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PurposeSupply chain finance (SCF) is an advanced financing solution for medium and small organizations. However, due to its nascent stage, SCF is still struggling with its application in the supply chain. The blockchain application in SCF can bring lots of opportunities and smart techniques to deal with financing to organizations. However, some factors restrict the proper adoption of blockchain in SCF. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyze the factors obstructing blockchain adoption in SCF.Design/methodology/approachThe present study applied a hybrid fuzzy DELPHI-AHP-DEMATEL to validate and analyze the factors. The fuzzy Delphi techniques were adopted to validate the identified factors. Thereafter, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been used to prioritize the validated factors. Further, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method has opted to classify the factors into cause-and-effect groups.FindingsThe result of the study revealed that lack of technological competence and confidentiality leaking are the most prioritized factors and act as the prime factors for the obstacles in the blockchain application in the SCF. The application of the DEMATEL method revealed that the highest causing factor is authenticity, and the highest effecting factor is high cost.Practical implicationsThe current study enhances the knowledge and information of managers and policymakers about the challenges associated with the blockchain application in SCF as well as provides better insight to deal with various factors obstructing blockchain adoption in SCF.Originality/valueThe current study is the first of its kind, where factors obstructing blockchain adoption in SCF are identified and validated with the help of experts and practitioners by incorporating the fuzzy Delphi method. Thereafter, the validated factors are prioritized by using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy DEMATEL techniques helps to identify the cause-and-effect group, which opens the door for future research work.

PurposeThe already scarce financial resources coupled with the current COVID-19 pandemic have created the worst scenario for Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The application of supply chain finance (SCF) solutions to MSMEs can enhance the performance and growth of the sector. But, the implementation of SCF solutions faces various obstacles which restrict the MSMEs' ability to meet their financial requirements. The purpose of this paper is to explore and prioritize the various important barriers hindering SCF application in Indian MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachLiterature on SCF and MSMEs are critically reviewed and barriers affecting the SCF application in Indian MSMEs are scrutinized with the consultation of the experts. The present study applies intuitionistic fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (IF-AHP) methodology to prioritize the identified barriers and thereafter, the sensitivity analysis is also done to observe the identified barriers under different situations.FindingsThe results of the study have revealed that poor cash flow management and working capital management disruption are acting as the most prioritized barriers of SCF. The external factor of cultural challenges has been prioritized as the minimum-influence factor that has least negative influence on the operations of SCF in MSMEs.Practical implicationsThe present study bears an important practical and managerial implication to solve real world problems of financial constraints of MSMEs. The managers should emphasize upon the importance smooth flow of cash and working capital management across the supply chains by which better SCF solution can be implemented in MSMEs.Originality/valueThe study conducted is an effort to address the barriers of SCF in Indian MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of IF-AHP and sensitivity analysis would help managers and policymakers to comprehend and resolve the prioritized barriers and sub-barriers of SCF in the MSMEs.

This paper examines the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. It has three research issues, namely the role of MSMEs, their constraints, and the importance of MSMEs for the creation of business opportunities for women. More specifically, the study aims to answer the following research questions. First, how important are MSMEs in Indonesia? Second, what are their main constraints? Third, how important are they, especially micro and small enterprises (MSEs), for the creation of business opportunities for women? Fourth, is the growth of MSEs a sign of increased entrepreneurial spirit or a reflection of poverty? This study adopted descriptive analysis using secondary data. It shows that MSMEs in Indonesia are dominated by MSEs, and accounted for almost 100% of all existing firms but only contributed between 58 to 61% of gross domestic product (GDP). About 42.84% of MSEs are owned by women, although the ratio of female to male entrepreneurs in MSEs varies by province. Poverty seems to be the main force behind the growth of MSEs. This study ends with some policy recommendations that the government should: (i) conduct trainings that focus on online marketing, entrepreneurship, management, and improving the quality of product and business efficiency; (ii) provide alternative funding facilities with low interest rates and non-burdensome requirements; and (iii) provide assistance directly in the production site for new entrepreneurs in their first years of running businesses. In addition, all gender discrimination treatments that have been burdensome for women to run own businesses must be eliminated. This study has, however, several limitations, especially with respect to the third and fourth research questions. Secondary data used does not have information about the main/initial motivation of MSME owners to run their own business and their socio-economic profiles.

PurposeThe study aims to investigate innovation capability as a mediator in the relationship between talent management (TM) and entrepreneurial firm performance in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Thailand based on employer perceptions.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was completed by 674 MSMEs in Thailand, both directly and online. Four hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe results demonstrated that TM has a significant and positive influence on innovation capability, but no evidence was found for a positive relationship between TM and entrepreneurial firm performance. However, innovation capability positively influences entrepreneurial firm performance, and it fully mediates the positive relationship between TM and entrepreneurial firm performance. These results suggest that TM can enhance entrepreneurial firm performance if it is implemented with effective innovation capability.Research limitations/implicationsThe SEM model was employed with a limited number of enterprises, so the sample cannot represent the full population, as there are more than three million MSMEs in Thailand. More countries and factors should be incorporated into the model.Practical implicationsThe owner-managers and HR practitioners of MSMEs can utilise the study results to develop talent strategies and innovative interventions that will enhance their firm’s performance.Social implicationsThis study thus aims to strengthen the capacities of MSME entrepreneurs and policymakers to elevate inclusive innovation capability in MSMEs and to also accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); innovation is one of the three important aspects of SDG9.Originality/valueThe study contributes by filling the research gap related to TM in the MSME business and enterprise development literature, and it aids in creating innovation capability to increase effective investments in TM.

PurposeWhile business intelligence and analytic (BIA) systems have been developed by large corporations around the world, micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have recently paid attention and deployed BIA adoption, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic disruption. This study sheds light on how MSMEs adopt the BIA systems and then proposes a framework for the BIA adoption process in the context of MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe multiple case research design and interpretivism approach are employed for expanding the theoretical boundary of the strategic management fields in BIA adoption by MSMEs. In total, 35 semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers and owners involved in BIA adoption from 17 participating MSMEs.FindingsThe research study identifies three BIA adoption stages with specific technical and managerial features in the path of BIA adoption in each stage, corresponding to the level of BIA maturity of MSMEs. The authors also highlight other factors that directly influence the successful adoption and transformation from each stage to another.Research limitations/implicationsThe research study identifies three BIA adoption stages with specific technical and managerial features in the path of BIA adoption at each stage that corresponds to the level of BIA maturity of MSMEs. Besides, this study also extends the current literature on BIA adoption in an organisation during the Covid-19 pandemic by identifying several contextual barriers that directly influence the BIA adoption.Practical implicationsResearch findings can help business leaders and owners of MSMEs to determine the BIA maturity of their organisation. Furthermore, the authors’ framework can also be used by consultancies and standard setters to develop detailed BIA adoption strategies and tactics that support MSMEs' digitalisation towards BIA adoption.Originality/valueThe research study’s results highlight that contextual factors, leadership competencies, motivations and barriers for BIA adoption can also be used to help MSMEs' leaders and owners to trigger, advance or eliminate challenges for the adoption of BIA initiatives in MSMEs.

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) shoulder a disproportionate share of cyber risk yet remains underrepresented in empirical cybersecurity research. This study develops and validates an integrated Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) and Resource-Based View (RBV) framework to explain cybersecurity management effectiveness and its performance payoffs in MSMEs. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we analyze survey data from 847 MSMEs across sectors and regions, complemented by 32 expert interviews. Psychometrically validated measures feed a structural equation model (SEM) and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). SEM results show cybersecurity awareness is the strongest predictor of management effectiveness (β = .486, p < .001), followed by technology readiness (β = .412, p < .001); economic constraints exert an adverse effect (β = −.297, p < .001), while regulatory compliance contributes positively (β = .234, p < .001). Effectiveness, in turn, predicts organizational performance (β = .573, p < .001), with R 2 values of .671 for effectiveness and .328 for performance. Mediation tests indicate that effectiveness fully mediates the impacts of awareness, technology readiness, and compliance, and partially mediates the impact of economic constraints, highlighting cybersecurity as a dynamic capability that converts resources into outcomes. fsQCA reveals four equifinal pathways to high effectiveness (technology-driven, awareness-intensive, compliance-driven, and resource-optimized), offering actionable strategies for heterogeneous and resource-limited firms. The findings advance theory by quantifying human-capital and capability mechanisms often overshadowed by technology-centric narratives, and they inform practice and policy by prioritizing awareness programs, targeted technology adoption, proportionate compliance scaffolds, and resource-sensitive investment portfolios. Helping Small Businesses Build Better Cybersecurity on a Budget Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are the backbone of the global economy but are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, and our research discovered how these smaller companies can best protect themselves despite limited resources by finding that while advanced technology is helpful, the most important factor is cybersecurity awareness—making sure every employee understands online risks and follows good practices—and that while tight budgets are the biggest hurdle, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as some businesses succeed by pairing technology with training, others excel through exceptional awareness alone, some use regulations as a blueprint, and many find success through a balanced approach, proving that strong protection is achievable by strategically focusing on training and choosing a practical combination of measures that fit a specific budget and needs.

The purpose of this research is to determine the moderating function of self-management and entrepreneurial mindset in enhancing the effect of money attitude on FWB among owners of MSMEs (MSMEs) in Riau, Indonesia. This study used a quantitative method, utilizing primary data sources with 150 owners of MSMEs as respondents. The results of the study show that money attitude has a positive effect on financial well-being. While other results show that Self-Management and Entrepreneurial Mindset can strengthen the influence of money attitude on the financial well-being of MSME owners. The implication of this study are first, self-management encourages and strengthens MSME owners, in a positive money attitude to increase MSME owners’ FWB. Second, MSME owners with an entrepreneurial mindset are willing to accept risks and uncertainty to profit by spotting substantial opportunities, integrating existing resources, and being able to incorporate their new ideas into their enterprises so that they can continue to sustain and build their businesses, hence improving the owners’ FWB.

Sustainable practices are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of business performance in contemporary markets. This study examines the influence of Circular Economy (CE), Eco-Innovation (EI), and Sustainable Marketing (SM) on Business Performance (BP) among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) located in Aguascalientes, Mexico, a representative emerging-economy context within Latin America. The relationships among these constructs were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0. Results show that CE significantly drives both EI and SM, and that EI positively influences BP. However, the direct effect of SM on BP was marginal, indicating that its contribution to business performance is weaker than that of circular and eco-innovative practices in the analyzed sample. Among CE dimensions, enablers were the strongest driver of circular adoption, while in EI, adoption incentives exerted the greatest influence. This research contributes to the sustainability and management literature by rigorously analyzing and comparing the relative impact of different sustainability-oriented strategies—circular, innovative, and marketing-based—on business performance. By examining how these strategies interact and differ in their effects, the study offers evidence-based guidance for MSMEs with limited resources to prioritize initiatives with greater potential to enhance competitiveness. The proposed integrated CE–EI–SM–BP framework, validated through a predictive PLS-SEM approach (PLSpredict), provides robust empirical evidence from an underexplored emerging-economy context. The results also open avenues for future research to examine contextual or temporal factors influencing the effectiveness of sustainability-based strategies.

Purpose The purpose of this research is to provide a strategic framework for business resilience plans (BRPs) to guide micro, small, and medium-sized firms (MSMEs) in determining their adaptability level and providing information on agility and resilience tactics while coping with turbulence. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) is used in this work to collect and acquire a complete and high-quality sample of academic journal articles. As the primary focus, 63 high-quality journals were chosen from 154 academic papers in the Scopus and Web of Science databases by using qualitative data analysis. The method of thematic analysis incorporating grounded approach analysis was utilized for creating themes and key findings in this study. Findings This study proposes the dimensions of the BRPs framework along with key findings to identify future research directions for MSMEs. The three dimensions of BRP include responsiveness, reactiveness, and proactiveness based on the principles of agility, absorption, and resilience. Originality/value This study proposes a sustainable and resilient framework for post-disaster MSMEs as a catalyst towards sustainably resilient MSMEs. This study highlights viable avenues for future research for academics and provides a resilient plan at various levels for business owner-managers.