Small Business Management Research Articles

ACCOUNTING EVOLUTION: FROM TRADITION TO DIGITAL INNOVATION IN MICRO ENTERPRISES IN HUMAITÁ/AM

This study explores the application and impact of digital accounting among Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs) in Humaitá/AM. The research, of a bibliographic and descriptive nature, aims to understand the evolution of accounting from its beginnings to the current practices adopted by MEIs, highlighting the historical, technological and regional transformations that influence accounting practices. The analysis focuses on how digital accounting can be an effective tool for the financial management of small businesses, especially in remote regions such as Amazonas, where access to technological resources and professional training can be limited. The study also addresses the challenges faced by MEIs in adopting new accounting technologies, identifying the main barriers and proposing solutions that can facilitate the transition to more modern and efficient practices. The results indicate that, although digital accounting offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and financial control, its implementation requires a continuous effort of training and adaptation to local realities. The conclusion suggests that digital accounting, when well implemented, can contribute significantly to the economic development and sustainability of small businesses in Humaitá/AM, promoting more effective and strategic financial management.

Особенности управления изменениями в малом бизнесе

It is clarified that the essential content of the concept of “change” implies a certain procedural phenomenon, including awareness of the need for change, the implementation of change, and the consolidation of the result of change. Various types of changes are considered (there is no classical generally accepted classification yet), as well as the most popular models of change management and the use of these models in small businesses. The results of small business development in our country (modern characteristics and industry structure) are briefly analyzed and the main problems of small business development are formulated. The peculiarities of change management in small business are determined by the peculiarities of the small business itself, considered in the context of the study of the possibility of change management (sensitivity to change, flexibility, the need for innovation, working in a highly competitive environment, short-term existence, facilitated document management, quick reaction, corporate solidarity of staff, risk). For the first time, a feature of small business is highlighted – corporate solidarity of staff. The main features of change management in small business are considered. Communications on any communication platform are particularly important, the mandatory use of new technologies, the possibility of using various change management strategies, the publicity and openness of small businesses, the importance of continuous staff training, and the cascading formation of communication goals at all stages of change implementation are noted. The necessity of using various systems for evaluating the effectiveness of change management results is confirmed, since there simply is no unified system; The possibility, but limited use of Lean technologies is noted, since the reserves for reducing costs in small enterprises are always practically exhausted; certain features of change management in small businesses of various industry affiliations (manufacturing, construction business, services and trade differ in their economies, processes, sizes).

Developing a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan for Organization's Strategic Objectives Using the Design Thinking Approach

The objective of this study was to develop a theoretical framework tailored for managers of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as project managers. Design thinking is human centered approach that involves stakeholders at different levels of its application in the development of innovations. Originally as an engineering method, it has been applied in diverse fields, including entrepreneurship. This paper presents an extended version of the double diamond framework used in design thinking. The double diamond framework was developed in 2005 as a graphical approach for achieving project design process. The author’s in-depth analysis of the model indicates that it can be applied to formulating business strategic objectives, a use case not previously discussed in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims contribute to the scientific body of knowledge by extending the double diamond model for strategic objective formulation. A normative conceptual methodology was used to develop this framework. The development of a monitoring and evaluation plan for businesses or projects, based on a traditional literature review methodology, illustrates how design thinking can offer a new perspective on these processes, helping to address key challenges. This paper demonstrates how each of the five stages in the design thinking process can be employed during the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan. Although this development process can be tedious and complicated, applying the design thinking approach can simplify and streamline it, ensuring active involvement from all stakeholders through the introduced extended framework. Recommendations for future research include applying the proposed extended framework in empirical studies involving large organizations. For practical implications, managers of small and medium businesses are encouraged to apply this model when developing strategies or incorporate it into project management to enhance the development of a project's monitoring and evaluation plan.

Exploring Competitive Intelligence Effectiveness on SMEs Performance: The Meditating Influence of Entrepreneurial Orientation

The small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is the backbone of the economies of most large countries, driving employment and economic growth. Competitive intelligence (CI) is a major concern for academics and practitioners, as it affects company strategy. In the current uncertain global climate, CI is crucial, as it fosters the development of new ideas and innovations. Given that more established companies typically hold this association, the overarching goal of this study was to explore how smaller companies' entrepreneurial drive interacts with their use of CI to boost performance, thereby adding to the existing body of knowledge. We obtained information from 504 small business owners or managers, and tested the suggested heuristic model via descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) plays a significant role in mediating the impact of CI on SMEs' performance. We confirmed that CI has a direct effect on SMEs' performance, as does the nexus between CI and EO. However, EO mediates this connection. On the basis of the results of this research, SME managers should maintain a thriving entrepreneurial mindset while developing novel strategic approaches to increase innovation and productivity. Furthermore, we provide valuable recommendations for future research, and we urge policymakers to launch entrepreneurship programmes to help SMEs develop an entrepreneurial drive and a conceptual model that positions EO as a strong indicator of CI and SME performance.

Quantifying the scientist–practitioner gap: How do small business owners react to our academic articles?

Abstract Much ink has been spilled on the scientist–practitioner gap, that is, the apparent divide between knowledge published in academic peer-reviewed journals and the actual business practices employed in modern organizations. Most prior papers have advanced meaningful theories on why the gap exists, ranging from poor communication skills on the part of academics to paywalls and other obstacles preventing the public from accessing research in industrial-organizational psychology (I-O). However, very few papers on the scientist–practitioner gap have taken an empirical approach to better understand why the gap exists and what can be done about it. In our focal article, we specifically discuss the gap as it pertains to small businesses and present empirical data on the topic. Drawing from our experiences working with and in small businesses before entering a PhD program, we suggest that a primary reason for the existence of this gap is the differences between large and small businesses, and we advance two theory-driven reasons for why this is the case. Next, we compiled abstracts and practical implications sections from articles published in top I-O journals in the past 5 years, then we collected ratings and open-ended text responses from subject matter experts (i.e., small business owners and managers) in reaction to reading these sections. We close by recommending several potential perspectives, both for and against our arguments, that peer commentators can take in their responses to our focal article.

Examining the moderating role of a leader's emotional intelligence on the influence of organizational climate on job satisfaction among Youth-Owned and Managed Small Businesses (YOMSB) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Economy

Even though the role of effective human resource management, including organizational climate, has been cited as a crucial predictor of diverse employee outcomes such as employee job satisfaction, the mechanism through which the organizational climate and job satisfaction can be enhanced or diminished is underexplored in human resource literature. This study dwells on Herzberg's two-factor perspective to push the boundaries of knowledge by showing that the organizational climate-job satisfaction link depends on varying conditions of leaders' emotional intelligence. The proposed model was tested using survey data from randomly selected 602 Youth-Owned and Managed Small Businesses employees in Ghana. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling with the aid of SMART PLS. The findings revealed that organizational climate has a significant positive direct effect on job satisfaction. Emotional intelligence also exhibited a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction. Additionally, emotional intelligence positively moderated the organizational climate-job satisfaction link, such that higher emotional intelligence enhanced this relationship. The findings indicate that though organizational climate drives job satisfaction, emotional intelligence serves as an amplification mechanism to extract even greater satisfaction in small businesses in Ghana. Our findings make a contemporary contribution to Herzberg's two-factor and important managerial guidance for owners and managers of Small Businesses in resource-constrained regions like SSA.

Advancing Economic Recovery with Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing Technologies, and Strategic Management in Small Businesses

This abstract introduces a comprehensive approach to fostering economic recovery through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic management in small businesses. In the wake of global economic challenges, the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing (QC) emerges as a pivotal strategy. AI offers unparalleled capabilities in data analysis, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, empowering small businesses to adapt swiftly to market demands and optimize resource allocation. Concurrently, QC revolutionizes data processing by exponentially enhancing computational power, enabling small enterprises to tackle complex problems and innovate at unprecedented speeds. However, the effective deployment of these technologies necessitates astute strategic management. Strategic foresight and agile decision-making are crucial in harnessing AI and QC to their fullest potential, ensuring alignment with business objectives and mitigating risks. This abstract advocates for a holistic approach wherein small businesses integrate AI and QC technologies seamlessly into their operational frameworks while fostering a culture of strategic innovation. By leveraging these advancements in tandem with strategic management principles, small enterprises can not only navigate economic uncertainties but also unlock new growth opportunities, catalyzing sustainable economic recovery and long-term prosperity.

Do P2P borrowers improve the quality of information disclosure? An analysis with text mining on loan descriptions

AbstractMost of peer‐to‐peer (P2P) online borrowers are small business managers. The learning behavior of borrowers in the P2P market is rarely studied. The aim of this paper is to identify the existence of borrowers' learning behavior in the P2P market using a large sample from renrendai.com, which is one of the largest P2P lending platforms in China. The loan description written by the borrower is an important way to disclose the borrower's information. We analyze changes in loan descriptions in multiple borrowings with text mining techniques and investigate whether a borrower has a learning behavior in writing loan descriptions. Empirical results show that after accumulating enough experience, borrowers can optimize the loan description to make it easier to obtain loans at lower interest rates.

Risk management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for upcoming research priorities

PurposeThis paper aims to present a comprehensive assessment of the literature about the research agenda for future studies on risk management in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with a research agenda for bibliometric analysis. The author's goals are to point out inconsistencies and gaps in the literature and to suggest directions for future study.Design/methodology/approachA total of 147 papers were analyzed in terms of bibliographic information, research design, and findings. These included publication by year, most cited documents, citation by year, publication by authors, publication by subject area, publication by country, publication by affiliation, funding sponsor, network representation of keyword co-occurrence, and cluster visualization of keyword co-occurrence. This study used bibliometric analysis methods, keyword searches, and suitability assessment for bibliometric analysis.FindingsThe bibliometric research revealed a number of potential risk categories for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, an analysis of the risk-related elements aimed to avoid or reduce their adverse effects, the published study highlights how crucial a risk management procedure is for SMEs. Risk factors were also shown to be unavoidable; as a result, everyone needs to practice social responsibility in order to reduce the detrimental effects on the economy.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies are required on risk identification, analysis, plan implementation, and control in the context of small and medium-sized enterprise risk management.Originality/valueThis work represents the first in a bibliometric analysis of risk management in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the future research agenda.

Pemanfaatan Daun Pisang Kering (Klaras) sebagai Pewarna Alami Jajanan Tradisional Ongol-Ongol

The utilisation of dried banana leaves (klaras) as a natural food colouring used to make traditional Ongol-Ongol snacks was carried out considering the large amount of dried banana leaves that end up as waste. This activity is useful to help improve the economy of the surrounding community by providing business opportunities and additional income, introducing and promoting the snacks made, the community can develop local culinary potential and increase the competitiveness of their products. Ongol-Ongol production can also provide education and training to the community in snack making, including cooking techniques, small business management, and knowledge of the raw materials used. Through this education and training, the community can also improve their skills and knowledge in culinary and food business. This training was attended by the community of Taman Sare Village. The methods used were counselling and hands-on training. The result of this training is that the people of Taman Sare Village can make Ongol-Ongol traditional snacks from dried banana leaves (klaras) which can be used in the natural colouring of these snacks and increase the knowledge and insight of the people of Taman Sare Village, Dungkek District, Sumenep Regency.

Towards a framework for repairing stakeholder trust in entrepreneurial small businesses in times of macro-level crises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand how managers in entrepreneurial small businesses (ESBs) deal with exogenous (macro) crises, particularly in relation to the breakdown of intra- and inter-stakeholder trust.Design/methodology/approach Utilising a qualitative approach, we draw lessons from Greek ESBs greatly affected by the 2008–2019 economic and 2020–2022 health crises. Based on 54 in-depth, longitudinal investigations of four ESBs at three time points, this research offers insights on overcoming organisation-stakeholder trust breakdowns that emerg due to crises.Findings The findings suggest that macro-level crises undermined the foundations of trust-based relationships, creating a trust gap between organisations and their stakeholders and threatening ESBs’ business practices. Our framework suggests that ESBs repair trust relationships, both intra- and inter-organisational, through sense-making of trust breakdown, implementing trust-repair strategies, and then maintaining trust in those stakeholder relationships through challenging crisis periods.Practical implications Practitioners can use the suggested framework in relation to overcoming intra- and inter-stakeholder trust breakdowns during macro-level crises.Originality/value The paper offers a new framework that can aid entrepreneurs and managers in making sense of repairing and maintaining trust in stakeholder relationships during turbulent times.

ПРОБЛЕМы КАДРОВОГО МЕНЕДЖМЕНТА В ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯх МАЛОГО И СРЕДНЕГО БИЗНЕСА

The characteristic features of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are reflected in the work with personnel, are considered. There is a convergence in this business of the functions of the owner and manager, an increase in the role of the head of the company and each individual employee, speed of decisionmaking, and flexible organization of work. The identified problems in the process of personnel management of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), including business instability, the seasonal nature of activities, insufficient funds for the use of modern personnel management tools, difficulties in attracting highly qualified specialists, the predominance of administrative management methods, imperfection of the remuneration system. It is noted that an effective option for mitigating the effect of negative factors on the process of personnel management in SMEs is the cooperation of small and medium-sized businesses with scientific and educational organizations and, first of all, with universities. The obstacles to such cooperation and the main directions for overcoming these obstacles are identified. Among the latter are strengthening support for SMEs collaborating with scientific and educational institutions, intensifying work to create structures that facilitate the commercialization of the results of joint activities of SMEs and universities.

Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro dan Kecil Untuk Peningkatan Ekonomi Desa Talang Pauh Bengkulu Tengah

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have an important role in poverty reduction. Although, there are many problems in the process of developing a business. Rural businesses have various limitations. It often based on their mindset regarding conventional business management. Open minded can be a trigger creativity and innovation. Sometimes, external encouragement is needed. MSEs empowering need collaboration of government, collage and other community. Talang Pauh is one of villages in Pondok Kelapa subdistrict of Bengkulu Tengah which has some MSEs with many limitations. The village potential based business development and market orientation according to MSEs competence. The goals of community service were to increase knowledge and insight of MSEs businesses, to motivate community to utilize their resources, to help MSEs businessman in making business plans. The method of community activities service was dialog and counseling. MSEs empowering is needed to strengthening the village economy. The first step is to increase knowledge and insight of MSEs businesses from several aspects: small business management, human resource management, marketing strategy. The second step is empowering. It can do by activities: enabling, empowering and protecting. The success of empowering is determined by participation of various parties.

Entrepreneurial Tendencies and Intentions of Students in a Rural-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training College

In an environment with unprecedented unemployment levels, entrepreneurship is promoted as an approach that has a potentially positive effect on the economy through innovation and employment creation. The objective of the current study was to determine entrepreneurial interest and intention among college students. This study examined the entrepreneurial tendencies of students registered for an entrepreneurship module in a college. The study was quantitative and used Caird’s General Enterprising Tendencies Questionnaire to collect information from students registered at the local college. The theory of planned behavior was utilized to explore whether, if the students have an interest in business, they are also inclined to act on that desire to participate in business undertakings. The results suggested that the students in the study possessed the tendency to be entrepreneurial and were keen to start businesses at some point in their lives. Yet, they mostly do not intend to start business ventures for several reasons, including fear of failure. The study contributes to the knowledge that underprivileged still contributes to a lack of entrepreneurial inclination, and support is paramount in nurturing that entrepreneurial interest. The study recommends that the college’s entrepreneurship education emphasizes information about reasonable small business prospects in the area; provide relevant information such as funding or registration, for the encouragement and advancement of especially youth-owned businesses; and host dialogues that should be delivered by young successful small business owners or managers.

Post Sales Service Strategies and Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Post Sales Service Strategies play a vital role on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. Post Sales Service is an increasingly important part of the business sand is more complex than manufacturing product. Unlike product, it is not possible to produce services in advance and inventory this future consumption. Post Sales Service has become an essential factor for all organizations nowadays; organizations are merging several marketing mixes in different ways to enhance Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty. Organizations are trying to provide excellent Post Sales Service to Customers and using several techniques to retain Customers. Post Sales Service helps to produce remarkable revenue in almost every business field. This study sought to assess the role in which Post Sales Service Strategies play on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A survey among SMEs owners in Oyo State found that Post Sales Service can become a key differentiator and a major profit source if it’s being managed and carried out appropriately among the Small business owner and their customer in order to boost their operational performance and as well standardize their relationship with the customers. The study is immensely in various ways to Small Business Owners, Management, Practitioners, and Policy Makers. To the Small Business owners in Nigeria, the study will provide a more reliable scientific measure on issues affecting Post Sales Service on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. The findings also revealed that Post Sales Services are very important in mitigating possible collapse of SMEs. There search thus, recommends that SMEs should ensure that Post Sales Service should be used as an integral part of product offering at the same value to every customer in order to increase and survive in their operational performance efficiently and effectively.

Online Medium of International Linkage; Entrepreneurs and Youngsters

Since 2016, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) has contributed a positive effect on current business and educational developments in Malaysia. Therefore, various organisations are actively engaged in sharing knowledge and information with the public as part of the impact of the establishment. Hence, higher education institutions (IPT) and non-governmental organisations are collaborating to provide early exposure to youth, particularly in the fields of education and business. Due to society's current interest in modernisation, particularly in this digitally driven period, business patterns have accelerated, powering the economies of nations. In response, the online International Linkage Entrepreneur and Youngster (ILEY) program was initiated to share thoughts with the youth and the public. ILEY provided an opportunity for students and fresh graduates to explore the concept of entrepreneurship. The platform focuses on the fundamental online business, as well as the latest technology and applications for online marketing. ILEY was held online, with the involvement of entrepreneurs from Malaysia and Indonesia. This research was conducted using the survey method. The survey form received responses from 110 participants based in Malaysia and Indonesia. The online participants were satisfied with ILEY. During the event, these speakers shared their viewpoints on small business management and strategies for dealing with business issues.

Entrepreneurial Orientation on Business Success Through Innovation in Accounting Management of Small and Medium Real Estate Businesses in the Northeastern Region

Purpose: This research investigates the role of effective organizational management, entrepreneurial orientation, and managerial accounting innovation in fostering business success among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northeastern Thailand's property development market. Method: A quantitative research approach was employed, involving 400 entrepreneurs from real estate firms in Northeastern Thailand between January and March 2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Path Analysis through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results and Discussions: The findings indicate significant relationships between the variables. The CFA results revealed a χ2 value of 171.07 with degrees of freedom (df) = 61, yielding a χ2/df ratio of 2.804, below the threshold of 3. The Comparative Fit Index (CFI) was 0.927, while the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) was 0.910. The Root Mean Square Residual (RMR) was 0.058, and the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was 0.067. Research Implications: In light of the rapidly evolving market conditions, SMEs in the real estate sector must prioritise adaptation and innovation to thrive in the post-COVID-19 crisis. Strategies focusing on entrepreneurial orientation and managerial accounting innovation can empower SMEs to capitalise on emerging opportunities and navigate challenges effectively. Originality/Value: This study contributes valuable insights into the strategies and practices essential for SMEs in the real estate sector to achieve sustainable growth and resilience amidst the evolving market dynamics and challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.

Financial management engagement and small and medium-sized businesses in eThekwini municipality, South Africa

Small and medium-sized businesses are widely recognised as the cornerstone of growth in emerging and middle-class countries, and South Africa is no different. They generate many job possibilities and salaries for many individuals who live in cities, making them an essential component of average national production. The main objective of the research was to examine the level to which Small and Medium-sized businesses in the eThekwini Municipality used financial management. The research project used a quantitative method to collect and analyse data from the field. The survey included 60 participants from various small and medium-sized businesses in eThekwini. Proprietors and managers of small and medium-sized businesses were among those who responded. The rate at which organisations implement systems that effectively organise their money was a crucial component in analysing the financial management engagements of small and medium-sized businesses. This can be assessed in various ways, including distributing closed-ended surveys to responders. As a result, the proprietors of small and medium-sized businesses were prompted to score their companies based on the level to which financial preparation strategies were implemented and the funding sources. The research found that small and medium-sized businesses in the research areas did not develop long-term financial strategies that included investments in non-current assets, shares, stocks, and real estate initiatives. Small and medium-sized businesses must establish trustworthy systems for accounting information, disclose and analyse their financial challenges regularly, and advocate for laws that make it simpler for small and medium-sized businesses to obtain inexpensive financing. Since small and medium-sized businesses are recognised as contributing significantly to national economic growth, they must keep growing.

Impact of Marketing Strategies of Retailers on Consumers with Specific Reference to Ramki Bandi and Local Tiffin Centres

Entrepreneurs and small business management go hand in hand in making a successful business. The study is taken up on retailers in the street food industry. The study’s objective is to analyze the impact of the marketing strategies of Ram ki Bandi , a famous street food corner in Hyderabad, India, and a comparative study between the marketing strategies of Ram ki Bandi and local street tiffin centers. Tiffin centers are small eateries put up on the street. A marketing strategy is a long-term plan for achieving a company’s goals by understanding customers’ needs and creating a distinct and sustainable competitive advantage. For the study, the data was collected through primary data sources, such as survey methods, questionnaires, and secondary data sources. The primary data was collected from a sample of 100 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. Marketing strategies are essential in the growth of a retailer’s business. Some of them are as follows: attracting more customers, analyzing competitors, understanding customers, and making optimal pricing decisions, amongst others. The findings of the study state that marking strategies impact consumer behavior when purchasing a given product.

Impact of Performance Expectancy on Adaptive Performance: through Serial Mediation Mechanism

Performance Expectancy has an effect on the adaptive performance of managers in small and medium-sized businesses in Pakistan. This study looks at how this expectation work together. The research also looks at how mobile usage can act as a mediator, as well as how productivity also mediates in the same way. In this study, the researchers wanted to study that how usage of mobile and productivity helps managers change their performance at work. The people this study is aimed at are managers or owners of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that are listed with the Chambers of Commerce in Pakistan's major cities. As part of the full study, 406 responses were gathered, which is a 75% answer rate. Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to build measurement and structure models that were used to test the theory. The findings showed that there were progressive mediators in the link between Performance expectancy and adaptive performance. There was a strong and good direct effect of performance expectation on adaptive performance. This link was also affected by sequential mediators, such as the usage and productivity. There is a positive and statistically significant link between all the variables. The study's results will help academics, the banking industry, SMEDA, and practitioners understand how important it is to use mobile devices and how performance expectation affect flexible performance. Researchers should focus on doing an empirical study in the future to look into how information quality, system quality of mobile devices, and mobile payments affect the change in the system. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and big businesses in Pakistan might be compared as part of this study.