Analysing the Influence of Technology on the Business Performance of Rattan Processing SME's in South Kalimantan

Abstract

Technology is one of the major competitive advantages for small and medium enterprises (SME), especially ones operating in the manufacturing sector. Increasing technological capabilities is the basis for SME's business performance improvement. The main problem of SME's is a limitation in the areas of production facilities, technology, and human resources. Some of these constraints cause a decline in business performance and competitiveness of SME's. In this case analysis of technology components has to be carried out to determine the effect of technology on SME's business performance improvement. This study aims to measure the components of technology and to analyze the influence of each technology component on business performance of rattan processing SME's in South Kalimantan. The assessment is carried out on the technoware, humanware, inforware, and orgaware components using the technometric method (UNESCAP). Business performance is measured through a combination of financial and non-financial aspects deducted from financial and marketing figures. Analysis of the influence of technology components on business performance of SME's is done using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with Partial Least Square software (PLS). Data is collected through interviews and questionnaires from 21 rattan processing SME's in South Kalimantan that produce rattan furnitures. The results show that the value of the contribution of technology (TCC) to the performance of rattan processing SME's in South Kalimantan is still quite low. Analysis of the results shows a direct influence of technoware and humanware on business performance, while orgaware influences business performance indirectly through humanware.