The smooth running of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) presents a significant challenge irrespective of the technological and human resources they may have at their disposal. SMEs continuously encounter daily internal and external undesirable events and unwanted setbacks to their operations that detract from their business performance. These are referred to as 'disturbances' in our research study. Among the disturbances, some are likely to create risks to the enterprises in terms of loss of production, manufacturing capability, human resource, market share, and, of course, economic losses. These are finally referred to as 'risk determinant' on the basis of their correlation with some risk indicators, which are linked to operational, occupational, and economic risks. To deal with these risk determinants effectively, SMEs need a systematic method of approach to identify and treat their potential effects along with an appropriate set of tools. However, initially, a strategic approach is required to identify typical risk determinants and their linkage with potential business risks. In this connection, we conducted this study to explore the answer to the research question: what are the typical risk determinants encountered by SMEs? We carried out an empirical investigation with a multi-method research approach (a combination of a questionnaire-based mail survey involving 212 SMEs and five in-depth case studies) in New Zealand. This paper presents a set of typical internal and external risk determinants, which need special attention to be dealt with to minimize operational risks of an SME.

PurposeSMEs 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).Design/methodology/approachThis 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.FindingsThe 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.Research limitations/implicationsResearches are encouraged to test the proposed model.Practical implicationsThe 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.Social implicationsThe conceptual model may possibly able to generate more social values, considering a holistic angle into business activities.Originality/valueThe 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.

Purpose For Bangladeshi small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the COVID-19 economic shock is remarkable in both its complexity and intensity. SMEs need systemic inspiration to solve the crisis, aligned with a moral and authentic approach that serves both the leader and the follower’s interests. This study aims to conceptualize the innovation-focused success method of SMEs before and after the pandemic to manage the crisis by establishing spiritual leadership based on Islamic perspectives. Design/methodology/approach To discuss the impact of spiritual leadership on innovation-focused SME performance configuration through the lens of a crisis, a comprehensive literature study has been carried out in which over 360 articles are read and reviewed by the authors. It has also established the reliability and validity of literature analysis. Also, a qualitative investigation has been used to support the direction of the study. Findings For a subsequent process of scientific deployment and evaluation of its execution, a new applied strategic innovation-focused SME success configuration through spiritual leadership development is made available. The primary value of this paradigm is the potential to calculate and treat the aspects of spiritual leadership obtained from Islamic ideas. Research limitations/implications Prior analytical or empirical attempts from multiple viewpoints are subsequently needed to inquire about the proposed conceptualization. Practical implications Among the realistic consequences of this analysis is that while a number of leadership paradigms have been embraced by a broad body of leadership studies, the findings indicate that this paper should pay heed to the influential spiritual style of leadership, taking into account Islamic perspectives on the context of crisis. Therefore, Bangladeshi SMEs need to develop and run leadership training programs focused on the Islamic viewpoint of spirituality to encourage the actions of leaders during and after crises. Social implications The legal and moral values of the society would ultimately be upgraded from this conceptualization. Moreover, less corruption in corporate activities would improve the economic prosperity of a nation. It would also contribute to the cross-cultural portrayal of the positive picture of Islam. Originality/value This holistic conceptualization describes the mediating role of strategic innovation practices based on theoretical foundations, which have seldom been done in previous research, between the Islamic model of spiritual leadership and SME success during and after a crisis.

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Fossil fuel is depleting day by day throughout the world. This limitation along with the problem of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions leads findings for alternative energy that are environmentally and commercially feasible. Every day we are dumping lot of cellulosic waste materials into the environment from which we can produce valuable product such as ethanol to trim down the energy demand on fossil fuel. In the present study waste paper was treated to produce fermentable sugar using both conventional and enzymatic process. Acid catalyzed hydrolysis is conducted using sulfuric acid and the enzymatic process utilized municipal drain sludge. For acid catalyzed process optimum glucose concentration was found around 4 mg/ml for a loading of 1.5 g of untreated waste paper in 100 ml working volume at 25±2°C and a P H of 5 in about 1.5 hrs of hydrolysis. In case of enzymatic hydrolysis glucose yield was found around 2.5 mg/L for 10 ml sludge dosing in 100 ml working volume at 30°C±2 and P H of 7 in about 1.15 hrs of operation. In addition, base catalyzed hydrolysis is also observed with 5% NaOH and results around 3.3 mg/ml of glucose at room temperature and a P H of 13.0 in 1.5 hrs of hydrolysis.

Purpose: In a very short period, the worldwide pandemic sparked by the COVID-19 has not only taken multiple lives but has also imposed extreme restrictions on both the private and business activities. The purpose of the study at this point is to provide a broader interpretation of how a flexible cash-flow structure of various strategic interventions will enable Bangladeshi SMEs to endure through the emergency. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study has embraced a qualitative approach on basis of online focus group discussion with the support of a professional facilitator. The data collection process includes 09 participants from various fields, such as Academia, SMEs, Media, and NGOs. Findings: Because SMEs are operating in uncertain conditions, the analysis from the discussions suggests that an adjustable integration of various ranges of cash-flow management initiatives, such as cash flow targets, clear payment terms, use of technology, revisit variable cost, extend payables, and government schemes can help SMEs to endure throughout this turbulent time. Research limitation: Prior empirical attempts are subsequently required to inquiry about the proposed model for SMEs from different perspectives. Also, besides, a smaller sample size creates an issue with generalizability. The moderator, intentionally or inadvertently, may inject his personal biases into the participants' exchange of ideas. Practical implications: The formulated model provides recommendations for SMEs and on how to remain competitive through resilience and renewal strategies. Originality/Value: This article is the first to configure a strategic cash-flow management model for Bangladeshi SMEs to harness the entrepreneurial potential of the pandemic.

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