Implementation In Small- And Medium-sized Enterprises Research Articles

Towards a framework for successful metaverse adoption in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: An exploratory study

The digital transformation of our physical lives, driven by cutting-edge technologies like AI, 5G, and Extended Reality, is rapidly unfolding through the metaverse. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption intention of the metaverse and its impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance, employing the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. A cross-sectional analysis involving 173 owners/senior managers of SMEs in Canada was conducted to develop a conceptual model. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were employed to assess the questionnaire’s validity and reliability. Correlation, regression analysis, and Baron and Kenny’s method were used to evaluate relationships and mediation effects. The findings revealed seven significant factors influencing SMEs’ metaverse adoption intention. Notably, anxiety, security, and privacy did not impact adoption intention. Conversely, a positive correlation emerged between metaverse adoption intention and SME performance. The study demonstrated that metaverse adoption intention fully mediated the relationship between predictors and performance, with the indirect effect moderated by relationship qualities (RQs) like service experience and customer engagement. These insights provide decision-makers with valuable guidance for prioritizing essential factors crucial for successful metaverse technology implementation in SMEs.

Perceived barriers to implementing building information modeling in Iranian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): a Delphi survey of construction experts

ABSTRACT Building information modeling (BIM) is a disruptive information technology tool in the construction sector. Although this technology had a significant impact on the manufacturing industries, it, like any other technology, encountered several challenges when applied to the construction sector. Conversely, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies often face significant impediments when using innovative technologies. Thus, this paper seeks to determine and investigate the perceived barriers to applying BIM in construction SMEs based in Iran. Three rounds of Delphi surveys were carried out with 15 BIM experts engaged in construction SMEs to identify the key barriers to BIM implementation in SMEs. An empirical survey questionnaire comprising these identified barriers was subsequently designed and disseminated to the invited experts. Altogether, 56 valid survey responses were received and analyzed. The study’s findings revealed SMEs management’s hesitancy to adopt BIM, stakeholders’ reluctance to change their established methods, and a lack of technical understanding as the critical impediments to BIM adoption in construction SMEs. Also, the study identified four barrier dimensions – technology, legal, management, and financial. These BIM implementation barrier dimensions can be employed to better allocate resources and financing for BIM deployment and construction innovation in SMEs. The study will assist major project stakeholders and SMEs make better-informed BIM adoption decisions, particularly in developing nations like Iran.

Cost accounting practices in SMEs: liability of age and other factors that hinder or burst its implementation in turbulent years

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the level of cost accounting (CA) implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). CA is a management accounting tool whose application in small companies has always been difficult. Nevertheless, academicians and practitioners recommend CA implementation in SMEs, especially because of the deep market instability, competitive pressure, and margin erosion that have occurred following the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 European war scenario. Company size influences CA implementation; however, it is not the only influencing factor and perhaps not even the most important. To investigate the barriers to the adoption of CA and which conditions or actions can remove these barriers, leveraging from the contingency theory, a questionnaire was sent out in July 2022 to limited liability SMEs operating in the manufacturing, construction, and distribution macro-sectors in Verona and Vicenza provinces (Italy). Respondents answered a set of questions regarding CA implementation in their SMEs as of July 2022. Using a multivariate regression model to analyze data from the 120 questionnaires received, we found that lack of resources, limited training and skills, firm age, and the presence of the founder in the firm had a negative influence on CA implementation in SMEs. The low level of CA implementation was also associated with its supposed inefficiency, uselessness, and unsuitability for business. The effect of company size on CA implementation was not statistically significant. Despite this study’s limitations regarding the sample and period considered, we believe that it contributes to both academic debates and practice by illustrating the limiting factors and ways in which CA implementation can be fostered in SMEs in turbulent years.

Barriers to TQM implementation in SMEs in Bangladesh: an interpretive structural modeling approach

PurposeThis study aims to recognize the significant barriers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh, hindering the adoption of total quality management (TQM). Additionally, this research intends to explore the interrelations among these barriers to develop essential managerial insights for promoting TQM implementation in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) a cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification show the relationship among the barriers and classification of the barriers to TQM implementation respectively, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is applied for ISM model validation.FindingsThis study examined previous literature and conducted interviews with professionals to identify 17 barriers. The study then develops and investigates a model that outlines the relationships and priorities among these barriers and categorizes them based on their impact and interdependence. This analysis can assist SMEs in implementing TQM during their operations successfully.Practical implicationsThis research emphasizes the crucial obstacles that greatly affect other barriers and require immediate attention. Furthermore, this study provides valuable information for SMEs to effectively prioritize their resources and efforts to overcome these obstacles.Originality/valueThis study delves into the primary obstacles impeding the integration of TQM in SMEs through a novel approach. Additionally, this study constructs a verified contextual framework that depicts the hierarchies and interconnections among these barriers.

Implementation of an Industry 4.0 Strategy Adapted to Manufacturing SMEs: Simulation and Case Study

Quebec’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing field are facing a major challenge: implementing a successful digital transformation in an increasingly competitive world, with a labor shortage and customer demand for highly customized products. Technology is a leading solution for improving competitiveness. However, the tools and subsidies available offer little in terms of results for these companies, which have neither the prerequisites nor the resources to successfully carry out their digital transformation. This research aims to develop an adapted Industry 4.0 strategy for manufacturing SMEs reorienting themselves toward mass customization. It seeks to demonstrate that agility and modular design are prerequisites, and it advocates for individual assessments as success factors. The research presents the development of such a strategy for manufacturing SMEs. A case study in the form of action research, combined with a simulation-based experimental design based on a sample of one Quebec manufacturing SME, serves to validate the implementation of the adapted strategy. This research emphasizes the importance of lean, agility and modular design concepts and of individual assessment for successful Industry 4.0 implementation in SMEs. Future research could systematize modularity management in the Industry 4.0 era to boost SME competitiveness.

Humane entrepreneurship implementation in Indonesian SMEs: Case study in West Java, Indonesia: SMEs

ABSTRACT Studies about human-centered organizations have become popular lately. This research aims to explore, through deeper analysis and comprehensive factors, factors that can be considered determinants that influence the success of humane entrepreneurship (HumEnt) implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many scholars have studied entrepreneurship; this research tries to fill the gap by exploring the cultural and leadership factors in SMEs that cannot be found in other research. The interesting finding here is that flexibility has a negative impact on quality HumEnt implementation in SMEs. The findings of this research can be meaningful for policymakers, leaders of SMEs, nongovernmental organizations, and academicians when developing an SME’s organizational climate, especially a humane-based climate that brings value to the organization and the people inside.

Circular Economy in SMEs – The Role of Commitment to Sustainability and Digitalization

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a decisive part of the efforts against climate change. However, they are late in terms of sustainability and circular economy (CE). Little is known about the factors that facilitate the implementation of CE practices in SMEs. Due to CE leading to cost savings, new business models or reputation gains, companies can achieve a competitive advantage. To realize this competitive advantage the strategic orientation of a firm is pointed out. Various theoretical papers have shown how CE can be enabled and how it can be inhibited. However, empirical studies that support the existing literature are lacking. The goal of this paper is to investigate the influence of two mechanisms, namely commitment to sustainability (CtS) and digitalization as strategic orientations on CE implementation. Therefore, we conduct a study with a self-developed sample of 754 German SMEs. Using multiple linear regression analyses, the results show that digitalization and CtS positively influence CE implementation in SMEs. Interestingly, the complementary effect of pursuing a dual strategy toward digitalization and sustainability is not significant for CE implementation. Our study contributes to the CE literature by giving a nuanced understanding of various antecedents of CE implementation. This study provides several approaches for managers of SMEs to improve their CE practices. First, digitalization is indeed an effective tool for implementing CE practices. Therefore, practitioners should strengthen their digitalization efforts when considering increased CE implementation. Second, a general focus on sustainability increases the implementation of CE practices. Therefore, practitioners should raise awareness of sustainability throughout the organization. Third, the combined focus on CtS and digitalization needs to be carefully considered. To implement CE, digitalization should be embedded in the sustainability strategy. Due to the liability of smallness, SMEs should seek their resources for digitalization and sustainability commitment not only within but also outside the company boundaries.

Unleashing the Potential: An Integrated Analysis of Human Resource and Marketing Strategies in Empowering East Java's Tourism SMEs

This study examines the implementation of human resource management (HRM) and marketing strategies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within East Java's tourism sector. The imperative for examination arises from the observation that tourism SMEs in Indonesia have not yet fully regained their pre-COVID-19 pandemic level of recovery. There is also a lack of holistic research of HRM and marketing strategies implementation in SMEs in the tourism sector in East Java. The research involves 1320 respondents from 440 tourism SMEs and utilizes the Path Analysis method. The findings highlight significant relationships between spiritual marketing, innovation culture, quality of work life, and rewards within SMEs. These factors positively influence the market orientation of SMEs, facilitating the development of products and services that meet market demands, enhance customer experiences, and foster competitive advantage. Additionally, the study reveals that the interplay of spiritual marketing, innovation culture, quality of work life, and rewards directly impacts individual performance, consequently leading to enhanced overall SME performance, as measured by marketing performance.This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in business research, offering valuable insights into the current dynamics of tourism SMEs in the region. Moreover, it provides strategic solutions to address the decline in tourist arrivals post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barriers and strategies for sustainable manufacturing implementation in SMEs: A hybrid fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS framework

Due to growing sustainability challenges, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are under tremendous pressure to implement sustainable practices in their operations. Studies in this regard show that in almost all cases, transition from a traditional approach to sustainable manufacturing is not at all a smooth experience as it is fraught with pitfalls on several counts at the implementation stage. Therefore, analyzing probable barriers and implementing right set of strategies duly addressing them becomes utmost crucial to successfully implementing the sustainable manufacturing practices. The study particularly aims at identifying and prioritizing such strategies to overcome the very barriers in the implementation phase. The study identified some twenty one odd barriers through an extensive literature review and expert opinions and classified them into four categories. In the same way, nine specific strategies were identified to address the barriers through a comprehensive literature review. An Integrated Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process-Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FAHP-FTOPSIS) approach has been used to further prioritize the barriers and strategies for sustainable manufacturing implementation in Indian manufacturing SMEs. The result depicts that, “Ineffective enforcement of the law (B22)”, “Complexity in implementing 6Rs (B17)”, “Ineffective controlling and monitoring system (B24)”, “Need for a standardized approach to carbon auditing (B15)” and “Heavy dependence on fossil fuels (B14)” are the top five barriers that hamper smooth implementation of sustainable manufacturing whereas, out of the nine proposed strategies “Implementation of lean and green manufacturing techniques (S2)” and “Establishment of benchmark and performance measuring systems (S6)” were found to be the two most important strategies that should be employed to eliminate the identified barriers. The findings provide strategic insights into guiding decision-makers and practitioners of Indian manufacturing SMEs in regards to sustainable manufacturing implementation. Besides, this study also assists managers by way of providing them with a hierarchical list of strategies ranked in order of their effectiveness to potentially eliminate the implementation barriers.

Exploring paths underlying Industry 4.0 implementation in manufacturing SMEs: a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to develop a configurational approach based on the TOE framework (technology, organization and environment) to understand the degree of implementation of I4.0 technologies in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, the study considers technological infrastructure and competence, I4.0 integration capabilities, organizational agility and strategic flexibility, environmental dynamism and industry-specific forces as simultaneous pre-conditions for achieving an effective implementation of I4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology as it allows for asymmetric and configurational-focused testing of proposition and sound theoretical development. In total, 305 responses were collected through a survey administered to SME managers in Europe and the United Kingdom (UK).FindingsThe study examines the influence of technology, organizational and environmental aspects on I4.0 technologies implementation in SMEs. High I4.0 degree of implementation is structured around 5 configurations, while other 4 configurations are related to low levels of I4.0 implementation.Originality/valueThis study proposes a configurational approach for SMEs to become I4.0 ready and how they may successfully implement I4.0 technologies. Such findings represent an original and novel contribution to existing research, offering a broad view on the I4.0 implementation by manufacturing SMEs.

A systematic literature review: digital marketing and its impact on SMEs

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the available literature on the use of digital marketing and its impact on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study identifies the use of digital marketing practices and its impact on SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review has been conducted on digital marketing, and its implementation in SMEs. The impact of digital marketing on SMEs performance is observed over the past 12 years through the resources which are undertaken for the study, namely, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, IEEE Explorer, ACM Digital Library, Engineering Village, ISI Web of Knowledge database is used to search the research publications on the selected topic.FindingsAlthough some SME firms use digital marketing, their impact is not similar where we can recommend a fixed strategy for applying digital marketing. This review provides an insight into how digital marketing has evolved over the period of time and how SMEs are adopting it for their sustenance.Practical implicationsThis study will give theoretical analysis of various benefits received by SMEs because of digital marketing in the different capacities helping organizations to uplift their productivity. Mind mapping will give the idea of impact of SMEs on their various performances in rural as well as in the urban areas. This study will give further scope for digital marketers to approach those industries specifically at rural parts of the nation for bringing change into their marketing operations and also for increasing turnover by the use of digital marketing.Originality/valueResearch on the use of digital marketing by SMEs firms is still at the embryonic stage in India. This study is a pioneering effort to review the use of digital marketing in SMEs and identify research priorities for scholars and practitioners.

Accomplishing Sustainability in Manufacturing System for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) through Lean Implementation

Business enterprises such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in economic development but struggle for sustainability. A business enterprise such as a manufacturing unit tries many technological innovations and strategic initiatives to accomplish sustainability in the manufacturing system. Lean manufacturing implementation is one such initiative that helps SMEs manufacture value-added products with increased profitability and waste minimization. However, lean implementation in SMEs is challenging. Hence, it is essential to follow a systematic framework and control the critical success factors (CSFs) in attempting lean implementation. The purpose of this research is to find, evaluate, and rank the CSFs of lean implementation of SMEs so that they may be controlled to accomplish successful lean implementation. The CSFs of lean implementation found by an in-depth assessment of the literature are modeled using the interpretative structural modeling (ISM) approach. MICMAC analysis is also used in classifying and understanding the significance of each lean implementation CSF. ISM and MICMAC provide the relationship modeling to reveal the inter-relationships of each lean implementation CSF. Subsequently, the ISM model is validated using the Delphi technique. The interpretative ranking process (IRP) has been applied to rank the CSFs of lean implementations. The results show that sustainability in a manufacturing system, financial capability, and employee involvement hold significant importance in lean implementations in manufacturing SMEs. Practicing managers may benefit from revisiting their lean implementation plans and respective aligned strategies. They will also be in a position to identify and focus on the scarce resources required for the subsequent lean implementations.

Importance of first-line employees in lean implementation in SMEs: a systematic literature review

PurposeExisting research evidence shows a fragmented understanding of the roles of first-line employees (FLEs) as essential factors for successful lean implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), provoking recent calls for additional research on the identification of enablers and barriers for lean acceptance among workers. Therefore, this paper aims to identify related enablers and barriers to lean implementation among FLEs and determine future research avenues for improving the understanding of lean methodology implementation in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachRelying on a systematic literature review methodology, the authors aimed to synthesize and evaluate available peer-reviewed papers on the role of FLEs in lean implementation in SMEs. General descriptive and thematic analysis comprehensively depicted the selected research topic and identified the main themes within collected papers and potential future research questions.FindingsThe authors identified four main themes related to FLEs’ role in lean implementation: cultural change factors, employee characteristics, management involvement and lean job design. Within each theme, the authors present a comprehensive overview of FLE-related factors and associated enablers and barriers that should be considered for a successful lean implementation in SMEs.Practical implicationsThe research outcomes are important to practicing managers in SMEs, helping them facilitate lean acceptance and enhance the likelihood of successful lean implementation.Originality/valueThe insights from this study present building blocks in developing a lean implementation model for SMEs that considers the FLEs’ role more comprehensively.

Barriers and facilitative factors in the implementation of workplace health promotion activities in small and medium-sized enterprises: a qualitative study

BackgroundThere is an immense difference between large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Previous literature reveals various barriers that SMEs face during implementation, such as a lack of time, accessibility, and resources. However, few studies have comprehensively examined those influential factors at multi-levels. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the implementation of non-communicable disease prevention activities (tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical activity, and health check-up) in SMEs using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).MethodsWe conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with health managers and/or employers in 15 enterprises with less than 300 employees, and four focus groups among public health nurses/nutritionists of health insurers who support SMEs in four prefectures across Japan. A qualitative content analysis by a deductive directed approach was performed. After coding the interview transcript text into the CFIR framework constructs by two independent researchers, the coding results were compared and revised in each enterprise until an agreement was reached.ResultsOf the 39 CFIR constructs, 25 were facilitative and 7 were inhibitory for workplace health promotion implementation in SMEs, which were across individual, internal, and external levels. In particular, the leadership engagement of employers in implementing the workplace health promotion activities was identified as a fundamental factor which may influence other facilitators, including “access to knowledge and information,” “relative priority,” “learning climate,” at organizational level, and “self-efficacy” at the health manager level. The main barrier was the beliefs held by the employer/manager that “health management is one’s own responsibility.”ConclusionsMulti-level factors influencing the implementation of non-communicable diseases prevention activities in SMEs were identified. In resource-poor settings, strong endorsement and support, and positive feedback from employers would be important for health managers and employees to be highly motivated and promote or participate in health promotion. Future studies are needed to develop context-specific strategies based on identified barriers and facilitative factors, and empirically evaluate them, which would contribute to narrowing the differences in worksite health promotion implementation by company size.

Performance Measurement System: Implementation Process in SMEs

There is still a considerable interest in the topic of business performance, both in scientific community as well as in managerial praxis. Especially, the area of performance measurement system (PMS) and its implementation is forming a considerable scope for improvement. However, the research of PMS implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been underestimated. Despite the significant contribution of SMEs to economic growth, employment share or predominance of SMEs over large companies, a very small amount of theoretical and empirical researches has been carried out focusing on implementation of PMS in SMEs. This paper is addressing the readiness and successfulness of SMEs in PMS implementation. The aim of our research was to analyze the process of PMS implementation in SMEs and to identify factors that influence the success and satisfaction with implemented PMS and to identify problematic factors that cause failure, dissatisfaction and create limits to PMS application. Sample of our research consisted of 336 SMEs operating in Slovakia of various ages, sizes, and different approach to performance measurement. Based on results of our research, we created suggestions and a set of the key success factors to each phase of PMS implementation process that respect the specifics and nature of SMEs. Within each phase, we found evidence that several factors significantly raise the potential of successfulness of PMS implementation, and others, in contrary, are contributing to the unsuccessfulness.

Success and failure factors in implementing quality management systems in small- and medium-sized enterprises: a mixed-method study

PurposeThis manuscript concentrates on addressing the success and failure factors to satisfy the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need when facing challenges during the implementation of the quality management systems (QMSs) such as lack of both the financial and human resources and inadequate technical knowledge of quality management and employee indifference.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a mixed-method research approach in three different steps. First, based on interviews and a review of previous research, a list of critical factors influencing the success and failure of QMS implementation in SMEs is provided. After conducting the interview and extracting the results, a quantitative questionnaire is recruited as a complementary tool to demonstrate the accuracy of the literature review and interview findings and to increase the validity and reliability of the data. By applying the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method, the factors affecting the failure and success of QMS implementation are identified separately. In the third step, a focus group meeting is used to name the factors and identify the relationships among them. The relationships among the factors are also shown using the concept map. Finally, after conducting the focus group meeting, several key issues have been extracted from practice and literature to realize the critical success and failure factors.FindingsThe current study reveals that the factors supporting the SMEs during the implementation of the QMSs may be classified into nine groups. Of these, six factors are related to critical success factors (CSFs), and three factors are related to critical failure factors (CFFs).Originality/valueThere have been several studies developed and conducted to address the success factors supporting the QMSs in SMEs. However, the scope of these studies has only been set on either qualitative or quantitative approaches. Hence, the proposed method presented in this essay, which is, in turn, a new contribution, attempts to use a combined approach based on both the semistructured interviews and survey methods. The results of this study can be used as a reference by scholars and practitioners to identify the relevant issues of QMSs and their application in SMEs.

Investigation and modeling of lean six sigma barriers in small and medium-sized industries using hybrid ISM-SEM approach

PurposeLean six sigma (LSS) has attained a prominent position in mature organizations but small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling in the proper implementation of LSS in their core business. This study aims to make a comprehensive analysis of LSS implementation barriers in SMEs so that LSS execution can be much fluent in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis research work is carried out based on investigation of LSS barriers through extensive literature review. For validating the identified barriers, a questionnaire survey was conducted, and out of 400 samples, 260 responses received back. The collected responses are analyzed statistically and found 16 significant barriers. The finalized barriers are modeled using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and clustered them through matrice d’impacts croisés-multiplication appliquée a un classement (MICMAC) analysis. Furthermore, to check the consistency of results, ISM-MICMAC outcomes are validated through structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe result reveals that 16 LSS implementation barriers are finalized through expert’s opinion and validated through statistical reliability test with Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.820. The ISM model reveals that the management relevant barriers are exhibiting the leading role to influence the implementation of LSS in SMEs. Moreover, the obtained results validated through SEM are found in good agreement.Research limitations/implicationsDuring pairwise comparisons, there may be some prejudice and subjectivity as human judgments are engaged.Practical implicationsThis study provides impetus to practitioners and consultant for the initiation of LSS in the business organization through tackling the LSS barriers as per their driving and dependence power.Originality/valueIn the past, limited studies had explored the LSS barriers, but a few studies analyzed the mutual relationship between barriers. No such study is reported in literature that validates the mutual interaction model of LSS barriers. Hence, this paper presents the original research work of identification and modeling of barriers associated with LSS implementation in SMEs through hybrid ISM-SEM approach.

Key Readiness Indicators To Assess The Digital Level of Manufacturing SMEs

The assessment of the digital level is considered pivotal, for manufacturing companies including Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), at the outset of implementing Industry 4.0 solutions in their digital strategies. Several self-assessment tools exist measuring the digital readiness and maturity, returning the overall digital level of the companies. On the one hand, the application of such tools proved to be effective, as it enables companies to systematically reflect about their digital level, strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and challenges to consider prior to the implementation of Industry 4.0. On the other hand, particularly for SME facing higher challenges compared to large companies in the management of digital transformation, relying exclusively on the knowledge of their overall digital level may offer limited elements to strategically orient decision-making process in this field. The present study presents the methodology used to develop, within the framework of a self-assessment tailored to the requirements of SME, a set of Key Readiness Indicators (KRI), deepening the interpretation of the overall digital level of the companies in specific areas of interventions. The KRI focus on the digital readiness of companies in terms of strategy, technological requirements, awareness about digital trends, and competences of employees, to offer complementary information to ease the definition of strategies for technological implementation in SME. Besides the methodological approach employed, the study shows the distribution of KRI within a sample of manufacturing companies located in the Marche region (Italy) taking part to the proposed self-assessment. The emerging dynamics of the distribution of KRI according to varying company characteristics such as size, turnover and overall digital level will be presented and discussed, together with the main implications related to the use of KRI for strategic planning of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing companies.

The mediating effects of HRM practices on the relationship between SCM and SMEs firm performance in Thailand

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationships among supply chain management (SCM) implementation, human resource management (HRM) practices and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) firm performance in Thailand. It further examines whether HRM practices have a mediating effect on such relationship.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was developed based on the literature review which then was verified by SCM expert opinions. Cross-sectional surveys of sample employees of SMEs in Thailand were undertaken by both direct and mail surveys. Of about 779 questionnaires distributed, 203 usable questionnaires were returned. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze the obtained data.FindingsThe statistical results reveal that SCM indirectly improves firm performance of small- and medium-sized firms through HRM practices. The latter, HRM practices, is found to fully mediate the impact of SCM implementation on SME firm performance. These results suggest that SCM cannot enhance SME firm performance if its implementation is undertaken without effective HRM practices.Originality/valueThis study identified the research gap in SCM areas by recognizing the scarcity of research on SCM in SMEs and by identifying and integrating HRM practices as a significant behavioral support system to SCM implementation in SMEs. Its results reveal that HRM practices fully mediates the impact of SCM on SMEs’ firm performance.

Influence of SME characteristics on the implementation of ERP

The ERP market has recently experienced a significant evolution in recent years, both in large companies and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Compared to large companies, SMEs are distinguished by specific characteristics that can influence the implementation of the ERP system in these organizations. The purpose of this study is to analyse how these characteristics can determine the success or the failure of ERP implementation in SMEs. First, a set of characteristics, specific to SMEs has been identified from the relevant literature. Then, the influence of each characteristic on the different ERP lifecycle activities were studied. A multiple case study of four SMEs from different sectors was conducted. The data collection was carried out through 28 individual interviews with several stakeholders (users, external consultants, internal IT specialists and managers) in the four cases. The analysis of the interview data showed first that financial resources, Decision making and, the type of ownership of the company were identified as the most influential contextual factors. Then the two phases of the ERP life cycle "implementation" and "use and maintenance" were identified as being the most affected by the context of SMEs. The study results have significant implications for experts, managers and information.