Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is established among a majority of small and medium sized companies in Kista Science City and seems to have a positive effect on organizational effectiveness. Kista Science City is Sweden’s largest corporate centre, with more companies and employees in a limited area than anywhere else in Europe. This study looks at the level of adoption of ERP functions, perceived organizational effectiveness and critical success factors. The most common use of ERP is for financial control and reporting, followed by order entry and purchasing. A significant relationship between the level of adoption and organizational effectiveness was found. Although Enterprise Resource Planning has become an established phenomenon the investments in ERP software are far from fully utilized. Most companies have started to use ERP to integrate functional areas but few companies have moved to extended ERP (ERPII). The adoption of functionality for customer relationship management seems to have started, but the use of e-commerce, business intelligence and supply chain management is very low. Different reasons for the low level of adoption are discussed and it is suggested that the interrelationship between SMEs and ERP-consultants be investigated further. ERP-consultants are important change agents and knowledge transfers for ERP and one way to interpret the data is that ERP-consultants are caught in a negative spiral where they focus on installations and technical maintenance of core ERP, which prevents them from developing new, extended ERP competence. An analysis of critical success factors showed that although technical competence was important socially oriented factors such as project teamwork and composition as well as communication had a greater effect on organizational effectiveness. Surprisingly enough, project management did not have any effect on organizational effectiveness. Common implementation methods for ERP focus on project management. It is suggested to further analyse if these methods could be improved by an increased adaptability to differences in company settings and requirements as well as through a better use of critical success factors. Organizational effectiveness can be measured in many ways and it was found that the success factors varied in terms of how they correlated with different measures. In the next step, the doctorial thesis, it is suggested that a prototype environment is developed to stimulate an increased use of extended ERP among small and medium sized companies. Several actors, such as SMEs, consultants, vendors and students would be involved. The prototype environment could facilitate enhancements of implementation methods and reduction of implementation costs through the development of reusable objects such as add-on solutions, process maps and system configurations. It could also help small and medium sized companies to investigate the business benefits of ERP by increasing involvement and familiarity while on the same time decrease costs and risks. / QC 20100713

Purpose: Due to the current climate crisis and the fact that the food industry accounts for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, it is more important than ever that green initiatives in the food industry flourish. In recent years new food sources (NFS) have emerged as a consequence of trying to shift the world's consumption behaviours and making the food industry more sustainable. However, NFS companies are generally small companies with scarce resources and difficulties in expanding. Thus, the purpose of this report is to investigate which capabilities are necessary in order to succeed with a sustainable expansion within the New Food Sources industry, and to develop a framework that puts the capabilities in relation to different stages of sustainable expansion.  Method: In order to investigate these main areas, a multiple case study in the NFS sector has been conducted where several companies have been interviewed to enable the identification of success factors that enable a sustainable expansion. A total of 21 interviews were held with the case companies, people from the traditional source companies (e.g., traditional dairy corporations), and people with expertise within the field of NFS were interviewed. The interviews were later on analyzed through a thematic method.  Findings: The study resulted in identifying five stages of sustainability work that acts as drivers for sustainable expansion. Further, eight categories of capabilities were identified in order to reach the driver for sustainable expansion. The capabilities were then ranked in a gradual manner, from fundamental to gaining competitive advantage. Lastly, the five stages of sustainable expansion were linked to the capabilities, providing a roadmap for what capabilities that are necessary in each stage in order to proceed with a sustainable expansion.  Theoretical and managerial contributions: This study provides a sustainable perspective on expansions within NFS companies, meaning that the focus is not only economic growth but also how the company contributes to the society as a whole and how it affects the world. Furthermore, these insights have resulted in a roadmap that can be applied by managers in NFS- producing companies to get a better understanding of what capabilities that are essential in each stage of sustainability work. This will help managers in NFS companies to navigate through expansions and will help them understand what to focus on.

This study examines the digital transformation landscape for Japanese SMEs (Small Medium-size Enterprises) in 2023 and the challenges faced in digitalization. Key obstacles faced in adopting digital technologies include limited digital literacy, budgetary constraints, and a risk-averse culture, which hinder widespread digitalization among SMEs. Despite these challenges, the study highlights the importance of digital transformation for sustainable growth and competitiveness. The study emphasizes the value of enhancing digital skills, addressing industry-specific challenges, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing data security and privacy. Recommendations include investing in employee training, improving access to financing, developing industry-specific strategies, facilitating collaboration and ecosystem development, promoting customer-centric approaches, and evaluating digital strategies regularly. By implementing these recommendations, Japanese SMEs can enhance their innovation, productivity, and customer satisfaction. Collaboration among governments, industry associations, universities, and SMEs is essential to create an environment conducive to digital transformation. / Denna studie undersöker det digitala transformationslandskapet för japanska små och medelstora företag år 2023 och de utmaningar som digitaliseringen står inför. Viktiga hinder för att ta till sig digital teknik inkluderar begränsad digital kompetens, budgetrestriktioner och en riskvillig kultur, vilket hindrar en utbredd digitalisering bland små och medelstora företag. Trots dessa utmaningar belyser studien vikten av digital transformation för hållbar tillväxt och konkurrenskraft. Studien betonar värdet av att förbättra digital kompetens, ta itu med branschspecifika utmaningar, främja samarbete och prioritera datasäkerhet och integritet. Rekommendationer inkluderar att investera i personalutbildning, förbättra tillgången till finansiering, utveckla branschspecifika strategier, underlätta samarbete och ekosystemutveckling, främja kundcentrerade tillvägagångssätt och utvärdera digitala strategier regelbundet. Genom att implementera dessa rekommendationer kan japanska små och medelstora företag förbättra sin innovation, produktivitet och kundnöjdhet. Samarbeten mellan regeringar, branschorganisationer, universitet och små och medelstora företag är avgörande för att skapa en miljö som främjar digital transformation.

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for all organisations in today’s digital landscape, butespecially for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This thesis investigates the maincyber threats currently relevant for small to medium sized companies as well as whatchallenges these types of companies face in implementing effective cybersecurity measures.Another aim was to identify strategies to help SMEs overcome these challenges and enhancetheir protection against cyberthreats.The data collection method chosen for this thesis was semi-structured interviews based on acomprehensive literature review and with a total of six knowledgeable people in the field. Theresults showed that social engineering and phishing, web-based attacks, malware, maliciousinsiders as well as denial-of-service attacks were the most common cyberthreats faced bySMEs in the last few years. Challenges SMEs face was related to a tendency to underestimatethe risk by management and personnel as well as a general lack of knowledge and awarenessat the companies. Other challenges were resource and technological issues. To protect theirbusiness, most interview participants recommended following a standard like the ones fromthe ISO/IEC 27000 family or an alternative like the SSF 1101. Inventory and risk assessment isrecommended as the first step to take along with hiring employees specifically qualified incybersecurity or taking help from consultants.

This paper examines how internal communication strategies in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) during COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on employee intrinsic motivation. By analyzing experiences of managers and employees in Sweden, it identifies effective communication methods that enhance morale and engagement. It also explores how these strategies align with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and provides practical recommendations for crisis management communication. Through analysis of communication channels, frequency, and styles, it offers insights for organizational communication and crises management. This qualitative study employs thematic analysis of interviews with managers and employees in Swedish SMEs during COVID-19. It evaluates internal communication strategies such as channels, frequency, and styles, and their impact on employee motivation, aligning findings with SDT. To conlcude, this thesis illuminates the interplay between internal communication strategies and employee motivation within Swedish SMEs during COVID-19 pandemic. Through qualitative analysis, the study underlines the importance of flexible communication approaches, digital channels, and transparent styles in fostering resilience and engagement. The findings suggest that aligning communication strategies with SDT princibles can enhance organizational effectiveness during crises. Practical recommendations are provided to empower leaders in cultivating supportive work environments and promoting employee well-being.

Yes / This article examines the mediating mechanism of the relationship between institutional voids (IVs) and inter-firm cooperation and the moderating role of economic adversity in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in emerging markets. The hypotheses are tested using time-lagged survey data from 214 SMEs from Ghana. The findings provide support for the hypotheses by showing that (1) IVs positively influence the use of government research and development (R&D) support, (2) the use of government R&D support mediates the relationship between IVs and inter-firm cooperation, and (3) economic adversity positively moderates the relationship between IVs and the use of government R&D support. The findings contribute to understanding the role of IVs in inter-firm cooperation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

This thesis examines three issues about European SMEs. Chapter Two examines how sustainable growth firms obtain external finance during and after the 2008 financial crisis. Although sustainable growth firms have past growth records and future growth aspirations; however, those firms may face challenges in obtaining external finance. We find that those firms increase their demand for external finance after the financial crisis and obtain finance from suppliers during this period to implement their growth activities. In contrast, firms are less likely to secure loans from banks during this period. Chapter Three examines how SMEs can reduce information asymmetry and increase the probability of obtaining a bank loan. SMEs can easily establish a lending relationship with suppliers, which may improve firms’ creditworthiness and reduce information asymmetry. We show that SMEs that suffer information asymmetry can obtain bank finance if these firms establish a significant relationship in the past with suppliers. This finding is more prominent for small firms as banks refuse their loan applications due to information asymmetry. Chapter Four examines financially constrained SMEs for increasing sales growth through innovation activities. As innovation has a positive effect on sales growth; therefore, conducting innovation activities can improve cash flows to constrained firms. We find that financially constrained SMEs can obtain sales growth if they conduct innovation activities. Our results suggest that product and process innovation are significant for financially constrained SMEs as those innovations provide additional cash flow in firms to reduce the adverse effect of the constrained condition.

Businesses' demand for information technology-(IT) capacity and IT solutions are growing daily. As available services and products expand, users require more convenience, cost savings, user-friendliness and reliability. Manufacturers of mobile devices have always been motivated to develop mobile devices which are more flexible and reliable. As a consequence of the above mentioned, the importance of business in the modern technological environment was greatly overestimated as a result of development in mobile technology. Mobile technology breaks the limitations of mobility in businesses which provides innovative possibilities Mobile distance-based services have attracted much attention because of the growing potential that it offers. Businesses need mobile options that deal with specific needs. A mobile accounting system will provide adaptability and flexibility to an entity, which at this stage has not been possible. An improved adaptability and flexibility of enterprises will have a positive impact on productivity and innovation as a result. The rapid growth and development of mobile technology creates the opportunity for the development of many innovative mobile applications. From the above it is clear that there is an existing trend that companies want to implement more mobility in their business. From an accounting perspective, small-to medium-sized businesses have simpler rules and regulations that must be obeyed (IFRS for SMEs). Thus, the point of entrance of this study will focus on the feasibility of a mobile accounting system for small to medium sized entities (SME). On a global scale, should the importance of small-to medium-sized entities (SMEs) not be overlooked. SMEs are the mainstay of most national economies and represent between 30 to 60 percent of the economy's gross domestic product. A mobile accounting system will provide managers and business owners the option to have “anytime anywhere” access to the entity's financial information. This will also allow businesses to be more mobile. Thus, invoices can be issued, receivables added, payments entered (creditors and so on) and all this can be done without physically being on the business premises. The mobile system will therefore communicate in real time with the database on the business premises which is stored electronically and so information for everyone who uses it will be updated and correct. / MCom (Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Businesses' demand for information technology-(IT) capacity and IT solutions are growing daily. As available services and products expand, users require more convenience, cost savings, user-friendliness and reliability. Manufacturers of mobile devices have always been motivated to develop mobile devices which are more flexible and reliable. As a consequence of the above mentioned, the importance of business in the modern technological environment was greatly overestimated as a result of development in mobile technology. Mobile technology breaks the limitations of mobility in businesses which provides innovative possibilities Mobile distance-based services have attracted much attention because of the growing potential that it offers. Businesses need mobile options that deal with specific needs. A mobile accounting system will provide adaptability and flexibility to an entity, which at this stage has not been possible. An improved adaptability and flexibility of enterprises will have a positive impact on productivity and innovation as a result. The rapid growth and development of mobile technology creates the opportunity for the development of many innovative mobile applications. From the above it is clear that there is an existing trend that companies want to implement more mobility in their business. From an accounting perspective, small-to medium-sized businesses have simpler rules and regulations that must be obeyed (IFRS for SMEs). Thus, the point of entrance of this study will focus on the feasibility of a mobile accounting system for small to medium sized entities (SME). On a global scale, should the importance of small-to medium-sized entities (SMEs) not be overlooked. SMEs are the mainstay of most national economies and represent between 30 to 60 percent of the economy's gross domestic product. A mobile accounting system will provide managers and business owners the option to have “anytime anywhere” access to the entity's financial information. This will also allow businesses to be more mobile. Thus, invoices can be issued, receivables added, payments entered (creditors and so on) and all this can be done without physically being on the business premises. The mobile system will therefore communicate in real time with the database on the business premises which is stored electronically and so information for everyone who uses it will be updated and correct. / MCom (Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Dagens konkurrensutsatta marknad ställer stora krav på organisationer och deras användning av hjälpmedel för att överleva och skapa konkurrensfördelar. Business intelligence är en samlingsteknik som för varje dag får allt större uppmärksamhet och som för många organisationer blivit ett måste för överleva. Tyvärr är implementationen av BI-tekniker problematisk och över 50 % av alla BI-initiativ misslyckas. Därför har en del studier forskat kring de kritiska framgångsfaktorerna för implementation av BI, som anses som en nyckel för att lyckas med implementationen. I den stora majoriteten av studierna utgår de kritiska framgångsfaktorerna dock från stora företag. De har andra förutsättningar än små och medelstora företag (SMF) som 99.9% av alla företag i Sverige består av. Studien har därför skapat en ram med kritiska faktorer speciellt uttagna för SMF med frågeställningen: Vilka är de kritiska framgångsfaktorerna för implementation av ett business intelligence system i SMF? Ramen skapades med litteraturstudie i kombination med expertintervjuer. Studiens ram visar att faktorerna inte skiljer sig nämnvärt efter företagsstorleken, utan efter projektets storlek. Nyckelord: Business intelligence, Kritiska framgångsfaktorer, Implementation, Små och medelstora företag / Today’s competitive market places great demands on organisations and their use of means to survive and gain competitive advantages. Business intelligence (BI) is an umbrella term of technologies that has become necessary for many organisations to survive the competitive market, and it gets more attention for every passing day. Unfortunately, the implementation of BI technologies is problematic and statistics show that more than 50% of all BI-initiatives fail. Therefore, some studies have identified critical success factors (CSFs), crucial for the implementation of BI, which is considered as a key for the success of a BI-project. However, the majority of the CSFs are based on large, international enterprises. Which differ from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which 99.9% of all Swedish companies consist of. Thus are the identification of relevant CSFs for SMEs crucial. The study has therefore with the research question: Which are the CSFs for implementation of BI-systems in SMEs created a framework with CSFs specially designed for SMEs, based on a literature review combined with expert interviews. The analysis and result of the study shows that the CSFs do not differ in terms of the organisation size, rather it differs depending on the size of the project. However, the study has also identified previously unidentified critical success factors crucial for the implementation of BI-systems. Keywords: Business intelligence, Critical Success factors, Implementation, Small and medium-sized enterprises