Factors affecting repurposing operations in Micro Small and Medium Enterprises during Covid-19 emergency

Abstract

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector plays a substantial role in the overall economic development and employment generation of a country. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted adversely, and it is inevitably necessary to consider the influence of the pandemic on MSME, which will assist the policymakers in helping in the repurposing operations of the sector. Because of its size, scale of operations, and availability of financial resources, the MSMEs sector has been one of the most susceptible sectors post-Covid-19. Many academics have explored the constraints to MSMEs' development in the past, but limited research has been done using Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) technique for the factors impacting MSMEs' repurposing operations during the Covid-19 emergency. This research seeks to "identify," "analyze," and "categorize" the elements impacting MSMEs' repurposing operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Literature review and experts’ comment from various MSMEs resulted in identification of 7 enablers. The TISM and MICMAC approach was employed in this study. The findings shows that occupational health and safety, logistics, and government rules and regulations are the key factors affecting repurposing operations in MSMEs during the Covid-19 emergency. This research helps the top-executives of MSME to look into the factors affecting repurposing operations in MSMEs during the Covid-19 emergency. This research examines factors affecting repurposing operations in MSMEs during the Covid-19 emergency. It is the first study to analyze the factors affecting the repurposing operations in MSME during the Covid-19 using TISM technique.