Search Results (2,044)

This study analyzed the operational environment of supply chains involved in the production of eco-friendly plastics, with a particular emphasis on small- and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Qualitative research methods were used to highlight the significance of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations and strong recycling programs for the sustainability of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Also, this study looked at international regulations affecting the implementation of circular economy strategies and the difficulties in creating sustainable supply chains. It concluded that waste reduction, effective supply chain management, and sustainable practices are crucial aspects of a more effective and sustainable global plastic-manufacturing sector. This research highlighted the significance of government policies in SME revival and used Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to help SMEs adopt sustainable supply chain practices that act as a catalyst for industry reform. Full article

Extant empirical studies investigate social commerce purchase intention from the perspective of swift guanxi dimensions while neglecting to explain how the purchase intention is influenced. This study proposed and tested a research model to unveil the relationship between swift guanxi dimensions (mutual understanding, reciprocity favor, and relationship harmony), trust in the seller and purchase intention while considering the mediation effect of trust in the seller in social commerce settings. Data from 421 social commerce youth consumers in Tanzania were used in PLS-SEM analysis to test the research model. Results revealed that except for reciprocity favor, swift guanxi dimensions positively influence purchase intention. The swift guanxi dimensions also positively influence trust in the seller. Further trust in the seller mediates the relationship between swift guanxi dimensions and purchase intention. This study recommends that social commerce micro, small, and medium traders embrace swift guanxi to drive consumer purchase intention. Swift guanxi dimensions foster a rapid and affirmative connection with the consumers, enhancing their trust in the seller. In turn, trust in the seller significantly enhances the likelihood of purchase intention, since the consumers feel safer and more confident in their buying journey. Therefore, by leveraging swift guanxi dimensions, social commerce sellers can effectively build business relationships based on a strong foundation, which not only drives immediate consumer purchases but also fosters enduring consumer devotion. Full article

Technological progress has driven the integration of new technologies in the field of industrial automation, but a structured framework is often lacking to efficiently guide the transition from traditional industries. This article presents the implementation of advanced technologies on FESTO’s (MPS-500) modular production system, using the reference architectural model for Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0) as a guide for scaling. It highlights the importance of the synergy between information technologies (ITs), which enables the development of a multi-level processing system. This system performs concurrent tasks, thus managing execution and manufacturing through an MES based on requests from the cloud. On the other hand, at a lower level, a fog computing system was integrated, which relieves the processing load by distributing processes locally. In addition, matrix mapping was performed to map the integrated technologies within the context of a reference model, allowing a clear alignment between the different levels of the system. The results show a significant reduction in waiting times between batches and operations, which directly improves productivity and offers greater flexibility, that is crucial for SMEs during their growth and scaling process towards Industry 4.0. Full article

Purpose: It is difficult for small- and medium-sized enterprises to modify themselves to achieve digital transformation; a digital empowerment platform can help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to digitalize. Therefore, it is of great significance to identify the key factors of the development of logarithmic words. Design: This study first uses the ISM method to establish a network of influencing factors, identifies key factors from the perspectives of network structure and enterprise competitive advantage, and finally conducts a comprehensive analysis using a six-quadrant matrix. Findings: Capital, talent, and data collection and analysis technology are key factors driving the development of digital empowerment platforms. Standards, accurate and continuous industry information, and efficient and sustained co-operation with empowered industry enterprises and research institutions are key factors in establishing a sustained competitive advantage. This study proposes two development paths for enterprises and two policy recommendations. Originality: (1) The history of digital empowerment platform enterprises is relatively short, and there are relatively few studies on the influencing factors of its development. (2) By employing mathematical network analysis and competitive advantage analysis methods and comprehensively analyzing key factors, this study innovates the multi-factor evaluation method. Full article

Big Data (BD) has emerged as a pivotal tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering substantial benefits in enhancing business performance and growth. This review investigates the impact of BD on SMEs, specifically focusing on business improvement, economic performance, and revenue growth. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the drivers and barriers of BD adoption in SMEs and assess its overall impact on operational efficiency and business outcomes. A comprehensive systematic review of 93 research papers published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The methodology included detailed analysis of research approaches, addressing biases and gaps in the literature. BD adoption in SMEs led to significant improvements in operational efficiency, revenue generation, and competitiveness. However, the studies reveal persistent challenges, such as limited financial resources and technical expertise. The review identified a reporting bias, with 47% of studies using quantitative methods, 28% employing case studies, and mixed-method and qualitative studies underrepresented (22% and 17%, respectively). This imbalance highlights a potential overreliance on quantitative approaches, which may limit the depth of insights gained. While BD offers considerable potential for driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness in SMEs, addressing the current methodological biases and resource-related barriers is crucial to fully harness its benefits. Future research should focus on diverse approaches to provide a holistic understanding of BD’s impact on SMEs. Full article

This article aims to explore the role of management in translating the external factors’ and internal barriers’ impacts on the level of adoption of digital technologies as a lever for change in business operations and processes in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs face a distinct set of challenges when adopting digital technologies, often lacking resources and knowledge. On the other hand, they have certain characteristics, such as simpler organisational structures and processes, that make them more flexible than larger firms in leveraging technologies into new business models. Data for this study are obtained from 989 SMEs in Bulgaria in the manufacturing and services sectors. A PLS–SEM analysis confirms eight hypotheses raised on the relationships between environmental factors and government support and internal factors (management support, organisational flexibility, and risk-tolerant culture) that impact digital business intensity. Environmental factors’ impact is stronger than government support, while internal barriers are found to have no statistically significant relationship. The research findings highlight the important role of management support in guiding digital transformation through supporting organisational flexibility and promoting a risk-tolerant culture. Full article

Pakistan’s economic growth has been hindered by various internal and external factors since its independence in 1947. This study aims to identify the root causes of these issues and provide a comprehensive understanding of the country’s economic situation. Internally, inefficient bureaucracy, corruption, inadequate support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), labor market rigidity, tax evasion, and regional inequalities have impeded development. External factors such as political instability, terrorism, weak governance, foreign policy challenges, and insufficient infrastructure have discouraged investment and disrupted economic activities. Pakistan’s reliance on low-tech exports has also led to a loss of competitiveness in international trade. To revitalize the economy, the study suggests reforms in governance, bureaucracy, and infrastructure, with a focus on supporting SMEs, reducing corruption, and attracting investment. The adoption of circular economy (CE) practices, particularly through the use of recycled materials, is proposed as a viable pathway to enhance economic resilience and environmental sustainability. The study highlights the potential for integrating CE strategies, drawing from successful global practices, to address Pakistan’s economic and environmental challenges. However, the reliance on historical data and linear econometric models may not fully capture the evolving economic dynamics, necessitating further research incorporating real-time data and sector-specific approaches. Despite these limitations, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, offering a framework for Pakistan and other developing economies to achieve sustainable growth. Full article

The current study has four main objectives. First, it aims to investigate the effect of the relationship between information technology (IT) dimensions (customer relationship management, knowledge management, and human resource management) and innovative practices on organizational agility in small and medium-size companies (SMEs). Second, it seeks to measure the relationship between IT components and innovative performance. Third, it examines the impact of innovative performance on organizational agility. Fourth it explores the mediating role of innovative performance in the relationship between IT and organizational agility. These objectives provide a clear roadmap for the research and guide the analysis and interpretation of the findings. This paper’s statistical population was composed of senior managers in SMEs in Khorsaran Razavi, Iran. The data were collected using standard questionnaires, 172 which were received in 2023 and analyzed using SPSS version 25 and SmartPLS version 4 software. The results demonstrate that using customer relationships, human resources, and knowledge management as three dimensions of IT and innovative performance can enhance organizational agility. Moreover, innovative performance plays a crucial role as a mediator, strengthening the impact of information IT dimensions on organizational agility. These findings underscore the practical relevance for companies operating in a dynamic economic environment. Special attention to organizational agility and practical factors will increase flexibility, speed of response, etc., and, ultimately, companies’ success in this tense economic environment. The innovation of this research is that the three dimensions of IT, including evaluating customer relationship management, human resource management, and knowledge management, is a growing research field in organizational agility. Therefore, this research is vital in empowering SMEs to increase agility. By evaluating the effect of the four variables of knowledge management, customer relationship management, human resource management, and innovative performance on organizational agility in SMEs, on the one hand, this research expands the theoretical literature and, on the other hand, helps such companies. Full article

This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by comparing the effectiveness of traditional statistical methods with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in predicting bankruptcy among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Traditional bankruptcy prediction models often fail to account for the unique characteristics of SMEs, such as their vulnerability due to lean structures and reliance on short-term credit. This research utilizes a comprehensive database of 7104 Belgian SMEs to evaluate these models. Belgium was selected due to its unique regulatory and economic environment, which presents specific challenges and opportunities for bankruptcy prediction in SMEs. Our findings reveal that AI techniques significantly outperform traditional statistical methods in predicting bankruptcy, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy. Furthermore, our analysis highlights that a firm’s position within the Global Value Chain (GVC) impacts prediction accuracy. Specifically, firms operating upstream in the production process show lower prediction performance, suggesting that bankruptcy risk may propagate upward along the value chain. This effect was measured by analyzing the firm’s GVC position as a variable in the prediction models, with upstream firms exhibiting greater vulnerability to the financial distress of downstream partners. These insights are valuable for practitioners, emphasizing the need to consider specific performance factors based on the firm’s position within the GVC when assessing bankruptcy risk. By integrating both AI techniques and GVC positioning into bankruptcy prediction models, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of bankruptcy risks for SMEs and offers practical guidance for managing and mitigating these risks. Full article

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to society’s growth and welfare. Nevertheless, SMEs often experience challenges, i.e., high levels of competition and market demands. To maintain SMEs’ existence, a competitive advantage is demanded by increasing innovative work behavior. This study explores and evaluates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior and examines the mediating role of knowledge sharing and psychological empowerment on the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. This study uses a quantitative approach, where data were gathered from a questionnaire distributed to 190 employees of export SMEs and were further examined using Smart PLS 3.2.9. The findings demonstrate that transformational leadership does not influence innovative work behavior but significantly and positively influences psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing. Psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing significantly and positively influence innovative work behavior. Subsequently, psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing partially mediate the linkage between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. Full article

The paper aims to find disparities in the perception of sustainability-related criteria’s impact on the sustainability of the SMEs in the countries of the V4 based on gender. The case study was conducted on 1398 responses from owners or top managers in Visegrad Group countries (V4). The questionnaire contained 52 questions. Data collection was conducted by an external agency using the CAWI methodology. The statistical hypotheses were verified by applying structural equation modelling (SEM method). The empirical findings are important for many authors and researchers. The environmental aspect of entrepreneurship is the most important factor, having a strong positive impact on the sustainability of SMEs. This includes active involvement in environmental protection, environmental responsibility as a part of SME governance, and the perception of owners regarding the environment in firm management. Gender disparities are important in evaluating financial management, the level of digitalisation in a firm, human resource management, and business ethics, and their effect on the sustainability of SMEs. Full article

Smart technology is essential for integrating circular economy principles. This research investigates how conflict management strategies (collaboration, accommodation, avoidance, compromise, and competition) impact the adoption of smart technology, particularly blockchain, in Jordanian SMEs. Additionally, the study explores the moderating role of customer-centric green supply chain management in the relationship between blockchain adoption and circular economy principles. This research addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on Jordanian SMEs, an under-explored context. Data were collected from 421 senior managers, department heads, and executives of Jordanian SMEs, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), to test the hypotheses and analyze complex relationships. The findings reveal that conflict management strategies are critical in blockchain adoption, with collaboration and compromise emerging as the most influential. Moreover, blockchain adoption positively impacts the implementation of circular economy principles. The moderating effect of customer-centric green supply chain management enhances the sustainability and competitiveness of SMEs through blockchain technology. This research contributes to theory and practice by providing valuable insights into the strategic role of conflict management in driving technological innovation and sustainability within the circular economy framework, particularly in the context of Jordanian SMEs. Full article

Navigation through AI transformative initiatives is challenging for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Mobility–Transport–Automotive (MTA) ecosystem. To move to a higher AI maturity level, they should work on the improvement of indicators in several dimensions. The main role in these processes is assigned to the SME’s manager, but contemporary research is the least concerned with their support. This paper aims to shed light on supporting the strategic decisions that facilitate SMEs’ implementation of AI services (AIaaS). Applying the principles of design thinking to the design of AI services, the author describes the role of SME managers in AI transformation processes as a base for future AIaaS design. Full article

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the European economy, but sustaining coopetition networks—collaborative arrangements between competitors—remains challenging. In this study, this gap is addressed by developing a reference model and methodology for coopetition networks explicitly designed for SMEs and grounded in the service-dominant (S-D) logic framework. The model provides a structured approach for managing coopetition across the entire network lifecycle, from initiation to dissolution, emphasizing value co-creation and resource integration. A proof of concept (PoC) was implemented in the Portuguese ornamental stone sector to validate the model, revealing significant improvements in manufacturing effectiveness and demonstrating the model’s practical applicability. The results underscore the potential of coopetition networks to boost SMEs’ competitiveness and performance while identifying key trade-offs and risks, such as knowledge sharing and market cannibalization. Although the model addresses critical challenges, in this study, limitations are acknowledged and areas for future research are suggested, particularly in relation to the long-term sustainability of coopetition and the influence of interpersonal dynamics. Full article

The goal of this study is to find out how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects managers’ commitment to sustainability and the long-term success of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Pakistan. In addition to that, this study aims to find out how a manager’s focus on sustainability affects CSR activities and how these activities affect the economic, social, and environmental performance of a company in Pakistan. People who own or run small businesses in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector filled out survey questionnaires that were used to collect the data. Using the software SmartPLS 3.0, a statistical method called partial least square structural equation modeling was used to look at the research model. The findings show that CSR acts as a bridge between managers’ and owners’ sustainability goals and employees’ sustainability goals. Full article