Introducing the composite business success index: Enhancing small and medium enterprise competitiveness in South Africa

This study aims to determine the Determinants of the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Barru Regency. The method used in this study is a quantitative approach and the type of research conducted is survey research. The population used is Small and Medium Enterprises in the manufacturing industry sector in Barru Regency, which is 1672 business units. The number of samples is 94 small and medium enterprises. The data sources used are primary data and secondary data. Analysis of the data used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that the aspects of finance, environment, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurial ability and economic aspects have a positive and significant effect on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Barru Regency. The greater the equity, loan capital, the level of profits and capital accumulation, the greater the performance of small and medium enterprises. The better the technology and quality control, the availability of business places, government policies, seasons and infrastructure, the better the performance of small and medium enterprises. The more market demand, the better competing pricing, promotion, distribution channels and marketing areas, the better the performance of small and medium enterprises. The better the level of formal education, leadership, experience in business and the amount of motivation and skills in the performance of small and medium enterprises. The greater the desire for achievement, personal responsibility, management ability and innovation ability, the better the performance of small and medium enterprises. the higher the level of income of the community, the availability of jobs, a business climate and good investment and the better the economic growth, the better the performance of small and medium enterprises.

Developed countries understand the importance of small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in their contribution to economic growth. By using the concept of cultural values Catur Purusa Artha which is the four most important life goals for Balinese people who have Hindu beliefs, should be used as moral guidelines that will affect the business performance of small and Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurship Orientation behavior. This study was conducted to determine and analyze the effect of Entrepreneurship Orientation on the business performance of small and Medium Enterprises and how the role of Entrepreneurship Orientation in mediating the relationship of Catur Purusa Artha with the business performance of small and Medium Enterprises. The population of the study is the owner or managers of small and Medium Enterprises in Bali Province in 2022 amounted to 61,862 SMEs, and of these samples were conducted with the Slovin approach as many as 397 units of SMEs. The data analysis technique is done by the SEM-PLS method. The results found that applying the cultural values of Catur Purusa Artha can have a direct (positive) effect or can increase the business performance of small and Medium Enterprises and Entrepreneurship Orientation. So, doing Entrepreneurship Orientation will also be able to directly affect the performance of small and medium business performance. If doing Entrepreneurship Orientation can also mediate the relationship of Catur Purusa Artha with the business performance of small and Medium Enterprises.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are currently the largest segment of national economic actors. Small industry plays an important role as a tool for the community as a solution to survive the economic crisis. SMEs can help the government to reduce the number of unemployed. So that in Indonesia, small businesses are often associated with government efforts to reduce unemployment, fight poverty and equalize income. Many products produced by MSMEs are currently able to compete in the domestic market. Some MSMEs still have various external and internal weaknesses, such as being less creative and innovative in creating new products, and not knowing what the market needs. The purpose of this study is to determine whether product, price, promotion, and location have a joint effect on the marketing performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This study used a quantitative approach and the sample this study was only taken from as many as 80 UMKM consumers. The data analysis technique used is the validity test, reliability test, normality test, linearity test, and homogeneity test. Testing the analytical model in this study using multiple linear regression analysis, t-test, f test, and r determination. Based on the results of the study using the t-test, it was found that the product had a significant effect on the marketing performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the price had no significant effect on the marketing performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the promotion had no and no significant effect on the marketing performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. , location has a significant effect on the marketing performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. From the f test, it is found that product, price, promotion, and location together have a significant effect on the marketing performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

This study investigates the role of organizational culture, adaptability, and performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in facing market dynamics and technological developments. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have a very important role in the economy, but often experience challenges in the adaptation process due to the lack of support from the right organizational culture. This study aims to explore the characteristics of organizational culture and adaptability in improving the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The results of the study show that an organizational culture that supports adaptation and innovation can significantly improve the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The ability to adapt helps MSMEs respond to change and strengthens an organizational culture that is sensitive to needs. The results of this study indicate that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector needs to implement an adaptive organizational culture to increase competitiveness and ensure survival in an ever-changing market.

MSMEs are required to be able to provide information related to financial position and changes in financial position that are useful in making decisions. Based on the results of interviews, several small and medium enterprises in the city of Denpasar still experience difficulties in preparing financial reports for the purposes of measuring the performance of small and medium enterprises. A good accounting information system is needed to facilitate MSMEs in preparing financial reports, one of which is for the purposes of measuring the performance of MSMEs. in this study will examine the effect of the application of accounting information systems and company categories on the ability to compile financial reports of small and medium enterprises in BALI, Denpasar city. The sample in the study amounted to 100 MSMEs. The data analysis technique used Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis. As a result, the application of the accounting information system has a positive effect on the ability to measure the performance of small and medium enterprises in Denpasar, Bali and the category of small and medium enterprises has no effect on the ability to measure the performance of small and medium enterprises in Denpasar. the city of BALI.

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are considered as economic engines for many countries. In South Africa, the Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) sector has been acknowledged as the driving force to foster economic growth and job creations. This paper aimed at examining how relationship marketing, green marketing and innovative marketing influence the business performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Southern Gauteng, South Africa. The study utilized a quantitative research paradigm. A structured questionnaire consisting of validated scales for relationship marketing, green marketing, innovative marketing and business performance was administered to a sample of 231 SMMEs managerial employees in the Southern Gauteng region of South Africa. Smart PLS was used to analyze the data and the results indicated that there are positive relationships between the posited research variables. Implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are alluded to.

This study investigates how corporate governance (CG) principles affect the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa, using stewardship theory. Corporate governance (CG) encompasses the regulations, procedures, and mechanisms Overseeing the administration and implementation of a business. Efficient corporate governance (CG) is crucial for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to function with maximum effectiveness and optimise entrepreneurial value. The study seeks to fill this vacuum in information by investigating the impact of using stewardship theory, which prioritises the long-term interests of stakeholders, on the financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in KZN.A quantitative approach was employed and a cross-sectional design was employed to survey 217 SMEs in the Durban South area. Descriptive statistics reveal a diversified KZN SME environment, with a predominance of medium-sized businesses, balanced gender representation, and a variety of business ages and educational backgrounds among owners and managers. Inferential statistics show significant correlations between CG principles and financial success metrics of SMEs, particularly affecting returns on invested capital and assets, net profit, asset value, and sales turnover. The results are consistent with earlier studies on the beneficial effects of CG on SME performance. The study is limited to SMEs in the Durban South area and may not be generalizable to other regions. Future research might compare studies across different areas and examine the long-term effects of CG on SMEs to identify optimum practices. The study recommends prioritizing efficient CG procedures tailored to SME needs. It suggests developing business management competencies and advocating for supporting legislation to enhance SME performance.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of microcredit on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) performance in Tanzania, with reference to selected MSMEs in Iringa Municipality specifically, to examine the contribution of the loan amount on the performance of MSMEs, to examine the influence of interest rate on the performance of MSMEs and to determine the effect of initial capital on the performance of MSMEs. The targeted population was 874 MSMEs benefiting from microcredit services from Iringa Municipality, where a sample size of 274 MSMEs was drawn. A descriptive research design was employed, and a quantitative approach was applied to analyse data. Stratified sampling technique, simple random technique and Convenience sampling technique were used to select loan benefiting. The findings revealed that loans benefiting MSMEs at Iringa Municipality receive loans from financing institutions and use them to improve performance. Moreover, the study found that interest rate has no statistically significant on the performance of MSMEs in Iringa Municipality. In addition, findings revealed that there was statistical significance in the effects of initial capital on the performance of MSMEs. In the case of the normal regression output, the adjusted R2 equals 0.698, implying that the model explains about 69.8% variations in MSMEs performance. The study recommends that the Government should ensure that MSMEs receive appropriate loan amounts and should take proactive measures to regulate interest rates on microcredit loans. MSMEs should have a clear strategy for how these funds will be used. Financing institutions should recognise that loan provisions to MSMEs should be based on the specific needs of the business. Also, they should provide micro-loans at competitive rates that balance affordability for MSMEs and sustainability for the institution. For further studies, the researchers should conduct similar research in different regions or countries that will allow scholars to ascertain the general ability of the findings. Also, the researchers should conduct longitudinal studies that can provide invaluable insights into the long-term effects of microcredit on MSMEs’ performance

Technology adoption plays an important role in competing and creating opportunities in business nowadays. Mobile Banking has changed the way the banking industry and business interact. Mobile Banking is an alternative business strategy for businesses to survive in an increasingly competitive business in today's digital era. This study will focus on adopting Mobile Banking technology and its role to improve the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by adapting the Technology Acceptance Model concept using several indicators from various previous studies which consist of Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Social Norms, Perceived Risk, Relative Advantages, Personal Innovativeness and Cost as indicators. The study involved 278 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Makassar City by using a self-administered questionnaire, which was determined using the Purposive Sampling method. The result shows that simultaneously all indicators of the construct of Technology Acceptance Model had a positive and significant influence on the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Makassar City. Furthermore, partially each indicator shows a positive and significant influence and personal innovativeness is the most dominant indicator in influencing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) performance. The findings of this study are expected to enrich the study related to the topic of Technology Acceptance Model in Mobile Banking and its relationship to improving the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Introduction: Several studies have been conducted to understand the factors affecting the business performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Small and medium-sized firms are the subject of policy, consumer, and management research. Studying small and medium enterprises' business performance helps assess the challenges and opportunities that these enterprises face, thereby proposing appropriate solutions to improve operational efficiency. Objectives: The research objective is to determine the factors affecting the business performance of small and medium enterprises in the Mekong Delta. On that basis, propose some solutions to improve the business performance of enterprises. Methods: The study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, in which qualitative research is conducted to build a model and complete the survey questionnaire. Quantitative research collects primary data from a business survey on a 5-point Likert scale. After being collected from the survey subjects, the data were coded, cleaned, and analyzed through the steps of assessing the reliability of the scale through Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), correlation analysis, and multivariate linear regression analysis to test the model and research hypotheses Results: The results of the survey data analysis with 240 small and medium enterprises conducted through the steps of assessing the reliability of the scale using Cronbach's Alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis show that the business performance of enterprises is affected by six factors including Employee competency, Financial resources, Leader, Corporate culture, Technology platform, Digital Business Strategy. Based on the research results, propose policy implications to improve the business performance of enterprises. Conclusions: Based on the research results, propose policy implications to improve the business performance of enterprises.

Business ecosystems play a crucial role in shaping the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through enhanced innovation, social networks, and collaboration, MSMEs can harness these dynamics to gain competitive advantages, leading to improved performance and sustainable growth. The study examined the relationship between business ecosystem and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) performance. A sample size of 260 was determined with Taro Yamane’s sample size determination. However, 247 responses were valid and used for the data analyses, with the Pearson Product Moment correlation inferential statistical tool. Findings showed a significant relationship between business ecosystem and innovation within MSMEs (r = 0.620, N = 247, p < 0.05). Results obtained also revealed that there is a significant relationship between business ecosystem and innovation within MSMEs (r = 0.620, N = 247, p < 0.05), while the same variability of data points amongst the variables were indicated and revealed that there is a significant relationship between MSMEs with effective social networks and business ecosystem (r = 0.646, N = 247, p < 0.05). Finally, the correlation of coefficient obtained with p-value < 0.05 revealed a significant relationship between collaboration improved MSME growth and performance (r = 0.99, N = 247, p < 0.05). The study therefore concluded that a robust business ecosystem, effective social networks, and strategic collaboration are crucial for driving MSME innovation, growth, and competitive advantage. The study recommended that MSMEs should engage in business ecosystems to access resources, networks, and collaboration opportunities. This enhances innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning, allowing them to stay competitive and drive business growth.

The purpose of this study was to examine the entrepreneurial orientation, marketing capability, use of social media have an influence on the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kelapa Gading. Sampling was done by non-probability sampling method. Data collection technique was using Purposive Sampling. Data collected by means of distributing online questionnaires through the Google Form application with a sample size of 100 respondents. The data analysis technique used the SEM method, and the data was processed using SmartPLS software. The results showed that entrepreneurial orientation had a positive and insignificant effect on the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kelapa Gading, marketing capability had a positive and significant effect on the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kelapa Gading, the use of social media had a positive and significant effect. on the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kelapa Gading.

Purpose: The goal of this survey was to look into how e-procurement affected the performance of small and medium-sized businesses in Cape Town, South Africa. Methodology: The descriptive research approach was used. 3000 small and medium-sized businesses operating in Cape Town, South Africa, were the target population. 97 owners or managers of Small and Medium Sized Businesses made up the sample size. Owners and managers of Small and Medium Sized Businesses made up the observational unit. Using a stratified random selection approach, 97 respondents were chosen from the target demographic. Findings: According to the study, e-tendering had no appreciable impact on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Cape Town, South Africa. However, the performance of small and medium enterprises in Cape Town is significantly impacted by e-sourcing. E-invoicing also has a big influence on Cape Town's small and medium enterprises' performance. Additionally, e-payment has a big impact on Cape Town, South Africa's Small and Medium Enterprises' performance. Conclusion: E-tendering has a marginally beneficial impact on Cape Town SMEs' performance. However, the majority of SMEs do not have an online system for managing supplier contracts that simplifies the tendering procedure. Recommendations: Small and medium-sized businesses should adopt and use e-tendering, according to the study's recommendations, to streamline the procurement process and reduce associated expenses. Additionally, small and medium-sized businesses should switch to electronic invoicing to save money on the costs of printing, storing, and shipping paper invoices. The report also suggests that all small and medium-sized businesses implement e-payment to boost productivity by increasing payment efficiency and lowering mistakes associated with cash transactions. Additionally, small and medium-sized businesses should use e-sourcing since it expands their access to a wide range of suppliers and speeds up the contract award process.

This article investigates the relationship between leadership styles and business financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. Previous empirical studies mainly focused on a direct influence of a single leadership style. However, there is a possibility that the combined leadership styles moderated by firm characteristics to have more influence on business performance especially in the SMEs setting. Specifically, the article analyses the relationship between four leadership styles (i.e. transactional, transformational, combination of transactional and transformational leadership and, passive-avoidant) and Business financial performance of SMEs considering the moderating effect of firm characteristics. Cross sectional survey design was adopted to carry out the research. The article is guided by Transactional leadership theory, transformational leadership theory and Contingency theory while Mean and multiple regressions were used to analyze data elicited from one hundred and ten (110) randomly selected SMEs. The results revealed that transformational leadership style and, combined transformational and transactional leadership styles had significant positive influence on SMEs’ financial performance. On the other hand, transactional leadership style had significant negative influence on SMEs’ financial performance. Passive- avoidant leadership style was found to have insignificant influence on SMEs’ financial performance. Furthermore, the results revealed that ownership structure and firm age moderated the influence of transactional leadership style, passive-avoidant leadership style and the combination of transformational and transactional leadership styles on SMEs’ financial performance. Among others, the article recommends that SMEs’ leaders have to apply the combination of transformational and transactional leadership styles if they want to realise relatively high SMEs’ financial performance.

In Thailand, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have played a significant role in promoting economic growth and sustainable development. Thai SMEs constitute a major source of employment, generate significant earnings, and contribute to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Accordingly, the 4th SME Promotion Master Plan (2017-2021) has put a significant emphasis on upgrading Thai SMEs and increasing their growth potential. However, Thai SMEs still have problems and limitations, for instance, almost all are small enterprises, few medium enterprises, management system limitations, only a minority of SMEs able to compete in the international market, and a continuous trade deficit. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has further the slowdown in the economic growth of SMEs. (The Office of SMEs Promotion, 2022). Therefore, SMEs need to continuously improve and develop organizational performance to compete in the domestic and international markets. It is important to understand how SMEs can continue to grow and compete in the markets. Previous research in the business management literature indicates that there are several factors that account for the development of SMEs including CEO Attributes, leadership styles, and human resource management. Recent research also reveals that in order to survive the new normal imposed by COVID-19 and the market competition, several SMEs have adopted technical innovation and marketing and processes innovation (Akpan et al., 2020; El Chaarani et al., 2021). Keywords: Entrepreneurial Leadership; Intellectual Capital; Innovation; Organizational Performance