The study sought to investigate the performance measurement practice of retail Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Zimbabwe and to develop a performance measurement framework for monitoring and managing the performance of retail MSMEs in developing countries. The performance measurement framework may enhance the chances of success and survival of these retail MSMEs. The framework was developed based on a review of the literature and an empirical study. Questionnaires were administered to 373 owner/managers of which only 189 responded. Interviews were held with 20 senior employees in the accounts/finance departments of MSMEs. Stratified random sampling was employed to select the 20 senior employees interviewed. Interviews were also held with eight (8) owner/managers who were purposively selected from the 189 MSMEs who participated in the study. It was established that most of the MSMEs do not measure the CSFs identified from the literature review. The study identified innovation, management of costs, and management of customers, management of competitors, market scanning, employee motivation, and management of regulators as the factors that need to be measured and monitored if MSMEs are to succeed. The performance measurement framework which emerged from the study focused more on measurement of non-financial performance rather than financial performance. Most owner/managers interviewed indicated that the proposed performance measurement framework can be used to enhance the performance of MSMEs. The study recommends that a confirmatory study such as structural equation modelling should be carried out in order to test the cause-effect relationship between the CSFs identified in this study. The study also recommends a longitudinal study where the researcher will assess the performance measurement practices of the retail MSMEs over time rather than relying on the perceptions of owner/managers and employees of the MSMEs. Keywords: Critical success factors, MSMEs, performance measurement, / Management Accounting / D. Phil. (Management Accounting)

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study extends the existing literature on how social networks enhance the performance and sustainability of small enterprises. More specifically, the study isolates and investigates the mechanisms through which social capital helps with the growth and survival of MSMEs. The evidence presented in this study strongly suggests that an indigenous social network widely practiced in Ethiopia, the "iqqub", contributes significantly to the start-up, survival and development of urban MSMEs. / South Africa

Strategic Marketing is very essential to realize firm’s objectives and thereby take the advantage against the competitors. Innovation becomes the means of taking the firm to the higher level among the existing local and global competitors. Strategic Marketing (SM) is making the firm do well where as Innovation is still enhancing the firms capability of doing things better and it happens to be the need of the hour. Thus Strategic Marketing and Innovation becomes the important components that need to be adopted by any organizations. It becomes essential to analyze the importance of Strategic Marketing for realizing the firm’s innovativeness and there by achieve the higher growth. This research is an attempt to find how Strategic Marketing is affecting the organizations performance by adopting innovation. The literature review gives a clear indication to do the research with reference to our Indian MSME’s. Considering this, the following specific objectives were formulated for the research. • Building the measures of Strategic Marketing and Innovation and develop a conceptual research framework for examining the relationship between them. • Designing a measuring instrument using Strategic Marketing and Innovation measures and test the instrument. • Examine the relationship between Strategic Marketing and Innovation and also its impact on each. • Examine the effect of different dimensions of Innovation on Strategic Marketing dimensions and find which of these needs more thrust in an organization. • Make appropriate suggestions on the need for adoption of SM as a means for any Indian manufacturing organizations to achieve a higher growth rate. The constructs of Strategic Marketing and Innovation are identified for further study. A conceptual framework was formulated with the set of hypothesis which needs to be tested. A structured questionnaire based on likert scale is used for collecting the primary data. The manufacturing organizations falling under Micro, Small and Medium scale are taken for the study through the directory provided by MSME Development Institute of India, Bangalore. The data was collected by approaching the managers of the manufacturing firms who have responsibilities to exhibit different management roles. The purpose of collecting the primary data is to know the management’s view regarding Strategic marketing and Innovation related to their firm. Our work includes both pilot and main study, where in validity and reliability of the measuring instrument is tested during pilot study. In our main study, 150 manufacturing organizations were approached situated in Peenya and Rajajinagar, Bangalore urban region. We got around 91 responses yielding about 60.6 % response rate. The data was obtained from 91 organizations, consisting of 04 Micro, 38 small and 49 medium scale organizations. A detailed statistical analysis is done for the collected data. Highly loading factors for the collected data was found out using confirmatory factor analysis and followed by finding the summated score of the data for the further analysis. The main study data was analyzed using multiple regression method by considering Strategic Marketing(SM) constructs as independent variables and Innovation performance constructs as dependent variables. The different assumptions underlying multiple regression were verified and five regression models estimated. The overall model fit was assessed and hypothesis was tested. The relationship established between SM and Innovation performance clearly indicates that SM has a great impact on the innovation performance of an organization irrespective of whatever may be the type of innovation. Hence achieving of SM performance can lead to the achievement of innovation performance also within organizations. Further the significant variables were identified from the individual regression models, interpreted and the models validated. It was found that out of the four variables of SM considered, as many as three variables viz. Marketing mix, Brand positioning and Entrepreneurial management are having a significant impact in one way or other way on the overall innovation performance of the organization. The strategy of focusing on the identified significant variables of SM was suggested for improving the innovation performance within organizations.

This research was geared towards the investigation of management strategies (factors) that affect the performance ofMSMEs in Kenya. Many developed countries record a time in history when entrepreneurial activities led to revival of economical growth after decline. This implies MSMEs is a very vital sector especially for a developing country like Kenya. MSMEs stagnate and their performance is uncertain according to writers such as Namusonge, Management inadequacies have been suggested in several studies. The objectives of this research was to, 1. To identifY the critical management factors affecting the performance of MSMEs in Kenya; ii. To establish the process through which managerial factors affect the performance of a MSMEs in Kenya ; m. To determine the integrative effect of various management factors in the MSMES in Kenya; IV. To establish the effect of demographics and management factors on performance, v. To establish effects of external environment on internal management factors A conceptual model was formulated from the literature review showing relationships of the management strategies and the environment they operate in. These relationships became the basis for the hypotheses which were later tested. In chapter 4, a mini research (pilot study) was conducted in May 2007,whose main aim was to test the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The 36 questionnaires returned were analysed through descriptive method. Results obtained indicated the instruments were reliable and the results valid. A few corrections suggested were made. The major correction was addition of question 35 to collect financial information. The data collection was done between mid August and mid October 2007.In chapter 5, the researcher analysesd the results of the survey after receiving 180 questionnaires. Time was a constraint. In chapter 6, the hypotheses and conceptual model were analysed and the results obtained suggested that, most strategies did not affect the profitability separately but severally. The integrated effect of the management strategies and the associated factors had a higher impact on performance of the MSMES than any individual strategies. In chapter 7, the conclusions, summaries and Recommendations are given. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management and Policy)

This research was geared towards the investigation of management strategies (factors) that affect the performance ofMSMEs in Kenya. Many developed countries record a time in history when entrepreneurial activities led to revival of economical growth after decline. This implies MSMEs is a very vital sector especially for a developing country like Kenya. MSMEs stagnate and their performance is uncertain according to writers such as Namusonge, Management inadequacies have been suggested in several studies. The objectives of this research was to, 1. To identifY the critical management factors affecting the performance of MSMEs in Kenya; ii. To establish the process through which managerial factors affect the performance of a MSMEs in Kenya ; m. To determine the integrative effect of various management factors in the MSMES in Kenya; IV. To establish the effect of demographics and management factors on performance, v. To establish effects of external environment on internal management factors A conceptual model was formulated from the literature review showing relationships of the management strategies and the environment they operate in. These relationships became the basis for the hypotheses which were later tested. In chapter 4, a mini research (pilot study) was conducted in May 2007,whose main aim was to test the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The 36 questionnaires returned were analysed through descriptive method. Results obtained indicated the instruments were reliable and the results valid. A few corrections suggested were made. The major correction was addition of question 35 to collect financial information. The data collection was done between mid August and mid October 2007.In chapter 5, the researcher analysesd the results of the survey after receiving 180 questionnaires. Time was a constraint. In chapter 6, the hypotheses and conceptual model were analysed and the results obtained suggested that, most strategies did not affect the profitability separately but severally. The integrated effect of the management strategies and the associated factors had a higher impact on performance of the MSMES than any individual strategies. In chapter 7, the conclusions, summaries and Recommendations are given. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management and Policy)

This paper analyses the factors associated with the competitive success of MSMEs in Peru. A qualitative research was carried out with a sample of 94 companies with more than 5 employees. Factors for competitive success are studied from the perspective of the resource-based theory. Results show that MSMEs that develop a more complete management control system and have more efficient human resources practices have a better chance to succeed in a competitive market. These results are especially useful for MSMEs managers and governmental directors in order to promote and design strategies and policies that promote the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs. / En este artículo, se analizan los factores asociados al éxito competitivo de las mipymes peruanas, con una muestra de 94 empresas, con más de cinco trabajadores. Los factores de éxito competitivo se estudian desde la perspectiva de la teoría de los recursos y capacidades de las empresas. Los resultados muestran que, conforme las mipymes tengan implantados sistemas de control de gestión más desarrollados y que apliquen prácticas de gestión de sus recursos humanos más eficientes, mayor será la probabilidad de tener éxito en el mercado. Los resultados son especialmente útiles para los gerentes de las mipymes y los organismos de fomento de dichas instituciones para que puedan diseñar y promover estrategias y políticas que favorezcan el crecimiento y competitividad de la mipyme. / Este artigo analisa os fatores associados ao sucesso competitivo das MPMEs peruanas Uma pesquisa qualitativa foi realizada com uma amostra de 94 empresas com mais de cinco funcionários. Os fatores de sucesso competitivos são estudados a partir da perspectiva da teoria de recursos e capacidades da empresa. Os resultados mostram que as MPMEs que desenvolvem um sistema de controle de gestão completo e têm práticas de recursos humanos mais eficientes têm mais chances de ter sucesso em um mercado competitivo. Os resultados são especialmente úteis para os gestores das MPMEs e das agências de promoção de tais instituições, para que possam conceber e promover estratégias e políticas que promovam o crescimento e a competitividade das MPMEs.

<p>Одрживи индустријски развој директно је повезан са стварањем повољних услова за спровођење иновативних активности. Главни изазов на пољу управљања иновацијама је избор и рангирање индикатора који омогућавају стварање иновација, како на нивоу државе / регије (макро нивоу), тако и на нивоу предузећа (микро нивоу).Oво истраживање је спроведено за оба нивоа одвојено. Рангирање индикатора на макро нивоу извршено је за појединачне државе чланице ЕУ и за ЕУ као јединствену регију За ту сврху примењена је метода статистичког учења. На микро нивоу, урађена је студија случаја за рангирање индикатора иновацијског потенцијала за сектор ММСП у Србији, коришћeњем методe структурираног упитника и методe вишекритеријумске анализе. Резултати истраживања пружају прилику да се укаже на значај појединих индикатора у процесу стварања иновације, како на макро тако и на микро нивоу.</p> / <p>Održivi industrijski razvoj direktno je povezan sa stvaranjem povoljnih uslova za sprovođenje inovativnih aktivnosti. Glavni izazov na polju upravljanja inovacijama je izbor i rangiranje indikatora koji omogućavaju stvaranje inovacija, kako na nivou države / regije (makro nivou), tako i na nivou preduzeća (mikro nivou).Ovo istraživanje je sprovedeno za oba nivoa odvojeno. Rangiranje indikatora na makro nivou izvršeno je za pojedinačne države članice EU i za EU kao jedinstvenu regiju Za tu svrhu primenjena je metoda statističkog učenja. Na mikro nivou, urađena je studija slučaja za rangiranje indikatora inovacijskog potencijala za sektor MMSP u Srbiji, korišćenjem metode strukturiranog upitnika i metode višekriterijumske analize. Rezultati istraživanja pružaju priliku da se ukaže na značaj pojedinih indikatora u procesu stvaranja inovacije, kako na makro tako i na mikro nivou.</p> / <p>Sustainable industrial development is directly related to the creation of favorable conditions for the implementation of innovative activities. The main challenge in the field of innovation management is the selection and ranking of indicators that enable the creation of innovation, both at the state/region level (macro level) and at the enterprise level (micro level). This research was conducted for both levels separately. The ranking of indicators at the macro level was done for individual member states of EU, and for the EU as a unique region. For this purpose, the method of statistical learning was applied. At the micro level, a case study for ranking the indicators of innovation potential was done for the MSME sector in Serbia, using the method of a structured questionnaire and the method of multi-criteria analysis. The results of the research provide an opportunity to see the importance of individual indicators in the process of creation of innovation, both at the macro and micro levels.</p>

La presente tesis tiene como objetivo determinar los factores que influyen en las exportaciones de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (MIPYMES) del sector textil y subsector confecciones de Lima Metropolitana. El estudio se enfoca en las MIPYMES exportadoras de la partida 6111 (Prendas y complementos de vestir, de punto, para bebés), ya que es uno de los sectores con mayor crecimiento en exportaciones durante los últimos 5 años. La investigación tiene un enfoque mixto, con una muestra conformada por 40 MIPYMES ubicadas en Lima Metropolitana. Al tener un diseño no experimental, se limitará a observar y analizar las variables. Para la obtención de la información necesaria, se aplicaron encuestas a la muestra detallada anteriormente y se realizaron entrevistas a 6 expertos del sector. Asimismo, se hizo referencia a tesis y papers publicados en distintos repositorios y revistas académicas. Los resultados obtenidos de las fases cualitativa y cuantitativas, comprueban que los factores formalización de la empresa, capacitación del talento humano, gestión de innovación y acceso a financiamiento, influyen positivamente en el desarrollo exportador de las MIPYMES de Lima Metropolitana. / This thesis aims to determine the factors that influence the exports of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the textile sector and clothing subsector of Metropolitan Lima. The study focuses on exporting MSMEs of the tariff heading 6111 (Knitwear and clothing accessories for babies), as it is one of the sectors with the highest growth in exports during the last 5 years. The research has a mixed focus, with a sample made up of 40 MSMEs located in Metropolitan Lima. By having a non-experimental design, it will simply observe and analyze the variables. To obtain the necessary information, surveys were applied to the sample detailed above and interviews were conducted with 6 experts from the sector. Likewise, references were made to thesis and papers published in different academic repositories and journals. The results obtained from the qualitative and quantitative phases, prove that the factors formalization of the company, training of human talent, innovation management and access to financing, positively influence the export development of the MSMEs of Metropolitan Lima. / Tesis

<p>The purpose of this research experiment was to explore and implement a cost-effective automation solution into a low volume production line for loading parts onto a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for dimensional inspection. Quality control practices have historically been separated from production process by inspection routines being performed in a controlled lab. The system demonstrated the possibilities of an in-process automation of the quality control process that was feasible to be implemented for small and mid-sized manufacturing companies. The process involved an APSX horizontal injection mold machine dispensing parts onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt was controlled by a Phoenix Contact PLC and two line sensors that provided two stopping point for cooldown before inspection. A MyCobot 320-M5 robotic arm was used to select the part off the line and places it into a fixture on a Hexagon coordinate measuring machine (CMM).</p>