Business Activities Research Articles

Механизмы стимулирования деятельности малого и среднего бизнеса в странах БРИКС

Small and medium-sized businesses in all countries contribute to the creation of an optimal competitive envi-ronment, provide conditions for increasing employment, and have a significant incentive for innovation. The study of mechanisms to stimulate the activities of small and medium-sized businesses in the BRICS countries allows us to identify the problems of development of this segment of the economy. The paper analyzes in de-tail the areas of financial, property, information, and consulting support for SME companies in the BRICS coun-tries, including in the field of employee training and innovation. The results showed that in each BRICS country, measures are being carried out and implemented in various areas of SME support, which has a positive effect on the level of contribution of small and medium-sized businesses to the country’s GDP. In order to receive appropriate support, small and medium-sized businesses must carefully determine their size and characteris-tics in order to meet the established criteria for this type of company. It is recommended to create clusters of SMEs as a basis for the formation of value chains and obtaining a synergistic effect. The transition to digital technologies will allow SMEs to solve the issues of staff shortages and ensure access to many resources.

Business Efficiency: Insights from Visegrad Four Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Efficiency is one of the tenets in assessing the financial health of an enterprise. Ultimately, the form of asset management has a major impact on growth but also on the decline of profit. It also reveals how the enterprises are positioned within the competitive market environment. For this reason, the aim of this article is to define the level of business activity in the Visegrad Four in the pre-crisis, during-crisis and post-crisis periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation included 48,650 enterprises from Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary over the period 2017–2023. We determined the median values of eleven business efficiency indicators separately for each country and sector. The Friedman test and Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed significant differences between years and countries. Furthermore, multiple pairwise comparisons revealed analogies between the pre-crisis and post-crisis periods, as well as similarities between the two pandemic years for the tested ratios. One can observe that the results serve as the foundation for regional and international benchmarks, particularly for enterprises from former Eastern Bloc countries.

PEMBENTUKAN PORTOFOLIO OPTIMAL DENGAN MODEL INDEKS TUNGGAL PADA SAHAM IDX BUMN 20 DI BEI

Abstract: At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) hit the world, including Indonesia. The COVID-19 protocol policy implemented to break the chain of virus spread has limited business activity, resulting in a decline in the performance of issuers. However, this situation actually triggered an increase in the number of investors in the capital market, who saw an opportunity to shift investment activities to stock trading as an alternative income. This phenomenon shows that the capital market is increasingly in demand even amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic. Stock investment involves analysis of the returns and risks associated with financial assets. Rational investors try to choose efficient shares to maximize returns with minimal risk. The Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) provides stock indexes to help investors, one of which is IDX BUMN 20, which includes 20 shares of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD), and their affiliates. BUMN shares are considered safer because they are managed by the state, have high liquidity, and often distribute dividends to shareholders. This research aims to analyze the optimal portfolio formation of IDX BUMN 20 shares using a single index model during the 2021–2022 period. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide insight for investors in making rational investment decisions and maximizing profits with controlled risks. Keywords: Investment, Stocks, Capital Markets, Index IDX BUMN 20

Problems of financial support of the organization-supplier of petroleum products within the framework of the northern delivery

The supply of petroleum products and foodstuffs to the territories of the North and the Arctic is an important component of maintaining proper functioning and life support, and is of strategic importance for the economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Because of high transportation costs and complex logistics, the activities of companies involved in the delivery of products within the framework of the northern importation are fraught with great difficulties and financial costs, and their risks are multiplied. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that have the most significant impact on the financial position and sustainability of Sakhaneftegazsbyt JSC, which is responsible for the delivery of petroleum products and fuel to the north of the republic. The main research methods chosen in this case are economic and financial analysis. The results of the research have shown that because of the specific features of business activity, giving rise to a large duration of sales of current assets, Sakhaneftegazsbyt JSC is inevitably forced to attract borrowed capital in significant amounts. Because of this, the financial stability of the company is reduced and risks of insolvency arise. The situation is compounded by the growth of the key rate and the corresponding increase in the cost of commercial loans. In case the company’s financial situation gets worse, it would certainly receive state support sufficient to overcome the crisis situation. However, the expansion of opportunities for providing loans to organisations in charge of northern imports on favourable terms would avoid the need for such a support at all.

Criminal-legal audit of business

The article discusses the importance of criminal-legal audit for business. It is emphasized that this audit is an inspection of the company's activities to identify criminal-legal risks, despite the lack of mandatory legislation. In the context of improving legislation, audit is becoming a tool for preventing criminal liability, as well as protecting assets and business reputation. The article highlights the main risks associated with business activities, including property crimes, tax evasion and the threat of asset seizure. The material also considers specifi c risks for various industries, such as construction and healthcare. The article describes the goals and objectives of criminal-legal audit, including identifying risks, preventing transactions with unreliable counterparties and protecting the interests of the company. The author details the stages of the audit: from identifying and assessing risks to developing and implementing measures to minimize them. At the end of the article, a list of practical recommendations for entrepreneurs aimed at reducing risks and business security is offered.

Taxation of business activities on marketplaces

The article examines the problematic aspects of taxation of business activities on marketplaces, causing discussions among representatives of the business community. Activities on trading platforms are quite expensive (purchase of goods, commission fees, delivery services, packaging, payment of workers, etc.). The rules for recognizing income and expenses have their own characteristics that should be taken into account when forming the tax base. Using the example of a simplified system with the “income” object, the calculation of the single tax for 9 months of 2024 is given.

Methodological aspects of the statistical analysis of entrepreneurial confidence in the sectors of the Russian economy

The article examines the sources of information on the entrepreneurial confidence of organizations and consumer expectations of the population collected by Rosstat. The features of programmatic, methodological and organizational issues of monitoring the conjuncture and business activity of organizations and consumer behavior of the population are summarized. The limitations of the statistical analysis of non-quantitative information (balances of evaluation of indicators as a difference in the frequency of responses) of marketoriented sample surveys are formulated. The dynamics and seasonality of the index of entrepreneurial confidence of enterprises extracting minerals, engaged in manufacturing, providing electric energy, gas and steam, air conditioning, construction, retail trade, services, and the index of consumer confidence of the Russian population for 2022-2024 are analyzed. The degree of influence of the components of the index of entrepreneurial (consumer) confidence in Russia on its dynamics for 2018-2024 was measured. The factors limiting the activities of Russian enterprises and organizations were analyzed, stable and unstable among them were identified, and structural shifts in respondents' responses about the impact of these factors for 2020-2024 were also assessed.

Creating Shared Value: Alternative Business Model Innovation for Financial Products and Services Sector

This final project focuses on the phenomenon of business lending as a provider and SMEs as customers/ beneficaries. Businesses are too profit-oriented and often overlook shared value in contributing to the profitability of business activities. The final project objectives are to answer the question of how to implement and measure the Creating Shared Value (CSV) programs and to propose a business model canvas to solve the phenomenon of business lending and SMEs for growing together and also give positive impact. With a qualitative approach, the researcher incorporates information from literature analysis on related topics, in-depth interviews with four interviewees, and reports from related companies. Data analysis guided by the triangulation process as a logic of inquiry has been conceptualised by the researcher within this final project, which differs in its goals, purposes, and literature review through the case study research process. Some providers have not yet implemented CSV, and some providers have implemented CSV but not with measurements that relate to business objectives. Besides that, the proposed business model canvas will help providers to implement the CSV concept.

Japanese space policy: An international legal perspective

Japan’s advancements in technology and its strategic focus on space policy have driven swift advancements in the field, attributed to Japan’s ability to balance scientific exploration, industrial growth, and national defense. This article examines Japan’s national legal framework governing space activities. The key pieces of legislation analyzed are the Law Concerning Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency of 2002, the Basic Space Law of 2008, the Act on Launching of Spacecraft, etc. and Control of Spacecraft of 2016, the Act on Ensuring Appropriate Handling of Satellite Remote Sensing Data of 2016, and the Act on the Promotion of Business Activities for the Exploration and Development of Space Resources of 2021. The analysis of these activities is conducted in accordance with the relevant international space legal framework. The article delves into the shift in Japan’s space policy from “non-military” to “non-aggressive” in 2008 and its impact on national legislation. An examination is provided of the fourth law in the world (following similar actions by the USA, Luxembourg, and the UAE) concerning the exploitation of natural resources of celestial bodies, enabling private entities to conduct exploration and extraction activities. This is especially noteworthy given the lack of direct international legal oversight on space resource utilization. This article also examines Japan’s international legal space policy, including the Japan-U.S. Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies 2023, in light of the particularly close Japan-U.S. cooperation in space exploration and use. Japan’s enactment of a law regarding the exploration and exploitation of natural resources of celestial bodies, along with Japan’s participation in projects such as Artemis, Lunar Gateway, and Hakuto-R, demonstrates its growing role in international space projects and its pursuit of the closest possible cooperation with the United States in ensuring national security through the use of outer space. The conclusion offers summarizing statements.

From words to action: SDG reporting insights in the Italian private sector

Purpose This study aims to verify if information on sustainable development goal (SDG) measurements or achievements is included in nonfinancial reports, highlighting the most disclosed SDGs and the reasons behind their prioritization. Design/methodology/approach The collocation analysis and logDice measurement were performed on the 206 nonfinancial reports of Italian companies published in 2022. Findings Companies mainly disclose information on the SDGs they can easily influence through business activities (SDGs 8, 7 and 12) while focusing less on wicked problems, which are more challenging to measure and have less effect (SDGs 1, 2 and 16). The information in the reports is becoming more quantitative. It aims to measure companies’ impact on pursuing the SDGs, and a qualitative description of adopted corporate policies and actions complements it. Research limitations/implications Results highlight the need to urge policymakers to create a unified SDG reporting framework. The systematization of the reporting structure would assist enterprises in preparing their reports and help stakeholders compare the results of different organizations. It would prompt companies to improve their internal control activities, consequently positively affecting corporate accountability and the pursuit of SDGs. Furthermore, more training would be needed to educate businesses on the role they can play in all 17 SDGs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research is the first attempt to use natural language processing methods in SDG reporting studies. This allowed researchers to study the whole population available, neglecting the sampling process, not missing any data available and bringing insights nonexistent in research.

A remedy for the liability of smallness? How digital work platforms augment the smallest enterprises

Abstract We investigate how digital work platforms (DWPs) such as Upwork and Fiverr are pivotal for small and micro enterprises (SAMEs) in tackling their resource and capability constraints, also called liability of smallness. By conducting qualitative interviews with executives from SAMEs in Austria and Germany, we reveal that these enterprises leverage such platforms primarily for resource access and cost optimization. DWPs lower the entry barrier to outsourcing by acting as a trust-building catalyst and by reducing the invisible work associated with outsourcing. With outsourcing more readily available, SAMEs can build strategic flexibility to better scale their business activities and more readily seize business opportunities. With this research, we contribute to the discourse on digital entrepreneurship, outsourcing, and small business management, underscoring the role of digital platforms in enhancing the competitiveness and survival of SAMEs. Our findings also allow for best practice recommendations to help SAMEs overcome the hurdles associated with outsourcing engagements.

ETHNICITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A COMPARATIVE STUDY FROM BALANGODA TOWN

Political and economic progress as well as social reconciliation are essential for the development of a country. Through this research, the effect of ethnicity on business development was studied. Many economic development goals can be achieved through the development of enterprises in a country. But depending on ethnicity, entrepreneurs who face different problems can be seen. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to identify the effect of ethnicity on entrepreneur activities. There, the research was conducted using 250 entrepreneurs of Balangoda town consisting of different ethnicities. A simple random sampling method was used to select the sample. According to the results of the research, it was clear that ethnicity has a positive effect on entrepreneurial activities. Accordingly, the factor of ethnicity should be considered in order to create a more effective product by encouraging entrepreneurs. Also, it is important to consider all ethnic groups in formulating policies and laws related to business activities so that they all get benefits. It can achieve social reconciliation, and it will directly lead to economic development.

The Impact of Family Determinants on the Media Coverage of Family Business Activism in Sustainability

ABSTRACTMedia coverage is a key factor in increasing the flow and accessibility of information among the firm's stakeholders. Drawing on the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective, we investigate the antecedents of the level of media coverage of family firms' activism in sustainability. Using hand‐collected data from a sample of public Italian family firms, we provide several novel contributions to the academic debate. First, we find that family involvement on the board of directors is negatively associated with the level of media coverage of the family firm's engagement in sustainability. Conversely, we find that later generational stages of the family business are positively associated with the level of corporate media coverage on sustainability. Our study advances the literature on both corporate sustainability issues and media coverage in the context of family businesses.

ANALYSIS OF ADDED VALUE AND FEASIBILITY OF SEAWEEDS DODOL PRODUCTS IN UMKM MOFFIN SUMENEP

UMKM MOFFIN was established in 2017 and strives to continue to develop in producing seaweed-based products. UMKM MOFFIN is located in Pagar Batu Village, Saronggi District, Sumenep Regency. Added value is the added value that occurs because a commodity undergoes processing, transportation and storage in one production process with the use/provision of functional inputs. While the feasibility analysis includes the calculation of NPV, IRR, Net B/C, and PBP with a comparison between the income obtained and the total costs incurred by the company. This study is to determine the added value of seaweed dodol production in Moffin UMKM and to determine the feasibility of seaweed dodol products in Moffin UMKM using NPV, IRR, Net B / C and PP calculations. The analysis of added value obtained from processing 10 kg of seaweed dodol is 63.30 % of production results. The profit margin obtained from every 5 kg of seaweed is distributed for each factor, namely profit 65.15%, labor 3.87 % and other input contributions of 30.98 %. The feasibility value analysis has Eligible criteria from NPV (net present value) , IRR ( Internal rate of return ) , Net B / C ( Net benefit cost ratio ) and PP (Payback Period). This UMKM has positive added value so it must maintain, increase business activities and expand its marketing. As well as separating income and expenses, preparing profit and loss reports properly.

AN EXPLORATION OF THE VIEWS OF MANUFACTURING SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OWNERS WITH REGARDS TO GREEN TAX INCENTIVES IN THE ETHEKWINI REGION OF KWA ZULU – NATAL

Objective: The objectives of the study were to explore the awareness of owners of small medium enterprises with regards to green tax incentives; to identify their attitudes towards such green tax incentives and the possible impact it would have on small medium manufacturing enterprises going green. Method: This study was guided by quantitative research methodology with a descriptive survey design. A census sample was drawn through a list provided by the Durban Chamber of Commerce. A survey questionnaire was the primary data collection tool used. A total of 152 questionnaires were distributed and 104 were received, yielding a response rate of 68 %. Results: The data showed that small medium enterprises were concerned about the environment and acknowledged that their business activities had a negative impact on the environment. The study also established that small medium enterprise owners were concerned with the impact that climate change would have on their business operations. Conclusion: It was concluded that there was a need for the government to place greater emphasis on creating awareness of global warming and climate change. There was also a need to find more innovative ways of promoting eco-consciousness and green sustainable practices and the need to draft and identify new green taxation legislature, that caters for public and small medium enterprises.

Newly Arrived Women’s Educational and Professional Choices

This study focuses on the stories of four newly arrived women and their choices of vocational education and profession. The study highlights the women’s life courses and addresses how their vocational skills from their home countries can influence their choices of vocational education and profession, and how these skills are utilised in Sweden. The study also examines the cultural, social, economic, and symbolic capital that emerges from the women’s stories. Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital is used to explain the women’s choices of vocational education and profession, suggesting a connection between the capital that women carry with them and their private and vocational experiences throughout their lives.The result shows that the women’s choices of vocational education and profession are related to their previous life experiences and adapted to the efforts of the Swedish state to shorten the path to employment for adult immigrants through Yrkesvux, a combined education programme. Additionally, the women’s vocational skills from their home countries are mostly used through their own business activities in Sweden.Newly arrived women’s vocational skills are changing the existing history of women’s skills and adding tasks that traditionally have not existed in Sweden, for example carpet tying, facial threading, and oriental cooking and baking. These skills must be cared for by the Swedish education system, which is constructed and reconstructed in step with technological development and social change. Caring for new professional skills can, for example, be to create conditions for young people to learn and develop these skills for the benefit of society.

From Dagongmei to Entrepreneurs: Unpacking the Emergence of Businesswomen in Shenzhen (1978–2000)

China's emergence as a global manufacturing leader has been well-documented, yet the role of Chinese women, particularly in private business activities, remains understudied. This paper explores the rise of female entrepreneurship during China’s economic reforms from 1978 to 2000, focusing on the special economic zone (SEZ) of Shenzhen, which became a hub for migrant female workers, known as Dagongmei (female workers). The central research question investigates how Dagongmei, despite facing challenging working conditions and gender inequality, transitioned from low-wage laborers to businesswomen within Shenzhen’s rapidly changing economic environment. This paper argues that, while these women endured unequal conditions, the open-market opportunities in Shenzhen motivated them to pursue further education and seek entrepreneurial ventures. A combination of macro- and microeconomic perspectives is used to analyze female labour participation in Shenzhen’s manufacturing sector, alongside social dimensions such as domestic responsibilities and educational backgrounds. The findings suggest that Shenzhen's business-friendly environment facilitated the emergence of a new class of businesswomen, contributing to China’s broader economic transformation. This study challenges prevailing narratives that view Dagongmei solely as victims of exploitation and instead highlights their role as active participants in shaping China’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Peran Penggunaan Teknologi Digital Terhadap Kesuksesan dan Kegagalan E-bisnis di Era Digital

In current technological advances, digital technology has developed rapidly in assisting human activities, for example in the business sector. In today's digital era, technology plays an important role in the changes that occur in business activities, which previously could only be done face to face between the seller and the buyer, now with only e-commerce technology, buyers do not have to meet the seller to buy the product or service they need. . However, when using e-commerce technology, you must pay attention to what is needed between buyers who want to look for the goods or services they need and sellers who sell their goods or services so that when the business process occurs there will be no failure later.

Peran Sumber Daya Manusia dan Strategi Meminimalkan Risiko untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Perusahaan

Companies engaged in the field of service providers or production of goods have the same goal, namely to make a profit, in addition to making a profit, every company certainly wants to provide products or services that can provide satisfaction to each of its customers by including risk management in it. Risk management can be interpreted as a method used by companies to find out, monitor, and control the risks that will arise from business activities. Risk management seeks to improve company performance. In risk management in minimizing company problems, it needs to be carried out by a company leader such as identifying, measuring, and handling a company risk. The purpose of this study is to provide a strategy to improve company performance by preparing good human resources and minimizing the risks that exist in a company.

Asymmetry of prosperity and business activity levels according to the regions of Georgia

Asymmetry of prosperity and business activity levels according to the regions of Georgia