Search Results (35)

In Building Information Modeling (BIM)-driven collaboration, the workflow for information management utilizes a Common Data Environment (CDE). The core idea of a CDE is to serve as a single source of truth, enabling efficient coordination among diverse stakeholders. Nevertheless, investigations into employing CDEs to manage projects reveal that procuring commercial CDE solutions is too expensive and functionally redundant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small research organizations, and there is a lack of experience in using CDE tools. Consequently, this study aimed to provide a cheap and lightweight alternative. It proposes a three-layered CDE framework: decentralized databases enabling work in distinct software environments; resource description framework (RDF)-based metadata facilitating seamless data communication; and microservices enabling data collection and reorganization via standardized APIs and query languages. We also apply the CDE framework to structural life cycle assessment (LCA). The results show that a lightweight CDE solution is achievable using tools like the bcfOWL ontology, RESTful APIs, and ASP.NET 6 Clean architecture. This paper offers a scalable framework that reduces infrastructure complexity while allowing users the freedom to integrate diverse tools and APIs for customized information management workflows. This paper’s CDE architecture surpasses traditional commercial software in terms of its flexibility and scalability, facilitating broader CDE applications in the construction industry. Full article

Information technology (IT) strategic planning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving operational efficiency and decision-making, and fostering innovation. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of IT strategic planning on SME performance, focusing on key performance indicators such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. A total of 80 studies were rigorously analyzed. Quantitative methods were used in 45% of the studies, while 25% applied thematic analysis. The adoption of cloud-based solutions (11.25%) and hybrid IT setups (17.5%) were also evaluated as critical enablers of flexibility and cost-efficiency. SMEs aligning their IT strategies with business objectives demonstrated up to a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction. Resource constraints were identified as a significant challenge in 60% of the studies. Nevertheless, effective IT planning contributed to long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in 60% of the reviewed studies. This review provides actionable insights and strategic frameworks to guide SMEs in optimizing their IT investments, overcoming resource limitations, and ensuring sustainable growth. Full article

This research intends to evaluate the effect on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of technological developments, including digital marketing, and to determine the variables that affect the relationship. Because these businesses are essential to driving local economies, boosting local economic growth, and creating job opportunities, this is a very important question, and figuring out how to best help them succeed through digital marketing is critical. The data were generated from a sample of 190 marketing companies, and each of the managers of these companies was surveyed for the information needed. This research focuses on the impact of SMEs’ performance through digital marketing strategies, including online advertising, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and customer engagement through digital channels. A further analysis was performed looking at the mediating effect of digital transformation on the relationship between digital marketing and firm performance. The theoretical lens in the current study is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which argues that technology use depends on perceived use and perceived usefulness. The results revealed that digital marketing is essential for SME effectiveness, as a driver of digital transformation, leading to stronger economic results and an enlarged market presence. Engagement with customers on digital channels to understand their behavior and preferences helps organizations create better experiences and products, and sell smarter as well. This offers application insights to the practitioners and proves the empirical data telling the SMEs how to plan the adoption of digital marketing. It also offers policy recommendations to authorities on how to promote digital innovation and provide financial and technical assistance to SMEs in this vital area. Full article

Customers in resource-poor communities still grapple with many information and communication technology (ICT) failures as they strive to access goods and services in small and medium enterprises near them. From a customer perspective, these challenges often lead to stress-related issues such as frustrations and anxiety, which can even result in transaction abandonment. Extended ICT failures result in SMEs failing to achieve sustainable e-commerce. This study delves into the impact of ICT initiatives by SMEs in stress-inducing environments on customers’ quality of life. The study further examines whether customer stress and happiness play a role in this association. Quantitative data were acquired using the mall intercept method, while the developed hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SMART-PLS 4. The results shed light on how customers navigate daily ICT-related failures experienced by SMEs operating in poor resource communities as they strive for happiness and stress-free lives, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The study recommends that the government, through its agencies, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Department of Science and Technology, among others, not only create an environment supporting SME ICT initiatives but also find strategies for sustaining SME ICT adoption for improved human well-being and socio-economic development within resource-constrained communities. Full article

Construction projects that are completed abroad involve not only the typical risks that are faced at home but also various complex risks that are specific to international transactions. However, little research has been conducted on the risks that exist in prefabricated construction projects, but they need to be discussed. This paper aims to analyze the operational and financial risks associated with the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Quebec operating in the prefabricated wood construction sector in the American market. Firstly, a literature review was carried out on operational and financial risks in overseas construction projects. This research identified 36 risks, including 21 operational and 15 financial. Next, the risks identified were divided into eight categories: design, standards, coordination, resources, internal to the alliance, partner, customer, and market. Professionals from different types of wood prefabrication companies were then asked to identify the probability of occurrence and magnitude of the impact of each identified risk. This information was used to calculate the criticality of each risk using Monte Carlo simulation to generate scenarios for use as a decision-making tool in risk assessment. The results show that highly critical operational risks are concentrated in the operational risk categories of coordination and resources. It should be noted that the most critical risk is that of ineffective communication and coordination, which is linked to project governance. On the other hand, financial risks with high criticality are spread across the four financial risk categories. A comparison of the criticality of the operational and financial risks identified revealed that the financial risks were the most critical. Full article

Family small and medium enterprises (FSMEs) differ from non-family SMEs regarding leadership type, human resource management practices, innovation orientation, change management, information and communication technology deployment, process maturity, and resource availability. These differences present challenges when leading any change. Process mining (PM) tools can optimize process value and eliminate non-added-value activities in FSMEs based on “Event Logs”. The present study investigates how a PM project is implemented in an FSME operating in the agri-food sector, focusing on challenges faced in every project phase to extract the most appropriate process that eliminates all sources of waste and bottleneck cases. Drawing upon the L*Lifecycle methodology combined with quality and lean management tools such as the fishbone diagram, Pareto diagram, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE), this study applied a PM project to a manufacturing process for an FSME operating in the agri-food sector. To achieve theoretical production capacity (TPC) and customer satisfaction, the method was analyzed and optimized using Disco and ProM toolkits. The results analysis using Disco and ProM toolkits gave clues about the organizational and technical causes behind the manufacturing process’s inefficiency. First, OEE showed that the studied FSME is struggling with equipment availability. Then, the implementation of the L*Lifecycle methodology allowed for the identification of five critical causes. An action plan to eliminate causes was proposed to the FSME managers. Full article

Traditionally, corporations obtain competitive information via marketing reports, trade journals, newspapers, and competitors’ websites. That information was secondary and limited. With the widespread usage of Web 2.0 technologies, social media platforms (SMPs) are used by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to search for information about their customers, competitors, and markets. SMEs are the engine of economic growth and effective solution to poverty and unemployment. There is also a growing use of SMPs to facilitate knowledge sharing, which leads to developing new ideas and sharing new knowledge, boosting creativity and efficiency, and assisting in achieving goals. This study aims to examine the effect of those uses of SMPs on Saudi SMEs’ performance growth and profitability through innovation. To evaluate 220 valid online questionnaire responses, we used SmartPLS 4 through a PLS-based structural equation model. The results show the positive direct effect of using SMPs for customer information and knowledge sharing on SME innovation in emerging economies and the indirect effect of those uses on SME performance growth and profitability. As a result, Saudi SME decision makers are advised to improve their effectiveness in using SMPs to acquire customer information and use it for knowledge sharing because those uses will positively influence innovation and increase SME growth and profitability. Full article

Increasing populations and the extravagant consumption of virgin resources are key issues in developing economies these days. The Paris Climate Accords of 2015 have also highlighted the importance of resource conservation and sustainable consumption. Developing economies, which rely on linear practices and traditional resources, require urgent attention regarding such issues. Practices of the circular economy (CE) provide an edge to achieving self-sustainability in materials and energy and lead a guiding path towards net-zero manufacturing. Net-zero manufacturing practices can significantly reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. In the current research paper, the authors have studied the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing the circular economy in Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The authors identified the CSFs through a literature review and expert opinions. To categorize and establish a structural model among the identified CSFs, the authors used Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) techniques. The model’s robustness and expert bias were checked through predisposition analysis. To verify and validate the findings of the analysis, the authors conducted a case study of an Indian SME using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) methodology. The authors of the current study observed that government policies and regulations on CE, consumer awareness and demand for CE products, economic incentives available for CE products, and new global business opportunities due to CE are the leading cause groups of CSFs. A reduction in energy and waste-related costs, the availability of infrastructure for CE practices, and an improvement in information-sharing transparency among supply chain members are the leading effects of CSFs. The influence graph shows that ‘Govt. policy and regulation on CE’, ‘Consumer awareness and demand for CE products’, ‘Economic incentives available for CE products’, and ‘New global business opportunity due to CE’ have a higher out-degree influence on other factors. From the case study, the authors observed that the strategic implementation of CE practices, green policy, reverse logistics, staff training, and new technology adoption have improved the use of repaired and refurbished materials in the case organization from 1–2% in 2019 to 9–10% in 2023. The findings of the current study imply that management commitment and strategies for building a ‘Green image’, coordination with suppliers, technological upgrades, reverse supply chain practices, workforce skills and training, and customer awareness and demand for CE products are crucial factors in successfully adopting CE and transitioning towards net-zero manufacturing. Full article

Predictive maintenance is one of the most important topics within the Industry 4.0 paradigm. We present a prototype decision support system (DSS) that collects and processes data from many sensors and uses machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to report deviations from the optimal process in a timely manner and correct them to the correct parameters directly or indirectly through operator intervention or self-correction. We propose to develop the DSS using open-source R packages because using open-source software such as R for predictive maintenance is beneficial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as it provides an affordable, adaptable, flexible, and tunable solution. We validate the DSS through a case study to show its application to SMEs that need to maintain industrial equipment in real time by leveraging IoT technologies and predictive maintenance of industrial cooling systems. The dataset used was simulated based on the information on the indicators measured as well as their ranges collected by in-depth interviews. The results show that the software provides predictions and actionable insights using collaborative filtering. Feedback is collected from SMEs in the manufacturing sector as potential system users. Positive feedback emphasized the advantages of employing open-source predictive maintenance tools, such as R, for SMEs, including cost savings, increased accuracy, community assistance, and program customization. However, SMEs have overwhelmingly voiced comments and concerns regarding the use of open-source R in their infrastructure development and daily operations. Full article

This bibliometric review explores the role of social media in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by examining the current literature and identifying research gaps. A comprehensive analysis of 293 Scopus-indexed journal articles published between 2007 and 2022 was conducted using VOSviewer software. The study’s objective is to understand the impact of social media on SMEs’ growth and development, with a focus on customer engagement, return on investment (ROI) metrics, and marketing strategies. The analysis uncovers three primary research clusters: (i) social media customer engagement, (ii) social media ROI metrics, and (iii) social media marketing strategies. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to comprehend the existing knowledge landscape and inform future studies regarding the practical implementation of social media in SMEs. Full article

Today’s business competitiveness necessitates the capacity of all company players, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to enter a broader market through information technology. However, the Lasem Batik SMEs have endured a great deal of turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marketing has been conducted through physical and internet channels, but the results have not been maximized. The purpose of this research was to consider the possibilities of Lasem Batik SMEs adopting metaverse technology as a marketing medium to enhance sales. The investigation was conducted on 40 Lasem Batik SMEs who met the requirements of using online media to sell their products, having a medium-sized firm, and displaying marketing that has reached the provincial level. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) The majority of participants stated that the metaverse is a virtual 3D space. This understanding is deepened by discussions about virtual 3D spaces that combine VR and AR, which today is often referred to as the metaverse. (2) Batik business owners hope that by using the metaverse, they will be able to obtain many benefits, especially related to market expansion. (3) Lasem Batik SMEs show great interest in expanding their marketing channels to a wider area; Lasem Batik entrepreneurs also accept the challenge of studying the metaverse with new knowledge and techniques they have never considered. (4) Overall, 75% of participants were ready to use the metaverse, and 25% still required guidance. (5) Local communities, universities, and large corporations provide great support for the use of the metaverse. (6) The commercial success of Lasem Batik SMEs is defined by product quality; ongoing online and offline advertising; originality and innovation; and the capacity to capitalize on possibilities, retain local wisdom, and preserve strong customer connections. The main conclusion is that the readiness of batik entrepreneurs to use the metaverse is highly dependent on the support of various parties. A strong desire to progress and develop one’s business is the main factor determining one’s intention to use the metaverse. As a result of the research, a prototype of a metaverse platform for Lasem Batik exhibitions has been developed. SMEs can use the room template provided by the platform and join other SMEs to hold a metaverse exhibition to attract global customers. These results can be connected to create a metaverse exhibition to attract global customers. Full article

Information systems research lacks a validated scale for assessing and measuring the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The relevant literature is limited in studies mainly concentrating on developing country settings. Furthermore, the emergence of new technological elements and increasing digitalization and digital transformation efforts in the last two years have changed how an organization utilizes and adopts ICTs. Therefore, it is inevitable that the conceptual dimensions proposed in the previous literature and the definitions of these dimensions will also alter. Hence, it is essential to revisit and validate the prior work and enhance it based on current vitality and developments. This study developed and validated a scale for measuring ICT adoption and digitalization for SMEs in a developing country context. The researchers followed an eight-step scale development procedure: (1) comprehensive literature review on ICT adoption and digitalization; (2) identification of dimensions of the level of ICT adoption and digitalization; (3) generation of items; (4) item refinement through focus group; (5) pretest of the measurement; (6) scale purification; (7) data collection; and (8) measurement evaluation. Within the Turkish setting, the ICT adoption scale was determined to have sufficient reliability and validity. Data for this study were gathered from 421 respondents of 219 Turkish SMEs. Supporting the multidimensionality of ICT adoption, 14 items and five dimensions (communication, internal integration, integration with customers, interorganizational integration, and strategic integration) constituted the ICT adoption construct. Considering the dominance of conceptual frameworks that were proposed based on developed countries and the prevalence of unidimensional constructs in the field, the developed multidimensional scale is expected to contribute significantly. Practitioners and policymakers can utilize the suggested scale to discover areas where specific changes are required for the digital transformation in SME utilization efforts that need attention. The outcomes can be applied to industrial sectors and different geographic contexts. By considering stage-based integration, the developed scale can also be used in future studies to investigate the effects of different variables on the extent of ICT adoption and the impact of ICTs on several organizational outcomes. Full article

In recent years, the energy market has seen an increase in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participating in the sector and providing relevant services to customers. The energy sector SMEs need to acknowledge whether reengineering their marketing strategy by modeling customers’ website behavior could enhance their digital marketing efficiency. Web Analytics refers to the extracted data of customers’ behavior from firms’ websites, a subclass of big data (big masses of uncategorized data information). This study aims to provide insights regarding the impact that energy SMEs’ web analytics has on their digital marketing efficiency as a marketing reengineering process. The paper’s methodology begins with the retrieval of behavioral website data from SMEs in the energy sector, followed by regression and correlation analyses and the development of simulation models with Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM). Research results showed that customer behavioral data originating from SMEs’ websites can effectively impact key digital marketing performance indicators, such as increasing new visits and reducing organic costs and bounce rate (digital marketing analytics). SMEs in the energy sector can potentially increase their website visibility and customer base by re-engineering their marketing strategy and utilizing customers’ behavioral analytic data. Full article

In the extremely competitive business environment typical of the 20th century, small and medium-sized enterprises have had to face countless challenges. As time progressed, digitization and the development of information and communication technology has had increasing impacts on the lives of both individuals and businesses. Now, from an organizational point of view, social media has become a corporate strategic tool the significant role of which is indisputable. The relevance of our study can be found in the fact that social media is now one of the most popular solutions if the goal of a business is to reach a specific target audience, to receive feedback about products/services, and to initiate the immediate communication that contributes to the loyalty of consumers and customers in the long term, as well as to take advantage of cost-effective advertising opportunities. The primary goal of our research is to provide the reader with a comprehensive picture of the thinking in the SME sector regarding the corporate application of social media. In our study, following a comprehensive literature review related to the topic, we use primary data collection to examine small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Hungary and Slovakia. The reason for choosing the subjects of the research is that, taking into account the territorial size of the regions under investigation, similar districts were selected, and the regions have similar numbers of businesses engaged in economic activity. The investigation process covers two regions in the two selected countries, examining a total of 1114 enterprises. Before starting our research, two hypotheses were defined. In order to test the correctness of the hypotheses, we performed statistical analyses using the SPSS program, specifically the Mantel–Haenszel test and the chi-square test. Considering the results, the hypotheses formulated by the authors proved to be correct in the case of both countries. As a result, it can be stated that the success of traditional marketing tools used before the online space greatly influences the extent to which businesses feel their presence in social media is important. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 has significantly impacted businesses, regardless of size or industry. The hybrid and remote working models have moved all meetings with potential and existing suppliers to an online environment. This also applies to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have had to adapt themselves to the new situation and implement the solutions necessary to survive on the market. On the other hand, clients have become more aware of the environment and its changes. Customers are trying to be more eco-friendly, by choosing and moving towards Green IT. Thus, this needs to be considered. The acquisition of management information systems (MIS) in the pandemic era is based only on virtual meetings. The main goals of this paper were the identification of the changes in the negotiations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the transformation of this process into virtual environment, discussion of the possibility of using Green IT in addition to Management Information Systems, and the changes caused by the pandemic. The article was prepared based on the results of qualitative research using the case study method. The comparative analysis includes purposely selected cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems’ acquisition processes, presented from the clients’ perspective. The research was conducted in 2021, based on the authors’ practical experience, and presents four cases. This research illustrates the negotiations concerning an acquisition transaction pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Finally, the conclusions and main differences caused by the pandemic in the acquisition transaction process of management information systems (MIS) are presented. Full article