Current Issue : April-June Volume : 2025 Issue Number : 2 Articles : 5 Articles
The main objective of the study was to carry out an assessment of the performance of SMEs in Lusaka, Zambia, based on automated procurement systems and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. The research objectives were aimed at finding out the role of e-tendering, e-ordering and e-logistics on organizational performance. The study was carried out in Lusaka Central District of Lusaka Province. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study sample comprised 400 respondents and adopted the simple random sampling method. To carry out this study, a structured questionnaire was developed and pretested. It contained close-ended questions. Questionnaires were distributed to the respondent and 14 days were given to respondent to complete questionnaires before collection. Questionnaires were used as the main tools for collection of primary data and were delivered to the respondents directly with the guidance of the principal researcher and picked later at the agreed date. Data analysis involved cleaning, sorting, coding and keypunching of raw data collection from the field and processing for purposes of interpretation were analysed via Statistical Package for Social Science version 28 (SPSS) analysis software. Furthermore, quantitative data findings were presented using descriptive statistical tools like graphs, tables and other measures of central tendency. An analysis of the first research variable regarding e-tendering revealed that it has a significant effect on organizational performance with a P-value of 0.000. The second research variable regarding e-ordering was not supported and proved to not have an effect on organization performance and indicated a P-value of 0.48. An analysis of the last research variable regarding e-logistics revealed a huge significance between e-logistics and organizational performance and the analysis indicated that the performance of SMEs relies on e-logistics with a Pvalue of 0.000. The study recommends that SMEs enhance system integration for transparency, cost reduction, resource management and flow of information, leverage technology, and facilitate training....
As the ‘green version’ of the Human Resources Management concept is under-explored, this investigation sought to examine the effect of intervening variables on the relationship between Green Human Resources Management (GHRM) and green performance in the SME sector. Drawing upon the Ability Motivation theory, this study examined green innovation as a mediator and green knowledge sharing as a moderator of the GHRM–green performance relationship. This study employed the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse 364 responses from senior managers in the SME sector in Zimbabwe. The empirical results confirmed that while GHRM profoundly impacted green performance, green innovation partially mediated the relationship between the two variables. Study results also established that green knowledge sharing positively moderated the relationship between GHRM and green innovation. This research signifies the effect of GHRM, green knowledge sharing, and green innovation on the SME’s sustainability and environmental management performance. These results are essential for managerial decision-making....
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....
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....
This study aims to examine the impact of marketing artificial intelligence (AI) and the specific channels it uses to influence the performance of Jordanian SMEs. In contrast to prior research that focused solely on the direct effects of marketing AI on organizational performance, our study introduces innovative pathways involving customer engagement, customer satisfaction, and datadriven decision-making. These channels serve as indirect mechanisms through which the impact of marketing AI extends to influence the Sustainable Financial Performance of SMEs. Using a framework for structural equation modeling, we looked at the answers of 250 small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) chosen through cluster sampling from industrially active areas in Jordan. Our findings reveal that the adoption of AI technologies leads to a notable 42.5% enhancement in Sustainable Financial Performance among SMEs, driven by a 50% increase in customer engagement and a 76% improvement through data-driven decision-making processes. While our study did not establish a direct correlation between marketing AI and long-term financial performance, it demonstrated the connection between technology adoption, customer-focused strategies, and datadriven practices. The findings offer actionable insights and recommendations for Jordanian SMEs leveraging marketing AI to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable growth. The study offers significant contributions to how marketing AI improves the Sustainable Financial Performance of Jordanian SMEs by identifying crucial indirect pathways. Unlike previous studies, it focuses on the roles of customer engagement, satisfaction, and data-driven decision-making as mediators rather than emphasizing direct impacts. The findings highlight the importance of integrating technology with customer-centric and data-oriented strategies to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in SMEs....
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