scholarly journals The Adoption of e-business Technologies and Processes in Nigerian Small Business Enterprises.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Olakunle Olayinka
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Business Systems ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Global Increase

Small businesses are often considered important to a nation’s economy. In Nigeria, the small business sector contributes about 48% to the GDP, and there is an increasing effort to support the small business sector as a way of combatting societal ills. Within the last decade, there has been a global increase in the use of e-business by both large and small companies. Today, it is generally acknowledged that e-business provides a range of opportunities for small businesses to operate and compete effectively; however, in developing countries such as Nigeria, there is very limited research on e-business adoption in the small business sector. This thesis examines the adoption of e-business technologies and processes in Nigerian small businesses. Using an inductive approach, informed by a case study strategy, a longitudinal study of six small businesses in Lagos, Nigeria was conducted. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires, and both thematic analysis and framework analysis were utilised to analyse the cases. Research results indicate that small businesses in Nigeria are utilising e-business systems. Key issues impacting upon e-business adoption and eight critical influencing factors that affect adoption were identified. Based on the case study findings, a framework for the development and implementation of e-business strategy in the Nigerian small business sector was developed and validated. This framework will be of value to small business owners involved in e-business operations, and also provides a basis for follow-up research in developing world countries.

scholarly journals E-Business Strategy in Developing Countries: A Framework and Checklist for the Small Business Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7356
Author(s):  
Martin Wynn ◽  
Olakunle Olayinka
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Business Systems ◽  
Online Trading

Since the turn of the century, there has been a growth in the use of e-business by both large and small companies worldwide, a trend that has been given further impetus by the move to online trading in the COVID-19 pandemic era. For small companies, there are the potential benefits of increased efficiencies and market share gain, associated with the re-engineering of selling and marketing processes; but in developing countries, such as Nigeria, research into how small businesses are using e-business systems and technologies is limited. This article builds upon earlier case study research in the Nigerian small business sector to develop a framework for e-business strategy development, implementation and review. Using an inductive approach, data was collected from six small businesses, using interviews and questionnaires, to profile the e-business operations of these companies. This study found that e-business strategy was generally lacking in these companies, but interview material was used to support the development and validation of the strategy framework, which provides a process and a checklist for small businesses pursuing e-business initiatives in developing world environments.

Embedding MBA Students in Local Incubators and Accelerators

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Savoie ◽  
Joshua S. Bendickson ◽  
Chase J. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Capstone Course ◽  
Mba Students ◽  
Capstone Project ◽  
Innovative Learning ◽  
The University

This article presents an innovative method of engaging MBA students in a capstone course by offering a customizable project with businesses that are currently progressing through a regional, independent incubator, or accelerator program. We include various project options but focus on customizable capstone project alternatives to traditional business strategy simulations and case study methods. Namely, our innovative learning solution is a mock consulting project which drives innovation and fosters strategic collaboration between small business owners, university faculty, and MBA students while providing business strategy experience and generating positive exposure for both the university and the small businesses involved. Our method includes pairing MBA students with participating startup businesses and allowing the soon-to-be MBAs an opportunity to garner consulting experience while simultaneously serving the needs of the businesses in the accelerator. Accordingly, MBA students act as consultants to business owners and prepare detailed weekly briefings to inform stakeholders within the university and the constituent businesses. By breaching the typical capstone project parameters, the mock consulting option provides for experiential and applied learning experiences for MBA students and develops higher order strategic thinking by challenging them to work hand-in-hand with real startups.

scholarly journals Financial bootstrapping and the small business sector in a developing economy

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 433-442
Author(s):  
Bonginkosi Keith Zwane ◽  
Celani John Nyide
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Financial Bootstrapping

The assumption in academic literature and public debate is that lack of financial resources generally restrains small businesses’ development and growth. With the constraints that small businesses face to access outside funding, there is a need to investigate bootstrapping as a means of obtaining resources which will lead to a reduction in the need for outside financing. The challenge facing small businesses in terms of obtaining finance from traditional sources has necessitated this study. A sample was chosen on a non-probability basis using convenience sampling of small business owners within the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 83 participants completed the questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings regarding awareness of financial bootstrapping as a source of funding remains unknown. The evidence in the study shows that a number of respondents unknowingly used some of the bootstrapping methods.

scholarly journals Credit provision by banks: a case study analysis of small businesses in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-74
Author(s):  
Raphael N. Ngcobo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Bank Loans ◽  
Bank Loan ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Business Owner ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Business Plans

Small business sector is considered as an important economic driver by many countries. In South Africa, small business sector has been acknowledged as the driving force to boost the economic growth and an important source of job creation. This article aims at identifying factors that are a challenge in obtaining bank finance by small businesses in South Africa.Primary data for this study involved a survey questionnaire directed to owners of small businesses operating in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan area, Gauteng, South Africa. Factors that were deemed to influence bank loan decision were examined. The research findings revealed that factors such as age of business, business plans availability, educational background of business owner, experience of business owner and availability of a collateral have an influence on the bank loan decisions. This research also found that the accessibility of loan funding from banks was a constraint on business operations and growth. The findings of this study indicate that the mentioned factors are a challenge for small businesses in accessing bank loans to fund their operations.The findings of this study will be of great value to small business owners and policy makers in finding solutions to address the identified barriers.

scholarly journals Social Media Marketing Adoption Strategies: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study of Landscape Industry Small Businesses

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Crystal Lupo ◽  
Jason R. Stroman
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Multiple Case

Despite research contending that marketing is a pivotal factor in small business success, many small business owners continue to underutilize low-cost marketing options available to them. Of these options, social media marketing is a useful tool to maintain competitiveness in the larger marketplace. However, the adoption of social media best practices in small business remains deficient. The landscape industry is a large and growing field with small businesses making up a large and growing share of the industry. Yet some landscape industry small business owners lack strategies to adopt innovative social media marketing strategies to help ensure business viability. This study incorporated a qualitative, exploratory multiple-case study design to explore how landscape industry small business owners use social media marketing strategies to help ensure business viability. Results indicated that successful marketing strategies tended to incorporate Facebook as the primary social media tool and included content such as service, education, and holiday posts. Benefits of social media marketing primarily centered on low-cost marketing options for improved visibility, while challenges included a trial-and-error learning curve. Results of this study might help small businesses improve their long-term viability through social media marketing strategies.

scholarly journals Análisis de la aplicación de los incentivos tributarios para las pequeñas empresas del sector de alimentos del cantón Quito / Analysis of application of tax incentives for small businesses of the food industry in Quito City, Ecuador

Ciencia Unemi ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (19) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Sandra Patricia Galarza Torres ◽  
Lorenzo Armijo Robles ◽  
Juanita Garcia Aguilar ◽  
Ximena Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Tax Incentives ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
Trade And Investment

El presente estudio tiene por objeto analizar los resultados que han generado los incentivos tributarios establecidos en el Código de la Producción, Comercio e Inversión (COPCI) publicado en el registro oficial No. 351 del 29 de diciembre de 2010, en las pequeñas empresas del sector de alimentos del Cantón Quito, Ecuador. Para su desarrollo se utilizó la información financiera del período 2010-2012, investigación documental basada en fuentes bibliográficas, aplicación de encuestas a gerentes y propietarios de pequeñas empresas del sector de alimentos y entrevistas a funcionarios públicos. Los resultados mostraron que los incentivos establecidos en el COPCI pueden resultar atractivos desde el punto de vista económico y tributario para el gobierno, sin embargo, para las pequeñas empresas del sector de alimentos del cantón Quito, estos no han generado mayor beneficio en temas de empleo, producción, inversión y recaudación tributaria. Abstract The present study aims to analyze the results that have generated tax incentives established in the Code of Production, Trade and Investment (COPCI) published in the Official Register No. 351 of December 29, 2010, in the small business sector of food of Quito Canton, Ecuador. For the development of this research, the 2010-2012 period of financial information, documental research based on literature sources, application surveys to managers and small business owners, and interviews with industry officials were used. The results showed that the incentives established in the COPCI may be attractive from the point of view of the government about economics and taxes; however, for small businesses of the food industry Quito city, they have not generated the greatest benefits on employment issues, production, investment and tax collection.

An Exploratory Study on Small Business Website Creation and Usage

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Chuleeporn Changchit ◽  
Tim Klaus
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Market Share ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Web Presence

This study aims at exploring the factors related to the implementation of E-commerce websites by small business owners. While large organizations often consider E-commerce as a fundamental piece of their business strategy, small businesses place varying degrees of importance on E-commerce as a strategic tool to business success. Through a survey of small businesses, this study examines the creation and usage of E-commerce websites for small businesses. For companies with only a web presence, as well as for companies with an E-commerce website, the top two reasons for an E-commerce website identified by respondents of this study are to increase the profits of the company and to increase the market share. The study also found that factors such as lack of management support and costs greater than benefits were not detrimental to the decision to implement an E-commerce solution. Additional factors motivating small businesses to create and use E-commerce websites include the ability to better respond to customer demands and increased profits as a result of having E-commerce websites. This study contributes to the E-commerce literature by highlighting motivations of small business owners as they consider implementing E-commerce solutions.

scholarly journals Small business owners’ perceptions of business ethics and employee theft in the small business sector of South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Colin Cant ◽  
Johannes Arnoldus Wiid ◽  
Yu-ting Hung
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Business Ethics ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Ethical Behaviour ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Employee Theft

Cant and Ligthelm (2003:1) estimate that 70-80% of SMEs fail. One of the challenges that have been identified as contributing to the high failure rate of SMEs in South Africa is employee theft, which constitutes as a ‘crime’. The research study investigates small business owners’ perception of business ethics and employee theft in the small business sector of South Africa. The objective of this paper is to determine the ethical behaviour of business owners, explore the ethical dilemmas that small businesses are facing, establish the concern and impact of theft in the workplace, and the influence of loyalty on the matter. A questionnaire was constructed and random sampling was used to gather the responses of 38 small business owners. The research identified a strong positive linear relationship between the concern for ethical dilemmas/misconduct and employee theft in the workplace. The challenge now is to further the decrease of employee theft in small businesses in South Africa to ensure their success, as they play a vital role in the South African economy

scholarly journals Factors of Entrepreneurial Success: A qualitative multiple case study of new small businesses

2021 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 01026
Author(s):  
Jan Urban
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Total Employment ◽  
Sustained Development ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Start Ups

In most countries, small businesses represent a majority of firms providing close to fifty percent of the total employment. However, on average, more than half of new small-business start-ups usually fail within the first 5 years of operation. Therefore, learning from the success of small-business owners who have sustained in business for at least 5 years can provide helpful insights not only for individual firms, but also for the continued growth of local economies which usually rely on small business to a great extent. The purpose of this case study based article was to explore common approaches, strategies and skills of successful business founders/small business owner´s that contribute to their sustained development. The article is based on a qualitative survey of sixteen, locally operating, small, retail and service-industry firms which, having successfully survived at least 5 years in business, continue to grow. The method of the survey covered semi structured interviews led with individual entrepreneurs and focused on identifying the crucial business as well as personal approaches and skills important for their market survival.

Measuring Success in Family Businesses: The Concept of Configurational Fit

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Hienerth ◽  
Alexander Kessler
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Comparable Data ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Success Measurement ◽  
Success Evaluation ◽  
As Effects

The problems associated with measuring success in small businesses are primarily caused by a lack of comparable data due to the ambiguity of “success” and by subjective biases. Success evaluation is dominated by the estimates of business owners, who tend to overestimate overall success and internal strengths. However, reliable success measurement instruments would be useful for small business owners/managers as well as small business policymakers. The main purposes of this article are to compare various measures of success, to explore the differences in their outcomes, and to analyze whether a model of success measurement using configurational fit can be used to overcome subjective biases. The study is based on a recent survey of 103 small family-owned businesses in the eastern Austrian border region. Our analysis of the data confirmed the existence of the measurement problems mentioned above. Although some individual indicators show significant biases as well as effects due to company age, size, and industry, the aggregated indicator based on the concept of configurational fit seems to be an appropriate means of overcoming most of these drawbacks.

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