Engineering Management Framework for Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia have a strategic role in the national economy and face challenges in global competition. These challenges include limited access to capital, limitations in technology adoption, low innovation capacity, and the need for more human resource development. Many SMEs also operate informally, facing obstacles in obtaining policy support or broader market access. This study aims to analyze the effect of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and market orientation on SMEs’ performance, with innovation capabilities as a mediating variable. The study was conducted on 348 respondents who were SMEs business actors producing packaged food in North Sumatra. The method used is quantitative through surveys and data analysis using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The results of the study indicate that Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has a positive influence on SMEs performance (p=0.000) and innovation capabilities (p=0.011). Besides, market orientation also contributes significantly to SMEs’ performance (p=0.000) and innovation capabilities (p=0.000). Innovation capabilities have been proven to improve SMEs’ performance (p=0.000). In the indirect effect, innovation capabilities mediate between CRM and SMEs’ performance (p=0.013) and between market orientation and SMEs’ performance (p=0.000). These results indicate that CRM and market orientation not only have a direct effect on SMEs’ performance but also indirectly through increasing innovation capabilities. Acknowledgment Gratitude to the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi Republik Indonesia, Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi, Riset, Dan Teknologi) for providing financial support through funding for Regular Fundamental Research in 2024 with contract number 103/E5/PG.02.00.PL/2024; 16/LL1/AL.04.03/2024; 10/II.3-AU/UMSU-LP2M/C/2024. Gratitude to the Leaders of the University and the Leaders of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) [University of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara] for their support and provision of facilities during the research process. Thank you to all parties who have contributed directly and indirectly to supporting and assisting this research. The assistance, time, and attention given are significant in completing this research.

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity). The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance. This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find out how absorptive capacity (AC), leadership capacity (LC) and government support (GS) affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) innovation (product innovation [PDI], process innovation [PCI] and distribution channel innovation [DCI]), taking into consideration the role of innovation (PDI, PCI and DCI) on competitive advantage and SMEs performance and the moderating role of customer orientation (CO).Design/methodology/approachThis study gives a theoretical model tested using structural equation modeling. The information used to test the hypotheses came from interviews with the top managers of Vietnam’s SMEs. The 633 survey respondents from the southern part of Vietnam were chosen for the study. The goal of the 47-item questionnaire is to look at how all variables relate to each other.FindingsThe results show that a firm’s LC has the most significant impact on innovation, followed by its AC and GS. According to the study, DCI does not lead to competitive advantage but improves SMEs’ performance. In addition, the study’s findings indicate that CO moderates the relationship between PDI – SMEs performance and DCI – SMEs performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe classification of only three types of innovation (PDI, PCI and DCI) restricted the applicability of the research to other kinds of innovation in SMEs. Second, only AC, LC and GS are identified in this study as external factors that influence business innovation. In this study, the authors have not studied different business industries; the authors recommend that the research in the back on SMEs should investigate their classification into distinct industry groups, including agricultural, forestry and marine products; industry and construction; and commerce and services.Practical implicationsThis study shows the importance of innovation senior management for innovation in SMEs. This study found that innovation, especially continuous innovation, increased competitive advantage and SMEs performance. Companies that wish to innovate must have access to external resources and support. Moreover, enterprises must comprehend their consumers’ wants to achieve innovation and better SMEs’ performance.Social implicationsThis research significantly contributes to enterprise innovation and operational efficiency for the sustainable development of SMEs in Vietnam. It is expected to enhance employment opportunities, maintain social stability and expand Vietnam’s gross domestic product.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing knowledge of the indirect and direct effects, the mediating function of innovation (PDI, PCI and DCI) on competitive advantage and SMEs performance and the moderating effect of CO.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine and compare the performance of small and medium enterprises (SME) and manufacturing company stock portfolios in the Indonesian, Chinese and Indian capital markets by the Sharpe Index and the significance of differences in average performance in the capital market.Design/methodology/approachThis is comparative research that compared the performances of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Indonesian, Chinese and Indian capital markets. The hypothesis examination of comparative test used one-way ANOVA technique on the performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Indonesian, Chinese and Indian capital markets. One-way ANOVA test was used in the analysis to test the average difference of performance indices of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios is in Indonesian, Chinese and Indian capital markets.FindingsThe performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Indonesian capital market was not better than the performances of IHSG and LQ45 Index, the performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Chinese capital market (SZSE) was better than the performance of Shenzhen Composite Index and the performance of Shenzhen A-Share Stock Price Index. The comparison of the performances of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Indonesian, Chinese and Indian capital markets showed that the performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Chinese capital market was the best and the performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Indonesian capital market was the lowest.Practical implicationsThe implication of this study was that SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios had relatively better performances in China and India, so investors should consider investing in SME and manufacturing company stocks. The performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolios in Indonesia was not able to exceed market and LQ45 portfolios, so the authority in Indonesia financial market should consider developing a special market for SME and manufacturing company to support the development of SME and manufacturing company in Indonesia and solve the problem of lack of funding source for SME and manufacturing company.Originality/valueThe originality of the present study is in the measurement of the performance of SME and manufacturing company stock portfolio by risk-adjusted return which returns per risk unit measured by Sharpe Index as a more beneficial measurement in measuring stock portfolio performance than average return. Comparative study of the stock portfolio performances of small medium enterprises and manufacturing company In Indonesian, Chinese and Indian stock markets, and object studies conducted in Indonesia, China and India.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem is a relatively new perspective within the field of entrepreneurship but is now one of the most discussed topics in that field. It emphasizes the role of broader framework conditions that promote or constrain entrepreneurial activity in any region. The supportive institutional framework (reduced number of government regulations, ease in compliance of taxation system and control over corruption) and physical conditions (ease in access to finance, developed infrastructure, stability in political environment, the availability of an educated workforce and reduced competition with informal sector) create an entrepreneurial ecosystem where entry, survival and growth of firms will be at the highest rate. These elements of the institutional framework and physical conditions are interactive in nature, therefore, policymakers around the world are trying to achieve a balance between these components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. There is a paucity of research on the entrepreneurial ecosystems of developing countries, therefore, the findings of this thesis will not only be an addition to the literature but will also be useful for policymakers in these countries. In this study, pooled cross-sectional data for Pakistan and 41 low-middle income countries (LMICs) covering the period 2006-13 have been used to identify different entrepreneurial ecosystems and explain their impact on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The performance of SMEs has been measured through the annual change in sales growth, employment growth and labour productivity growth. The findings based on the analysis of the entrepreneurial ecosystems for the group of LMICs show that all of the identified components can have a negative effect on the performance of the SMEs. However, ranking of components on the basis of magnitude and statistical significance of effect shows that corruption has the most negative effect on firm performance, which warranted further examination. Therefore, we compare the firm performance of the most corrupt and least corrupt LMICs through the use of propensity score matching (PSM) methods. The results of matching methods show that firm performance in the most corrupt countries is at least 10% lower than firms in the least corrupt countries. Thus, LMICs need to take steps to improve their control over corruption in order to achieve better performance of their SMEs. However, only the individual components of the entrepreneurial ecosystems could be assessed for LMICs because of the heterogeneity of the institutional frameworks and physical conditions of these countries. Therefore, the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan has also been analysed to determine its existence and composition, and its effects on the performance of SMEs. The entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan is examined using firm level survey data provided by the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) for the years 2007 and 2013. A cluster analysis and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) is undertaken to identify the composition of the entrepreneurial ecosystem existing in Pakistan. This bottom-up approach, recommended in the literature, has been used to measure the interactive effects of components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan. None of the studies in the literature has measured and empirically tested the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan using this approach. The findings indicate that the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan is a combination of elements of the institutional framework and physical conditions. Except for government regulations and political stability, all other components contribute negatively to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan. Thus, the aggregate effect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem is negative on the performance of SMEs. Moreover, an index was calculated using the interactive weighted effect of the components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan. The regression estimates based on the index values affirmed the negative effect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan as a system. Our findings for Pakistan can be used as a guideline for policymakers in other developing countries with similar institutional frameworks and physical conditions. However, it can be inferred that there is no shortcut to create a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The gradual improvements, with government acting as facilitator, are required to make the entrepreneurial ecosystems in LMICs conducive for entry, survival and growth of businesses. The specific recommendations for both policymakers and entrepreneurs are given at the end of the thesis.

This study examines the impact of digital capabilities and digital orientation on the digital transformation and digital innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this study assesses how the role of digital transformation and digital innovation mediates the relationship between digital capabilities, digital orientation, and SME performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a sample of 247 SMEs managers, data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling with a partial least square approach. The findings demonstrate the significant and positive influence of digital capability and orientation on SMEs’ digital transformation and innovation during the pandemic. Additionally, the study confirms that digital transformation and innovation positively affect SMEs’ performance during the pandemic. Furthermore, the study reveals that digital transformation and innovation mediate the relationship between digital orientation and capability on SMEs’ performance during the pandemic. However, digital innovation was not found to significantly mediate the link between digital capability and SMEs’ performance.

Purpose This study aims to fill a gap in the literature regarding the digitalization of accounting processes (DAP) and its impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. Current research primarily focuses on large organizations, leaving SMEs comparatively understudied. It remains unclear if DAP directly influences SME performance or if the exploitation dimension of organizational ambidexterity mediates this relationship. This study investigates both the direct and mediated effects of DAP on SME business performance. Design/methodology/approach This study employs the ambidexterity theory and the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework to present a conceptual framework that establishes a connection between DAP and SME performance, mediated by the influences of exploitation and exploration. To assess our hypotheses, we collected cross-sectional data from 254 SMEs in Oman. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling, implemented with Smart PLS. Findings The findings suggest that DAP has a positive impact on both the exploitation and performance of SMEs. Additionally, exploitation not only directly affects performance but also partially mediates the relationship between DAP and performance. Research limitations/implications Despite the significance of this study, numerous limitations must be recognized. The research is confined to SMEs in Oman, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Subsequent research may utilize this approach in many cultural and geographic settings, including developed economies, to investigate potential discrepancies in DAP impact. Secondly, although the study emphasizes exploitation as a mediator, additional organizational characteristics, including leadership style, digital culture and strategy alignment, may potentially affect the DAP performance link and warrant further examination. Thirdly, while quantitatively robust, the use of statistical data fails to adequately represent the varied perspectives of SME managers throughout the digitalization process. Practical implications The framework examined in this study offers practical guidance for decision-makers and policymakers involved in SME development. It underscores the significance of digitalizing accounting processes, which empowers these enterprises to enhance operational efficiencies by leveraging their existing resources and capabilities, ultimately resulting in improved business performance. These insights can inform practitioners in crafting policies and strategies that aim to ensure the sustainability of SMEs. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation and its impact on organizational performance. It offers a distinctive perspective on the connection between DAP and SME performance. The uniqueness of this study lies in its presentation and testing of a framework that intersects two theories from separate domains: the TOE framework in technology adoption and the ambidexterity theory in strategic management. Moreover, the study examines the potential mediating role of exploitation in the relationship between DAP and SME performance.

Objective - Despite extensive research on Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and innovation and performance, there are still limited resources on how these areas benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). There are various financial aids and support services that are provided to SMEs. Despite this, SMEs still tend to perform quite low. This paper aims to identify the link between EO and SME performance using innovation as a mediator. Methodology/Technique – To achieve this objective, a quantitative approach is used. Questionnaires are collected from 285 SMEs in Peninsular Malaysia. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis is applied to test the hypotheses on the direct and indirect relationships between EO and SME performance through innovation. Finding - The findings of this study show that only two aspects of EO (innovativeness and proactiveness) have significant relationships with SME performance. Interestingly, all dimensions of EO have a direct impact on innovation. Further, innovation has a direct effect on SME performance and is a significant mediator between EO and SME performance. Novelty - These findings indicate that EO is a strong predictor of Innovation and SME performance. The discussion provided in this paper strengthens the body of knowledge on Entrepreneurship and acts as a benchmark for future studies on EO, Innovation and SME Performance. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: M13, M19, L25. Keywords: Malaysia; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Innovation; SME Performance. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Kee, D.M.H; Rahman, N.A. 2020. Entrepreneurial Orientation, Innovation and SME Performance: A Study of SME in Malaysia using PLS-SEM, Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review 8(2): 73 – 80. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2020.8.2(1)

This paper studies the effect of globalization on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance in Nigeria. The study adopts an ex post-facto type of descriptive research design. In carrying out this study, the secondary statistics data was used. Data was extracted from CBN bulletin on relevant information which depicts globalization and its effect on SMEs performance in Nigeria.A co-integration model was used to investigate the effect of globalization on SMEs performance in Nigeria. To capture the activities of globalization, three proxies were used to capture the activities of globalization; they include interest rate, bank credit and trade openness while on the other hand, output of SMEs to GDP was used to capture SMEs performance covering the period of 1992 to 2014. It was observed that interest rate, bank credit and trade openness do not improve the performance of SMEs output. The overall effect as shown by the F-statistics reveals that the variables considered in this study are not significant in explaining the level of improvement in SMEs output and performance in Nigeria.

SMEs are one of the pillars of the economy that continues to move daily in carrying out its business activities. Each business field has different characteristics, but striving to develop a business and earn income is one of the main capitals to continue to advance. There are so many obstacles faced by MSME players to compete in the market so the management of business breakthroughs is important to support business development. Maintaining a business existence requires a strong entrepreneurial spirit so that it can achieve the desired business goals. Also, market orientation and entrepreneurship could positively impact SMEs' performance. In this study, it is explained that innovation also plays an important role in improving the performance of SMEs. A conceptual structural model that includes aspects of Market Orientation (MO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), Innovation (I), and SME Performance (SMEP) is developed based on the concept and relationship results from the literature. This study examines the influence of entrepreneurial and market orientation on whether it has a direct or indirect impact on SME performance. This study investigates whether entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation affect the performance of SMEs using innovation mediation. The population of this study is Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the city of Pacitan, East Java engaged in food and beverages, services, and production, with a sample of 100 SMEs. In research using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis tools. and it is expected that this research will have an impact on SMEs in the city of Pacitan, which focuses on how entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation have an impact on SME performance, both directly and indirectly, and how Innovation as a mediating variable can have a direct or indirect impact on entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation on SME performance.

Individual entrepreneurial orientation and innovation are essentials for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive their performance, including surviving or even growing during economic crises. The entrepreneur’s gender might have an impact on those relationships. Hence, this study aims to analyze whether there were some differences in the five dimensions of individual entrepreneurial orientation and differences in the influence of individual entrepreneurial orientation and innovation on performance between male and female entrepreneurs. The study was performed through an online survey of 352 SME owners in Indonesia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses. The results demonstrated that all dimensions of individual entrepreneurial orientation are valid for developing this construct, but only the risk-taking dimension distinguishes male and female entrepreneurs the most. Male entrepreneurs are more willing to take risks than female. Furthermore, individual entrepreneurial orientation affects performance mediated by innovation, and this effect is not different between male and female entrepreneurs. These findings enrich the literature on the impact of gender on entrepreneurial orientation and the influence of innovation on SME performance. In Indonesia, individual entrepreneurial orientation affects performance assisted by innovation; however, this influence is not different for SMEs managed by male and female entrepreneurs. AcknowledgmentWe acknowledge and thank all of the respondents and parties who supported this research. This study was funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Engagement, Universitas Indonesia, contract number NKB-1782/UN2.RST/HKP.05.00/2020.

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose................................................................................................................................................................................................. The study seeks to examine the strategic interventions needed to promote the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, it analyzed the relationship between organizational learning, cultural values and SMEs performance. Background................................................................................................................................................................................................ The performance of SMEs has been identified as one of the most important success factors behind growth, development and industrialization of nations. In anticipation of such outcome, SMEs have been given adequate attention in emerging economies such as Nigeria but it has performed below expectations. Existing studies noted that business organizations are able to develop by employing strategic management interventions. Strategic interventions involve a deliberate attempt to move organizations towards a more effective state and improve performance. The expected components of strategic interventions needed to achieve the expected change in performance of SMEs are organizational learning and cultural change. However, there has not been a complete research outcome on the relevance of organizational learning and cultural change to SMEs performance in Nigeria. Therefore, the main research question is; whether organization learning and cultural values contribute significantly to SMEs performance. Methodology................................................................................................................................................................................................ In this study, the researcher employs quantitative research methods. Structured questionnaires are used to collect primary data. The study uses data set of 571 owners/managers of registered SMEs with the Ministry of Commerce and Trade in the study area. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to address the research objectives. Contribution................................................................................................................................................................................................ The study provides useful information to understanding the path to achieving SMEs performance through application of strategic interventions approach. It highlights the relevance of organizational learning to improving market share and profit in the small and medium enterprises sector. Findings..................................................................................................................................................................................................... The findings indicate that organizational learning can positively boost performance of the SMEs but cultural values, though covaried with organizational learning do not add to performance outcome of the SMEs. The organizational learning is found to play the direct role of boosting performance through team learning, empowerment, embedded system, inquiry and dialogue and continuous learning respectively. Recommendations for Practitioners............................................................................................................................................................ Increasing performance of small businesses that impact on overall development is a considerable challenge. Consequently, the study highly recommends integration of strategic intervention that is anchored on organizational learning constructs for satisfactory outcome in the SMEs. In achieving this, less emphasis on cultural values may be useful. Recommendation for Researchers............................................................................................................................................................... It is suggested that this type of study needs to be conducted in public-owned establishments and business corporations with large business structure. This may help to further establish the theoretical relevance of strategic interventions to SMEs performance across various dimensions of business forms and organizations. Impact on Society.......................................................................................................................................................................................... The findings provide adequate pathway to societal development through SMEs. For the expected growth of society to emerge through investments in SMEs, stakeholders in the society should take advantage of information embedded in strategic interventions in their performance drive. Future Research.............................................................................................................................................................................................. The study outcomes are much relevant to developing economies in need of small and medium business interventions to tackle growth, unemployment and societal development. Future research, especially in developing and emerging economies may explore the relevance of the approach to boosting small business in their area. The specific contribution of cultural values in that context may be tested.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) product innovation in order to support the concept of green products must be able to convince consumers. Product innovations which have been made that are not in accordance with the tastes of consumers, so the goods are less attractive to consumers. SMEs have difficulties in adjusting products that are environmentally friendly and acceptable to consumers. The high cost in innovating also results in SMEs who hesitate to modify the product. This study aimed to determine, describe, and analyze the effect of green products on the performance of SMEs in Sidoarjo. The first stage was to map green product criterias that affect the performance of environmentally-based SMEs, then analyse the effect of green products on the performance of environmentally-based SMEs. The method used in determining this effect was Partial Least Square (PLS). From the results of data processing, there were factors that influence the performance of environmentally friendly SMEs, namely the green product factor. Then a critical success factor analysis was carried out on the green product factor to determine the strategies that must be taken by environmentally friendly SMEs. The results of the analysis obtained strategy recommendations in improving the performance of SMEs were the strategy of selecting raw materials, choosing energy sources, using the amount of raw materials, and choosing product packaging materials. The strategy was in the context of developing environmentally friendly SMEs so they can improve SME competitiveness.

Social media platforms have become crucial for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their online presence and engagement in the contemporary digital media landscape. The study highlights the significance of entrepreneurial orientation in utilizing social media for SME growth and performance, especially in the face of challenges like digital literacy and infrastructure gaps. Furthermore, the study outlines its structure and aims to establish a link between entrepreneurial orientation, social media adoption, and SME performance, offering insights to guide future initiatives. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Squares (PLS) was utilized to test four hypotheses among 280 respondents to analyze the connections and causal relationships between the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on social media adoption and SME performance. The findings reveal that a lack of knowledge and skills, limited resources for investing in social media, and privacy and security concerns are significant challenges to adopting social media. SEM results indicate a significant relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (β= 0.264, P<0.01) and social media (β= 0.150, P < 0.05) in SME performance (β = 0.281, P<0.05), whereas innovation capability shows an insignificant relationship (β = 0.002, P > 0.05). Respondents also opined that staying updated with the latest trends and collaborating with influencers and digital marketing experts are some managerial solutions to mitigate the challenges. Challenges like knowledge gaps and resource limitations affecting adoption were identified as significant hindrances, while effective social media integration was identified as a performance-impacting factor. Staying updated and collaborating with digital marketing experts are vital for overcoming obstacles and thriving in the evolving Nepali economy through SMEs.

Performance is a success or failure of an organization in performing their tasks and main functions to realize their vision, missions, goals and objectives. An organization must consider the factors that influence the performance of their organization. The aim of this research is to determine role of cost leadership strategy in mediating the influence of market orientation and entrepreneurship orientation on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This research is conducted on Laundry SMEs in Denpasar City. Sample is 160 laundry SMEs, determined by using the probability sampling method. Data collection is conducted by utilizing questionnaires. The analysis technique used is the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Analysis result shows that market orientation and entrepreneurship orientation has a positive and significant influence on cost leadership strategy. Market orientation, entrepreneurship orientation, and cost leadership strategy has positive and significant influence on performance of SMEs. Cost leadership strategy is capable of mediating the influence of market orientation and entrepreneurship orientation on the performance of laundry SMEs in Denpasar City.
 Keywords: cost leadership strategy, market orientation, entrepreneurship orientation, SME performance