Cloud computing systems have been identified as an important technology that could increase the competitiveness and effectiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but there has been less research focusing on examining their use from the perspective of their antecedents. The proposed study aims to explain the antecedent factors that influence the continued use of cloud computing systems in Jordanian SMEs by employing an integrated approach that combines the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the Fit-Viability Model (FVM), and the Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT). A structured questionnaire survey was conducted to examine opinions from 276 Jordanian SMEs, which showed that relative advantage, perceived benefit, simplicity, adaptability, and perceived security are major antecedent factors in defining perceived appropriateness. Characteristics related to organizations, involving the importance of reading and the role of senior management members in organizations, are major antecedent factors in defining viability. Mimetic forces exerted in organizations are major antecedent factors that have a positive association in defining viability in organizations. On the other hand, coercive forces are major antecedent factors that have negatively affected viability in organizations. The appropriateness and viability of technologies are major antecedent factors in defining an individual’s desire to adopt cloud computing systems for an extended period of time in organizations. The proposed study suggests that the fitness of technologies is the most effective predictor of cloud computing system adoption in organizations. The proposed research study uses an integrated research theory that reflects on increasing the awareness needed to detail cloud computing systems. Cloud computing studies have never encountered such increased awareness before.

The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the performance of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The research team uses a sample size of 456 SMEs. The information is collected by the authors based on the survey results and the financial statements of SMEs listed on Vietnam stock market. Descriptive statistical methods and multivariate linear regression analysis are also used in the study. The data processed through SPSS 20.0 software and the research results show that factors of access to government support policies, education level of enterprises owner, enterprises scale, society relationships of enterprises and revenue growth rate affect the business performance of SMEs in Vietnam. In addition, the study uses a multi-variate linear regression model based on the least squares method to estimate the factors affecting the performance of SMEs in Vietnam. The research results also show that the performance of the enterprises is influenced by different factors: scale, growth rate, profitability, and industry cohesion of enterprises. On that basis, the article proposes some solutions to improve the performance of SMEs in Vietnam in the current period.

The research aimed to evaluate the impact of operations management practices (OM) on the competitive advantage of Saudi Arabian Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It further aimed to analyse the mediating role of supply chain management practices (SCM). The research design of the study was quantitative, and primary data was gathered using a close-ended survey questionnaire. In this research, 383 participants were recruited belonging to different industries. The analysis was conducted on SmartPLS with SEM as the primary technique. The results revealed that operations management practices significantly helped in gaining competitive advantage, and supply chain management practices mediated the relationship partially. However, this research was limited to SMEs of Saudi Arabia, therefore, it can be improved in the future with the inclusion of other factors and considering other countries as well. Precisely, it is recommended that the SMEs should focus on leveraging their core competencies or identify an area which can give them a definite competitive advantage and further ensures that customer needs are translated on the product planning.

This paper investigates the role played by service quality at supplier-manufacturer dyad in small-medium manufacturing units, and presents a model to establish that contribution of both the supplier and manufacturer towards service quality could lead to satisfaction followed by loyalty. The research design for this study includes a combination of literature survey, exploratory interviews with practitioners, and a questionnaire survey conducted through interview schedule from 120 respondents working in different small-medium manufacturing units of North India. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used for data analysis. The paper develops dual directional scales to evaluate service quality at supplier-manufacturer dyad and tests a set of four propositions. A model showing linkages of manufacturer (manufacturing unit’s) service quality with supplier service quality leading to satisfaction and loyalty is also developed. The model is empirically tested and is found to be fit. This study would be of interest to SME managers particularly engaged in ‘purchase’ function and researchers working on inter-firm supply chains in such units. This study recommends forming strong collaborative relationships with suppliers to achieve a win-win situation.