Small Scale Enterprises Research Articles

Staffing and the Development of Small Scale Enterprises in Owo Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria

Regardless of long list of responsibilities and functions that require sufficient number of employees of different professional background, enterprises most especially in developing countries are still manned by insufficient staff. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are now taken different steps to curb the situation and bridge the gap between the required staff and the existing ones. The study therefore seeks to investigate Staffing and the development of SMEs in Owo local government, Ondo State, Nigeria. The specific objective of the study is to determine the extent effect of recruitment and selection on productivity and examine the effect of Placement and orientation on the development of staff on the survival of selected SMEs in Owo local government. Survey research design which is quantitative approaches to the study was employed by the researcher. Questionnaire was used as means of selection of the respondents that included questions measuring perceptions of the respondent. The population of the study covers a total number of 1005 staff of twenty-three (23) Retails enterprises, ten (10) production small scale enterprise and eighty-one (81) agro allied enterprises, with a sample of six hundred and fifty (650) drawn from the population using Krejcie and Morgan (1970). The findings of the study revealed that recruitment and selection has significant impact on the survival of SMEs in Owo Local Government, Ondo State. The study also revealed that placement and orientation significantly affect SMEs productivity, most especially in the studied area, with R2 value of 0. 787, which indicate that placement which comprises of marching the right skill with the right job and familier staff with established rules and policies actually increase productivity. Therefore, it is recommended that SMEs should identify the need for adequate staff and recruit the right candidate for the job. It is also recommended that owners and/or management of SMEs should not just recruit for the recruitment sake but place them in the appropriate place within an organization to ensure and guarantee the continuity and the survival of the business. This is because, when employees when employees are placed where they are supposed to be or based on their profession, they will be able to demonstrate professionalism which bring about continuity SMEs in terms of development.

Prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in Gulele sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders particularly low back pain is significantly high among common informal or small-scale enterprises within developing countries like weaving. However, there is little information on risk factors for low back pain in the informal sector such as the weaving sector in the areas of Addis Ababa as well as in Ethiopia. Therefore this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of low back pain and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in the Gulele sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study with internal comparison was conducted from June 1, 2022, and August 30, 2022. A total of 660 traditional cloth weavers were included in the study by using a systematic random sampling method to select participants in each of cooperatives as well as individual households in 5 woredas in Gulele sub-city. The data was analyzed and managed using SPSS version 20. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control potential confounding factors and to determine the association. Among 660 (100%) respondents, 330 (50%) of them experienced low back pain after starting weaving. Out of the respondents with low back pain through their job career, 291 (44.1%) of them experienced low back pain during the last 12 months. Working greater than 8 h per day (AOR = 4.60, 95%CI: 2.35, 8.87), working with frequent bending (AOR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.49, 7.40), job stress (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.18, 2.40) were among factors significantly associated with the occurrence of low back pain. This study has shown a high prevalence of low back pain among traditional cloth weavers which indicates the need for immediate public health action. However, very small improvements in the working condition, weaving tools design, working methods can potentially lead to large benefits.

Proactive Adaptation Responses by Vulnerable Communities to Climate Change Impacts

We explored the proactive responses of local communities against locally experienced climate change impacts and anticipated threats. This study interviewed 124 rural households from three community forestry user groups representing three ecological regions of Nepal using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study used eight criteria to distinguish the proactive nature of adaptation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze data, including the use of a chi-square (χ2) test to determine the proactive measures and their association with livelihood options and the ordered logistic regression model to explain determining factors of choosing proactive adaptations. The results indicate that 83.9% of households adapted both proactive and reactive measures, while 10.5% applied solely reactive adaptation and 5.6% were earmarked only for proactive adaptation measures. Over 50 different proactive adaptation measures were implemented by the households. The measures were significantly associated with agricultural diversification, cash crop cultivation, livestock raising, small-scale enterprise development, and disaster control. Socio-economic and spatial factors such as a household’s wellbeing, land holding size, geographical location, livelihood options, and the number of adaptation measures implemented by households were found to be decisive factors in choosing proactive adaptation. The study concludes that local people in Nepal are not only aware of escalating climate risks but also engage their cognition and knowledge proactively to adapt locally. The results suggest that even small proactive initiatives by households can offer multiple benefits against climate risks as an architect of individuals. Therefore, adopting a trans-disciplinary approach and nurturing local proactive actions in strategic connectivity between environmental, political, and societal functions is pivotal, which primarily takes a step to drive expediently successful climate change policy and strategy implementation. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into policy and strategy planning for the unsolicited consequences of climate change and highlight the importance of understanding the perspective of local communities in adaptation planning and implementation.

The Impact of Micro Finance on the Development of Small Scale Enterprises in the Gujarat

This study's main goal is to evaluate the effect of microfinance on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Gujarat by using the Gujarat as a case study. The simple random sampling procedure was used to choose the 60 MFIs and 140 SMEs that made up the sample size for the study. A structured questionnaire was created to make it easier to gather pertinent data for analysis. Data presentations and analysis have strategically used descriptive statistics, which uses straightforward percentage graphs and illustrations. The study's conclusions show that a sizable portion of SMEs are aware of MFIs' existence, and some recognize the beneficial effects of MFI loans in encouraging their growth. In addition to providing financial assistance, it is advised that microfinance institutions always offer expert guidance to SMEs since this will help them determine if the amount they are requesting is too much or too little for the project. The microfinance institutions should hold seminars and workshops to inform SMEs about their policies, the wise use of money for SMEs, and the criteria used to evaluate loans. To gain the faith and trust of SME's, the microfinance banks should also start additional development initiatives.

Protecting Small-Scale Enterprises: Evidence from the Korean Ready-Mixed Concrete Industry

Protecting Small-Scale Enterprises: Evidence from the Korean Ready-Mixed Concrete Industry

Heat Stress Vulnerability Among Small-Scale Factory Workers and Adaptive Strategies in Ahmedabad: a Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Global warming is likely to affect certain groups such as workers in heat-producing industries. With limited research exploring such an important area, this study aimed to explore the heat stress vulnerability and adaptive strategies of indoor small-scale factory workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and a mixed-method approach was used. The study setting was small-scale factory units. The quantitative component included environmental and biological monitoring from six units of steel rolling mills and foundry in the summer and winter seasons. The study was conducted during the period of November-2018 and May 2019. Heat stress was measured among workers using a portable Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) meter. The physiological parameters of workers were also measured. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews of workers and supervisors from eleven units. Results: The maximum temperatures recorded at steel rolling mills and foundry crossed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) threshold (27.5℃) in summer as well as winter. The mean WBGT at the steel rolling mill recorded 31.5℃. The physiological measurements of workers also crossed the threshold level for heart rate and oral temperature in steel rolling and foundry units. The units had mechanisms to dissipate heat but lack a temperature monitoring mechanism inside the units. The workers wore lighter or fewer clothes as an adaptive measure but uncomfortable PPEs in foundry units were avoided. Conclusion: Heat stress in small-scale industry units was found high and there is a high need to develop specific strategies for such vulnerably high heat-exposed groups.

Training manpower development and employee performance in the small scale industries

Training manpower development and employee performance in the small scale industries

Women in Pandemics and Sustainability of African Rural Communities

Covid-19 pandemic mitigation measures in the global South, particularly African developing countries like Nigeria were inadequate to alleviate socioeconomic effects of the pandemic on the livelihood and survival of rural communities. Rural women dominate the informal sector and have been active in agriculture, food security, health, nutrition, home management, traditional elderly care, and micro and small-scale enterprises. Whilst the effects of the pandemic on Nigerian rural women have been measured, the contribution of rural women to the sustainability of agrarian rural communities in the country have not been studied. This paper explored the role of women in supporting their families and communities for the sustainability of rural communities and challenges they faced as they serve as buffers for the survival of their families and sustenance of livelihood in rural communities during the pandemic. The paper adopted qualitative phenomenological research design. A sample of 30 rural women were drawn from Gbara Village, an agrarian rural community in Sagamu Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria through convenience sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Semi-structured Interviews, focus group meetings, and documents were used as data sources and descriptive analysis was used to analyses the demographic characteristics of the respondents. The qualitative results were analyzed through content analysis and eight themes emerged. There were responses on contributions of rural women to the sustainability of Gbara Village during the pandemic in agriculture and food security value chain, health and nutrition, home management, traditional elderly care, and rural entrepreneurship. The paper also found that rural women were confronted with socio-economic challenges of gender inequalities, illiteracy, and limited access to technology to enhance their role as change agents in rural communities during the pandemic. The study suggested that the government, organized private sector, development agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and civil society organizations should priorities and fast-track the attainment of gender equality and women education to empower rural women and increase their capacity for socio-economic transformation of rural communities in Nigeria.

Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Competitive Advantage of SMEs in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Purpose: This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on competitive advantage of SMEs in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. The population for this study was 300 owners/managers of small and medium scale enterprises in Bayelsa State that are registered with the Small and Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Primary data was collated using structured questionnaire. A sample size of 171 was obtained using the Taro Yamane sample size determination formula. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70. The inferential statistics absorbed three parametric inferential tests-Pearson’s Product Moment Coefficient (PPMC), One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Simple Regression Analysis. Pearson’s Product Moment Coefficient (PPMC) was used test the relationship between the variables, ANOVA was employed to test the differences in means of responses on the variables, while by means of simple regression, the study tested the effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on competitive advantage. The tests were carried out at a 0.05 significance level. 
 Findings: Findings from the study revealed that entrepreneurial self-efficacy significantly influences competitive advantage of SMEs in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a significant role in influencing the competitive advantage of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study shed light on the importance of individuals' beliefs in their own abilities to effectively engage in entrepreneurial activities and how these beliefs impact the competitive positioning of their businesses.
 Recommendation: Therefore, the study recommends that there is need to encourage and support aspiring and existing SME owners to develop and enhance their entrepreneurial self-confidence. This can be achieved through entrepreneurship education and training programs, mentorship initiatives, and networking opportunities that focus on building self-belief, risk-taking abilities, and resilience.

Moderating Environmental Leadership on Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Innovation of SMEs Performance

Abstract The contribution and knowledge of environmental leadership has been questioned on how they aid institutions in their CSR and innovative thinking. The purpose of the investigation was to explore the role of Small and Medium Scale enterprises in emerging nation on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green process innovation (GRNI) can help enterprises to achieve environmental (ENVP) and financial performance (FINP). For the analysis of the indicators data was collected from SMEs in the manufacturing sectors of Ghana through questionnaire of 215 participants. The “SmartPLS 3” model was employed to analyze the affiliation between the investigated indicators. The findings demonstrated that CSR had a material impact on ENVP but not on FINP and GRNI. However, GRNI had a favorable and material affiliation with ENVP and FINP of SME’s. On exploring the moderating effect of environmental leadership (ENVL) had a favorable affiliation between CSR and green process innovation. The research made a significant contribution to the green theory and practically to researchers and practitioners in manufacturing and other industries who are serious about implementing environmental sustainability and are seeking for a suitable method are anticipated to benefit from this study. It provides a generic approach to implementing CSR that links SME owners and managers, green technologies, green practices, and process management.

Financing of Small-Scale Industries in India: A Survey of Literature

Abstract: MSMEs are essential for India's economy, providing job opportunities, industrial production, exports, and regional development. They have been instrumental in promoting exports from India and have a significant impact on regional development. However, they face challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of infrastructure, technological constraints, and regulatory complexities. To maximize their potential contribution, it is important to address these challenges and provide a favorable environment for their growth. The purpose of the study was to review the financial problems faced by small-scale industries (SSIs) in India and investigate alternative financing options such as nonbank financial institutions. The conclusions emphasize the importance of addressing the financial constraints faced by SSIs in order to support their growth and development, and call for the intervention of state and central governments.

Social and Economic Determinants of Business Risk-Taking Propensity Among Entrepreneurs of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Akoko Region, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study investigated social and economic determinants of business risk-taking propensity among Entrepreneurs of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Akoko Region, Ondo State. It utilised descriptive research design. Study population comprised SMEs entrepreneurs in the four local governments making up the study location. Collection of primary data was done using Questionnaire administered on randomly selected 241 respondents and 8 in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics involving T-test of independent measures while qualitative data were content analysed. Younger entrepreneurs expressed higher levels of risk-taking propensity than their older counterparts [t (241) =4.47; p<.05]; Male entrepreneurs expressed higher degree of risk-taking propensity than their female counterparts [t (241) =1.577; p<.05]; highly experienced entrepreneurs expressed lower level of risk-taking propensity than their less experienced counterparts [t (241) =3.02; p<.05]. However, there was no significant influence of education [t (241) =1.099; p<.05]; and religious leaning [t (241) =1.062; p<.05] on risk-taking propensity among entrepreneurs. Also, financial capital [β = .091, t=1.385], stability of electricity [β = .020, t=.329], business location [β =.191, t =2.418], customer base [β = .041; t=.642], and market competition [β = -.146], were low predictors of risk-taking propensity. SMEs entrepreneurs are enjoined to master their entrepreneurial domain, the knowledge of which will enhance their risk-taking propensity.

TRENDS OF DIGITAL SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING AFFECTING STARTUPS IN INDIAN ECONOMY

Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing are the two elements which are separate diverse segments in the field of marketing. With the digital transformations and increase and in the use of the technology, the digital as well as the social media marketing segment has brought a massive revolution around the globe. The objective of this research paper is focusing on finding the recent trends that affect the startups in the Indian Economy. The study is also being conducted to analyse the technological innovations and find out the new vocabularies of marketing as per 2023. All of this has increased due to the adoption of the digital transformations by the companies around the world, who are having micro, small and medium scale enterprises, as well as the large scale enterprises. The conclusions of the research will show how these trends can be utilised by startups as an opportunity by the target marketers to get the maximum benefit out of it, to study new marketing trends, which can be a derivative factor to determine new trends in the field of marketing, research and development. As a subject matter, this research will be very useful to study the terminologies that such a market may possess in the present, or in the future.

PERIPHERAL TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS IN A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED ENVIRONMENT: EVIDENCE FROM EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

The tourism industry is distinguished from many other economic activities by the dominance of small-scale enterprises and micro-firms. Small tourism firms are critical change agents for destinations, local economic development and poverty reduction most especially in peripheral regions. This paper is situated within a growing international literature on tourism entrepreneurship and specifically the characteristics and motivations of small tourism entrepreneurs and their business operations. The research is conducted in Eastern Cape province of South Africa which is a resource-scarce or resource-constrained environment. Results are presented from a survey of 79 Black-owned small accommodation businesses and 19 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. It is shown that women own and operate the majority of these small accommodation businesses. These are mainly bed and breakfast establishments or small guest houses for which the clientele is mostly business tourists and government employees in particular. Issues under scrutiny are business motivations, start-up and operational issues. Networking emerges as an important business strategy for these peripheral entrepreneurs to address the challenges of business development. Overall, this study provides original findings and fresh insight into a segment of peripheral entrepreneurs operating in a resource-scarce context.

Recovery of Membrane Permeability after Filtration of Sago Starch Suspension by Tangential Flow Filtration

Sago starch is extracted from the stems of the sago palm, Metroxylon sagu, in south-east Asia. Sago starch processing generates approximately 20 tons of starch containing effluents that can be recovered and marketed to sustain a small-scale industry. Tangential flow filtration (TFF) using microfiltration membranes (MFM) has been demonstrated as an effective method for separating suspended solids in biological effluents. When TFF was applied to concentrate sago starch suspensions (SSS), membrane permeability and lifecycle were impacted due to frequent fouling. This study evaluated cleaning methods to recover the permeability and extend the lifecycle of MFM following TFF application. Polysulfone membrane filter cassettes of pore size 0.45 µm and surface area 0.1 m2 were each used to separate starch in 100 L of SSS. Following separation, six chemical and physical cleaning methods were tested at laboratory-scale and the degree of cleaning was measured by normalized permeate flux (NPF) and normalized water permeability (NWP). The results showed that soaking the membranes in a 0.2 M NaOH solution (up to 91%, (p<0.05) within the shortest time of 72 h, (p<0.05) was the best cleaning method. The procedure has been utilized to maintain and extend the lifecycle of the MFM for streams containing starch suspensions.

Kinerja Industri Kecil Arang Tempurung Kelapa

Charcoal production from coconut shells is a promising alternative to utilize waste into charcoal products that have high economic value for a small industry. This study aims to determine the feasibility of a small-scale charcoal business that utilizes coconut shell waste. The research was carried out in January 2022 - June 2022 in the Tunas Mandiri coconut shell charcoal industry in Ambarawa Village, Pringsewu Regency. Field observations and sampling were carried out for three times. Parameters observed included process capacity, yield, characteristics of charcoal (density, moisture content, ash content, water absorption, calorific value), and economic analysis of the charcoal industry. The results showed that the Tunas Mandiri charcoal small industry produced two types of coconut shell charcoal, namely low quality charcoal and vacuum charcoal. Vacuum charcoal has good quality, namely water content 8.49%, ash content 2.04%, and calorific value 7475.00 cal/g (meeting the quality requirements of SNI No. 0258–79), while low quality charcoal has a moisture content of 29.92%, ash content of 3.72 %, and the calorific value is 6518.64 cal/g (does not meet the requirements of SNI No. 0258–79). The results showed that the shell charcoal business was economically feasible to run with a fairly high profit reaching Rp. 1,652,666.67 for each charcoal production process for 3-4 days. Keywords: Charcoal, Coconut Shell, Economy, Profit, Small-Scale Industry.

Effect of Covid19 in Small Scale Industries in Ernakulam District, Kerala

the study is based on covid19 effect on small scale industries in ernakulam district , kerala. The study aims at small scale industries like food processing, textiles, furniture making, importing etc.

Review Paper on 5S, a Lean Manufacturing tool to reduce waste in Small Scale Industries

Review Paper on 5S, a Lean Manufacturing tool to reduce waste in Small Scale Industries

Identifying the Factors of Public Relations Activities & its Impact on the Growth of SSIS in India

Purpose of Research: This study intends to investigate the numerous factors that influence the public relations drivers in the operations of small-scale industries in India, as well as the effect of PR activities on the growth variables of SSIs. Theoretical framework: Yet India's small-scale manufacturers struggle with large-scale selling and marketing activities. SSIs cannot afford expensive advertising and adequate distribution of goods, therefore PR can be cheaper and more effective (Adrian, Jamilah, & Ahmad, 2015). SSI owners must focus online as lifestyles and shopping patterns change (Widiastini et al., 2023) Promoting the industry and its products, creating relationships with key actors, and regulating communication might assist overcome these hurdles. A good PR can assist SSI in competing with larger companies (Thirumal, 2013). PR factors and Indian SSI growth must be examined. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The quantitative study used primary and secondary data to gather all relevant data. Standardised questionnaires and interviews will capture primary data. Madhya Pradesh SSI owners and founders will represent. Examine 500 people with cluster sampling Technique. Findings: As a Result, identity media, publications, events, the internet, sponsorship, and public service activities are all significant determinants of SSI expansion in India. Researchers examined the global effect of public relations initiatives (except identity media) on the expansion of SSI in India (Special reference to Madhya Pradesh. Research, Practical & Social Implications: Future research, SSIs, and India are affected by the study on public relations and SSIs. Other factors affecting public relations success can be studied and assessment tools developed. SSIs should invest in PR, stakeholder relations, and strategy to grow. Originality/Value: This study's novelty and significance reside in its understanding of the aspects that affect public relations' promotion of India's small-scale industries (SSIs). By identifying public relations success criteria, this study helps SSIs improve brand image, visibility, and customer acquisition. This study's SSI implications can assist India's small business sector grow, providing jobs, economic activity, and better living conditions.

Design and construction of a low cost coconut husk removing machine

De-husking with traditional hand tools like machete or a spike depends on the skill of worker and involves training. Nowadays there is shortage of such skilled Workers. These affect the production rate of de-husking the coconut also more hazardous and harmful to user. To overcome the limitations and problems in the present methods, a manual or automated machine should be designed and fabricated. This research is to design and fabricate a low-cost coconut husk removing machine. The main purpose of this machine is to eliminate problems and limitations involved in de-husking process and to promote some small-scale industries and self-employment, especially for women. The machine with manual loading and unloading of coconuts will yield productivity higher than the existing process with less manpower. Also, the machine can accommodate different sizes of the coconut that are cultivated anywhere in Sri Lanka. Also, various experiments have been conducted on both dry and mature coconuts in order to determine the force required to de-husk the coconut. Test result and assessment of the present manual machine in both laboratory and field conditions are also reported. Safety aspects are incorporated. The unit can de-husk about 70 coconuts per hour compared with about 40 nuts per hour from a skilled worker using the spike method. Cost benefit analysis indicates that it should be commercially viable.