A Configurational Approach of the Relationship between Information Security Management and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya (Review Completed - Accepted)
Enterprises corresponding to a backbone of a modern society recognize information security management (ISM) as one of business management factors.Companies suffer significant financial and reputational damage due to ineffective information security management, severely impacting their performance and market valuation. Information security is vital for protecting important assets of organizations, including the information resources and the organization’s reputation. SMEs have the capacity to achieve rapid economic growth and in Kenya they employ about 85 percent of the Kenyan workforce. The need to link ISM with performance has become especially important for firms striving to achieve superior performance. However, there have been little documented evidences that existed for specific relationships between ISM and SME performance. To better understand this relationship, this paper takes a holistic approach guided by a cross-sectional research design. Using the hierarchical and moderated multiple regression (MMR) analyses, the theoretical models and hypotheses in this study were tested based on empirical data gathered from 94 SMEs that participated in the 2013 Top 100 Survey. The results revealed that entrepreneurial orientation significantly moderated the relationship between information security management and performance of SMEs. This study will enhance the skill set in Kenyan SMEs, producing a more sustainable solution, as well as contributing to the open literature.
Keywords: Information Security, Information Security Management, SME Performance, Small and Medium Enterprises, economic growth
CRITICISMS, VARIATIONS AND EXPERIENCES WITH BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS (Published)
The objective of this study is to highlight the importance of the use of BMC to the entrepreneurs and the academic world. In pursuing this objective, the authors want to discuss the BMC problems and criticism and show its variations in order to help entrepreneurs use these models in the right way ‚and successfully plan their businesses. The shortcomings and weaknesses of the model will then be compared with experiences made in the class ‘Entrepreneurship II’ offered in a undergrad course of Business at a Brazilian university in the state of São Paulo. The experience with them highlighted the importance of the use of BMC and it was helpful in developing their business plans. The contribution of this study to the body of knowledge is to fill the vacuum that exists in terms of academic study concerning the use of Business Model Canvas by the entrepreneurs when developing their business plan as well as to advance research in the areas of small and medium enterprises
Keywords: Business Model, Business Model Canvas, Business Plan, Entrepreneurs, Small and Medium Enterprises
E-Commerce and Global Postal Network -Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (Published)
This article will explain what the challenges are in the global postal network (GPN). GPN play a significant role in the global supply chain and try to fulfill the needs of SMEs while entering foreign markets. Postal operators with their networks help to facilitate international trade to deliver parcels, packages, partnering with express, courier services embracing mobile and online technologies, provide financial services etc. The few examples will be mentioned how the post can help to facilitate business for SMEs, because GPN is an integral part of the overall e-commerce today. Some innovative ideas will be presented how the national posts are trying to support especially e-business not only on the local market but also abroad.
Keywords: Barriers, E-Commerce, Global Postal Chain, Global Supply Chain, Small and Medium Enterprises