Purpose




This paper aims to investigate the moderating role of innovation capability and strategic goals in the financial performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.




Design/methodology/approach




Innovative capabilities and strategic goals in SMEs and their influence on financial performance were recognized and briefly debated according to the existing literature. Hypotheses were tested on research data on 340 SMEs in Ghana, which were conveniently selected. Finally, quantitative analysis was done, followed by a discussion of the research findings.




Findings




Results from the study have proved that strategic goals have a strong positive relationship with financial performance. Also, there is a strong, positive and highly significant impact innovative capacity has on financial performance. Finally, the study found that innovative capability moderates the relationship between strategic goals and financial performance. It showed that at high levels of innovative capacity, high levels of strategic goals boost financial performance massively.




Research limitations/implications




The findings are limited to SMEs in Ghana. Researchers should study why SMEs may not pursue any innovation capability activities as they have positive impact on their financial performance. They may also focus on strategic goals and financial performance.




Practical implications




The study shows a necessity for longer-term innovation perspectives and a higher level of the importance of the application and assessment of strategic goals. Business owners and caretakers need greater awareness about the importance of innovation capability and strategic goals and their influence on the overall financial performance of SMEs. This will help them to adopt right innovate procedures for their businesses.




Originality/value




One of few research works to examine innovation capability and strategic goals on the financial performance of SMEs in a developing country.

Innovative capability, strategic goals and financial performance of SMEs in Ghana

\nPurpose\nThe purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing customers’ willingness to participate in virtual brand community’s value co-creation and help companies better operating the virtual brand community.\n\n\nDesign/methodology/approach\nBased on social cognitive theory and the features of the virtual brand community, this paper constructed a model of factors influencing customers’ willingness to participate in virtual brand community’s value co-creation. Then this paper quantitatively analyzed the mediating effect and the moderating effect.\n\n\nFindings\nThe empirical analysis came to the following conclusions: first, in virtual brand communities, customers’ willingness to participate in value co-creation would be influenced by subject factors, environment factors, brand factors and perceived value factor. Second, customer involvement is an important moderator. The more involved the customer is, the more he/she will rely on the virtual brand community. Particularly, customer involvement has a positive moderating effect on the influence of subject factors, while it has a negative moderating effect on the influence of community experience and community trust. Third, perceived value plays a significant mediating role between subject factors and customers’ willingness to participate in value co-creation.\n\n\nPractical implications\nThe results of this study can help companies better understand the influence of external factors like environment and brand so that they can better operate the virtual brand community and encourage customers to contribute to the development of the community and the brand.\n\n\nOriginality/value\nMost of the existing studies focused on the formation of virtual brand communities and customers’ participation behaviors, but there is limited research focusing on what contributes to customers’ participation in value co-creation of virtual brand communities. This study, therefore, attempts to bridge the research gap.\n

Factors Influencing Customers' Willingness to Participate in Virtual Brand Community's Value Co-Creation: The Moderating Effect of Customer Involvement

This study tests the validity of Lussier model in predicting success or failure of small businesses in Ghana, Africa. The study uses logistic regression to analyze 101 failed and 107 successful sma...

Success versus Failure Prediction Model for Small Businesses in Ghana

Small Business Sustainability Strategies in the Tanzanian Construction Materials Industry by Seraphia Robert Mgembe MBA-IB, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, 2013 BCom, University of Dar es Salaam Tanzania, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2019 Abstract Small business owners in the construction materials industry play a significant role in economic development through gross domestic product and employment. However, like other small business owners, many owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry close their businesses within 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study grounded in the resource-based theory was to explore the strategies that owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry operating in Tanzania used toSmall business owners in the construction materials industry play a significant role in economic development through gross domestic product and employment. However, like other small business owners, many owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry close their businesses within 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study grounded in the resource-based theory was to explore the strategies that owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry operating in Tanzania used to sustain business for longer than 5 years. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 4 purposefully selected owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry and a review of daily sales records, weekly sales reports, and audited accounts. Member checking and triangulation were used to strengthen the credibility and trustworthiness of the interpretation of data and information. Data analysis involved coding and thematic analysis. Themes were categorized into business establishment strategies, customer satisfaction and retention strategies, and other sustainability strategies. Findings from this study may contribute to social change by providing information on mechanisms for improving business performance; reducing the risk of failure; and creating sustainable, better-paying jobs that can increase the well-being of business owners, employees, their families, and communities. Small Business Sustainability Strategies in the Tanzanian Construction Materials Industry by Seraphia Robert Mgembe MBA-IB, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, 2013 BCom, University of Dar es Salaam Tanzania, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2019 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to the Program Steering Committee, the management, and members of staff of the Property and Business Formalization Program for Tanzania popularly known by its Swahili acronym as MKURABITA for their encouragement and support throughout the doctoral journey. The Ex Program Steering Committee members under the leadership of the retired Captain John Z Chiligati, who allowed me to pursue this journey, approved the financial resources and provided moral support throughout the process. My heartfelt thanks also go to the current Program Steering Committee members under the governance of the retired Ambassador Daniel Ole Njoolay, who took over from where the previous members ended and continued approving the financial resources for my education until the end. Without their approval and support, I could not manage to be here today. The management and members of staff immeasurably contributed to my success through their effective performance at work. Being the chief executive officer of the program, there was a lot desired of me, which without them I could not get time to focus to the doctoral journey. Where I had to ask them to stand on my feet, they were right there for me. My achievement today is the result of support and love I received from this great MKURABITA team. God bless you all. Acknowledgments Primarily, I thank the Almighty Lord who granted me health, perseverance heart and the courage to move forward throughout the doctoral journey even at difficult times. The word of God from Philippians Chapter 4 Verse 13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Thomas Schaefer, whose close guidance, mentoring, and support resulted to my achievement. So many thanks should go to my second committee member, Dr. D’Marie Hanson, for her heartfelt support to me to this end. I would also like to thank and acknowledge my previous committee member, Dr. Richard Synder, who took me through the prospectus stage that created a strong foundation of my entire doctoral journey. Many thanks also go to my URR member, Dr. Rocky Dwyer, for his promptness and short turnaround time every time when the document was in his hands. I would like to thank my beloved husband Robert Mgembe; my sons Noel, Deodatus, and Peter; my daughters-in-law Diana and Leyla Maria; my daughters Mary and Jane; and brother Albert, for the sacrifice and frustration they went through during this long and challenging journey. To my grandsons Jonathan and Jerry, and my granddaughter Iris Seraphia, you came to the world at the time when I could not give you the best reception, but I love you and I am proud of you. To my parents Roman and Maria, I salute you for the strong foundation you bestowed on me since I was born. Special tributes to my Aunty Veronica in heaven; may the Lord give you eternal life in heaven and rest your soul in peace. To the entire Blessed Isidory Bakanja Boko Catholic Church community, who I repudiated the right to serve you better in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Parish Lay Council, I am glad I made it to the finish line and I am now ready to serve the church and world at large. God bless you all. i Table of

/pdf/small-business-sustainability-strategies-in-the-tanzanian-spajkl6j05.pdf

Small Business Sustainability Strategies in the Tanzanian Construction Materials Industry

SMEs that manage more sustainability focused initiatives into their core business strategy can possibly benefit from lower expenses, reduced threats and new business opportunities, but in Malaysia most of the SMEs are still far off in terms of adapting to a sustainable business growth outline from a holistic point of view. Hence, this study aims to serve deeper understanding about a strategic innovation focused sustainable growth model on basis of multidisciplinary QBL-QHIM theoretical perspectives where strategic innovation practices intervene in between desired growth and government support (regulations).,This conceptual investigation embraces a newly emerged concern of sustainable business growth in SMEs, considering ranges of literature reviews from the disciplines of management and entrepreneurship. The study also systematically explores the concepts of regulations, strategic innovation practices on basis of QBL and QHIM theories to adjust the sustainable business growth model from a holistic angle.,The outcomes show that multidisciplinary QBL-QHIM conjunction within the interrelationships of the selected constructs holds the potential for innovation focused business growth in a more sustainable, comprehensive and holistic manner. The study also detects that exploitative-explorative innovation practices can possibly mediate in between suitable regulations and sustainable business growth of SMEs, considering supportive external environment.,Researches are encouraged to test the proposed model.,The study indicates a conceptual configuration for policy makers as well as entrepreneurs to ensure sustainable business growth for SMEs. The outcomes of the study also provide useful direction on decision-making process of owner or manager considering social, economic, environmental and spiritual aspects of daily operations.,The conceptual model may possibly able to generate more social values, considering a holistic angle into business activities.,The conceptualization is a unique attempt, considering developing regions to extend the current understanding of strategic innovation focused sustainable growth process of SMEs from a holistic angle.

The intervention of strategic innovation practices in between regulations and sustainable business growth: a holistic perspective for Malaysian SMEs

Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute immensely to job creation, income generation and poverty reduction in emerging economies like that of Ghana. These positive contributions notwithstanding, most MSMEs in these economies have been performing poorly. This study therefore seeks to identify and analyze the challenges faced by MSMEs and proposed by appropriate measures that will enhance and sustain the vibrancy of MSMEs in order for them to perform their expected roles in the economic development process of Ghana. To be able to delve into the challenges of MSMEs in Ghana, a conceptual and theoretical framework is designed to guide the preparation of data collection instruments to suit the study. This involves a combination of survey and case study methods of data collection and analysis. The present study reveals that MSMEs are dominated by youth and female operators usually with low level of education. A further revelation is that majority of MSMEs lack qualified personnel; has poor access to credit and are usually self-financed. Based on the above, the study recommends the establishment of a common board to oversee the activities of support institutions for MSMEs. The study again proposes for the creation of MSMEs fund at all district, municipal and metropolitan areas to support MSMEs activities. Furthermore, the study is proposed for Bank of Ghana to create MSMEs bank to provide funds specifically for MSMEs development. Finally, effective implementation of the recommendation can lead to growth of MSME’s sector in Kumasi metropolis and eventually results in creation of employment as well as poverty reduction.

https://file.scirp.org/pdf/AJIBM_2015112711514210.pdf

Exploring the Factors That Hinder the Growth and Survival of Small Businesses in Ghana (A Case Study of Small Businesses within Kumasi Metropolitan Area)

The buying of cars is an important decision that customers make. Consequently, customers in their attempt in ensuring that they get a good deal go a great length in providing their skills, knowledg...

Customer Value Co-Creation in the Automobile Industry: Antecedents, Satisfaction, and Moderation:

This study aimed to examine customer relational capital, transaction cost, and loyalty with value co-creation in the Ghanaian hair-dressing business sector. Participants were 455 female hair-dressi...

Tettey-Wayo John Narh

Papers

Exploring the Factors That Hinder the Growth and Survival of Small Businesses in Ghana (A Case Study of Small Businesses within Kumasi Metropolitan Area)

Customer Value Co-Creation in the Automobile Industry: Antecedents, Satisfaction, and Moderation:

Value co-creation effects on transaction cost, relational capital, and loyalty of hair salon customers: Results and implications of a Ghanaian study