SME opportunity for growth or profit: what is the role of product and process improvement?

Timothy L. Pett and James A. Wolff

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, 2009, vol. 1, issue 1, 5-21

Abstract: The process by which small firms avail themselves of the opportunity for growth or profitability is an important issue for firm managers and researchers alike. This study develops a conceptual research model that examines SME opportunities for growth or profitability – two dimensions of performance – derive from innovation that is product improvement oriented or process improvement oriented. The innovation/performance relationship is examined within the context of environmental uncertainty and SME internationalisation actions. The findings of the study suggest that internationalisation and innovation have a positive relationship to product improvements and process improvements, while environmental uncertainty, internationalisation and product improvement have positive relationships with growth as a performance dimension. Indeed opportunity for growth seems to be a more important dimension for SMEs in the sample.

Keywords: SME performance; innovation; SME internationalisation; product improvement; process improvement; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; firm growth. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijeven:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:5-21

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