The Role of Microenterprises in Economic Growth: A Panel Study of Wisconsin Counties 1977 to 1997

In this study I examine the role of microenterprises (firms with between one and four employees) in Wisconsin economic growth. Using a panel of Wisconsin counties from 1977 to 1997 I estimate an expanded Carlino-Mills type model of growth. Results suggest that nearly 50 percent of all businesses in Wisconsin are microenterprises and this share is relatively stable over time. Results also indicate that a higher percentage of businesses classified as microenterprises tend to be associated with counties with lower population levels, slower population growth, but higher levels of employment and income growth. Results also vary by type of industry. These results suggest that care must be taken when promoting microenterprises as a major engine of economic growth: results vary by measure of economic growth as well as type of industry.

An Impact Analysis of Microfinance in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This paper applies the financing constraint approach to study whether microfinance institutions improved access to credit for microenterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to this approach, microenterprises with improved assess to credit rely less on internal funds for their investments. Thus, we compare investment sensitivity to internal funds of micorenterprises in municipalities with significant presence of MFIs to that of micorenterprises in municipalities with no (or limited) presence of MFIs using Living Standards Measurement Survey and MFI branch location data. Results indicate that MFIs alleviated microbusinessesí financing constraint. This approach is applicable to evaluating microfinance impact in other countries.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64359/1/wp915.pd

Access to Credit: Microenterprises in Turkey

Access to external nance for small and medium enterprises is vital for survival and growth of such rms. In this paper we have analyzed the determinants of access to credit in microenterprises of Turkey. We use a unique dataset covering a large sample of microenterprises. We nd that size and signals of wealth positively aect the likelihood of getting a formal credit.Credit Markets, Informal Firms

Impact Analysis of Microfinance in Nigeria

This paper applies the financing constraints approach to study whether microfinance institutions improved access to credit for microenterprises in Nigeria or not. According to this approach, microenterprises with improved access to credit rely less on internal funds for their investments. Thus, investment sensitivity to internal funds of micro enterprises in Lagos State (a municipal with significant presence of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) was compared to that of micro enterprises in Ekiti State (a municipal with no (or limited) presence of MFBs) using a cross sectional survey method and Microfinance Institutions (MFI) branch location data. Results indicate that MFBs alleviated micro businesses’ financing constraints. This approach is applicable to evaluating microfinance impact in other countries

A Conceptual Framework for Definition of the Correlation Between Company Size Categories and the Proliferation of Business Information Systems in Hungary Download article

Based on a conceptual model, this paper aims to explore the background of the decision-making process leading to the introduction of business information systems among enterprises in Hungary. Together with presenting the problems arising in the course of the implementation of such systems, their usage patterns are also investigated. A strong correlation is established between the size of an enterprise, the scope of its business activities and the range of the business information systems it applies

Business information systems in Hungary

Nowadays the issue of information technology in business is moving into the centre of attention, which is also indicated by the fact that more and more companies, not accidentally, recognize its importance. Business information systems are not only fashionable – their application promotes more efficient operation of the company and also improves the supply of information to decisionmakers; applying such systems can also play an important role in helping companies to put greater emphasis on information technology in order to gain a competitive advantage. My aim was to present the circumstances of the decisions made about the introduction of business information systems and problems emerging during the introduction as well as to analyze the usage habits of companies applying these systems, and to explore the relation between the application of business information systems and the operational effectiveness of the business

Learning Economics by Servicing: a Mexican Experience of Service-Learning in Microenterprises

This paper presents an experience of a service learning program in underprivileged Microenterprises. An aspect that turns out to be original as compared to other contributions in literature is the explicit assessment of the impact of the program on the enterprises, since most of the related studies focus on evaluating the students experience and impact on learning derived from participation. The paper suggests that service learning programs with the participation of college students can play an important role both in supporting disadvantaged microenterprises and in providing meaningful learning experiences to students.

Is There a Size-Induced Market Failure in Skills Training?

A skilled and educated workforce can support the competitiveness of enterprises of all sizes. However, smaller firms may face greater challenges in developing human capital. We explore differences between smaller and larger firms in offering skills training and in hiring workers with more formal education. Drawing on a dataset of enterprises in five Asian countries, we find major size-based differences in education and training. While smaller firms train less, they also are less inclined to view an inadequately skilled workforce as a major constraint on their operations. It may be that smaller firms are content to occupy niches in a low-skills equilibrium. Our empirical results do offer the possibility, however, that a size-induced market failure in skills training may coexist with a lower regard for skills. The policy implications are not only that governments can reduce the costs for firms to train, but also that micro and small firms need to be sensitized to the benefits of skills upgrading

Donors' Support for Microcredit as Social Enterprise: A Critial Reappraisal

microfinance, microcredit, poverty, microenterprises, donor assistance, aid effectiveness

An Impact Analysis of Microfinance in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This paper applies the financing constraint approach to study whether microfinance institutions improved access to credit for microenterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to this approach, microenterprises with improved assess to credit rely less on internal funds for their investments. Thus, we compare investment sensitivity to internal funds of micorenterprises in municipalities with significant presence of MFIs to that of micorenterprises in municipalities with no (or limited) presence of MFIs using Living Standards Measurement Survey and MFI branch location data. Results indicate that MFIs alleviated microbusinesses’ financing constraint. This approach is applicable to evaluating microfinance impact in other countries.microfinance, impact study, Microfinance Institutions, financing constraints, Eastern Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina