Small And Medium-sized Enterprises In Industry Research Articles

Determinants of Cloud Computing Adoption Amongst SMEs in the UK Technology Sector

Cloud computing has become a transformative technological model for businesses, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the embracing of cloud solutions amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the UK technology sector, has been varied. This research aims to identify and examine the significant determinants influencing cloud computing adoption among SMEs in this dynamic industry. Grounded in the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study employed a quantitative methodology, surveying 102 SMEs across software development, IT services, and emerging technologies. The findings revealed that technological factors (IT infrastructure compatibility, technical skills), organizational factors (top management support, financial resources, employee readiness), and environmental factors (competitive pressures, industry practices) significantly influenced cloud adoption decisions. Notably, organizational factors emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by technological factors, while environmental factors had a weaker but significant impact. The regression model states that 59% of the variance in cloud adoption is explained. The study provided insights into the evolving priorities and shifts in factor importance between early and later cloud adopters. Recommendations are offered for SMEs, cloud providers, policymakers, and industry bodies to facilitate successful cloud migration journeys for technology SMEs in the UK. This research contributes to the understanding of the factors driving the adoption of cloud computing.

Role of Intellectual Capital in Mediating the Impact of Knowledge Management and Innovation in the Halal Batik Industry of Yogyakarta

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of intellectual capital in mediating the impact of knowledge management and motivation on halal small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the batik industry in Yogyakarta. Research on the mediating role of intellectual capital is still relatively novel in Indonesia. The study of the batik industry is particularly compelling, given that batik is an intangible asset recognized as UNESCO's cultural heritage, yet there is a noticeable decline in export value year by year. By focusing on halal batik SMEs, this study aims to explore how halal certification can enhance the market appeal and export potential of these businesses. The initial step of this research involves collecting data related to the research variables by distributing questionnaires to batik entrepreneurs in Yogyakarta. Subsequently, tests are conducted using PLS to analyze the results, examining the role of intellectual capital in mediating the impact of knowledge management and motivation on halal SMEs in the batik industry in Yogyakarta. The findings aim to provide insights into how intellectual capital can influence the sustainability and growth of batik enterprises, potentially offering strategies to counteract the declining export values and enhance the overall performance of these culturally significant businesses

Role of Intellectual Capital in Mediating the Impact of Knowledge Management and Innovation in the Halal Batik Industry of Yogyakarta

This study aims to investigate the role of intellectual capital in mediating the impact of knowledge management and motivation on halal small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the batik industry in Yogyakarta. Research on the mediating role of intellectual capital is still relatively novel in Indonesia. The study of the batik industry is particularly compelling, given that batik is an intangible asset recognized as UNESCO's cultural heritage. However, there is a noticeable decline in export value year by year. By focusing on halal batik SMEs, this study explores how halal certification can enhance these businesses' market appeal and export potential. The initial step of this research involves collecting data related to the research variables by distributing questionnaires to batik entrepreneurs in Yogyakarta. Subsequently, tests are conducted using PLS to analyze the results, examining the role of intellectual capital in mediating the impact of knowledge management and motivation on halal SMEs in the batik industry in Yogyakarta. The findings provide insights into how intellectual capital can influence the sustainability and growth of batik enterprises, offering strategies to counteract the declining export values and enhance the overall performance of these culturally significant businesses. Originality/Value: Unlike prior research, which focuses on global views and big industry, this study provides valuable insights for halal SMEs, particularly in the batik industry. The findings aim to elucidate how intellectual capital impacts the sustainability and growth of halal batik enterprises. It seeks to offer strategies to mitigate declining export values and enhance the overall performance of these culturally significant businesses, with a particular emphasis on leveraging the opportunities presented by halal certification.

The Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence in the Forklift Industry—An Analysis for the Case of Romania

This paper investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the forklift industry, focusing on logistics and procurement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with seven managers from a benchmarked company in the forklift industry (BCFI) and quantitative analysis of operational data, we examine the transformative effects of AI integration. Key findings include a 30% reduction in inventory holding costs due to AI-powered predictive analytics; a 15% decrease in procurement costs through AI-driven supplier evaluation systems; a 25% increase in operational efficiency from AI-optimized route planning; a 40% boost in overall productivity attributed to AI-enabled automation; and a projected 20% reduction in low-skilled labor requirements over the next five years. The study employs environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), balanced scorecard (BSC), benchmarking, and activity-based management (ABM) models to analyze risks and implications of AI integration. A case study of a leading Romanian SME in the forklift industry is presented, examining financial strategies using McKinsey’s 7S framework. The paper concludes that while AI offers significant operational benefits, it also presents challenges in workforce transition and ethical considerations that require careful management.

Factors affecting sustainability of SMEs in the culinary industry during the COVID-19 period

This research attempts to investigate elements such as products, prices, shifting target markets, online advertising, capital, and accounting understanding of the sustainability of the food industry during the COVID-19 Period, Bintaro Modern Market. Micro-scale business players in the culinary industry at Bintaro Modern Market served as the study's population, and there were 129 participants. As a measurement analysis method with a structural model in this work, researchers employed partial least squares (PLS). A direct survey and the usage of a google form are the methods employed in this descriptive and quantitative research kind. The findings of this study show that the variables, such as products, prices, and changes in consumer preferences, are factors that impact the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the culinary industry. This research provides unique long-term value by analyzing how micro-scale culinary businesses adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 period. Focusing on key elements like products, prices, shifting target markets, online advertising, capital, and accounting understanding, it identifies critical factors influencing the sustainability of SMEs in the food industry. The study fills a gap in the literature on the pandemic's impact on this sector and offers actionable insights for crisis management and sustainable practices in micro-scale enterprises, benefiting both policymakers and entrepreneurs globally.

How Can Industrial SMEs Achieve Sustainability through Cleaner Production? Green Marketing’s Role as a Mediator

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to adhere to sustainable standards and gain a sustained competitive edge, green marketing and cleaner production are increasingly imperative. Green marketing has grown a lot in popularity in the present market, which makes it possible to rebrand and repackage existing products. This study looks at how green marketing in Algerian industrial SMEs might help achieve sustainability through cleaner production. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS 4 softwareV.4.1.0.8 and structural equation modeling. With a mediation effect of 47.4%—higher than the direct impact of cleaner production on sustainability—the study’s conclusion is that green marketing strongly mediates the relationship between cleaner production and sustainability. This suggests that by combining green marketing with cleaner production methods, SMEs can reap significant profits. In accordance with their financial and environmental goals, SMEs can effectively incorporate cleaner production methods and green marketing with the help of the research’s practical recommendations.

PERSEPSI PELAKU UMKM INDUSTRI FURNITURE DALAM MENINGKATKAN DAYA SAING USAHA DI ERA DIGITAL (Studi Kasus Pada Pelaku UMKM di Kota Tangerang Selatan)

This study aims to explore the perceptions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the furniture industry regarding enhancing business competitiveness in the digital era (a case study of SMEs in South Tangerang City). This research employs a qualitative method to gain in-depth understanding through data collection techniques including observation, documentation, and interviews, using a semi-structured interview format based on a predetermined interview guide with several informants from the furniture industry SMEs in South Tangerang City. The analysis of the interviews revealed that the strategies employed to improve competitiveness in the digital era focus on maintaining product quality, utilizing social media and e-commerce, and building good relationships with customers. Although some business actors have started using digital platforms, many still rely on traditional methods. Challenges such as price competition and the impact of political situations are also faced, but these are addressed through innovation, product differentiation, and strategic adaptation. While there have been efforts to leverage digital opportunities, there remains room for further development in the use of technology and more effective online marketing strategies.

Determinants of SMEs' strategic entrepreneurial innovative digitalization: examining the mediation role of human capital

PurposeThis study was inspired by research of strategists on strategic innovation (SI), aiming to provide a unique model to enhance the digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh to fill the gap toward a digital economy.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to collect data from 180 SMEs in the manufacturing industry for this research. The results indicate that strategic innovativeness (SI), human capital (HC), infrastructure and technology and resistance to change significantly influence the digitalization in Bangladesh SMEs.FindingsThe link between SI and SMEs' digitalization in Bangladesh is mediated by HC. The results show that HC plays a big role in the connection between SI and the digitalization of SMEs. This study may be valuable for SMEs managers, researchers and policymakers in Bangladesh and other developing nations, who want to learn more about SI in adopting digitalization.Originality/valueThe specialized knowledge and abilities of strategists allow them to establish parallels between the past and present, enabling them to make a sustained forecast about the digital economy. This study encourages small and medium-sized businesses to develop their SI and advance their HC, which could further deject resistance to change toward enhancing and adopting digitalization in SMEs sectors.

The role of flexibility, digitalization, and crisis response strategy for SMEs: Case of COVID-19

ABSTRACT We explore the impact of COVID-19 on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and examine how crisis management strategies, particularly related to flexibility and digitalization, have influenced their responses during and after the pandemic. In this regard, we investigate the relationships between strategic flexibility, digitalization, digital technology adoption, COVID-19 perception, and firm strategy after the pandemic by specifically incorporating the mediating role of the crisis response strategy. Based on a survey of 206 Turkish SMEs in manufacturing and service industries, our research employs structural equation modeling using Smart PLS. Our findings indicate that crisis response strategies play a significant role in shaping the firm strategy after COVID-19, mediating the impact of strategic flexibility, digitalization, digital technology adoption, and COVID-19 perception. The findings highlight the importance of crisis response strategies—including optimizing business models, developing marketing channels, investing in technological innovation, diversifying into new business areas, and integrating the supply chain—during the COVID-19 period. These strategies are crucial influencers in shaping the firm strategies of SMEs beyond the pandemic. In particular, SMEs demonstrate adaptation by reassessing and restructuring their product portfolios, expanding their presence in regional markets, and establishing strategic collaborations to thrive in the evolving business landscape.

Institutional Quality and Internationalization: Empirical Evidence from Manufacturing SMEs in Vietnam

This paper assesses how the local institutional environment affects the internationalization of manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam, exploiting a multi-dimensional institutional index and large-scale enterprise data. The authors find that the internationalization of manufacturing SMEs was influenced by several institutional aspects, such as the transparency of local authorities, access to land, informal charges, and local labor policies. Improvements in these institutional aspects can substantially enhance participation in international trade and its magnitude. This pattern diverges from their large and foreign counterparts, whose trade participation is primarily affected by land access and the transparency of local authorities. Additionally, the authors find heterogeneous effects of the institutional environment on SMEs in different manufacturing industries. Heavy industries rely more on the costs of entry and time costs, while land access is crucial for SMEs in manufacturing industries that require large-sized factories. Our findings suggest that the government should provide a supportive institutional environment to SMEs, which will lead to higher international participation and boost domestic economic growth.

Challenges for the development of sustainable SMEs in the cement industry: a SWARA–WASPAS approach

Purpose This study aims to examine the obstacles and approaches to achieving sustainable development in India’s cement solid and hollow brick production business, with a specific emphasis on incorporating the triple bottom line (TBL) concept into strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Using the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA)–weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) approach, the study prioritized 11 economic, 9 environmental and 14 social sustainability indicators based on information collected from literature and expert opinions. Findings The study provides valuable insights into the difficulties encountered by SMEs while implementing strategies that focus on the TBL. By putting emphasis on the sustainability criteria, the key areas that require attention to promote sustainability get identified and addressed. Research limitations/implications The study’s focus on SMEs in this industry limits its generalizability. To have a more complete picture, future studies may include many areas. Practical implications The identified and prioritised sustainability characteristics help small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) design strategies to address sustainable development concerns. The research findings could also inform policymakers and regulatory bodies about the challenges faced by SMEs in the cement and brick production sector regarding sustainability. It could highlight the need for supportive policies and regulations to promote sustainable practices and incentivize SMEs to adopt the TBL approach. The paper can offer practical insights for SME owners and managers on integrating sustainability principles into their business strategies. Actionable recommendations and best practices for enhancing environmental performance, social impact and economic viability within the context of cement and brick production are outlined. Social implications TBL policies improve the sustainability and profitability of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) and promote environmentally and socially responsible practices that benefit the industry and society. The research paper may facilitate greater engagement and collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the cement and brick production industry, including SMEs, larger corporations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities. This cooperative approach can encourage open communication, the establishment of trust and coordinated actions to tackle sustainability challenges, ultimately improving social cohesion and collaboration. Originality/value This study provides new and valuable insights by investigating the development of TBL strategies in SMEs in the cement solid and hollow brick manufacturing sector in India. The utilization of the SWARA–WASPAS technique brings novelty to research on sustainable development in this field.

Management innovation, digital capacity and enterprise innovation performance

Purpose Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are key players in economic activities. Yet little research focuses on their management innovation’s effect on innovation performance, this paper explores the impact of three sub-dimensions of management innovation (new organizational structure, new processes and new practices) on innovation performance (innovation outcome performance and innovation process performance) of SMEs in the manufacturing industry. It elucidates the mediating role of external knowledge search (search depth and search breadth) and identifies the moderating effect of digital capability.Design/methodology/approach By collecting primary data through a questionnaire survey, this paper employs Mplus and SPSS to analyze data.FindingsThis paper finds that management innovation positively affects innovation performance, with a greater impact on innovation outcome performance. Search breadth partially mediates the relationship between new organizational structure and innovation performance. Digital capability positively moderates the positive relationship between management innovation and external knowledge search.Originality/value The theoretical contribution of this study is to supplement the research on the consequences of management innovation and to improve the theoretical relationship between management innovation and external knowledge search based on firm behavior theory.

Eco-sustainable practices through strategic HRM: A review and framework for SMEs in the creative industries

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of eco-sustainable practices in the business world, particularly within the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the creative industries. This review presents a comprehensive review and framework for integrating eco-sustainability into the strategic human resource management (HRM) practices of SMEs in the creative industries. The creative industries, encompassing sectors such as design, advertising, fashion, and media, play a significant role in shaping cultural trends and consumer behavior. However, these industries also have a substantial environmental footprint, stemming from resource-intensive production processes, waste generation, and high energy consumption. Recognizing these challenges, there is a growing imperative for SMEs in the creative industries to adopt eco-sustainable practices. Strategic HRM offers a promising approach for integrating eco-sustainability into the core operations of SMEs. By aligning HRM practices with the organization's sustainability goals, SMEs can foster a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation among employees. This review presents a framework that outlines the key dimensions of eco-sustainable HRM, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, and employee engagement. Effective recruitment and selection processes are crucial for attracting individuals who align with the organization's sustainability values. Training and development initiatives can equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to implement eco-friendly practices in their roles. Performance management systems should include sustainability metrics to evaluate employee contributions to eco-sustainable goals. Additionally, fostering employee engagement through communication, participation, and recognition can enhance commitment to eco-sustainability initiatives. Through the integration of eco-sustainable practices into strategic HRM, SMEs in the creative industries can not only reduce their environmental impact but also gain a competitive edge by appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and investors. This review provides a roadmap for SMEs seeking to navigate the intersection of sustainability and human resource management, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally sustainable future for the creative industries.

Enhancing Industrial Digitalisation through an Adaptable Component for Bridging Semantic Interoperability Gaps

Digital transformation has a great effect on industries but also in the perception of their products with high consequences on society as a whole, as driver for innovation. However, there are still many barriers to the adoption of digital technologies, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In the present study we propose a new software component that facilitates the adoption of industrial reference architectures (RAs) based on the semantic interoperability concept. Among these RAs, FIWARE has become a key enabler for flexible and resource effective digitalisation of shop floor processes. The proposed software component aims to enable full interoperability between these more widely used technologies and industrial standards and protocols such as OPC UA. As a result, a flexible, open, and adaptable implementation assists the automatic translation of messages from different standards enabling semantic interoperability of shop floor processes. The component aims to enable industrial SMEs to bring current barriers to digitalisation towards a more human-centred, resilient, and sustainable industry and society.

Knowledge network reconstruction for manufacturing SMEs: from the inter-, internal- and network-level perspective

ABSTRACT Knowledge network reconstruction matters the innovation capability and developing orientation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We explore the paths of knowledge network reconstruction for SMEs in the manufacturing industry and the impact of multilevel factors on these paths. This research adopts the method of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on a sample of 287 manufacturing SMEs in China. The results show two types of paths – Capability & Information driven and Resource driven, which illustrate the importance of resource acquisition capability, and fsQCA enables the examination of configurational effects of different antecedents. This research integrates the views and factors from different levels of knowledge network reconstruction and discusses the conflicting arguments about factors in the existing literature. Furthermore, drawing on a configurational approach provides a more fitting path according to the situations of different enterprises, instead of a thorough investment.

Visualizing the Future of Knowledge Sharing in SMEs in the Construction Industry: A VOSviewer Analysis of Emerging Trends and Best Practices

This review paper systematically synthesizes existing literature on knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge transfer (KT) in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry, updating previous research and making predictions about emerging issues. The comprehensive literature review employs three different bibliometric techniques: (1) textual analysis of keywords and abstracts to identify relevant research areas, (2) cocitation analysis of references to analyze the evolution of KS and KT in SMEs, and (3) bibliographic linkage analysis of documents to summarize the background and results. The resulting conceptual map outlines the historical development of KS and KT at individual, group, and organizational levels in the construction industry. The study emphasizes the critical significance of KS and KT for SMEs in this industry. It highlights the role of innovation and open innovation in facilitating the successful implementation of KS and KT. The analysis also reveals the need for enhanced knowledge management in SMEs through better data management, implementation of digital systems for internal management, identification of inefficiencies in KT in collaborative networks, and adjustment of knowledge management approaches to suit different cultural and geographic contexts. Finally, the paper suggests future trends in KS and KT, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, technological capabilities, and developing a suitable organizational culture and structure for open innovation in the construction industry. This article offers an innovative approach to KS and KT in SMEs and practical recommendations for improving knowledge management and innovation capacity in construction-related businesses. Its systematic approach and focus on SMEs in the construction industry make it highly relevant for research and business practice.

A Collaboration Design Method for Facilitating SME Inclusion in Global Supply Chains

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face steep challenges in fulfilling sustainability and resilience requirements when joining global supply chains. These challenges often relate to lack of capabilities, accreditations and/or capacity demanded by OEMs and Tier 1 players in the process of forming a supply chain composition. To address some of the challenges and lower entry barriers for SMEs, this paper formalises a Collaboration Design Method (CDM) that can assemble and coordinate supplier teams responding to a tender from a large buyer. CDM comprises five recursive design decisions: (1) Decomposing tendering goals; (2) Assigning sub-goals to suppliers in a team; (3) Operationalizing sub-goals through supplier processes within a team; (4) Decomposing processes to identify steps that can be outsourced; and (5) Defining coordination mechanisms. Feedback from industrial SMEs indicates that CDM provides a viable approach to tame supply chain formation complexity and ease barriers that prevent SMEs from collaborating in global supply chains.

Analysis of Strategic Marketing in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Case of the Bakery Industry in Colombia

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are in a competitive system. The objective of the research was to analyze strategic marketing in SMEs in the bakery industry in the city of Barranquilla, for which a hypothesis is presented on the positive relationship between consumer behavior in relation to marketing strategies. Due to this, a categorical regression model was performed to test the hypotheses. The results showed that the industry analysis is more relevant for those companies that adopt a mature market strategy. The analysis of consumer buying behavior and the analysis of market demand dynamics prevail in the new markets strategy. Although product differentiation to achieve positioning is an important driver for companies that use growth market strategies, it is concluded that the consumer buying behavior hypothesis is valid because the analysis allows implementing differentiation actions that are included in strategic control, which is a complex thought process developed by top management.

Assessing the Contribution of Smes Towards the Industrial Development of Ogun State

This study delves into the vital role played by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in advancing the industrial development of Ogun State, Nigeria. SMEs are the backbone of the state's economic landscape, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and economic growth. Through a comprehensive analysis of SMEs in various industries, this research evaluates their impact on industrial development. The assessment encompasses factors such as job creation, local value addition, and technology transfer, shedding light on the multifaceted contributions of SMEs. Additionally, the study explores the challenges faced by these enterprises and the potential for policy interventions to further enhance their role in industrial development. The findings of this research are invaluable for policymakers, business owners, and stakeholders aiming to bolster the industrial sector of Ogun State. By understanding the diverse ways in which SMEs contribute to industrial development, strategic decisions and policies can be formulated to foster sustainable growth and economic prosperity in the state.

Environmental practice adoption in SMEs: The effects of firm proactive orientation and regulatory pressure

ABSTRACT Even with proven benefits of engaging in sustainability, and stakeholder and regulatory pressure to do so, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seldom adopt environmental practices beyond those required. To investigate why some SMEs adopt environmental practices while others do not, we studied the proactive orientation–environmental practices link and the moderation of regulatory pressure on this relationship. Based on a survey of 286 SMEs in the wine industry in Italy, France, Denmark, and the United States, we tested our model using regression analysis. We found support for our hypotheses on the positive proactive orientation-environmental practices link and the enhancing role of regulatory pressure. We conducted further supplementary exploratory analyses to examine these relationships among different types of environmental practices. The findings from our study offer new research directions regarding the nuanced roles of proactive orientation and regulatory pressure in motivating SMEs to adopt more environmental practices.