Innovation management in Portuguese and Cameroon micro and small companies – implementation of balanced scorecard management tool

Mestrado APNORThe requirements of an increasing globalized and competitive economy lead managers to make comparison across countries in different continents in different markets which can rapidly bridge the gap of their lacking skills, knowledge and problems faced. To assert the adequate management skills and success of micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), this study elaborates and diagnoses both micro and SMEs in Cameroon (Africa) and Portugal (Europe). It is safe to say that the micro and SMEs sector has been the engine of economic growth in many countries and not just to both the economies of Portugal and Cameroon. As a result of its ability to create jobs, generate revenue, reduce poverty and drive economic growth. The management of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to a large extent depends on the organizational structure and development of innovative practices. This study focuses on comparing the management structure, innovative practices and evaluating the economic-financial arm and the competitive strengths in Micro and SMEs in Portugal, Europe and Cameroon, Africa. This study was necessitated in order to make compares between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in two countries in two different continents. The study also looks at how the introduction and importance of innovation enhances performance and better management of SMEs. In the present work, a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) for both enterprises were successfully developed as a management control system with several indicators identified that will effectively clarify the objectives and strategic mission within both organizations. These qualitative findings may help strengthen innovation strategies of these small businesses, which could produce greater profitability and growth. Thus, after analysis, it can be proved that the performance of the enterprises and its employees can be improved by implementing the BSC model. Finally, the study concludes by proposing recommendations for future Balanced Scorecard initiative in both enterprises in order to overcome the potential barriers to ensure its beneficial use.As crescentes exigências de uma economia globalizada e competitiva conduzem os gestores e empresários à necessidade de realizar comparações entre diferentes mercados, para colmatar algumas lacunas de informação. Neste trabalho desenvolve-se uma análise entre duas empresas, classificadas como micro e pequenas empresas (PMEs), estando uma delas sedeada em Portugal e a outra nos Camarões. A escolha das empresas para a realização desta investigação recaiu em empresas desta dimensão, dada a sua representatividade no tecido empresarial de cada um dos mercados em análise. Efetivamente, tanto as micro como as PMEs constituem o motor do crescimento económico em muitos países, uma vez que são um veículo para a criação de emprego (muitas vezes o próprio emprego), geram receita e contribuem para a redução da pobreza. No entanto, a sua gestão e o seu sucesso dependem, em grande medida, da sua estrutura organizacional, que muitas vezes é reduzida, e do desenvolvimento e implementação de práticas de inovação. Neste sentido, este estudo concentra-se na comparação da estrutura de gestão, na avaliação económico-financeira e da competitividade (realizada na fase do diagnóstico) e nas práticas associadas à inovação, através da implementação do instrumento de gestão estratégica Balanced Scorecard (BSC), das empresas participantes, que se situam em dois continentes diferentes, e que por isso, têm caraterísticas muito distintas. Desta forma, foi desenvolvido um sistema de controlo de gestão, com a identificação de vários indicadores, devidamente alinhados com a missão, visão e estratégia das empresas, permitindo a integração e o fortalecimento de estratégias de inovação em ambas as organizações, o que se poderá traduzir num potencial de crescimento e num aumento do lucro esperado. Constata-se que o desempenho das empresas e dos seus colaboradores se encontra aprimorado com a implementação deste instrumento, uma vez passaram a existir indicadores e objetivos escritos e mensuráveis, reportados ao ano, e passíveis de serem revistos periodicamente

Strategic Planning Model and its Impact on the Development of Micro-Enterprises in the Services Sector in Mexico

Purpose: The aim of this study is to offer the design of a strategic planning model for micro-enterprises from services economic sector in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico and measure its impact on their growth and development.   Theoretical framework: The research reviewed a variety of strategic planning models, which contributed in the design of this new model tailored to Hidalgo’s micro-enterprises from services sector, the main objective is to contribute to their growth and development. Larios (2016), refers to the strategic process sequential model as the set of activities which are conducted in a specific sequence in order to project the future of the organization and achieve their vision, Larios (2016), establishes that this model is made of three stages: designing, implementing and evaluating which is completed by adding conclusions and recommendations. On the other hand, the strategic planning model proposed by Stanton, Etzel and Walter suggests a logical sequence that combines strategic and marketing planning, establishing the specific route that the marketing department needs to follow (Chávez, 2017). A detailed description of the models reviewed during the research work is presented in the literature review section. . Design/methodology/approach: The study applies a quantitave methodology with a non-experimental and transactional – correlational. A questionnaire with Likert scale of five points from totally agree to totally disagree, was given to managerial staff from the sample companies. The sample subject of study consists of 174 micro-enterprises from the services sector located in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. The quantitative analysis conducted is based on inferential statistics, specifically multiple correlation analysis where the dependent variable is strategic planning and the independent variables are corporate philosophy, key internal factors, key external factors, SWOT analysis, situational diagnosis, objectives and strategic control (Hill y Jones 2015).   Findings: The research findings are that the dimensions that have a positive effect on strategic planning are; philosophy, internal factors, external factors, and strategic objectives.   This was obtained after validating the multiple regression equation

The Impact of the European Structural Funds and European Policies on the Small and Medium Enterprises

Diplomová práca popisuje malé a stredné podniky, ich rozvoj a podporu poskytovanú európskou politikou a štrukturálnymi fondami. Použitie relevantnej literatúry a prípradových štúdií umožnuje poskytnúť kritický pohľad na danú problematiku. Na konci práce sú navhrnuté odporúčania na zlepšenie a záver.This master’s thesis describes small and medium enterprises, development factors and the support provided to them by EU policies and structural funds. By the support of relevant literature and case studies, critical view is given on this issue. At the end of the paper the conclusions and further recommendations are proposed.

Small and Medium Enterprises Business Strategy in Pandemic COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world including Indonesia since early 2020 has had a significant impact on the Indonesian economy, especially in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) sector. This study aims to determine an efficient business strategy to survive the COVID-19 pandemic in Padangsidimpuan City. This study uses descriptive qualitative analysis techniques with semi-structured interview methods using purposive sampling in selecting sources and then analyzed with SWOT analysis and described in the form of a matrix so as to produce several alternative SME’s business strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that several sectors in Padangsidimpuan City felt the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the areas of public transportation and tourism which experienced a decline. Meanwhile, in the food sector it is still stable, but in services such as expeditions and delivery it has increased. The narrow space of movement between sellers and buyers that is happening now makes selling online the main solution. Businesses need to open up insight in thinking to start choosing e-marketing as a promotional path for goods and services to increase the number of sales transactions while still adhering to health protocols

Analysis of Green Computing Strategy in University: Analytic Network Process (ANP) Approach

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis do not provide an analytical means to determine the importance of the identified factors of green computing strategy and implementation. Although the SWOT analysis successfully explores the factors, individual factors are usually described very generally. For this reason, SWOT analysis possesses deficiencies in the measurement and evaluation of green computing steps. Even though the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique eliminates these deficiencies, it does not allow for measuring the possible dependencies among the individual factors. The AHP method assumes that the green computing factors presented in the hierarchical structure are independent; however, this assumption may be inappropriate in light of certain situation. Therefore, it is important to utilize a form of SWOT analysis that calculates and takes into account the possible dependency among the factors. This paper demonstrates a process for quantitative SWOT analysis of green computing implementation that can be performed even when there is dependence among strategic factors. The proposed algorithm uses the analytic network process (ANP), which allows measurement of the dependency among the green computing implementation factors, as well as AHP, which is based on the independence between the factors. There are four alternatives: campus awareness program, computer procurement, increase in heat removal requirement, and increase in equipment power density for improving the implementation of green computing in campus. Dependency among the SWOT factors is observed to effect the strategic and sub-factor weights, as well as to change the strategy priorities. Based on ANC method, the best alternative for this implementation is computer procurement

Strategies Affecting the Sustainability of Small Businesses

Small business owners bolster the emergence and growth of local communities. However, many small businesses do not survive beyond 5 years. Based on systems theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by small business owners to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. Using a multiple case study design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 retail business owners in DeKalb County, Georgia who were able to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. These small business owners provided detailed information on strategies used to sustain their businesses. Semistructured interviews allowed for in-depth conversations with each participant. The use of field notes, as well as member checking of interview transcripts, facilitated the verification and triangulation of key themes. Three prominent themes emerged from the thematic analysis of data collected from the interviews: assessing capital, providing good customer service, and choosing a good location. The respondents\u27 strategies provide guidance for small business owners hoping to stay in business for the long-term. New and existing small business owners may benefit from the study by expanding knowledge gained from successful strategies; thereby, contributing to job creation and business growth in local economies

THE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDUIM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) OF ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICE IN PHUKET

This research aims to study the problematic conditions of small and medium enterprises, of hotels and food services, to provide a strategy for the development of small and medium enterprises, by providing hospitality and food services in Phuket by using integrated quantitative research which is divided into two phases. The first phase is a study of current problems of small and medium enterprises, accommodation and food services. The second phase is a strategy for the development of small and medium enterprises, accommodation and food services in Phuket by using qualitative research. Pieces of data were collected by the expert in-depth interview. Representatives from all sectors, local and national academics were to summarize information about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and barriers to SWOT Analysis to find the right strategy and stage the forum. The participant were involved to present a draft strategy for the development of small and medium enterprises in Phuket accommodation and food service industry. The analysis of the data in the first phase of the questionnaire was using the statistical programme to distribute the frequency as a percentage value, average standard deviation and analysis of data in phase 2 by content analysi

European Tourism Regionalization and Globalisation

The advent of the Third Millenium, as do all periods of transition, offers the starting point for proceeding towards a new interpretation of the process of development in the field of tourism which enterprise appears to lend itself as a contribution towards the achievement of certain objectives or aims of the European Union (UE), such as the protection of the environment, sustainable development, the improvement of the quality of living standards, the overcoming of conflicts for enduring peace, the growth of European regions and of employment and not least the enacting of a policy of cohesion. During recent years numerous factors such as the globalisation of the economy, the new economy, a better functioning of a single Market and the introduction of the Euro currency have all contributed to a greater internationalisation of the streams/flows and at the same time, have obliged Member states to face new challenges, which can either constitute opportunities or risks, according to the actions which will be undertaken and according to the capacity of anticipation, programming and managing of such change. On such a premise will be founded the necessity to select an integrated policy of tourism on a communitary level which, taking into consideration the specificity of the relevant sectors, will guarantee the European Community its place as representative of the most important geographical space on the world tourist market.