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This study was conducted to determine the relationship and influence of financial inclusion on the business performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The level of financial inclusion was investigated through access, usage, quality, and welfare. Business performance with its dimensions of sales growth, capital growth, labor increase, market growth and profit growth were also examined. Consequently, the relationship between financial inclusion and business performance, and the influence of financial inclusion on the business performance of MSEs were studied. Descriptive-correlational design was used to explore and describe connections between financial inclusion and business performance. Data were collected from the fifty (50) owners and managers of MSEs using stratified random sampling technique. Upon careful analysis of the results, it became evident that micro and small enterprises demonstrate a very high level of financial inclusion, coupled also with high results of their business performance. Further, it is found that there exists a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial inclusion and business performance. Moreover, it was revealed that financial inclusion significantly influences the business performance of MSEs. These findings underscore the critical importance of enhancing the financial inclusion initiatives for MSEs as it directly impacts and improves their overall business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of a large‐scale randomized controlled field trial that tests the interest of informal businesses in free and online business registration. In collaboration with the Indonesian government, we designed a free and easy to use online registration portal for small businesses and sent WhatsApp or text messages to around 50 000 businesses to inform them about this new registration portal. We find that sending three rounds of short WhatsApp or text messages resulted in 3.4% of recipients clicking the registration link in the messages. Only 0.1% of recipients registered through the portal. Different phrasing of messages results in different click rate, different registration rate, and different rates the sender's number is blocked. Neutral message performs the best, followed by message that emphasizes that registration is easy. Message that appeals to people's patriotic feelings or message that emphasizes that registration is free performs the last. ENDNOTES: To test the interest of informal businesses in free and online business registration, we designed a free and easy to use online registration portal for small businesses in collaboration with the Indonesian government and sent WhatsApp or text messages to around 40 000 businesses to inform them about this new registration portal. We find that the messages resulted in 3.4% of recipients clicking the registration link in the message and 0.1% of recipients registering through the portal. Interestingly, different phrasing of messages resulted in different click rate, different registration rate, and different rates the sender's number was blocked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This study aims to investigate the socio-economic conditions of entrepreneurs that influence the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the South Andaman District. In this study, a scheduled questionnaire-based survey research design was used, and a sample of 344 small business owners was collected for analysis. The data were processed using SPSS, and chi-squared test was applied for statistical analysis. The study's findings revealed that factors such as entrepreneurs' business experience, income levels, the number of working employees and ownership of house property significantly impact the growth of enterprises in the island region. However, factors like business location and sector of enterprises were found to be statistically insignificant in determining MSEs' growth in the island region. The study suggests that policymakers and local administrations should enhance support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in island regions by implementing policies such as island capital investment subsidies and island transport subsidies for MSEs. As a result, small businesses play a pivotal role by contributing to local employment, production and investment opportunities in the island region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of microfinance institutions (MFIs) on the development of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kebridehar City Administration. The objective was to assess the role of MFIs in the growth of MSEs, specifically focusing on aspects such as loan provision, financial skills training, role modelling and savings mobilisation. The researchers collected data from 170 MSEs that utilised the services of MFIs, using both secondary and primary sources. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the data, revealing that loans, financial skills training, savings mobilisation and role modelling all had a significant impact on the growth of MSEs in the city. This study enhances our understanding of how these factors contribute to the development of MSEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the risk attitude of women and men entrepreneurs in the micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and investigate the factors that influence the risk attitude of MSE owners. The empirical analysis of the study consists of two parts. First, we use a moment-based approach to estimate the risk preferences of male and female entrepreneurs. Second, we estimate a regression model to understand the correlates of risk attitude and decompose the gender difference in risk aversion using the Oaxaca-Blinder technique. The results indicate that MSE entrepreneurs are risk-averse, with a relative risk premium of 1.5%. We also find that females are slightly more risk-averse than male entrepreneurs. Our regression estimates show that entrepreneurs' risk attitude is significantly correlated with the age and experience of the entrepreneur, marital status, education level and financial literacy, wealth, sector, and business form. Furthermore, the predictor variables significantly explain the gender difference in risk aversion, while the unexplained component is insignificant. This suggests that the gender difference in risk aversion is due to disparities in socioeconomic factors than a biological difference in risk preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although testing the Bowersox and Daugherty (B&D) (1987) typology in international markets have provided valuable insights into the model’s relevance in logistics, literature has not re-examined the B&D model’s effectiveness during the post-pandemic business environments. The current research examines the robustness of the B&D logistics strategy framework during the post-COVID-19 Indian market environment. Using a structured questionnaire, the data for this study (n=372) was collected from the executives whose main job responsibility was related to distribution/logistics decisions in micro and small-sized (MSEs) manufacturers in India. Based on the conceptual relationships identified in the B&D typology, we used structural equation modeling to test the study hypotheses. Results show that overall logistics strategy comprised of three strategic priorities positively influences firms’ competitive responsiveness through the logistics coordination effectiveness and customer service commitment route, supporting the robustness of the model in the post COVID-19 environment. Effective logistics strategy does not occur in isolation. Emphasis in coordination and customer service must occur for a well thought out logistics strategy (process, market, and information orientation) to improve organizational competitive responsiveness in the context of Indian MSEs. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical support for the validity and the robustness of the B&D logistics strategy model during the post COVID-19 environment in an emerging market.

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

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

Despite access to financial resources, many micro and small-scale entrepreneurs struggle to grow their businesses due to management inefficiencies. This study analyses a globally recognized ILO business training initiative in Indonesia, involving 12 financial service providers in 2018. Using an RCT and panel data from 3,975 clients to study the impacts of the business training we find largely null results across a large range of outcomes. Exploiting variation across financial institutions implementing the program, we show that one financial service provider demonstrated significant improvements in its clients' behaviours. This uneven outcome suggests that the efficacy of large-scale interventions critically depends on the quality of implementation by individual partners. The overarching conclusions advise restraint in broadly expanding these programs, while simultaneously highlighting the crucial role of partner selection in the successful implementation of these initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze the extent to which the presence and role of credit facilities and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in rural areas contribute to village development, especially in achieving the Village Development Index (VDI), which comprises three dimensions: the Social Resilience Index (SRI), Economic Resilience Index (ERI), and Environmental Resilience Index (EnRI). This study uses a quantitative method and cross-sectional data from 1842 villages in the Central Sulawesi Province sourced from the 2021 village potential data provided by the Central Statistics Agency, with a final sample of 1783 observations. The results indicate that the presence of both credit facilities and MSEs in rural areas has contributed to the achievement of VDI. Additionally, it was found that the presence of MSEs can mediate the influence of credit facilities on VDI. The existence of credit facilities in rural areas encourages the increase of MSEs in those areas, which in turn contributes to the improvement of VDI. The findings imply that for the strategy of accelerating rural development in Indonesia, the government, regional governments, financial institutions (banks and non-banks) and other stakeholders need to establish policies to enhance collaboration and innovative programs for the empowerment of village communities, including the provision of accessible, affordable, and reachable credit facilities for rural communities. The existence of such programs is expected to stimulate an increase in the number of MSEs and enhance economic activities in rural areas. This will then lead to an improvement in VDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a study on the current state and evaluation of the Polish tanning industry, focusing on its production characteristics. The research sample included 220 companies that were contacted to gather in- formation about their operations. Some of these companies have been suspended, liquidated, or have changed their business profiles. Approximately 30 % confirmed that they are still active in leather manufacturing, indicating that the Polish tanning industry is experiencing a process of deindustrialization. Surveys conducted in 20 companies revealed that Polish tanneries operate on national, European, and global scales. Most of them are micro or small enterprises with annual revenues of up to PLN 5 million. The primary factor defining their competitiveness is the high quality of the products and services they offer. They mainly process calfskin and cowhides sourced from Poland and abroad, primarily for the footwear sector. Polish tanneries are aware of global trends, including the industry's shift towards ecological practices, the adoption of modern technologies, and the introduction of innovations. Given the current challenges facing the Polish tanning industry, it is essential to take action to improve the health of this sector of the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's highly competitive global market, companies aim to improve their market position to ensure their competitiveness and survival. The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies constitutes a good approach to enhancing processes and productivity while maintaining high‐quality standards. This is where Quality 4.0 becomes crucial, as it focuses on boosting the quality of organisational processes through the integration of disruptive technologies from Industry 4.0. Furthermore, companies are prioritising implementing environmentally friendly practices in their processes that support sustainable development. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate how the application of Quality 4.0 can ease production improvements with minimal environmental impact while also aligning with sustainable development goals. This article analyses how these initiatives can be used within the food industry, specifically those dedicated to the production and sale of a product, evaluating a microenterprise dedicated to the production of artisanal ice cream. A comprehensive framework is proposed for the adoption of Quality 4.0 and its potential to support sustainable development goals. Using the PDCA cycle, the original situation is evaluated to later recommend strategies and tools to create improvements in the enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of service innovation on the link between entrepreneurial leadership and quality performance of micro and small-scale enterprises in the service sector in the North Shoa Zone of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The primary data were collected using a stratified random sampling technique. A total of 369 questionnaires were distributed to managers/owners of sampled enterprises, with 348 (94.3%) respondents returning correctly filled questionnaires. Structural equation model was used to test the research hypotheses. The results revealed that entrepreneurial leadership and service innovation have direct positive effect on quality performance. Similarly, entrepreneurial leadership has a direct positive effect on service innovation. Moreover, service innovation has a significant partial mediation role in the link between entrepreneurial leadership and enterprise quality performance. The theoretical implications of this study suggest that entrepreneurial leaders play a crucial role in driving service innovation, which, in turn, positively affects the quality performance of micro and small-scale enterprises in the service sector. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that organizations should focus on cultivating entrepreneurial leadership behaviors and encouraging service innovation to enhance the overall quality performance of their enterprises in the study area.

Micro and small industries (MSI) play a strategically vital role in supporting the dynamics of the economy, both globally and locally, particularly in the context of poverty alleviation and the enhancement of community welfare. The primary objective of this research is to delve into it in a more detailed and comprehensive manner by thoroughly exploring the potential and support capacity of the government for MSI focused on the development of halal products, with the aspiration of generating a substantial positive impact on overall economic growth and community welfare at a significant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the mid-2000s, extortion has impacted social and economic development in El Salvador significantly. Against the grain of the extant literature, which predominantly takes for granted that extorted businesses are passive victims, we leverage business surveys and 103 interviews, primarily with 54 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the San Salvador metropolitan area, El Salvador, to explore (a) the impact of extortion and (b) how businesses operate in the face of extortion. We conducted some interviews before and others during the state of exception in force since March 2022, garnering unique insight into both impacts and business strategies. By way of statistical analyses, we elucidate the differential impact of extortion on Salvadoran MSEs, showing that the very smallest businesses suffer a disproportionately heavy burden. Drawing upon extensive fieldwork, we find that MSEs (a) act strategically in the face of extortion, (b) adopt a diversity of strategies to manage extortion on a continuum from avoidance to adaptation, negotiation, and resistance, and (c) have different ranges of strategies available to them, largely varying according to the businesses' mix of tangible and intangible resources, which MSEs leverage to manage extortion and ameliorate its impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to better understand technology adoption and working from home (WFH) behaviour of micro and small enterprises (MSE) with 4 to 49 employees during the first (2020) and second (2021) COVID-19 lockdowns in Switzerland. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses two data sets gathered using computer-assisted telephone interviewing surveys conducted with 503 managing directors of Swiss MSEs after the first and 506 MDs after the second COVID-19 lockdown period. Findings: The study revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, WFH arrangements are related to the adoption of technology by Swiss industry groups. Furthermore, industry characteristics and technology adoption strategies are also associated with the long-term prospect of WFH. The overall result confirms the predominant role of technology pioneers. Research limitations/implications: The study focuses on MSEs in Switzerland during a specific period. The data set includes mainly quantitative data. Future studies could investigate larger enterprises in international contexts, integrating employees' viewpoints founded on long-term gathered qualitative data. The implications of this study include predictions about future WFH behaviour in Swiss MSEs. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study collecting data in Swiss MSEs after the two COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. As a result, this study offers a unique perspective on a specific business segment, which accounts for around 70% of global employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pro-poor tourism (PPT) is revealed as a significant means of reducing poverty. However, inadequate awareness about the relationship between the poor local communities and the perceived benefits deriving from the tourism MSEs prevents the application of the PPT approach. Thus, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this paper examines how tourism Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) benefit poor communities. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 25 participants through semi-structured questionnaires and using NVivo12 software data was analyzed. The study found that the economic benefits focus on the standard of living, employment, tourism network and business expansion while social recognition and environmental awareness, which have a big impact on society, are marked as the novel outcomes which trigger the local communities for being engaged in tourism MSEs as non-economic benefits. This study could help the policymakers of developing countries to eradicate poverty and achieve Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2 (Zero Poverty and No Hunger).

The energy transition is one of humanity's most significant challenges. All micro, small, medium, and large enterprises will have to face it, and some are already making progress. This paper focuses on the involvement of the smallest actors in the energy transition. Micro and small enterprises comprise the largest part of the economy and significantly impact its development. Concerning the broad scope of their activities, these entities are characterized by a specific owner–manager relationship. This means that the final decision is influenced by business objectives, the manager's approach, their awareness of change, and personal and other factors. Based on the analysis of data from 400 companies, it was found that the involvement of micro and small enterprises in the energy transition is related to their market and financial success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Food safety culture and climate are strong elements of food safety performance. This study describes a mixed‐methods approach to assess prevailing food safety knowledge, attitudes, practices, culture and climate in micro and small food manufacturing businesses in Mauritius. The approach included participant observation, questionnaire‐based surveys and checklists, and was adopted to collect data from six managers/owners and thirty‐six employees in six businesses. Results showed that food handlers had satisfactory knowledge in some aspects of food hygiene and safety. Mean scores of specific food safety climate indicators for employees diverged from the corresponding values for managers. Inconsistencies were observed in food safety culture maturity scores computed from survey data (quantitative), which were higher than related scores obtained from participatory observation (qualitative). This discrepancy underlines the importance of triangulation methods and the necessity to establish appropriate weightings for data obtained from different methods to gain an overall assessment of food safety culture. The results provide concrete input to develop tailor‐made interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices of employees and managers, and promote positive food safety cultures. Further research is needed to design theory‐based interventions to improve food safety culture and interpretation grids to analyse and triangulate prevailing food safety culture data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significance of business succession in the family firm literature, few studies have paid attention to the role of financial constraints, a common feature of micro and small firms, in entrepreneurs' succession intention. Using a nationally representative survey of micro and small firms in China, we find that a higher degree of financial constraints significantly strengthens the entrepreneur's intention of passing the firm on to the next generation. Moreover, the effect of financial constraints works particularly for firms whose entrepreneurs possess lower levels of financial literacy and for firms in regions with less-developed financial markets. Our results still hold after addressing potential endogeneity problems and conducting a wide array of robustness checks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to assess the challenges and develop a regulatory framework for the sustainable development of micro and small enterprises (MSE) in the construction industry. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data and a semi-structured interview was conducted to get detailed insight into the MSE development. Descriptive analysis was used for the quantitative data analysis and the qualitative data was analysed thematically focusing on the challenges and applicable regulatory instruments. The identified internal challenges are associated with management practice, financial capacity and technical capacity. The external challenges are ineffective policy support and regulation, weak registration practice and demand and price fluctuation. Considering these findings, an improvement regulatory framework with four pillars was developed. The pillars of the improvement regulatory framework are registration and follow-up, access to markets, access to finance, and training and advisory. The identified internal and external challenges are interrelated and situation-dependent; therefore, continual monitoring and controlling of the operating environment would help to ensure the sustainable development of MSE. The nature of the construction industry in developing countries shares common characteristics, hence the findings and the developed improvement framework can be extended to similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article studies which sets of variables, besides credit and profitability, influence the survival of micro and small enterprises (MSE) over time. Originality/value: This study innovates in presenting independent variables related to a common objective, contributing to the literature by identifying factors, including financial ones, that can influence MSE survival in a single model, which has not yet been identified in the literature. Therefore, acquiring knowledge that stimulates changes in the behavior of entrepreneurs, public authorities, stakeholders, and private institutions related to the subject is expected to promote the creation of new management tools, which can decrease the closure of several MSEs within a short time of operation. Design/methodology/approach: Secondary data from the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District relative to the period between 2008 and 2012 were used. Reduced equation models with estimation utilizing a Tobit were used, as the dependent variable is censored, in addition to the OLS method with fixed effects panel and robust error, with equivalent results. The factor analysis by the principal component method (FA-PCM) was used in the data analysis. Findings: The results showed significant factors for MSE survival, such as the need for employment and income, investments in health, access to financing, and, mostly, the importance of education, among others. Moreover, the study demystifies that the leading cause of MSE death is the lack of credit, as there is too much credit on the market, either through banks or investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in emerging economies face significant hurdles in enhancing their export performance and international competitiveness. In this context, this study investigates two potential strategic grow paths--digitalization and environmental sustainability practices--and their impact on MSEs' export performance within the context of an emerging market. Utilizing data from 95 Peruvian manufacturing MSEs, the results reveal positive associations between digitalization initiatives, environmental sustainability orientation, and export performance outcomes. However, the response surface analysis indicates the presence of an equilibrium point, where the concurrent pursuit of digitalization and environmental sustainability initiatives can potentially undermine export performance outcomes. This equilibrium suggests that while MSEs at some point may need to strategically prioritize one growth path over the other in the short to medium term, the long-term objective should be to develop a balanced approach that integrates both digitalization and sustainability initiatives. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, capacity-building programs, and strategic advisory support mechanisms to assist these firms in navigating the complexities inherent in balancing digitalization and environmental sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) are predominant worldwide and responsible for the greater employability of citizens, income generation, and production. However, they face resource constraints and rely on information and communication technology to remain competitive, which often causes many problems during or after the adoption process. Knowing the problems that affect micro and small enterprises and the solutions adopted may help other companies face the same issues. In this work, based on a systematic literature review (SLR), we identified and analyzed the problems that occurred during or after the implementation of information and communication technologies in micro and small enterprises and what actions were taken to solve them. We sought to understand the behavior of problems and solutions in the last 21 years and the factors that influenced them. We performed an SLR using the snowballing technique, retrieving 12,936 articles in eight iterations, and selecting and analyzing 105 papers. As a result, we identified 129 problems, divided into 12 categories, and 48 solutions. Such an analysis is advantageous for academia, governments, and business managers, as it allows one to understand problems in advance and formulate more efficient policies, plans, and projects for these enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary objective seeks to answer the question of the impacts of accounting digitization on the profession and productivity. To this end, two specific objectives were established: 1) Examine the increase in productivity resulting from digitization in the process of document reception and recording in accounting; 2) Analyze the impact of digitization on the professional practice of accountants. Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative and exploratory methodology based on a case study. To measure productivity, the CRM platform of Digital Company was used, allowing for the evaluation of working times before and after the implementation of digitization. Regarding the second objective, a questionnaire was used to collect the perception of the company's professionals. Results: The obtained results confirm significant improvements in productivity, work quality, satisfaction, and motivation with the implementation of digitization in accounting. It enabled a productivity increase of 54.45%, evidencing operational optimization and better utilization of working time, leading to an extremely positive perception of digitization among accountants. Research limitations: This study focuses on specific aspects of accounting, namely sales, purchases, payments, and receipts, excluding processes such as bank reconciliations and monthly closing records, not covering the entirety of accounting operations affected by digitization. Being a case study, the results may not reflect all business realities in the accounting area. Originality: This study contributes to the understanding of digitization in accounting by exploring, through a case study, the practical effects of this transformation. It analyzes together the perceptions of accountants and productivity gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Credit rationing hindered the development of MSEs. Big data credit technology creates a great opportunity to address this issue. Then, how does big data credit technology affect and to what extent can it alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs? Based on the bounded rationality economic man hypothesis, the evolutionary game model of banks and MSEs under the traditional mode and big data credit technology are constructed, respectively, in this paper, and the evolutionary trajectory of bank-enterprise credit strategies under the two modes are comparatively analyzed. The results show that it is hard to alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs under the traditional mode. However, under big data credit technology, when the overall credit level of MSEs is high, the credit rationing of MSEs will be effectively alleviated. When the overall credit level of MSEs is too low, it is difficult to determine whether big data credit technology can alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs. In order to verify the feasibility of big data credit technology in alleviating the credit rationing of MSEs, a simulation experiment is conducted to compare the differences in the credit rationing of MSEs with different credit levels under the two credit modes. We found that the credit rationing of MSEs is always lower under big data credit technology than under the traditional mode. Therefore, big data credit technology can effectively alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs under any circumstances. The research provides theoretical support for banks to apply big data credit technology to achieve a win-win situation for both parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) are predominant worldwide and responsible for the greater employability of citizens, income generation, and production. However, they face resource constraints and rely on information and communication technology to remain competitive, which often causes many problems during or after the adoption process. Knowing the problems that affect micro and small enterprises and the solutions adopted may help other companies face the same issues. In this work, based on a systematic literature review (SLR), we identified and analyzed the problems that occurred during or after the implementation of information and communication technologies in micro and small enterprises and what actions were taken to solve them. We sought to understand the behavior of problems and solutions in the last 21 years and the factors that influenced them. We performed an SLR using the snowballing technique, retrieving 12,936 articles in eight iterations, and selecting and analyzing 105 papers. As a result, we identified 129 problems, divided into 12 categories, and 48 solutions. Such an analysis is advantageous for academia, governments, and business managers, as it allows one to understand problems in advance and formulate more efficient policies, plans, and projects for these enterprises.

Credit rationing hindered the development of MSEs. Big data credit technology creates a great opportunity to address this issue. Then, how does big data credit technology affect and to what extent can it alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs? Based on the bounded rationality economic man hypothesis, the evolutionary game model of banks and MSEs under the traditional mode and big data credit technology are constructed, respectively, in this paper, and the evolutionary trajectory of bank-enterprise credit strategies under the two modes are comparatively analyzed. The results show that it is hard to alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs under the traditional mode. However, under big data credit technology, when the overall credit level of MSEs is high, the credit rationing of MSEs will be effectively alleviated. When the overall credit level of MSEs is too low, it is difficult to determine whether big data credit technology can alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs. In order to verify the feasibility of big data credit technology in alleviating the credit rationing of MSEs, a simulation experiment is conducted to compare the differences in the credit rationing of MSEs with different credit levels under the two credit modes. We found that the credit rationing of MSEs is always lower under big data credit technology than under the traditional mode. Therefore, big data credit technology can effectively alleviate the credit rationing of MSEs under any circumstances. The research provides theoretical support for banks to apply big data credit technology to achieve a win-win situation for both parties.

Purpose – This paper offers a story-based/narrative inquiry rooted in qualitative methodology, portraying a millennial entrepreneur in Uganda, a low-developed country that has successfully demonstrated entrepreneurial behaviors at work. The study of entrepreneurial behavior at workplaces by millennial entrepreneurs formed the basis for the real-life trials that entrepreneurs go through in their businesses. Besides, the produced empirical content gives a solid linkage between the story and the enterprise's work setting. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors used storytelling to get a clear view of reality and obtain a real-life experience of entrepreneurial behavior at work. The experiences and perceptions of the millennial entrepreneur were assessed by conducting in-depth interviews while focusing on the context, actions, results and lessons to generate a coherent story. Findings – This paper reports that demonstrating entrepreneurial behavior at work by the millennial entrepreneur resulted in better performance that ultimately benefited the enterprise. Additionally, findings reveal that story-based narrative inquiry is appropriate for demonstrating the true reality at workplaces, especially in the context of exhibiting the behaviors of entrepreneurs. Other entrepreneurs can emulate what the actor did and benchmark on the findings to improve their performance and that of their enterprises. Originality/value – This study is unique in its use of a positive story showing a real-life experience of how entrepreneurial behaviors are exhibited at workplaces in micro and small enterprises in a low-developed country like Uganda. The paper also offers evidence and insights into the use of a positive story to demonstrate a practical experience of how millennial entrepreneurs demonstrate entrepreneurial behaviors at work. Additionally, the study used multiple theories that best explained the current practice of entrepreneurial behavior among millennials at workplaces in micro and small enterprises.

Purpose – This study aims to explore how businesswomen running micro and small enterprises (MSEs) use social media (SM) to engage customers. The study also investigates how SM (vs traditional media) and customer engagement improve business performance. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study is based on interviews with businesswomen. Findings – Businesswomen use SM actively but not effectively. SM are used primarily for advertising and promotion. External factors, such as family and friends, are more influential in the decision of women to use SM in business. Women mostly use defensive rather than offensive strategies. Effective use of SM in conjunction with conventional marketing tools can improve customer engagement and increase business performance. Practical implications – The research findings are valuable for marketing managers, women entrepreneurs and micro and small businesses in making decisions to effectively use SM. Originality/value – This study investigates customer engagement from the owner/manager’s perspective in contrast to the general customer-centric approach. The study contributes analysing an important and scarcely explored area, which is the use of SM by women-run MSEs in less developed countries to engage consumers. ¿Cómo atraen las empresarias a los clientes en las redes sociales? Propósito – Este estudio explora cómo las mujeres de negocios que dirigen micro y pequeñas empresas (MSE) utilizan las redes sociales para atraer a los clientes. El estudio también investiga cómo las redes sociales (frente a los medios tradicionales) y la involucración de los clientes mejoran el rendimiento empresarial. Metodología – Este estudio cualitativo se basa en entrevistas con mujeres empresarias. Conclusiones – Las mujeres empresarias utilizan las redes sociales de forma activa, pero no eficaz. Las redes sociales se utilizan principalmente para la publicidad y la promoción. Los factores externos, como la familia y los amigos, influyen más en la decisión de las mujeres de utilizar las redes sociales en los negocios. Las empresarias utilizan sobre todo estrategias defensivas en lugar de ofensivas. El uso eficaz de las redes sociales junto con las herramientas de marketing convencionales puede mejorar el compromiso de los clientes y aumentar el rendimiento de la empresa. Implicaciones prácticas – Los resultados de la investigación son valiosos para las directivas de marketing, las mujeres empresarias y las micro y pequeñas empresas a la hora de tomar decisiones y para utilizar eficazmente las redes sociales. Originalidad – Este estudio investiga el compromiso del cliente desde la perspectiva del propietario/gerente en contraste con el enfoque general centrado en el cliente. El estudio contribuye a analizar un área importante y escasamente explorada, que es el uso de las redes sociales por parte de las microempresas dirigidas por mujeres en los países menos desarrollados para involucrar a los consumidores. 女企业家如何在社交媒体上吸引客户？ 目的 – 本研究探讨了经营微型和小型企业（MSEs）的女商人如何使用社交媒体来吸引客户。该研究还调查了社交媒体（相对于传统媒体）和客户参与如何提高企业绩效。 方法 – 这项定性研究是基于对女商人的采访。 研究结果 – 女商人积极使用社交媒体, 但并非有效。社交媒体主要用于广告和推广。外部因素, 如家庭和朋友, 对妇女在商业中使用社交媒体的决定更有影响力。女性大多使用防御性而非进攻性策略。将社交媒体与传统的营销工具有效地结合起来使用, 可以提高客户的参与度, 增加企业的业绩。 实践意义 – 研究结果对营销经理、女企业家和小微企业做出有效使用社交媒体的决定很有价值。 原创性 – 本研究从业主/经理的角度调查了客户参与度, 与一般的以客户为中心的方法不同。该研究有助于分析一个重要的、很少被探索的领域, 即欠发达国家的妇女经营的微型企业使用社交媒体来吸引消费者。

Green marketing is a growing concept connecting sustainable internal business operations and corporate social responsibilities. Hence, the study explored the green marketing practices of selected micro and small enterprises in Cavite, Philippines. The descriptive-causal research design was utilized, and the 20 legally-registered micro and small enterprises were purposively selected. MSEs in Cavite are dominated by sole proprietors with 1-9 employees, have an estimated asset size of Php3,000,000 or less, have been in operation for 1-3 years, and have an average monthly revenue of Php20,000 and below. They employ green marketing practices such as providing safe products and services, implementing more environment-friendly ways of pollution prevention, advertising green awareness and attraction, and utilizing vehicles that consume less energy. MSEs’ green marketing practices in production, packaging, advertising, and operation are highly effective, while distribution is less effective. Business profiles and MSE have no significant difference, excluding the difference between the number of employees and the perceived effectiveness of green marketing practices in terms of operation. MSEs faced difficulties in distribution due to safety protocols and lack of resources. Thus, the study recommends personalized marketing designs to engage wider customers and social-based marketing approaches to address diverse customer preferences.

Abstract Purpose: This article studies which sets of variables, besides credit and profitability, influence the survival of micro and small enterprises (MSE) over time. Originality/value: This study innovates in presenting independent variables related to a common objective, contributing to the literature by identifying factors, including financial ones, that can influence MSE survival in a single model, which has not yet been identified in the literature. Therefore, acquiring knowledge that stimulates changes in the behavior of entrepreneurs, public authorities, stakeholders, and private institutions related to the subject is expected to promote the creation of new management tools, which can decrease the closure of several MSEs within a short time of operation. Design/methodology/approach: Secondary data from the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District relative to the period between 2008 and 2012 were used. Reduced equation models with estimation utilizing a Tobit were used, as the dependent variable is censored, in addition to the OLS method with fixed effects panel and robust error, with equivalent results. The factor analysis by the principal component method (FA-PCM) was used in the data analysis. Findings: The results showed significant factors for MSE survival, such as the need for employment and income, investments in health, access to financing, and, mostly, the importance of education, among others. Moreover, the study demystifies that the leading cause of MSE death is the lack of credit, as there is too much credit on the market, either through banks or investors./ Resumo Objetivo: Estudar quais conjuntos de variáveis, além do crédito e da rentabilidade, influenciam a sobrevivência das micro e pequenas empresas (MPE) ao longo do tempo. Originalidade/valor: O presente estudo inova na apresentação de variáveis independentes relacionadas com objetivo comum. Contribui para a literatura ao identificar fatores, além dos financeiros, que podem influenciar na sobrevivência das MPE em um único modelo, algo ainda não identificado na literatura. Espera-se assim adquirir conhecimentos que estimulem mudanças no comportamento por parte dos empreendedores, do poder público, dos stakeholders e de instituições privadas afins ao tema, para que seja estimulada a criação de novas ferramentas de gestão que venham a minimizar o fechamento de tantas MPE com pouco tempo de existência. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Utilizaram-se dados secundários dos 26 estados e do Distrito Federal brasileiros entre os anos de 2008 e 2012. Foram empregados os modelos de equação reduzida com estimação por meio de um Tobit, haja vista a variável dependente ser censurada, e pelo método MQO em painel com efeitos fixos e erro robusto, com resultados equivalentes. Na análise de dados, utilizou-se o método da análise fatorial pelo método dos componentes principais (AF-MCP). Resultados: Os resultados apresentados apontaram fatores significantes para a sobrevivência das MPE, como necessidade de emprego e renda, investimentos em saúde, acesso a financiamento e, em destaque, a importância da educação, entre outras. Além disso, o trabalho desmistifica que a causa principal da mortandade das MPE é a falta de crédito, pois há ofertas em demasia no mercado, seja por meio dos bancos ou de investidores.

AbstractThis study examines the effect of household interference on business returns and household economic welfare of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). This study employs a quantile regression method involving 7,020 households as the sample. The data are taken from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) in two waves (2007 and 2014) to show the returns on microbusinesses. Variables such as unpaid workers, direct consumption of business revenue, and home-based businesses affect profits and household expenditures per capita. This study shows an overlap between MSEs and household business activities in emerging economies. This is contrary to most previous studies on MSEs that have separated businesses and households, thus MSEs’ performance could not be properly defined and analyzed. Besides, most Indonesian government policies and efforts only address business activities driven by opportunity, and few accommodate business activities driven by necessity. This research can provide clear evidence to policymakers who tend to adopt a “one size fits all” approach that returns to microbusinesses should be based on household welfare effects as well. This is because microbusinesses provide a livelihood and a means to address economic vulnerabilities, not simply taking advantage of an opportunity.

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

This study investigates the sustainable development status of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Debre Berhan town in five major manufacturing sub‐sectors (textile and garment, agro‐processing, woodwork, food processing and beverage and metal works and engineering). The sustainable development status of the selected MSEs was evaluated using 16 indicators for the three pillars of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental). The results showed that economic sustainability was at a 'low' level, while social and environmental sustainability and the aggregate index were at 'moderate' levels. Therefore, integrated support is required to overcome the identified challenges MSEs face to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Public enterprises and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have similar goals in the eyes of the state. SMEs that get government or public bodies funding can make it a public enterprise. These enterprises in Indonesia face challenges due to limited resources, low market reach, and low marketing expertise. They must leverage their marketing capabilities effectively and adopt strategic approaches such as entrepreneurial orientation and digital marketing. This study explores digital marketing mediation and marketing capabilities in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and marketing performance in public enterprises. Survey techniques were used for this study, and data were obtained from 176 respondents who are entrepreneurs who use social media in their marketing activities. Data are processed and analysed using smartPLS. The results of this study show that entrepreneurial orientation significantly affects marketing capabilities, digital marketing and marketing performance in MSEs. Digital marketing and market capabilities have a direct positive influence on marketing performance. In addition, digital marketing and market capabilities mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and marketing performance. Marketing capabilities mediate the relationship between digital marketing and marketing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of Social Media Marketing (SMM) is increasingly present in the daily life of companies. However, little is known about this phenomenon in the context of micro and small businesses (MSEs). The research aimed to analyze the SMM adoption process by MSEs, based on a study with 338 entrepreneurs linked to the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support System (Sebrae), using Structural Equation Modeling. It was found that technical knowledge, cost reduction, and pressure from customers and competitors generate benefits perceived by entrepreneurs concerning the use of the tool, leading to a higher level of use. The work contributes to the step in which it brings evidence that helps to understand the determinants of adopting SMM in the context of MSEs.

In Africa, entrepreneurship remains predominantly informal, but the rapid spread of mobile phone and Internet use is often viewed as an opportunity to boost the productivity and output of informal firms. Yet little is known on how informal entrepreneurs use these technologies for their business. The purpose of this paper is to open the black box of 'mobile usage' and investigate its effects on the performance of informal micro and small enterprises. To do so, we develop an original conceptual framework of mobile usage and apply a three‐step empirical approach based on a unique dataset of informal firms in Dakar. The first step allows us to identify rich 'mobile usage' measures that examine the different economic functions supported by mobile phones (coordination, finance and management) and the multiple dimensions of use (range and intensity). The second step identifies four user profiles with specific forms of appropriation: disconnected entrepreneurs, networkers, Internet explorers and digital entrepreneurs. The third step uses a stochastic frontier approach to investigate whether these profiles increase the economic efficiency of informal firms. Our findings suggest that while the most advanced uses of mobile phones have an incremental impact on sales efficiency, the potential for improvement remains limited. Only networkers' coordination uses show a significant impact on value added and profit, while the ways in which Internet explorers and digital entrepreneurs use a mobile phone have only a limited impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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