Forward Chaining Expert System for Optimizing Marketing Strategies in Social Commerce Platforms

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are required to understand social media and strategies for using social commerce for business expansions in this new digital era. SMEs are important to the economic growth of any country since they play a major role in most international economies. In the same manner, the COVID-19 pandemic has reformed people's mode of lifestyle and dealing with information. This study has led to the expansion of social commerce especially related to entrepreneurs and SME owners. This study focuses on the impact of entrepreneurial factors when adopting social commerce by SMEs in Sri Lanka. The framework has been developed with the factors of Attitude (AT), Innovativeness (IN), and IT Knowledge (IK) under the entrepreneurial factors. The present research conducted a thorough quantitative study of the impact of entrepreneurial factors when adopting social commerce by SMEs. The simple random sampling technique was utilized to select SMEs from the target population of SMEs listed at chambers of commerce. 384 SMEs in the Western Province were selected for the data analysis of this research. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the developed hypotheses. The results indicated that adopting social commerce in Sri Lankan SMEs is practical and hugely beneficial to all parties involved. Entrepreneurs who are interested in applying social commerce for their businesses will find the study to be insightful. The study's findings showed the importance of utilizing social commerce in daily business activities as most SME owners hold the belief of possessing the required knowledge, skills, and resources in their business operations on social media as the focal point with a special emphasis on entrepreneurial factors. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Factors, Small and Medium Enterprises and Social Commerce.

An entirely updated e-commerce platform referred to as Social Commerce was developed in response to the rise in social media use. Social commerce integrates interactions between buyers and sellers made possible by social media platforms and Web 2.0 technology. It is frequently seen as a subfield of e-commerce. Social commerce has been successfully introduced in developing countries. Many businesses around the world are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For instance, SMEs in Indonesia can contribute up to 60.34% of the country's GDP and have a substantial labor pool. Using social commerce as an e-commerce platform can significantly improve the operational efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, little empirical research has specifically examined how SMEs embrace social commerce. Given the high level of concern, further research is required. Therefore, the current study experimentally examined how local SMEs in rural Indonesia introduced social commerce. The study was modeled using the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT) 2 model and several previous studies. SmartPLS 4 software was used to model and evaluate data using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of the 114 samples showed that relative advantage, social support, facilitation conditions, and the government's support of social commerce influenced behavioral intention to use social commerce. Behavioral intention to use social commerce influences the actual use of social commerce. The findings of this study can help local governments and policymakers develop social trade promotion regulations to help potential SMEs and entrepreneurs gain long-term business support.

With the rapid increase in social media users and netizens globally, the proclivity for online shopping using social commerce (SC) platforms cannot be ignored. Trust has been recognised as a constant challenge in the context of social commerce due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. Therefore, there is a dire need to enhance the trust of consumers in social commerce platforms. However, the research in the formation of trust in social commerce and antecedents remains limited. In addition, the existing SC research failed to include its multidimensional view to investigate user behaviour. This study fills this gap and extends existing knowledge by developing a model exploring the antecedents of trust in social commerce. Drawing upon the social-technical theory and trust lens, this study attempts to identify the role of (i) structural assurance (SA) and SC platforms as an institution-based trust, (ii) trust in sellers and trust in SC community as trusting beliefs, and (iii) trust in online payment as a cognitive trust on trust and intention of the social commerce. This research employs a dataset (n = 406) collected using an online survey; the research subjects were recruited from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This study uses the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to analyse the data and to confirm the hypothesis proposed in the research model. The empirical findings show that trust in social commerce influences behavioural intention. In addition, trust in the SC platform, the SC community, and online payment influence the trust in SC. Likewise, SA and trust in the SC platform have a significant relationship with trust in sellers, the SC community, and online payment. Finally, this study discusses the theoretical contributions and practical insights to several limitations and suggests directions for future research.

PurposeIn today’s business world, adopting social commerce for day-to-day operations has increasingly become an important phenomenon. Several factors have been identified by previous researchers regarding the adoption of social commerce, but academic research is scarce on the relationship between the factors influencing social commerce adoption and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the post-COVID-19 situation. This study aims to identify the impact of technological, environmental and entrepreneurial factors on the adoption of social commerce by SMEs in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study utilised the deductive approach and collected data through a field survey by distributing a five-point Likert scale questionnaire to conveniently selected respondents from Sri Lankan SMEs. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for the analysis of 384 responses.FindingsThe results revealed that technological factors [technology availability (TA) and cost-effectiveness (CE)], environmental factors [bandwagon effect (BE)] and entrepreneurial factors [attitude (AT), innovativeness (IN) and IT knowledge (IK)] have a significant impact on the social commerce adoption of SMEs in Sri Lanka. This study, as the first of its type, offers insightful information on the influence of variables on the adoption of social commerce after the COVID-19 pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsSimilar to any research, this study also has inherent limitations. Due to time and financial restrictions, the study’s convenience sampling method was adopted. The study’s possible limitation is its narrow focus, which could mean that it only examines a select few social media (SM) networks. The study’s conclusions might be less generalised since it focused on the western province of Sri Lanka. Future studies should take a cross-cultural strategy to explore the influence of social commerce adoption to improve the generalisability of research findings.Practical implicationsThis study provides an in-depth assessment of critical factors, facilitating policymakers, owners, leaders and managers (decision-makers) to gain insight into the real influencing factors on social commerce adoption and the significance of SM. The study helps them comprehend how outstanding governance and knowledge of influencing factors can boost SME success in various ways. For example, research reveals that various factors have a major influence on social commerce adoption.Social implicationsThere has been limited research conducted on social commerce adoption after the COVID-19 pandemic period; thus, this study looked at the variables influencing it amongst SMEs in a South Asian developing country like Sri Lanka after the pandemic lasted for two years. By placing a strong emphasis on the role of entrepreneurial characteristics and the available technology within one single framework in the context of SMEs and their involvement with social commerce adoption, this study contributes to the past literature by emphasising the role of several significant factors in SMEs' adoption of social commerce. Whilst previous studies looked at multiple factors influencing the adoption of social commerce globally, this study focussed on how these factors have a significant impact on SMEs in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueThis study developed a multi-perspective framework combining technological, environmental and entrepreneurial factors influencing SMEs to adopt social commerce. The study provides a contribution to the literature on social commerce adoption from the perspective of SMEs in a developing country like Sri Lanka after COVID-19. Exclusively, it examines the impact of entrepreneur-related factors on social commerce adoption.

This study aims to analyze innovative strategies that can be implemented by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in East Java to improve competitiveness through digital marketing and e-commerce. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a library research method by reviewing various scientific literature, government reports, and previous studies related to MSME innovation and digital transformation. The results of the study indicate that digital marketing and e-commerce innovation can increase market reach, operational efficiency, product differentiation, and MSME sales. However, the implementation of innovation still faces several challenges such as low digital literacy, limited capital, limited technology, and lack of system integration. Therefore, innovative strategies are needed, including integrated digital marketing, marketplace optimization, social commerce, digital payment systems, logistics integration, digital branding strengthening, and digital literacy training. In addition, collaboration between MSMEs, government, universities, communities, and digital platforms is an important factor in accelerating MSME digital transformation. This study produces recommendations for an innovative strategy model based on digital marketing and e-commerce to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs in East Java.

With the advent of Information and Communication Technologies in recent decades, organizations face several challenges today. Adopting Digital Transformation (DT) offers numerous opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to improve their efficiency and operations, reaching new markets, shareholders, and customers. However, there are potential risks associated with this process. With Digital Transformation, the radius of connectivity and interconnection between devices and systems increases in Mozambique and worldwide, creating more significant space cyberattacks. As Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) connect to the digital world and move forward with adopting innovative digital technologies, they become more vulnerable to digital security risks. Hence, managing digital security risks effectively is crucial to realising the benefits of Digital Transformation. This position paper proposes to present the research work that will culminate in the proposal to develop a framework that fits Mozambican Small and Medium Enterprises through a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which can help to assist Mozambican Small and Medium Enterprises in the Digital Transformation (DT) process.

MSME: Nursery for Entrepreneurshipp: A Legal Perspective

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are 99.9% of total businesses in Indonesia. Mapping/clustering potential of SMEs that built in accordance with the conditions of the region/administrative, potential resources (commodities) and business units (production centers and groups) can be used as an indicator and the benchmark for guidance, development and supervision in order to strengthen the spine and the national economic structure. Objectives of the study are (1) identify potential SMEs that built in accordance with business information and problems encountered; (2) compile a database of selected target SMEs in the form of statistical profiles that are relevant to the purposes of guidance, development and supervision (success indicators and critical); (3) develop a standard model or alternative development, SMEs development and built a successful surveillance with the potential clustering patterns (base development) in accordance with local circumstances, and economic sectors. In this study used techniques: (1) desk research of secondary data sourced from SMEs that built by PT. Sucofindo and literature on SMEs-related studies conducted; (2) a brief survey to the selected SMEs locations from the point (1) purposively to obtain primary data as a verification activity that is supported by effective semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis carried out descriptively, both qualitative and quantitative. From the study guidance, development and supervision of SMEs that built by PT Sucofindo available facts and data (information business, determinants, the feasibility of the business sector, loan repayment status and conceptual models) that SMEs that built can be categorized pre-enterprise SMEs and businesses running. Business grouping determines the smoothness of debt servicing. Therefore, in order to establish indicators of the model guidance, development and supervision in accordance with the type of SME, then the PT. Sucofindo requires an assessment system that is easy, fast, accurate, reliable and trustworthy, that can later be used as an effective guide for guidance, development and supervision of SMEs in general and in particular SMEs that built by PT. Sucofindo used a generic approach in business performance indicators that are supported by indicators of business drivers. Model guidance, development and supervision SMEs that has done so far by PT. Sucofindo still be reliable, but for the speed and feasibility of the establishment of SMEs which will be built into the front according to selected economic sectors, would be equipped with an approach that resulted in the studies of guidance, development and supervision, namely the general model of guidance, development and supervision of SMEs that built based on SMEs that built issues, systems of SMEs that built, assumptions, conceptual models and variables that can be measured. Guidance, development and supervision of SMEs that built, with potential cluster approach can be performed on: (1) category of solid natural resources, when positioned on the outskirts of the city and labor intensive, when positioned in the center of town; (2) technical assistance and competency-based according to the phase business. Both of the thing are helping improve the performance and structural improvement of SMEs, increase their competitiveness and resilience of SMEs supported by the core business, supporting business and related businesses intensively interconnected

The Indonesian government has always paid considerable attention to the existence and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This is because the number of MSMEs in Indonesia is very large, and MSMEs are able to absorb a high enough workforce with small business capital that easily adapts to market needs. The current era of digitalization requires MSME players to maximize promotional and marketing activities online. Besides that, MSMEs must obtain basic permits such as IUMK, HS and PIRT permits. Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village is located in Bangka Regency, has 98 MSME units. MSMEs that have pocketed new permits are 34%. The type of MSME cultivated by the community in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village is processed food. MSMEs do not yet have an online market place to sell MSME products online. Therefore, there is a need for assistance for MSMEs in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village to create technology-based and competitive businesses. To realize this there are several problems that partners (MSMEs) have, namely: lack of knowledge regarding clean standard production processes, and procedures for registration to obtain IUMK, HS and PIRT permits. Another problem that partners have is limited knowledge in using technology for promotion and marketing, so they have not reached a wider market share. Solutions that can be offered are to help partners by increasing knowledge about production processes with clean standards by conducting direct coaching to partners, facilitating the registration of IUMK permits, Certificates of Eligible Hygene Sanitation and PIRT. In order to reach a wider market share and to have strong coordination among MSME players, training was conducted on registration and design of packaging stickers for the promotion and marketing of all MSME products in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village. Community service activities with targeted partners for MSME actors in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Sub-District are running smoothly and well, so they can achieve the set targets. This community service activity is in the form of outreach and direct assistance to target partners. The knowledge and awareness of MSME actors has increased regarding the submission of product legality, at the end of the activity all MSME actors already have NIB and PIRT certificates. Awareness of having attractive and informative packaging stickers is increasing, MSME players have received packaging stickers to support product promotion.

In every economy of the world, the impact of the SME is not taken for granted as for all healthy economy, there must be a healthy SME due to the fact that, their contribution to the production volumes in terms of exports, innovations and the entrepreneur skills is vital for every economy to grow. There is a reasonable level of agreement among policy makers, theorists, economists, and business experts that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are drivers of economic growth. SMEs’ access to credit has been a serious subject of debates to policy makers and researchers of both developed and developing economies based on the pivotal and significant role of SMEs’ in growing the private sector as well as the global economies as an extension to the nations. Hence, there is a need to examine the bank lending capacities to the SMEs’ in Nigeria and its effects on the Nigerian business environment, the impact of financial crisis in Nigeria on SMEs’ access to bank credit, in addition, to determine the impact of SMEs’ on the Nigerian economy. The study employed the use of secondary source of data in the relevant literatures and data generated from the Central Bank of Nigeria Bulletin, 2016 on Credit Accessibility to the SME sector in Nigeria from the year 1992-2015. An econometric analysis was used specifically regression analysis. The result confirmed that Bank lending capacity as one of the factors of financial crisis does affect the SMEs access to credit, and there is a strong and positive relationship between the SMEAC, Foreign Direct Investment, Interest Rate and Inflation while there is a strong and negative relationship between the SMEAC, GDP Total, CBTC and the Money Supplied. However, there is a weak relationship between the SMEAC and the SMEGDP and CBLSME. The result indicates that, as the Interest Rate and Inflation continue to increase it has a negative influence on the SMEs access to credit through the commercial banks. It is recommended to the Nigerian government that, economic policies that would favour the establishment of more SMEs with access to flexible credit facilities be made. In addition, the government needs to improve on the commercial bank lending capacities to the SMEs as this when positively managed will positively influence the contribution of the SMEs GDP Keywords : Financial Crisis, credit Accessibility, small and medium enterprises DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-1-05

MSMEs are vital to Indonesia's economy, making a substantial contribution to GDP and employment. Nevertheless, a number of MSME players encounter obstacles such restricted capital availability, weak financial management abilities, and a lack of appropriate business mentoring. This study aims to analyze the role of the Cooperative, MSME, and Labor Department of Palu City in empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) actors in 2022. The method used is descriptive with a qualitative approach. Data sources in this study consist of primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through direct interviews with staff of the Cooperative, MSME, and Labor Department of Palu City who work in the MSME field. Secondary data was obtained from official documents and archives (RSIP) owned by the department, particularly those related to MSME empowerment programs. Data collection techniques used include interviews, documentation, and collection of related documents from relevant agencies. Research results show that the Cooperative, MSME, and Labor Department of Palu City has implemented various empowerment programs, such as providing equipment and capital assistance, as well as business mentoring. The total business capital funds distributed to 1,101 MSME actors reached Rp2,202,000,000, and equipment assistance was adjusted according to each type of business. This program positively impacts MSME growth and poverty reduction in Palu City, despite challenges like low awareness of training, uneven mentoring, and limited capacity in business management and financial recording. Therefore, more intensive, integrated, and sustainable empowerment strategies are needed to optimally improve MSME capacity and competitiveness.

<em>The research was conducted on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Magelang and Temanggung areas. The problem in this study is whether social media and its benefits affect the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). How does the use of social media affect the marketing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using social media on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). to determine the effect of using social media on the marketing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The method in this research is this research is a descriptive observational research on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Magelang City and Temanggung City. This study uses in-depth interviews and observations of SMEs. Methods of descriptive statistical analysis and qualitative analysis. Results are displayed in tables and graphs. The results show that MSMEs have used social media in developing their business, especially in product introduction and marketing. The most widely used social media are Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp</em>

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have a very important role in national economic growth. MSMEs are actually nothing new. However, there are still many rural communities who do not know what MSMEs are and what kinds of businesses are categorized as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Besides that. Village communities who have become MSME actors experience several problems in developing MSMEs. This lack of knowledge about MSME development strategies is one of the factors causing MSMEs to be difficult to develop in rural areas. Cimaung Village has one MSME in the form of processed tempe. Where this tempeh is processed into various flavored tempeh chips. This is quite good because there has been innovation in the tempe processing. However, the marketing process is still limited, traditionally done in the physical market. Based on this, it is necessary to disseminate information regarding the introduction and strategies regarding the development of this MSME. This socialization aims to provide a brief introduction to MSMEs to people who are not perpetrators of MSMEs, and also provide information on what strategies can make MSMEs grow

PurposeThe primary aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the essential elements of Industry 4.0 implementation within Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Acknowledging the MSME sector as a crucial contributor to the Indian economy and industrial development, the study delves into the assessment of MSMEs based on Industry 4.0 components. Additionally, it explores the profound impact of these components on various performance factors, including organizational performance, sustainability performance and human-related aspects. The paper further ranks these identified components based on their significance within the MSME sector.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a combination of methodological approaches, the research utilizes the Best and Worst Method (BWM), Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and calculates the Maturity Index for Industry 4.0 components. The BWM, a recognized multi-criteria decision-making technique, is initially applied to determine the weights and rankings of the identified components. Furthermore, the study evaluates 30 MSMEs, spanning manufacturing and service sectors, through the DEA approach. Industry 4.0 components are treated as inputs, and performance factors serve as outputs. Data for the analysis are collected through questionnaires distributed to the selected MSMEs. Lastly, the Maturity Index for MSMEs is also calculated.FindingsFrom the result of the BWM method “assistive manufacturing” was found to be a highly weighted key component of Industry 4.0. From the DEA analysis out of 30 MSMEs 13 SMEs were highlighted as being efficient, whereas 17 MSMEs were judged to be inefficient. Furthermore, from the maturity index calculation, overall Maturity Index was determined to be 3.33 which shows that Industry 4.0 is in its initial stage of implementation, but it has gained pace in its implementation.Practical implicationsThe research contributes to practical implications by offering a more accurate assessment of the state of Industry 4.0 implementation within MSMEs. The introduced maturity index proves instrumental in pinpointing key components that have received inadequate attention. This information is crucial for MSME managers and policymakers, guiding them in allocating resources effectively, addressing areas requiring attention and facilitating progress in the implementation of Industry 4.0. The study serves as a valuable tool for MSMEs to enhance their overall operational efficiency.Originality/valueThe research’s originality lies in its application of a comprehensive approach, combining BWM, DEA and the introduction of a maturity index for Industry 4.0 components in the MSME context. By employing these methodologies, the study not only identifies influential components but also provides a nuanced understanding of their relative significance. The research contributes significantly to the broader understanding of Industry 4.0 adoption, particularly, in the vital MSME sector within the Indian context. The findings are valuable for researchers, practitioners and policymakers seeking insights into improving the efficiency and effectiveness of MSMEs in the era of Industry 4.0.

The happiness level of MSME actors determines the regional economy. Small business innovation is the driving force behind MSMEs' happiness and business continuity. Business units classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the locomotives of the regional and national economies. This study aimed to analyze the influence of cultural capital and community involvement on the well-being of MSMEs either directly or through MSME innovation. This study was conducted on MSME agents. Data was collected through questionnaires from 350 MSME agents and 150 MSME agents, and data analysis was performed using the SEM PLS. The study results indicate that cultural capital and community involvement have a positive and significant impact on the innovations undertaken by MSMEs. The cultural capital and innovation of MSMEs have a positive and significant effect on the happiness of MSMEs. In contrast, the role of community participation has an insignificant effect on the happiness of MSMEs. MSME innovation controls the impact of cultural capital on MSME welfare with partial mediation, and MSME innovation controls the impact of public engagement on MSME welfare with complete mediation.