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This research seeks to examine the interaction between customer value analytics (CVA) and performance of SMEs through the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory's viewpoint. In this study, data was acquired by surveying 225 SMEs recognised by the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) as food processors in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Analysis of the impact of CVA on SMEs' performance was conducted using the path analysis approach of structural equation modelling (SEM). The results of the study showed that CVA had a substantial and positive effect on performance of SMEs in the areas of internal processes of business, learning and development, customers, and finance. Findings from this study further demonstrate how crucial CVA components—data mining (DM), Internet of Things (IoT), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP)—are to the functioning of SMEs. The research findings provide strong evidence for the proposition of the RBV theory.The results of the present research corroborate prior studies that propose that SMEs ought to view CVA and its determinants—like IoT, DM, and AHP—as a crucial competitive asset and capability that could potentially augment their expansion in areas like finance, customer acquisition, internal business operations, and learning and development. This study advances the understanding of CVA and SMEs' performance, particularly in emerging market economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial in economic growth and industrial diversification. Despite their importance, SMEs encounter challenges of intense competition, global market penetration, and rapid technological advancements. This study explores the factors affecting SME performance, focusing on entrepreneurial competence, leadership, and intention. A survey was conducted involving 400 SME respondents in East Java, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using a quantitative approach and the PLS-SEM method. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial competence and intention significantly influence entrepreneurial resilience and SME performance. Specifically, entrepreneurial competence has a path coefficient of 0.348 on entrepreneurial resilience and 0.567 on SME performance, both significant with p-value < 0.05. Entrepreneurial intention has a path coefficient of 0.649 on entrepreneurial resilience and –0.722 on SME performance, both significant with p-value < 0.05. These results highlight the necessity of enhancing entrepreneurial competencies and intentions to boost SMEs’ resilience and performance. Entrepreneurs and policymakers should focus on training and development programs to reinforce these competencies and intentions, thereby promoting an environment that supports innovation and prudent risk-taking.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to South Africa’s economy as they provide employment, contribute to development, reduce poverty, and promote entrepreneurship. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted SMEs in the country, posing a threat to their survival. The purpose of the study was to identify the financial planning critical success factors that are essential for SME performance in a post-COVID-19 pandemic environment. The study followed a positivist paradigm, and a quantitative survey approach was employed. South African SMEs across the various sectors of business were targeted to provide a holistic view of the financial planning strategies contributing to performance. A total of 282 questionnaires were completed electronically by the SME owners using Google Forms, which were then analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The regression model for structural equation modeling revealed a strong and significant link between financial planning and SME performance. Financial planning has a strong, significant positive effect on SME performance, as indicated by the path coefficient (β = 0.227, p = 0.002). The importance of this study lies in its ability to provide valuable insights to businesses regarding financial planning strategies to enhance SME success in a post-COVID-19 environment.

This study examines how perceived value of microfinance and exploratory innovation affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) performance in the context of a developing nation. Drawing on the strategic innovation and microfinance literature, we hypothesize that (1) perceived value of microfinance affects exploratory innovation and SME performance, and (2) exploratory innovation serves as an effective mechanism through which microfinance enhances SME performance. We employ partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test our hypotheses. Using a sample of 581 Ghanaian SMEs with microfinance, the results of the PLS-SEM support our hypotheses. We further conducted a qualitative analysis of comments provided by the SMEs (n = 144) to gain a deeper understanding of exploratory innovation in developing economies. Our findings show that SMEs purposefully attempt to strengthen their exploratory innovation in microfinance. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings as well as future research avenues.

This study’s purpose is to assess the influence of small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) budgeting skills on loan repayment in South Africa. The quantitative research approach was selected as the appropriate methodology for this study, while the purposive sampling approach was selected as the appropriate way to select participants for this study. The primary data for this study came from respondents who were business owners of SMEs in the retail, hardware, construction, and manufacturing industries. SPSS was used to analyze the acquired data. A total of 380 research questionnaires were distributed, and there were 375 that were returned for analysis (which gives a response rate of 99%). Both a regression analysis and a correlation analysis using Pearson’s method were carried out. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between SMEs’ budgeting skills and loan repayment at the level of r =.250, p < 0.0005. These results were supported by the finding that there is a positive and significant association between these two factors. According to the findings of the study, it is recommended that financial providers educate their SMEs on how to prepare various types of budgets, how to follow up and compare their financial objectives to their performance, and that financial institutions and government organizations should assist SMEs with budgeting skills to decrease SME loan defaults.

This study examines how perceived value of microfinance and exploratory innovation affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) performance in the context of a developing nation. Drawing on the strategic innovation and microfinance literature, we hypothesize that (1) perceived value of microfinance affects exploratory innovation and SME performance, and (2) exploratory innovation serves as an effective mechanism through which microfinance enhances SME performance. We employ partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test our hypotheses. Using a sample of 581 Ghanaian SMEs with microfinance, the results of the PLS-SEM support our hypotheses. We further conducted a qualitative analysis of comments provided by the SMEs (n = 144) to gain a deeper understanding of exploratory innovation in developing economies. Our findings show that SMEs purposefully attempt to strengthen their exploratory innovation in microfinance. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings as well as future research avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the effectiveness of radical and incremental innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Eastern European countries is a significant issue in regional economics. In contrast, radical innovation entails the creation of wholly novel goods or organization processes that establish new markets. Progressive enhancements to current goods and processes are referred to as incremental innovation. This study explains the influence of incremental and radical innovation on the performance of SMEs in Eastern Europe. Employing EUROSTAT data from 2012 to 2021 and using regression analysis and a graphical model, the examines basic, radical, and incremental innovation and total researcher performance in SMEs, which could enormously affect business performance in Eastern European countries. Our findings indicate that radical, incremental innovation, and total research are all favorably related to the performance of SMEs and an approach to studying various innovations and their impact on SMEs. The particular performance effects of radical and incremental innovations in Eastern European SMEs might vary considerably, and empirical investigations and comprehensive research are required to provide more specific knowledge and suggestions for them. Our results can contribute to SMEs both theoretically and practically, providing fresh theoretical perspectives for scholars and helpful management consequences for administrators of SMEs in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malay-Bumiputera community constitutes the largest population in Malaysia, particularly in the traditional manufacturing sector. In order to penetrate international markets, every business must possess the capability to manage all components of their supply chain. To achieve this goal, the government has implemented various economic programs and packages aimed at enhancing the management of the industrial supply chain. These measures not only seek to improve the competitiveness of local businesses in the international market but also aim to strengthen the role of the Malay-Bumiputera Islamic community in the global economic arena. Unfortunately, the recent outbreak of COVID-19, as well as the war between Russia and Ukraine have disturbed the nation's economic development, including the economic packages. In order to improve the internationalization process and the performance of the Malay-Bumiputera economy in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) industry, the current government must introduce new plans or aid packages that are capable of stimulating the economy and solving issues that arise in the post-pandemic environment. Based on the theory of Resource-Based View (RBV), the debate in this article links economic stimulus packages, supply chain, internationalization and firm performance in the Malay-Bumiputera halal herbal SME industry. This framework suggests that new intervention measures should be urgently introduced to help the industry to recover post COVID-19. It can be used in future research to assess the impact of various government aids on the internationalization and performance of Malay-Bumiputera halal herbs industry in the post-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The business environment is getting unstable due to which execution of decision support systems has become significant to maintain competitive advantage. Small and medium enterprises in particular confront issues, such as insufficiency of devising strategic planning, strategic decision-making, and information exchange, as well as difficulty increasing performance. Because functional strategic management and decision-making are required, strategic information systems planning is employed to accumulate information and assist decision-makers in developing and implementing the best strategy for gaining superior performance. Executives in information systems focus on technical difficulties while ignoring decisions to support strategic plans. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to investigate how strategic information systems planning contributes to increased performance in SMEs. METHODS: Data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to information system executives in SMEs, primarily in Jordan. The data was collected with the help of questionnaires adopted from prior studies. For Analysis after applying the diagnostic tests, structural equation modelling has been applied to test the framework developed based on the literature. RESULTS: A structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted, the individual loadings of the SEM items are investigated, reliability and discriminant validity is tested, and path coefficients of hypothesized relationships of the developed model are tested. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that managers should prioritize implementing strategic information systems planning so that they can gain superior performance with better agility in the future. This research not only enhances the current understanding of the significance of strategic information systems planning but also assists supervisors to improve the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era, the challenges faced by SMEs in Indonesia are becoming increasingly complex. Previously, the primary challenge for SMEs has been to enhance performance. However, with the emergence of information technology, SMEs are now required to compete fiercely. SMEs in Indonesia are still in the process of digital transformation to improve their business strategies, thus limiting research focused on digital transformation in SMEs. Research also considers market complexity and digital strategy as crucial factors for SMEs. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of digital transformation in influencing SME performance. The research approach is quantitative, involving 171 SMEs owners as respondents. The instrument utilized is a Likert scale questionnaire, focusing on the majority of SMEs in Indonesia, particularly those in Java, the most populous island and business center of the country. This includes SMEs operating within various sectors, such as culinary, fashion, retail, and creative industries. The results indicate that digital strategy and market complexity influence digital transformation and SMEs performance. The research findings suggest that digital transformation mediates the influence of digital strategy and market complexity on SME performance. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the current SMEs digitalization strategy area. This study indicates that digital transformation is an essential aspect affecting current SME performance. The results suggest that SMEs require focused strategies to strengthen resources and gain competitive advantage in complex markets.

In the context of a dynamic and competitive business environment, SME actors must also possess a competitive advantage to succeed in the market. One strategy that can be pursued to achieve a competitive advantage is through the optimization of employee performance. This research aims to analyze the relationship between strategy and SME performance, encompassing the examination of innovation and accounting information systems as mediating variables. The study employs Structured Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) analysis. The research involves 435 respondents who are SME actors with business units located in the province of Bengkulu. The findings indicate that strategy has a positive influence on SME performance. Furthermore, strategy also positively influences innovation and accounting information systems. In the context of indirect effects, both innovation and accounting information systems exhibit partial mediating effects in accommodating the relationship between strategy and SME performance. The results of this study emphasize that SME actors should be capable of crafting appropriate business strategies through various business innovations and improvements in accounting information systems, thereby enhancing SME performance.

Organizational culture has a complex association with innovation and SME performance. This study explores the contextual associations between organizational culture, distinct innovation types, and SME performance in an under-researched African setting. Examining data from 382 SMEs, the study integrates the Oslo Manual’s four unique innovation types to address an oversight in previous studies. Smart PLS 4 analysis reveals that while organizational culture positively spurs product, process, marketing, and organizational innovation, it intriguingly hinders SME performance. Product innovation is the most vital driver of SME performance, surpassing process, marketing, and organizational innovations. The mediation analysis underscores a significant discrepancy: marketing innovation’s failure to mediate the organizational culture-performance relationship, setting it apart from other innovation types. This study uncovers the multifaceted impact of diverse innovation activities on performance in emerging economy SMEs. For practitioners and policymakers, these findings highlight the strategic importance of fostering a conducive organizational culture and specific innovation capabilities to enhance SME competitiveness.

The main objective of this study is to examine how entrepreneurial networks influence Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) nonfinancial performance. By exploring nonfinancial dimensions of SME performance influenced by entrepreneurial networks, the study contributes to the development of a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of the role of networks in SME success. Entrepreneurial networks involve social, business, and supporting networks, while nonfinancial performance encompasses customer perspective, internal business processes, and learning and growth. A study used a survey method to collect primary data from 278 SMEs. To assess the impact of entrepreneurial networks on SME performance, a study employed multiple linear regression models while considering the influence of control variables such as the entrepreneur’s age, sex, and firm size. Overall, the findings indicate that social networks have a significant positive relationship with customer perspective, business networks and supporting networks are statistically significant and positively associated with internal business processes, and supporting networks are positively and significantly related to learning and growth. This implies that, SMEs with owners who are embedded in a web of entrepreneurial networks have a strong chance of achieving success in their businesses beyond financial measures. The study contributes by extending the body of knowledge regarding Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) and presenting valuable evidence for understanding the importance of networking to SME performance in a context of developing countries such as Tanzania. It also provides insights to policy makers to design policies and programs that foster the creation and maintenance of supportive network environments for SMEs.

AbstractInnovative marketing (IM) drives success in small and medium enterprises (SMEs); however, the impact of sales promotions (SPs) remains a double-edged sword. This is the crux of this study, which examines the influence of IM and SP on SME performance in Ghana. Hierarchical regression analysis tested the hypotheses using a sample of SMEs registered with the Ghana Enterprises Agency. The results indicated a significant positive association between IM practices and SME performance. Contrary to expectations, SP exhibited a statistically significant negative association with SME performance. In addition, SP moderates the IM -performance link. The practical implication is that Ghanaian SMEs should synergistically integrate SPs and IM practices. This study addresses the pressing need for entrepreneurial marketing research grounded in the nuances of African economies, enriching the scholarly landscape.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in the national economic growth, particularly food and beverage SMEs that contribute significantly to the national economic growth and can absorb a substantial number of workers. The success of an SMEs is dependent on the quality of its human resources. Thus, SMEs must strive to improve the quality of their human resources to improve their performance. This study aims to analyze the relationship between compensation, trust, organizational learning, commitment, and performance in food and beverage SMEs. The sample used in this study consists of 160 SMEs with a minimum of 10 employees. The method used to test the mediation is multivariate analysis, specifically the structural equation model (SEM), followed by the Sobel test. The results suggest that commitment can mediate the relationship between trust and organizational learning on SME performance. However, our commitment does not involve mediating compensation relationships with regards to the performance of SMEs, as these entities do not effectively provide compensation to their employees. Consequently, employees are not committed to the company, despite high levels of trust between them and the organization. These findings have practical implications to improve SME performance and aid in developing Human Resource Management (HRM) theories for food and beverage SME practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, SMEs contribute significantly to GDP and employment (up to 33% and 45%, respectively). Governments in developing countries such as Indonesia take initiatives to provide support to MSMEs through facilities and regulations to improve their performance. Previous studies lack theoretical consensus on the relationship between government support (e.g., incentives, training, regulatory changes, technology facilitation) and SME performance. This study uses a quantitative approach. An online survey of 1514 SMEs was conducted for this study. A valid sample of 402 SMEs was collected for this study. This study investigates the government-supported SME performance relationship and explores the mediating role of e-commerce adoption on the government-supported SME performance relationship. The hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares (PLS) approach with the help of SmartPLS 3.2.8 software. This study demonstrates the mediating role of ecommerce marketplace adoption in the relationship between government support and SME performance. The findings provide new insights into the role of government in driving SME performance (p < 0.00). This study can have implications for determining government policies to improve the performance of SMEs. This study explains the need for government policies to encourage SMEs to adopt e-commerce. In addition, the government can improve facilities for SMEs to make it easier to adopt the e-commerce marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, and Product Quality stands as a cornerstone for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) seeking growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. This study delves into the intricacies of Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, and Product Quality's influence on MSME performance within the dynamic Iberoamerican business landscape. Adopting a quantitative research approach, we investigate the relationship between Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, and Product Quality and MSME performance across Iberoamerican. A composite index derived from self-reported data was employed to gauge MSME performance, drawing upon a comprehensive survey of 9,300 Iberoamerican MSMEs. Our findings reveal that factors such as company origin, size, and age significantly impact the level of innovation achievable by MSMEs. Notably, younger, medium-sized companies exhibit a proclivity for higher innovation compared to older firms and micro-enterprises. The study's implications for theory and practice extend to policymakers, business owners, and stakeholders invested in fostering MSME growth and development.

SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) serve as the backbone of the Indonesian economy, in a country with the world's largest Muslim population. Therefore, further analysis is needed regarding the factors influencing the performance of SMEs in an effort to maximize the country's revenue. This research aims to examine the relationship between religiosity, financial literacy, and Islamic financial planning on the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek). This study employs a quantitative approach using the Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with primary data collected through an online purposive sampling technique from 113 MSMEs in Jabodetabek. The performance of MSMEs is significantly influenced by religiosity, Sharia financial literacy, and Islamic financial planning. Religiosity has a significant impact on Sharia financial literacy and Islamic financial planning. Sharia financial literacy affects Islamic financial planning significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study exhibits the construction of a structural relationship model of Non-Financial Factors that include innovation, training, human capital, and market orientation on the performance of Yemen's Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The modelling was done using the AMOS- SEM software. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), route analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis are all performed using the software. It is well-known for its visual approach, which enables users to graphically build models with basic sketching tools and analysts to participate in intricate statistical modelling. The modelling examines the specific effects of these factors and discloses key contributors to the success or failure of SMEs. Data used for modelling was collected from 350 valid responses of employees in the Yemeni manufacturing SME. The findings from the modelling highlight the dominant significance of innovation, as proved by its highest beta coefficient of 0.90, signifying its profound impact on SME performance. Following closely is training, with a coefficient of 0.3, further establishing its crucial role in influencing performance outcomes. Ultimately, this research concludes that the four factors—human capital, innovation, training, and market orientation—exhibit a statistically significant relationship with SME performance within manufacturing sector. The inferences of these findings are of paramount importance to policymakers and practitioners as it offers actionable insights for enhancing SME performance and driving economic growth within Yemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SMEs can support long-term, stable, and sustainable economic development. However, funding, limited information, and lengthy credit administration procedures constantly severed their expansion. Potential solutions may emerge from external funding in creative and unconventional ways through financial bootstrapping. This study analyzes the influence of financial bootstrapping and financial literacy on SME performance using P2P lending in Makassar, Indonesia, with government support as mediation. Government support as mediation is expected to provide policies that facilitate SMEs obtaining external funding through fintech P2P lending to improve SMEs' business performance. This study employs a partial-least-squared structural-equation model (PLS-SEM) for data analysis of 220 businesses. The result shows that financial literacy significantly affects SME performance. This positive effect emerges in direct or mediated relationships. Financial bootstrapping does not substantially affect SME performance. This finding signifies the lack of information regarding the myriad of funding opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the effect of an entrepreneurial mindset on SME performance and explore the mediating role of entrepreneurial behavior from an Attribution Theory perspective. The study explains that entrepreneurial behavior mediates entrepreneurial mindset and SME performance. This adds depth to the understanding of the mechanisms through which mindset impacts performance, shedding light on the importance of actual behavior in translating mindset into tangible outcomes. To accomplish these objectives, a quantitative research approach was adopted. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to owners/managers of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). To analyze the data and test the proposed hypotheses, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed due to its suitability for exploring complex relationships with relatively small sample sizes. The dataset comprised responses from 382 owners/managers of MSMEs. Our findings suggest that while having an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for performance, entrepreneurial behavior acts as the intermediary, guiding and directing the impact of mindset on actual business outcomes. In conclusion, by confirming Attribution Theory within the entrepreneurial context, this study extends the theory's applicability beyond traditional domains.

This study aims to investigate the influence of independent variables, such as SME economic policies, political stability, funding access, regulatory changes, economic growth and policy uncertainty on SME performance leading up to the 2024 presidential election in Indonesia. This research employs a quantitative approach with regression analysis methodology. Data was collected through a survey using Google Form from SME owners in 29 districts and nine cities in East Java province. The research findings indicate that SME economic policies, political stability and economic growth have a positive and significant impact on SME performance. Meanwhile, funding access and policy uncertainty do not significantly affect SME performance. Regulatory changes also have a positive and significant impact on SME performance. These findings hold critical implications for the development of the SME ecosystem in Indonesia. In the context of an evolving economy, this research provides a solid foundation for decisionmaking in designing more effective policies. Additionally, the government’s involvement in creating a stable and conducive environment for supporting, advancing and developing the SME sector, which is a vital pillar of the Indonesian economy, is highlighted.

Many efforts have been made in recent years to increase small and medium-sized performance in the Nigerian economy. Despite the efforts and investments, SME’s are still on the chase towards improved growth level. It is important to address this because Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) employ approximately 84.02% of the total workforce, constitute 96% of businesses in Nigeria and contribute 48% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation. Financial resources are scarce for small SME’s. As a result, many governments, and donors prioritize interventions that increase small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) access to capital. The study has explored the effect of formal financing options on small and medium-sized businesses in the Ado-Odo Ota, Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun-State Nigeria. The study has utilized survey methodology via questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and regression results were applied to test the study’s hypothesis. The study discovers that formal financing options have significant impact on SME performance in Ado-Odo, Ota, Nigeria at 5% significance level. The finding further showed that a one percent increase in formal financing options would lead to a 1.36 percent increase in SME performance. The study recommends that formal financial resources are considered significant factors influencing the growth and development of SME’s in Ado-Odo, Ota, and Nigeria by implication. The study recommends that formal financing institutions which include commercial banks, business angels, venture capital, microfinance banks should be considered as significant sources of finance for SME’s. On the other hand, formal financing institutions should assist SME’s through friendly interest rates and flexible packages to ensure that SME’s find them as attractive options for forcing sourcing for purposes, which include purchase of equipment and others that can enhance SMEs’ growth and development.

Objectives: All businesses worldwide, especially small and medium-sized organizations, are now concerned about environmental degradation. Eco-innovation and environmental collaboration are expected to be the driving forces for saving the environment and the performance of companies. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain how eco-innovation and environmental cooperation affect the financial, social, and environmental performance of SMEs. This study also explored environmental collaboration as a moderating variable for the effect of eco-innovation on the performance of SMEs. Methods/Analysis: Data from 300 small and medium-sized enterprises of Creative Home Décor were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings: Eco-innovation is necessary to improve the performance of Indonesia's SMEs. Environmental collaboration has a beneficial and substantial effect on the performance of the environment and society. Regarding environmental collaboration as a moderating variable, this study identified a positive and statistically significant coefficient regulating the relationship between financial performance and eco-innovation. Novelty /Improvement. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the impact of eco-innovation and environmental collaboration on the performance of SMEs, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also contributed to the theoretical and empirical understanding of eco-innovation in developing countries and highlighted the importance of environmental collaboration in enhancing the social and environmental performance of SMEs. Additionally, this paper provided empirical and theoretical contributions on the role of environmental collaboration as a moderating variable that is particularly improving the performance of Indonesia's SMEs in Creative Home Décor during the COVID-19 pandemic. JEL Classifications: M12, L68, L25, L53, Q56 Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SPER-018 Full Text: PDF

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the containment challenges faced by Ghanaian SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these challenges impacted key performance indicators (KPIs). Utilizing the partial least square approach of structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), data collected from a sample of 152 Ghanaian SMEs are examined. The findings underscore the adverse influence of pandemic-related containment measures on financial performance, sales performance, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction, while revealing an increase in online engagement as SMEs adapted their business models. Thus, this study highlights the significance of bolstering dynamic capabilities, with a particular focus on digital transformation and leveraging online platforms, as a means to enhance resilience and adaptability for SMEs amidst challenging containment conditions. Theoretical implications emphasize the crucial role of dynamic capabilities in navigating uncertainty and volatility during crises, while the practical implications offer valuable guidance for small business owners in developing economies as they strive to mitigate the impacts of containment measures during public health emergencies on their businesses

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must improve their performance to remain competitive in an unstable market, especially during the digital era and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This study investigates the influence of bank financing and government support on SME performance, with entrepreneur competence as a mediator. Data were collected from a sample of SMEs through questionnaires distributed to 115 owners and interviews with SME stakeholders. The data were analyzed using factor analysis and principal component analysis, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) and the Partial Least Square (PLS) program. The results show that bank financing and government support do not directly affect SME performance, but entrepreneur competence mediates the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study is to determine the performance improvement of SMEs in Surowiti Gresik Village through financial capability with human capital as a moderating variable Methodology/approach: The sample determination method used is total sampling with 85 respondents. Questionnaires were used in data collection. The data analysis method used in this study was Structural Equations Modeling with PLS 3.2.7. Findings: The results of the study prove that financial capabilities affect the performance of SMEs and human capital is able to moderate the effect of financial capabilities on the performance of SMEs Practical and Theoretical contribution/Originality: SMEs in Surowiti village need to be aware of the importance of financial capabilities in managing their business so that their business can develop well. It is hoped that this research will be able to contribute as a reference for managing SMEs with good financial knowledge and of course human capital that supports and wants to develop Research Limitation: The results of this research are limited to the SME sector in Surowiti Gresik Village. In the future, research can develop this research by adding SME industries in other villages to expand indicators of financial capability and human capital.

This article explores the relationship between digitalization and business performance in European small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which has intensified the need for SMEs to adopt digital technologies for enhanced competitiveness. Conducted through a comprehensive literature review, this study investigates the impact of digitalization on SME performance. Employing the statistical software EViews 12, the research utilizes an econometric analysis of panel data to examine the influence of digitalization on SME performance and validate the formulated hypotheses. The dataset comprises 135 observations collected over a five-year period from 27 European countries. A linear regression model is used to test the hypotheses, revealing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Model specifications are determined through various tests. This study's findings demonstrate that the integration of digital technologies and digital intensity significantly drives digitalization in European SMEs, leading to positive impacts on performance. This article emphasizes the importance of digitalization in SMEs for process streamlining, productivity improvement, and enhanced customer experience, ultimately fostering business growth and development. These empirical findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers to prioritize the identification of appropriate measures for stimulating the integration of new digital tools into SME infrastructure and serve as a foundation for future research in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The study aims to establish and conceptualise entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a key construct that positively influences small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance. In this paper, a conceptual framework was developed, and three research propositions were outlined: EO (innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking) positively influences SME performance; the economic stimulus packages moderate EO and the differentiation strategy; and the differentiation strategy mediates EO and SME performance. Each of the constructs was defined, and the conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia were identified. Design/methodology/approach: The paper suggests links between EO and SME performance and the effects of economic stimulus packages and differentiation strategies on Malaysia's service and manufacturing industry. These concepts lead to the development of propositions based on prior empirical studies underpinning the resource-based view theory and contingency approach. The propositions aim to develop further findings and test the hypotheses. Findings: The study proposes three research propositions to conceptualise the relationship between the four main constructs. The study also recommends an empirical approach to conduct and test the research model concerning Malaysia's service and manufacturing industry. Originality/value: While studies on EO and SME performance have been conducted extensively, studies on the impact of various economic stimulus packages by the Malaysian government on the existing EO and SME performance relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited. Separately, this study uses a configuration approach to test the mediator and moderator during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-innovations are widely considered the best possible solution to fight the menace of environmental degradation. Therefore, in this analysis, we try to examine the impact of eco-innovations and environmental entrepreneurship on SME performance in China from 1998 to 2020. In order to get the short- and long-run estimates, we have employed the QARDL model that can estimate across various quantiles. The findings of the QARDL model confirm the positive impact of eco-innovations in increasing the number of SMEs in the long run, as the estimates attached to eco-innovations are positive and significant across most quantiles. Similarly, the estimates attached to financial development and institutional quality are positively significant across most quantiles. However, in the short run, the results are inconclusive for almost all variables. As far as the asymmetric impact of eco-innovations on SMEs is concerned, it is confirmed both in the short and long run. However, the asymmetric impacts of financial development and institutional quality on SMEs are only confirmed in the long run. Based on the results, important policy suggestions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the mediating role of firm innovation capabilities as a strategic choice for Russian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which translates their managerial and worker human capital stocks into enhanced firm performance. The results of a survey conducted on 366 CEOs and business founders indicate innovation capabilities are the intermediate variable between firm human capital and SME performance. Further parallel mediation regression analysis demonstrates that human capital is positively and significantly related to all innovation capability dimensions (client-, marketing- and technology-focused); however, the mediation effect is significant only in the case of client-focused innovation capability–SMEs' ability to provide clients with services that offer unique benefits, solve clients' problems in innovative ways and seek out novel ways to tackle problems. These findings suggest that SMEs operating in turbulent transition economy environments can be more innovative and achieve the best performance using intangible, highly valuable and rare talent resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the effect of innovation on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mediates this relationship. In order to evaluate our assumptions, a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was applied to a sample of 769 Spanish SMEs through a telephone survey conducted with company managers. The findings show that innovation and CSR have an impact on performance. Additionally, to these strong direct effects, CSR has a side effect that strengthens the beneficial effects of innovation on performance. Finally, the results demonstrate significant implications for both SME managers and owners, as they help them to develop innovation-related strategies, which will lead to higher organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The government policy framework provides the roadmap that can be used to implement the enacted policies to support the performance of SMEs. The Zimbabwean government came up with sound policies that were deliberately crafted to improve the performance of SMEs, but the main challenge was on the communication, implementation and support of the policies hence their impact was highly insignificant. This study established the extent to which how the government policies were effective in influencing the performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study used mixed research method following the sequential exploratory strategy. The findings of this study indicate that the government managed to inform the elite group, its officers who are well versed with SME policies and government intentions were clearly communicated to all the experts in the SME sector, but this information did not cascade down to the SME implementers. The findings will assist the government to re-focus and develop a new strategic framework that will bring on board all the stakeholders in the SME sector. From the findings of the study, the researcher deduces that the poor performance of Zimbabwean SMEs is basically an issue of the government which failed to communicate its intentions to the implementers and this had a ripple negative effect across the whole economy of the country.