Abstract Open innovation proposes information exchanges between the company and external stakeholders to improve the results of innovation processes. In this work we adopt the open innovation approach to enhance a company’s innovation performance by implementing co-creation practices with customers. To do this, we rely on design thinking, a framework focusing on the relationship with end users, and adopt action research as a research methodology. The research is carried out in a service SME, characterised by being knowledge-intensive and offering innovative and customised services with high value added. We identify several co-creation practices and examine their degree of adoption by the company and prioritise those that should be implemented. For academics, this work contributes to increase the stock of knowledge on co-creation in the context of SMEs. The study offers valuable insights to practitioners into how an innovation framework that incorporates co-creation practices helps to improve the firm's innovation results, while presenting a methodology that facilitates collaboration with researchers on innovation projects.

Resumen La innovación abierta propone el intercambio de información entre la empresa y su entorno externo para mejorar los resultados de su proceso de innovación. En este trabajo adoptamos el enfoque de la innovación abierta para mejorar los resultados de innovación de una empresa mediante la aplicación de prácticas de co-creación con los clientes. Para ello, nos basamos en design thinking, un marco de trabajo centrado en la relación con el usuario final, y adoptamos la investigación-acción como metodología de investigación. La investigación se lleva a cabo en una PYME de servicios, caracterizada por ser intensiva en conocimiento y ofrecer servicios innovadores y personalizados de alto valor añadido. Se identifican una serie de prácticas de co-creación, se examina su grado de adopción por parte de la empresa y se priorizan las que deben ser implementadas. Este trabajo es de interés para el ámbito académico porque cubre brechas de investigación relacionadas con la co-creación en el contexto de una PYME y el uso de la metodología de investigación-acción en la gestión de la innovación. Para los profesionales, por una parte ofrece conocimientos sobre un nuevo marco de innovación que incorpora prácticas de co-creación para mejorar sus resultados, y por otra presenta una metodología que facilita la colaboración con investigadores en proyectos de innovación.

Resumen: La investigación, con enfoque epistemológico cuantitativo y el paradigma positivista, tiene como objetivo definir la relación entre el marco regulatorio del sector financiero ecuatoriano y las condiciones de financiamiento a las pymes. Esta fue de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, permitiendo realizar un análisis descriptivo y factorial de variables vinculadas al conocimiento y aplicación de leyes y códigos regulatorios de 54 oficiales de crédito del sector bancario de El Oro, Ecuador. Se identificaron dos dimensiones: una relacionada con el marco regulatorio monetario y otra con códigos orgánicos. Las encuestas señalan que las leyes más aplicadas son: Ley General de Instituciones del Sector Financiero y Ley de Compañías. La primera regula la creación, funcionamiento y cierre de instituciones financieras privadas para proteger a la población y asegurar la estabilidad financiera; su cumplimiento es supervisado por la Superintendencia de Bancos. La segunda simplifica el proceso de constitución de empresas, permitiendo diversos tipos de compañías y flexibilidad en su estructura. Las regulaciones bancarias ecuatorianas han experimentado reformas para fortalecer la solidez y transparencia del sistema, como la Ley de Mercado de Valores y la Ley de Instituciones del Sistema de Seguros Privados, que contribuyen a la estabilidad, regulación, protección al consumidor financiero y promoción de la competencia, generando condiciones de financiamiento favorables, que incluyen confianza, tasas de interés competitivas y amplias opciones financieras.

Abstract: The research, with a quantitative epistemological approach and the positivist paradigm, aims to define the relationship between the regulatory framework of the Ecuadorian financial sector and the financing conditions for SMEs. This was of a descriptive-correlational type, allowing a descriptive and factorial analysis of variables linked to the knowledge and application of laws and regulatory codes of 54 credit officers from the banking sector of El Oro, Ecuador. Two dimensions were identified: one related to the monetary regulatory framework and another with organic codes. Surveys indicate that the most applied laws are: General Law of Financial Sector Institutions and Companies Law. The first regulates the creation, operation and closure of private financial institutions to protect the population and ensure financial stability; Its compliance is supervised by the Superintendency of Banks. The second simplifies the business incorporation process, allowing various types of companies and flexibility in their structure. Ecuadorian banking regulations have undergone reforms to strengthen the soundness and transparency of the system, such as the Securities Market Law and the Law of Institutions of the Private Insurance System, which contribute to stability, regulation, financial consumer protection and promotion of competition, generating favorable financing conditions, which include confidence, competitive interest rates and broad financial options.

The objective of this study is to increase the efficiency and productivity of a business that offers sandblasting and painting services. An integrated model incorporating lean manufacturing tools, including preventative and autonomous maintenance, 5S, and SMED, is presented in this article. The model consists of four distinct phases. The initial stage consists of diagnosing the company's beginning state. The second stage entails the execution of the 5S methodology to arrange workstations. Following this, a maintenance programme was implemented, which ultimately resulted in the reduction of setup times for the painting machine configuration. Furthermore, an assessment was conducted on the realised enhancements, and metrics were compared both before and after deployment. Statistical validation was performed via a pilot study that occupied an extended period. The findings validated a productivity improvement of 10% and an efficiency increase of 23.8%. In addition, a 32.04% reduction in setup time was observed.

Die doel van hierdie studie is om die doeltreffendheid en produktiwiteit van 'n besigheid wat sandblaas- en verfdienste bied, te verhoog. 'n Geïntegreerde model wat skraal vervaardigingsgereedskap insluit, insluitend voorkomende en outonome instandhouding, 5S en SMED, word bespreek. Die model bestaan uit vier verskillende fases. Die aanvanklike stadium bestaan uit die diagnose van die maatskappy se begintoestand. Die tweede fase behels die uitvoering van die 5S-metodologie om werkstasies te bestuur. Hierna is 'n instandhoudingsprogram geïmplementeer, wat uiteindelik gelei het tot die vermindering van opsteltye vir die verfmasjienkonfigurasie. Verder is 'n assessering gedoen oor die gerealiseerde verbeterings, en numeriese uitsette is beide voor en na ontplooiing vergelyk. Statistiese validering is uitgevoer via 'n loodsstudie wat 'n lang tydperk in beslag geneem het. Die bevindinge het 'n produktiwiteitsverbetering van 10 persent en 'n doeltreffendheidverhoging van 23.8 persent bevestig. Daarbenewens is 'n vermindering van 32.04 persent in opstel tyd waargeneem.

Abstract SMEs are small and medium-sized enterprises that arise from an idea of marketing a product or service. The growth of these companies entails an increase in the complexity of their organization. From the increase in internal structure to the relationship with some external actors, such as regulatory and fiscal entities, it poses challenges for which adequate preparation is not always available or the most efficient path to address them is not clear. An example of this can be seen with the management of company assets, which is often rudimentary and there is no quantified notion of the criticality of assets for the SME’s business. Through an Asset Management Model, an SME can chart a path towards efficient use of its assets, avoiding unnecessary expenses in repairs, as well as problems that can affect business continuity. This better use of assets results in greater value to the SME’s business model. This technical note proposes a methodology for the implementation of Asset Management based on the INTE/ISO 55001 standard. The objective is to adapt the different steps for the early implementation of Asset Management Models that are common in large consolidated companies to small and medium-sized enterprises. This methodology was validated in a real case study in a medium-sized company in Costa Rica. The results not only showed the rudimentary asset management in SMEs but also the viability of implementing an Asset Management Model in early stages of SMEs.

Resumen Las Pymes son pequeñas y medianas empresas que nacen a partir de una idea de comercialización de un producto o servicio. El crecimiento de estas empresas conlleva un aumento en la complejidad de su organización. Desde el aumento de la estructura interna hasta la relación con algunos actores externos, como entes reguladores y fiscales, supone retos para los cuales no siempre se cuenta con la preparación adecuada o no se tiene claro el camino más eficiente para afrontarlos. Un ejemplo de esto se puede observar con la gestión de los activos de la empresa, el cual con frecuencia es rudimentario y no se tiene noción cuantificada de la criticidad de los activos para el negocio de la Pyme. A partir de un Modelo de Gestión de Activos una Pyme puede trazar una ruta hacia un aprovechamiento eficiente de sus activos, evitando gastos innecesarios en reparaciones, así como problemas que pueden afectar la continuidad del negocio. Este mejor aprovechamiento de los activos resulta en un mayor valor al modelo de negocio de la Pyme. La presente nota técnica plantea una metodología para la implementación de Gestión de Activos basada en la norma INTE/ISO 55001. El objetivo es la adaptación de los diferentes pasos para la implementación temprana de Modelos de Gestión de Activos que son usuales en empresas consolidadas de gran tamaño en pequeñas y medianas empresas. Dicha metodología fue validada en un caso de estudio real en una mediana empresa de Costa Rica. Los resultados no solo evidenciaron la gestión rudimentaria de activos en Pymes si no también la viabilidad de implementar un Modelo de Gestión de Activos en etapas tempranas de las Pymes.

RESUMEN Este artículo analiza las conexiones entre las Capacidades Estatales de la Secretaría Municipal de Educación (SME) de Contagem (Minas Gerais) y la trayectoria de implementación de la Base Curricular Común Nacional (BNCC) en la Enseñanza Fundamental. La investigación documental y cualitativa analizó dos dimensiones en el ciclo de gobierno 2017-2020: técnico-administrativa y político-relacional. Respecto a la primera, la Secretaría Municipal de Educación (SME) coordinó, a través de la Dirección de Formación (DF), un programa de capacitación que formuló e implementó un nuevo currículo alineado con las directrices de la BNCC. Destacamos la trayectoria y experiencia institucional de la SME y el perfil de los ejecutores en el organismo. La segunda dimensión destaca las dificultades de la SME para establecer alianzas con otros actores y la falta de cooperación institucional con el Estado. El hecho de que Contagem gestiona tu propio sistema educativo contribuyó a que la SME constituyera su ethos y capacidades institucionales, lo que contribuyó a la implementación de la base. (SME Minas Gerais BNCC (BNCC Fundamental 20172020 2017 2020 2017-2020 técnicoadministrativa técnico administrativa políticorelacional. políticorelacional político relacional. relacional político-relacional primera coordinó DF, DF , (DF) organismo Estado institucionales base 2017202 201 202 2017-202 (DF 201720 20 2017-20 20172 2 2017-2 2017-

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the connections between the State Capacities of the Municipal Department of Education (SME) of Contagem (Minas Gerais) and the trajectory of implementation of the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) in Elementary School. The documentary and qualitative research analyzed two dimensions in the 2017-2020 government cycle: technical-administrative and political-relational. Regarding the first, the SME coordinated, through the Training Board (DF), a training program that formulated and implemented a new curriculum aligned with the BNCC guidelines. We highlight the trajectory and institutional expertise of the SME and the profile of the implementers in the body. The second dimension highlights the SME’s difficulties in establishing partnerships with other actors and the lack of institutional cooperation with the state. The fact that Contagem manage your own education system contributed to the SME constituting its ethos and institutional capabilities, which contributed to the implementation of the base. (SME Minas Gerais (BNCC School 20172020 2017 2020 2017-202 cycle technicaladministrative technical administrative politicalrelational. politicalrelational political relational. relational political-relational first coordinated DF, DF , (DF) guidelines body SMEs s state capabilities base 2017202 201 202 2017-20 (DF 201720 20 2017-2 20172 2 2017-

RESUMO Este artigo analisa as conexões entre as Capacidades Estatais (CE) da Secretaria Municipal de Educação (SME) de Contagem (Minas Gerais) e a trajetória de implementação da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), no Ensino Fundamental (EF). A pesquisa, documental e qualitativa, analisou duas dimensões, no ciclo de governo 2017-2020: técnico-administrativa e político-relacional. Sobre a primeira, a SME coordenou, por meio da Diretoria de Formação (DF), um programa de formação que formulou e implementou um novo currículo alinhado às diretrizes da BNCC. Destacamos a trajetória e a expertise institucional da SME e o perfil dos implementadores no órgão. A segunda dimensão evidencia as dificuldades da SME em estabelecer parcerias com outros atores e a ausência de cooperação institucional com o estado. O fato de Contagem gerir um sistema de ensino próprio contribuiu para que a SME constituísse seu ethos e suas capacidades institucionais, o que contribuiu para a implementação da base. CE (CE (SME Minas Gerais BNCC, BNCC , (BNCC) EF. EF . (EF) pesquisa qualitativa dimensões 20172020 2017 2020 2017-2020 técnicoadministrativa técnico administrativa políticorelacional. políticorelacional político relacional. relacional político-relacional primeira coordenou DF, DF (DF) órgão estado institucionais base (BNCC (EF 2017202 201 202 2017-202 (DF 201720 20 2017-20 20172 2 2017-2 2017-

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to identify those dimensions of the Internal Implementation Context that facilitated or hindered the implementation of a community-based public school mental health (SMH) program. Fifty-one members of the educational communities in which the program is implemented were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The results made it possible to (1) identify three main categories: organizational scenario, information management and organizational receptivity, which accounted for the main contents highlighted by those participating in the program and (2) establish, according to the positive or negative evaluation given, those dimensions operated as facilitators or hinderers in the implementation of the program, which were pointed out as central and critical aspects to understand the performance and effectiveness of the program studied. Implications, limitations and projections of the findings are discussed.

Resumen: El propósito de esta investigación fue identificar aquellas dimensiones del Contexto Interno de Implementación que facilitaban u obstaculizaban la ejecución de un programa público de salud mental escolar (SME) basado en la comunidad. Se entrevistaron a 51 miembros de las comunidades educativas en las cuales se ejecuta el programa. Las entrevistas semiestructuradas fueron analizadas mediante el análisis de contenido cuantitativo y cualitativo. Los resultados permitieron (1) identificar tres categorías principales: escenario organizacional, gestión de información y receptividad organizacional, las que daban cuenta de los principales contenidos destacados por quienes participaban en el programa y (2) establecer, según la valoración positiva o negativa otorgada, aquellas dimensiones que operaban como facilitadoras u obstaculizadoras en la implementación del programa, las cuales fueron señaladas como aspectos centrales y críticos para comprender el desempeño y efectividad del programa estudiado. Se discuten las implicancias, limitaciones y proyecciones de lo encontrado.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to establish how funding from the three forms of private capital - namely, (i) angel investors, (ii) venture capital, and (iii) private equity - can support the growth of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets, based on insight from publications in the two decades from 2001 to 2020 DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A systematic review of the existing literature on angel investors, venture capital, and private equity was conducted, and relevant publications from the period 2001 to 2020 were selected using a Scopus search. A total of 84 publications were identified, and these were filtered further, leaving 25 publications that were analysed using content analysis FINDINGS: The review established that SMEs faced numerous challenges in sourcing and accessing funding for their ventures and that this affected their growth and, to some extent, their survival. Private capital was shown to play a significant role in SME growth, and it goes beyond just providing finance but extends to the provision of other operational support services, and improvement of corporate governance, including engagements with governments to influence SME policy RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: The review contributes to the body of knowledge by providing (i) an understanding of SME financing challenges, (ii) insight into the role played by private capital to grow SMEs and to address their financing challenges, (iii) a theoretical framework on SME private capital financing that SMEs could use to identify suitable forms of financing; and (iv) a funding pitching guide MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The review provides insight for entrepreneurs and/or SME owners/managers into the types of private capital and the respective requirements to pitch for funding. The review also presents a theoretical framework on SME private capital financing that frames the sources of financing for the various growth stages that SMEs go through and a funding pitching guide JEL CLASSIFICATIONS: G23, G24

Abstract: The dynamics of industry 4.0 allow organizations to advance in innovation and competitiveness. This article aims to identify the relationship between the level of maturity of knowledge management and innovation, in Colombian SMEs, immersed in the context of industry 4.0, where knowledge and innovation are key elements for their development. 256 surveys were administered to SME managers and the information was analyzed with the structural equation method (SEM). The results highlight that the practices related to the people/organization and technology criteria are related to the maturity of knowledge management; and furthermore, that the level of maturity of knowledge management affects the generation of innovation in SMEs, an aspect that can be considered a strength, in the context of industry 4.0.

Resumen: Las dinámicas de la industria 4.0 permiten a las organizaciones avanzar en innovación y competitividad. Este artículo pretende identificar la relación entre el nivel de madurez de la gestión del conocimiento y la innovación, en las Pymes de Colombia, inmersas en el contexto de la industria 4.0, donde el conocimiento y la innovación se constituyen en elementos clave para su desarrollo. Se aplicaron 256 encuestas a directivos de Pymes y se analizó la información con el método de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). En los resultados se destaca que las prácticas relacionadas con los criterios personas/organización y tecnología, se relacionan con la madurez de la gestión del conocimiento; y además, que el nivel de madurez de la gestión del conocimiento incide en la generación de innovación en las Pymes, aspecto que puede considerarse como una fortaleza, en el contexto de la industria 4.0.

ABSTRACT: Despite the relevance of Chile’s mining industry, risk models applied to contracts have not been intensively developed. This is a quantitative descriptive research, which focuses on the results of a risk assessment methodology applied for the analysis of potential industry 4.0 technologies to be implemented by contractor companies in Chile’s mining sector. In this paper, an overview about mining 4.0 was done and Chile’s large mining companies were analyzed during 2021-2022, obtaining contracts information from a relevant copper producer. A case was selected to apply the model and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the stakeholders involved in this industry. Based on our results we found small contracts concentrated the largest number of low and moderate- priority projects, but also the largest number of high-priority contracts. However, from a mining company’s perspective, it seems that big projects are riskier than small projects under the future effects of Industry 4.0 technologies.

SUMMARY: Industry 4.0 represents a new paradigm in the production of goods and services, through the unification of digital technologies and the Internet with conventional industry. The objective of this work is to analyze the determinants of the implementation of the industry 4.0 in SMEs. We study the effect on implementation of factors such as size, seniority, gender, level of technical training of management, the presence in the SME of an internal responsible for Industry 4.0 and whether it is a family business or not. To this end, an attempt was made to develop an empirical study based on a sample of 1,142 Argentine SMEs. As a methodological strategy, a model was defined to be developed in two stages. In the first, a confirmatory factor analysis was proposed to determine the latent variable: industry 4.0 by company, and in the second, a linear regression model was developed based on the chosen variables as probable determinants. The main results allow us to affirm that the age and size of the organization can have a favorable implication for the incorporation of Industry 4.0. tools to the organization. We also found a positive association between the male gender of management, the manager's training in related technical issues and the presence of an internal person responsible for the digitalization process, in the implementation of technologies associated with Industry 4.0. At the same time, we did not find a significant relationship between the implementation of the industry 4.0 and the family business. The conclusions may be useful for directing public promotion policies on the youngest and smallest companies and facilitating their possibilities of incorporating the new production paradigm, as well as the formulation of policies with a gender perspective.

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta parte dos resultados de pesquisa de doutorado de uma das autoras que teve como objetivo conhecer e analisar o que mobiliza professores em suas práticas docentes, em relação ao trabalho com a leitura e a escrita, da Educação Infantil ao primeiro ano do Ensino Fundamental. Nele, são discutidas as contradições e tensões que envolvem as propostas curriculares da SME-Rio, que objetivam encaminhar o trabalho pedagógico da pré-escola e do 1º ano do Ensino Fundamental, em relação à oralidade, leitura e escrita. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida em duas turmas de pré-escola e uma de 1o. ano do ensino fundamental, que contou com os estudos de Mikhail Bakhtin para sustentar a concepção de pesquisa e as análises do material de campo. A pesquisa evidenciou compassos e descompassos entre as propostas curriculares das duas etapas educacionais. Alfabetização e letramento são entendidos como indissociáveis, mas nos documentos aparecem de forma separada, dando pouca ênfase às questões discursivas. Observou-se que uma das formas encontradas pelos professores frente aos tensionamentos, ao apontarem as consonâncias e dissonâncias contidas nas orientações curriculares, foram os falsetes pedagógicos, formas próprias de enfrentarem as contradições. docentes escrita Fundamental Nele SMERio, SMERio SME Rio, Rio SME-Rio préescola pré escola º oralidade Tratase Trata se qualitativa 1o fundamental campo educacionais indissociáveis separada discursivas Observouse Observou tensionamentos pedagógicos

ABSTRACT The present article provides part of results recorded in a doctoral research (Cruz, 2019) carried out by one of the present authors. The aim of the research was to understand and analyze what mobilizes teachers in their teaching practices when it comes to working with reading and writing from Early Childhood Education to the first year of Elementary School. The current article discusses contradictions and tensions linked to SME-Rio’s discipline matrix propositions, since it aims at guiding the pedagogical work associated with orality, reading and writing in pre-school and in the 1st year of Elementary School. The study followed the qualitative research approach and was carried out in two pre-school classes and in one class of the first year of Elementary School. The study was substantiated by Mikhail Bakhtin’s work, which supported the research design and the field-material analysis. The research highlighted gaps and discrepancies in discipline matrix propositions at the assessed education stages. Literacy, and Reading and Writing learning, are herein understood as inseparable, but they appear separately in different documents, with little emphasis on discursive issues. Pedagogical falsettos are among the ways teachers take to face tensions and contradictions when they point out the compliances and mismatches in discipline matrix guidelines. Cruz, Cruz (Cruz 2019 authors School SMERios SME Rio s orality preschool pre school st Bakhtins Bakhtin fieldmaterial field material analysis stages Literacy learning inseparable documents issues guidelines 201 20 2

Abstract: Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, and Product Quality are a cornerstone for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) seeking growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. This research explores the complexities of how Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, and Product Quality impact the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the vibrant Iberoamerican business environment. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, the study examines the interplay between Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, and Product Quality and their collective effect on the operational success of MSMEs in the Iberoamerican region. An index derived from self-reported data was employed to gauge MSME performance, drawing upon a comprehensive survey of 9,300 Iberoamerican MSMEs. Our findings reveal factors such as company origin, size, and age significantly impact the level of innovation achievable by MSMEs; also, innovation has generated resilience in some local sectors for one of the analyzed countries, Colombia. Notably, younger, medium-sized companies exhibit a propensity for higher innovation than older firms and micro-enterprises. The study's implications for theory and practice extend to policymakers, business owners, and stakeholders invested in fostering MSME growth and development.

Tot op hede is baie min navorsing gedoen oor die konsep van korporatiewe sosiale verantwoordelikheid (KSV), veral die praktyk van KSV binne die globale en plaaslike konstruksiebedryf. Dit strek tot studies wat KSV-implementeringsuitdagings identifiseer wat konstruksie-organisasies raak. Hierdie werk poog om die KSV-implementeringsuitdagings wat klein en medium ondernemings (KMO)-eienaars/ bestuurders in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksie bedryf raak, te ondersoek, en om te analiseer of KMO's soortgelyk of anders geraak word, wat as 'n riglyn dien vir verdere navorsing rakende versagtende maatreëls teenoor die KSV-implementeringsuitdagings wat deur KMO-eienaars/bestuurders ervaar word. Bestaande literatuur is gebruik om 'n oorsig te verskaf van die huidige KSV-implementeringsuitdagings van beide die globale konstruksiebedryf sowel as generiese sakesektore gelei deur die St. Gallen Bestuursmodel. 'n Gemengde navorsingsbenadering is gevolg deur gebruik te maak van 'n aanlyn vraelysopname en gestruktureerde persoonlike onderhoude, met die data wat ontleed is deur beide beskrywende (gemiddelde, standaardafwyking, rangorde en temas) en inferensiële (Analise van Variansie ANOVA) statistieke te gebruik. Die bevindinge toon dat KMO's in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf geraak word deur KSV-implementeringsuitdagings wat verband hou met 'n gebrek aan integrasie in die KMO-kultuur en besigheidsdoelwitte; beperkte finansiële hulpbronne om KSV-inisiatiewe te onderneem; gebrek aan KMO-vaardighede en -kennis, en onstabiele ekonomiese toestande. Alhoewel KMO's verskillend gekategoriseer word in terme van hul Konstruksie-industrie Ontwikkelingsraad gradering en hul boonste limiet van tenderwaarde-reeks, ervaar die twee groepe kontrakteurs soortgelyke KSV-implementeringsuitdagings oor vier bestuursvlakke, soos gelei deur die St. Gallen-bestuursmodel.

To date, there is a paucity of research on the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly the practice of CSR within the global and local construction industry. This extends to studies identifying CSR implementation challenges affecting construction organisations. This article investigates the CSR implementation challenges affecting SME owner-managers in the South African construction industry and analyses whether small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are affected similarly or differently. This article serves as a guideline for further research regarding mitigating measures towards the CSR implementation challenges experienced by SME owner-managers in the South African construction industry. Existing literature is reviewed to provide an overview of the current CSR implementation challenges from both the global construction industry and generic business sectors guided by the St. Gallen Management Model. The study conducts a mixed method research approach, using an online questionnaire survey and structured face-to-face interviews, with the data analysed using both descriptive (mean, standard deviation, rank, and themes) and inferential (Analysis of Variance ANOVA) statistics. Findings reveal that SMEs in the South African construction industry are affected by CSR implementation challenges related to a lack of integration in the SME culture and business objectives; limited financial resources to undertake CSR initiatives; lack of CSR skills and knowledge, and unstable economic conditions. In addition, although SMEs are categorised differently in terms of their Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) grade and their upper limit of tender value range, the two groups of contractors' experience similar CSR implementation challenges across four management levels as guided by the St. Gallen Management Model. This finding will guide future research regarding mitigating factors to address CSR implementation challenges experienced by SME owner-managers in the South African construction industry.

BACKGROUND: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving economic growth and development, necessitating innovative strategies to enhance their sustainability and resilience in an ever-evolving business landscape. The evolving business landscape requires innovative strategies for SMEs' sustainability and resilience. Recognising this imperative, the strategic incorporation of Tshivenda Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) within SMEs emerges as a compelling avenue for exploration. AIM: This study aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs concerning the adoption of Tshivenda IKS to foster business sustainability. SETTING: The study focused on Tshivenda IKS as practised by SME owners who are Tshivenda speakers, located in Musina, Limpopo, South Africa, and in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. METHODS: The study used qualitative research with a grounded theory design, interviewing 12 participants selected through theoretical sampling. Thematic coding was applied for data analysis. RESULTS: The study identifies greater collaboration, access to markets, brand differentiation and competitive advantage as opportunities, whereas cultural differences, a lack of strategic planning, and shortages in sustainable supply chains were identified as key challenges to SMEs incorporating Tshivenda IKS in their business operations. CONCLUSION: The study sheds light on the challenges, opportunities and managerial implications associated with integrating Tshivenda IKS into SMEs for sustainability purposes. Leveraging Tshivenda IKS offers substantial opportunities for sustainable business practices and economic development in SMEs, despite the limitations. CONTRIBUTION: The study enriches understanding of the opportunities and challenges experienced by SMEs when using Tshivenda IKS in fostering business sustainability.

PURPOSE: Ambidextrous SME innovations and technology models have led to success stories in the past. They face new challenges due to increasing uncertainty in the business environment. Purpose: The study reviews ambidexterity literature to determine trends and themes existing in the body of literature on ambidexterity. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a bibliometric and Vosviewer analysis of 1808 articles published on Scopus database from 1999-2022. The study used several indicators including data overview (scientific production in the area and three field-plot), conceptual structure (co-occurrence network, thematic map, and evolution), keyword analysis, and thematic mapping. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The analysis indicated five main themes on which the ambidexterity literature focuses. The results revealed that the key themes in ambidexterity literature are continuous innovation, knowledge management, dynamic capabilities, entrepreneurial and market orientation, enterprise resource management (ERM), and business performance. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The review highlighted that SMEs struggle more in dynamic business environments. Business changes in recent years have proved the importance of innovation, ERM, knowledge management, and dynamic capabilities as beneficial factors for achieving enhanced performance. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The analysis reveals several links in literature and valuable insights into possible models that can be scaled up and replicated across different industries. Themes in the domain mainly focussed on knowledge management, firm performance, digital transformation, open innovation, dynamic capabilities as well as entrepreneurial and marketing orientation The proposed business model can assist SMEs owners and managers in swiftly adapting to unpredictability in the changing business climate caused by the recent pattern of events.