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The growth and sustainable development of companies depend on their ability to adequately and effectively identify and utilize innovative strategies. The aim of the study is to determine the results of the innovative strategy of international small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in times of economic crisis. The research involved 360 owners and managers of international SMEs in the European Union. The study used tabular and graphical methods, surveys, questionnaires, and correlation and regression analysis. It was found that 82.7% of SMEs improved their production processes, while 62.8% implemented innovations by acquiring new products or equipment. It was established that 82% of enterprises implemented innovative strategies in the commercial or trade sector, 73.2% in the service sector, and 77.7% in other sectors. The models developed in the study contribute to the modern development of the economy since they analyze the relationship between innovative strategies and determinants affecting their successful implementation and implementation. Prospects for further research include analyzing the types of innovative strategies that prevail in the activities of international SMEs, as well as their size and sectors of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and sustainable development of companies depend on their ability to adequately and effectively identify and utilize innovative strategies. The aim of the study is to determine the results of the innovative strategy of international small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in times of economic crisis. The research involved 360 owners and managers of international SMEs in the European Union. The study used tabular and graphical methods, surveys, questionnaires, and correlation and regression analysis. It was found that 82.7% of SMEs improved their production processes, while 62.8% implemented innovations by acquiring new products or equipment. It was established that 82% of enterprises implemented innovative strategies in the commercial or trade sector, 73.2% in the service sector, and 77.7% in other sectors. The models developed in the study contribute to the modern development of the economy since they analyze the relationship between innovative strategies and determinants affecting their successful implementation and implementation. Prospects for further research include analyzing the types of innovative strategies that prevail in the activities of international SMEs, as well as their size and sectors of activity.

The deterioration of the economic situation in the country is certainly reflected in the financial performance of small and medium enterprise sector (hereinafter referred to as SME sector). The article attempts to study the degree of impact of forced urgent measures introduced by state authorities to contain the spread of coronavirus infection on financial performance of the sector. The authors conducted an overview study of scientific publications written by leading professional analysts on the problems of the economic situation in the Russian entrepreneurial segment, as well as on the relevance and effectiveness of government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The assessment of changes in the final performance indicators of each of the three SME sector elements (micro, small and medium enterprises) over the past three years is given. When studying the dynamics of the components of the balanced financial result, horizontal analysis was used, alongside with the method of absolute differences, calculation of growth rates, and index method. The made analysis revealed a sharp deterioration in financial performance during the most severe quarantine restrictions in 2020 and an improvement in the economic situation after their partial abolition in 2021. It was noted that the risk of mass bankruptcy of enterprises in the SME sector was compensated by large-scale state support. It was determined that the protective restrictions imposed to localise the epidemic have aggravated the existing problems of small and medium-sized businesses. The article shows that the main risks of the studied segment will persist in the near future. In this regard, it is necessary to improve the tools of state regulation of SME sector development with consideration to the accumulated experience of anti-crisis management.

SMEs (small and medium enterprises) contribute substantially to the global and national economies. So, their activities can significantly affect the ecosystem; however, environmental performance is primarily targeted at larger corporations. Therefore, this study measures the SMEs' impact on environmental quality through CO2 emissions. For this purpose, data on twenty-five Asian and European economies from 2005 to 2020 is utilized, and the effect of SMEs on the environment is measured in the light of the EKC hypothesis. In order to validate and test the influence of SMEs on the environment, the pooled mean group (PMG) model with cointegration approaches is utilized. The results show that the flare-up of small and medium enterprises increases environmental pollution through high carbon emissions at micro levels. Thus, the study suggests that governments, SMEs, and other stakeholders have to create strategies and regulations targeted at SMEs to minimize their negative environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct impact of the economic downturn due to Covid-19 is mainly perceived by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This study aims to examine how MSMEs can understand customer needs regarding the provision of social media quality that can improve brand image and brand awareness. The survey was conducted on 145 respondents who had online shopping experience using social media by utilizing the structural equation modeling approach. Results show that social media quality can increase brand awareness, brand image, and social media marketing activities. Therefore, marketers who use social media can focus on its constituent indicators including content quality, design quality, information quality, interaction quality, contact availability, and contact relevance. Customers will have a high level of brand awareness and a good brand image if marketers can provide social media quality to meet customer demands. While previous studies found that there is a positive relationship between social media marketing activities on brand image and brand awareness, this study shows the opposite result because customers are not affected by the activities carried out by social media. This is considered a usual activity that other marketers also carry out. The implication of this study is that good social media quality is needed to increase brand awareness, brand image, and social media marketing activities.

This research is a literature study on marketing strategies for MSME owners in Riau. This study aims to analyze what marketing strategies are used by MSME owners in an effort to maintain their business continuity. The research method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method. The type of data used in this study is qualitative data, which is categorized into two types, namely primary data and secondary data. Sources of data obtained through library research techniques (library study) which refers to sources available both online and offline such as: scientific journals, books and news sourced from trusted sources. The results of the study conclude that the marketing strategies carried out by MSME owners in maintaining their business during the Covid-19 pandemic are; Product Strategy, during the Covid-19 pandemic, MSME owners in Riau also created innovations in their respective products. Price Strategy (Price), during the pandemic, MSME owners in Riau also carried out a price strategy in the form of discounts or price discounts to attract consumers and be able to maintain business. Promotion Strategy (Promotion), The forms of promotion used are: (1) Advertising (Advertising) (2) Personal Selling (Personal Selling) (3) Sales Promotion (4) Place Strategy (Place/Distribution). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) represent popular topics of Industry 4.0. The use of these techniques, which are evolving rapidly in both academia and practice, can bring many benefits to production systems, such as enabling resilience and improving sustainable growth. However, given the effort needed in the implementation of AI/ML such as in terms of data quality and employee skills, the potential of AI/ML has not yet fully materialized in the context of manufacturing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which could improve their core processes or innovate product level to stay competitive, taking advantage of these technologies. This research work, methodologically based on a scoping literature review, presents an investigation of which are the existing applications of AI/ML in manufacturing MSMEs and discusses the limitations and challenges of these technologies. Moreover, the main emerging topics of research and future trends are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture of social responsibility has gained strength in the operational performance of companies through commitment and trust with their stakeholders, where one of its aspects focuses on labor conditions, seeking fair treatment and welfare of their employees, hence this research aims to characterize the appropriation of labor practices in service companies in the light of good practices of corporate social responsibility. The research used a quantitative, descriptive, documentary and field approach, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design without manipulation of variables. The results reflect the non-compliance of the companies under study with issues related to working conditions, human development, social dialogue, social protection and safety at work, which leads these types of organizations to assume the challenge of directing their business policies and strategies to the development of human quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the influences on financing small-scale projects, either at the micro or macro level. And to identify the financing obstacles facing industrial projects in Iraq. And building a standard model for the factors affecting financing large projects. Providing goods that meet the needs and tastes Several conclusions have been reached, the most important of which is that the exchange rate does not have a significant long-term relationship with the volume of funding during the research period, due to the relative stability of the exchange rates during the research period. A set of recommendations was also reached, the most important of which is the need to find a cooperative formula between private financing institutions and government banks in order to open more windows for medium and small industrial projects to obtain financing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is a region with prominent Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) actors in Indonesia. This invites the important question of whether the implementation of the new MSMEs tax regulations in the region impacts the intensification of final income tax and tax compliance. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the amendments of the final income tax policy and the legal compliance of MSMEs taxpayers. This research uses a juridical and empirical approach. Empirical data was collected by interview and questionnaire to seven taxpayers, while juridical data was obtained by analyzing the Government Policy on taxation. This study shows that the reduction of the final income tax tariff from 1% to 0.5% and the existence of legal certainty regarding the taxation time frame implies a positive impact on taxpayer compliance. This is demonstrated by the fact that the number of taxpayers in 2019 increased by 15% when compared to 2017. However, tariff reduction is not the solution to the non-compliant taxpayer. The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes still found the tax avoidance. It means the government needs to conduct a more cooperative approach to improve MSMEs taxpayer compliance

Reverse logistics is a specific logistics activity that is mainly undertaken by manufacturing enterprises. The main concept of reverse logistics assumes the materials and products circularity to gain the secondary value of used or defected objects. Manufacturing enterprises experience the most the problem of differentiated failures so reverse logistics becomes more and more popular part of their basic activity. For this reason, they are looking for modern solutions that are helpful in organizing reverse logistics processes and supportive for their performance. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) future trends might be the great answer for the manufacturing enterprises needs in the field of reverse logistics processes support. The paper main goal is to present some possibilities of ICT trends useful to enrich reverse logistics activities. For this reason the research was made in Polish and German manufacturing enterprises to verify their knowledge on analyzed theme, as well as, to assess their willingness for investing in such solutions. Because in both countries the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (divided into these groups according the size of the employment) are the main part of the whole enterprises population, presented research is concentrated on these three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding the right strategy enabled by a solid digital transformation is a key challenge that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face. With a high number of transformations that fail, there is a significant investment in research to identify critical factors that ultimately drive a more successful journey, and at the same time, quite a few different models to assess the digital transformation maturity. There is, however, a gap in assessing how ready a SME is to successfully embrace the transformation and an even more significant gap in assessing it from an employee's perspective. This work proposes a model to assess that readiness. The organizational readiness assessment aims to enable SMEs to better understand the foundations that need to be set to successfully deliver the transformation. From the employee's perspective, a user-friendly model assesses the non-technological aspects of an organization, indicating the clear gaps that ultimately might negatively impact the organization's future when digitally transforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far, the role of venture capital has not been optimal, or it can be said that while it is not working. In practice, in Indonesia, venture capital companies carry out their business like banking. That until now, in general, venture capital companies practice more as credit providers as the usual practice of providing bank loans. All requirements and conditions requested for a business partner company (actually: a debtor) are like a bank in giving credit. Therefore a legal reform of venture capital financing institutions is needed to optimize financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises to realize national development.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify the role of market dynamism in the relationship between market orientation and the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in technology parks (TPs) in Poland. Methodology: The two methods used for performing the quantitative empirical research are CAWI and PAPI. The research sample included MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland. The article is the answer to the needs for systematic research of models between market orientation and firm performance. Findings: The research findings provide an insight into the level of market orientation and performance of the analyzed MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland. It was found that MSMEs in the research sample were not a homogeneous group in this respect. It has been proven that market orientation is a significant stimulant of firm performance, while market dynamism has not been classified as a moderator of the market orientation–firm performance relationship. Implications for theory and practice: This study contributes to strategic management by identifying the key role of market orientation for enterprises wishing to benefit from this type of strategic orientation. The important role of the predictor – market orientation in shaping the results of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating at TPs in Poland has been proven. In practice, this means that increasing the level of market orientation is conducive to increasing positively assessed financial performance. Originality and value: Our research carried out at MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland enriches and supplements knowledge about market orientation as a phenomenon of universal character because it also applies to smaller sized business organizations

Even today, industrial companies are struggling on new product development and market launch. This article reviews the theoretical aspects of new product development and commercialization processes and the factors determining their success. Overviewed Baltic States cosmetics industry market and trends. The study focused on the success factors of new product development and market launch processes in the cosmetics industry. The aim was to identify and analyze the success factors of cosmetic product development and market launch processes and to provide a solution model. Identified factors prevailing in the development and launch of new products in the cosmetics industry sector and the connections between them. Investigated the influence of these factors on the success of new products in the market. The paper presents the results of a survey of companies in the Baltic cosmetics industry. Based on the results of the research, a model for the development and launch of new products for the cosmetics industry is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the drivers of economic development of any macro-system. In the context of technological paradigm shift, successful operation of small and medium-sized enterprises largely depends on innovations. Therefore, it is advisable to examine innovative behaviour of these firms. The study aims to analyse the innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises of an industrial region, assess the funding of innovation activities, and identify factors that determine the innovation policy of small and medium-sized firms. Additionally, the paper suggests how state and municipal authorities can stimulate the innovative development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The initial data were the results of a survey of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises in a Russian industrial region, which was conducted from May to September 2019 in the Sverdlovsk region. I interviewed 157 small and medium-sized enterprise managers in the Sverdlovsk region from various sectors of economic activity. The applied methods include in-depth interviews with managers, the statistical analysis method, and the logical systematic approach. The conducted research allowed identifying the features of the innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized firms in the Sverdlovsk region. Based on the analysis of the reasons for the low innovation activity of small and medium-sized enterprises, I developed recommendations for its improvement in the Sverdlovsk region. To solve the problem of low innovation activity in an industrial region, it is necessary for state and municipal authorities to stimulate innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized firms. Managers of small and medium-sized enterprises can use the obtained results to increase their activity. State and municipal authorities can apply the findings to develop programmes stimulating innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not sufficiently developed in Russia, which is largely due to significant gap between the wages of SMEs employees and the wages of workers from other enterprises. Thus, it is essential to examine factors that influence the wages of SMEs workers. The study assesses the influence of various regional socio-economic factors on the wages of employees in small and medium-sized enterprises. The considered factors include the unemployment rate, income of inhabitants, and regional budget expenditures. The paper investigates the relationship between the average monthly wage of SMEs employees and subsistence level in each region. The model uses the official statistics for 82 Russian regions obtained in 2015. The assessed three-factor power regression model describes the dependence of the average monthly wage on specific indicators of the unemployment rate of economically active population, average monthly income, budget expenditures per inhabitant in each region. The density function of normal distribution was used to analyse the ratio of wages of SMEs employees to the regional subsistence level. The article demonstrates a link between wages of SMEs employees and the three studied factors, proving that wages increase with a decrease in unemployment rate and growth of inhabitants’ income and budget expenditures. This fact indicates the high quality of the corresponding regression model. The conducted analysis shows that the wages of SMEs workers significantly differ in various regions of the Russian Federation. The paper proposes tools for assessing wages in SMEs and identifying low-wage regions, which eventually can ensure enterprise development. Further research aims to consider wages in small and medium-sized enterprises belonging to different economic sectors.

In the current age, the strategic direction of companies ensures their performance in achieving the best results. In fact, this orientation contributes to the construction of fundamental principles in the operational activities, which may lead to better performance in the future by creating appropriate behaviors. In other words, this orientation may lead to better performance of the company in operations and its place in the market. In this research, we examine the effect of strategic orientation on growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with respect to the mediator role of brand performance and market performance. The statistical population of this study consists of small and medium-sized companies operating in University of Tehran science and Technology Park and 80 knowledge- based companies were chosen as a sample of research. To investigate the research model, structural equation test was used which concluded that strategic orientation of businesses had a significant effect on brand performance and their growth. Also, the tendency to entrepreneurship, innovation and market has a significant effect on the brand performance. Tendency to market, besides having an impact on the market performance of firms and the propensity to innovation, results in company growth. Finally, brand performance and market performance can cause growth in businesses.

Building a business venture is a challenge for entrepreneurs. This study explains the understanding of social capital that individuals must have to develop their potential in the form of entrepreneurial competencies that will affect their business performance. This study aims to determine the impact of Social Capital, Entrepreneurship Competence on Business Performance (Empirical Study of SMEs in Bekasi City, West Java). This research is a survey study conducted on UKM players in Bekasi City, West Java. The unit of analysis is an individual who carries out business activities in the micro sector, namely selling food by opening a street food stall along Bekasi City streets. The data were collected using a questionnaire directly from 315 respondents who were selected according to the location that had been determined. The results of the study were described descriptively with analysis tools using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach using the SmartPLS software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new approach to the Value Stream Mapping (VSM), a proven tool of Lean Manufacturing (LM) in a Make-To-Order (MTO) manufacturing environment. The use of VSM in mass production has proven to be successful due to the predictable volume and repetitive product type. Within a MTO environment the product is tailored to specific requirements and varying volumes make it hard to balance production causing lean waste. The approach combines the classic VSM technique with commonality analysis to get a better understanding of the processes. Author illustrates this approach using a case study. Using VSM for MTO requires some changes to capture the attributes of product families required at different frequencies and volumes successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro, small and medium enterprises are an essential part of the Indian industrial sector. It plays a decisive role in growth and development of Indian economy. The review of literature on various aspects of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) showed that the SMEs, both in the country and other parts of the world, still rely on conventional marketing practices and, more or less, face the same types of challenges. Therefore, the present study is undertaken to examine the marketing strategies of SMEs in western Madhya Pradesh, India, and to suggest some innovative marketing practices for them to prosper. The sample consists of 439 SMEs drawn on a random basis from Indore and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh. The primary data are collected through a self-designed instrument with 40 items/statements, developed thorough a review of literature on the topic and personal interviews of managers of SMEs. The data are analysed using statistical tools like factor analysis and chi-square test applied with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20 Software. The study findings reveal that SME managers still rely on age-old practices of marketing. The article recommends some innovative marketing practices for SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of studies on innovations and competitiveness in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia; to fell this gap, this paper will study change as the competitive advantage for Small and Medium Enterprises: the case for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study aims to explore different practices of SMEs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to examine the impact of innovation strategies (Organizational, Product, Process, and Market) on the competitive advantage of SMEs. The study was conducted on one hundred and forty-seven (147) SMEs that are practising different activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study's analysis indicates that most of the enterprises were young (operation years were less than ten years), which shows the strong need to apply innovative strategies to maintain their position and competitiveness in the market. Competitive advantage enables the firm to utilise its resources efficiently and maintain high levels of quality performance. The results show that the correlation between Innovation strategies such as product innovation strategy, market innovation strategy, process innovation strategy, and organisational innovation strategy practised by SMEs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and competitiveness was Positive. Therefore, it indicates that different innovation strategies were significantly influencing the competitiveness of the SMEs. To remain a competitor enterprise in the market is not a natural or an easy attempt, and it can be challenging for SMEs, especially without the needed knowledge and support. Findings and recommendations of the study can be used as a guideline for SMEs. Also, emphasising on the importance of education that plays a vital role in SMEs innovations. It is essential to establish with different research centres and universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia programs or activities that focus on changes in business, and it will result in gaining competitive advantage and sustainability for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium enterprises (MEs) form a majority of enterprises in several regions, yet they are underrepresented in the literature. The digital transformation known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0) brings new data streams into enterprises. MEs and large enterprises will both leverage business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) to improve their business performance, so the study of the conditions favouring value creation of BI&A is of interest. However, there are few studies focusing on the impact of business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) on value creation in I4.0 and none focusing on MEs. Using a multiple case-study design, this paper explores factors linked to BI&A business value creation in manufacturing MEs that are undergoing an I4.0 transformation. Findings suggest enterprises resources and capabilities are not sufficient to predict business value: organizational learning and organizational culture have a non-negligible influence for MEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research presented in the article was to identify the influence of the market orientation on the financial performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in technology parks in Poland. The article corresponds with the needs of a systematic study of relationships between market orientation and financial performance at the organizational level. Using quantitative research methods, the authors analyzed the influence of market orientation on the theoretical construct named financial performance. CAWI and PAPI were two methods applied during the empirical research, while the methods of statistical description and inference were used for the analysis of collected data. The article provides some insights into direct relationships between market orientation and financial performance. The conducted research has proved that in the sample group of MSMEs operating in technology parks (TPs) in Poland, the market orientation is a factor stimulating their financial performance. In future research, it would be valuable to analyze the role of market orientation in combination with other strategic orientations in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al Bashaer Economic Journal is the property of Al Bashaer Economic Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The literature on business administration recommends that, for the organization development, it is necessary to apply strategic approaches on marketing and on market orientation. Although the massive growth in technical production, little is produced related to marketing addressed to medium-sized enterprises - a segment that, though having a high economic relevance, it lacks technical support to develop. Therefore, the question that emerges is: what would be these marketing technical needs? Answering this question was the primary objective of this paper and, to accomplish this objective, a qualitative exploratory research was conducted, based on a sample of 66 medium-sized enterprises. The research pursued to identify medium-sized enterprises strategic needs in marketing, to develop a program of market orientation and, therefore, improve its growth. The obtained results showed that the main problems are related to four strategic approaches: Commercial Management, Market Segmentation, Competitive Positioning and Relationship Marketing. The research also showed the little knowledge about the potential of applying methodologies and techniques to attain superior organizational results. Finally, the paper concludes discussing possible solutions to reduce the medium-sized enterprises segment needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dramatic growth of the internet has led to the emergence of two important phenomena: social media and online search engines. In business context, social media is a new communication channel between the companies including SMEs and customers, which allows them to interact directly. This study aims to conduct an analysis of the impact of social media usage on the sales process in SMEs. The method used in this study is Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The method is carried out by reviewing several journals that discuss about related research topics. The results of this study identified similar impacts of social media use in SMEs across different countries. The use of social media depends on the type of industry and the type of social media used in accordance with SMEs business objectives. The impact obtained is mostly related to customers, stakeholders, business partners and competitors. However, the impact produced in this study is still general. Therefore, further research needs to be done to gain more insights on the drivers of social media use in SMEs and their impact on the performance of SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are often referred to one of the pillars of the economic strength of a region. MSMEs have a very strategic and important role in national economic development. MSMEs have a role in distributing the results of development and also play a role in economic growth and employment. Now innovation in business transactions using new technology will greatly affect business activities, especially for MSMEs. One of the innovations currently developing is Electronic Money (e-money). The development of e-money technology facilitates retail transactions for both consumers and traders. In terms of MSME actors themselves, their readiness to use e-money technology is not yet known. This study aims to determine the level of readiness of MSMEs in using e-money. The model used to analyze the readiness of MSMEs in using e-money uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Of the five hypotheses proposed, all hypotheses were declared accepted. Based on this research, it can be seen that the concept of e-money can be applied to MSMEs in Yogyakarta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• OHS laws require provision of information, training, instruction and supervision. • SMEs use passive knowledge exchange, and basic checks on safe work practices. • Most SMEs provide limited ITIS in an ad hoc way. • Planned interventions using participative methods would be more effective. • SMEs need guidance to implement flexible legal requirements for ITIS. In many countries, laws for work health and safety (WHS) require employers to provide information, training, instruction and supervision (ITIS) to their workers about WHS matters. The objective of this study was to investigate how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) provide ITIS in the context of Australia's model WHS laws. The study was conducted in 46 SMEs, in three industries (construction, manufacturing, and health care and social assistance). Data about ITIS were collected primarily through interviews and documentation review, and supplemented by observation of work. The thematic analysis of data distinguished SMEs' main methods for providing ITIS ('methods'), and their approach to, and the scope of, their ITIS provision ('performance'). The literature about ITIS provision was applied in characterising SMEs' methods and performance. The methods generally involved passive knowledge exchange, and basic supervision to check safe work practices, rather than engaging and participative methods. However, some SMEs' methods included easy to understand information, and opportunities to learn in different ways. Most SMEs, including all small enterprises, provided limited ITIS in an ad hoc way. Only a small number of enterprises, all medium, used a carefully considered and substantial mix of methods. Within each of the three industries, SMEs favoured particular methods due to industry–specific influences. The study raises questions for WHS policy makers and practitioners about the translation of flexible, non-prescriptive legal requirements into workplace practice, particularly in small enterprises. Therefore, options are canvassed for guidance about developing and implementing ITIS initiatives, or engaging external providers for these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite of reduction of its share on the gross domestic product, agriculture remains a branch generating job opportunities in rural areas. However, through more intensive farming procedures, it puts a pressure on environment and sustainability of agricultural production and prolongs the distance of distributed goods. Reduction of the mentioned impacts is possible through shortening the food supply chain subsequently resulting in increase of local sale, demand for local services and increase of labour market, putting an emphasis on support of small and medium – sized enterprises and their economic viability improvement. This paper evaluates the performance of small and medium enterprises and micro-enterprises which applied for the support and supplied and distributed fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products to kindergartens and primary schools within the School Fruits and Vegetables and the School Milk programme. We suppose that through supplying local schools they contributed to the food supply chain shortening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of the entrepreneurial sector requires information on the current risk levels in economy. The paper deals with three levels of entrepreneurial risk: acceptable, critical and catastrophic. The research aim is to assess the values of entrepreneurial risk that has been existing in recent years in aggregates of small and medium enterprises, formed by size and industry characteristics. Risk evaluation was made on the base of official statistics, characterize activity of all medium enterprises, small enterprises and microenterprises situated in Russia in 2015 and 2016. The paper presents the results of risk assessment for a set of medium enterprises, small enterprises and microenterprises in the Russian economy. From the results of the study it has been concluded that there is a significant differentiation of entrepreneurial risk levels by the types of economic activity. The industries with the maximum and minimum values of the existing entrepreneurial risks have been determined. The research outcomes can be used by entrepreneurs including beginners; federal, regional and municipal departments' authorities related to the regulation of entrepreneurial activity; financial and credit, insurance, leasing organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia's development target is the achievement of people's welfare. One way to accomplish these objectives is to increase people's income through the development of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Strong competitive MSMEs are expected to encourage sustainable business. Why MSMEs? MSMEs is a business field that has a major contribution in the absorption of manpower. The government provides ease of doing business for all business actors. For the owners of MSMEs, through empowerment by the government, it is expected to increase the business class, from a micro business to small business, from small business to medium business, and from medium business to large business. Currently, the importance of the success of MSMEs empowerment is of high priority. For this reason, the policy of central government and regional government is very important for MSMEs. In addition, increased knowledge and skills, funding, market networking, and others will be a strong driver of growth and development of MSMEs. Hence, the growth of MSMEs requires the participation of several parties, such as government, universities, banking sector, community, media, and the owners of MSMEs. Involvement of MSMEs empowerment is a form of social innovation that builds the strength of MSMEs in sustainability. This article will present how the policies and strategies of regional governments in Indonesia, particularly the Government of East Java Province and PT. Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk (Regional Development Bank of East Java Province), are encouraging high economic growth so as to achieve good results as well as development indicators by reducing poverty and unemployment through the empowerment of MSMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the business sector and firm age effects on firm performance mediated by foreign ownership levels in domestic firms and financial leverage by examining 146 Medium Enterprises (MEs). The results show that except for ownership, the business sector, firm age, foreign ownership level, and financial leverage significantly influence performance. Foreign ownership substantially mediates the correlation between firm age and performance but not leverage. Both foreign ownership and leverage have no substantial mediating effect on the relationship between the business sector and financial performance. Moreover, the findings reveal business sectors whose performance is statistically different from zero based on the referent group.