This study analyzed the influence of project planning on the business growth of 313 SMEs in the Central Region of Peru (Tarma), evaluating the mediating effect of decision-making. Using a quantitative approach, a hypothetical-deductive method, and a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and explanatory design, data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and processed with SmartPLS 4.0. The measurement model demonstrated optimal internal consistency and psychometric validity, with Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values greater than 0.90, and a mean variance extracted (AVE) greater than 0.50. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) validated all hypotheses (p ≤ 0.001; t ≥ 1.96). It was demonstrated that strategic planning (β = 0.412), resource and budget management (β = 0.356), and scope and quality (β = 0.438) have a direct and positive impact on decision-making. This, in turn, has a strong influence on business growth (β = 0.621), confirming a significant mediating effect of decision-making. The overall model fit was satisfactory (SRMR = 0.045; R² = 0.385), leading to the conclusion that the analytical professionalization of decision-making flows is a critical factor for the scalability of SMEs.

Small-Scale and Individual Entrepreneurs (SIEs) play a key role in economic growth of develop-ing countries. The principal objective of this study is to investigate M-money and M-commerce contribution to business growth in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey is used to collect the neces-sary data and a total of 480 SIEs respondents participated in the study. The data is collected from three different locations in the capital city Accra where the activities of SIEs are predominate (Lapaz=230, Kaneshie=150, and Kasoa= 170). The researchers used Stata in analyzing the quan-titative data. The findings reveal that M-money and M-commerce facilitate the growth of business among SIEs. However, few people reported of savings (3.5%) and make merchandise payments (4.8%), due to perceived risk issues. The study used cross-sectional survey design and conven-ience sampling which makes it difficult to generalize the findings.