Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The innovation has been pointed out by several studies (TORRES et al., 2017, COLBY, DOBNI, 2015, CARVALHO et al., 2015, SILVA, DACORSO, 2013, BESSANT and TIDD 2009) as a competitive energy source for business in a dynamic and globalized market. Regardless of the size and the segment, all businesses can innovate, because in countries like Brazil, small companies represent more than 90% of the country's total enterprises, being an important source of employability (SEBRAE, DIEESE, 2015). When searching specifically about frugal innovation, the objective was to describe how small businesses in the Itabaiana / SE region develop frugal innovation in their activities of producing goods and services in the light of Jugaad principles. The Jugaad innovation is in line with the Brazilian way, with the ability to adapt and improvise in the face of adversity in an ingenious way (RADJOU; PRABHU; AHUJA, 2012). This type of innovation follows six principles - seeking opportunities in adversity, doing more with less, being flexible, simplifying, giving the excluded a chance, and following the heart - consistent with the way innovation occurs in many small business in Brazil. The study is qualitative, using multiple case study strategy. For the collection of the evidences, documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and direct observation were carried out in eight companies, two of them in the service sector, three in the industrial sector and three in the commercial sector. And the data were analyzed through individual case analysis and cross-case analysis. As the main results of the research were identified that six of the companies surveyed started the business when the owners sought opportunities in the personal adversities they faced, and only two companies emerged from the dream of their owners to undertake, as well as all entrepreneurs had prior knowledge on the field of activity, and all reported transforming the adversities that arise in their organizations in business opportunities, being the financial adversity pointed out as the main adversity faced by them; all respondents follow the principles of doing more with less in their organizations; in all the cases studied, the principle of flexibility was identified in actions such as: the change of the initial business model, and the interest in implementing innovative actions that are motivated by clients and / or competition; all the companies surveyed offer some kind of simple product, however good enough to solve the problems, needs or desires of the customers, while still maintaining the quality; all seek or have the majority of their clients poorly served or excluded by the market; and make decisions based on the following factors: intuition, empathy and / or passion. From the data analysis it was verified that the Jugaad principles are present in actions practiced by all the companies participating in the study. On some principles companies share the same type of action. Finally, the study presents a chart with examples of Jugaad actions found during the research to serve as inspiration for other SMEs. / A inovação vem sendo apontada, por diversos autores (TORRES et al., 2017; COLBY; DOBNI, 2015; CARVALHO et al., 2015; SILVA; DACORSO, 2013; BESSANT; TIDD 2009), como fonte de energia competitiva para os negócios num mercado dinâmico e globalizado. Independentemente do porte e do segmento, todos os negócios podem inovar, pois em países como o Brasil, as pequenas empresas representam mais de 90% do total de empreendimentos do país, sendo importante fonte de empregabilidade (SEBRAE, DIEESE, 2014). Ao pesquisar especificamente sobre a inovação frugal, objetivou-se descrever como os pequenos negócios da região de Itabaiana/SE desenvolvem inovação frugal em suas atividades de produção de bens e serviços à luz dos princípios da Jugaad. A inovação Jugaad ou inovação do improviso (melhor tradução para o português, de acordo com os autores do livro A inovação do Improviso) condiz com o “jeitinho” brasileiro, com a capacidade de se adaptar e improvisar diante das adversidades de maneira engenhosa (RADJOU; PRABHU; AHUJA, 2012). Este tipo de inovação segue seis princípios - buscar oportunidades na adversidade, fazer mais com menos, ser flexível, simplificar, dar chance aos excluídos, e seguir o coração - condizentes com o modo de atuação de tantas empresas brasileiras no que diz respeito ao processo de inovação. O estudo é de natureza qualitativa, sob a estratégia de estudo de casos múltiplos. Para coleta das evidências foram realizadas analise documental, entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação direta em oito empresas, sendo duas do setor de serviços, três do setor industrial e três do comércio. E os dados foram analisados por meio de análise individual dos casos e cross-case analysis. Como principais resultados da pesquisa identificaram-se que seis das empresas pesquisadas iniciaram os negócios quando os proprietários buscaram oportunidades nas adversidades pessoais que enfrentavam, e apenas duas empresas surgiram a partir do sonho de seus proprietários de empreender, bem como todos os empresários possuíam conhecimento prévio sobre o ramo de atuação, e todos relataram transformar as adversidades que surgem em suas organizações em oportunidades de negócios, sendo a adversidade financeira apontada como principal adversidade enfrentada por eles; todos os entrevistados seguem o princípios de fazer mais como menos em suas organizações; em todos os casos estudados o princípio da flexibilidade foi identificado em ações como: a mudança do modelo de negócio inicial, e o interesse pela implementação de ações inovadoras que são motivadas pelos clientes e/ou pela concorrência; todas as empresas pesquisadas oferecem algum tipo de produto simples, porém bom o suficiente para resolver os problemas, necessidades ou desejos dos clientes, mantendo ainda assim a qualidade; todas buscam ou tem a maioria dos seus clientes mal atendidos, mal servidos ou excluídos pelo mercado; e tomam decisões baseados nos fatores: intuição, empatia e/ou paixão. A partir da análise dos dados verificou-se que os princípios Jugaad estão presentes em ações praticadas por todas as empresas participantes do estudo. Em alguns princípios as empresas compartilham do mesmo tipo de ação. Por fim, o estudo apresenta um quadro com os exemplos das ações Jugaad encontradas durante a pesquisa para que sirva de inspiração para outras MPEs. / São Cristóvão, SE

Mobilindustrin är under ständig förändring vilket har lett till en fragmenterad marknad somsmåföretag har haft svårt att etablera sig i. Småföretag har haft problem med att utvecklakvalitativa applikationer till olika mobila plattformar. Anledningen är att det varitresurskrävande att utveckla native applikationer till flera plattformar och underhålla flerakodbaser. Till följd av detta har mindre företag oftast valt att utveckla webbapplikationer för attleverera tjänster som når ut till många konsumenter. Hybrida ramverk har på senare år etableratsig som en potentiell lösning för att utveckla mobila applikationer med högre prestanda ochfunktionalitet än webbapplikationer och samtidigt möjliggjort för utvecklare att dela kod mellanolika plattformar. I denna studie intervjuades anställda på tre mindre företag för att identifierakrav som småföretag anser vara viktiga vid val av ramverk för applikationsutveckling. Utifrånkraven jämfördes tre hybrida ramverk för att ta reda på vilket som passar småföretag. Resultatenvisade att småföretag är olika med varierande behov och att det inte finns ett specifikt ramverksom passar alla. Däremot konstaterades det att alla tre hybrida ramverk som jämfördes i studienvar tillräckligt sofistikerade att implementeras som potentiella lösningar. Med det sagt ärhybrida ramverken inte kompromisslösa. Applikationer som utvecklas med hybrida ramverkuppnår ännu inte samma prestanda som native applikationer och är inte plattformsoberoende isamma grad som webbapplikationer. / The mobile industry is constantly changing, which has led to a fragmented market that smallbusinesses have difficulties to successfully establish in. Small businesses have had problemswith developing qualitative applications for different mobile devices. The main reason is theresource intensive process to develop native applications for multiple platforms andmaintaining the different codebases. Thus, smaller companies have usually chosen to developweb applications to deliver services to a more widespread target audience. Hybrid frameworkshave established themselves as a potential solution for developing mobile applications withhigher performance and functionality than web applications, while allowing developers to sharecode between platforms. In this study, employees of three smaller companies were interviewedto identify shared requirements held by small businesses to select a framework for applicationdevelopment. Based on the requirements, three hybrid frameworks were compared with thepurpose to identify which one was most suitable for small businesses. The results showed thatsmall businesses are different with varying needs and that there is no specific framework thatsuits all companies. On the other hand, it was found that all three hybrid frameworks comparedin the study were sufficiently developed to be implemented as potential solutions. With thatsaid, hybrid frameworks are not without flaws. Applications developed with hybrid frameworksdoes not yet achieve the same level of performance as native applications and is not platformindependent to the same extent as web applications.

This thesis presents/offers a comprehensive view of the issue of mobile Internet aimed at very small businesses and traders. In my thesis I focus on the practical applicability of mobile Internet by means of mobile technologies in the forenamed undertakings. First part of the thesis deals with the methodology of the area of very small businesses and traders and analyses present possibilities of application of mobile technologies and their suitability and usability for very small businesses and traders. Second part of the thesis identifies types of undertaking that can take advantage of mobile Internet and shows that this technology entails time and funds saving. Third part demonstrates concrete applications of mobile Internet in the activities of undertakings and presents the possibilities of gaining a support from the European Union structural funds for the implementation of mobile Internet.

This diploma thesis focuses on the process improvements and selection of appropriate ERP system in terms of small companies. In the theoretical part it explains the concept of process and methods of its analysis, management and business process improvements. There are also characterized the basic types of ERP systems and their potential acquisition process. The practical part is divided into two functional units, where the first one is the analysis of processes and proposals for their improvement in a specific company. The second part deals with the analysis and selection methods of specific ERP system for the specific company.

This study aims to analyze the determinants of survival for micro and small businesses in the segments intended for tourism of Sergipe economy. Given the social and economic relevance, the possibility of failure impacts on regional development, generating economic and social losses for the whole country, and have a negative impact on the effectiveness of incentive policies to the creation of these companies in Brazil. It analyzed its historical development, and their inclusion in the tourism sector through study of its economic potential in this segment. Research indicates that in the period 2002-2012, the average survival rate of micro and small companies in Sergipe, amounted to 79.1%. In the composition of this study, first, we present a theoretical framework regarding the Regional Development and its insertion on the traditional economic theory, dealing with three generations of regional policies: developmentalism, neoliberalism and regional development (local). Promotes an analysis of Regional Development in Brazil and its historical progression in the economy. It brings also a study of the Micro and Small Business and Tourism, as a tool for Brazil´s economic development. Then, this was the application of data and display the search results, which is to identify the survival rates and comparative analyzes on the subject studied. The findings present the analysis of the results obtained, in order to contribute to the maintenance and continuity of these companies, incorporated as essential to the regional and global socioeconomic development. / Este estudo objetiva analisar os fatores determinantes de sobrevivência das micro e pequenas empresas nos segmentos destinados à atividade turística da economia sergipana. Dada à sua relevância social e econômica, a possibilidade de fracasso impacta no desenvolvimento regional, gerando prejuízos econômicos e sociais para todo o país, além de repercutir negativamente sobre a eficácia das políticas de incentivo à criação dessas empresas no Brasil. Foram analisadas a sua evolução histórica, e a sua inclusão no setor de turismo, mediante estudo de suas potencialidades econômicas, neste segmento. A pesquisa indica que no período de 2002 a 2012, a taxa média de sobrevivência das micro e pequenas empresas em Sergipe, correspondeu a 79,1%. Na composição deste estudo, primeiramente, apresenta-se um referencial teórico acerca do Desenvolvimento Regional e sua inserção sobre a teoria econômica tradicional, versando sobre três gerações de políticas regionais: desenvolvimentismo, neoliberalismo e desenvolvimento regional (local). Promove-se uma análise do Desenvolvimento Regional no Brasil e sua progressão histórica na economia. Traz ainda, um estudo sobre as Micro e Pequenas Empresas e o Turismo, como ferramenta para o desenvolvimento econômico brasileiro. Em seguida, tratou-se da aplicação dos dados e exposição dos resultados da pesquisa, que consiste na identificação das taxas de sobrevivência e análises comparativas sobre o tema estudado. As conclusões apresentam a análise dos resultados apurados, como forma de contribuir para a manutenção e continuidade destas empresas, constituídas como fundamentais para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico regional e global.

Magister Commercii - MCom / The Internet is now facilitating the provision of an increasing number of services. Thus, technology has become a more integrated part of people‟s daily routine. Some of these technologies include electronic communication, online banking, and shopping as well as electronic learning - to name but a few. However, for various reasons, such as limited formal education (which is a key promoter of reading and writing skills), access and skills, not everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the use of these technologies. The unequal distribution of opportunities of such nature is often broadly referred to as the digital divide. That is the gap between those who have access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. One noted challenge that influences the use of ICT consists of socioeconomic conditions, which together elicit high levels of poverty. An identified strategy for uplifting these areas was (and still is) entrepreneurship, notably small businesses. These small businesses however, generally have very short and mostly unsuccessful lives. As a result the government at all levels (national, provincial and local) has endeavoured to provide support to these businesses. Some of this support is provided through mediums, such as the Internet (here named “electronic support”) to assist these small businesses. This support, which comes from government, is however, not being fully utilised by the intended beneficiaries. Thus, the small businesses are not benefiting from the support provided. Consequently, many are still experiencing a short and unsuccessful existence. This research thus analyses the small businesses in areas of the greater Cape Town, which are characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment. Previous studies in these areas have reported the lack of ICT related skills, also known as electronic skills (e-skills), as one of the reasons for the low uptake of electronic support (e-support). This e-support is provided by various levels of government through selected agencies (service providers). In essence, this study is aimed at investigating the influence of e-skills in the access and use of the provided e-support by owners of small businesses. Considering that the lack of adequate e-skills has been identified as influencing the use of e-support, the study also aims to identify the e-skills needed to fully utilise the provided e-support. The approach to this investigation included a review of pertinent literature and devising a conceptual model. This model was then tested in the empirical setting of this study. This setting included: (i) Providers of e-support (various specialised government agencies) and (ii) the intended beneficiaries of this esupport, i.e. small businesses in the previously disadvantaged areas (PDAs) of the greater Cape Town. Through the use of case study methodology and face to face interviews, it was found that many small business owners were not able to appropriately use the provided e-support. This was due to their lack of e-skills, which resulted in their inability to use ICT. Additionally, some were unaware of the existence of the e-support or the service providers. During the review of pertinent literature done as part of the study, an e-skills framework was designed. The framework identified the e-skills considered necessary in order for small business owners to effectively utilise the provided e-support and other technologies. The e-skills framework suggested by this study could be used as a tool to assist: (i) The providers of e-support to understand the usage of their services and enable (ii) a more informed understanding of the need for appropriate e-skills among small business owners, in relation to their use of the provided e-support. Additionally, (iii) small business owners should be in a better position to recognise the benefits of using technology, especially the Internet. The contribution of this study is seen as twofold. Firstly, it should assist the providers and users of e-support. This is done by addressing the practical side of the provision and usage of these services. Secondly, the study contributes an informative e-skills framework related to the effective use of esupport. This study also furthers academic knowledge in the area of the investigation, and suggests further directions for research. Considering, the limited small business sample (only participants from three PDAs), the generalisation of this study is limited. This limitation does not however, influence the validity of this research, or the credibility of the findings.

This study analysed the impact of the palm oil industry on smallholder and subsistence farmers in the Rumonge region of Burundi, the second poorest country in the world. Burundi has widespread poverty and suffers severe capacity constraints, and skill shortages brought about, in part, by ethnic civil war, political conflict and internal displacement. Ingrained animosity has disrupted farming, escalated poverty and hampered development projects such as palm oil farming. Little research has been conducted into the causes and possible solutions to these problems. Using sustainable development theory and agricultural development theory, this study addressed this gap by considering the potential benefits of sustainable palm oil production in the context of the socio-economic challenges facing Burundi. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the study targeted four villages of Rumonge District, including Kizuka, Busaga, Dama and Birimba. A combined total of 300 respondents was derived from these four villages. Findings of the quantitative study suggest that palm oil had a positive impact on the social and economic lives of rural communities in Rumonge District;. However, challenges remained in capacity, farming skills and resources. Results from qualitative interviews and focus groups confirmed that earnings from palm oil could be used to support education, skills transfer through family ties; and employment of local people. However, from the perspective of environmentalist activists, it was indicated that while palm oil generated economic benefits for local communities, at the same time traditional farming methods led to pollution and degradation of the natural environment. Qualitative findings further showed that small-scale palm oil farmers faced numerous challenges which often led to the failure of some of their ventures, such as access to funds, lack of technical support, lack of knowledge in utilising business networking, low skills levels, limited understanding of land rights issues, civil conflicts and rising production costs. Additional problems were noted regarding environmental problems and the disappearance of wildlife. The study confirmed the need for small-scale farmers to be adequately capacitated with information, training, resources and technical support to be able to use sustainable farming methods in order to enhance yields. The study contributes to knowledge by identifying how rural smallholder farmers can design more extended longer-term plans to improve their livelihoods, particularly concerning how palm oil production can address the socio-economic problems facing the people of Burundi. / Development Studies / D. Phil. (Developmental Studies)

Research shows that due to a lack of strategy in managing human resources (HR), small businesses frequently close within the first 5 years of operation. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies that HR managers used to maintain business operations for longer than the first 5 years. The targeted population comprised 2 owners of small business in North Carolina who used HR strategies successfully to sustain their businesses for longer than 5 years. Data collection methods included face-to-face, semistructured interviews and the review of the company documents associated with owners of the businesses and their attempts to remain in operation for longer than 5 years. A modified van Kaam method was used for data analysis. Three key themes emerged from data analysis: (a) effective leadership, (b) organizational structure, and (c) work climate. The results of the study indicated that HR strategies are critical to the sustainability of small businesses. The implications for positive social change include providing guidance to owners of small businesses regarding effective HR strategies that might help to sustain small businesses and their roles in job creation, innovation, competition, and economic growth in the United States.

No description available.

This study examines the factors appear to lead to the failure of small businesses in the Kagiso Township. The high failure rate can be partially attributed to the lack of support that the small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) receive from support institutions as well as to their own internal weaknesses. Strategies are recommended that will help small businesses be more successful. The study was exploratory, descriptive and qualitative in nature. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Results indicated that the most common causes of business failure were lack of knowledge regarding legal matters, lack of funding and a general lack of business acumen. The study recommends that government should improve the effectiveness of its support mechanisms and that record keeping and cash flow management training is critical for SMEs. These recommendations, if applied properly, will ensure small businesses' success in Kagiso and the rest of South Africa. / Economics / M.Tech. (Business Administration)