The impact of macroeconomic variables on the economic performance of SMEs in Malaysia: An analysis of SMEs in five major sectors

This study aims to examine the impact of macroeconomic variables on the economic performance of Malaysian SMEs from the year 2000 until 2018. The external issue reported that the continuous cost rising weighs down the performance and growth of SMEs expectedly. The internal deficiency and challenge used to determine the productivity and profitability of SMEs majorly, but limited studies to validate the performance of SMEs by using the macroeconomic variable. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between macroeconomic variables and SMEs performance. Macroeconomic data on the gross domestic product, inflation rate, interest rate, and government tax revenue were collected yearly from 2000 to 2018. The unemployment rate had taken into account as a control variable in this study. The analysis employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model, Error Correction Model, Wald Test, and Keynesian Economic Theory. It is identified that in the long run, macroeconomic variables are collectively significant in influencing the performance of SMEs while the individual impact of macroeconomic variables is varied. The rise in the level of interest rate, inflation, and government tax revenue will result in a decline in the performance of agriculture, construction, mining and quarrying, and service sectors. It was found that all macroeconomic variables do not significantly influence manufacturing’s performance. Of all sectors of SMEs analyzed, the construction sector is affected by all macroeconomic variables. In the short run, the individual impact of macroeconomic factors is varied and it is also identified that the mining and quarrying sector and construction sector examine the faster speed of adjustment among other sectors within 1.3 years and 1.2 years separately. It is advised for policymakers to consider lowering the tax rate or offer a tax exemption program to encourage more business activities among SMEs. In future research, it is suggested to explore the granger effect among SMEs themselves, investigate the broader perspective of this phenomenon for SMEs by panel analysis, and employ a mixed-method approach to focus the managerial strategies undertake by SMEs during the unexpected economic situation

Exploring the effects of relational resources and digital capability on entrepreneurial performance based on the mediating role of value creation innovation: A conceptual study

The aim of this study is to investigate how Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises can enhance their entrepreneurial performance by improving their relational resources and digital capability. While previous research indicates that relational resources and digital capability may not always have a direct impact on entrepreneurial performance, this study proposes a new research framework based on the value creation theory. This framework treats relational resources and digital capability as independent variables, with entrepreneurial performance as the dependent variable. Value creation innovation is introduced as a mediating variable to examine its role in mediating the relationships between relational resources, digital capability, and entrepreneurial performance. The measurement tools were constructed using mature measurement scales to ensure the reliability of research findings. The study's findings contribute to theoretical research on entrepreneurial performance in Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises, providing a solid foundation for future empirical studies

Empowering single mothers in Sabah

Life can be challenging for single mothers. They are viewed as the most vulnerable social groups in society who often lack educational attainment, skills and social networks; thus limiting their opportunities to compete in the labour market. Consequently, single mothers struggle to achieve financial independence and to support the well-being of their family. To help single mothers build a better life, it is crucial to provide single mothers with solid institutional support programmes. This paper explores the extent to which the institutional support programmes designed for single mothers are in accordance with the needs and expectation of the single mothers in Sabah. The views obtained from the leaders of the single mother associations show that the support programmes are useful for single mothers; however, the programmes are still inadequate to lift them out of poverty. Suggestions for improvement of the institutional support programmes for single mothers are highlighted

Strengthening the institutional support for single mothers in Sabah: Opportunities and challenges

Single mothers are perceived as one of society's most vulnerable social groups. Faced with both financial and non-financial challenges, achieving the well-being of their family is never easy. Therefore, it is believed that an inclusive support mechanism for single mothers can help them to build a better life, thus improving their well-being. This paper explores the extent to which the current support mechanisms for single mothers are in accordance with their needs and expectations. This paper is prepared based on a qualitative study that was conducted on a group of single mothers in Sabah. However, this paper only presents partial findings from this study. Views and opinions gathered from the interviews conducted with the single mothers are presented as a proposed framework in strengthening the implementation of support mechanisms for single mothers. The views of the single mothers indicate the needs for supports that reflect on the different stages of their motherhood lives. This finding suggests the significance to acknowledge single mothers as a heterogeneous group and this understanding can help to ensure the effectiveness of support mechanisms for them

Influence of proactive, networking and resourceful on entrepreneurial intention and change of life style among asnaf generation Z in Sabah

It is the objective of this study is to identify the characteristics that predict entrepreneurial intention and lifestyle change among Asnaf Generation Z in Sabah, Malaysia. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of elements based on the theory of planned behaviour, such as proactive, social networking, and resourceful, on the entrepreneurial intention and lifestyle change of Asnaf gen Z. 106 university students from higher learning institution in Sabah participated in the online survey that is used for the study. PLS-SEM, or partial least squares structural equation modelling, was utilised to analyse the data. The results suggested that social networking and proactive behaviour were significant for Asnaf Gen Z entrepreneurial intention. In addition, the entrepreneurial motivation had a favourable impact on the Asnaf Generation Z's efforts to alter their current lifestyle. As a result, the Asnaf generation Z's aspiration for the future is to be their own boss and operate a viable business

The concept of gender in researching women And entrepreneurship

Based on a review of the literature on the concepts of gender and women’s entrepreneurship, this paper highlights the importance of employing the gender approach in researching women in general and women entrepreneurs in particular. This paper makes the argument that to fully comprehend the phenomenon of women's entrepreneurship, research on the topic must consider the complexity of women's social environment. The complexity of women’s social environment is a result of a dynamic interactions between various individual and environmental factors that influence their decisions, actions, and behaviour. Within this context, women’s decision, action, and behaviour are learnt from their social environment. This social environment believes that the work of men and women can be segregated, thus causing women to act based on the gender roles that have been established by their social environment. This paper investigates the extent to which gender has a significant influence on women entrepreneurs. Therefore, if the social environment that controls women's lives is ignored, the reality of women entrepreneurs' entrepreneurial experiences cannot be represented. Furthermore, the common practice of conducting research that inadequately acknowledges the distinctions between women and men has contributed to the idea that women entrepreneurs are less successful than men. Therefore, this paper explores the bias that surrounds our understanding of women entrepreneurs and suggests how the bias can be reduced by applying the gender concept as a foundation for women’s entrepreneurship research

The perception and views of business support programmes among women micro entrepreneurs in the West Coast of Sabah

Women micro entrepreneurs’ awareness of business support programmes remains largely highlighted. This paper examines the perception and views of the women micro entrepreneurs in the West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia in late 2018. This study adopts an interpretative approach and uses semi-structured interviews as the main data collection technique in exploring the perceptions and views of five women micro entrepreneurs on business support programmes. All women entrepreneurs were identified using a list provided by an organisation that provides business support for women entrepreneurs in research setting. The selection process of interviewing women micro entrepreneurs, using a purposive sampling technique was based on the following criteria: 1) formally registered their businesses, 2) own micro and small businesses, and 3) run a full-time business. The findings reveal that majority of them were aware of the business support programmes provided by the government and were satisfied with the business support programmes as well as they have been received many guides and additional info from the government agencies. This study found that the business support programmes are beneficial for women micro entrepreneurs. Therefore, the Sabah state government as well as relevant institutional business support programmes should continuously promote various types of types of aids and assistance such as microcredit facilities, short-term loan, marketing and ICT tools and equipment to facilitate women microbusinesses. The future study is needed to emphasis on the important of fostering awareness of business support programmes among women micro entrepreneurs, thus, adding to the body of knowledge about empowering women's entrepreneurship

Recognizing Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperation (MEDEC) in the furtherance interest of entrepreneurs and cooperatives

This article focuses on a balanced, integrated, and blended effort in facing the continuation of the endemic era of COVID-19 in the economic sector engaging entrepreneurs and cooperatives. The purpose of the discussion is to identify the dispute over the role, government efforts, and MEDAC's strategy in assisting entrepreneurs and cooperatives to maintain a stable momentum in their businesses. This paper attempts to address the following issues: (i) Visibility of MEDAC's role and responsibilities (ii) Immediate priority for the target group affected by the Covid-19 pandemic (iii) Financial aid channelled to reach the target group and the effect of cash flow on aid recipients, and (iv) Introduction and implementation of the Cooperative Intervention Plan. This paper uses secondary sources, such as study results published in journals, scholarly literature, internet news sources, and public forums, to employ a qualitative methodology. According to the findings of the study, the government's approach provides assistance to entrepreneurs particularly the B40 group, the disabled, the urban poor, rural communities, inland communities, and indigenous people who have been impacted by COVID-19, where it has a positive impact that leads to the implementation of a comprehensive transformation for sustainable economic growth. The goal of the study is to determine the drastic steps that must be made in the era of the endemic Covid-19 in order to create a holistic and hospitable entrepreneurial environment to support the nation's inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-driven entrepreneurship development plan