Purpose – to examine and evaluate the application of performance measurement (PM) practices and systems within manufacturing SMEs in Northern Nigeria in order to develop an original performance measurement framework that can be effectively applied to support firms in achieving their business objectives. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study first carried out a review of literature from 1994-2013. Covering a period of 19 years was selected for effective scrutiny of the current and past SMEs’ performance as a point of synthesis. It subsequently presents an empirical case study carried out in Northern Nigeria from survey and interview questionnaires with the SMEs’ owners and managers within this region. Findings – The findings indicate the importance of SMEs using PM (Performance Measurement) Systems to measure and improve business performance. Based on the analysed data from the survey and interviews conducted, the results suggest that some SMEs used PM Systems to measure business performance and set-out objectives while many do not for various reasons. The results linked with earlier findings from the reviewed literature and shed more light into why many SMEs in Nigeria failed after few years. The data also revealed many of the SMEs do not have or use any kind model or framework within their business to monitor business performance and set objectives, and some do not have the resources such as expertise and knowledge for PM System implementation management. These disclosures and the review of available performance model/framework led researcher to develop a simplistic performance framework for the SMEs to measure and improve business performance. The research finished with recommendation for SMEs managers and owners. Originality/Value –Though a lot has been written on SMEs’ performance measures and management, many of those publications and investigations are centred on developed economies such as America and UK; few studies have been conducted in Africa and the sub-Saharan region to rigorously outline some of the key factors that impact SMEs’ growth in that region. In that context, this study provides realistic evidence regarding SMEs’ performance measurement practices, systems, models management within the research location. The results provide evidence and reasons for SME failures and offer strategic direction for SMEs’ improvement and growth with the newly developed model.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:699440 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Akpabot, S. |
| Publisher | Coventry University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/items/c0d324a3-758b-4498-b9c9-fe667f7bef0f/1 |
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