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Abstract Background The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be a culture of a workplace, and deeply rooted in worker behavior and attitude during their practice. According to the recent studies only 64% of the workers use PPE properly. The present study aims to investigate the utilization of PPE among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its relationship with knowledge, attitude, performance, and safety culture among workers. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire tool across SMEs in Kashan city in year 2023. The used tool included three questionnaires: demographic, safety culture, and knowledge, attitude and performance. Study papulation was 529 SMEs. Totally, the sample size was 369 persons and questionnaires were distributed among the workers of SMEs. Finally, SPSS software was used for statistical analysis and structural equation modeling. Various statistical tests including T-Test, ANOVA, RMSEA, CFI, TLI, and the chi-square ratio were employed. Results The mean values (standard deviation) of age and work experience were 35.19 (12.33), and 15.60 (1.69) years, respectively. Among the 369 participants, 267 participants (72.4%) indicated that they use some PPE, although not all types. However, 102 individuals (27.7%) do not employ any PPE. The lowest score for safety culture dimension was attributed to safety training at 1.58. The results of the final model indicate that the assumed relationships between variables, as outlined in the study objectives, were well established, with all connections proving statistically significant. Conclusion It can be concluded that the missing of inadequate legal supervision for small industries exists. Therefore, it can be inferred that if supervision and regulation are enhanced for safety training and implementation that may lead to increased usage of PPE.

Abstract: The study aims to draw valuable lessons for Mongolia from the Republic of Korea's (ROK) successful experiences in export support. Within this framework, the first section of the study provides an overview of key initiatives in industry and foreign trade development that have been implemented since the 1960s. The second section examines the comprehensive content, formats, and implementation methods of export support programs designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those in use since 2000. This section covers various aspects of export support, including financial assistance, marketing strategies, and technical services. It also includes illustrative examples. The study's findings recommend specific case studies and insights from South Korea's export development journey and currently operational programs, which have the potential to benefit Mongolia's own export efforts. БНСУ-ын Засгийн газраас үндэсний үйлдвэрлэл, экспортоо дэмжиж буй хэлбэрүүд Хураангуй: Уг судалгаа нь БНСУ-ын экспортыг дэмжих чиглэлд олсон амжилт, туршлагаас Монгол Улсад хэрэг болохуйц зарим жишээг тодруулах зорилго агуулсан. Энэ хүрээнд эхний хэсэгт 1960-аад оноос эхлэн хэрэгжүүлсэн аж үйлдвэрлэл, гадаад худалдааг хөгжүүлэх зарим онцлох бодлого хөтөлбөрүүдийг тоймлон судалсан. Хоёрдугаар хэсэгт 2000 оноос хойш хэрэгжүүлж буй жижиг дунд үйлдвэрлэл эрхлэгчдийн экспортыг дэмжих хөтөлбөрүүдийн ерөнхий агуулга, хэлбэр, хэрэгжүүлэх арга барилыг судалсан. Тухайлбал экспортыг дэмжих санхүү, маркетинг, технологийн үйлчилгээнүүд, тэдгээрийн онцлог, хэрэгжүүлж буй арга барилуудыг зарим жишээтэй оруулсан. Судалгааны үр дүнд тус улсын аж үйлдвэрлэл, экспортыг хөгжүүлсэн туршлага, өнөөгийн байдлаар хэрэгжүүлж буй бодлого хөтөлбөрүүдээс Монгол Улсын экспортыг дэмжих үйл хэрэгт нэмэр болохуйц зарим жишээг гаргасан. Түлхүүр үгс: БНСУ, экспорт, үйлдвэрлэл, жижиг дунд үйлдвэрлэгч, бодлого, хөтөлбөр

Customer relationship management (CRM) is a business approach which can provide a competitive advantage to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). To deploy a successful CRM strategy, SMEs need to invest in a CRM software but unfortunately, the adoption rate of such software is very low compared to large companies. This study is trying to identify the main reasons for not using CRM software and how adoption rate can be improved. In-depth interviews with marketing managers and business owners were conducted to investigate the types of relationships the organizations have with various stakeholders and find out the technical solutions used to implement CRM strategies. Several reasons were mentioned for not using, or using in a limited way, CRM software: they are not trusted, they do not work, they are too complicated or they are not needed because SMEs have a limited customer base and managing customer relationships is performed using simpler tools. The main problem is that respondents do not see the strategic importance of CRM software. As long as most respondents consider only the operational role of CRM software - which can be replaced with some success by other applications they already use - the adoption rate will continue to be limited.

The importance of financial literacy as a source of information for making financial decisions has been acknowledged, but little research has been done on how it affects SMEs' attitudes about taking risks. In order to examine the financial literacy and risk-taking behavior of small and medium-sized firms in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the research created an integrated model from a knowledge-based viewpoint. A survey research design was used for this study with a multi-stage sampling procedure. The study analyzed the primary data collected from the questionnaire. 154 managers and owners of SMEs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, made up the sample. According to the results of multiple regression, financial behavior, knowledge, and attitude all have a positive and substantial impact on how risk-averse small and medium-sized businesses in Ekiti State, Nigeria, are about taking risks. The study's findings revealed that a high level of financial management literacy has a critical and significant influence on enhancing the entrepreneur's risk-taking attitude, which leads to the growth of small businesses.

Manufacturing is a broad field with different types of production processes. Therefore, specific processes can accommodate multiple parallel machines operating simultaneously in some production environments. This assumption is particularly crucial in factory scheduling for industries such as textile, aircraft, and semiconductor manufacturing. The assumption proposed in this paper is differ from FJSP in that they are closer to the real world by allowing different machines to perform the same multiple processes. In this paper, a new approach for solving the flexible job shop scheduling problem has been proposed, which is referred to as the flexible job shop scheduling problem in a parallel machine environment with a variable group. We proposed a hybrid genetic algorithm-based variable neighborhood search algorithm (GA-VNS) to solve this problem, where the multiple parallel machines can operate the same operations simultaneously and are grouped as a variable group. The GA-VNS algorithm combines the global searching ability of GA with the local searching ability of VNS to fully reflect the condition of the parallel machines with variable groups. The objective functions of the algorithm are to minimize the production makespan and to improve facility usage. Multiple simulation experiments are conducted using forty-seven test instances to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the new approach. This study is expected to reduce processing time and production costs for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with low cost and high efficiency compared to existing systems, such as the manufacturing execution system, enterprise resource planning, and job shop scheduling system.

In times of a complex, uncertain and dynamic world with increasingly faster product life cycles agile approaches in the early phase of product development are demanded in small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s). Despite the high demand, there is still no generally valid and need-specific solution concept for the integration of agile approaches due to different company specific requirements such as the level of maturity, experience and application purposes. Within this research, the question about the actual needs as well as the corresponding design of a concept for integrating agile approaches in product development for SME requirements is tackled. In order to identify existing challenges in the field of agile product development an empirical study with eleven mechanical engineering companies is conducted and analyzed. By using agglomerative-hierarchical clustering, three distinct types of SME’s with similar needs are structured. As a result, this research proposes a systematic procedure, enabling SME’s to be clustered by their needs and enable the integration of agile approaches through a problem-oriented roadmap with specified recommendation of actions. Enhancing the integration and application of agile approaches effectively in product development projects, the level of agility appropriate to the situation and needs must be identified and introduced. Therefore, the potential that arises from the process-oriented support of the product development teams in the early phase of innovation projects will be outlined.

The study analyzes the impact of social and human capital on the corporate value of Pakistani enterprises listed on the stock exchange. The research specifically focused on Pakistan firms operating in the manufacturing sector. It assesses the moderating effect of QOFDP between social capital (SC) and human capital (HC) on corporate value. A quantitative analysis approach is applied to the primary data collected through a close-ended survey questionnaire from 600 supply chain employees of Pakistan manufacturing industry. Results were used to construct a quantitative inquiry approach for the primary data. The association and impact of Social capital (SC) on the corporate value of manufacturing enterprises were found to be statistically significant, and it was also shown that Quality of financial decision and policy making (QOFDP) acted as a moderator between HC and corporate value. The moderating of QOFDP was exclusive to SC and HC, although all factors indicating SC (i.e., internal, and external network of social capital) and human capital (HC) affected company value positively and considerably. In light of the above findings, it has been advised that Pakistani manufacturing companies participate in rational financial decision-making to increase business sustainability and corporate value. However, this study is limited to the manufacturing industry in Pakistan and cannot be applied to other industries or nations.

In this contemporary world, the words data and sustainability play a crucial role in determining the financial budgets of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Usually, it is stated that the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is directly proportional to the growth and sustainability factor of the nation. The economic sustainability of a nation is dependent on appropriate functioning of SMEs. Any kind of direct impact on the working of SMEs will have its impact on the whole economy of a nation. There are different factors such as lack of financial capacity, low market demands, restrictions with regard to the capital, and barriers in the supply chain that affect the sustainability of SMEs worldwide. Nevertheless, small, and medium sized enterprises around the world are greatly investing on skills, innovation, and other capital related resources to mark up the demands of the external market. The main objective of this study is to examine the financial budgets of technology-based SMEs from the perspective of sustainability and big data. For this, the study collects data through a questionnaire from 1,800 Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. Based on a detailed and careful examination of the data, only 1,400 of the responses received were considered valid (79.75%). To test the hypothesis stated, the study employs structural equation modeling. This will help the researcher to examine the direct effect of financial budget and technology adaption of SMEs from the perspective of sustainability and big data. Results of the study stated that SMEs sustainability and big data are directly and positively related to the financial budget planning of technology-based SMEs. The study also found that big data plays an important role in the businesses, specifically for their own growth.

The paper aims to provide empirical clarification over some key failure factors of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and also analysis of the similarities and differences in factors' relations in the Republic of Serbia and Visegrad countries. The SMEs' failures factors have been accessed from the point of view of SMEs owners and managers whose opinions were collected through a questionnaire disseminated in five countries (Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Poland and the Republic of Serbia). On the other hand, for the research presented in this paper, the data from Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Serbia were used. The structural equation model was developed and analyzed to confirm the reliability of the conceptual model, using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) for comparative measurements on the observed data from different countries. The result showed the existence of differences in opinions of SMEs owners and managers concerning failure factors in examined countries.

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın temel amacı KOBİ’lerde stratejik finansal yönetimin nasıl uygulandığının araştırılmasıdır. Yöntem: Çalışmada stratejik finansal yönetimin KOBİ’lerde nasıl uygulandığına dair bir literatür çalışması yapılmış, KOBİ’lerde karşılaşılan finansal sorunlar ele alınmıştır. Bulgular: KOBİ’lerde değişen dünyanın yeni ekonomisinde finansal sorunlara tam bir çözüm geliştirilememiştir. Bu da KOBİ’lerin piyasada ki diğer işletmelerle olan rekabet güçlerini azaltmaktadır.Sonuçlar: KOBİ’lerin ulusal/uluslararası yoğun rekabet ortamında yaşamlarını sürdüremeyecekleri gerçeğinden hareketle, KOBİ’lerinin finansal durumları iyi analiz edilmeli, sorunlarına yapıcı, uzun vadeli, verimliliği artırmaya yönelik çözümler üretilmelidir. Finans piyasasındaki gelişmeleri işletmelerin yakından takip edememeleri, kredi alımlarında karşılaştıkları teminat sorunları, kredi hacimlerinin düşük, kredi maliyetlerinin yüksek olması, sermaye piyasasına girememeleri, alternatif finansman kaynaklarından faydalanmamaları ve ayrı bir finans departmanının bulunmaması KOBİ’lerin güçlü finansal yapılara sahip olmalarını engellemektedir.

Globally, 95% of enterprises are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Social media has recently become a powerful marketing tool due to characteristics such as the ability to share digital information and interact with consumers instantly. In SMEs, limited budgets restrict the use of social media as marketing tools. Thus, complimentary use of social media may be an alternative method for SMEs to maximize their marketing strategies. This study identifies what marketing goals are important for SME growth and how complimentary social media are used for attaining marketing goals. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis was conducted to confirm the order of local weights and global weights for marketing goals and complimentary social media. We found that the order of local weights for marketing goals for SMEs in the growth phase is brand awareness > online purchase > sales potential. The order of global weights for complimentary social media to meet above marketing goals is Facebook > PIXNET > Twitter > Instagram > YouTube > LINE. Finally, we used an SME from Taiwan as a case study to ensure that the application of the above complimentary social media can meet above marketing goals and potentially increase the survival of SMEs at the growth phase in Taiwan.

The basic aim of the article is to evaluate the extent of a companies´ engagement with CSR as well as to uncover the nature and type of CSR activities in the agro-food companies operating in the Slovak Republic. In order to fulfill the basic aim, we set the partial aims which involve several research questions. Primary information and data were obtained by the questionnaire survey in order to assess the level of companies´ engagement with CSR policy and activities they carry out within this policy. Secondary data consist of various publications, web-pages of selected companies, their annual general statements and statements concerning CSR policy. To every company, one questionnaire was distributed – in some case, it was possible to send it directly to person responsible for CSR activities. To graphically display our results, we used MS Excel and for other statistical processing SAS and SPSS. According to the results and findings from the questionnaire survey, the authors of the article finds it appropriate to offer several recommendations and ideas dealing with support of CSR in the Slovak Republic.

The changes in economic development of different countries in recent decades are influenced by processes that have modified the ways and forms of doing business. While in the past, the emphasis was put on size of the company, currently its participation in various forms of network cooperation prevails. The following paper presents results of empirical research realized between the small and medium sized enterprises involved into entrepreneurs’ networks. Research was conducted during the period 2014 – 2015 in a frame of scientific research project VEGA 1/0381/13 and KEGA 001UCM-4/2016. The main aim of paper is to propose the basic model of network entrepreneurial cooperation in the conditions of the Slovak republic. The novelty of this paper is to mention the main steps that should be done by stakeholders, if they want to create successful network. The partial aims of this paper are: the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative conditions for networking and description of partial steps which lead to creation of network cooperation. We used selected quantitative methods (Localization coefficient with combination of BCG matrix). Qualitative conditions will be evaluated through the results of questionnaire survey, which identified the entrepreneurs’ suggestions of business for engagement into the network (by using Pearson chi-square, Kruskal Wallis and Median Tests).

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and competitive advantage (CMA) and to investigate the moderated role of financial support (FNC) between the influences of entrepreneurial orientations on CMA. This study adopted a quantitative approach using survey instruments. The targeted sample size was 680 from a total manager population in 3526 SMEs working in Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) in Iraq. The total number of usable questionnaires was 580. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relationship among the variables. The statistical result showed that entrepreneurial orientations significantly influenced on CMA. The results also highlight that FNC had a moderated role in relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and CMA in SMEs in Iraqi KRG.

Considering the theoretical approach of studying alternative forms of tourism, this paper main objective is investigating the concept of health tourism as a form of alternative tourism, at the same time discussing specific characteristics of health tourism both at the side of supply and demand. Furthermore, the different aspects should present links between tourism and health, as a structural element of this discussion. In the empirical section of the paper, a practical research is conducted that aims to improve the understanding of the factual situation in light of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs),. Hence, the readiness of enterprises to offer the required services in the segment of health tourism, as well as different related business activities to such, as financing and innovations. In this context the paper confirms the basic hypothesis that the development of health tourism in the country depends upon the presence of small and medium sized enterprises, which are initiators of supply in the sector of health tourism. Based on the results of the survey a concept for the for the further development of health tourism is proposed.

In the 21st century, CSR along with other social issues (such as corporate philanthropy and social enterprise) has become one of the key business trends all over the world. Companies have begun to realize certain commitment to society and its values, and have understood the importance of their contribution into social, environmental and economic issues. Globally, CSR is considered as narrower part of international business ethics and with regard to accession of multinational companies as well as small and medium sized enterprises, and its importance is increasing. Many of those companies perceive CSR as the factor increasing their competitiveness in the business environment. From this point of view, we stated the main goal of submitted article like the evaluation how can we see the corporate social responsibility within its application in business practice. For the evaluation, we used the material, which consists from primary data and secondary data. All data were elaborated by the statistical methods. The main part of this article includes the description of the questionnaire evaluation including tables, graphs and statistical evaluation of our three set research hypotheses. In conclusion, we evaluate the overall results of our practical research and propose recommendations for the future. The research results show how the interviewed people in the company have been evaluated according to the characteristics, benefits, reasons and consideration of CSR.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of grants received by companies on the formation of a business model. The study covered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises based in rural areas, which received support in the form of investment grants within the Regional Operational Programmes 2007-2013 for northern Poland. The research was done using a direct survey method, and covered a total of 155 companies. The results of the study indicate that the grant obtained affected implicitly the modification of the business model elements that are placed on the left side of the template of the Business Model Canvas. However, the tendency of enterprises to undertake an innovative activity usually means changes in their business model both on the left and right side. The greatest strength of the dependence was observed in the case of relationship between the size of the company and changes in the model elements. Mediumsized enterprises were the most active in this respect, when compared to comparison to micro and small businesses, and changed the largest number of elements of the business model due to the obtained grant.

This study is based on empirical evidence at measuring the relationship between the use of the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) by the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Kayseri-Turkey, and firms’ improved performance indicators. Kayseri is one of the most successful furniture-making centers in Turkey and it earned more than a billion dollars in export revenues in 2007. The data obtained from interviews with 60 firms in the organized industrial zone is analyzed by Generalized Least Squares (GLS). It is found that there is positive and statistically significant relation between the use of AIS and educational status of managers. Moreover, as the number of employees rises, the use of AIS also increases. Furthermore, a positive relation is found between the use of AIS and growth (Sale, Customer and Revenue).

The largest number of companies in the Republic of Srpska falls into the category of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and most of them are organized in the form of limited liability companies, usually with the prescribed minimum share capital. The economic sector and its actors still face many difficulties and obstacles in their functioning. Unfavourable business environment is characterized by high operating costs caused by high taxes and contributions, a number of fiscal and parafiscal charges, various fees, bureaucracy, unfavorable loans, debt collection dispute, smuggling, illegal work, corruption... The aim of this paper is to analyze the effects of the reforms made in the field of business registration, such as the introduction of one-stop business registration system and the exemption from judicial and administrative fees during the first registration, as well as their impact on improving the overall business environment in the Republic of Srpska.

In this paper we propose to emphasize the structural changes involved by globalization process who generate a semnificative influence on the economic growth in Romania. Thus, on this background it is important to point out that even though the phenomenon of globalization represents manny opportunities for Romanian economic growth, nevertheles, our country must regard at the same time all the systemic risks that are involved in this process. From this perspective, an important role has the activity of romanian small and medium sized enterprises that through its specific creates jobs and contributes substantially to growth in Romania. In terms of risks, for our country is necessary to develop effective mechanisms of self-defense against involved economic dangers. Also, should not be ignored that the quality of European Union member offers for Romania a strong base and in the same time the chance to benefit from the positive effects of the single market and the opportunities offered by the global market. In this framework, Romanian economy is not exempted from stiff competition in the field of trade in goods and services from countries like China or India who succeed through competition, to "break down trade barriers" of economic blocs. More than that, Romanian high tech industry can take advantage for themselves from the positive effects of globalization process by penetrating on third country markets.

Industrial solid waste (ISW) is increasing in both quantity and complexity and it is a priority to establish strategies to manage it. Reverse Logistics (RL) is a strategy that enables material recovery and reuse avoiding the damage that ISW may cause; also RL organizes solid waste management activities and supports other activities such as ISW trading. Most of the research linking ISW and RL in developed countries is related to the electronics subsector because of the negative effects on the environment; however, research oriented towards plastics subsector waste is lower. This is the case in Colombia where the plastics subsector is composed mainly by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing diverse constraints for their operation. Main facilitators and barriers that face SMEs in the Colombian plastics subsector to undertake RL programs were identified. An exploratory study was carried out in which business managers assessed the facilitators and barriers identified in the literature. The results showed that the availability of skilled people to perform RL activities is one of the most important internal facilitators and the lack of secondary markets for recovered materials is among the external barriers. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in the field that is still maturing in Colombia.

Background: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are often the main pillar of an economy. Minor accidents, ergonomics problems, old and outdated machinery, and lack of awareness have created a need for implementation of safety practices in SMEs. Implementation of healthy working conditions creates positive impacts on economic and social development. Methods: In this study, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 30 randomly chosen SMEs in and around Mumbai, Maharashtra, and other states in India to evaluate safety practices implemented in their facilities. The study also looked into the barriers and drivers for technology innovation and suggestions were also received from the respondent SMEs for best practices on safety issues. Results: In some SMEs, risks associated with safety issues were increased whereas risks were decreased in others. Safety management practices are inadequate in most SMEs. Market competitiveness, better efficiency, less risk, and stringent laws were found to be most significant drivers; and financial constraints, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of training for employees were found to be main barriers. Conclusion: Competition between SMEs was found to be major reason for implementation of safety practices in the SMEs. The major contribution of the study has been awareness building on safety issues in the SMEs that participated in the project.

In the Hungarian agro-food sector SMEs have a key role but regarding the tendency of the performance of SME sector, comparing to EU-28 average, the performance of Hungarian SME sector has gradually worsened between 2008 and 2015 while the EU average has an increasing trend. ICT can help enterprises and this article is an overview of the ICT situation of Hungarian SMEs. It is important to analyse in detail the ICT usage characteristics of agro SMEs in the food supply chain because these ICT devices, tools and services are crucial to smooth the information flow within the chain. For all these reasons our work aims to find out how Hungarian agro-food SMEs use ICT and how ICT adoption affect their business procedures, performance and development. A striking observation to emerge from the data comparison is the difference among SMEs and large enterprises regarding the usage of the different basic and advanced ICT solutions. A much bigger percent of large companies use advanced ICT then SMEs and mainly small enterprises are lagging behind as the attitudes of medium sized enterprises are rather similar to the large ones. In Hungary small enterprises in agro-food industry are in difficult financial state and for them free Cloud Computing services can offer good opportunities as they do not have initial costs. ICT adoption is very important to them as ICT sector is a dynamically growing sector and if customers and partners of an enterprise adapt faster to these technological innovations, it may have a negative effect on the different processes, performance and financial results of the organisation. In this article our aim was to determine the main question groups for our questionnaire which focus mainly on ICT solutions supporting the quality of communication and relationship between partners. As the basic IT tools are available in the major part even in the SMEs besides large companies, the two main issues will be the usage of advanced online services and the usage of high quality ICT solutions. JEL Code: M15

Tourism is hailed worldwide as a growing industry that contributes towards job creation and linking businesses in various destinations, while the same thing cannot be said about its progress in practising sustainable development initiatives. However, debates on linking sustainability with business elicit controversial connotations with a myriad of uncertain futures regarding business ventures. This study complements the existing discourses in exploring challenges experienced by tourism entrepreneurs (TE) in advancing sustainability. In post-apartheid South Africa, the tourism industry’s development has accelerated through the latest innovations generated in technology and transport, ubiquitous ecommunications, collaborations on local economic development, less defined geographical borders between the countries and climate change debates. A review of literature indicates that there is paucity of literature on sustainability for tourism entrepreneurship (TE). This study explores sustainability in the tourism industry by assessing merits and demerits in practising sustainable development with the intention to develop strategies that can mitigate these barriers. A document analysis approach was adopted to draw data from the literature review, policy documents, articles from accredited journal and books. Findings from this study recommend policy options on further integration of tourism towards sustainable development.

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influential degree of technological innovation and competitive strategy on export performance of small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in crystal and glass industry, considering the role of competitive environment. The conceptual framework of this study was developed based on the main objective of the study which is determining the type of relationship between the above variables. The sample of the study consists of 87 companies engaged in crystal and glass industry. Data was collected through email and face to face interview with top managers and employees, by a constructed questionnaire. The results indicated that while both competitive strategy and technological innovation influence export performance but later enjoyers higher degree of influence, and also the results revealed a significant relationship between the type of strategy and innovation in these companies. However, the results revealed that the environment have significant influence on the relationships of the exogenous variables (types of strategy and technological innovation) and mediates these relationships.

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are the necessary force of the socio-economic development in the Mediterranean. Their role as providers of employment and as key players of economic growth is essential. Indeed, the issues relating to the starting up, financing and operation of sme s provoke a crucial interest, growing internationally. However, the financing of SMEs breaks in the momentum of economic growth. It is often said that SMEs access to credit is difficult and a major constraint is related to credit institution’s features in the Mediterranean, i. e. Morocco. Thus, the paper’s subject is closely related to the identification of the hierarchical funding of sme s, introduced at the Casablanca stock exchange. To this end, we adopted a dynamic approach and we used a Data analysis of panel. They are particularly suited to analyze dynamic effects, because they allow a better understanding of the dynamic adjustment of the sme’s financial structure.

We investigate factors from firm side that determine their financing pattern for new investment projects and their decision to choose formal, informal credit, or both. For financing pattern of new investment project, we use Random-effect model while Unordered-Multinomial Logistic is used to estimate probability of choosing any of four choices to access to finance, say, formal credit, informal credit, both of them, or none of them. Our analysis is based on a panel of around 2200 small and medium sized enterprises with 7900 observations extracted from the “Survey of small and medium scale manufacturing enterprises in Vietnam” in 2005, 2007, and 2009.

AbstractA major motivation of this study is to examine the factors that are the most important in contributing to the relatively poor efficiency performance of Thai manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The results obtained will be significant in devising effective policies aimed at tackling this poor performance.This paper uses data on manufacturing SMEs in the North-eastern region of Thailand in 2007 as a case study, by applying a stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and a technical inefficiency effects model. The empirical results obtained indicate that the mean technical efficiency of all categories of manufacturing SMEs in theNorth-eastern region is 43%, implying that manufacturing SMEs have high levels of technical inefficiency in their production processes.Manufacturing SMEs in the North-eastern region are particularly labour-intensive. The empirical results of the technical inefficiency effects model suggest that skilled labour, the municipal area and ownership characteristics are important firm-specific factors affecting technical efficiency. The paper argues that the government should play a more substantial role in developing manufacturing SMEs in the North-eastern provinces through: providing training programs for employees and employers; encouraging a greater usage of capital and technology in the production process of SMEs; enhancing the efficiency of state-ownedenterprises; encouraging a wide range of ownership forms; and improving information and communications infrastructure.

Most corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards have not been designedto be implemented in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Giventhat 99% of Spanish companies are SMEs, this study aims to propose aselection of basic CSR material issues that, because of their usefulness andsignificance, should be adapted to Spanish SMEs and their stakeholders.This study provides a CSR model for SMEs that includes the most importantsocial, environmental, and corporate governance issues. This model, whichis based on expert knowledge, is useful for integrating sustainability in themanagement of SMEs and enhancing the management of stakeholders.

In developed countries the number of SMEs vastly exceeds the number ofMNCs. An important share of SMEs are somehow linked to MNCs – but theimpression prevails, that SMEs are in a subordinate position and certainly donot have a global strategy. We argue, however, that there should be partnershiprelations between MNCs and SMEs. The share of importance is conditionedby the degree, how well SMEs understand the MNCs global policy andhow they support it with their activity. Through that MNCs become a part ofSMEs’ global strategy, which consequently becomes their strategy as well.The paper includes a number of SMEs’ considerations and actions to be includedin the MNCs’ global strategy – as well as some propositions uponpublic support needed for this purpose.

Previous studies strongly emphasize the importance of High-Tech SMEs in progress of economics as well as their devotion to delivering innovative products; however, their marketing is hindered by many constraints such as the lack of marketing knowledge and skill which leads to the failure of most of these companies. Innovative Marketing is the way high-tech SMEs cope with marketing deficiencies and challenges. The purpose of this paper is to identify Innovative Marketing constituents in High-Tech SMEs of Tehran province. Analysis of deep Interview sessions with sales and/or marketing managers of 10 High-Tech SMEs through qualitative content analysis of elements indicate that Innovative Marketing in High-Tech SMEs is made up of 8 elements, 21 sub-elements and 55 items. These elements include Marketing Variables, Customer Focus, Market Focus, Modification, Integrated Marketing, Unique Status, Positive Image and Networking. Although some elements are similar to previous researches, their constituent sub-elements are totally different. Moreover, Positive Image and Networking elements are contribution of this paper and new to the literature of innovative marketing.

Due to the importance of Small and Medium sized Enterprises, this article is mainly focused on the evaluation and prioritization of the governmental support for these businesses. The method of this research is descridptive based on a 5 point Likert scale questionnaire. Our sample population consists of the 158 CEOs of some active travel agencies (type B) of Tehran participating in this survey. For the data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics (Binomial and chi-square tests) were utilized, and then Freidman test was performed to prioritize – from the view point of our subjects – the governmental support for the SMEs. The results indicate that interviewees regard governmental support as being low. Moreover, the following is the interviewees’ prioritization of the governmental support for SMEs: 1) Financial and credit support, 2) Infrastructural support, 3) Marketing and research support, 4) Training and technical support, 5) Promotion and advisory.

Engineer-to-order (ETO) construction companies are characterized by an off-site and on-site production. Often, budget deviations for installation works on-site are identified in a late stage when improvement actions cannot be applied anymore. Consequently, installation tasks are often affected by significant delays and/or reworks. This work proposes a “real-time” capable approach for planning and monitoring in construction and a corresponding information technology (IT) framework. The core is represented by the so-called “pitching” concept known from lean management, which breaks down large job orders into smaller controllable parts. It can be considered as the main enabler for gathering management information in real-time and to identify problems and their causes on time. The most noticeable consequence lies in smaller jobs and a software-aided punctual control that allows a better rescheduling capability and, thus reduced, delays. A case study is provided, showing how the model was applied and validated in an ETO façade supplier company.

The economic development of Serbian republic is more and more connected with development of small and medium sized enterprises, which represent one of the main bases of Serbian economy. The economic potential of agriculture imposes the need of analyzing the condition in area of small and medium sized entrepreneurship which should be the carrier of future development of agribusiness. By ranging and grouping of Serbian republic municipalities (by discrimination and cluster analysis) according to level of development of small and medium sized entrepreneurship in agriculture, the clear view is got in current state of regional development of this agricultural sector as the possibilities of future development. By development of small and medium sized enterprises in agriculture it is possible to achieve strategic goals of Serbian republic agro development and for realization of these goals it is necessary to ensure the stable economic ambient, appropriate pre conditions as measures of support which will be stimulating for development of agribusiness.

This study adopts a mixed methodology case study approach in order to provide support for the call for a radical re-evaluation of what enables coaching and mentoring within the small and medium sized enterprise (SME) context. The findings highlight the complex and inter–related nature of many of the barriers that hinder practice and support the contention that at the core of both of these phenomena is the pervasive level of control that owner/managers actually wield. Significantly this means that owner/manages hold the key to coaching and mentoring success within the SME environment and their engagement by government agencies and providers is crucial.

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly the subject of interest and support of the governments of developed countries in which these businesses are one of the factors that influence the economical development. Many external and internal factors influence on the establishment, operation, growth and development of SMEs. The developed countries of the world put SMEs in the focus of their economic strategies and programs with specific macroeconomic policies measures, such as targeted fiscal policy to SMEs, tax exemptions and special taxation schemes that directly affect the reduction of operating costs, improve liquidity and competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses. Nevertheless, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska, still do not adopt tax policies and practices of many developed countries around the world, so not enough attention is being paid to the improvement of SMEs. The aim of this study is to define the factors in the area of tax policy, which discourage the survival and slow down the growth and development of SMEs. For this purpose, we have implemented quantitative research in the area of 5 cities and 16 municipalities in the Republic of Srpska on the sample of 199 examinees. Based on the results of our empirical study analysis, we came to a conclusion that 93,96% of the sampled SMEs believe that tax compliance is complicated and expensive, while 92,96% believe that tax laws are complex and complicated. That introduction of cash accounting for VAT will contribute to their business through increased turnover and enlarged range of services and products is considered by 83,42% of SMEs. Even 85,93% of the examinees think it would contribute to their business if they had a lower tax rate in the first three years after its establishment, while 69,35% of the examinees believe that the income tax rate is high. Introduction of the quarterly VAT fling is seen as a contribution to their business by 65,33% of the examinees.

Business environment for small and medium size enterprises in Republika Srpska is extremely unfavorable. Lack of entrepreneurial infrastructure as well as legal framework, alongside global financial crisis and crisis of real sector with it all puts additional burden on work of enterprises in Republika Srpska as well as in the region. Enterprises, in modern business environment, need to invest in intangible assets much more than it is case at the moment. Intangible assets are the imperative which creates space for development and accomplish entrepreneurial competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to, through literature review, investigate effects of internal entrepreneurial factors in small and medium size enterprises as well as to analyze business environment in Republika Srpska. Special aspect of the analysis relates to analysis of the possibilities and limitations of investment in intangible assets, throughout business culture development, which implies introduction of entrepreneurial culture and marketing orientation.

Information Technology ('IT') has made a prolific impact, both in sociological and commercial terms. In the business world, the pursuit of new technology and working practices has often been at the expense of equal regard for the correct methods to manage the new technology. Contemporary IT techniques and methods include Management Information Systems ('MIS') which are normally implemented on a company-wide basis. However, MIS implementation has major cultural and organisational implications which will form the main focus of this paper. A conceptual model is proposed for successful MIS implementation which combines established research findings with ethnographically-informed data from a small, UK-based, business.