Small Scale Enterprises Research Articles

MEASUREMENT OF RICE MOISTURE CONTENT BASED ON QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS FROM RADIO TOMOGRAPHY IMAGES

Inefficient storage of paddy and rice grains can lead to grain deterioration, resulting in post-harvest losses ranging from 10% to 30%. The quality of grains cannot be improved throughout the storage period. Therefore, following the mechanisation of agricultural industries, air dryers have been developed to control the crops’ moisture level by blowing ambient or heated air into the silo to improve the aeration and allow the grains to be preserved with minimal loss of quality until the appropriate time for managing and marketing processes. However, the conventional sampling method used to measure the moisture level is inefficient because it is very localised and only represents part of the moisture distribution inside the bulk grains. Additionally, incorporating advanced technologies can be a significant cost limitation for small-scale industries. Thus, to address the issue, this research study developed a radio tomographic imaging (RTI) system in a silo-scale prototype using 20 sensor nodes operating at 2.4 GHz to localise and monitor the moisture level constructively. The RTI system reconstructs the cross-sectional images across the rice silo by measuring radio frequency attenuation, in terms of received signal strength (RSS) quality, caused by the rice moisture phantoms within the wireless sensor network (WSN) area. A total of five phantoms’ profiles having a percentage of moisture content (MC) of 15%, 20% and 25% were reconstructed using four image reconstruction algorithms, Linear Back Projection (LBP), Filtered Back Projection (FBP), Newton’s One-step Error Reconstruction (NOSER) and Tikhonov Regularisation.

Business Model for Small-Scale Artisan Tea Family Business

Business Model for Small-Scale Artisan Tea Family Business

Welding fume exposure and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders in micro- and small-scale enterprise in Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Exposure to welding fumes can lead to different respiratory health disorders, including lung cancer, due to long-term exposures. In Ethiopia, large numbers of people are engaged in the welding sector. Often, these workers are exposed to welding fumes at their workplaces, however, the level of exposure and its health effects have never been studied. To measure the level of personal welding fume exposure and assess chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors, among micro and small-scale enterprise metal workshop workers, in Akaki Kality Sub city, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study involving 226 welders and 217 controls. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Welding fumes were collected from the welder's breathing zone using 37mm close-faced plastic cassettes fitted with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) filters connected to Casella pumps at an airflow rate of 2L/min. The overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders and controls were 54 (23.9%) and 20 (9.2%) respectively. The geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of personal welding fume exposure, among welders was 5.98 mg/m3 (± GSD = 1.54). In this study, 53.3% of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit defined by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene. Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 5.11, 95% CI: 1.35, 19.33), respiratory protective equipment use (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.52, 7.31), safety training (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.28), smoking (AOR:3.57, 95% CI: 1.54, 8.23), welding machine maintenance (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59) and welding site (i.e. indoors vs. outdoor) (AOR: 6.85. 95% CI: 2.36, 19.89). The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welding workers was significantly higher than controls. More than half of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit. Educational status, implementation of safety training, and welding sites were significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. The results suggested a need to reduce welding fume exposure to improve the respiratory health of the workers.

Power Supply Small And Medium Scale Enterprise In Rivers State Nigeria

Medium and small businesses in Rivers State, Nigeria, had their power consumption and productivity analysed in this research. Power supply indicators are used as explanatory factors in the models, whereas performance indices are used as dependent variables. Three research questions and hypotheses were developed by the researcher to get the necessary information from the respondents. The study was then carried out based on these. For this study, researchers opted for a survey approach. The majority of the data came from surveys that were both well-structured and selected using Cochrane sampling methods. The data was analysed using the discrete response approach and the logistic model. Results showed that SMEs' storage of goods, productivity, and revenue were all negatively impacted by the short duration of the public power supply. Therefore, in order to boost productivity, profitability, and job creation in the state of Rivers, the research suggests that more electric power should be directed to the industrial region of Port Harcourt, particularly during the day.

Contributions of Cooperative Societies to the Development of Small-Scale Industries: A Case Study of Selected Pure Water Manufacturing Firms in Aniocha South L.G.A Delta-State

The quest for economic survival has made several Nigerians delve into small-scale businesses which has improved the per-capita income of the average Nigerians, and led to the initiation of the Cooperative Scheme. This research unveils the significance of the cooperative society and its multiple effects on the small-scale firms. The benefits inherent in the cooperative societies and the small-scale business are highlighted; and its constraints, funding and prospects are equally identified. Some relevant research instruments aided the methodological approach and consequently, the justification of the empirical study. The study shows that if cooperatives play their proper role in the development of small scale business, specifically pure water manufacturing firms, other entrepreneurs will be encouraged to establish and consolidate their enterprise in a record time. Finally, based on response comparison, the study also shows that the considered factors that affect the contributions of cooperative societies to small scale business development are very significant; and hence should not be overlooked.

Contributions of Cooperative Societies to the Development of Small-Scale Industries: A Case Study of Selected Pure Water Manufacturing Firms in Aniocha South L.G.A Delta-State

The quest for economic survival has made several Nigerians delve into small-scale businesses which has improved the per-capita income of the average Nigerians, and led to the initiation of the Cooperative Scheme. This research unveils the significance of the cooperative society and its multiple effects on the small-scale firms. The benefits inherent in the cooperative societies and the small-scale business are highlighted; and its constraints, funding and prospects are equally identified. Some relevant research instruments aided the methodological approach and consequently, the justification of the empirical study. The study shows that if cooperatives play their proper role in the development of small scale business, specifically pure water manufacturing firms, other entrepreneurs will be encouraged to establish and consolidate their enterprise in a record time. Finally, based on response comparison, the study also shows that the considered factors that affect the contributions of cooperative societies to small scale business development are very significant; and hence should not be overlooked.

Remittances, Debt Service Payments and Economic Growth in Nigeria

The study investigates the intricate relationship between the effects of remittances (REMIT) and debt service payments (DSP) on economic growth (RGDP) as well as other key variables, external reserve (ER), foreign direct investment (FDI), and external debt (EXTD) on economic growth (RGDP) in Nigeria from 1995 to 2021. Various statistical techniques, such as Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) tests and ARDL, were used. The result indicates the existence of a positive correlation between RGDP and FDI; DSP and ER exhibit a moderate negative correlation, while REMIT and DSP show a strong negative correlation. ER and REMIT indicate a correlation, while EXTD and ER indicate a negative correlation. All variables are I(1) and the ARDL Bound test for co-integration indicates that a long-run relationship exists between dependent and independent variables. ARDL estimation shows that only the coefficient of external debt is significant. The R2 shows that 84% of the variation in RGDP is explained by the independent variables. The test for autocorrelation (DW = 2.33) indicates no autocorrelation in the error term.
 This study recommends that policymakers should implement measures to attract and retain foreign investments, given the positive impact of FDI on RGDP, and Policymakers should explore strategies to channel remittances into productive sectors, such as investments in infrastructure, education, and small-scale enterprises.

Financial Literacy and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Abuja, Nigeria

Many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) failed because they lack financial knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and influence to be a successful entrepreneur, those that are successful are traced with insufficient business acuity, as well as basic accounting knowledge, undermines entrepreneurial activity. Therefore, this study examined financial literacy and performance of SMEs in Abuja, Nigeria. The study used survey method in achieving the objectives through the use of primary data collection. Questionnaire were administered to 550 respondents in all the six areas council of Abuja, Nigeria while 469 was usable and analysed for the study. The data analysis method used was multiple regression due to the nature of the data collected. The findings from the study revealed that respondents have adequate financial knowledge of their various businesses as such impact positively on their businesses in Abuja, Nigeria. Also, it was revealed that financial behavior of SMEs owners in Abuja had a positive significant impact on their businesses performance. However, financial attitudes of the business owners and operators in Abuja improves the performance of their businesses. It was revealed from the analysis of the study that the financial influence of the SMEs owners contributed at a low rate to the performance of their businesses in Abuja. The study concluded that financially literacy of SMEs owners in Abuja contributed positively to the growth of their businesses. The study recommended that government agencies along with micro finance institutions and deposit money banks should organize financial education programmes that will create more awareness and growth on areas that are lacking in financial literacy.

Heterogeneous variations in wintertime PM2.5 sources, compositions and exposure risks at urban/suburban rural/remote rural areas in the post COVID-19/Clean-Heating period

Inevitably, both unblocking of the COVID-19 (UNCOV) and uncertainty in the clean heating policy (2017–2021) in winter 2022 imposed complex impacts on PM2.5 variations. Together, the urban-rural and rural-rural disparities in these impacts remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a synchronous observation at urban (UA)/suburban rural (SRA)/remote rural (RRA) areas to probe PM2.5 evolutions in the post COVID-19/clean-heating (PCOV/PCH) period for further site-specific policy implications. Similar meteorological conditions among sites benefited examining the effects of emission variations. On average, PM2.5 presented a decline order as RRA > UA > SRA. Invoking the positive matrix factorization (PMF) results, specially, the primary emissions (PE) rebounded again after experiencing a continuous decline since the stringent emission-control polices initiated in 2013. PE contributions were up to 80.2 %–83.0 % for three points. SRA benefited most from coal-to-gas and coal combustion (CC) has become its minimum contributor (10.8 %). Concurrently, subsidy reduction and natural-gas (NG) shortage compelled biomass burning (BB) to be the largest origin (21.9 %) marked by the highest K+, Cl− and OC/EC. Regarding RRA, CC (26.5 %) and BB (19.6 %) have been the first and second largest origins despite that the coal-to-electricity policy, indicating the slowdown of policy enforcement. The highest SO42−, As, Sb, Tl, OC, EC and the lowest NO3−/SO42− further verified the dominant CC. Production recovery made industrial emissions (IE) become the largest source (26.8 %) at UA. The metal associated health risks peaked at RRA due to large impacts of CC, though the most of metals related to small-scale industries peaked at UA. This is the first work to highlight that more targeted site-specific strategies in prevention/control of dominant primary sources should be formulated in the PCOV/CH period.

The effect of ESG on enterprise value under the dual carbon goals: From the perspectives of financing constraints and green innovation

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is an important criterion for evaluating non-financial indicators of firm performance, offering substantial support for advancing green transformation. This paper examines the impact of ESG performance on enterprise value using data from 3139 Chinese A-listed companies spanning from 2010 to 2021. The results demonstrate that enhancing ESG performance significantly boosts enterprise value. Additionally, ESG initiatives can alleviate corporate financing constraints and stimulate green innovation, consequently driving enterprise value. Furthermore, the positive effect of ESG on enterprise value is more pronounced for non-state-owned enterprises, low-polluting enterprises, and small-scale enterprises. These findings deepen our understanding of how ESG influences enterprise value within the context of the dual-carbon goal, offering theoretical backing for companies and investors to bolster ESG management practices and aiding government efforts to enhance ESG macro guidance.

A holistic methodology for mitigating awkward postural risks: Evidence from South Indian small-scale industries.

Small-scale industries (SSI) are the global economy's backbone since most industrial workers are connected. Most of these workers are contractual and temporary without appropriate training. Also, the SSI does not have a standard workplace with an appropriate layout and infrastructure, as they manage with minimum resources. Therefore, the work hazards, i.e., musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue, often go unnoticed as holistic postural risk methodology is still scarce for identifying the awkward postures in SSI. The present study proposes a novel holistic methodology to track and mitigate awkward postural risks in human-physical activities in SSI. To determine the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a case study is presented in the South Indian Pump industry, wherein a critical workstation with a complex ergonomic work environment is employed. An ergonomic evaluation was conducted empirically and numerically in the workplaces using Digital Human Models. In numerical evaluation, three virtual workspaces have been created to redesign the identified crucial workstation, focusing on ergonomics and workflow. The results obtained from the case study are encouraging for to use of the novel methodology in SSI. The case study reports that the proposed design significantly reduced the REBA score and WISHA lifting index by 6 and 1.20, respectively, without significant investment. The proposed methodology could encourage research to identify awkward posture in SSI.

Entrepreneurship Education Phenomenon and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The fact that entrepreneurship education phenomenon has attracted enormous attention all over the world from almost all sectors is now trite knowledge. Many initiatives are taken at various levels to accommodate and ultimately generate successful entrepreneurs but at the same time, problems in entrepreneurship education phenomenon and performance of small and medium scale enterprises still remain. The aim of this paper is to empirically explore the relationship between entrepreneurship education phenomenon and performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. With the aid of statistical package for social sciences version 25, data collected through primary sources were analyzed using mean, aggregate mean, standard deviation, and spearman rank correlation coefficient. Affective education was found to significantly relate to profitability in the light of which the study concludes that there exists a significant relationship between entrepreneurship education phenomenon and performance of small and medium scale enterprises. It recommends that because entrepreneurship education aims at providing expertise, entrepreneurial abilities and inspiration amongst entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship education centres for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be set up in Nigeria, where small and medium enterprises managers can have courses in entrepreneurship education and financial literacy. For example, if financial literacy coaching is acquired, SMEs would adopt riskier ventures, diversify investments and raise capital for growth and transformation into stronger companies.

Entrepreneurship Education Networking Practice and SMEs Venture Performance: Empirical Search for Truth

Innovation is the basis of all competitive advantages and the key to unlocking an organization’s ability to become highly competitive, win new customers, and remain relevant in today’s business world. This study explores the relationship between entrepreneurship education networking practice and SMEs venture performance, having empirically reviewed SMEs in Port Harcourt metropolis. Descriptive survey research design using closed and self-administered questionnaire was adopted. A total of 400 valid sets of data were collected from managers within 12 weeks through convenience sampling. Mean, aggregate mean and spearman rank correlation coefficient were used for data analysis with the aid of statistical package for social sciences version 25.0. The empirical results of the analysis show that experimental education relates to market share positively, and significantly so. The study, therefore, concludes that there exists a significant and positive relationship between entrepreneurship education networking practice and venture performance of small and medium scale enterprises. It recommends that there should be more awareness regarding network affiliations. Also the thrust and emphasis should be on modern technology to promote technologically driven practical entrepreneurial studies aimed at producing entrepreneurs with experiential knowledge-based competences.

Review on Automated Casting Fault Separation Machine

Currently, the manufacturing industries play an important part in the global economy. I t is critical for the industries to maintain the high standards of goods and products. Various machines / systems have been developed for determining dimensional stability or the lack of filling in a casting product, thereby rejecting the defective products. The existence of the casting product is detected using an infrared or ultrasonic sensor. When a product arrives along the conveyer, the sensor can detect its measurements. If the product has the necessary proportions and dimensions, it is moved to the accepted bin; otherwise, it is denied by a pneumatic actuator and placed in the rejecter bin. Eventually, a profound learning model that categorizes into two different categories has been studied to automate the manual inspection procedure in the casting failure system. This automated casting fault separation machine is accurate, reliable and low cost which makes it suitable for small scale industries with easy segregation of high quality products. The objective of this paper is to review the various automatic systems developed for separating casting fault.

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

The study determined the internet resources for apparel entrepreneurship among small and medium scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. Three specific objectives were stated, and three research questions were raised to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 151 registered small and medium scale entrepreneurs of apparel in Uyo Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State. The sample size of 120was drawn from the population through simple random sampling technique. A researcher-developed instrument titled “Internet Resources for Apparel Entrepreneurship Questionnaire (IRAEQ)” was used to collect data for the study. Mean and chi-square statistics were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that internet resources such as Facebook, Google, TikTok, Instagram, UseNet, Appstore, WhatsApp, YouTube, Podcast, Business Blogs, Startup app are appropriate for apparel. Also, internet resources help in communication, advertisement, information, marketing, styles and designs on apparel entrepreneurship. Some small and medium scale entrepreneurs could not access information on apparel businesses due to lack of digital skills and facilities. There is a significant influence of utilizing internet resources for apparel entrepreneurship. The researchers recommend among others that small and medium enterprises should be well funded by government for the procurement of internet facilities.

Effect of Work-Based Exercise Program Among Industrial Workers having Non-Specific Neck Pain Using ICF Core Set: A Pre-Post Experimental Study

Unfortunately, there are many causes of neck pain, the most prevalent ones are long periods of sitting, bad workplace ergonomics and keeping an unnatural neck posture. Studies show that small-scale industries lack awareness of and comprehension of ergonomics. Unpredictable schedules, long hours, hazardous workplaces, and all these problems, including inadequate vocational training, may negatively impact employees’ HRQOL and restrict their capacity to take part in and carry out activities. Progressive resisted training, neuromuscular training exercises, stretching, and ergonomic recommendations are all recommended. To enhance the quality of life of industrial workers, fitness programs must be implemented. The aim is to ascertain how a work-based exercise program affects industrial workers with nonspecific neck discomfort in terms of activity limitation and participation restriction. To determine the risk of nonspecific neck discomfort among industrial workers, the RULA scale was administered to 92 individuals in the study who had VAS values ranging from 3-6. Neck ROM was also recorded. An ICF documentation form was used to ascertain the engagement and involvement. Over the course of two weeks, the subjects received a work-based exercise program on alternate days. ROM, RULA, and ICF documentation were among the outcome variables that were assessed both before and after the intervention. The result was that there was a noteworthy distinction noted between the RULA, ROM pretest and post-test scores as well as ICF codes. Differences between the pre and post-test of VAS were significant difference (Z=8.3290, p=0.0001). To conclude the study found that industrial workers lacked knowledge about ergonomics. Therefore, exercises and ergonomics helped manage neck pain and improve the range of motion.

Can “environmental protection fee to tax” reduce carbon emissions? Evidence from China

This paper investigates the impact of “environmental protection fee to tax” policy on carbon emissions, officially implemented on January 1, 2018 in China. Using a novel dataset covering Chinese firms from 2015 to 2020, our findings reveal a significant reduction in carbon emissions attributable to the “environmental protection fee to tax” policy. Additional analysis suggests that enhancing green technological innovation and executives environmental awareness can facilitate the positive impacts of “environmental protection fee to tax” policy on carbon emissions. Notably, heterogeneity tests underscore that the policy's adverse effects are more pronounced among non-state-owned enterprises, companies located in eastern regions, and small-scale enterprises in China.

Effectual Onboarding Practices as a Pre-Requisite for the Newly Hired in the Industrial Sector of Kerala

In an organization, onboarding practices are mandatory for newly recruited employees for acquiring relevant job specific skills. This paper aims to explore whether the new employee onboarding practices are implemented effectively in the industrial sector of Kerala. For this purpose, the study utilized the multi-stage random sampling technique. The sample data was collected from 405 new employees in the industrial sector of Kerala by using a structured interview schedule. The One Sample t-test and Independent Sample t-test were used for analyzing the data. The major findings of the study reveal that the new employee onboarding practices were implemented in the industrial sector, but it was identified that these practices were more effectively implemented only in the service sector and medium-scale industries in Kerala. The study suggests that the manufacturing sector industries as well as the small-scale industries should implement new employee onboarding practices effectively to make the new employees adapt more comfortably and to adjust themselves with more ease to the organization and to make them happy and content.

Impact of innovative leadership in achieving sustainable development goals: a study conducted among selected small-scale industry units in Kerala, India

The ability of a leader to inspire prodigious action in himself and those around him during periods of idea generation and innovation is known as innovation leadership. Innovative leaders may encourage those around them to make their big aspirations and creative ideas a reality. They are creative visionaries with huge dreams and innovative ideas. With sustainable development, business objectives can be achieved without compromising the resources required for future generations. It only concentrates on the expansion of resources to meet future needs over the long term. It is crucial to strike a balance between these two ideas because without sound leadership direction, social, human, and cultural progress cannot occur. This study attempts to provide a clear picture of the effects of innovative leadership on the achievement of sustainable development goals and the performance of the organisation. The sample units for this research are selected registered small-scale manufacturing entities from the Indian State of Kerala. This study shows a strong correlation between inventive leadership, long-term viability, and corporate success. Future studies in the field of innovative leadership will use this study as a model.

Design and fabrication of improved motorized plantain slicing machine for chips production

The majority of small-scale food companies and shops in Nigeria are unable to meet the enormous demand for plantain chips because of a few crucial considerations. Being a semi-perishable crop, a significant number of plantains are lost to deterioration at the highest point of harvest. Adopting an efficient method for turning food into chips for year-round availability and preservation is vital to guarantee food security and minimize waste. Plantain slicing with a knife has always been a hard, time-consuming, and unclean process with poor results. Although the slicer can be used for domestic purposes, it was intended for usage in medium and small-scale industries. The plantain slicing machine's design and construction aim to address the aforementioned issues. The design parameters that have been determined are the belt and pulley size, the power requirement (P), and the shaft diameter (D). The complete apparatus consists of a slider-crank mechanism that is powered by an electric motor through a v-belt. The driven pulley is supported by two bearings on a shaft. The hopper, which holds the plantains, the guide, and the stanchion make up the slider. Two cranks, one on each side, make up the mechanism. Through the use of a connecting rod, which transfers motion to the hopper (slider), they are connected to the slider. The intended chip formation is accomplished by moving the slider back and forth along the guide's bed, which holds the cutting blade. The device, which operates on the shear cutting concept, can cut raw plantains into chips with consistent sizes in a shorter amount of time. In just two to three seconds, it can cut a raw plantain finger up to 70 mm in diameter. According to the performance evaluation results, it takes an average of 267 seconds to slice 30 plantain pieces with an average length of 260 mm, weight of 0.3 kg, and diameter of 65 mm. All that's needed for machine maintenance is appropriate cleaning after usage and lubrication of the spinning parts. Even while this plantain slicer uses less labor and is more efficient than a chip cutter, it nevertheless yields chips with a consistent thickness. This updated device is easy to use, clean, lightweight, removable, and requires less maintenance. Consequently, the aforementioned constraints will be removed with this new design's enhancement, making the processing of plantain chips quite simple.