Provision Of Business Information Research Articles

Business accounting and information support through the QR- coding system

Business accounting and information support through the QR- coding system

Kinerja Dinas Perindustrian dan Perdagangan Sumatera Utara Dalam Memperkuat Industri Kecil Menengah di Kota Medan

The small business sector is one industry that is essential to the economy. Some of them take in workers, which greatly boosts local income. comparable to what occurred in Medan. One of the biggest cities in Indonesia is Medan, which ranks third after Jakarta and Surabaya. It cannot be separated from the difficulties SMEs face, though. There are many difficulties, such as a lack of tools and knowledge. In order to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the city of Medan has implemented various performance and policy measures. The research methodology of choice is qualitative. The author ran an apprenticeship program at the North Sumatra province's industry and commerce office to gauge how successfully the government was handling this issue. According to the study's findings, specific instances of this performance include: 1) providing funds, 2) maintaining and improving infrastructure, 3) providing business information, 4) fostering networking relationships, 5) issuing business licenses, 6) offering business opportunities, 7) enhancing businesses, and 8) providing assistance to the community. Keywords : Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Performance, and Medan City

Can digital financial inclusion promote female entrepreneurship? Evidence and mechanisms

Female entrepreneurship is important for business and economic development. However, women face greater obstacles than men in accessing financing and information, making it more difficult for them to engage in entrepreneurship. This paper examines the impact of digital financial inclusion on female entrepreneurship by using a national sample consisting of matched data from a digital financial inclusion index and a nationally representative survey. The results show that digital financial inclusion significantly promotes women’s entrepreneurial behavior. We find that digital financial inclusion can ease women’s financing constraints and provide business information to alleviate their information constraints. Furthermore, the development of digital financial inclusion improves women’s work flexibility, inspiring them to engage in entrepreneurship. In addition, digital financial inclusion has a greater effect on entrepreneurship among vulnerable women, such as those with less education or a lack of financial autonomy and those living in areas with high gender inequality, which supports the idea that digital financial inclusion can empower women.

Public Library as a Source of Business Information for Small-Scale Business Enterprises in Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study investigated public library as a source of business information for small-scale business enterprises in Nigeria. Six states in the Southwest region of Nigeria were used for the study, while purposive sampling was used to select forty small-scale businesses from each of the states, which brought the population of the study to 240. As a survey research, a questionnaire was used for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that information on sources of business funding was the major information need of small-scale businesses, while books were the most available information sources in the public library. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others, that government should provide more funding to support small-scale businesses; and that public libraries should acquire more information sources particularly those on sources of business funding, to complement available ones. The study contributes to literature and its empirical data will be useful to policymakers on how to reposition public libraries for effective provision of business information to small-scale business people.

METHODOLOGY OF ENTERPRISE’S RESOURCE STRATEGY STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS: COMPETITIVE RATING

Introduction.The article deals with the basic structural elements of strategic planning at the motor transport enterprises, especially in the conditions of the international political processes related to the global crisis and the anti-Russian sanctions, which would affect the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises. Such situation forces to look for competitive advantages sources in the composition of resources to determine the direction of investment, without which the way out of the crisis would drag on. It is impossible to retain competitive advantages for a long time by representing the existing speed of technology change. Therefore, the task of monitoring and rapid response to changing complex potential as a combination of various resources becomes urgent.Materials and methods.Key competencies are found only by comparison with competitors in a wellorganized regional information system, capable of accumulating and providing business information on demand for the development of civilized business relations in the transport field. In addition, the process of the enterprise competitive rating monitoring as a structural element of the resource strategy methodology based on the integration-priority approach allows determining its key competencies.Results.Basing on the factor analysis’ usage, the model, in which the final indicator (competitive rating of the enterprise) is decomposed according to the types of potentials, is presented. Consideration as a competitive advantage of enterprise resources’ type satisfies the idea accepted initially in the resource theory.Discussion and conclusions. Technology monitoring of competitive rating implies the creation of the response center, which would control the indicators’ dynamic responsible for the complex potential magnitude.

How public libraries in Meru County, Kenya, address the business information needs of small-scale enterprises

The purpose of the study was to explore how public libraries in Meru County, Kenya, address the information needs of small-scale business enterprises (SBEs) in the region. It was carried out from 2013 to 2015. A quantitative approach and survey research design were adopted to collect data from SBE traders and staff from three public libraries in Meru County. The study found that the business information needs of SBEs are myriad, sector-specific and cut across all stages of business development. These needs are fulfilled by consulting informal information resources and places. The few SBEs traders who were using public libraries for business information expressed high levels of satisfaction. The study concludes that public libraries have facilitative and functional roles of providing business information to SBEs by collaborating with like-minded stakeholders. The study recommends symmetrical dissemination of business information and the re-positioning of public libraries as community development centers by providing value-based and sector-specific business information solutions.

Usability Evaluation for Business Intelligence Applications: A User Support Perspective

Business Intelligence (BI) applications provide business information to drive decision support. Usability is one of the factors determining the optimal use and eventual benefit derived from BI applications. The documented need for more BI usability research together with the practical necessity for BI evaluation guidelines in the mining industry provides the rationale for this study. The purpose of the study was to investigate the usability evaluation of BI applications in the context of a coal mining organization. The research is guided by the question: How can existing usability criteria be customized to evaluate the usability of BI applications. The research design included user observation, heuristic evaluation and a survey. Based on observations made during user support on a BI application used at a coal mining organization a log of usability issues was compiled. The usability issues extracted from this log was compared and contrasted with general usability criteria from literature to synthesize an initial set of BI usability evaluation criteria. These criteria were used as the basis for a heuristic evaluation of the BI application used at the coal mining organization. The same BI application was also evaluated using the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) standardized questionnaire. The results from the two evaluations were triangulated and then compared with the BI user issues again to contextualize the findings and synthesize a validated and refined set of criteria. The main contribution of the study is the usability evaluation criteria for BI applications presented as guidelines. These guidelines deviate from existing evaluation guidelines in the emphasis on information architecture, learnability and operability.

A Study on Providing Business Information of Public Libraries : Focused on the Public Libraries of USA

A Study on Providing Business Information of Public Libraries : Focused on the Public Libraries of USA

Beyond Marshallian Agglomeration Economies: The Roles of Trade Associations in Meiji Japan

In both developed Western nations and developing countries, economic growth was based on the development of industrial districts, which were much more organized and institutionalized in modern Japan than economist Alfred Marshall had described. Local trade associations played an important role in enhancing Marshallian externalities, arising from the ease of imitating improved ideas and transacting unfinished products among clustered enterprises by facilitating joint actions in the supply of public goods, such as through the creation of local district brands and through the efficient provision of business information. These activities were clearly beyond the scope of agglomeration economies. This article examines the case of Kiryu, one of the best-known silk weaving districts in Japan.

XBRL, semantic web and web services

Computer and information technology innovations have revolutionised how business is conducted and how information is exchanged across systems. Technologies, such as eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), semantic web and web services, have emerged to transform the landscape of business information provision, exchange and consumption. The focus of this paper is to investigate the connections among these technologies, and to further discuss their joint impact upon the business information interchange. Specifically, this paper presents bridging XBRL to semantic web and semantic web services as future technological trends, which will affect business information automation, currency, availability, transparency, accuracy, relevancy, system flexibility and adaptability, and the corporate communication model.

Proposed Business Information System Design (BISD) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Uganda

The article reports the study conducted in northern Uganda to design a Business Information System (BIS) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A study by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2005, 30) established that the majority of business enterprises depend on “word of mouth”. There is no meaningful mechanism for accessing relevant information on business resources, a considerable amount of which is available in Uganda. Based on this documented fact, there is a need to establish the requirements for a BIS and to propose one. By using descriptive research design this study establishes the business information system requirements and recommends the appropriate BIS for the SMEs in northern Uganda. The study establishes, among other things: the preferred business information processing formats, most appropriate location of the proposed BIS centre in northern Uganda and views on BIS for efficient business information provision. The study recommends that as part of the strategy to facilitate access to the BIS, there should be the adoption of Internet-based services with the integration of an interactive business planner, an online small business workshop, the business start-up assistant; telephone services; fax services and in-person services. There should also be a feedback mechanism coordinated from the Gulu district; the coordinating centre and the system interface should be flexible allowing the acquisition of business information from both the micro and macro levels.

Business activities and information needs of SMEs in northern Uganda

PurposeThis article is a result of part of a doctoral study in the University of South Africa on the topic business information systems (BIS) design for Uganda's economic development: the case of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in northern Uganda conducted between 2004 and 2007. The study was conducted to establish the characteristics of the SMEs, business activities, business information needs and recommend the important business information needs required for BIS for poor country or region. It was carried out on the assumption that businesses in northern Uganda are lagging behind because of lack of a BIS that could facilitate efficient and effective business information access. This article aims to discuss this subject.Design/methodology/approachThe descriptive survey research design was used to collect the required data using structured questionnaires and semi‐structured interview guide. A sample size of 251 SMEs, 75 information providers and 25 business policy makers in northern Uganda were used. Quantitative data obtained were analysed using Epi Info and SPSS while the qualitative data by use of content analysis technique.FindingsThe findings reveal that SMEs in northern Uganda have varying background and are engaged in diverse/varied business activities with varying business information needs that require a multifaceted approach in the provision of business information. The study recommends that a BIS unique to the SMEs in northern Uganda be designed to provide among others business legal information, business technical information, business economic information, business contacts information and business management skills information.Originality/valueNo research has been carried out on the business information activities and needs of SMEs in northern Uganda with a view to design BIS. The findings of the study will help to shape the planning and implementation of strategic interventions to transform northern Uganda using information as a catalyst for development.

Assessment of Business Information Access Problems in Uganda

Uganda's economy has great potential. Endowed with significant natural resources, including ample fertile land, regular rainfall, and mineral deposits, it appeared poised for rapid economic growth and development at independence. However, chronic political instability and erratic economic management produced a record of persistent economic decline that left Uganda among the world's poorest and least-developed countries (United States, Bureau of African Affairs 2007). This situation can be averted by effectively promoting the involvement of the engine of economic growth, the SMEs in national and international businesses. The international involvement of SMEs requires accurate and adequate access to relevant business information. Based on that, a study was conducted to assess the problems SMEs face in accessing business information in Uganda. The study using a descriptive design with survey research techniques among others examined the problems SMEs in northern Uganda face in accessing business information; identified problems information providers face in providing business information to the SMEs in northern Uganda and established whether SMEs in northern Uganda use public libraries in accessing business information. The paper reports on among others the proposed strategic interventions for business information to be accessed by the SMEs . The paper concludes that there is a need for Uganda and, in particular, northern Uganda to develop a strategy for business information access by the SMEs.

Innovating for Success – the Future of Law Librarianship

AbstractWithin UK law firms, marketing or business development departments have traditionally been responsible for the provision of business information. Sue Lamond, from Addleshaw Goddard, explains how her firm differs in that the Information Services department is responsible for this provision. The department compiles company and sector profiles and analyses, and is directly involved in the pitch process for new work from clients, supporting client partners' information and development needs.

Business information services since 1990

Reviews the development of mediated professional business information provision, from the fee-based business information services of the 1980s to the present and future focus on refining, clarifying and classifying online services that are potentially directly available to end-users. Considers the range of influences that have brought about this shift including: the changing industrial structure; growth in internet use; financial and other pressures in libraries; and changes in government policy. Concludes that the library and information professional’s core skills remain valuable in the present changed economic and learning environment.

Information Handling Trends in Business Information Scenario: from Past to Present

Starts with the way of use of information by different business organizations in the changed information scenario as the requirements are changed. Discusses about the nature of information required for running the industries and various areas, components and steps in information handling. Emphasizes important aspects of online information services with the idea that information transfer among the business community is an important element for innovation. Also reflects new emerged professional “information brokers”. Concludes by giving examples of Centres for providing business information as National centre for Trade Information (NCTI) and United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Running a business information service for a rural community from a public library

The results of a case study of business information provision within Norfolk Library and Information Service (NLIS), UK is reported, with particular reference to the relationship between the Library system and the BusinessLink Norfolk Information Service. Particular attention is paid to the challenges faced by NLIS, in common with other UK public libraries, resulting from the competition between the resources needed for business information provision and those needed for other priority areas. The impact of the growthof a free Internet service and the electronic availability of publications on the provision of business information is assessed. A number of the issues that were found to be relevant to rural business information provision were also identified as being equally relevant library and information services in many other parts of the UK. A major area highlighted was the use or lack of use of information and communications technologies (ICT) by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Many SMEs are failing to make adequate use of the Internet-based information being made widely available by UK Government departments and other organizations. Librarians and information professionals have developed profound skills in the use of electronic resourcesand CMEs must be made aware of the potentially rich resources that are currently being under-utilized. It is concluded that the SMEs need help in accessing the support agencies and programmes that will enable them to develop and this is one area where the partnership between business information users and public library systems, such as NLIS, can pay dividends.

Knowledge Compass: Opening Windows, Punching Holes in Stovepipes, Forming Communities, Connecting People to People

Knowledge Compass: Opening Windows, Punching Holes in Stovepipes, Forming Communities, Connecting People to People

Public business libraries: the next chapter

Traces the history of the provision of business information by Leeds Public Libraries, UK, from the opening of the Public Commercial and Technical Library in 1918 to the revolutionary impact of the Internet in the 1990s. Describes how the Library came to terms with the need to integrate the Internet into its mainstream business information services, with particular reference to its limitations and to the provision of company information, market research, British Standards information, press cuttings and articles from specialized trade and scientific journals, and patents information. Focuses on some of the reasons why the public business library is still needed as a service to businesses, even after the introduction of the Internet and considers the Library’s changing role and the need to impress on all concerned, especially government, the continuing value of these services. Looks to the partnerships formed by the Library over the years and the ways in which these are expected to assist in realizing future opportunities, in particular, the fact that all public libraries in England gained free Internet access at the end of 2001. Offers some useful ideas about how the Library could develop, noting that SINTO, a Sheffield based information network formed in 1938 and originally a partnership between the public library, the two Sheffield universities and various leading steel companies of the time, is being examined as a model for future services in Leeds. Concludes that the way forward can be defined in terms of five actions: redefinition of priorities; marketing; budgets; resources; and the use of information technology (IT).

Corporate portals: realizing their promise, avoiding costly failure

Reviews selected issues involved in the deployment of intranets, with particular reference to those that have stimulated the development and adoption of corporate portal applications. Notes a questionnaire survey, conducted by Enterprise LSE, of 145 UK departments and agencies in late 1999 (report available from www.governmentonline.org), which showed that many intranets were not yielding the anticipated benefits. Discusses the genesis of corporate portals and lists the main features that these should include in terms of: content; communication; collaboration; customization; and currency. Notes the emergence of collaborative portal companies, business intelligence applications vendors, enterprise information/corporate portal (EIP) vendors, portal framework vendors, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendors. Describes the issues to be considered when selecting a corporate portal solution, including: product functionalities; pre-sales; costs; external source integration; and the impact on the provision of business information. Corporate portal vendors are becoming aware of the importance of providing effective integration, but may well decide to work with a selected number of vendors to reduce the technical integration issues. Concludes that, although corporate portal applications have been marketed for a couple of years, they are still in their infancy. Business information managers must make an effort to understanding the technology and benefits of corporate portal applications.