Basic Business Research Articles

Access to Fiance for Micro and Small Metalware Enterprises at Thanjavur District, India

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), worldwide form an integral part of both developed and developing economies, provide considerable contribution to various areas like employment, exports, industrial output, industrial prosperity and social progress. It was observed from the review that majority of the researches on SMEs were concerned with the industrialised countries. There is limited literature available for developing countries because of the sparser availability of basic data. Most of the studies (Beck et al. (2005), Paul Cook and Fredrick Nixson (2000)) have identified several key research questions, which require investigation. Among these, little is known about the relationships between the financing of SMEs and their ownership characteristics, size, and age. Similar studies conducted in SMEs establish the following results. The desire for growth is tempered, the availability of finance is unimportant except for working capital or funding moderate growth, the increasing years of work experience was found to be a positive determinant of loan applications, the older firms fear loan denial lesser than younger firms, older firms also apply to bank loans less often showing the increasing financial contentment with the firm age. The findings of these studies also showed that a large proportion of small firms that are not using bank loans actually do not need any external finance or have been refused a loan for basic business reasons. Also a large proportion of these firms simply have no demand for finance or no good projects to finance. This paper deals with the ‘access to’ and ‘use of’ formal and informal credit by the micro and small enterprises with particular reference to two metalware clusters of Thanjavur District of Tamilnadu. The selection of the study area and the clusters were influenced by their historical importance, culture, heritage and the possible decline of these traditional industries.

Kurdish Business Protocol & Etiquettes

The main purpose of this guide is to summarize the basic business etiquettes in Kurdish business context in Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. This guide is regarded as the first comprehensive guide for the Kurdish business protocol, and it will have the significant effect on the contract between the Kurdish business and the multinational companies especially after the region recognized as a leader in natural resources opportunities and entrepreneurial development.

Research on the Innovation of University Student Status Management

In order to enhance the status management level, to change the management model of student status actively, we should base on the transaction service, strengthen the internal incentive constraint and excavate the intrinsic motivation; realize the changement of new model from oriented to as a supplement, to change the incentive and constraint based, and then realize the change from passive to the initiative. Under service, the incentive and constraint mechanism coexist, service regards the basic business as the center and pays attention to fulfill management responsibilities. Constraint is to eliminate early warning of risk control as the core, focus the on risk management of academic security. Incentive focuses on the motivation, strengthen the construction of fine style of study. Model Under the circumstances, the quality of student data can be guaranteed, academic safety and education and teaching order can be improved, and a good atmosphere for academic atmosphere can be formed.

Factors influencing academic performance in Basic Business Statistics course at Polytechnic of Namibia

The Polytechnic of Namibia offers the Basic Business Statistics course for all its undergraduate registered students for the Bachelor of Technology degrees in Business Administration, Public Administration ,Marketing, Human Resources Management and Economics programmes as part of their curriculum requirements, on full-time, part-time and distance education (open learning) basis. Academic performance in this course is generally poor, leaving a lot of students with the Basic Business Statistics Course outstanding even after their final year of study, thus delaying their graduation.This paper seeks to the determinants of the students' performance in this course by fitting a binary logistic regression based on the population of distance students who enrolled for the course in the first semester of 2012. The dependent variable is the performance or final result (Pass or Fail} for the Basic Business Statistics course. The independent variables include gender of student, Matric Score (Moths, English), home language, and degree programme.

Research on Intelligent Parking Management System of Urban Roadside

Static traffic, as supplementary dynamic traffic, plays an equally important role in the development of modern city transportation. Because the urban land resources are very limited, the parking problem has been the focus of the city management department, while the traditional off-road parking has been unable to meet the requirements of the development of the city parking. This paper will introduce a roadside parking way, the front end detection device to video as pile, combing the basic business processes of roadside parking, and build a complete cloud platform to deploy the network topology, and then realize the communication between front-end video detector and cloud platform according to the specific business needs, and ultimately to achieve the real unattended of parking, timing and charging.

SABIC buys 25% stake in Clariant

Activist investors White Tale and 40 North have sold their 25% stake in the Swiss chemical maker Clariant to SABIC, the Saudi Arabian chemical giant. The transaction, worth about $2.4 billion, makes SABIC Clariant’s largest shareholder. The activists’ exit ends a hostile relationship with Clariant. The two investors helped scuttle Clariant’s planned merger with Huntsman last year. More recently, they pushed Clariant to hire an investment banker to conduct a strategic review. Clariant resisted the suggestion. SABIC says it “currently has no plans to launch or otherwise effect a full takeover of Clariant.” Yet SABIC hasn’t been shy about making big deals to expand outside its home base. In 2002, it bought DSM’s petrochemical business for $1.8 billion, giving it a stake in the Western European basic chemicals business. In 2007, the Saudi firm spent $11.6 billion to buy GE Plastics, making it a force to be reckoned with in

Improving public sector performance by using business process modelling and measurement: a case study analysis

P urpose of the pape r: The main purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the use of business process modelling and measurement as basic Business Process Management techniques to improve Enterprise Resource Planning systems and existing processes in public sector institutions. Methodolog y: The research methodology used is a single case study of a Polish public sector institution. The selected process has been modelled in an as-is and to-be state, i.e. before and after the organisational change and implementation of an ERP system. Results : The measurement of cost, time, quality and throughput capacity of a process demonstrates specific improvements and thereby proves an increase in the efficiency of public sector institutions. The author indicates that business process modelling and measurement are techniques useful in both the area of design and implementation of IT systems, as well as the design and improvement of an organisation. Research limitations: The main limitation of this research is the analysis of merely one process in a single institution with virtually no comparative analysis. Practical implications: The implementation of effectiveness and efficiency indicators as criteria for the public institution evaluation gives rise to the appreciation of the BPM concept as the appropriate management method in the public sector. Research results can be used as recommendations for policy makers who plan and evaluate projects to improve the efficiency of public institutions. Originality of the paper : The results of this study can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on BPM in the public sector. The uniqueness of the study arises from the merging of three research areas: improving performance of the public sector; the evaluation of cost-effectiveness IT projects in public administration; and, business process modelling and measurement applied to the aforementioned two areas.

Contemporary trends in outsourcing of accounting and financial services

Existing researches on business indicates that companies in order to survive on the modern market must: constantly develop their own capacities, make constant effort to reduce costs and to optimize the use of their own resources. Shortcomings in knowledge and skills, key competencies, and resources are highlighted as main causes of company decay. One way to overcome existing shortcomings is to get into the outsourcing process. Outsourcing can be applied to basic business functions, specialized business functions and business support functions. The subject of this paper is to present the factors that influence the outsourcing of accounting services as well as contemporary trends in the field of accounting and financial services outsourcing. The paper presents theoretical considerations on the topic, the specifics of the accounting services that are to be taken into account when making the decision about entering into outsourcing process, as well as the trends in the outsourcing business.

Main directions of the development of the risk management system in corporations

Actuality and relevance of implementation of the risk management processes in the general system of management in organizations are justified in this article. Three major issues can be pointed out as referred to the implementation of the risk management system in modern organizations, such as 1) a high level of costs combined with relatively long payback period; 2) lack of the universal approach to the implementation of the risk management procedures; and 3) difficulties in identification of perspective directions of the systems under consideration. The basic directions of development of the risk management systems in the corporate structures are defined based on the results of comparative analysis of the experience of Russian and foreign companies. The activity in the field of risk management of such corporations as “Rusgidro”, “NMLK”, the Investment Company “RUSS-INVEST”, “Severstal”, “Gazpromneft”, “Metalloinvest”, “Philips”, “Nestlé”, and “Unilever” became the object of our research. Comparative analysis of practices of implementation of the risk management system has been performed based on the following criteria: organizational structure of management, register and prioritization of risks, structure and methods of risk management, and effectiveness of the risk management systems. The results of the study allowed identifying the following basic directions of development of the risk management systems in the corporations: amending register of prioritization of risks; increasing level of integration of the risk management procedures into the basic business processes of the corporations; expanding of use of the external assessments, credit rankings, etc. in the framework of implementation of the risk management procedures; increasing level of unification of methods of risk assessment and management that finally would be a prerequisite for improving effectiveness of the risk management systems in organizations.

The Lemonade Stand: An Elementary Case for Introducing Data Analytics

Accounting education has been encouraged to increase the business knowledge, analytical skills, and data analytic skills of accounting students. This case blends these areas in a single, multi-part project for Accounting Information Systems (AIS) courses. The case includes the technical function of extracting data from databases, integrating multiple data stores and using multiple software tools (MS Access and Tableau). Additionally, students learn to assess the business needs driving the use of integrated data stores to produce quality information for decision making. Using a basic business scenario (lemonade stand), this case provides a stand-alone project focusing on incorporating data analytics into an AIS course. Students assume the role of a professional consultant to a lemonade stand and will become familiar with the business processes and the data of the company, develop queries to answer various business questions, and integrate internal and external data to graphically analyze the combined data for a business analysis. The case allows integration of the course content of data extraction and reporting elements with data analytics. Students indicated that they perceived that they increased their knowledge about business analysis and data analytics tools. Student also indicated they enjoyed the case and had many positive comments about their experience. Results from a pre-/post-test quiz reflect that students did significantly increase their knowledge of business analysis and data analytics.

Функціональна модель основнихбізнес-процесів системи «ранок»

Функціональна модель основнихбізнес-процесів системи «ранок»

Smart Hospital concept and its implementation capabilities based on the incentive extension

Currently, the health care as one of the priority development areas for the state requires special attention in the transition to the innovative management models based on the use of advanced medical concepts and digital technologies. Therefore, the transition to the SmartHospital model and the formation of an appropriate architectural solution become actual for health organizations which strategic task is the transition to the digital space and strengthening their positions in the medical services market. Prior to starting the development of the Smart Hospital architectural model as applied to the specific health organization, it is advisable to use a reference model that will take into account the basic business and IT requirements of the organization, limits and used technologies. The creation of the reference SmartHospital architectural solution is preceded by a preparatory stage that allows revealing the architecture and limit requirements. The article proposes the incentive extension on the basis of which the requirements and limits are formulated for the reference model of the SmartHospital architectural solution.

Factores para medir la competitividad de la ciudad de Santa Elena, Provincia de Santa Elena (5311)

La competitividad en el sector empresarial se determina por la utilización de los recursos y la renovación de los factores productivos que genera, de una manera directa e indirecta, para lo cual utiliza diferentes medios y mecanismos de dinamismo. El presente trabajo buscó analizar la situación problemática de la competitividad del cantón Santa Elena. La investigación se basó en el análisis teórico práctico de los empresarios y sus diferentes actividades del sector productivo para validar los factores que de acuerdo con su criterio influyen en la competitividad. El principal aporte de la investigación es el establecimiento de factores productivos con poco resultado que conllevan a una débil estrategia administrativa lo cual no permite la visualización a corto plazo del crecimiento del sector productivo. Originando la propuesta de estrategias para desarrollar la competitividad en base a los resultados de la investigación, considerando los factores competitivos como, la Infraestructura y servicios básicos, la Salud, nutrición, educación, la Creación de Negocios, el Desarrollo y sofisticación empresarial, el comercio exterior y el Turismo.

The Role of Electronic Business in the Reengeneering and Integration of Business Processes

Abstract Electronic business leads to the reengineering of business processes in a company, which encompasses integrating processes through customer relationship management, supply chain management, and an enterprise resource planning system. The aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of electronic business on enterprise transformation through reengineering and integration of business processes. The significance of the research is to emphasise management problems and challenges encountered by companies due to electronic business and application of information technologies. The research applies an analytical method to examine the effects of electronic business on business processes. The main contribution of the research is to look at electronic business as an initiator and the cause of radical changes in business processes characterised as reengineering. By transforming their business practices into electronic business, companies make significant efforts in their restructuring in order to deal with the changes in the competitive environment. The basis of these efforts is a redesign and change of business processes. The conclusion is that introducing the Internet and Web-technologies in business does not require only a radical reengineering of existing basic business processes but also generation of new ones, which would support the new business environment.

The Improvements of Enterprise Anti-Crisis Management Diagnostics in the System of Managerial Diagnostics

The purpose of the article is to substantiate the theoretical positions and to develop practical recommendations for improving the diagnostics of anti-crisis management of the enterprise in the system of managerial diagnostics. It is revealed that the specificity of crisis management of the enterprise (as a special diagnostic purpose of the system of management diagnostic purposes) is related to: 1) the strategy of anti-crisis management, which includes the prevention of crisis and the strategy to overcome the crisis; 2) the need for complex management decisions (functioning, development) in the conditions of limited financial and informational resources, high general level of uncertainty of the environment (displaying various events and aspects) and risk, etc. It is established that the diagnostics of anti-crisis management in the enterprise in the system of managerial diagnostics should include: 1) the study of basic business indicators (parameters) of production and economic activity of the enterprise; 2) comprehensive in-depth analysis of the influence of factors (internal, external) on the state of the enterprise (financial and economic, technical and technological); 3) expert valuation of the developed measures and prospects for financial rehabilitation and preventive sanation, as well as an assessment of the achievement of forecasting goals. The prospect of further research in this field is the development of a system of goals of economic diagnosis (diagnostics of activity) of the enterprise (institution, organization) taking into account the presented results of the study and the graphical interpretation of the improvement of the effectiveness of the anti-crisis management enterprise in the system of managerial diagnostics.

Energy Costs Hosting Model: The most suitable business model in the developing stage of Energy Performance Contracting

Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is a significant business mechanism to reduce energy consumption of existing buildings. At present, there are three basic business models of EPC: Guaranteed-Savings Model, Shared-Savings Model and Energy Costs Hosting Model. We suppose that the Energy Costs Hosting Model, in which building owners, Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and financial institutions can achieve optimal benefits, is the most suitable business model in the developing stage of EPC. We construct benefits distribution models which involve three stakeholders based on interval-valued fuzzy Shapley value, adjust these values according to the actual allocation of energy-saving benefits and compare the benefits of the three stakeholders in the three business models. We conclude that Energy Costs Hosting Model can bring the maximum benefits to these three stakeholders and the participation of governments and authoritative institutions of authentication and appraisal can solve two major problems: ‘unshared information’ and ‘lack of supervision system’.

Evidence-based decision-making: awareness, process and practice in the management classroom

In an increasingly information rich environment, it is important to teach students decision-making alongside information gathering and management methods. This paper examines the implementation of evidence-based decision-making in a first year introduction to management course at a large university in the Midwestern United States. Students learned decision awareness, decision-making process creation and decision practice alongside areas of management and basic business principles. Students perceived increased skill in decision-making, both individually and in groups. This venture has implications for others looking to help students not only learn experientially, but also improve critical thinking in practice.

Barter as an alternative trading and financing tool and its importance for businesses in times of economic crisis

Purpose- Today, growing commercial and financial integration between countries with globalization leads to intense competition and global economic crises. Due to these developments, the companies have some difficulties carrying on their business and managing the crises with traditional marketing and financing techniques. So they are turning alternative methods. One of them is barter system meaning buying and selling goods and services without using money. Barter is an innovated form of exchange system used as a trading method since the early ages. Barter offers companies various benefits such as moving inventory, utilizing idle capacity, increasing sales, supplying interest-free credit, debt configuration, foreign trade facilitation. The aim of this study is to examine barter from trade and financial aspects and investigate the use of barter in businesses as a way to overcome economic crises. Methodology- In the study, firstly the types and effects of economic crisis, then the development, types, benefits and difficulties of barter instrument were examined. Afterwards, the examples of retail, corporate and international barter transactions were given, and the contribution of barter to the enterprises in times of economic crisis was revealed. Findings- It was determined that barter can contribute the basic business functions of supply, production and marketing. It’s an innovative alternative to traditional mentality based on interest. Barter can contribute to the country's economy by relaxing companies even in times of crisis. Besides, barter industry has not well recognized, institutionalized and become widespread enough in Turkey yet. Conclusion- Barter is an effective way for businesses to sustain their long-term presence. Therefore companies should use it to formulate their strategies at all level and crisis management plans. It is seen that legal regulations are needed for barter system to function properly.

Big data in telecommunication operators: data, platform and practices

In the age of information explosion, big data has brought challenges but also great opportunities that support a wide range of applications for people in all walks of life. Faced with the continuous and intense competition from OTT service providers, traditional telecommunications service providers have been forced to undergo enterprise transformation. Fortunately, these providers have natural and unique advantages in terms of both data sources and data scale, all of which give them a competitive advantage. Multiple foreign mainstream telecom operators have already applied big data for their own growth, from internal business to external applications. Armed with big data, domestic telecom companies are also innovating business models. This paper will introduce three aspects of big data in the telecommunications industry. First, the unique characteristics and advantages of communications industry big data are discussed. Second, the development of the big data platform architecture is introduced in detail, which incorporates five crucial sub-systems. We highlight the data collection and data processing systems. Finally, three internal or external application areas based on big data analysis are discussed, namely basic business, network construction, and intelligent tracing. Our work sheds light on how to deal with big data for telecommunications enterprise development.

Motivational factors affecting informal women entrepreneurs in North-West Province

Background: Informal women entrepreneurs in the rural villages of North-West strive to progress from poverty to prosperity. There is a growing appreciation that the conditions that support women’s ability to start and grow ventures may be different from those that help men and therefore there is a need to examine the motivational factors affecting women’s enterprise development.Aim: The study aimed to identify the motivational factors of women in the Mahikeng area to start informal enterprises, the barriers they experience and their developmental business needs.Setting: The study focussed on informal women entrepreneurs in the rural villages of Mahikeng in the North-West province.Methods: In total, 80 face-to-face questionnaires were completed with women entrepreneurs. A principal component analysis of 15 items of the total questionnaire was performed on the data to determine which items could be reduced and transformed into new components.Results: ‘Destitute conditions’, ‘Entrepreneurial Spirit’ and ‘Passion for Product’ emerged as the three underlying motivational factors. The component ‘Destitute conditions’ was ranked as the most important reason for starting an informal business. The need to transcend impoverished conditions (a push factor) and the need for self-determination (a pull factor) were almost equally strong amongst the 80 participants. ‘Lack of financial and business skills’ was ranked as the biggest obstacle to keeping the business running. Ninety-one per cent of the women entrepreneurs reported that they had never received any training from the government or the private sector.Conclusions: Access to basic infrastructure, training, funding and business networks will enable self-efficacy behaviour of women entrepreneurs in the Mahikeng district to move beyond poverty. Recommendations included the establishment of a regional database of informal women entrepreneurs, the improvement of basic facilities and infrastructure and access to microloans as well as training by the formal sector.