Factors Influencing The Quality Of Direct Employee Voice Mechanisms In Small And Medium Enterprises: A Case Study Of Nigeria

Recently, there has been procreation of non-union organisations, and present business organisations are replacing representative forms of voice with individual communication within the workplace. Several investigations on the factors influencing employee voice have been carried out, but they are primarily established within the context of large organisations and predominantly in unionised firms, without a particular emphasis on the connection of the factors that influence such employee voice channels and with little or no evidence of analysis in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Despite the rich and growing body of literature on this area and the importance of SMEs as a major driver of economic growth, there is a significant lacuna in the understanding of how composites of organisational factors influence the quality (i.e., depth, scope, level, and form) of employee voice mechanisms in non-unionised firms, which are usually direct. Direct voice mechanisms can be informal or formal, such that employee involvement and participation in the organisation can be done through formal and informal mechanisms. Also, employee participation in SMEs is usually more direct because of their size. More fundamentally, the SMEs symbolises the shortage of academic research on the role of organisational factors in explaining the quality of direct voice channels in the firm, particularly those operating in less-developed economic environments. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the factors influencing the quality of employee voice mechanisms in SMEs, in which direct voice mechanisms are the most common means of communication, using Nigeria as a case study with the view of providing situation perceptions. This study employed a qualitative research strategy using a case study design to generate insights from intensive and in-depth research into the topic of this study. From a sample of SMEs drawn from the national database maintained by Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Nigeria, the case study design used incorporated data gathered through in-depth interviews conducted with the CEO, HODs and employees of sample organisations, direct observations and document analysis using six case study firms. A total of 131 interviews, direct observations of meetings and the business environment was carried out within the case study firms. Also, company documents from the case study firms were collected to support the primary data. The case study data were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings of the thesis suggest that the type of culture, structure, leadership style and HR practices in the organisation are factors affecting the employee voice channels in SMEs. Specifically, the group and power cultures, decentralised and standardised structures, and transformational and transactional leadership styles impacted on the quality of the direct voice mechanism in the SMEs. The results also portrayed how the interconnection of these factors affected the quality of voice in SMEs. Specifically, supervisory support, formalisation, innovation, training and development (T&D), performance feedback (i.e. rewards) and efficiency were some of the key factors that impacted the quality of the voice mechanisms in SMEs. Finally, the results concluded that supervisory support and structure of HR practices play a key role in influencing employee voice in SMEs. In SMEs, two-way communication is highly used to communicate and thus, encourage participation at all levels. Obviously, by involving employees in the company decisions through direct methods, regardless of the depth, scope, and level of voice, employees will better understand some business decisions. They may show more commitment to the company’s actions through working efficiently to meet the goals of the firm, which is increased productivity (employee satisfaction, skilled, experienced workforce, and increased productivity). This thesis contributes to theoretical knowledge by providing insights into the factors that influence employee voice in the SME context by developing a framework. This research is a significant step further in understanding the factors that influence HRM and employee relationships in SMEs. It underscores the knowledge of the links between the micro-organisational factors influencing voice, namely: organisational culture, organisational structure and leadership style and the quality of direct voice mechanisms. The study also confirms the importance of management in enhancing employee relationships. In practical terms, this study examines the role of organisational factors in influencing the quality of direct employee voice in the context of SMEs using Nigeria. The study also explores how precisely the types of organisational culture, structure, and leadership style in SMEs impact on the quality of direct voice mechanisms in SMEs. Thus, this research will assist SMEs particularly in improving their performance by applying the appropriate HRM practices that support employee involvement and participation in decision-making, thereby ameliorating the quality of employee voice in the organisation. Additionally, it will help improve the managementof employee relations by providing a positive organisational environment, which entails supportive leadership through supervisory support, catering for the welfare of employees and encouraging autonomous and involved employees through training practices and performance feedback. Thus, improving HR and enhancing the quality of direct employee voice in the process

Examining the factors affecting U.K. manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises’ corporate sustainability behaviour

A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of PhilosophyThis study explores the factors that affect the corporate sustainability behaviour of UK manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). To date, SMEs have been reported as being generally reluctant to engage in corporate sustainability activities. However, due to their significant negative environmental impacts, volume, and the contributions they make to economic growth and stability, no meaningful progress can be made towards corporate sustainability without SMEs’ involvement. As extant literature has focused more on the corporate sustainability activities of large or multinational companies with limited focus on SMEs, this study contributes to addressing this gap by adopting an SME perspective to exploring the factors affecting their corporate sustainability behaviour. The study was conducted as a qualitative study and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a total of forty SME owner-managers from manufacturing companies in the South-East region of the UK and a focus group conducted with an additional twelve SME owner-managers from the same sector and region. Based on the study’s findings and an elaboration of the Responsible Environmental Behaviour (REB) framework, a framework for exploring the factors affecting SMEs’ corporate sustainability behaviour was developed. This framework suggests that SME Capacity Building in the form of information on corporate sustainability issues as they relate to SMEs, action strategies they can employ for corporate sustainability and transparency of the corporate sustainability business case, as well as Organisational Attitude, Stakeholder Influence and Resource Constraints are the main factors affecting UK manufacturing SMEs’ corporate sustainability behaviour

ERP system implementation in UK Joinery SMEs

The capabilities of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to integrate all necessary business functions into a single system with a shared database efficiently and effectively has persuaded organisations to adopt them. Research shows that ERP implementation in both large and small to medium enterprises has been a difficult challenge for organisations throughout the years. Despite the many advantages of ERP systems, there isn t a clear and easy way of implementing them in Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The motivation for the research is to investigate the barriers to ERP software system implementation in an SME using a case study approach, and to identify the steps to overcome these barriers and investigate the claim of ERP vendors that their ERP solutions improve the performance of their customers, the profitability and efficiency of work processes. This research identifies the barriers to ERP implementation in an SME, provides an overview of the traditional and current approaches of ERP implementation and discusses the effects of adopting an ERP system on the company s overall performance. The research uses a mix of methods including case study research and action research. Un-structured interviews and semi structured interviews approaches with negotiation and change management techniques were also used in order to generate knowledge concerning the problems at the case study. The case study has determined reasons for failed implementations, unlike previous research which suggests education level impact upon the implementation of the ERP system, the study demonstrates that an insufficient education level is not a necessary condition for resistance to change. It has also been shown in this research that high level management can have a direct influence on the ERP implementation in SMEs. This research suggests that SMEs need to standardize processes into business routines which will influence the introduction of a different knowledge store that helps the development of the new system; however employee s resistance to change, lack of trust of the new system and lack of knowledge has limited the implementation process by increasing mistakes and duplication of data. The ERP system has been evaluated by the end users at the case study organisation, and the results suggests that the implementation of an ERP system has improved the overall business and has increased the performance, the profitability and the efficiency of work processes. This research adds to the overall knowledge of ERP implementation in SMEs by deriving a better understanding of the problem in the body of knowledge and identifying the barriers to ERP implementation in SMEs. It provides recommendations that have been tested in the case study organisation for overcoming ERP implementation barriers in SMEs, and a financial model of the implementation costs and benefits. Finally, the recommendations presented in this thesis and suggested areas for further research set out the potential way forward to advance knowledge in this area

SMEs COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION: FINDING FROM CENTRAL JAVA

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an integrated application software for widespread use in the organization. The aim of this study is to determine factors that affect the successful implementation of ERP in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Central Java in order to build competitive advantage. To test the hypothesis, this study utilized data from 107 SMEs in Central Java. The results revealed that variable Business Process Reengineering have the greatest influence toward the successful implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises. It is suggested that SMEs should gain knowledge and solidify its business process reengineering before implementing ERP

Strategies for sustainable socio-economic development and mechanisms their implementation in the global dimension

The authors of the book have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to effectively use modern approaches to developing and implementation strategies of sustainable socio-economic development in order to increase efficiency and competitiveness of economic entities. Basic research focuses on economic diagnostics of socio-economic potential and financial results of economic entities, transition period in the economy of individual countries and ensuring their competitiveness, assessment of educational processes and knowledge management. The research results have been implemented in the different models and strategies of supply and logistics management, development of non-profit organizations, competitiveness of tourism and transport, financing strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises, cross-border cooperation. The results of the study can be used in decision-making at the level the economic entities in different areas of activity and organizational-legal forms of ownership, ministries and departments that promote of development the economic entities on the basis of models and strategies for sustainable socio-economic development. The results can also be used by students and young scientists in modern concepts and mechanisms for management of sustainable socio-economic development of economic entities in the condition of global economic transformations and challenges

Logistic Strategy and Organizational Structure in Brazilian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Smes)

This study evaluates the logistic strategies developed in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as a response to their organizational structures and planning processes. A multiple case study was carried out in the second largest furniture cluster in Brazil. Based on theoretical models, it was found that the characteristics of a company’s organizational structure had an impact on planning. In the case of companies with a low level of family participation, this impact was intentional, whereas in the case of companies with strongly centralized owner control over decision-making, the impact was unplanned. However, the formal nature of planning does not guarantee that logistics will have strategic aims and, in all cases, it has a strictly reactive nature

High performance management practices in owner-managed SMEs

Objectives: While there is extensive management and academic literature on the topic area of high performance management practices (HPPs) internationally, research on HPPs in the Australian context is limited. Furthermore, research on HPPs has focused predominantly on large organisations and is largely a new direction for research in SMEs. This study attempts to fill some of the gaps in existing studies by considering a wide range of HPPs in Australian SMEs, with particular focus on owner managed SMEs. The objective of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of HPPs in owner managed Australian SMEs and the impact of certain organisational characteristics on these practices. The research questions under examination include: What is the prevalence of HPPs in owner managed Australian SMEs?; and what is the impact of firm size, the presence of a HR manager, and the existence of a strategic plan on HPPs in SMEs? Prior work: Undertaking this research is justified on the basis of: there is a gap in the theory relating to HPPs in SMEs and in particular owner managed SMEs, owing to the fact that most studies on HPPs are based in large organisations; globalisation and the pace of economic change are forces that are driving the need for greater understanding of HPPs (Burke 2002); and there are high expectations for growth and performance of SMEs in the economic growth and development plans for the Asia Pacific and Australian region (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 2002). Approach: A survey questionnaire was sent out to 4000 Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (35% response rate). A Dun and Bradstreet database was used and a stratified sample employed. A chi-square analysis was employed to determine whether there were significant differences in relation to high performance practices in small vs. medium organisations, SMEs with and without a HR manager; and organisations with and without a strategic plan. Results: The results of this study indicate that the overall picture regarding the incidence of high performance practices in Australian owner managed SMEs looks quite bleak. Significant positive relationships were found between demographic variables and HPPs in SMEs. Implications: Large firm solutions may not be appropriate. A more balanced approach to prescribing and researching management solutions in SMEs is needed; an approach with a greater emphasis on the SME sector. Value: This paper will provide an improved understanding of HPPs in Australian SMEs which will help the sector to better meet performance expectations

Business digitalization of SMEs in Albania: Innovative approaches and their impact on performance

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Albania, similar to other markets, operate in complex, fast-paced and unpredictable environments due to their size and nature. In our contemporary knowledge-based economy, business is constantly changing, and SMEs are thus continually faced with the challenge to find new and innovative ways to improve and adapt to the rapid transformations. As a result, there is a growing interest and necessity for SMEs to explore and adapt new and innovative mechanisms for better decision making, which will then lead to improved performance and competitiveness. Digitalization of SMEs with the use of Business Intelligence (BI) and Knowledge Management (KM) systems is one such innovative instrument open to SMEs for a better performance and increased competitiveness. The research for this doctoral thesis is then set precisely in this configuration whereby: on one hand the current level of adoption and use of advanced ICTs and technological innovation within SMEs, or business digitalization as will be coined later, is relatively limited due to a variety of factors; and on the other hand ICTs themselves as technological systems or tools as well as part of business landscape, i.e. ICT as a sector, are a major driver of innovation, modernization and growth for the Albanian economy. This doctoral thesis addresses the gap in the current state of research regarding the development, adoption and use of advanced ICTs systems, i.e. business digitalization, within SMEs. In addition, the research for the doctoral thesis expands the challenge to the impact of business digitalization on performance of SMEs in Albania. Clearly, SMEs have been selected as the central ground of research not only to contribute towards filling a research gap in management and ICTs studies in Albania, but also because of the central role that SMEs play in Albanian economy and their future potential in the digital world. The results show that business digitalization impacts positively the overall performance of SMEs in Albania. Size, age and location of the SME dominate performance and are related to the business digitalisation more than strategy. Also, the entrepreneurial characteristics of the owner – manager also impact the digitalization. Having a clear business plan was also found to be important when it comes to using BI. SMEs in Albania are a vital part of the national economy and the research shows that there is growing interest in ICTs, digitalisation, BI and KM, but innovation is still at relatively low levels due to financial and human resources, which are limited. However, the research highlights that SMEs are very flexible and easy to adopt to change and when this is combined with a visionary owner- manager they tend to move towards business digitalisation. Another finding of this study is that digitalisation have lead SMEs to reconsider and re-conceptualise their business models attempting to move towards innovations that impact performance. Also, the concept of business model innovations is also gaining ground in SMEs in Albania. Findings show that the use of BI and other digitalisation processes is mainly driven by strategic and innovation related motives that are internal to the company and the owner-manager. The use of BI as a result of external technological factors also plays a role. Analysis of the findings show that the use of BI and digitalisation have a positive impact on business performance. The findings of this research paper have practical implications for the SMEs sector in Albania not only in providing an assessment of the current use of BI, but also in exploring the benefits and potential usage of BI as a necessary activity for deriving improved performance. Findings of this research can be used by owners-managers to better understand how firms can engage with digitalisation and BI and how their adoption and implementation affect business performance. Another implication for business sector is that digitally mature companies have better performance and thus derive more revenue and become more competitive. Finally, the research shows that digitization has a variety of dimensions and can be understood differently by different SMEs, owner-managers and staff, but it is a major contributor to business performance. Future research is needed to explore further the role of digitalisation processes in SMEs in Albania particularly related to enabling and hindering factors. In addition, further research is needed regarding the business model innovations, particularly in terms of human and organizational factors. This study is one of the first research contributions in the case of Albania to analyse the impact of digitalization, specifically the impact of BI on SMEs in Albania

ERP implementation methodologies and frameworks: a literature review

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation is a complex and vibrant process, one that involves a combination of technological and organizational interactions. Often an ERP implementation project is the single largest IT project that an organization has ever launched and requires a mutual fit of system and organization. Also the concept of an ERP implementation supporting business processes across many different departments is not a generic, rigid and uniform concept and depends on variety of factors. As a result, the issues addressing the ERP implementation process have been one of the major concerns in industry. Therefore ERP implementation receives attention from practitioners and scholars and both, business as well as academic literature is abundant and not always very conclusive or coherent. However, research on ERP systems so far has been mainly focused on diffusion, use and impact issues. Less attention has been given to the methods used during the configuration and the implementation of ERP systems, even though they are commonly used in practice, they still remain largely unexplored and undocumented in Information Systems research. So, the academic relevance of this research is the contribution to the existing body of scientific knowledge. An annotated brief literature review is done in order to evaluate the current state of the existing academic literature. The purpose is to present a systematic overview of relevant ERP implementation methodologies and frameworks as a desire for achieving a better taxonomy of ERP implementation methodologies. This paper is useful to researchers who are interested in ERP implementation methodologies and frameworks. Results will serve as an input for a classification of the existing ERP implementation methodologies and frameworks. Also, this paper aims also at the professional ERP community involved in the process of ERP implementation by promoting a better understanding of ERP implementation methodologies and frameworks, its variety and history

Value Co-creation Between the Service Systems of Trade Intermediaries, Customers, Partners and Finnish Cleantech SMEs Entering China

Internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, is an ongoing hot topic of economic and political discussion and debate in Finland. China, as the world leading economy in constant search for new high-end technology, has been considered as a potential new driver of Finnish SME internationalization growth. In particular, the cleantech industry has raised serious attention in the Chinese market, and Finnish SMEs have looked to tap into the market with the help of trade organization programmes. Also in Finland trade organizations have set forth various trade programmes, but the efficiency and effectiveness of those initiatives have not been studied intensively. The present study takes a holistic perspective on the value creation networks of the Finnish cleantech SMEs in China. In particular, the study seeks answers to how trade organizations can facilitate success at the market entry stage of the Finnish SMEs. Furthermore, the study takes a view of long term business success as the true measurement of the market entry’s success. The study presents a literature review on value co-creation, service systems, business models and SME internationalization and combines the key theoretical concepts into a theoretical framework. This framework concludes the key constructs of value co-creation networks, value sensing, configurational fit and business model development. The framework is then used as a structure for five separate case studies in which successful cleantech SME’s China market entries and trade organizations’ roles are analyzed. The data is analyzed in a cross-case analysis and ten key findings are concluded. These findings, at last, are presented in the light of the existing literature on SME internationalization in order to build a new platform for future research and discuss the generalizability of the case findings. The Chinese market is found to be large but highly competitive. It was found that trade organizations are well on the page on market entry stage support, but the focus should be aimed at boosting and accelerating SMEs internal strength and competence. It is concluded that the Chinese market is considered the world’s toughest, and the successful cases have typically improved its business operations holistically in order to meet the Chinese market needs. Last, a development structure for trade programme developers is presented