Sustainable competitiveness practices of SMEs: a strategic framework using integrated DEMATEL-NK model

Abstract

Purpose It is critical for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to review and monitor sustainability performance indicators across three dimensions: economic, environmental and social to attain long-term competitiveness. SMEs lack a holistic perspective on sustainability; they are frequently hindered from contemplating environmentally favorable investments beyond what is legally needed. The purpose of this paper is to present a joint Decision-making trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and NK methodology for developing a process model for introducing and implementing sustainable competitiveness practices for SMEs. Design/methodology/approach This study addresses the issue by adopting a sustainable competitiveness practices framework and applying a novel method that integrates DEMATEL and NK model for evaluating and developing the implementation path model for Indian manufacturing SMEs. Findings This paper also demonstrates that not only the relational practice itself but also the order in which the relational practices are implemented can be related to performance. According to the authors' preliminary findings, organizations in this study should first implement a social dimension, which includes sustainable leadership, knowledge sharing, etc., then an economic dimension like quality, sustainable innovations, etc., and finally environmental dimensions like green marketing, solid waste reduction, etc., with their management for competitiveness. Research limitations/implications These findings offer some preliminary information as well as advice for managers and policymakers looking to integrate sustainable efforts. Practical implications This study asserts that not only the interdependent practice but also the sequence of implementation is important and can relate to the performance. The path result shows that the organization develops first sustainable design and product development (economic), sustainable leadership (social) and solid waste reduction (environmental) practices. Originality/value There is no such study that develops a process model for introducing and implementing sustainable competitiveness of SMEs which assesses and analyzes the interdependencies across relational behaviors, to the best of authors’ knowledge. The novelty of this work lies in integrating DEMATEL-NK model approach.

Qualitative-environmental aspects of products improvement in SMEs from V4 countries

“…The most important stimuli are, for example, an increase in product quality, including potential market opportunities to achieve customer satisfaction. In turn, in development (Ghag et al, 2022) SMEs were examined in terms of reviewing and monitoring sustainability performance indicators as part of achieving long-term competitiveness. Preliminary conclusions indicate that these companies should initially implement the social dimension (e.g., sustainable leadership, knowledge sharing), then the economic dimension (e.g., quality, innovation), and then the environmental dimension (e.g., green marketing, waste reduction).…”

Analisis Kualitas Layanan Koperasi, Dukungan Pemerintah Daerah, Keterlibatan Masyarakat dalam Meningkatkan Daya Saing UMKM di Kota Yogyakarta

“…Daya saing memainkan peran penting dalam menentukan kinerja dan keberlanjutan Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah (UMKM) dalam lanskap bisnis global yang kompetitif saat ini. Berbagai studi menekankan pentingnya faktor-faktor seperti praktik daya saing berkelanjutan, keunggulan kompetitif, praktik manajemen rantai pasokan (supply chain management/SCM), dan inovasi dalam meningkatkan kinerja dan keberlanjutan UMKM (N. Ghag et al, 2023;N. S. Ghag et al, 2022;Linda et al, 2022;Rochayatun et al, 2023).…”

Capítulo 23. Medición de las prácticas de sustentabilidad en las mypes: caso de estudio.

“…Las principales restricciones a la adaptación de las prácticas de sostenibilidad en las empresas están relacionadas con la falta de concientización de los empleados sobre la importancia de la sostenibilidad y los beneficios de las prácticas de sostenibilidad, la falta de recursos, el elevado coste de capital inicial de la aplicación de medidas de sostenibilidad, las insuficientes capacidades de gestión, las prácticas inadecuadas, la falta de información sobre cómo aplicar la sostenibilidad y la interferencia entre las iniciativas de sostenibilidad previstas y otras iniciativas empresariales (Ghag, Acharya y Khanapuri, 2022;Pardo y Cotte, 2022;). Otro factor importante en la promoción de la sostenibilidad empresarial es el gobierno quien puede influir por medio de regulaciones y normatividad incluso mediante términos legales para fomentar aún más esta sostenibilidad empresarial, estableciendo incluso incentivos financieros para las empresas que adopten prácticas sostenibles, así como sanciones para aquellas que no lo hagan.…”