Sustainable Micro Research Articles

Supply Chain Performance Measurement Model of Passion Fruit Agro-Industry for Sustainable Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises with System Dynamics in North Sumatra Province

Supply chain management covers integrated activities of planning, coordinating, and controlling of all business processes and practices in the supply chain to meet the demands of consumers at the lowest possible cost. Sustainable supply chain can be achieved by taking into account three pillars of sustainable development, namely, economy, social, and environment. Passion fruit agro-industry supply chain actors consist of farmers, collectors, agro-industries, and retailers. This study aims at identifying factors affecting the passion fruit agro-industry supply chain performance for sustainable micro, small, and medium enterprises and designing a supply chain performance measurement model of MSME passion fruit agro-industry with system dynamics. This research used a survey method through observations, in-depth interviews, and expert opinions. Data were processed using a combination of the hard system (system dynamics analysis) and soft system (expert opinions).The feedback structure along the passion fruit syrup agro-industry system was modeled in a causal loop diagram using system dynamics through version 10 of Powersim Studio software. It was then translated into a stock-flow diagram as the implementation of the simulation model. The model was verified using a computerized statistical analysis (Absolute Means Error) technique. To formulate recommendations and development strategy scenarios for sustainable MSME passion fruit agro-industry supply chain, a system approach method was used and expected to produce an effective and operational decision in accordance with the objectives previously set. The results obtained through expert opinions and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) which have the highest weight with various conditions for each variable. Seven key variables were proven to influence the performance of passion fruit agro-industry supply chain, which were also used to design a sustainable MSME supply chain development scenario. The behavior of the sustainable passion fruit agro-industry supply chain model took the form of positive growth and the error rate of 7.43. Developing a sustainable MSMEPFASCPM can be carried out with a moderate strategy by developing: 1) pattern of good relationships among the actors, 2) gradual increase in the availability of raw materials, 3) environmental support capability, 4) gradual increase of profits, 5) moderate skills, 6) employment opportunities, and 7) land availability.

FNGOs and financial inclusion: Investigating the impact of microcredit on employment growth in Ghana

Financial non-governmental organizations (FNGOs) are regulated microfinance institutions that operate with a social welfare logic in the delivery of microcredit to the financially excluded in Ghana. The microcredit is aimed at supporting the financially excluded individuals to create sustainable micro and small enterprises (MSEs) for the generation of both skilled and unskilled employment. From the institutional theory perspective, this study aims at investigating the impact of microcredit provided by FNGOs on employment growth among MSEs in Ghana. The major contribution of this study is the fact that, there is a little study on FNGOs and their impact on employment growth in the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this is one of the few studies that highlights the role of FNGOs in promoting financial inclusion through the provision of microcredit for employment generation purposes. Through a multiple regression analysis, the study uses primary data collected from 506 MSEs in Ghana. The results show that microcredit which is flexible in repayment mode, accessible and adequate has a positive impact on employment generation among MSEs in Ghana. However, the current cost of microcredit in Ghana has a negative impact on employment growth among MSEs.

More than energy harvesting – Combining triboelectric nanogenerator and flexible electronics technology for enabling novel micro-/nano-systems

The cutting-edge flexible electronics have experienced an explosion growth in the past decades, driving the traditional rigid devices evolve into soft, light, thin, durable and comfortable devices with more and more add-on functionalities. This rapid advancement of flexible electronics induces urgent demand of flexible and sustainable power source to overcome one of the bottlenecks of this technology. Triboelectric nanogenerators, since first invented in 2012, have become a promising energy harvesting technology during the past few years with significant development across the world, due to their diverse flexible/stretchable configurations, no material limitation and high output performance. Beyond energy harvesting, triboelectric nanogenerators can actively function as self-powered sensors and actuators to detect, monitor, interact and respond to the ambient changes induced by environment or human. These triboelectric devices can be key components to achieve sustainable functional systems. Therefore, the complementary marriage of triboelectric nanogenerators and flexible electronics yields a highly advanced technology to realize self-powered, flexible and smart functional systems. In this review, progress development of triboelectric nanogenerators and flexible electronics technology is firstly reviewed. Then various micro-/nano-systems enabled by the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators and flexible electronics technology are presented to show the feasibility to achieve sustainable functional systems. At the end, a future prospect of “all-in-one” multi-functional smart system is proposed under the same flexible platform towards convenient, miniaturized and sustainable micro-/nano-systems.

Towards sustainable micro and nano composites from fly ash and natural fibers for multifunctional applications

Manufacturing of petroleum based synthetic materials, exploitation of timber products from forest reserves, improper management of industrial wastes and natural resources greatly persuade the environmental contaminations and global warming. To find viable solutions and reduce such alarming issues, innovative research work on recycling of unutilized materials such as fly ash and natural cellulosic polymers has been reported in this work to develop advanced sustainable hybrid micro/nano composites. In this study, the use of natural cellulosic sisal fibers with fly ash has enhanced the tensile properties and surface finish of composites. Fly ash particulates acted as fillers, additives, as well as surface-finishing medium and sisal fibers as reinforcing elements in achieving glossy finish sustainable composites. The developed composites have been found to be stronger than wood, plastics and have many opportunities for multifunctional applications.

PEMBANGUNAN DESA-KOTA DI INDONESIA DARI PERSPEKTIF PENGEMBANGAN WILAYAH DAN MIGRASI

The problem of rural-urban inequality can not be separated from the development paradigm that assumes thatconsidered better urban and rural areas are higher or the subordination of urban areas. The problem is growingwith the increasing levels of poverty in Indonesia, which was recorded by the BPS period March 2015 as much as28.59 million (11.22% of the total population of Indonesia) in both urban (10.65 million) and rural (17.94million soul). The poverty rate is increasing 860 thousand inhabitants of 27.73 million people in the period ofSeptember 2014, with details of the number of poor people in urban areas amounted to 10.36 million and 17.37million rural people. This paper attempts to analyze the development of villages and cities in Indonesia from theperspective of regional development and migration. Strategy is needed in rural development the city is by adopt-ing the concept of regional development and migration that it contains substances sustainable development ofboth macro and micro, so the construction of rural cities will be able to run well and in line with the Nawa Citathird Indonesian development of the region penggiran by strengthening areas and villages within the frameworkof the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

Concept of Village Regrouping as an Alternative Strategy for Sustainable Micro Regional Development

This study examines how village regrouping can be used to provide and enhance sustainable development in the developing countries. The problems of this strategy have been clearly spelt out to guide those responsible for development at grassroots level. The method involved the use of secondary data. The paper concluded by advocating for the establishment for an area planning authority at local government level with members drawn from all groups that have interest in land matters so as to design, plan and execute village regrouping for sustainable micro-regional developments.

A 3D Sustainable Renewable Micro Power Station for Smart Grid Applications

The supply of clean energy and its security is becoming an issue for all countries since the limitations of fossil fuels resources usages for energy generations, and the relative high dependency on imported fuels and their ever climbing prices. The paper presents the preliminary research undertaken to design a 3D sustainable renewable micro power station for smart grid applications as a contributing solution to challenges in the energy sector which do not only refrain only to the safe supply of clean Energy, but also in terms of environmental degradation due to carbon emissions for which the energy sector is the major contributor. Power supply must increase as rapidly as demand to ensure sustained growth. This is the rationale upon which Governments, international organizations, researchers are accelerating investments in expanding the power system, its generation and transmission. A major importance for the theoretical study of hybrid systems, based on renewable energy (photovoltaic, wind, hydro system) is the availability of models which can be used to study the Behaviour of hybrid systems and most important , software simulation environments. As available tools are quite limited, this paper would present the most current and up to date model which can be used for the simulation purposes of the 3D sustainable renewable micro power station for smart grid applications as well as for educational purposes.

Model Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro Dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Kemandirian Usaha

Yogyakarta is a city and the capital of Yogyakarta Special Region in Java, Indonesia. It is renowned as a center of tourism, education and culture. Yogyakarta is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. This region is located at the foot of the active merapi vulcano. Yogyakarta is often called the main gateway to the Central Java as where it is geographically located. It stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean. This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. Yogyakarta is popular tourist destination in indonesia after Bali. These have attracted large number of visitors from across Indonesia and abroad to the city. This status makes Yogyakarta is one of the most heterogeneus cities in Indonesia. In edition, Yogyakarta has attracted large number of people to reside in this city for business. One of these comers is small entrepreneurs with their market munchies enterprise (specially a traditional snack trader). This business is one of famous business in Yogyakarta, we will find rows of pavement vendors selling market munchies. The students and tourists are their main target customers. Market munchies enterprise is part of small and medium enterprises SMEs as livelihood activities. SMEs has an important role in economic growth of Indonesia. Therefore, it is very important to develop and strengthen the micro enterprise empowerment. Micro enterprise empowerment is one of strategy to reduce the poverty rate in Indonesia. Major challenger in implement this program are that micro entrepreneurs are conventional and have satisfied with their revenue. It is very important to develop a comprehensive and sustainable micro enterprise empowerment which consist of strengthen the quality of human resources, maximize the government’s roles, empower the enterprise capital and strengthen the partnership and autonomous. Micro enterprise autonomy will contribute to the economic and investment climate. This will lead to establish an accountable enterprise both for the micro enterprise and customers which at the end will strengthen the development of the micro enterprise in Yogyakarta.Keyword: micro entreprise, human resources, government roles, capital, partnership and autonomous.

Risk Management of Islamic Microfinance (IMF) Product by Financial Institutions in Malaysia

Abstract Maintaining microfinance institutions’ (MFIs) sustainability is extremely significant owing to the fact that it aims at alleviating poverty and improving the living standard of the poor at the same time. Hence, a sustainable Micro Finance Institution (MFI) is necessary in order to achieve the objective thereby realizing a just economic growth. Nevertheless, there are issues and challenges being faced by the institutions that could give impact towards their sustainability. Among others are moral hazards and adverse selection problems among participants that would ultimately give potential risks to the institutions. Hence, maintaining its sustainability by way of risk management is significant in ensuring financial inclusion of the poor and materializing the objective of poverty alleviation. This quantitative study was conducted to examine the practice of risk management in the specific context of Islamic microfinance (IMF) product offered by several Islamic financial institutions in Malaysia. Primary data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires to the selected officers of the bank. Findings of the study indicated that the institutions had taken the necessary steps in managing the risks.

Information and communications technology adoption amongst township micro and small business: The case of Soweto

Background: No empirical evidence is available on whether or not information and communications technology (ICT) is adopted by South African township micro and small businesses (MSBs) in order to grow the business. ICT, as an enabler, can grow the business. It is evident from literature that ICT enables MSBs to be more productive and efficient.Objectives: This research determines to what extent ICT is adopted by MSBs in Soweto, and whether or not a positive correlation exists between the adoption rate of ICT and the financial and growth performance of the MSB itself.Method: A structured questionnaire was completed by 978 respondents to determine the extent of ICT adoption and for what ICT is used. This exploratory research provides new knowledge about the acceptance of ICT within township MSBs.Results: The results indicate that ICT is not used to the fullest by MSBs. Rather, it is used as a basic tool for doing business but it does not form an integral part of the business. This research provides insight into the usage and adoption of ICT and it opens the door for further cross-analysis research.Conclusion: Education and training are needed to ensure that MSBs use ICT to the fullest. MSBs embracing ICT can evolve from a survivalist SME to a more sustainable micro and small MSB.

Micro Finance: Achievements, Challenges and Future in India. (An Empirical Study in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu)

Micro finance plays a vital role in reducing poverty since it paves way for employment and empowerment which leads to economic development. Empowerment, poverty reduction and development are interrelated and interdependent. Empowerment leads to economic development which results in poverty reduction and sustainable development and micro finance through SHG is considered as a tool for empowerment. The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the real impact of microfinance on the changes in income, expenditure and consumption pattern in rural households, empowerment of women and constraints. The study reported that there is a significant increase in income, expenditure and consumption pattern and there is an appreciable empowerment in political space than economic empowerment and negligible social empowerment of women as result of participating in micro finance through SHG programme. Delay in sanction of loan and inadequacy of the loan amount are the major challenge.

Engaging the rural communities of Sri Lanka in sustainable tourism

Purpose – This paper aims to explains how rural communities in Sri Lanka are responding to the challenges of high unemployment and low household income in a post-conflict society and to explore the possibilities for engaging rural communities in sustainable tourism development as part of their response. Design/methodology/approach – The paper outlines how the South Asian Academy for Good Governance (SAAGG) is using action learning to enable participants to better utilize the resources available to them. It also draws on discussions with community leaders about harnessing this approach to industry training and the resource challenges arising from the Government's strategy for in-bound tourism. Findings – The following are outlined: a framework for self-directed development in rural communities; why rural communities with a long tradition of subsistence farming are reluctant to participate in tourism development; and a community-driven approach to sustainable tourism that could yield benefits for the whole community and at the same time, preserve the traditional way of life. Practical implications – The paper highlights: an approach to capacity building that assists in the creation sustainable micro enterprise; and the need for innovative thinking and action to mobilize rural communities in support of Sri Lanka's drive to become a leading Asian tourist destination. Social implications – The study provides an example of sustainable development that could be replicated by rural communities in other locations. It also identifies the pivotal role of rural community members in providing an authentic tourism experience for international tourists and poses some questions about the best way(s) to engage with this group. Originality/value – Indigenous culture and traditional ways of learning are drawn on to explain how subsistence communities can develop and implement a business approach that enables them to achieve greater self-reliance and financial independence. The paper also draws on the views of community leaders who are actively involved in facilitating community-based learning and development.

Micro Sourcing Strategic Framework for Low Income Group

The role of ICTs among poor people and communities has increased tremendously. One of the ICT industries – the micro sourcing industry – has been identified as one of a potential industry to help increase income for the poor in Malaysia. Micro sourcing is an effective way to accomplish tedious tasks at a faster rate. It involves large projects that are broken down into micro tasks. These micro tasks are well-defined and then distributed to a group of workers. The objective of this study is to develop the strategic framework of micro sourcing to generate income for the low income group. Four methods were used to gather information for this study. The methods used were documentation and literature reviews, focus group meetings, workshops and interviews. Based on the analysis of the current scenario of local micro sourcing industry, strategic framework was developed based on the five Strategic Thrusts identified. The Strategic Thrusts are harnessing demand side (job providers) of domestic and international market; platform capacity and capability building; leverage and utilise existing infrastructure; uplift and enhance capability of the supply side (micro workers); and instruments to expedite growth of local micro sourcing industry. The Strategic Framework is intended to provide strategic direction at national level to all stakeholders; to highlight key areas that need to be addressed in order to grow a sustainable micro sourcing industry in the country; and to serve as a guideline in the implementation of programs and plans related to micro sourcing industry development

Analysis and design of a high-speed projector for environmentally sustainable micro and nanoparticle deposition

It may be possible to use high-speed impacts as a machining process at the meso and microscales. Before this can be realised, it is necessary to develop both an understanding of the physics of such impacts and to develop a method of generating repeatable, accurate impacts. As a first step in this process, we have made a simple device that fires small spheres at high-speed using the pressure differential generated by a vacuum. We have quantified the performance of a small-scale gas-gun by recording firing events using high-speed video. Experimental data is compared to results from numerical simulations to completely characterise the physics involved in firing. In addition, we present the results of high-speed impacts resulting in significant plastic deformation in the target material.

Transforming time into money using water: A participatory study of economics and gender in rural India

When water supply improvements are coupled with opportunity to create income through micro–enterprises, time released from water collection is converted into income earned. This brings several benefits: reduced drudgery, higher household income, and, consequently, greater women’s empowerment through changing gender relations within the household. This article documents the performance of one such scheme in Banaskantha District in the state of Gujarat in India, one of poorest districts in the state and the country. Here, due to the efforts of the Self–Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), an Indian NGO, poor women are reaping the social and economic benefits of a government–run regional piped water supply scheme, a project funded by Dutch bilateral aid, focusing on women’s development. If government policy–makers took the cue and formulated programmes and schemes that combined these two aspects, viz., actions that release time for rural women from daily chores (e.g., collecting water, fuel wood and fodder)and opportunities for sustainable micro–enterprises to convert time saved into income, this could become a reliable route out of rural poverty into gender–sensitive sustainable development.