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This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse regarding the distinctions and application of scoring and rating systems by presenting a conceptual model designed to assess and self-assess small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter also "SMEs") on their sustainability transition. Indeed, SMEs operate in very different economic contexts and have simplified organizational and governance structures. These characteristics can be effectively captured through this conceptual model based on a customized questionnaire tailored to the specificities of SMEs. Following an analysis of existing literature and regulatory frameworks, a conceptual model is proposed that includes a questionnaire that, unlike commonly proposed industry questionnaires, is designed to generate an Environmental, Social and Governance (hereinafter also "ESG") Score complemented by a forward-looking perspective. This model can be useful for SMEs, as it allows them to self-assess their strengths and weaknesses in the sustainability transition process, highlighting specific needs and suggesting actions to improve their sustainability transition. It also allows banks to make a more accurate assessment of the sustainability of their customers, facilitating the redefinition of green and social credit products according to the needs of SMEs. Additionally, it also supports supply chain leaders in ensuring a sustainable supply chain by facilitating the sustainability assessment of SMEs. This is so that everything complies with the new European Union (hereinafter also "EU") regulations. Finally, the questionnaire is currently being tested at a local bank and has been proposed to SME suppliers in a specific supply chain. It will be possible to make changes to the questionnaire based on the feedback received during the administration phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to understand the processes that occur until the adoption of information technology resources yields the expected results. In particular, a value chain perspective is integrated with this relationship to investigate how the characteristics of each business activity result in distinct outcomes, thereby providing specific evidence for the management of information technology resources. The study also examines the moderating role of organisational restructuring in the relationship between information technology resources and firm performance. This study takes a third way to look at this relationship, assuming that both impacts can be observed, depending on the usage level. By doing so, this study may provide some clues for the mechanisms behind assimilating technology into organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era where Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) redefine the boundaries of competition and collaboration, the concept of coopetition — simultaneous competition and cooperation — emerges as a strategic imperative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study presents the design and development of an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) artefact designed to enable competition among SMEs. Bringing the Service-Dominant Logic (S-D logic) foundations to IIoT, a Design Science Research (DSR) approach was employed. This approach facilitated the integration of design theory with practical problem-solving, creating the Coopetition IIoT-based System. The primary goal of this solution is to augment the dynamics of coopetition networks, with a particular focus on SMEs. The practical evaluation of the Coopetition IIoT-based System is assessed through a prototype evaluation by experts representing twenty-four manufacturing stone SMEs, a crucial sector in the Portuguese economy. The feedback received was highly positive, indicating a positive evaluation rate of 78.9%. This favourable response highlights the Coopetition IIoT-based System's proficiency in fostering simultaneous competition and cooperation throughout the lifecycle of business opportunities in SME networks, thereby underscoring its potential as a facilitator of effective competition. Theoretically, this research enriches the application of S-D logic in coopetition networks and advances state-of-the-art IIoT systems. Practically, the Coopetition IIoT-based System demonstrates significant potential in boosting the competitiveness of SMEs in developed economies. Nonetheless, the ultimate efficacy of such IIoT systems will be best determined through real-world application and evaluation. Future research should concentrate on the real-case deployment and assessment of Coopetition IIoT-based Systems within coopetition networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of the perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the perceptions of clients, employees, and managers in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ecuador. Utilizing a combination of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM), the research addresses how CSR policies influence the various internal stakeholders of companies, identifying complex structures of interaction and perception dynamics that could impact organizational performance. This neutrosophic framework not only enhances the understanding of CSR but also promotes the development of workplace welfare policies that effectively cater to a diverse range of staff needs and expectations. SEM was used to estimate and validate the structural relationships, while FCM helped illustrate the dynamics within the CSR network, highlighting how different perceptions affect and are affected by other variables in the system. The study's findings indicate that the perception of CSR by employees and managers has a direct and significant effect on client perception, corroborating the importance of effective CSR management in enhancing customer satisfaction and overall business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) in the modern power system poses a challenge to power system stability. This stability is affected by the stochastic, fluctuating output of RESs, which is influenced by weather conditions, and a lack of inertia resulting from reduced rotating mass. To address this issue, a new controller, referred to as Proportional-Fractional Integrator Plus Proportional-Derivative with Filter, P I λ (1+PDF), is designed for Load Frequency Control (LFC) with the support of a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) for power systems with high-RES penetration. The HESS comprises a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage System (SMES) and a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) coupled with an Interline Power Flow Controller Flexible AC Transmission Systems (IPFC-FACTs) controller. The HESS, working in conjunction with the proposed LFC, injects virtual inertia and maintains power flow to expedite the frequency stability process. These systems are also integrated with Alternating Current (AC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines to collectively enhance both the system's stability and the capacity of its transmission lines. To optimize the P I λ (1+PDF) controller parameters, Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) is employed utilizing an Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) objective function. The proposed controller is tested on a four-area power system integrated with a wind turbine, photovoltaic (PV) panels, a biodiesel generator, and a hydrogen aqua electrolyzer fuel cell, representing a high penetration of RESs in modern power systems. The results are compared with those obtained using Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controllers. Sensitivity analysis and robustness tests are also performed to verify the stability of the power network by changing system parameters and under randomly chosen loading conditions. The proposed P I λ (1+PDF) controller tuned with ZOA outperforms PID and FOPID controllers by minimizing settling time for frequency changes by 62 %, eliminating overshoot, and reducing undershoots for frequency and tie-line power changes by 73 % and 55 %, respectively. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controller outperforms PID and FOPID controllers by effectively damping frequency and tie-line deviations, resulting in reduced frequency overshoots, undershoots, and shorter settling times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tax compliance and avoidance are critical issues for governments and businesses worldwide, especially as businesses often use legal methods to minimize taxes, which can impact public revenue and equity within the tax system. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing tax avoidance behaviors among SMEs in Greece's tourism sector, a sector that has received limited research attention. To this end, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to explore potential factors influencing tax avoidance behavior. Data were collected from 534 SME managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of key factors and their interrelationships, including coercive power, digital transformation, tax knowledge, firm performance, and perceived fairness, on tax avoidance. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was included as a moderator variable, while coercive power and digital transformation were assessed as mediators. Furthermore, Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) was conducted to explore the differences between small and medium enterprises, as well as different ownership structures. The results indicate that all key determinants, except perceived fairness, are significantly and positively related to tax avoidance intention. Additionally, it was revealed that coercive power increases tax avoidance through firm performance and tax knowledge, while digital transformation mediates the influence of firm performance on tax avoidance by curtailing avoidance intentions. While CSR mitigates the negative influence of coercive power, digital transformation has a dual role: that of promoting transparency and strategic efforts to reduce the tax burden. These findings have important policy implications, as policymakers seek to promote digital adoption and enhance CSR engagement while formulating specific regulatory strategies to reduce tax avoidance among SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the forklift industry, focusing on logistics and procurement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with seven managers from a benchmarked company in the forklift industry (BCFI) and quantitative analysis of operational data, we examine the transformative effects of AI integration. Key findings include a 30% reduction in inventory holding costs due to AI-powered predictive analytics; a 15% decrease in procurement costs through AI-driven supplier evaluation systems; a 25% increase in operational efficiency from AI-optimized route planning; a 40% boost in overall productivity attributed to AI-enabled automation; and a projected 20% reduction in low-skilled labor requirements over the next five years. The study employs environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), balanced scorecard (BSC), benchmarking, and activity-based management (ABM) models to analyze risks and implications of AI integration. A case study of a leading Romanian SME in the forklift industry is presented, examining financial strategies using McKinsey's 7S framework. The paper concludes that while AI offers significant operational benefits, it also presents challenges in workforce transition and ethical considerations that require careful management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of innovation capability on business sustainability in Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as consider the effects of organizational resilience, sustainable competitive advantage, and environmental dynamism as mediators in succession. A quantitative approach was adopted to collect data from 401 employees in SMEs in the Lagos Metropolitan Area of Nigeria. We conducted the analysis of the collected data using the partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM). This research establishes that innovation capabilities are beneficial for ensuring business sustainability. The findings further corroborate the importance of sustainable competitive advantage and environmental dynamism for business sustainability. Finally, the results show that environmental dynamism is important for helping small business owners sustain their businesses and increase their innovation capabilities. Similarly, the indirect paths also showed that resilience organizations, like SMEs, play a role in the paradigm. However, businesses can benefit from this study's findings by crafting strategies that adapt more quickly to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging possibilities. This way, businesses may take the necessary measures to stay ahead of the competition while guaranteeing sustainability. Even though the heuristic model emphasizes originality, the current research on how to successfully link innovative capacity to sustainability and build sustainability in dynamic environments is sparse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of e-service quality on customer loyalty with customer satisfaction as a mediator in the small and medium-sized business sector in Nigeria. The dimensions investigated in this study are reliability, web design, trust, empathy, convenience, and cultural inclusion. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, there has not been any research done on this subject investigating the above dimensions among Nigerian SMEs across various cultural groups. Therefore, this study fills this gap by investigating the impact of culture, web design, trust, empathy, convenience, and reliability on SMEs. A questionnaire was used for the purpose of the study to collect primary data. Four hundred and ninety-two responses were obtained from the respondents, who were age 20 and above. The survey was carried out online across the four major poles of Nigeria (east, west, north, and south) because of their varying and distinct cultural background. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 28, Smart PLS 4 and AMOS 29 for descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling to test the research model. The results showed that the service quality dimensions have a positive significant impact on customer satisfaction and also show that customer loyalty is positively impacted by customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the link between sustainability orientation and disruptive innovation in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) by embracing both the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) and upper echelons theory. By drawing on these theories and extending them, it sheds light on the executives' characteristics and organizational contingencies leading to disruptive innovation. Starting from the CEOs' sustainability orientation, it investigates if and how it leads to disruptive innovation through the mediating role of green organizational identity and the moderating influence of both green product competitiveness and CEOs' gender‐related characteristics. Two wave time‐lagged survey data from 257 Chinese SMEs are analyzed to empirically test these relationships. Results suggest that SMEs with CEOs characterized by sustainability focus foster a green organizational identity, enabling them to generate disruptive innovations. Additionally, the presence of high green product competitiveness strengthens the connection between sustainability orientation and green organizational identity. Lastly, the relationship between this latter and disruptive innovation can be further enhanced by female CEOs by leveraging their specific skills and abilities. Implications for managers, organizations, and public policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intensively examines the circumstances in which multifaceted green innovations (GI) play a role in driving business performance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an upsurging economy. Accordingly, the role of managerial environmental concern (MEC) is explored in the link between GI dimensions and corporate performance. This study adopts a quantitative approach and conducts a partial‐least square structural equation model (PLS‐SEM) for analysis using the primary survey‐based information. There were 424 valid samples collected. The findings indicate that GI dimensions (management, process, product, and technology) significantly and positively affect corporate performance. In these connections, MEC plays a moderating role. The originality of this study lies in its revolutionary strategy for enhancing SME sustainability in emerging economies. Thus, it contributes values not only to the theoretical ground but also to business practitioners, academics, and policymakers oriented towards sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the integration of digital and circular economy (CE) strategies in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their impact on innovation. The research uses data from the Eurobarometer survey conducted by the European Commission, which includes a sample of 16,365 SMEs. Using a combination of regression analysis and machine learning tools, the results indicate that a high degree of digitalisation within SMEs enhances the integration of a CE orientation. However, it is not necessary for SMEs with advanced CE orientations to have high levels of digitalisation. Additionally, the study finds variability in the integration of digital and CE orientations among SMEs, identifying four distinct groups of companies with differing levels of compatibility. Moreover, SMEs that successfully integrate both digital and CE orientations are more likely to innovate, whereas those with poor integration exhibit a lower probability of innovation. These findings offer crucial insights for managers and policymakers aiming to bolster SME innovation, digitalisation and sustainability. The research underscores the need for a balanced integration of digital and CE orientations to enhance innovation and environmental impact in SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the growing attention on climate change, this study provides an up‐to‐date and comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) carbon footprint reduction initiatives and green jobs. Based on datasets from databases that include Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar, we conducted a SLR of 70 published articles spanning 2012 to 2022. Using VOSviewer and InfraNodus, bibliographic cluster analysis revealed the existence of three clusters namely; the role of green job initiatives and green human resource management in SMEs (cluster 1); green innovation, green Initiatives, green strategy and circular economy in SMEs (cluster 2); carbon footprint reduction initiatives, carbon performance, carbon management and carbon emission in SMEs (cluster 3). We found that SMEs adopt green supply chain, employing energy‐saving strategies, eco‐friendly waste reductions and recycling, circular economy, and green office practices. The study results indicate that these carbon footprint initiatives can lead to green job creation since green competences are required to implement green initiatives. However, value propositions relating to carbon reduction initiatives within SMEs need to be integrated with employee engagement. Additionally, the SLR identifies future research areas that include exploring the association among SMEs carbon footprint, green innovation and green jobs, and strategies to enhance climate change initiatives. Consequently, we call for future research to focus on the design of green jobs tracking and carbon footprint reduction reporting framework to support SMEs' green initiatives. The findings have key policy implications for SME owners, policymakers, practitioners and future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores which stakeholders have more substantial influence than others and which combinations of stakeholders will have the greatest impact on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises' environmental practices. A quantitative survey of 150 manager‐owners of SMEs found that while customers and suppliers significantly influence SMEs' sustainability behaviors, the demands and expectations set by regulatory bodies have a more substantial impact on how SMEs shape their environmental practices. Further, the presence of regulatory pressures does more than directly influence SMEs. Pressure from regulatory bodies also amplifies the effect of other forces on SMEs' environmental practices. In other words, when regulatory pressures exist, the impact of customer and supplier pressures on SMEs' sustainability behaviors becomes even more substantial. This synergistic effect underscores the pivotal role of regulatory pressures in shaping and enhancing SMEs' commitment to environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition towards the circular economy—viewed as a holistic solution to meet the sustainable development goals—requires the crucial engagement of the corporate sector, and thereby, radically new business models. Whilst academic literature abounds of tools classifying and categorising circular business models, comparatively little is known in terms of how exactly they look like in the corporate context. Drawing on case studies of small, British circular start‐ups, this article illustrates the characteristics of circular business models and their fit with progressive business models, which are conceptualised as serving nature, future generations, and society, while maintaining financial profitability. This article also highlights how circular business models contribute to competitive advantage and the distinctive challenges met in implementation. As a result, this research contributes to the scant academic literature exploring circular business models implementation, particularly within the context of start‐ups and SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The importance of financial dependence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on their performance is a relatively unaddressed area of research. Relatedly, whether and to what extent foreign bank penetration exerts an impact in the presence of financial dependence also remains an open question. The purpose of the paper in this regard is to exploit unit-level data on Indian SMEs and assess the independent and interactive effects of financial dependence on SME behaviour, in the presence of foreign banks. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses fixed effects specification to address the issue. In subsequent analysis, this study also uses an instrumental variable approach for robustness. Findings: The results indicate that financial dependence improves investment and employment, although there is a decline in productivity. These findings differ across size classes of SMEs. Similar is the evidence in the presence of foreign banks. In particular, foreign bank penetration leads to a decline in investment for micro and medium SMEs, although for small SMEs, the impact is found to be the opposite. Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, this is one of the early within-country studies to examine the interface between SMEs and financial dependence and the role played by foreign banks in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of procurement tools to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in public contracts by analysing contract awards for public works published on Tenders Electronic Daily in 2018–2022. Focusing on dividing contracts into smaller lots, a key feature of the 2014 EU modernised procurement framework, this study's findings reveal that splitting contracts might not necessarily attract SMEs to bid but increases their chances of winning such contracts. Other factors, such as using open and unrestricted bidding procedures and allowing SMEs to showcase their specialisation by awarding contracts based on the best price-quality ratio, positively affect the SMEs' bidding. The findings of this study emphasise the importance of thoroughly considering individual contract characteristics and overall procurement settings to accommodate SMEs' limited resource capacities and foster their performance in the public procurement marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We embed an experiment in an ongoing firm-level panel survey with a sample of 623 firms managed by their owners to explore the role of top managers' behavioral traits as drivers of corporate strategies and performance. We find that present biased managers are less likely to invest in business practices, leading to lower sales revenue. Younger managers are more patient and less risk-averse than older ones, and they play a more significant role in improving firm performance than their counterparts. Interestingly, we find compelling evidence that business practices play a crucial role as a mediating mechanism through which managers' present bias and loss aversion affect firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigates the relationship between digital transformation and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in the context of SMEs. Drawing upon Resource Orchestration Theory, this research proposes a theoretical model that examines the direct effect of digital transformation on ESG performance and the mediating roles of innovation capabilities and servitization level in this relationship. PLS-SEM and fsQCA were employed to analyze survey data from 215 SME executives. The results reveal that digital transformation positively influences ESG performance. Moreover, innovation capabilities and servitization level partially mediate the relationship between digital transformation and ESG performance. This research contributes to the literature by proposing and validating a comprehensive model that integrates these constructs, offering actionable insights for SME managers and policymakers to enhance ESG outcomes through strategic digital initiatives. Notably, fsQCA results highlight three distinct configurations of digital transformation components leading to high ESG performance, providing nuanced pathways for SMEs to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive focus on information technology (IT) within organizations, along with the substantial significance of information security issues, has made information security a top priority for executives. The International Organization for Standardization 27001 (ISO-27001) policy outlines the requirements for an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS). Implementing an ISMS not only enhances the overall profitability of a firm, but it also has a significant impact in various scenarios. In this study, we examined how ISMS implementation can assist corporations financially, with a specific focus on the moderating effect of Indian national culture. We analyzed financial performance following ISMS and ISO-27001 implementation using sample data from 420 Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By analyzing 256 survey questionnaires from 420 SMEs, we found that national culture amplifies the strong interaction between ISMS implementation and SME performance in India. We found that ISMS implementation increased the profitability of recognized Indian firms, supporting study hypotheses. The findings provide valuable insights for SMEs seeking to enhance financial performance through ISMS implementation, emphasizing the moderating role of national culture in shaping these outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]