Challenges and Obstacles That Small And Medium Enterprises Face In Terms Of Financing in Palestine (Published)
The purpose of the study attempts to analyze the obstacles and challenges that face small and medium enterprises in Palestine. This study seeks to look at the importance of small and medium enterprises, and to identify the most important constraints faced by small entrepreneurs in obtaining the required funding in Palestine, and what are the most important impediments toward financing of small projects. The investigation helped in identifying the major challenges of financing small and medium business and what to do in order to overcome these obstacles. It was also found that small enterprises are one of the most important key elements in achieving economic development in all countries of the world where it accounts for the highest percentage among all kinds of economic projects of all sizes. A qualitative closed-ended survey was carried out for collecting data from managers and owners of 35 businesses in Palestine. The responses of 28 statements were collected in five different categories. The findings showed that the Obstacles facing the growth of small enterprises in Palestine by respondents was “Weakness of representative organizations that defend the interests of small businesses, as well as Lack of legal frameworks and incentives for small businesses
Keywords: Challenges, Financing, Palestine, Small and Medium Enterprises
Board Characteristics and Firm Performance- Evidence from Palestine (Published)
The objective of this research paper is to assess the relationship between the Return on Assets and Board Characteristics (Board independence, Board meeting, Board size, Board expertise, Company size and Company year of incorporation). The research consisted of examining companies listed on the Palestine Exchange with analysis undertaken through regression analysis. After studying the six variables, the researcher found the existence of only one relationship which was between the age of the organization/ year of incorporation and the company’s Return on Assets (ROA). This paper provides a greater insight to understanding corporate governance in Palestine. The approach, taken in this paper, will enable companies to assess the true relationship between the Return on Assets to Board independence, Board meeting, Board size, Board expertise, Company size and Company year of incorporation. It will enable them, also, to find ways of ensuring these factors become more relevant to the organization’s performance. Palestine is still a young country in relation to corporate governance and the outcome of this paper will enable companies to grow positively
Keywords: Board Characteristics, Corporate Governance, Firm Performance, Palestine