly, the initial model of Cloud BI for SMEs is presented as follows: The results of ISM revealed the impact of SME characteristics on BI critical success factors and adoptability. Since this category was not an underlying category of BI; thus, it played the role of a moderating variable for the impact of critical success factors on adoptability in the final model.

Research limitations/implications

Since this study is limited to about 100 SMEs in the north of Iran, results should be applied cautiously to SMEs in other countries. Generalizing the study's results to other industries and geographic regions should be done with care since management perceptions, and financial condition of a business vary significantly. Additionally, the topic of business intelligence in SMEs constrained the sample from the start since not all SMEs use business intelligence systems, and others are unaware of their advantages. BI tools enable the effective management of companies of all sizes by providing analytic data and critical performance indicators. In general, SMEs used fewer business intelligence technologies than big companies. According to studies, SMEs understand the value of simplifying their information resources to make critical business choices. Additionally, they are aware of the market's abundance of business intelligence products. However, many SMEs lack the technical knowledge necessary to choose the optimal tool combination. In light of the frequently significant investment required to implement BI approaches, a viable alternative for SMEs may be to adopt cloud computing solutions that enable organizations to strengthen their systems and information technologies on a pay-per-use basis while also providing access to cutting-edge BI technologies at a reasonable price.

Practical implications

Before the implementation of Cloud BI in SMEs, condition of driver, competency and critical success factor of SMEs should also be considered. These will help to define the significant resources and skills that form the strategic edge and lead to the success of Cloud BI projects.

Originality/value

Most of the previous studies have been focused on factors such as critical success factors in cloud business intelligence and cloud computing in small and medium-sized enterprises, cloud business intelligence adoption models, the services used in cloud business intelligence, the factors involved in acceptance of cloud business intelligence, the challenges and advantages of cloud business intelligence, and drivers and barriers to cloud business intelligence. None of the studied resources proposed any comprehensive model for designing and implementing cloud business intelligence in small and medium-sized enterprises; they only investigated some of the aspects of this issue.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 22000