abstract: The key chanllenge for Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) to get credit or loans is the fact that traditional financing business model in commercial banks cannot meet SMEs’ financial needs. Through extensive theoretical research, market analysis especially on SMEs’ behavioral characteristics and demands, serveral case studies on market-leading banks such as Wells Fargo and KASIKORN BANK, and the actual implementation experiences in China Minsheng Bank and Pingan Bank, this article proposes a new business model for servicing SMEs for commercial banks in China, which includes the principle and rationale of the business model, the technical foundation, business process and organizational structure, as well as the future transition of the model. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Business Administration 2015

Background:  The concept of open innovation has surfaced for over a decade now and organizations have started to realize its importance and contribution. It has been also a topic of discussion during the last years but it still paves the way for future research. However, majority of the studies made so far were focused on its origins meaning high-tech companies situated in developed and large countries. Little, has been contributed to a context of low-tech SMEs in developing and developing countries.   Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of open innovation in a context of low-tech SMEs in small and developing countries but as well as exploring the knowledge perspective in relation to innovation process.   Method: The methodology used for this study is qualitative with an inductive approach. The empirical data were gathered through an appropriate inductive approach by using semi-structure interviews. With the help of frame of reference, we structured our topic guide for our data collection method. The gathered empirical data are then analysed using the inductively based analytical procedure of template analysis. Lastly, as the template analysis procedures suggest, coding was carried out in order to see emerging patterns and relationships between our empirical data, which later they were interpreted as our results.   Conclusion: The empirical results show some patterns between elements of the concept of open innovation. Concluding, the low-tech companies in small and developing countries are not fully aware of the concept of open innovation. However, they are exploiting several of the elements that surround open innovation. Regarding knowledge in their innovation process, we conclude that managerial levels play a crucial role. Since they do not have a systematic innovation process and instead are more opportunistic towards innovation, all the efforts for any knowledge identification and exploitation reside usually to the hands of one individual.

O objetivo central desta pesquisa foi analisar o papel dos Sistemas Locais de Produção (SLP) nos processos de aquisição e difusão de novas capacitações introduzidas por programas de extensão industrial. Para tanto, realizou-se um extenso levantamento de dados em 42 empresas de micro e pequeno porte, localizadas no SLP de Franca/SP. Desse total, 27 haviam participado do Projeto Extensão Industrial Exportadora (PEIEx), que foi o foco da análise. Os resultados apontaram que os programas de extensão industrial são uma importante ferramenta para o aprimoramento produtivo de PMEs e que seu impacto pode ser potencializado no contexto dos SLPs, já que as novas capacitações introduzidas pelo PEIEx também puderam ser apropriadas por outras empresas do SLP que não participaram do programa. De modo geral, a pesquisa verificou que a principal deficiência do PEIEx e, em geral, dos programas de extensão no Brasil estava relacionada a dificuldades de coordenação interinstitucional, revelando a inexistência de uma lógica sistêmica de atuação. No que diz respeito à avaliação, verificou-se que o PEIEx teve um alto impacto apenas nas microempresas mais atrasadas do SLP, o que levou à consideração de que as especificidades das empresas em termos de tamanho e estágio de desenvolvimento podem influenciar os resultados desse tipo de programa. Como conseqüência, a pesquisa demonstrou que o sucesso dos programas de extensão é explicado pelo grau em que as características da oferta se adaptam às especificidades da demanda. E para que esse equilíbrio seja alcançado, dois fatores mostraram-se bastante relevantes: o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de avaliação e a continuidade dos programas de extensão. / The main purpose of this study was to examine the role of Local Production Systems (LPS) on the acquisition and diffusion processes related to and originated by - industrial extension programs. It was accomplished by an extensive survey in a sample of 42 micro and small enterprises (SMEs) located in the LPS of the city of Franca. Of these, 23 had participated in PEIEx - Projeto Extensão Industrial Exportadora -, which was the focus of analysis. Results indicated not just that industrial extension programs are a relevant tool to improve SMEs upgrading process, but also that their impact can be strengthened in the context of LPS. It was observed that even non-participating enterprises could benefit from PEIEx by developing new production management capabilities related to its services. The study also found that lack of institutional coordination was the main shortcoming of PEIEx and other industrial extension programs in Brazil, revealing the complete absence of a systemic logic of action. Regarding PEIEx evaluation, it was found that the program had a high impact only in delayed micro enterprises. As a consequence, it was noted that programs impact was directly affected by enterprises specificities related to size and stage of development. As a result, research has shown that the success of industrial extension programs is explained by the existence of a straight balance between supply and demand-related factors regarding program implementation. For this balance to be achieved, it is necessary to develop trustful assessment tools and assure programs continuity over time.

Thesis (M.Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / The high unemployment rate in South Africa encourages citizens to be job creators rather than job seekers. It is often said that small businesses hold the key to economic growth. The South African government endeavours to accelerate economic growth, job creation and to address inequalities, through enterprise development and support. It created and enacted laws that seek to create an enabling environment for the growth and support of predominantly black, women, youth and people with disabilities owning small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives. In ensuring support for SMMEs, the government of the Republic of South Africa promulgated the National Small Business Act (NSBA), Act 102 of 1996, which clearly outlines the support that national, provincial, local governments and private sector entities are compelled to develop and implement - programmes geared towards the support and promotion of SMMEs. Since 1996, these entities have developed programmes and projects that aim to implement support of SMMEs. Similarly, the government agencies that operate in the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) have developed programmes in support of SMMEs and cooperatives as per the abovementioned Act. Most business owners are constantly faced with challenges, especially women-owned SMMEs. The role of government agencies and the implementation of relevant programmes and strategies to empower women-owned SMMES are explored. Despite the above-mentioned government initiatives, women-owned SMMEs are still facing challenges such as lack of financial support, inadequate infrastructure, access to market and other related problems. These challenges hinder their business initiatives and economic growth in the CDM. This research contributes to the public discourse regarding empowerment of SMMEs, with particular reference to women-owned businesses, and also to contribute to policy development in the promotion and support of SMMEs. A conceptual framework is also reviewed in the study, regarding the importance of government agencies, SMMEs and women empowerment to the development of the South African economy.

O objetivo central desta pesquisa foi analisar o papel dos Sistemas Locais de Produção (SLP) nos processos de aquisição e difusão de novas capacitações introduzidas por programas de extensão industrial. Para tanto, realizou-se um extenso levantamento de dados em 42 empresas de micro e pequeno porte, localizadas no SLP de Franca/SP. Desse total, 27 haviam participado do Projeto Extensão Industrial Exportadora (PEIEx), que foi o foco da análise. Os resultados apontaram que os programas de extensão industrial são uma importante ferramenta para o aprimoramento produtivo de PMEs e que seu impacto pode ser potencializado no contexto dos SLPs, já que as novas capacitações introduzidas pelo PEIEx também puderam ser apropriadas por outras empresas do SLP que não participaram do programa. De modo geral, a pesquisa verificou que a principal deficiência do PEIEx e, em geral, dos programas de extensão no Brasil estava relacionada a dificuldades de coordenação interinstitucional, revelando a inexistência de uma lógica sistêmica de atuação. No que diz respeito à avaliação, verificou-se que o PEIEx teve um alto impacto apenas nas microempresas mais atrasadas do SLP, o que levou à consideração de que as especificidades das empresas em termos de tamanho e estágio de desenvolvimento podem influenciar os resultados desse tipo de programa. Como conseqüência, a pesquisa demonstrou que o sucesso dos programas de extensão é explicado pelo grau em que as características da oferta se adaptam às especificidades da demanda. E para que esse equilíbrio seja alcançado, dois fatores mostraram-se bastante relevantes: o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de avaliação e a continuidade dos programas de extensão. / The main purpose of this study was to examine the role of Local Production Systems (LPS) on the acquisition and diffusion processes related to and originated by - industrial extension programs. It was accomplished by an extensive survey in a sample of 42 micro and small enterprises (SMEs) located in the LPS of the city of Franca. Of these, 23 had participated in PEIEx - Projeto Extensão Industrial Exportadora -, which was the focus of analysis. Results indicated not just that industrial extension programs are a relevant tool to improve SMEs upgrading process, but also that their impact can be strengthened in the context of LPS. It was observed that even non-participating enterprises could benefit from PEIEx by developing new production management capabilities related to its services. The study also found that lack of institutional coordination was the main shortcoming of PEIEx and other industrial extension programs in Brazil, revealing the complete absence of a systemic logic of action. Regarding PEIEx evaluation, it was found that the program had a high impact only in delayed micro enterprises. As a consequence, it was noted that programs impact was directly affected by enterprises specificities related to size and stage of development. As a result, research has shown that the success of industrial extension programs is explained by the existence of a straight balance between supply and demand-related factors regarding program implementation. For this balance to be achieved, it is necessary to develop trustful assessment tools and assure programs continuity over time.

Thesis (M.Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Small and Micro-Enterprises (SMEs) are considered sources of income that give people the purchasing power to meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living. Primarily, this study investigated the effects of SMEs on employment creation in Sefene Village, Limpopo Province (South Africa) with the following objectives: to determine the types, characteristics and challenges of SMEs in rural areas; to explore the management approaches for SMEs in rural areas; to examine the types and quality of employment created in rural areas; to determine the effects of SMEs on employment creation in rural areas; and to recommend measures that could enhance the effects of SMEs on employment creation in Sefene Village. The study used a literature review, interview schedule and semi-structured questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed that SMEs played a tremendous role in improving the local economic development of Sefene village. The SMEs are employment creators that have provided economic opportunities for the local people of Sefene village. In terms of employment creation, the SMEs in Sefene confronted challenges such as lack of access to finance, marketing aptitudes, markets, and lack of significant infrastructural facilities and management skills. In any case, literature and empirical data gathered at Sefene uncovered that the major challenge experienced by SMEs was a lack of access to finance. An entrepreneur can have the knowledge and skills but without funds, they are then constrained and impeded. The government institutions for SMEs ought to also target rural areas since that is where there are market potential and overwhelming poverty and unemployment. Further, the SMEs proprietors were aware of financial institutions but accessing them was a major challenge since they did not know about ways to approach them. Hence, the study has recommended that the government financial institutions needed to build relationships with the Molemole Local Municipality to extend access to their services by people who aspire to venture into SMEs. Similarly, the SMEs are major employment creators and need support from private sectors, community members, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government institutions.

Submitted by Pedro Henrique Fernandes da Silva (pedrofernandesneto@uol.com.br) on 2013-11-25T15:39:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 O Impacto da Burocracia nas Pequenas e Microempresas.pdf: 794696 bytes, checksum: a193b7dfba0d8b020a4c40264743ac45 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2013-11-26T12:06:37Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 O Impacto da Burocracia nas Pequenas e Microempresas.pdf: 794696 bytes, checksum: a193b7dfba0d8b020a4c40264743ac45 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcia Bacha (marcia.bacha@fgv.br) on 2013-12-02T13:27:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 O Impacto da Burocracia nas Pequenas e Microempresas.pdf: 794696 bytes, checksum: a193b7dfba0d8b020a4c40264743ac45 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-12-03T11:17:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 O Impacto da Burocracia nas Pequenas e Microempresas.pdf: 794696 bytes, checksum: a193b7dfba0d8b020a4c40264743ac45 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-10-25 / This work focuses on the problems faced by small and micro enterprises in the State of Rio de Janeiro, under the circumstances of an archaic and bureaucratic structure of the Brazilian state, which transforms the act of taking on a real adventure, as well as the challenges and risks the business itself, the bureaucracy eliminates most companies still in the early years of life . The segment focused on this work suffers , even more , the low capacity of mobilization and representation, not having, well, how to defend a state partner only success and never failure. The legislation itself acts as a barrier, with all rules decoupled from economic reality, establishing procedures that instead of being incentive become often insurmountable obstacles for small and micro enterprises. The tangle of laws creates a setting conducive to corruption , a direct consequence of the lack of objectivity and discretion of those with the function of legislating. Examples of laws shown throughout the text depict the true sangria health of these companies, as well as the amount of new Bills presented each year show that, unfortunately, we are still far from a change of direction. The paper aims to show some data through the damage to the state's economy because they are small and micro enterprises, contrary to what many think, the largest employers, is therefore of vital importance that their difficulties are treated as priority. Although, as stated, the State of Rio de Janeiro has served as an example of the current model, this situation is practically the same in all other units of the Federation, highlighting the importance of a general mobilization able to change the course of this story. However, it is also clear that this transformation involves a change of mindset, because without it, all wins will be punctual, no strength to build a new business scene. / Esse trabalho se debruça sobre os problemas enfrentados pelas pequenas e microempresas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, dadas as circunstâncias de uma estrutura arcaica e burocratizada do Estado brasileiro, que transforma o ato de empreender em uma verdadeira aventura, pois além dos desafios e riscos inerentes ao próprio negócio, a burocracia elimina a maioria das empresas ainda nos primeiros anos de vida. O segmento focado nesse trabalho sofre, ainda mais, pela baixa capacidade de mobilização e representatividade, não tendo, assim, como se defender de um estado sócio apenas do sucesso e jamais do fracasso. A própria legislação funciona como um entrave, com regras de todo dissociadas da realidade econômica, estabelecendo procedimentos que ao invés de serem estímulos se transformam em obstáculos muitas vezes intransponíveis para as pequenas e microempresas. O emaranhado de leis cria um cenário propício à corrupção, consequência direta da falta de objetividade e critério daqueles com a função de legislarem. Os exemplos de leis mostrados ao longo do texto retratam a verdadeira sangria na saúde dessas empresas, assim como a quantidade de novos Projetos de Lei apresentados a cada ano, demonstra que, infelizmente, ainda estamos longe de uma mudança de rumos. O trabalho procura apontar através de alguns dados o prejuízo para a economia do Estado, pois são elas, pequenas e microempresas, ao contrário do que muitos pensam, as maiores empregadoras, sendo, portanto, de vital importância que as suas dificuldades sejam tratadas como prioridade. Embora, como dito, o Estado do Rio de Janeiro tenha servido como exemplo do modelo vigente, essa realidade é praticamente a mesma em todas as demais Unidades da Federação, deixando clara a importância de uma mobilização geral capaz de mudar o rumo dessa história. Porém, fica claro também que essa transformação passa por uma mudança de mentalidade, pois sem isso, todas as vitórias serão pontuais, sem forças para a construção de um novo cenário de negócios.

Thesis ((MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The positive role and fundamental contribution of SMMEs on a global and national level is key to economic growth. Various perspectives and opinions exist in terms of the role, extent and nature of the contribution made by SMMEs in the local economy. The main aim of this study was to investigate ways in which the informal motor vehicle mechanic businesses operating in Tzaneen CBD can be assisted to become formalised businesses for long-term sustainability and contribution to the local economy. The research was qualitative in nature. Group interviews were conducted with motor mechanics operating opposite Tzaneen bus rank in the town of Tzaneen, Limpopo Province as well as with their representatives (i.e. their executive committee). The purpose of the interviews was to find out what they thought about possibilities of being formalised and what their needs are. In addition, questionnaires were designed and handed out to officials from GTM LED, SEDA and GTEDA. The purpose of the questionnaires was to explore what these institutions have done previously and what they were willing to offer to help formalise the informal motor mechanic operations. The research results show that the motor mechanics understand what formalising their enterprises entails and they are willing to cooperate with the government organisations to convert them into sustainable enterprises. The representatives from government agencies showed willingness to support these motor mechanics, they are also willing to prioritise and develop necessary support programmes. The study recommends that the motor mechanics be helped with infrastructure; registering their businesses; mentoring and coaching be offered to them; marketing their business; and training and development occurring on a continuous basis.

There has been few research studies aimed at investigating strategy in small businesses. The current study sought to contribute to small business management and help small businesses attain success as they are important in any economy. Furthermore to close the gap as a response to the call for research in what people actually do when strategising. The following study explored the strategising practices of small business managers from the accommodation sector and the tools they use when strategising. A total of 12 interviews were conducted during the period 2014-2015 in the Tshwane metropolitan area. The findings of the study show that small business managers strategise although not in the way proposed by literature which may reveal that strategy-as-practice may be more appropriate for small businesses. The findings also show the tools that small business managers use in strategising. The research will serve as a contribution to the current challenges facing small businesses in the practice of strategic management or lack thereof in the managing of small businesses to ensure success. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)