Local Small Business Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX ENTERPRISES IN CONDITIONS OF DIVERSIFICATION

The article analyzes the relevance of diversification processes for the modern military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation and the difficulties that domestic enterprises face on the path to their deployment. The relevance of the study is due to the role that the military-industrial complex (MIC) plays for the future of the country in general and for its economic dynamics in particular. The study uses modeling methods when forming a model for constructing the interaction of a large regional defense industry enterprise and the external environment, analysis to substantiate the effectiveness of the development of diversification processes implemented in the defense industry enterprise, a scenario approach, when predicting the development of diversification processes based on the object of study and determining its inertial, optimistic and pessimistic development scenarios. It is noted that increasing the production of civilian and dual-use products can become a guarantor of long-term operation for defense enterprises, as well as a path to ensuring their own technological sovereignty and contribution to the technological sovereignty of the country. The question is raised about the optimal way to build integration interaction between defense industry enterprises and other economic entities along the path of diversification processes. The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems is proposed as the basis for such interaction. A model is presented for the formation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the military-industrial complex with the participation of local development institutions, industrial partners, universities, and small and medium-sized businesses. Using a particular example, a conclusion is drawn about the economic feasibility of introducing this model. The obtained materials can be useful to defense industry enterprises in the process of developing programs for the diversification of military production and the development of dual-use technologies.

Can stimulus checks to households save the local economy? The impact of South Korea’s COVID-19 stimulus on small business sales

During economic downturns, stimulus checks are often used to help households but may fail to reach the most affected sectors, such as local small businesses during COVID-19. Although the aggregate impact of these measures is well-studied, their distributional effects on local economies are less explored. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, this study examines weekly local sales data during 2020 from Gyeonggi and Incheon, South Korea, to assess the impact of Gyeonggi’s stimulus, distributed to every household for spending exclusively at local stores, contrasting with Incheon’s lack of such stimulus. We find that Gyeonggi’s stimulus initially boosted local sales by 4.5%, though this impact gradually diminished. This translates into a local-sales multiplier of 1.09, indicating that more than distributed stimulus was spent due to spillover and propagation effects in local in-person spending. Our findings emphasize the importance of tailored fiscal policy designs and assessing the distributional impacts of fiscal measures.

Valorizzare il territorio nella prospettiva del bene comune: l’esperienza trentina

The article explores the holistic and circular approach adopted in the Trentino region to promote human ecology, enhance the territory, and ensure children’s well-being. The participatory model, grounded in empathy and sustainability, advocates for the valorization of the territory. Introduced actions foster children’s emotional connection with the region and encourage collective responsibility. The Autonomous Province of Trento and the social cooperative Città Futura, by committing to sustainable development and supporting local small businesses, contribute to the formation of resilient communities focused on collective well-being, reflecting a profound commitment to human ecology and territorial enhancement.

Literasi Perpajakan dan Kualitas Pelayanan Homestay

Homestay Kamojang already has several customer segments, but government agency customers require entrepreneurs to have a Taxpayer Identification Number. Likewise, homestay management still needs to have service quality standards. Therefore, community service activities through the Community Service Engagement program for homestay owner communities who join the Kamojang Homestay Association focus on homestay tax literacy and quality of homestay service. The assessment results of homestay tax literacy activities showed that most participants understood local taxes, micro, small, and medium business taxes, tax rates, and tax sanctions related to homestay tax regulations. The homestay service quality literacy assessment results showed that most participants understood the elements of service quality, criteria, and homestay functions. The majority of homestay owners have relatively good service quality elements.

From conceptualization to practice: enhancing economic resilience at the local government level in Australia

ABSTRACT Seven principles of resilience developed by Stockholm Resilience Centre were adopted as a central framework from which practical objectives were identified to support local government organizations, and small local businesses to enhance their level of resilience to natural disasters. Discussions and interviews with local government executives from four coastal, local governments in Australia were undertaken to refine each economic development objectives to ensure utility and relevance. The final suite of practical objectives aims to respond to socio-ecological system features such as slow and fast variables, feedbacks and thresholds that create climate risks for businesses, and consider the sector and individual businesses’ learning capacity, participation and self-organization. We consider that these important objectives provide a pathway that enable small businesses, central to the local economic sector to self-assess their risks, and develop longer term adaptive and transformative strategies beyond preparedness and recovery. The significance of this research is in its ability to translate and anchor conceptual understandings of socio-ecological systems and resilience theory into a set of practical and useful objectives for local governments and small businesses to combat their vulnerability to natural disasters.

Fostering entrepreneurship and development in rural mountainous regions: the role of SEZs and local economic dynamics in Gilgit-Baltistan

PurposeThis study aims to examine the perceptions and opinions of relevant stakeholders regarding entrepreneurship opportunities and growth in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) province of Pakistan. Specifically, it focuses on the role of special economic zones (SEZs), such as Maqpondass SEZ and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in fostering nascent entrepreneurship (NE) and promoting regional development.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs ordered logistic regression to estimate the relationship between various independent variables and nascent entrepreneurship (NE). The independent variables include awareness of CPEC (AAC), awareness of Maqpondass SEZ (AAMEZ), SEZ incentives (SEZInc), regional market competitiveness (RMC), loan availability (LA) and education and experience (EE).FindingsThe findings indicate a robust positive relationship between SEZ-based industries and the growth of local small businesses and enterprises in Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, the study suggests that government incentives, access to finance, skill development, relevant knowledge, and connections with local businesses facilitate the establishment of new ventures.Practical implicationsThe study underscores the importance of focusing on human capital development, providing financial assistance, and creating incentives for adopting advanced technology to foster the growth of local businesses in Gilgit-Baltistan through SEZs. It emphasizes the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize initiatives that support entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by providing novel insights into the perceptions of entrepreneurship development in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly concerning the influence of natural resources and SEZs. It fills a gap in the research by offering valuable implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to promote sustainable economic development in the region.

A RESEARCH STUDY ON IMPACT OF FASTGROWING HYPERMARKETS ON THE SMALL SCALE BUSINESS

The rapid growth of modern organized retail in India contrasts starkly with the persistently dominant unorganized retail sector, which constitutes around 80% of the countrys retail trade. This study investigates the effects of this dynamic on small retailers, shedding light on the changes, challenges, and strategies faced by such businesses. Focusing on Mangalore, a rapidly developing city in Karnataka, the research examines how organized retail, specifically supermarkets, impacts local unorganized small businesses. Employing a Random Sampling Method, various retail formats are studied, employing a SWOT analysis framework via a structured questionnaire. The studys findings underscore that supermarkets in the targeted region indeed exert detrimental effects on various types of unorganized retail businesses, resulting in job losses. Furthermore, the study uncovers the driving factors behind supermarket expansion from the vantage point of small businesses. Methodology: Through Random Sampling, diverse retail formats are included. A structured questionnaire underpins the SWOT analysis framework, providing a comprehensive understanding of both sectors strategies and business plans. The goal is to facilitate the survival of small businesses by offering valuable insights and techniques, bolstered by rigorous statistical analytics and research. Findings: The research establishes that supermarkets growth in the selected Indian suburban region negatively impacts unorganized retail businesses across the spectrum. Additionally, the expansion of supermarkets directly contributes to job losses in small retail enterprises. Small businesses perspectives shed light on the principal driver propelling the supermarket boom. The study unveils the strategies and plans employed by supermarkets, which in turn informs suggestions to enhance strategies for small businesses. It also offers a systematic approach to customer engagement, emphasizing product quality. Originality: This research tackles contemporary market challenges faced by small businesses with a robust foundation of data and empirical evidence. By employing statistical analytics and a comprehensive research approach, the study provides unique insights into the coexistence of organized and unorganized retail sectors, contributing to the ongoing discourse on retail market dynamics.

ADVANCING PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND IMPACT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This in-depth review goes deep into the ever-changing world of performance management, looking at the shifting trends, common problems, and huge effects on employee performance. The study looks at how performance management methods work in a variety of business settings, from small local businesses to large Maharatna companies. By looking at how well these methods work, the study hopes to find the best ways to do things and show where they can be improved. This study focuses on the manufacturing industry, which is an important part of the world economy. It looks at how well performance management systems work in this area. The study takes a detailed look at different project management situations and shows how tailored methods can help by taking into account the special challenges and chances that come with each one. As the review goes on, the focus changes to how important performance management activities are for improving employees skills and abilities. The connection between engagement and performance management is the main focus, showing how the two can work together to help employees learn new skills and grow as a whole. This in-depth study lays the groundwork for future research and shows companies how to improve their performance management methods to keep up with the changing needs of workers and the business world as a whole. KEYWORDS: Performance Management, Employee Performance, Trends, Employee Engagement, Future Directions.

The Impact Of Online Marketing Using Influencer Services In Sungai Enam Otak-Otak Village, Indonesia

This research explores the effect of online marketing through influencer collaborations on the sales and brand awareness of otak-otak products from Sungai Enam Otak-Otak Village. The primary objective is to understand how influencer endorsements influence consumer purchase intentions and ultimately drive sales growth. In an increasingly digital marketplace, social media influencers have become powerful marketing tools, especially for small local businesses looking to broaden their customer base. This study examines how influencer endorsements can shape consumer perceptions and boost brand visibility, leading to increased sales volume for otak-otak products. By analyzing data on consumer reactions, sales figures, and social media engagement, this research provides practical insights for local businesses in utilizing influencer marketing as a strategy to enhance brand awareness and market penetration. The findings are expected to highlight the significance of online marketing strategies in building strong brand connections with consumers. Ultimately, the results of this study can assist local businesses in making informed decisions when developing their marketing plans, especially in the competitive food industry. Understanding the role of social media influencers in driving consumer behavior is critical for future marketing success.

Crowdlending Behaviors in the Aftermath of a Crisis: Evidence From a Natural Experiment

Natural disasters and disease outbreaks cause substantial social turbulence and economic damage. The survival and continued operation of local small businesses and entrepreneurs are critical to the development activities in post-disaster recovery. However, these small businesses and entrepreneurs face greater challenges in accessing funding through traditional channels during a crisis. Crowdlending, also known as peer-to-peer microfinancing, has been successfully used to bypass traditional channels and raise funds directly from crowd lenders. However, it is unclear if such platforms can also be effectively used in the aftermath of crises, given that disasters induce both prosocial motivations and risk considerations in lender responses. To understand the operational implications of crowdlending for small businesses, we examine how crowdlenders respond to loan requests during a crisis and what factors moderate their responses. Drawing on the literature on disaster management and crowdlending, we hypothesize that lenders respond positively to loan requests from crisis-affected areas, and such responses are moderated by fundraising objectives and the lender's national culture. With observational data from an influential crowdlending platform and the 2014 Ebola outbreak as the treatment in a natural experiment design, we find that, on average, lenders respond positively to loan requests from crisis-affected areas, and they tend to favor loan requests emphasizing economic rather than social objectives. Furthermore, lenders from collectivistic cultures are more likely to respond positively during a crisis than lenders from individualistic ones. Our study contributes to research and practice in disaster management, particularly small business operations management during crises, by showing that crowdlending can be a useful fundraising channel for small businesses, which is meaningful for post-disaster economic development and recovery. We also offer implications for the recent conversation on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by analyzing and discussing the similarities and differences between the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bali Ecotourism Destination Management to Create Local Small Business

The Bali Ecotourism Destination Management to Create Local Small Business

Review Studies Key Element of Agrotourism Management

This research seeks to formulate a definition and try to find the key success factors for agrotourism management, especially in Indonesia. Agrotourism helps to preserve local agriculture by providing a new source of income for farmers and encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce. Agrotourism can help diversify rural economies by creating new jobs in hospitality, food service, and transportation. Agrotourism promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to experience local culture and traditions, while also respecting the environment and supporting local communities. One successful practice in Agrotourism Management is offering farm-to-table experiences. This involves inviting guests to participate in the production and preparation of food, and then serving it on-site. This not only provides a unique experience for visitors, but also helps to promote local agriculture and support small businesses. Another effective practice is creating partnerships with other local attractions and businesses. By working together, agrotourism destinations can offer visitors a more comprehensive and appealing experience. For example, a winery might partner with a nearby bed and breakfast to offer a wine-tasting package that includes overnight accommodations. In conclusion, Agrotourism Management is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and rural development. By promoting responsible tourism activities on farms and ranches, we can create economic opportunities for farmers and local communities while preserving the natural environment.

Optimisation of Process Parameters on Compressive Strength of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Parts

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to optimise the influence of 3D printing processing parameters on the ultimate compressive strength of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) parts. The objective is to develop the predictive models to help predict and attain optimized compressive strength integrity of 3D printed parts.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: In the present study, 3D printed PLA samples were modelled and fabricated using carefully selected processing parameters-processing speed, processing temperature and nozzle diameter. Compressive tests were performed by ASTM D695-15 standard. Two characteristics response optimisation models based on the Taguchi Technique and multi-linear regression models were developed to optimize the process parameters and the ultimate compressive strength of the 3D printed samples.
 Findings: Results of this study reveal that ultimate compressive strength is significantly affected by the Nozzle diameter. The ultimate compressive strength of the 3D-printed PLA sample was found to be significantly higher than the strength of the original PLA filament printed.
 Research Implications/Limitations: In this study, only three critical 3D printing processing parameters including, processing speed; processing temperature and nozzle diameter were implemented concurrently.
 Practical implication: By optimising process parameters, such as layer thickness, infill density, printing speed, and processing temperature, manufacturers can produce 3D-printed PLA parts with higher compressive strength. This leads to higher product quality and reliability.
 Social implication: It can empower local communities and small businesses to manufacture parts and products that meet their specific needs. This can reduce dependence on centralized manufacturing and promote economic self-sufficiency.
 Originality / Value: In this work, Nozzle diameter, which is a not too much studied 3D printing processing parameter, is implemented simultaneously with processing speed, and processing temperature to 3D print PLA filament to achieve an ultimate compressive strength value significantly higher than the strength of the original filament.

Local government and small business revenue forecasting: evidence from a transition economy

Abstract This study examines the importance of governance quality of local government in small businesses’ future revenue growth forecasting accuracy. Forecasting errors are due to either overestimation or under-estimation. When local governance quality improves, transaction costs are eliminated, boosting firms’ actual performance up to the level forecast, thereby reducing overestimation. Also, when local governance quality improves, institutional trust (trust in government) and generalized trust (trust in strangers) improve, lifting the expectation of future performance to the actual level, thereby reducing under-estimation. We investigate these two mechanisms using a set of more than 250,000 small businesses in Vietnam using an instrumental variable approach to control for potential endogeneity. It is found that governance quality enhances forecasting accuracy by reducing under-estimation forecasting errors but, interestingly, without affecting overestimation errors. This paper is one of the first that links governance quality to business forecasting, indicating that local authorities can help local businesses make efficient resource preparation by improving their governance quality.

Do online agri-food sellers contribute to food security in Indonesia? A PCA-based composite index and a Tobit approach

Despite a widely accepted view of the increasing role of e-commerce in providing food access, conceptual frameworks, measures, and factors affecting the contribution of e-commerce participants to food security still need to be improved. This study develops a conceptual framework using data from an online survey of 198 online agri-food sellers in the East Java province recruited through a local small business platform. Then, it conducts a quantitative analysis to assess the contribution of online agri-food sellers to food security and the factors affecting their contribution. Specifically, the study develops a novel principal component analysis-based E-Commerce Food Security Contribution Index (EFSCI) using 26 food availability, access, utilisation, and stability indicators. It applies a Tobit model to identify factors affecting the EFSCI. This is the first study to associate food security issues with e-commerce selling behaviours of small online businesses using empirical data and a newly constructed index. The Tobit model reveals that sellers with more experience in e-commerce and selling processed meat contribute more to food security. To a lesser extent, being a male seller and marketing on social media are negatively associated with the EFSCI. The results highlights the necessity to support new entrants and those selling on social media to better understand food security aspects in their e-commerce operations, the importance of food safety, and the significant role of women in promoting food security.

The role of small, locally-owned businesses in advancing community health and health equity: a qualitative exploration in a historically Black neighborhood in the USA

ABSTRACT Multi-sector efforts to address the structural drivers of health inequities faced by racial and ethnic minority communities in the USA often ignore the potential of action by for-profit businesses, perhaps due to skepticism about the role of business in such efforts. However, given the need to harness diverse forms of capital to address structural harms, and recent calls to identify oft-ignored systemic pathways to health, we examined the role of business – specifically small, locally-owned businesses – in promoting community health and well-being. This study explored the role of small, locally owned businesses in community health, and local understandings of the value of such action, in the context of Roxbury, Massachusetts, a historically Black community with a substantial Latinx population. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews between June and November 2021 with small business owners and staff, as well as leaders and staff from local non-profit organizations, anchor institutions, and one large business. Constructivist and critical perspectives guided the work. We used a team-based, thematic analysis approach; the team included residents and a small local business owner. Participants described pride in the neighborhood and emphasized small businesses’ contribution to long-term community well-being by investing social, cultural, human, and financial capital. Business owners saw their work as a way of giving back and did so in ways reflecting their deep understanding of community needs, aspirations, and identity. Public health efforts should engage pro-social small businesses embedded in marginalized communities, thereby supporting and amplifying businesses’ existing contributions to advancing equitable community health.

EXAMINING PURCHASE INTENTION OF PRIVATE-LABEL BRANDS: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF BRAND CATEGORY

Private label is seen as a way to maintain profits, encourage consumption, and as a form of CSR for retail companies when empowering local small businesses. In its development, private labels have evolved into brands that pay attention to value and sustainability. A brand category in Indonesia involves SMEs as product suppliers for PLB. This study examines the influence of factors related to the store on the perception of private-label products produced by SMEs. This study collects online data from 441 Indonesian respondents who are Alfamart and Indomaret customers aged 18 or above and have shopped in the last 3 (three) months, using the non-probability sampling method with a purposive sampling technique. The collected data were tested using SEM Partial Least Squares analysis. The results reflect that store loyalty and brand image have a significant positive impact on attitudes toward buying private labels. In contrast, store loyalty and price consciousness have the least significant positive impact. On the other hand, perceived risk was was found to have a significant negative effect. The Brand Category was found to be moderating in Store Loyalty and Brand Image antecedent variables. This study is expected to be useful for academics and marketing practitioners by expanding private-label studies, especially in relation to SMEs as producers. Moreover, retailers can consider involving more SMEs in their private-label business, which will positively impact society.

Conservation of Urban Heritage Landscapes: Lessons from Souq AlSaffarin in Baghdad, Iraq

For centuries, traditional bazaars, or Souqs have been integral to urban life and the economic landscapes of Arabic-Islamic regions. The tangible and intangible heritage that shapes the identity of a place and contributes to its economy is essential to the functioning of these bazaars. With appropriate spatial configurations, they could foster creative industries, handcrafts, and customs, which can generate new services, create jobs, diversify a city’s economic distribution and promote small businesses. This paper explores Souq alsaffarin, which is also known as the copper market in old Rusafa in Baghdad. It is a heritage urban landscape and has a role in shaping the sense of place in this area. It has been subject to many socio-economic and political events that have influenced the importance and character of its profession, in terms of production and selling. It is a landmark of Baghdad that has maintained its position despite difficulties. The distinctive handicrafts produced and their relationships with people’s social practices highlight their impact on tourism and their role as an economic source for the region. They provide economic permanence that helps to develop the historical core of the city, preserve its historical identity, and promote cultural tourism. However, the market faces a significant problem of declining numbers of shopkeepers and craftsmen, which threatens the continuation of its local small businesses. This research examines this issue. It employs site observations, questionnaires, and interviews with craftsmen and shop owners who still run the market, as a research methodology. SWOT analysis is employed to identify the best solutions to develop the souq and preserve its identity. The paper concludes that the significance of Souq Alsaffarin lies in its deep connection to the rich history and culture, which defines the identity and heritage of the community. Thus, it argues that preservation and conservation are essential. This requires an approach that considers both tangible and intangible aspects of the souq, engaging the local community, and promoting sustainable practices, so that this souq can thrive as a living testament to its rich history and culture.

Development investigation of the terms of sustainable activity for the enterprise of fishing and processing of under exploited freshwater fish resources of Russia

Small fishering companies sustainable developments towards main figures of the Strategy 2030 are the actual research problem because of the next essential reasons: – necessity of effective and allowable catching of Russian Federation fresh water assimilated and under-assimilated fish resources; allowable catching of the mentioned fish resources could reach, according skilled expert estimations, up to one million tons; and this fishering stocks’d produce effective business income for local small fishering business and also produce healthy food products for local and regional food markets; sustainable development of the small local fisheries companies towards aims of Strategy 2030 could get Govenmental sources financial and consulting support.

The Bite of HOPE Small Food Business Development Program: a clinic-based culinary medicine program targeting local business owners.

Culinary medicine is a popular approach to health promotion, but most programs focus on patient or provider-facing education. While laudable, these efforts do not represent the full potential for culinary medicine to impact community health. We describe a novel approach to culinary medicine at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), the HOPE Clinic: Bite of HOPE Small Food Business Development (SFBD) program. Describe the design and implementation of the Bite of HOPE SFBD program and examine initial response to the program through interviews and focus groups with past participants. The SFBD program aims to create healthy food outlets by supporting local small businesses with education, resources, and mentorship support. Former participants in the SFBD program were invited to participate in focus groups and interviews exploring their experience and perceived program impact. Three focus groups (n = 10) and nine in-depth interviews were conducted. Most participants were Black or Hispanic and all operated their businesses in the community surrounding HOPE Clinic. Five themes emerged from the data including perceived program purpose, program discovery, motivating factors to participation, perceived program impact, and suggestions for improvement. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program and positive changes in both business development and personal eating habits. There is an opportunity to leverage the culinary medicine model to support local small food business and improve community health. The Bite of HOPE SFBD program offers an example of how clinic-based resources can expand into the surrounding environment.