Micro Enterprises Research Articles

In the Technological Age: The Internet and the Performance of Micro-Enterprises in Togo

Micro-enterprises (MEs) are important players in job creation and global economic development. However, in developing countries, most fail to realise their growth potential due to challenges that include informality and a lack of quality human capital. The internet, by increasing information flows and reducing transaction costs, can help MEs to develop. This study assesses the effect of the internet on MEs’ performance in the service sector in Togo, using a large sample of 23,542 observations from the latest General Census of Businesses (RGE, 2017–2018), and exposes related channels and mechanisms. We find that MEs that adopt and use the internet are more productive than those that do not. This result remains robust to different regression methods such as instrumental variables and treatment-effects estimations. Complementary analyses show the positive effect of internet channels through applications such as e-mail, websites and e-business. We also find evidence that MEs with a Fixed internet connection perform better than those with a Mobile internet connection. Our investigations also yield interesting results regarding Togolese regions, service sub-sectors, managers’ characteristics and MEs’ status. This article thus highlights the need to promote digital development to enhance MEs’ performance in Togo.

The Role of Ecommerce Adoption in Influencing The Increasing Income of Small and Micro Enterprises (MSEs) During The Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the world economy, including Indonesia. Large-scale social restrictions as a consequence of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus have hampered the economy. Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) are the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the eCommerce survey showed that 24.20 percent of businesses claimed to have experienced an increase in income during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to (1) find out the extent to which eCommerce adoption and income increased in MSEs during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) looking for the effect of eCommerce adoption on MSEs on increasing MSE income during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) knowing which items of eCommerce adoption have a significant effect on increasing MSE income; and (4) find out how big the opportunity to increase the income of each eCommerce adoption item compared to businesses that do not adopt eCommerce. This study uses descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression. The researched eCommerce adoption is seen from three dimensions, namely online sales media, training related to the use of information technology for digital marketing, and the speed of eCommerce adoption. All variables of eCommerce adoption that were studied using binary logistic regression proved to have a significant effect on increasing revenue. Of all eCommerce adoption items, eCommerce businesses that use instant messages as a sales medium, had the opportunity to experience an increase in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic by 2.41 times compared to businesses that do not use instant messages.

Challenges Of Indonesian Small Micro Enterprises (MSEs) In Fulfilling Halal Certification Obligations October 2024

The challenge of mandatory halal regulations contained in Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantees (UU JPH) and its derivatives, means that products entering, circulating and being traded in Indonesian territory must be halal certified. However, until now there are still micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Indonesia that have not fulfilled this requirement. So the Indonesian government, in this case BPJPH, needs Pentahelix synergy by providing stricter outreach to business actors in its implementation. The aim of this research is to reveal the challenges faced by micro and small enterprises (UMK) throughout Indonesia in fulfilling halal certification obligations. The method used in this research is analytical descriptive analysis, namely describing and analyzing the challenges of micro and small enterprises (UMK) throughout Indonesia in fulfilling halal certification obligations. The research results prove that based on the JPH regulations, there are 3 product groups that must be halal certified as of October 17 2024, namely first, food and beverage products. Second, raw materials, food additives and auxiliary materials for food and beverage products. Third, slaughtered products and slaughtering services. For micro and small enterprises (UMK) throughout Indonesia who have not carried out their halal certification obligations, they will be subject to sanctions in the form of written warnings, administrative fines, and the withdrawal of goods from circulation. It was stated that the sanctions applied were in accordance with the provisions in PP No. 39/2021 concerning the Implementation of the Halal Product Guarantee Sector. Keywords: Micro and Small Enterprises, Halal Certification, Mandatory Halal

The Intersection of the Progressive Law Theory and the Self-Declaration Concept of MSEs Halal Certification

The self-declaration by Small Micro Enterprises (MSEs) for obtaining a halal logo has both advantages and disadvantages. Proponents argue that self-declaration makes it easier for MSEs to acquire a halal certificate, reduces the submission period, and streamlines the certification process. However, opponents argue that self-declaration violates certain laws, such as the UUJPH and the Consumer Protection Act. The Omnibus Law (UUCK) conceptually includes halal in the licensing cluster to facilitate business, but the Constitutional Court has deemed UUCK formally flawed and conditionally unconstitutional. Self-declaration simplifies the licensing process for obtaining a halal certificate specifically for SMEs. It waives certification fees, reduces processing time, and simplifies aspects of business licensing. MSEs can obtain a free certificate through self-declaration if their products meet certain conditions, including not being at risk, being made from natural ingredients, being halal, having a simple production process, having assistance with Halal Production Process (PPH), and being supported by an MUI fatwa. Progressive law recognizes that the law is not absolute or final, but an evolving process aimed at achieving justice and improving human lives. This article explores the intersection between self-declaration and Satjipto Raharjo's progressive legal theory. It highlights the shared objectives of realizing justice, assisting MSEs in obtaining halal certification, humanizing the law, facilitating licenses for MSEs, and adapting regulations to societal changes. The approach encourages breaking and making rules to create progressive laws and involves business actors and companions in the halal certification process, making the law responsive and participatory.

The impact of Negative Online Reviews (NORs) on hospitality Micro Enterprise (ME) owners

The impact of Negative Online Reviews (NORs) on hospitality Micro Enterprise (ME) owners

Modeling the Significance of Sustainability Orientation on the Sustainability Performance of Micro-Enterprises in an Emerging Economy.

Sustainable enterprises are essential for developing economies’ progress and prosperity. Micro-enterprises (MEs) play an important role in creating jobs and actively participating in socioeconomic activities. However, little is known about how MEs use internal capabilities to achieve long-term success. This study explores the influence of the strategic orientations (i.e., sales, consumer, competitive, emotional, business, and networking) instigating the sustainability orientation. The sustainability orientation nurtures the sustainable performance of the MEs. The cross-sectional data collected from the 450 MEs with the structured interviews and samples were randomly selected from the list of MEs registered in seven districts of Kelantan, Malaysia. The collected data were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The data analysis discovered that the sale, consumer, competitive, and emotional orientation significantly impact the MEs’ sustainable orientation. The business and networking orientations insignificantly facilitate the sustainable orientation among the samples. The MEs’ sustainable orientation suggestively influences the sustainable performance among the MEs. Furthermore, the study analysis postulated a significant mediating effect of sustainable orientation among the orientations (sale, consumer, competitive, and emotional) on the MEs’ sustainable performance. Our study offers a better understanding of the RBV in the MEs and brings significant empirical evidence to attain sustainable performance with the firm’s level orientation for the MEs. The study brings forward the practical implication for business and policymakers that the MEs require internal and external support to align the business and networking orientation to harness the sustainable performance among the MEs. In the end, the study limitations and future research options are highlighted.

MOTIVATIONS AND BARRIERS OF ENTREPRENEURS IN MOSCOW AND THE MOSCOW REGION

The main goal of this research is to examine the motivation of entrepreneurs from Moscow and the Moscow region in conducting entrepreneurial activity in present economic conditions, and to identify the obstacles slowing down this activity. For implementing this goal a survey of 63 small business owners was conducted. To collect the data, authors selected the ME (micro-enterprise), the SB (small business) and the SME (small and medium-sized enterprise). The actors questioned were entrepreneurs and more particularly the heads of companies running an ME, SB or SME in Moscow and its regions. Using research methods as factor analysis and Cronbach’s Alpha, a hierarchy of the different motives and entrepreneurial barriers were constructed. Investigation results show that regarding motivations of entrepreneurs, 4 components were obtained: extrinsic motivations composed of 4 items, intrinsic motivations composed of 6 items, motivations linked to independence and autonomy with 3 items and motivations related to the safety and well-being of the family with 3 items. In terms of barriers or obstacles encountered by Russian entrepreneurs, in regards with the literature review, we obtained 5 components: barriers of legitimacy consisting of 3 items, administrative barriers with 3 items, financial barriers with 2 items, managerial barriers with 3 items and finally competitive barriers with 3 items. The novelty of this study is to improve knowledge of the motivations and barriers that entrepreneurs in Moscow and its region encounter in the course of their activity.

THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE TOWARDS MICROENTERPRISES (MEs) PRODUCTIVITY IN MALAYSIA

This study examined the impact of microfinance criteria on Microenterprises (MEs) productivity in Malaysia. The main issues in this paper is the capability of MFIs to allow the business to fully utilize the sources are ambiguous. There are seven (7) variables have been used in this paper which are Productivity (PROD) as a dependent variable and Six (6) independent variables (IV) involved, there are Loan Size (LoanSiz), Loan Duration (LoanDur), Loan Repayment (LoanRep), Loan Utilization (LoanUti), Contact with Lender (ContactLen) and Training (Training). A multiple regression method has been used in the study to identify the impact of productivity among MEs in Malaysia. Based on the findings, microfinance criteria meet the significance level and contribute to MEs growth. Based on that, the solid and complete questionnaires are only 199 (41.50 %) of AIM and 277 (57.70 %) of TEKUN. The findings revealed that microfinance criteria enhance the MEs growth and productivity and accept most hypotheses in the study. In the aspect of significance, the variable of productivity shows a significant sign contributes to MEs in Malaysia at 5% respectively. Hence, the study recommends that MEs must be linked up to the larger financial sources such as SME bank and non-government agencies in terms of financial support. Besides that, Micro finance Institutions should provide a moral support such as entrepreneurial skills in order to enhance their financial management and operation as well as in handling resources efficiently. The policy makers should seek some strategies in the aim to promote MEs in the market penetration. Finally, for the future study, the study suggests to use longitudinal data for future research because this method can monitor changes before and after the joining microfinance schemes. Apart, also can make a comparison between borrower and nonborrower in the aspect of business growth among MEs in Malaysia. As a conclusion, the findings of the study have answered the research objectives.

THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE ON GROWTH OF MICROENTERPRISES (MEs) IN MALAYSIA

This study examined the impact of microfinance criteria on growth of Microenterprises (MEs) in Malaysia. The critical issues arising in the study is the ability of MFIs and business itself to let their business expand and fully utilize the sources remain uncertain. There are ten variables were used in the study which are growth (MEG) as a dependent variable and 6 independent variables (IV) involved, there are Loan Size (LoanSiz), Loan Duration (LoanDur), Loan Repayment (LoanRep), Loan Utilization (LoanUti), Contact with Lender (ContactLen) and Training (Training). A multiple regression method has been used in the study to identify the impact of the growth among MEs in Malaysia. Based on the findings, this surely stated that microfinance criteria meet the significance level and contributes to MEs growth. Hence, the study recommends that MEs must be linked up to the larger financial sources such as SME bank and non-government agencies in terms of financial support. Besides that, Micro finance Institutions should provide a moral support such as entrepreneurial skills in order to enhance their financial management and operation as well as in handling resources efficiently. The policy makers should seek some strategies in the aim to promote MEs in the market penetration. Finally, for the future study, the study suggests to use longitudinal data for future research because this method can monitor changes before and after the joining microfinance schemes. Apart, also can make a comparison between borrower and non-borrower in the aspect of business growth among MEs in Malaysia. As a conclusion, the findings of the study have answered the research objectives.

Are formal firms more productive than informal ones? a study among microenterprises in Morocco

Abstract This paper aims to study the behaviour of formality of 390 microenterprises (ME) and its impact, based on data from a survey that was conducted in the city of Casablanca. We explain, on one hand, the choice of the level of formality using an Ordered Probit model. On the other hand, we analyse the effect of registration and other factors on productivity, using the Stochastic Frontier Approach which considers the risk of self-selection. The results from the first model emphasize the effect of the entrepreneur's demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as those related to the ME and its environment. The Stochastic Frontier Approach allowed us to verify the existence of a differentiated efficiency bared on the level of formality. It also appears that the education level of the owner, gender and age of the employees, the main reason for business creation and its size, impact productivity. Keywords Formality, informal sector, productivity, efficiency, microenterprises, Stochastic frontier analysis.

A Time To Shine: How Business Interruption Micro Takaful Scheme Step Up To Covid-19 For Micro Enterprises In Malaysia

After a series of disasters, including major floods, landslides, and hurricanes, Malaysia was affected by multiple damages and losses Moreover, with the proclamation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the government, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread economic disruption across the country By this year, Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to contract between 0 1 per cent and 4 6 per cent However, this projection may be negatively impacted due to the closures of short-term business, sales losses, and the downturn in revenue In Malaysia, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) amounted to 907,765, in which 693,679 (76 5%) comprised of microenterprises (MEs) After ceasing their operations, these MEs and businesses were prone to bankruptcy, in which MEs were severely affected by the MCO Therefore, this article investigated the coverage of existing insurance schemes of business interruption losses, formulated the business protection schemes against business losses by observing the effects of COVID-19, and the requirements of takaful/insurance protection, particularly on MEs in Malaysia Hence, this article focused on business interruption during a pandemic, which involved microbusiness interruption scheme for MEs in Malaysia

The Role of Micro Finance Institutions on the Development of Micro Enterprises (MEs) in Sri Lanka

Aim: The study investigates the impact of microfinance practices on the growth of micro-enterprises (MEs) concerning the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It has been discovered that the growth of microbusinesses is dependent on gender, age, education level and nature of the industry.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Multinomial Logistic Regression models was applied in this study. Multinomial logistic regression is frequently used for the analysis of categorical response data with continuous or categorical explanatory variables. Parameter estimates are usually obtained through direct maximum likelihood estimation. Two models were used to test the hypothesis concerning the three practices, micro-credit, training and advisory services. Primary data were obtained from 200 registered microenterprises (ME) owners in the Central Province through convenience sampling methods. Data collection was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire.
 Results and Conclusion: According to the results, microfinance practices have a significant relationship with the development of MEs, while Microcredit and advisory services have a significant impact on the development of MEs. Training programmes have not significantly impacted on the development of MEs. The research concludes that microfinance as a whole educates and helps to develop micro financed micro-scale enterprise businesses and positively impact those families in the Central Province, Sri Lanka.
 Research limitations/implications: Data were limited to select only one province in Sri Lanka out of nine using a self-structured questionnaire. Also considering the response rate and sample size, there are limitations to generalize the findings. This research was restricted to three variables micro-credit; Training and Advisory services impact of other factors that can influence the growth of MEs did not fall under the scope of this study.
 Originality and Value: The impact of microfinance practices on MEs growth in Central Province in Sri Lanka is an under-researched area of study. The findings of this study can act as a guideline in the future for decision-makers to identify factors that influence more on MEs development.

Kedudukan Hukum Lembaga Perkreditan Desa (LPD) Dalam Sistem Lembaga Keuangan Mikro

Abstrak—Lembaga Perkreditan Desa (LPD) sebagi suatu organisasi yang berdiri khususnya untuk masyarakat Desa Pakraman yang sejahtera, Lembaga Perkreditan Desa tidakmemberikan pelayanan diluar dari wilayah Desa Pakraman tempat Lembaga Perkreditan Desa yang bersangkutan melakukan operasional. Pendirian Lembaga Perkreditan Desa sudah dilaksanakan serta keberadaannya diatur didalam Peraturan Daerah yaitu PERDA Provinsi Bali Nomor 8 Tahun 2002 mengenai LPD, yang saat ini sudah tergantikan jadi PERDA Provinsi Bali Nomor 3 Tahun 2017. Peraturan Daerah itu berisikan aturan tentang syarat–syarat mendirikan Lembaga Perkreditan Desa. Adapun rumusan masalahnya yaitu: 1) Bagaimana kedudukan hukum LPD didalam sistem Lembaga Keuangan Mikro? 2) Bagaimana peran LPD didalam sistem Lembaga Keuangan Mikro? Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian hukum normatif. Sumber bahan hukum yang akan digunakan yakni sumber penelitian dari bahan primer, sekunder dan tersier. Teknik pengumpulan bahan hukum primer ataupun sekunder terkumpul berdasar topik masalah yang sudah dibuat rumusannya menggunakan sistem bola salju serta disklasifikasi menurut sumber juga hierarki agar disajikan dengan lengkap. Analisa bahan hukum dengan interprestasi hukum dan disajikan didalam bentuk deskripsi analisis. Kedudukan hukum LPD yang memiliki basis masyarakat hukum adat di Bali didalam sistim Lembaga Keuangan Mikro berdasarkan UU Nomor 10 Tahun 1998 mengenai Perbankan yaitu tidak bisa disamakan. LPD memiliki fungsi yang sangat penting karena sampai saat ini sudah melakukan pelayanan UMK serta masyarakat pedesaan di Bali lewat layanan jasa keuangan yang dilaksanakan menyesuaikan kebutuhan pelanggan, pendekatan personal, juga dekatnya lokasi dengan pelanggan.

THE EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF INNOVATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTREPRISES OF DRIED FISH PROCESSING IN BENGKULU CITY

This research aimed to analyze the influence of the characteristics of innovation, internal and external factors to the adoption of innovation and analyze the influence adoption of innovation on the performance of small micro enterprises (MSEs) processing of dried fish in the city of Bengkulu. The influence of the adoption of innovation and the factors that influence the performance of the analysis was done by using SEM (Structural Equation Model). The results showed that the innovation of dried fish processing in Bengkulu City, which is the use of para-para tool and packaging, has the characteristics of relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and good observability. Innovation has a low level of complexity by a simpler way of usage than others. Individual characteristics of dried fish artisans have a significant positive effect on the adoption of innovation. The largest contributing variable that reflects individual characteristics is training. The business characteristic variable does not affect the adoption of innovation because of the increasing characteristics of the business requirements, which demands better innovation from the current ones. The environmental drive variable has no significant effect on the adoption of innovation. Although high competition variables reflect environmental variables, competitors from outside the region have their own market share. Government support variables have a significant positive effect on the adoption of innovation. The adoption of innovation has a significant effect on the performance of dried fish processing MSEs in Bengkulu City, where the para-para indicator has bigger contribution than the packaging and the productivity variable has a bigger effect than the sales in reflecting the performance variable of MSE’s dried fish processing in Bengkulu City. Keywords: characteristics of innovation, adoption of innovation, business performance, SEM, MSE

Strategic Alliances between Sharia Microfinance Institutions and Financial Technology in Strengthening Small Micro Enterprises (MSEs)

<p class="Abstract">Sharia microfinance and financial technology have a very significant role as an effective solution for accessing finance for small and micro-enterprises (MSEs). The research aims to investigate the business model used, type of contracts employed, other legal aspects, and the risk mitigation dimension involved. By utilizing qualitative methods and critically analyzing a specific case study related a business model by the alliances between PT Ammana Fintech Sharia and a sharia microfinance institution, BMT Syahida Ikaluin. In generating the data, <em>interviews</em> with several experts and practitioners. The study found that the business model used was based on crowdfunding, compliant with sharia principles dan has a strong basis both in positive law and Islamic edict (<em>fatwa)</em>. The research showed that the strategic alliance between a sharia microfinance institution and financial technology is capable of strengthening access to capital sources for small and micro-enterprises. It also improves community financial literacy and financial inclusion. This research could contribute to the creation of innovative products concerning sharia microfinance and sharia financial technology. Furthermore, it could also become a benchmark in formulating policies to strengthen these strategic institutional alliances.<em></em></p><p class="Abstract"><br /><em></em></p><p class="Abstract"><br /><em></em></p>

SOSIALISASI FASILITAS KREDIT USAHA MIKRO DAN KREDIT USAHA RAKYAT DI ARSO XIV KABUPATEN KEEROM

The Purpose of community devotion is 1) to know and understand the banking products. 2) to knowand understand the credit facilities of MICRO Enterprises (KUM) and credit People's Business(KUR) PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) TBK.Based on the results of the community service made to the community of dragon fruit farmers inArso XIV Keerom District can be concluded the following things: 1). The banking office can beunderstood through the submission of the lecturer who is devoted to the community and the speakerof the employee Micro Banking Manager PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero). Tbk. Introduction of thelecturer on the purpose and objectives.Explaining the meaning of the Bank is a business entity that raises funds from the community in theform of deposits and reorganized funds that have been compiled through Giro deposits, savings anddeposits to the community in the form of loans (loanable Fund) for conventional banks. Forconventional banks can provide interest-charged loans and other lending services in the form ofadministrative fees, provision fees, and commissions. In The material delivery to the people of thedragon fruit farmers in ARSO XIV Keerom District in this case the mothers in ARSO XIV of KeeromDistrict are very motivated in understanding and can distinguish Micro Business credit (KUM) andthe People's Business Credit (KUR) FROM PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) TBK, so that it can developa community business through the facilities of the People's Business Credit (KUR) from PT. BankMandiri (Persero) TBK

Sosialisasi Fasilitas Kredit Usaha Mikro Dan Kredit Usaha Rakyat di Arso XIV Kabupaten Keerom

The Purpose of community devotion is 1) to know and understand the banking products. 2) to know and understand the credit facilities of MICRO Enterprises (KUM) and credit People's Business (KUR) PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) TBK. Based on the results of the community service made to the community of dragon fruit farmers in Arso XIV Keerom District can be concluded the following things: 1). The banking office can be understood through the submission of the lecturer who is devoted to the community and the speaker of the employee Micro Banking Manager PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero). Tbk. Introduction of the lecturer on the purpose and objectives. Explaining the meaning of the Bank is a business entity that raises funds from the community in the form of deposits and reorganized funds that have been compiled through Giro deposits, savings and deposits to the community in the form of loans (loanable Fund) for conventional banks. For conventional banks can provide interest-charged loans and other lending services in the form of administrative fees, provision fees, and commissions. In The material delivery to the people of the dragon fruit farmers in ARSO XIV Keerom District in this case the mothers in ARSO XIV of Keerom District are very motivated in understanding and can distinguish Micro Business credit (KUM) and the People's Business Credit (KUR) FROM PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) TBK, so that it can develop a community business through the facilities of the People's Business Credit (KUR) from PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) TBK

One Size Does Not Fit All: Evaluating the Relationship Between Microenterprise Measurement and Policy Evaluation

Researchers and economic development practitioners regard microenterprises (MEs) as pivotal actors for economic development, poverty alleviation, and job creation. Notwithstanding the importance of MEs in the economy, and even though the discussion of these terms can be traced back as early as the 1920s, there is no consistent definition of Mes; thus, there is no consensus on the appropriate measurement and criteria that should be used to evaluate microenterprise performance. Two of the most commonly accepted standards to determine firm size are the number of employees and total annual revenues. Although there is a growing body of research conducted on microenterprise performance using the employment criteria to determine the firm size, fewer studies have used the revenue criteria. These criteria will be compared using a regional activity model at different units of geographic scale (state, county, and census tract level) using US data. Initial results suggest that there are no statistically significant changes in the estimated model when the criteria are changed for the same geographic unit of scale. However, for the same criteria (employment-based or revenue-based), a change in the unit of geographic aggregation produces different and sometimes contradictory results. These results imply that evaluations of MEs and their factors are more sensitive to scale than to criteria, raising awareness that for proper program evaluation, the unit of data aggregation matters.

Implementasi Iptek untuk Standardisasi, Pemasaran, dan Distribusi Produk Kerajinan Sulaman Kain Karawo bagi Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah (UMKM) di Kabupaten Gorontalo

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF IPTEK (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) OF PRODUCT STANDARDIZATION, MARKETING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF KARAWO FABRIC EMBROIDERY CRAFTS AT GROUP OF MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES OF GORONTALO DISTRICT. Community service through a development program of Karawo embroidery as the regional competitive product was conducted in Religious Tourism Village of Bongo in Gorontalo District. The program was focused on a gradual and measurable concrete effort in improving Community Economic Empowerment. Specific targets that should be achieved through the program were product standardization, marketing, and distribution. In implementing the program, it is necessary to have a method which is able to achieve the targeted results. Thus, the applied approach method was unique and different which encompassed: 1) determination of the solved problem priority scale, 2) doing reconstruction and improvement gradually, 3) improvement based on local community character approach, 4) implementation of science and technology. Based on the study of the implementation of science and technology, the result showed that: 1) the implementation of science and technology of Karawo product standardization could give a limit of product quality based on market need, price, and product users. 2) The implementation of science and technology of marketing through the use of social media could improve market demand for the varied product of Karawo in local and national level. 3) The implementation of science and technology of distribution of varied product to consumers performed through online media and transportation could distribute varied product to the consumers. Overall, it was concluded that the implementation of science and technology by university/ college had given real contribution to the effort of improvement of empowerment and welfare of the community.

Interactions among Factors Affecting Micro Entrepreneur Performance in Sarawak, Malaysia

Micro enterprise plays important role in achieving Malaysia’s Vision 2020. Micro enterprises constitute about 76.5% of all businesses in Malaysia and employ over 1.2 million employees. In this regard, out of the total 907,065 Malaysian SMEs, 693,670 (78.7%) business foundations have been identified as micro enterprises (MEs) (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2016). Hence, this paper analyses the factors affect the micro-entrepreneur’s firm performance in Sarawak Malaysia. The research is based on 373 sample respondents from all over Sarawak with non-probability sampling and structured questionnaire had been used to collect response from the respondents. In terms of gender, female (67.8%) respondents clearly outnumbered the male (32.2%) respondents. AIM only offered loans to female micro entrepreneur while TEKUN and SEDC offered loans to both genders. The highest group of the micro entrepreneurs sampled in the present study, namely, more than one-third (39.8%), fell into the age group of 26 to 36. The lowest age group was 59 to 69 (5%). The respondents in this research were mostly micro entrepreneurs with more than two-thirds were educated up to secondary level MCE/SPM/SPMV (38%) and lower secondary level LCE/SRP/PMR (27%). Not even a quarter of the respondents were educated up to post-secondary and tertiary level education. Nevertheless, there were also a small number of them who had postgraduate qualifications, namely, Master’s degree (0.5%) and Ph.D. (0.3%). The survey findings further revealed that the two identified factors (age and financial management knowledge) are significantly associated with micro entrepreneur compare to education level. The outcomes of this research can benefit the decision makers such as governments, microfinance institutions and other related institutions to support micro entrepreneur not only for poverty provision but also successful in firm performance.