The aim of this research is to study and understand the concept of agility with the aim of providing a methodology for its implementation in small and medium size manufacturing organisations (SMEs). The objectives of the research are: 1. To provide a comprehensive understanding about agility in manufacturing organisations through a survey of relevant literature. 2. To identify the main elements of the questionnaire assessment tool needed for agility in manufacturing SMEs. 3. To establish a framework to determine the different between actual and required level of agility. 4. Demonstrate the utility of the methodology, in order to assist manufacturing SMEs to adopt agility as a characteristic. The review of available literature and the work with the collaboration company during the period of the research led to the development of an agility improvement methodology which includes a questionnaire assessment tool for small and medium size manufacturing organisations (SMEs). This assessment tool when used in the case study companies resulted in successful outcomes in each company. The applications of the methodology in the eight case study companies confirmed the applicability of the tool in measuring the level of agility business environment drivers and the level of agility practices and pinpointed areas for improvement. The resultsfrom applying the assessment tool in the case study companies confirmed the wider utility of the methodology used in this research. Each company confirm a willingness to embark on improvement actions. For each of the eight companies, the results of the improvement actions demonstrated beneficial tactical outcomes to the satisfaction of the companies involved. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the methodology when applied to existing operational activities.

Since the concept of open innovation was put forward by Chesbrough (2003), many researchers focus on open innovation in large enterprises. There is a research gap in how open innovation is implemented in SMEs, specially in Chinese companies. The purpose of this thesis is to identify the motives and challenges of manufacturing SMEs in China to implement onpen innovation. The study is based on analysis of scientific literature and four case studies of manufacturing SMEs. The empirical data were collected by semi-structure interviews and a survey. Overall, collsboration with external partners was found to be good for improving innovation performances in the studies companies. And also, four motives were found, which were forming innovation networks, cooperating with external innovation sources, importing advanced technologies, and driving and motivating innvation processes. Meanwhile, four main challenges were found lack of trust in collaboration, disability for transforming external knowledge to internal knowledge, low support from government, and barriers to overcom intellectual property disputes. At last, the authors suggest that manufacturing SMEs in China could collaborate with each other more, and improve the knowledge of intellectual property as well.

Thesis (Master of Management Accounting)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / This study investigates the extent to which manufacturing small and medium enterprises use management accounting tools (MATs) to improve their business performance. The study was based on two MATs, namely budgeting tools and the strategic management tool (SMT), such as the balanced scorecard (BSC), which are considered critical for the sustainability of SMEs. The study was positioned within a quantitative research approach and data was collected from 82 respondents by means of a questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions. The collected data was analysed using SPSS (version 25.0) software and presented in the form of tables, frequencies and figures, such as bar and pie charts, in order to understand the trends. The findings revealed that of the two MATs, only a few respondents used the BSC while the majority of respondents used budgeting tools. The results also indicate that certain respondents mostly used MATs, such as the BSC and budgeting tools, for improving their business performance. The BSC was perceived to be the most effective MAT, while the budgeting tools were rated second. This study suggests that some training programmes could be developed for use within the various sector education and training authorities (SETAs) which will assist in educating the SMEs‟ decision-makers on the importance of implementing MATs

Since the mid-eighties, progress in European economic integration has contributed to changing conditions for the conduct of business in many sectors of the economies. Such is the case in Sweden, whose commitment to the formal integration process also has changed in recent years, from a free trade arrangement (EFTA) via the European Economic Area (The EFTA states' affiliation to the European Union's Internal Market), to membership in the European Union. A theoretical point of departure for this thesis was the finding that although economic integration entails strategic consequences for firms, studies treating economic integration with a general business strategy perspective were rare. Hence, the main purpose has been to achieve knowledge about the European Internal Market's strategic consequences for Swedish firms, with the focus on manufacturing SMEs. Empirically, it is examined how integration has been experienced in firms through two questionnaires, sent in earlier and later stages of the formal integration process. Although the responses indicate a limited impact from the Internal Market, they present some arguments for an increased internationalisation. There are, however, reasons to believe that factors other than political initiatives were behind such a development. In the theoretical part of this thesis, obstacles to international competition, and the corresponding competitive advantages, are seen as being central for understanding integration effects as well as for the possibilities to respond to them. An essential distinction is made between different types of obstacles, based on origin or main causes. One or other of these categories may be crucial for a firm when defending a strategic market position, or may hinder the firm from competing in other markets. Furthermore, obstacles in the different categories are in principle influenced by integration measures to a varying degree, and the survey indicated that the type of obstacle that is primarily influenced by integration measures is the one with the least perceived influence on firms' competitive strength. In the last part of the thesis, and with several different points of departure - trade and integration theory, international business, strategic management, and the Internal Market's institutional framework - a model for analysis of integration effects in business strategy terminology is developed and presented. The model is constituted by a geographic dimension and a dimension concerning the product and distribution in a broad sense. For firms with strategic positions which are affected according to the analysis, two principal strategic responses are discussed: to re-establish former competitive advantages or to adapt to the new situation by re-orienting the business. / digitalisering@umu

Digital Transformation (DT) opens up to new opportunities for companies by providing organizational flexibility and improving their business models. Due to lack of resources in form of financial power and qualified employees, family-owned manufacturing companies have a hard time reaching DT. However, these companies try their best to reach DT and along the road various challenges arise. The challenges that arise, result in a complex situation that is hard to understand. Organizations with complex situations have difficulties to perform successful IT initiatives that are required to reach DT. The aim of this study was to identify challenges that family-owned manufacturingSMEs (FOMSMEs) encounter when striving for DT. Another aim of this research was to investigate how useful Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is in helping family-owned manufacturing SMEs to understand their own complex situation. Also, the managerial practice called Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) has been investigated regarding its usefulness in helping family-owned manufacturing SMEs to reach DT faster and easier. As a fourth and final aim in this study, an artefact has been created with suggested actions that address the identified challenges that FOMSMEs encounter when striving for DT. By interviewing employees who have participated in IT initiatives at a family-owned manufacturing SME, this research has been able to answer the research questions. Several challenges were identified; communication errors, old systems and exceeding deadlines in projects. All of these challenges can, with the help of SSM, be associated with the identified root challenge: Lack of overview of IT-landscape and strategy. The informants’ thoughts of usefulness of SSM in family-owned manufacturing SMEs were positive. In contrast, the informants’ thoughts of usefulness of EAM in family-owned manufacturing SMEs were negative. The argument expressed by the informants was that as long as the owner family makes most of the decisions, a new managerial practice as EAM will not be useful in family-owned manufacturing SMEs.

The main aim of the research work presented in this thesis, is the development of a novel framework with the capability of assessing the impact of implementing lean manufacturing within small-to-medium sized manufacturing firms (SMEs). By assessing the impact of lean implementation, SMEs can make informed decisions on the viability of lean adoption at the conceptual implementation stage. Companies are also able determine their status in terms of lean manufacturing affordability. Thus, in order to achieve the above-stated aim, the following were the main set research objectives; (1) identifying the key drivers for implementing lean manufacturing within SMEs, (2) investigating the operational activities of SMEs in order to understand their manufacturing issues, (3) exploring the current level of lean manufacturing usage within SMEs so as to categorise users based on their levels of involvement, (4) identifying factors that determine the assessment of lean manufacturing, (5) developing an impact assessment framework for justifying lean manufacturing within SMEs, (6) developing a knowledge based advisory system and (7) validating the impact assessment framework and the developed knowledge based advisory system through real-life case studies, workshops, and expert opinions. A combination of research methodology approaches have been employed in this research study. This comprises literature review, observation of companies' practices and personal interview. The data collection process involved ten SMEs that provided consistent information throughout the research project life. Additionally, visitations to three large size manufacturing firms were also conducted. Hence, the framework and system development process passed through several stages. Firstly, the data were collected from companies who had successfully implemented lean manufacturing within their premise. The second development stage included the analysis and validation of the dataset through company practitioners. An impact assessment framework was thus developed with the aid of regression analysis as a predictive model. However, it was realised that there were few correlations between the dataset generated and analysis. The reasons for this were unclear. ,a knowledge based advisory system was adopted to conceptualise, enhance the robustness of the impact assessment framework and address the problem of the imprecise data in the impact assessment process. Three major factors of impact assessment were considered in the framework and the system development process, namely relative cost of lean implementation, a company lean readiness status and the level of value-added to be achieved (impact/benefits). Three knowledge based advisory sub-systems that consisted of the abovementioned factors were built. Results obtained from them were then fed into the final system. The three sub-systems were validated with the original set of data from companies. This enabled the assignment of a number of input variables whose membership functions aided the definition of the fuzzy expert system language (linguistic variables) used. The final system yielded heuristic rules that enable the postulation of scenarios of lean implementation. Results were sought and tested on a number of firms based within the UK, for the purposes validation. These also included expert opinions both in academic and industrial settings. A major contribution of the developed system is its ability to aid decision-making processes for lean implementation at the early implementation stage. The visualisation facility of the developed system is also useful in enabling potential lean users to make forecasts on the relative cost of lean projects upfront, anticipate lean benefits, and realise one' degree of lean readiness.

The purpose of this thesis is to provide guidelines on how to align the business strategy and digital strategy in small and medium manufacturing enterprises. The research design includes a systematic-narrative literature review in which the data was collected through systematic and narrative examination followed by a qualitative analysis to identify themes and patterns. The data was then synthesised to present the results. To get the two strategies aligned, ten key processes, referred to in the study as direct-action points, have been identified. Few supporting points are presented in addition to the primary ones because they do not directly contribute to the alignment. An assessment of the company, businessperformance and value chain; the selection of appropriate solutions; the creation of a project proposal; the division of projects into modules; the setting of short-, medium-, and long-term goals; the choice of the degree of centralisation of the changes; the creation of a diverse team; the trackingand measuring of progress; the implementation of change management mechanisms, and management support are the processes that are involved. These aid in identifying and implementing the modifications the business needs to make, which may be related to a variety of things, including but not limited to customers, marketing, suppliers, logistics, and production. As validation of the study was outside the purview of this thesis, to externally validate this study, future work would involve interviewing executives of small and medium manufacturing enterprises. Prior research has noted the significance of business and digital strategy alignment, but it has not been explored how small and medium manufacturing firms might achieve this. This study tries to close this gap and could contribute to the possible growth of SMEs. Due to the fact that SMEs employ millions of people, their expansion promotes social and economic sustainability and boosts countries’ productivity. / <p>Problem Owner: Mattias Strand</p>

<p>Information Technology (IT) plays a significant role in today business competition. A prominent role is that it helps a firm to manage relationships with customers effectively. Adoption of appropriate technology can lead the firm to greater business competency, improve its business performance, and ensure it retains its competitive advantages. While there is a rich body of literature on IT innovation adoption and implementation, research on the adoption of IT innovation that is specifically intended to perform relationship marketing functions is scant. The problem in this research is to address the lack of a research framework for examining the factors influencing the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. The existing adoption models are insufficient in properly explaining which factors are involved in the adoption decision and which factors are more important, and are especially insufficient with regard to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).</p><p>The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive research framework used for exploring the factors affecting the adoption of techno-relationship innovations and to apply this framework for empirically investigating the adoption of electronic Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) applications in manufacturing SMEs. This study proposes the term ‘techno-relationship innovation’ and defines it as a technology-related idea, process, method, product, or service that is intended to perform relationship marketing tasks and which is perceived as new to an individual or a firm. The developed research framework contains 20 potential determinant factors covering four contexts: individual, technological, organizational, and environmental.</p><p>This study was conducted through survey research and the sample was drawn by means of systematic sampling technique. The empirical data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires and the data analysis was based on 508 manufacturing SMEs in Thailand. The analysis was based on multivariate statistical techniques including t-test, factor analysis, deiscriminant analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding the adoption of eCRM applications by manufacturing SMEs.</p><p>The Key Influential Factors (KIF) model is proposed summarizing the conclusions of the study. It indicates what factors in what contexts should be given more or less attention. From 20 factors, the analysis indicates that 12 factors are important factors that should be given high priority. They are Compatibility, Industry Pressure, Customer Pressure, Subjective Norm, Attitude, External Support, Perceived Advantage, Observability, Perceived Relationship Marketing Functionality, Technological Expertise, Perceived Easiness, and Financial Resources. Five factors have the capability to discriminate between eCRM adopters and non-adopters but their discriminant powers are weak so they receive second priority. They are Competitive Pressure, Innovativeness, Business Experience, Governmental Encouragement, and Internet Experience. The other three factors appear insignificant but they should not be completely ignored when encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications. Thus, these three factors receive third priority. They are Size, Trialability, and Self-efficacy.</p><p>Furthermore, the eCRM adopters are classified into three groups: basic adopters, moderate adopters, and advanced adopters. The inference is that the basic eCRM adopters are uncertain whether eCRM applications are really needed for business success. In contrast, the moderate and advanced eCRM adopters require different attention which is related to maximizing the advantages of eCRM applications. This classification offers solid information for market segmentation purposes in the eCRM industry.</p><p>Study implications are acknowledged. A comprehensive research framework is proposed suggesting 20 potential determinant factors involved in examining the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. This research framework provides a tool to marketing researchers in conducting further research. Empirical investigation leads to the KIF model that offers guidance to government and private agencies in properly encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications and their relevant components among manufacturing SMEs. Moreover, the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research are provided.</p>

Information Technology (IT) plays a significant role in today business competition. A prominent role is that it helps a firm to manage relationships with customers effectively. Adoption of appropriate technology can lead the firm to greater business competency, improve its business performance, and ensure it retains its competitive advantages. While there is a rich body of literature on IT innovation adoption and implementation, research on the adoption of IT innovation that is specifically intended to perform relationship marketing functions is scant. The problem in this research is to address the lack of a research framework for examining the factors influencing the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. The existing adoption models are insufficient in properly explaining which factors are involved in the adoption decision and which factors are more important, and are especially insufficient with regard to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive research framework used for exploring the factors affecting the adoption of techno-relationship innovations and to apply this framework for empirically investigating the adoption of electronic Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) applications in manufacturing SMEs. This study proposes the term ‘techno-relationship innovation’ and defines it as a technology-related idea, process, method, product, or service that is intended to perform relationship marketing tasks and which is perceived as new to an individual or a firm. The developed research framework contains 20 potential determinant factors covering four contexts: individual, technological, organizational, and environmental. This study was conducted through survey research and the sample was drawn by means of systematic sampling technique. The empirical data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires and the data analysis was based on 508 manufacturing SMEs in Thailand. The analysis was based on multivariate statistical techniques including t-test, factor analysis, deiscriminant analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding the adoption of eCRM applications by manufacturing SMEs. The Key Influential Factors (KIF) model is proposed summarizing the conclusions of the study. It indicates what factors in what contexts should be given more or less attention. From 20 factors, the analysis indicates that 12 factors are important factors that should be given high priority. They are Compatibility, Industry Pressure, Customer Pressure, Subjective Norm, Attitude, External Support, Perceived Advantage, Observability, Perceived Relationship Marketing Functionality, Technological Expertise, Perceived Easiness, and Financial Resources. Five factors have the capability to discriminate between eCRM adopters and non-adopters but their discriminant powers are weak so they receive second priority. They are Competitive Pressure, Innovativeness, Business Experience, Governmental Encouragement, and Internet Experience. The other three factors appear insignificant but they should not be completely ignored when encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications. Thus, these three factors receive third priority. They are Size, Trialability, and Self-efficacy. Furthermore, the eCRM adopters are classified into three groups: basic adopters, moderate adopters, and advanced adopters. The inference is that the basic eCRM adopters are uncertain whether eCRM applications are really needed for business success. In contrast, the moderate and advanced eCRM adopters require different attention which is related to maximizing the advantages of eCRM applications. This classification offers solid information for market segmentation purposes in the eCRM industry. Study implications are acknowledged. A comprehensive research framework is proposed suggesting 20 potential determinant factors involved in examining the adoption of techno-relationship innovations. This research framework provides a tool to marketing researchers in conducting further research. Empirical investigation leads to the KIF model that offers guidance to government and private agencies in properly encouraging the adoption of eCRM applications and their relevant components among manufacturing SMEs. Moreover, the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research are provided.

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