Micro And Small-sized Enterprises Research Articles

The impact of patent infringement litigation decisions on firms’ innovation performance in China

The judiciary protects the value of innovation through remedies such as injunctions and damages when patent rights are infringed, adjusting the expected returns on future innovation activities for firms. Based on data from 1,062 Chinese firms involved in Patent Infringement Litigations (PILs), this study uses three-way fixed-effects Poisson panel regression models to examine the dynamic impacts of a PIL win-or-lose decision on breakthrough and incremental innovation performance for plaintiff and defendant firms. The study finds that plaintiff micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) can only engage in short-term breakthrough innovation after winning a PIL. Plaintiff medium and large-sized enterprises (MLEs) tend to adopt the patent defence strategy after winning, while losing a case positively impacts their breakthrough and incremental innovation. Defendant firms adopt the strategy from incremental innovation to breakthrough innovation after winning, while losing inhibits their innovation. The current Chinese patent system has an imbalance in incentivizing innovation for MSEs. Whether winning or losing, defendant MSEs participating in litigation significantly inhibit their innovation performance at different levels. This paper provides a multidimensional angle for studying the relationship between patent protection and corporate innovation.

Effectiveness of an online text-based stress management program for employees who work in micro- and small-sized enterprises: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInternet psychoeducational interventions improve employees' mental health. However, implementing them for employees in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) is challenging. ObjectivesThis randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of a fully automated text-based stress management program, “WellBe-LINE,” in improving mental health and job-related outcomes for employees in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees. MethodsThe program was developed based on stakeholder interviews and surveys of 1000 employees at MSEs. Adult full-time employees at an enterprise with fewer than 50 employees were recruited from registered members of a web survey company in Japan. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group (1:1). Participants in the intervention group were invited to register for the program using the LINE app. Psychological distress measured by Kessler 6 (K6) was a primary outcome, with self-administrated questionnaires at baseline, 2-month (post), and 6-month follow-ups. A mixed model for repeated measures conditional growth model analysis was conducted using a group ∗ time interaction as an intervention effect. Implementation outcomes were measured through implementation outcome scales for digital mental health (iOSDMH). Results1021 employees were included in this study. No significant effects were shown in any outcome. The reported implementation outcomes were positively evaluated, with 80 % acceptability, 86 % appropriateness, and feasibility (ease of understanding the contents [88 %], frequency [86 %], and length of content [86 %]). ConclusionsA simple text-message program for employees at MESs was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible; however, it did not result in improved mental health or job-related outcomes. Trial registrationUMIN clinical trial registration: UMIN000050624 (registration date: March 18, 2023).

Web-based occupational stress prevention in German micro- and small-sized enterprises – process evaluation results of an implementation study

BackgroundStructural and behavioral interventions to manage work-related stress are effective in employees. Nonetheless, they have been implemented insufficiently, particularly in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSE). Main barriers include a lack of knowledge and limited resources, which could potentially be overcome with simplified web-based alternatives for occupational stress prevention. However, there is a lack of implementation research about web-based prevention in realistic settings of MSE.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation process and success of an integrated web-based platform for occupational stress prevention (“System P”) and to identify potential barriers for its uptake and use in MSE in Germany.MethodsThis study with a mixed-methods approach investigates eight process-related outcomes in a quantitative part I (adoption, reach, penetration, fidelity/dose, costs, acceptability) and a qualitative part II (acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility). Part I has a pre-post design with two measurements (6 months apart) with 98 individual participants and part II consists of 12 semi-structured interviews with managers and intercorporate stakeholders.ResultsPart I revealed shortcomings in the implementation process. Adoption/Reach: Despite extensive marketing efforts, less than 1% of the contacted MSE responded to the offer of System P. A total of 40 MSE registered, 24 of which, characterized by good psychosocial safety climate, adopted System P. Penetration: Within these 24 MSE, 15% of the employees used the system. Fidelity/Dose: 11 MSE started a psychosocial risk-assessment (PRA), and no MSE finished it. The stress-management training (SMT) was started by 25 users and completed by 8. Costs: The use of System P was free of charge, but the time required to engage with was an indirect cost. Part II added insights on the perception of the web-based intervention: Acceptance of System P by users and stakeholders was good and it was assessed as appropriate for MSE. Results for feasibility were mixed.ConclusionsAlthough System P was generally perceived as useful and appropriate, only a small number of contacted MSE implemented it as intended. Prior experience and sensitivity for occupational (stress) prevention were mentioned as key facilitators, while (perceived) indirect costs were a key barrier. Enabling MSE to independently manage stress prevention online did not result in successful implementation. Increasing external support could be a solution.⁺ Full project name“PragmatiKK – Pragmatische Lösungen für die Implementation von Maßnahmen zur Stressprävention in Kleinst- und Kleinbetrieben” (= Pragmatic solutions for the implementation of stress prevention interventions in micro and small-sized enterprises).Trial registrationGerman Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS) DRKS00026154, date of registration 2021-09-16.

Implementation of an internet-based stress management program in micro- and small-sized enterprises: a study protocol for a pre-post feasibility study of the effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 2 trial

BackgroundAlthough internet-based stress management programs are proven effective in improving mental health among workers, micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs), lacking in occupational healthcare services, face challenges implementing them. To address this gap, this study will develop the program with stakeholders at MSEs to aim for real-world implementation.ObjectivesThis paper describes a study protocol for a pre-post feasibility study of an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 2 trial of text-based internet-based programs (“WellBe-LINE”) in MSEs with less than 50 employees. This feasibility study primarily aims to evaluate trial methods for future effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 2 trials.MethodsFor this study protocol, an internet- and text-based self-care intervention program using the LINE app (a popular message tool in Japan) will be prepared according to evidence-based psychoeducational topics. Based on our online survey findings, personalized algorithms will be implemented according to employees’ gender, age, and psychological distress levels. A personalized program using a popular pre-existing text app is expected to reduce employees’ burdens and be attractive to them, resulting in successful implementation outcomes and mental health benefits. A pre-post design feasibility study will be conducted on ten companies to evaluate trial methods (e.g., recruitment and procedures). The primary outcome will involve individual-level penetration, defined as the proportion of the number of employees who register for the program divided by the total number of invited employees at the company. The progression criterion to go next trial specifies that more than 50% of the recruited companies obtain 60% individual penetration, which is set based on the findings of the prior survey of employees at MSEs and of interviews of stakeholders involved in this study, and will be measured by LINE system. Finally, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility will be measured using internet-based questionnaires and interviews.DiscussionThis pre-post feasibility study for future effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 2 trials will provide in-depth knowledge about the successful implementation of text-based, semi-personalized, self-care mental health interventions in real-world settings using both quantitative and qualitative data.ConclusionsThis feasibility study will help validate the effectiveness of text-based interventions using a widely used social networking service (SNS) tool for employees in MSEs.Trial registrationUMIN clinical trial registration, UMIN000046960. Registered on February 21, 2022.https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053570

Factors determining bank selection by micro- and small-sized enterprises: evidence from Ethiopia

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the importance of various factors considered in the bank selection decisions of micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from 300 MSEs selected through a convenience sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and linear regression analysis methods are used to identify the most important factors determining bank selection by MSEs.FindingsThe results of exploratory factor analysis revealed that the availability of credit at a reasonable interest rate, lower service charges and the availability of better automated teller machine (ATM) services are the priorities of MSEs in their bank selection decisions. In addition, the results of regression analysis indicated that price competitiveness is the most important factor determining bank selection decisions of MSEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two major limitations: first, due to resource constraints, the samples included in this study were taken only from the capital city of the country, Addis Ababa. As customer preferences are likely to vary from region to region, future studies could be carried out by including samples from other cities and rural areas of the country. Second, the study relied on a single data collection instrument. The use of additional data collection instruments, such as interviews and focus group discussions, could provide additional insights into the topic.Practical implicationsCommercial banks need to devise a flexible lending policy and set affordable interest rates and collateral requirements to meet the credit needs of MSEs. MSEs, on the other hand, need to improve their bankability by improving their operating and financial reporting practices. Further research can be conducted by covering other cities and the rural parts of the country.Originality/valueThe topic of bank selection has not been explored with a specific reference to MSEs in Ethiopia. The present study addressed this gap by investigating the factors influencing bank selection decisions of MSEs.

Compliance Level to Food Labelling Regulation for Micro and Small-sized Enterprises Products: A Descriptive Study in Wonosobo District, Indonesia

Food labelling is an effective tool in protecting consumer health with respect to safety and nutrition. Complying with labelling regulations is essential in preventing product recalls. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the extent of adherence to food labelling regulations by micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in Wonosobo District, in accordance to the existing guidelines. Primary data were collected through a market survey approach, with analysis conducted through purposive sampling in shops, stalls, home industries, markets, and supermarkets. Content analysis was employed to evaluate four categories of processed food: flour/starch-based products, water-based flavored drinks, processed fruit products, and processed grain, nut, and tuber products, totaling 92 products. The compliance level with labelling regulations was evaluated based on the principal display panel, labelling formats, general labelling requirements, and prohibited statements on the label. The results revealed that the compliance level of labelling flour/starch-based products was good, with an average of 75%. In contrast, the average compliance level for water-based flavored drink products was 58%, while the average compliance levels for processed fruit products and processed grain, nut, and tuber products were 54 and 59%, respectively, indicating a lower level of compliance compared to flour/starch-based products.

Exploring Transfer Potentials of the IMPROVEjob Intervention for Strengthening Workplace Health Management in Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Germany: A Qualitative Study

Micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSE), and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Germany are often burdened with high levels of psychosocial stressors at work. The IMPROVEjob intervention was originally developed for general practice teams, and aims to promote job satisfaction and reduce psychosocial stressors in the context of workplace health management (WHM). This qualitative study identified challenges and transfer options regarding the transfer of the IMPROVEjob intervention to other MSE/SME settings. Based on previous study results, a comprehensive, qualitative inter- and transdisciplinary approach was developed and conducted between July 2020 and June 2021, also including single interviews and focus group discussion with eleven experts from MSE/SME settings. Data analysis was carried out using a rapid analysis approach. The experts discussed psychosocial topics and didactic formats of the original IMPROVEjob intervention. A lack of access to information on managing work-related psychosocial stressors and inadequate recognition of the importance of psychosocial stressors in the workplace among managers and employees, seemed to be the highest barriers regarding the transfer of the intervention into other MSE/SME settings. The transfer of the IMPROVEjob intervention to other MSE/SME settings requires an adapted intervention format, comprising targeted offers with easy access to information on managing work-related psychosocial stressors and improving WHM in MSE/SME settings.

Prediction of Micro- and Small-Sized Enterprise Default Risk Based on a Logistic Model: Evidence from a Bank of China

This study selected factors influencing the default risk of micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) from the perspective of both financial and non-financial indicators and constructed an identification model of the influencing factors for the default risk of MSEs by logistic regression, using the data on loans borrowed by 2492 MSEs from a city commercial bank in Gansu Province as the sample. In addition, the robustness and prediction effect of the model were tested. The empirical results showed that the logistic model has good robustness and high predictive ability. The quick ratio, total asset turnover, return on net assets, sales growth rate and total assets growth rate had significant negative impacts on the default risk for the loans taken out by MSEs; the loan maturity and loan amount had remarkable positive impacts on the default risk; non-financial indicators (e.g., the nature of the enterprise, method of obtaining the loan and educational background of the person in charge) had significant impacts on the default risk. Based on the results, this manuscript provides solutions to address the default risk of MSEs and makes suggestions from the perspectives of database building, full-cycle management and dynamic assessment of guarantee capacity.

Exploring the Barriers to the Implementation of Psychosocial Risk Assessment in Micro- and Small-Sized Firms

Abstract. According to the legal requirements in many countries, companies should conduct psychosocial risk assessments (PRA). However, recent studies have demonstrated deficiencies in PRA implementation. Especially micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSE) are in arrears. We conducted two explorative studies to shed light on this topic: We recruited MSE and examined their reasons for participation ( N = 7) and nonparticipation ( N = 21) in a nonresponder survey. Further, we analyzed longitudinal data capturing the PRA process over 18 months in 15 MSE within a case study. The attitude that stress is an important issue was a major reason for participation. The reasons given for nonparticipation were lack of interest in PRA and lack of stress. High time commitment and support were needed for complete PRA implementation. The reasons given for termination included low resources and prioritization of PRA. The results indicate that interest and awareness of the relevance of psychosocial stress need to increase, and that approaches requiring fewer resources are needed.

Facilitating stress prevention in micro and small-sized enterprises: protocol for a mixed method study to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation process of targeted web-based interventions

BackgroundWorkplace-related stress is a major risk factor for mental and physical health problems and related sickness absence and productivity loss. Despite evidence regarding the effectiveness of different workplace-based interventions, the implementation of stress prevention interventions is rare, especially in micro and small-sized enterprises (MSE) with fewer than 50 employees. The joint research project “PragmatiKK”+ aims to identify and address the specific barriers to the implementation of stress prevention interventions in MSE. This study protocol describes a mixed method study design to evaluate the effectiveness of adapted stress prevention interventions and the implementation process via an integrated web-based platform (“System P”) specifically targeted at MSE.MethodsFirst, we develop a web-based intervention, which accounts for the specific working conditions in MSE and addresses stress prevention at a structural and behavioral level. Second, we use common methods of implementation research to perform an effect and process evaluation. We analyze the effectiveness of the web-based stress prevention interventions by comparing depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up (after 6 months and 12 months). Indicators for a successful implementation process include acceptability, adoption, feasibility, reach, dose, and fidelity, which we will measure with quantitative web-based questionnaires and qualitative interviews. We will also analyze the accumulated usage data from the web-based platform.DiscussionCollecting data on the implementation process and the effectiveness of a web-based intervention will help to identify and overcome common barriers to stress prevention in MSE. This can improve the mental health of employees in MSE, which constitute more than 90% of all enterprises in Germany.+ Full Project Name: „PragmatiKK - Pragmatische Lösungen für die Implementation von Maßnahmen zur Stressprävention in Kleinst- und Kleinbetrieben “(= Pragmatic solutions for the implementation of stress prevention interventions in micro and small-sized enterprises).Trial registrationGerman Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS): DRKS00026154, date of registration: 2021-09-16.

Barriers and drivers of psychosocial risk assessments in German micro and small-sized enterprises: a qualitative study with owners and managers

BackgroundThe negative effect of unfavorable working conditions and long-term work stress on health has been demonstrated in previous research. To address these challenges, systematic approaches such as psychosocial risk assessments (PRA) have been developed in many countries worldwide. Despite legal obligations, psychosocial risk assessments are rarely carried out in micro and small-sized enterprises (MSE). Even though those enterprises constitute a large proportion of the general workforce, this area remains largely untouched by research. In order to enable starting points for a greater dissemination in organizational practice, the present study explores barriers and drivers of psychosocial risk assessments in micro and small-sized enterprises.MethodsA total of 18 owners and managers from 15 micro and small-sized enterprises in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, were interviewed. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. A qualitative approach was applied: Content analysis was used to analyze the data, using deductive as well as inductive coding techniques.ResultsThe following barriers emerged from the interviews: Negative PRA image, stigmatization of mental health, lacking acceptance of employees, fear of excessive authority interference, ignorance of PRA, not understanding the necessity, inappropriate approach, and limited resources. The identified drivers were: Easy access to PRA material, external support from experts, renaming the term “workplace risk assessment”, understanding content and benefit of PRA, simplify and revise PRA process, and noticeable consequences of PRA execution and non-execution. The results are comparable with those in larger companies. They emphasize the importance of mental health education, improving the process of psychosocial risk assessments, and the ongoing support in overcoming limited financial as well as human resources.ConclusionsTo improve implementation of PRA in organizational practice, a simplification of the process is proposed, accompanied by information campaigns and an improvement in the health literacy of owners and managers of MSE. In view of the results, the full revision of the PRA approach should also be considered.

Swedish construction MSEs: simply renovators or renovation service innovators?

ABSTRACTTo address the renovation needs of detached house stock in Sweden, micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs), a subgroup of small and medium-sized enterprises, are expected to introduce more comprehensive house renovation solutions. One-stop-shop (OSS) is an innovative Product-Service System model that can enable MSEs to offer comprehensive renovation packages instead of existing fragmented solutions. We have applied a conceptual framework for innovation adoption in organizations and conducted an interview of 21 construction MSEs in three different geographical areas in Sweden to examine their perceptions and preparedness to adopt the OSS business concept. Findings showed that the examined MSEs are positive towards OSS as it could address the needs for the comprehensive renovation of detached houses. However, presently, are not prepared to take the coordinator’s role in such a concept mainly due to the perceived business risks, the lack of flexibility to organizational restructuring, and lack of resources and management competency to coordinate multiple tasks and actors. Those organizations lacked awareness of existing policy support and access to funding mechanisms to try new business models. As a solution, they proposed an external coordinator to be the provider of OSS, on the trial phase, whose role and characteristics need to be further examined.

The effects of environmental factors on B2B e-services purchase: perceived risk and convenience as mediators

PurposeBased on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework, this paper aims to analyze the influence of environmental factors (e.g. competitive pressure) on the firm’s evaluations (i.e. perceived risk and convenience) and response (intention to purchase e-services).Design/methodology/approachA model is tested with data from a survey with 430 micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) in an emerging country. The following constructs were measured: external factors, data security, lack of knowledge, perceived risk, convenience and purchase intention. Company size, internet use and previous experience were control variables.FindingsMSEs’ intention to purchase e-services is strongly influenced by convenience, which in turn is more affected by external factors. Perceived risk is mainly affected by lack of knowledge and data security. Overall, the model supports the mediating role of perceived risk and convenience in the relationship between Stimuli factors (external factors, data security and lack of knowledge) on response (purchase intentions). For instance, data security influences purchase intention only through the mediation of perceived risk and convenience.Practical implicationsFirms interested in providing e-services for MSEs should improve the perceived convenience of e-commerce. At the same time, they can also reduce the lack of knowledge and increase data security to reduce the perceived risk of the decision-maker.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates mediating effects of perceived risk and convenience, considering a SOR framework, as well as the analysis of business-to-business e-services in an understudied context, i.e. MSEs in an emerging country.

THE EFFECTS OF ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG APPRENTICES: THE CASE OF FURNITURE SECTOR IN SİTELER, ANKARA

The aim of this paper is to discuss how the technological developments implemented in the production processes and organizational structures of micro and small sized enterprises (MSEs) affect the employment process of youth in these enterprises. Furniture sector is selected as a case.The transformations of production processes and changes in the organizational structure in small firms cause removal of young workers from the production processes.The research was implemented in Siteler which is one of the biggest production region of Turkey. Policy recommendations to improve the quality employment processes of youngsters and furniture sector is also provided.

Maturity Assesment: A Case of Micro and Small Service Enterprises

High percentages of Micro and Small-sized enterprises (MSEs) perish in their initials years of business. That is why various efforts have been made to know their operation and improve it. However those proposals of improvement are mostly based in reductionist diagnostics that limit the understanding of their business processes. This paper presents an integral diagnostic of MSEs, specifically in the service sector in the north of Mexico, through which the maturity level of its processes is determined. The design was descriptive exploratory with a quantitative approach. A rubric-type instrument was applied, which was designed to perform an integral diagnosis and measure the maturity level of the processes in 140 companies. The results indicate that the maturity levels of the business processes in the service sector are mostly craft-like. The elements with the lowest maturity levels include service assessment as part of management, the capacity to design new services/processes, evaluation and selection of suppliers, and improvements to the purchasing process that can assure an appropriate level of service. The need to implement improvement projects in areas related to planning, monitoring, control and information support systems were also detected. The main contribution of this work is having defined the service sector of the municipality where the organizations under study are located, which will help entrepreneurs in the sector, to improve their knowledge on the area in which they operate; researchers decide to make more contributions to the sector; and clients obtain information about the business they purchase from.

Entrepreneurial Capability and New Product Development Performance in Micro and Small Enterprises: The Moderating Role of Financial Literacy

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of financial literacy on entrepreneurial capabilities and new product development performance in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs). The respondents in this study consisted of 133 owners of micro and small firms, located in Yogyakarta Indonesia. Moderated regression analysis is used for testing hypotheses. The results revealed that financial literacy moderated relationship between risk taking and new product development performance. Likewise, financial literacy moderated the relationship between proactiveness and new product development performance, while financial literacy showed no such effect on innovativeness and new product development performance. The results also showed that financial literacy had impact on new product development performance. Moreover, risk taking and proactiveness influenced on new product development performance. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p97

Banking relationship and credit terms: empirical evidence from Portuguese small firms

Based on a sample of Micro and Small-sized Enterprises (MSE) financed by a large Portuguese bank, this study seeks to assess the importance of the banking relationship for MSE to obtain better credit terms, i.e. higher credit limit, lower risk premium and less probability that collateral must be provided. We conclude that long term banking relationship alone is not important for firms to obtain better bank credit terms. However, greater borrowing concentration allows MSE to obtain a lower risk premium and a higher limit of credit. The magnitude of these impacts are affected by some specificities related to firm size, economic-financial performance and the position of the lending bank in the local banking market.

Technical Vocational Education and Training for Micro-Enterprise Development in Ethiopia

Technical vocational education and training (TVET) programmes have recently received increased attention as an area of priority for stimulating growth in developed and developing countries. This paper considers the situation in Ethiopia where the promotion of micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) has been central to the development and expansion of TVET centres throughout the country. The extent to which efforts relating to TVET made by Ethiopian policy makers, higher education institutions and MSEs have enhanced the development of the micro-enterprise sector is considered, using empirical evidence gathered from nine Ethiopian cities. It is argued that the existing relationship between TVET and micro-enterprise cannot be regarded only as one of constrained capacity, usage and transformation. The authors argue further that the development of micro and small-sized enterprises requires approaches extending beyond the simple expansion and development of TVET institutions.

Business tax as state-building in developing countries: applying governance principles in private sector development

The new concern for the ‘state-building’ approach to taxation requires an understanding of how to construct effective and fair taxation systems that constitute an important component of good regulatory and governance regimes. A systemic approach requires the construction of a tax policy and its administration, which can deliver state-building by strengthening the legitimacy of the state in the eyes of its citizens through five core characteristics—political inclusion; accountability and transparency; perceived fairness; effectiveness; and political commitment to shared prosperity. This paper provides evidence of these operational principles for state-building tax reform. The state’s ‘fiscal social contract' with its private sector is a critical intermediary step on the political development path towards full citizen-taxpayer liberal democracy. Formalizing the often largely informal private sector in developing countries and creating ‘quasi-voluntary compliance’ of MSEs (micro- and small-sized enterprises) are essential for the state-building objectives of broadening the tax base, increasing the reach of the state and providing incentive for institutionalized engagement with the political process. The importance of medium-sized business, particularly MSE taxation regimes, has been neglected for too long because revenue-raising administrative concerns have predominated long-term state-building concerns. Based on the ongoing work in Yemen, Sierra Leone, and Vietnam, this paper offers recommendations on potential reforms to implement the principles of ‘tax as state-building’. * This paper presents the author’s personal views and may not represent DFID’s or its partners’ official positions. It is a revised version of a paper presented in the international conference on ‘Tax and state-building’, hosted by the Government of South Africa on

Micro to Small-Sized Enterprises: How Valuable Are They and How Can We Use Action-Oriented Research Methods to Find Out More About Them?

This paper argues that micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) play a vital role in the economy, and yet are often excluded from national statistics reports and receive little assistance in terms of business strategy and planning. It also holds that action-oriented techniques are a valid form of research for assessing an MSEs survival and growth potential. It was written in the hope that public policy makers will begin to acknowledge the value of MSEs and rethink their approach to this group of businesses in terms of the amount of formal, statistical and planning information they make available to the various stakeholders. Through a case-specific example, the paper aims to increase the general awareness of MSEs and encourage both practitioners and academics to apply action-based research techniques to projects aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the issues faced by micro to small-sized enterprises. In this manner strategic planning in the MSE sector can be addressed in a more integrated and appropriate fashion.