• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.411-422
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• 2021

Technological adaption and innovative activities foster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) growth, especially women-owned SMEs in Pakistan, However, the impact of technological adaption and innovative activities on SMEs growth in the context of Pakistan has been examined by very researchers. This study aims to identify the effect of technology and open innovation policies on the growth of women-owned SMEs and the present trends and management challenges for successful full implementation of open innovation. The study considered a sample of 693 women enterprises located in different cities in Pakistan. Open innovation is measured through eight innovative practices, reflecting the exploration and exploitation of technology in SMEs. Study findings revealed that women enterprises were involved in several open innovation policies during the last five years. Moreover, the study indicated no significant differences between manufacturing and service SMEs regarding open innovation practices; however, women enterprises are more impressively engaged in open innovation practices. Findings also reveal that women-owned SMEs follow open innovation, mainly for market-related intentions, to compete with competitors and meet customers' demands. Thus, it is suggested that government policy relating to thriving SMEs owned by women should be innovation-oriented. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical implications. Further, the study is helpful for SMEs, researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.223-232
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• 2023

This study desires to examine the impact of five dimensions of entrepreneurial (EO) orientation (innovation, competitive aggressiveness, proactiveness, risk-taking, autonomy) on the operation of women-owned SMEs; the author conducted a case study in Vietnam. How will each dimension of EO affect women-owned SMEs' performance? This study aims to seek the answer to these questions. A survey research design and a theoretical framework have been developed for all factors in the current context. A simple random sampling technique was applied in 300 SMEs in some provinces of Vietnam through a survey questionnaire, and a total of 258 valid responses were assessed as appropriate. The obtained data was analyzed by using SPSS 20.0. Cronbach's α test and factor analysis have been carried out to test the reliability of data and validate the hypothesis. Research results show that innovation, competitive aggressiveness, proactiveness, and autonomy positively affect business performance, while risk-taking negatively affects business performance. The results suggest that female business owners should know how to improve each dimension of the entrepreneurial in line with its context. Research results are important implications for Government administrative agencies for businesses to consult and introduce effective support policies. It is recommended that similar studies be replicated to confirm this result.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.12
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• pp.345-352
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• 2021

Guided by a resource-based theory, this study is the first one that takes a quantitative approach to identify determinants of competitiveness of women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The study employs time series data of Vietnamese SMEs extracted from the Vietnam Small and Medium Enterprises Survey conducted biennially from 2005 to 2015 in ten Vietnamese provinces. Firm competitiveness hereby is indicated by revenue, market share, profitability, and export volume. The research reveals a number of determining factors, of all, research and development, labor skills, business environment, technology investment are the most important factors, followed by capital and headcount. It is indicated that the determining factors have different influences on competitiveness obtained by different measurements. Therefore, it is based on specific targets and situations to make wise business decisions. The authors also make comparisons among groups of women-owned enterprises divided by their firm age, location, ownership, export, age, and educational background of business owners. The findings serve as critical empirical evidence and provide policy recommendations for improving the competitiveness of women-owned SMEs in Vietnam. The recommendations range from technology support, education and professional support for female entrepreneurs, access to capital and human resources to business environment improvement.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.9 no.7
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• pp.123-133
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• 2022

This paper explores the key factors influencing the business performance of enterprises, specifically women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The extant literature on factors affecting the business performance of women-owned SMEs in Vietnam is still quite scarce. The researchers used a self-administered questionnaire to achieve a sample of 265 female SME owners in Vietnam to find these factors. The obtained data was analyzed by using SPSS 20.0. Cronbach's α test and factor analysis have been carried out to test the reliability of data and validate the hypothesis. The results showed that these enterprises' performances had a significant positive relationship with the business management competencies of the directors of the business, quality of human resources, financial access, socio-cultural factors, and government policy. Also, the study showed no relationship between the enterprise's business network and business performance. The results suggest that female business owners should improve their business management capacity, focusing on training activities to improve the quality of human resources of enterprises. The Government needs policies to support small and medium enterprises in accessing financial and other resources and propagate to reduce gender stereotypes.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.817-828
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• 2021

This article aims to examine the intention to use Islamic microfinance by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Microfinance plays a significant role in developing the modern economy in the world by alleviating poverty, creating employment, and empowering women in society. The framework was built on Innovation and Diffusion Theory and Planned Behaviour Theory. The present study has adopted a quantitative research method, which focused on cross-sectional research design to address this problem. Primary data was collected and processed by using a 5-point Likert scale. For this research, a total of 178 questionnaires were distributed among women owners of micro-enterprises in Malaysia by using area collection sampling. To analyze the data, the SmartPLS 3 software package was used. This study developed seven hypotheses, all which have been supported both directly, indirectly, and mediated. This result will be beneficial in assisting policymakers, academics and future researchers who must consider the supported variables. Thus, the study contributes to developing a unique framework to assist women-owned micro-enterprise to success. It will be beneficial for practitioners to enhance women micro-enterprise success rate as well. Indeed, all of the grounded methods have implications both in theory and their main application for the business in SMEs.