Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) program, January 1-December 31, 1981

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogers, J.D.

1982-02-01

Work reported is on the development of a 30 MJ superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit for use by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to stabilize power oscillations on their Pacific AC Intertie. The 30 MJ superconducting coil manufacture was completed. Design of the seismic mounting of the coil to the nonconducting dewar lid and a concrete foundation is complete. The superconducting application VAR (SAVAR) control study indicated a low economic advantage and the SAVAR program was terminated. An economic and technological evaluation of superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) was completed and the results are reported

Pareto optimal design of sectored toroidal superconducting magnet for SMES

Science.gov (United States)

Bhunia, Uttam; Saha, Subimal; Chakrabarti, Alok

2014-10-01

A novel multi-objective optimization design approach for sectored toroidal superconducting magnetic energy storage coil has been developed considering the practical engineering constraints. The objectives include the minimization of necessary superconductor length and torus overall size or volume, which determines a significant part of cost towards realization of SMES. The best trade-off between the necessary conductor length for winding and magnet overall size is achieved in the Pareto-optimal solutions, the compact magnet size leads to increase in required superconducting cable length or vice versa The final choice among Pareto optimal configurations can be done in relation to other issues such as AC loss during transient operation, stray magnetic field at outside the coil assembly, and available discharge period, which is not considered in the optimization process. The proposed design approach is adapted for a 4.5 MJ/1 MW SMES system using low temperature niobium-titanium based Rutherford type cable. Furthermore, the validity of the representative Pareto solutions is confirmed by finite-element analysis (FEA) with a reasonably acceptable accuracy.

Rock mechanics studies for SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haimson, B.C.

1981-01-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems capable of storing thousands of MWh develop tremendous magnetically induced forces when charged. To prevent rutpure of the magnets these forces must be confined. Bedrock offers a practical and relatively inexpensive magnet containment structure. This paper examines the need for rock mechanics research in connection with the construction and use of SMES rock caverns; the unique problems related to housing superconducting magnets in bedrock; site investigations of granite, quartzite and dolomite deposits in Wisconsin; and cavern design requirements to assure cavern stability and limited deformation under the expected mechanical leads. Recommendations are made for siting SMES caverns

An optimization of robust SMES with specified structure H∞ controller for power system stabilization considering superconducting magnetic coil size

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ngamroo, Issarachai

2011-01-01

Even the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is the smart stabilizing device in electric power systems, the installation cost of SMES is very high. Especially, the superconducting magnetic coil size which is the critical part of SMES, must be well designed. On the contrary, various system operating conditions result in system uncertainties. The power controller of SMES designed without taking such uncertainties into account, may fail to stabilize the system. By considering both coil size and system uncertainties, this paper copes with the optimization of robust SMES controller. No need of exact mathematic equations, the normalized coprime factorization is applied to model system uncertainties. Based on the normalized integral square error index of inter-area rotor angle difference and specified structured H ∞ loop shaping optimization, the robust SMES controller with the smallest coil size, can be achieved by the genetic algorithm. The robustness of the proposed SMES with the smallest coil size can be confirmed by simulation study.

A novel HTS SMES application in combination with a permanent magnet synchronous generator type wind power generation system

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, G. H.; Kim, A. R.; Kim, S.; Park, M.; Yu, I. K.; Seong, K. C.; Won, Y. J.

2011-11-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system is a DC current driven device and can be utilized to improve power quality particularly in connection with renewable energy sources due to higher efficiency and faster response than other devices. This paper suggests a novel connection topology of SMES which can smoothen the output power flow of the wind power generation system (WPGS). The structure of the proposed system is cost-effective because it reduces a power converter in comparison with a conventional application of SMES. One more advantage of SMES in the proposed system is to improve the capability of low voltage ride through (LVRT) for the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) type WPGS. The proposed system including a SMES has been modeled and analyzed by a PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the novel SMES application strategy to not only mitigate the output power of the PMSG but also improve the capability of LVRT for PMSG type WPGS.

Strategic thinking as a tool for technological innovation in smes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Darcy Luz Mendoza

2016-11-01

Full Text Available The present study aims to design strategies that allow smes to watch from one strategic thinking technological innovation, in order to meet the financial core objective to grow and be competitive in the market. The article illustrates how smes can get enterprise development from a planned technological innovation from its institutional philosophy, it imposes a challenge for these companies, the establishment of an action plan and building articulated development scenarios involve and benefit all stakeholders generating competitive advantages. The study was conducted using a survey of 95 businesses in La Guajira department, having as strategy exposed by Daft (2005 who finds that competitive strategy is about being different, select a number of different activities that other been selected to offer a unique mix of value. The research results suggest that smes do not have a department that demonstrates technological structure that have made a process for the development and successful commercialization of new or improved products, either that these companies think the strategies from its institutional philosophy, putting into practice the strategic thinking.

SMES for wind energy systems

Science.gov (United States)

Paul Antony, Anish

Renewable energy sources are ubiquitous, wind energy in particular is one of the fastest growing forms of renewable energy, yet the stochastic nature of wind creates fluctuations that threaten the stability of the electrical grid. In addition to stability with increased wind energy, the need for additional load following capability is a major concern hindering increased wind energy penetration. Improvements in power electronics are required to increase wind energy penetration, but these improvements are hindered by a number of limitations. Changes in physical weather conditions, insufficient capacity of the transmission line and inaccurate wind forecasting greatly stymie their effect and ultimately lead to equipment damage. With this background, the overall goal of this research effort is to pitch a case for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) by (1) optimally designing the SMES to be coupled with wind turbines thus reducing wind integration challenges and (2) to help influence decision makers in either increasing superconducting wire length/fill factor or improving superconducting splice technology thereby increasing the storage capacity of the SMES. Chapter 1 outlines the scope of this thesis by answering the following questions (1) why focus on wind energy? (2) What are the problems associated with increasing wind energy on the electric grid? (3) What are the current solutions related to wind integration challenges and (4) why SMES? Chapter 2, presents a detailed report on the study performed on categorizing the challenges associated with integrating wind energy into the electric grid. The conditions under which wind energy affected the electric grid are identified both in terms of voltage stability and excess wind generation. Chapter 3, details a comprehensive literature review on the different superconducting wires. A technology assessment of the five selected superconductors: [Niobium Titanium (NbTi), Niobium Tin (Nb3Sn), Bismuth strontium calcium

All SMES-ed up and no place to go

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1992-01-01

In 1987, as part of an eleven-point Presidential initiative on the development of superconductivity, the U.S. Strategic Defense Initiative Organization allocated funds for a three-year, $31-million program to design, construct and test a 20-MWh, 400-MW engineering test model (ETM) for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES). SMES was to be an integral part of the Reagan Administration's Star Wars technology. This paper reports that because of dwindling defense applications the DNA nearly brought about the demise of the SMES-ETM, despite the fact that $31 million was already invested in the project. Today, four years and millions of dollars later, Congressional pressure for dual-use programs and two additional $4.7 million contract have kept the SMES-ETM program alive

The phasor type model of SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, J.; Tang, Y.; Ren, L.; Li, J.; Chen, S.

2009-01-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) compensates the dynamic power for the power system through regulating the active and reactive currents between the SMES and the power system. To analyze the influence of SMES on the operation characteristic of the power system, a second-order equivalent model of SMES is adopted in the electromagnetic transient analysis of power system, but the model makes considerable simplifications for the dynamic characteristic of SMES. This paper proposed the phasor type model of SMES. The phasor model has the following characteristics: (1) the model does not considers the switching state of the power electronic converter, which can save the computing time and improve the simulation efficiency; (2) the model considers the performance of the superconducting magnet, the converter and the DC side capacitor, which can accurately reflect the dynamic response characteristics of SMES; and (3) the model includes detailed control system of SMES, which can implement different control methods to the SMES system and evaluate the control effect. Using MATLAB SIMULINK, the dynamic characteristic of the SMES phasor model is evaluated. Then, the phasor model is introduced into the power system stability analysis to analyze the application of SMES in damping out the power system.

A novel HTS SMES application in combination with a permanent magnet synchronous generator type wind power generation system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, G.H.; Kim, A.R.; Kim, S. [Changwon National University, 9 Sarim-dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Park, M., E-mail: paku@changwon.ac.kr [Changwon National University, 9 Sarim-dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, I.K. [Changwon National University, 9 Sarim-dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Seong, K.C. [Superconducting Device and Cryogenics Group, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon 641-120 (Korea, Republic of); Won, Y.J. [Korea Electric Power Corporation, Changwon 641-241 (Korea, Republic of)

2011-11-15

A novel connection topology of SMES is proposed in this paper. Structure of the proposed system is cost-effective because it reduces a converter. The proposed system smoothens output power of wind power generation system. Advantage of the system is to improve the low voltage ride through capability. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system is a DC current driven device and can be utilized to improve power quality particularly in connection with renewable energy sources due to higher efficiency and faster response than other devices. This paper suggests a novel connection topology of SMES which can smoothen the output power flow of the wind power generation system (WPGS). The structure of the proposed system is cost-effective because it reduces a power converter in comparison with a conventional application of SMES. One more advantage of SMES in the proposed system is to improve the capability of low voltage ride through (LVRT) for the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) type WPGS. The proposed system including a SMES has been modeled and analyzed by a PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the novel SMES application strategy to not only mitigate the output power of the PMSG but also improve the capability of LVRT for PMSG type WPGS.

A novel HTS SMES application in combination with a permanent magnet synchronous generator type wind power generation system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, G.H.; Kim, A.R.; Kim, S.; Park, M.; Yu, I.K.; Seong, K.C.; Won, Y.J.

2011-01-01

A novel connection topology of SMES is proposed in this paper. Structure of the proposed system is cost-effective because it reduces a converter. The proposed system smoothens output power of wind power generation system. Advantage of the system is to improve the low voltage ride through capability. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system is a DC current driven device and can be utilized to improve power quality particularly in connection with renewable energy sources due to higher efficiency and faster response than other devices. This paper suggests a novel connection topology of SMES which can smoothen the output power flow of the wind power generation system (WPGS). The structure of the proposed system is cost-effective because it reduces a power converter in comparison with a conventional application of SMES. One more advantage of SMES in the proposed system is to improve the capability of low voltage ride through (LVRT) for the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) type WPGS. The proposed system including a SMES has been modeled and analyzed by a PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the novel SMES application strategy to not only mitigate the output power of the PMSG but also improve the capability of LVRT for PMSG type WPGS.

Design procedures of hybrid PV/SMES system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamad, Ismail; El-Sayas, M. A.

2006-01-01

This paper presents accurate procedures to determine the design parameters of an autonomous hybrid PV/SMES system. Integrating Superconductive magnetic energy storage as a recent storage technology with photovoltaic power system enhances the PV output utilization during the solar radiation fluctuations period. this is because of SMES fast response to any PV output fluctuation. The load demand is supplied either from PV plant or through SMES or from both. Imposed to the technical and economical constrains, the optimum solar cells area and the proper capacity and rating of SMES system are assessed. Regarding solar radiation profile, clear and cloudy days are accurately considered for investigation. Three indices are suggested to express the cloudy and fluctuations conditions. These indices represent the non-utilized PV energy due to clouds (x), fluctuation period (T f ) and location of fluctuations period(t s t). The incremental changes in the design parameters are computed for any variation in these indices. Differentiation between the role of BS and SMES in affecting the results is determined and quantitatively analyzed. The results of clear day condition with SMES are the bas quantities for these changes. Complete analysis of the most effective parameters is presented. Eventually, mathematical models are deduced for each parameter which assists in predicting its behavior against the independent variable.(Author)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AS A DETERMINANT OF SMES COLLABORATION AND INNOVATIVENESS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Svetlana Cvetanovic

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Studies of small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs development around the world show that the most significant factor for increasing their numbers and improving business success is the free enterprise, as exogenous, and innovation as an endogenous variable. At the same time, the dominant view in economic theory is that innovation is a key generator of changes for which the SMEs can be considered as a kind of metaphors for a successful business over the last twenty years in a number of economies. Arguing that cooperation between SMEs is increasingly common generic strategy of their development, the paper first explains the importance of collaboration to increase innovation and competitiveness, and then provides possible models using information technology such as Workflow Management Systems (WfMS, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA and Service-Oriented Cloud Computing Architecture (SOCCA to support the collaboration of these business entities. Solutions provided are aimed at improving the innovativeness of SMEs and fully follow the requirements of the so-called fifth-generation innovation process whose key attributes are integration and flexibility.

BARRIERS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF E-BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs IN PAKISTAN

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anwar Ali Shah G. SYED

2012-05-01

Full Text Available The current research investigates the Barriers in implementation of E-Business Technologies in Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs in Pakistan. Data were collected from 2000 respondents by using simple random technique. A structural questionnaire was developed for the data collection and reliability and validity of data. It was revealed that most of the SMEs business owners are not familiar in using internet and in many cases they are not computer literate. It was further revealed that Government should provide some basic computer training to the Small and Medium Enterprises so they will able to use computer. The proper implementation of E-Business technologies in SMEs in Pakistan, Government and other related agencies can initiate E-Business in SMEs to achieve competitive edge.

Test results of the SMES model coil. Pulse performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamajima, Takataro; Shimada, Mamoru; Ono, Michitaka

1998-01-01

A model coil for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES model coil) has been developed to establish the component technologies needed for a small-scale 100 kWh SMES device. The SMES model coil was fabricated, and then performance tests were carried out in 1996. The coil was successfully charged up to around 30 kA and down to zero at the same ramp rate of magnetic field experienced in a 100 kWh SMES device. AC loss in the coil was measured by an enthalpy method as parameters of ramp rate and flat top current. The results were evaluated by an analysis and compared with short-sample test results. The measured hysteresis loss is in good agreement with that estimated from the short-sample results. It was found that the coupling loss of the coil consists of two major coupling time constants. One is a short time constant of about 200 ms, which is in agreement with the test results of a short real conductor. The other is a long time constant of about 30 s, which could not be expected from the short sample test results. (author)

Control of SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murakami, Y.; Sugita, M.; Kiuchi, T.; Okuda, H.

1981-01-01

The use of a thyristor Graetz bridge as the interface between the 3-phase ac source and the superconducting magnet (SM) has become standard in superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES). In the future, the bridge will be DDC (direct digital control) controlled by microprocessors and the higher computations, such as the strategy for economical operation of the SMES plant will be computed by a large-scale computer resulting in a hierarchical control scheme. Some of the problems of DDC control of a SM are discussed, control schemes for effective and reactive power are compared, and the control system for the sequential control of a 0.5 MJ pulsed magnet, which is under construction, is described

Energy storage via high temperature superconductivity (SMES)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mikkonen, R. [Tampere Univ. of Technology (Finland)

1998-10-01

The technology concerning high temperature superconductors (HTS) is matured to enabling different kind of prototype applications including SMES. Nowadays when speaking about HTS systems, attention is focused on the operating temperature of 20-30 K, where the critical current and flux density are fairly close to 4.2 K values. In addition by defining the ratio of the energy content of a novel HTS magnetic system and the required power to keep the system at the desired temperature, the optimum settles to the above mentioned temperature range. In the frame of these viewpoints a 5 kJ HTS SMES system has been designed and tested at Tampere University of Technology with a coil manufactured by American Superconductor (AMSC). The HTS magnet has inside and outside diameters of 252 mm and 317 mm, respectively and axial length of 66 mm. It operates at 160 A and carries a total of 160 kA-turns to store the required amount of energy. The effective magnetic inductance is 0.4 H and the peak axial field is 1.7 T. The magnet is cooled to the operating temperature of 20 K with a two stage Gifford-McMahon type cryocooler with a cooling power of 60 W at 77 K and 8 W at 20 K. The magnetic system has been demonstrated to compensate a short term loss of power of a sensitive consumer

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) program. Progress report, January 1-December 31, 1984

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogers, J.D.

1985-05-01

The 30 MJ, 10 MW superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system was devised to interact in the Western US Power System as an alternate means to damp unstable oscillations at 0.35 Hz on the Pacific HVAC Intertie. The SMES unit was installed at the Tacoma Substation of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The operating limits of the 30 MJ SMES unit were established, and different means of controlling real and reactive power were tested. The unit can follow a sinusoidal power demand signal with an amplitude of up to 8.6 MW with the converter working in a 12 pulse mode. When the converter operates in the constant VAR mode, a time varying real power demand signal of up to 5 MW can be met. Experiments showed that the Pacific ac Intertie has current and reactive power variations of the same frequency as the modulating frequency of the SMES device. Endurance tests were run to assess the reliability of the SMES subsystems with a narrow band noise input, which is characteristic of the modulation signal for stabilizer operation. During the endurance tests, parameters of the ac power system were determined. Converter short circuit tests, load tests under various control conditions, dc breaker tests for coil current interruption, and converter failure mode tests were conducted. The experimental operation of the SMES system was concluded and the operation was terminated in early 1984

SMES application for frequency control during islanded microgrid operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, A-Rong; Kim, Gyeong-Hun; Heo, Serim; Park, Minwon; Yu, In-Keun; Kim, Hak-Man

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► The operating characteristics of SMES for the frequency control of an islanded microgrid were investigated. ► The SMES contributes well for frequency control in the islanded operation. ► A dual and a single magnet type of SMES have been compared to demonstrate the performances. -- Abstract: This paper analyzes the operating characteristics of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for the frequency control of an islanded microgrid operation. In the grid-connected mode of a microgrid, an imbalance between power supply and demand is solved by a power trade with the upstream power grid. The difference in the islanded mode is a critical problem because the microgrid is isolated from any power grid. For this reason, the frequency control during islanded microgrid operation is a challenging issue. A test microgrid in this paper consisted of a wind power generator, a PV generation system, a diesel generator and a load to test the feasibility of the SMES for controlling frequency during islanded operation as well as the transient state varying from the grid-connected mode to the islanded mode. The results show that the SMES contributes well for frequency control in the islanded operation. In addition, a dual and a single magnet type of SMES have been compared to demonstrate the control performance. The dual magnet has the same energy capacity as the single magnet, but there are two superconducting coils and each coil has half inductance of the single magnet. The effectiveness of the SMES application with the simulation results is discussed in detail

SMES application for frequency control during islanded microgrid operation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, A-Rong, E-mail: haven21c@changwon.ac.kr [Changwon National University, Sarim-dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Gyeong-Hun; Heo, Serim; Park, Minwon [Changwon National University, Sarim-dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, In-Keun, E-mail: yuik@changwon.ac.kr [Changwon National University, Sarim-dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Hak-Man [University of Incheon, Songdo-dong, Incheon 406-772 (Korea, Republic of)

2013-01-15

Highlights: ► The operating characteristics of SMES for the frequency control of an islanded microgrid were investigated. ► The SMES contributes well for frequency control in the islanded operation. ► A dual and a single magnet type of SMES have been compared to demonstrate the performances. -- Abstract: This paper analyzes the operating characteristics of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for the frequency control of an islanded microgrid operation. In the grid-connected mode of a microgrid, an imbalance between power supply and demand is solved by a power trade with the upstream power grid. The difference in the islanded mode is a critical problem because the microgrid is isolated from any power grid. For this reason, the frequency control during islanded microgrid operation is a challenging issue. A test microgrid in this paper consisted of a wind power generator, a PV generation system, a diesel generator and a load to test the feasibility of the SMES for controlling frequency during islanded operation as well as the transient state varying from the grid-connected mode to the islanded mode. The results show that the SMES contributes well for frequency control in the islanded operation. In addition, a dual and a single magnet type of SMES have been compared to demonstrate the control performance. The dual magnet has the same energy capacity as the single magnet, but there are two superconducting coils and each coil has half inductance of the single magnet. The effectiveness of the SMES application with the simulation results is discussed in detail.

Current status of development on superconducting magnetic energy storage systems and magnetic refrigeration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hirano, Naoki

2010-01-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems have excellent characteristics as energy-storage equipment in power systems such as high efficiency, quick response, and no deterioration in repetitive operations. There are many projects to develop SMES throughout the world. Since 1991, a national project by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Japan has been working to develop an SMES system to control power in power systems. Moreover, SMES has been developed to compensate for momentary voltage dips since 2003. To reduce energy consumption due to prolonged operating times, we developed energy-conserving electrical equipment incorporating refrigerating aggregates such as air conditioners. We conduced R and D to convert magnetic refrigeration and highly-efficient, energy-conserving/environmentally friendly technologies, to practical applications. The current status in the development of SMES to control power systems, bridging to deal with instantaneous voltage dips, and magnetic refrigeration technology will be explained in this paper. (author)

Bi-2223 HTS winding in toroidal configuration for SMES coil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kondratowicz-Kucewicz, B; Kozak, S; Kozak, J; Wojtasiewicz, G; Majka, M; Janowski, T

2010-01-01

Energy can be stored in the magnetic field of a coil. Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is very promising as a power storage system for load levelling or power stabilizer. However, the strong electromagnetic force caused by high magnetic field and large coil current is a problem in SMES systems. A toroidal configuration would have a much less extensive external magnetic field and electromagnetic forces in winding. The paper describes the design of HTS winding for SMES coil in modular toroid configuration consist of seven Bi-2223 double-pancakes as well as numerical analysis of SMES magnet model using FLUX 3D package. As the results of analysis the paper presents the optimal coil configuration and the parameters such as radius of toroidal magnet, energy stored in magnet and magnetic field distribution.

COMMERCIALIZATION DEMONSTRATION OF MID-SIZED SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC UTILITYAPPLICATIONS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

CHARLES M. WEBER

2008-06-24

As an outgrowth of the Technology Reinvestment Program of the 1990’s, an Agreement was formed between BWXT and the DOE to promote the commercialization of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) technology. Business and marketing studies showed that the performance of electric transmission lines could be improved with this SMES technology by stabilizing the line thereby allowing the reserved stability margin to be used. One main benefit sought was to double the capacity and the amount of energy flow on an existing transmission line by enabling the use of the reserved stability margin, thereby doubling revenue. Also, electrical disturbances, power swings, oscillations, cascading disturbances and brown/black-outs could be mitigated and rendered innocuous; thereby improving power quality and reliability. Additionally, construction of new transmission lines needed for increased capacity could be delayed or perhaps avoided (with significant savings) by enabling the use of the reserved stability margin of the existing lines. Two crucial technical aspects were required; first, a large, powerful, dynamic, economic and reliable superconducting magnet, capable of oscillating power flow was needed; and second, an electrical power interface and control to a transmission line for testing, demonstrating and verifying the benefits and features of the SMES system was needed. A project was formed with the goals of commercializing the technology by demonstrating SMES technology for utility applications and to establish a domestic capability for manufacturing large superconducting magnets for both commercial and defense applications. The magnet had very low AC losses to support the dynamic and oscillating nature of the stabilizing power flow. Moreover, to economically interface to the transmission line, the magnet had the largest operating voltage ever made. The manufacturing of that design was achieved by establishing a factory with newly designed and acquired equipment

Participatory Innovation in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Buur, Jacob; de Lille, Christine

2010-01-01

(SME) fare in this respect? Some literature is known in this context, Heiskanen et al. (2007) provide many insights on working with SMEs, especially on technology oriented SMEs. De Lille et al. (2009) gives an overview of problems designers experience when conducting user studies. Asboe (2009) provides...... an anthropologists perspective on user studies within SMEs....

SMEs: ERP or virtual collaboration teams

OpenAIRE

Ale Ebrahim, Nader; Ahmed, Shamsuddin; Taha, Zahari

2009-01-01

Small firms are indeed the engines of global economic growth. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role to promote economic development. SMEs in the beginning of implementing new technologies always face capital shortage and need technological assistance. Available ERP systems do not fulfil the specific requirements of Small firms. SMEs has scarce resources and manpower therefore many SMEs don?t have the possessions to buy and operate an ERP System. On the other hand competit...

SMEs: ERP or Virtual Collaboration Teams

OpenAIRE

Ebrahim, Nader Ale

2009-01-01

Small firms are indeed the engines of global economic growth. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role to promote economic development. SMEs in the beginning of implementing new technologies always face capital shortage and need technological assistance. Available ERP systems do not fulfill the specific requirements of Small firms. SMEs has scarce resources and manpower therefore many SMEs don’t have the possessions to buy and operate an ERP System. On the other hand competi...

Quench protection system for 1 MJ superconducting magnet coil for SMES Project at VECC, Kolkata

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thakur, S.K.; Bera, A.; Kumar, Y.; Bhunia, U.; Pradhan, J.; Saha, S.

2012-01-01

This paper describes the indigenous development of a system which is used for quench detection, protection and monitoring the parameters of superconducting coil of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system. Resistive voltage measurement method is used for detecting the quench. The voltage across each current lead is also monitored and over voltage across the current lead is detected by comparing it with a set voltage limit. By using isolation amplifier and timer circuit, false quench trigging due to noise and spikes are minimized. If quench is detected a relay operated to turn-off the SMES power supply followed by the release of stored energy of the magnet to the external dump resistance by closing a switch. (author)

Design study of a 5GWh SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakano, T.; Hayakawa, K.; Shimizu, M.

1988-01-01

The Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage system (SMES) is expected to be a future electric power storage method instead of the pumped storage power generator. The authors have investigated a commercial scaled toroidal type of SMES, and compared it with solenoid type of SMES. Now, they came to the conclusion that the toroidal type was superior to the solenoid type in control of leakage mangnetic field, production of coil, maintenance and ease of installation, in spite of its 2-- times cost for the latter. Thus the toroidal type of SMES can be considered to be a match for the solenoid type of SMES

Guidance for SMEs with the adoption of technology: A conceptual framework

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Riana Steyn

2012-12-01

Full Text Available When starting up a new small or medium sized company, it is crucial to understand what the requirements are in terms of Information and communication technologies (ICT. Bentellis and Boufaïsa (2008 note that over the last twenty years the markets have been changing fast, which has led to the evolution of the business environment. In many instances companies cannot keep up with the change occurring in the ICT arena. Entering the market as a small competitor, you need to ensure that you implement ICT that will support your business strategies. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research study done to determine how SMEs cope with the adoption of technology. The paper explores the typical problems and challenges faced by SMEs, within South Africa, with regard to ICT and propose a conceptual framework to support managers in their decision making on ICT implementation. As such, this framework supports them in choosing the relevant technology, as well as supporting them with the effective application of the chosen technologies. KEY WORDS: Adoption, Information communications Technology (ICT, skills, small to medium organisations (SME, Technology

On test results of the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system in Ariuragawa Power Station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katahira, Osamu; Fukui, Fumihiko; Karano, Koichi; Irie, Fujio; Takeo, Masakatsu; Okada, Hidehiko; Shimojo, Toshikazu.

1991-01-01

SMES system is that for storing electric energy in the form of magnetic energy by flowing DC current through a superconducting coil by utilizing the characteristics of its superconductivity. It comprises a superconducting coil for storing energy, an AC-DC converter, the cooling system for maintaining extremely low temperature and so on. The features of SMES are the high efficiency of storing electric energy (more than 90 % in the large scale system), the fast response to store and release electric power, and effective power and reactive power can be independently and arbitrarily controlled. It is expected that SMES can be applied to the stabilization of electric power system, the adjustment of system voltage, the adjustment of varying load and so on. In order to verify the results of the laboratory research in actual power system, the system test was carried out in Ariuragawa Power Station on November 20-22, 1990. The outline of the test, the method of controlling SMES, the test results and the examination of the results are reported. (K.I.)

SMES application for frequency control during islanded microgrid operation

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, A.-Rong; Kim, Gyeong-Hun; Heo, Serim; Park, Minwon; Yu, In-Keun; Kim, Hak-Man

2013-01-01

This paper analyzes the operating characteristics of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for the frequency control of an islanded microgrid operation. In the grid-connected mode of a microgrid, an imbalance between power supply and demand is solved by a power trade with the upstream power grid. The difference in the islanded mode is a critical problem because the microgrid is isolated from any power grid. For this reason, the frequency control during islanded microgrid operation is a challenging issue. A test microgrid in this paper consisted of a wind power generator, a PV generation system, a diesel generator and a load to test the feasibility of the SMES for controlling frequency during islanded operation as well as the transient state varying from the grid-connected mode to the islanded mode. The results show that the SMES contributes well for frequency control in the islanded operation. In addition, a dual and a single magnet type of SMES have been compared to demonstrate the control performance. The dual magnet has the same energy capacity as the single magnet, but there are two superconducting coils and each coil has half inductance of the single magnet. The effectiveness of the SMES application with the simulation results is discussed in detail.

AC-loss considerations of a pulse SMES for an accelerator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lyly, M; Hiltunen, I; Jaervelae, J; Korpela, A; Lehti, L; Stenvall, A; Mikkonen, R

2010-01-01

In particle accelerators quasi-DC superconducting magnets are used to keep particles in desired tracks. The needed rapid field variations of these high energy magnets require large energy bursts. If these bursts are taken from and fed back to the utility grid, its voltage is distorted and the quality of the electricity degrades. In addition, these bursts may decrease operation life time of generators and extra arrangements may be required by the electricity producers. Thus, an energy storage is an essential component for a cost-effective particle accelerator. Flywheels, capacitors and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) are possible options for these relatively large and high power energy storages. Here we concentrate on AC-loss of a pulse SMES aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of NbTi SMES in a particle accelerator. The designing of a SMES requires highly reliable AC-loss simulations. In this paper, calorimetric AC-loss measurements of a NbTi magnet have been carried out to consider conductor's suitability in a pulse SMES. In addition, the measured results are compared with AC-loss simulations.

Innovation in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Malaysian information technology (IT) industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fatimah Mohd Amin

2001-01-01

The aim of this study is to examine innovative activities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Malaysian information technology (IT) industry. This study addresses three research questions: 1. What is the innovation pattern among SMEs in the Malaysian IT industry? 2. How significant is interactive learning between SMEs in the Malaysian IT industry and other agents in the innovation system? and 3. What is the role of the government in promoting innovation among SMEs in the Malaysian IT industry? Two approaches were taken to collect data for this study, that is, mail survey and face-to-face interviews. Based on findings from this study, the SMEs in the Malaysian IT industry were divided into four categories, namely, highly innovative, innovative, inventive, and non innovative. The patterns of knowledge acquisition and interactive learning vary among the different categories of firms, and on the whole, vertical linkages with suppliers were found to be the most significant. Finally, support through the provision of funding was considered to be among the most important roles of the government in promoting innovation in SMEs in the Malaysian IT industry. (author)

Payment Technology Adoption by SMEs : Experimental Evidence from Kenya's Mobile Money

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dalton, Patricio; Pamuk, Haki; van Soest, Daan; Ramrattan, R.; Uras, Burak

This paper reports the results from a field experiment conducted in Kenya to investigate the adoption determinants of a profitable financial technology by small and medium sized enterprizes (SMEs). We offered a randomly selected sample of restaurants and pharmacies the possibility to sign up, on

Factors Influencing Information Communication Technology (ICT) Acceptance and Use in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya

Science.gov (United States)

Nyandoro, Cephus K.

2016-01-01

Research demonstrates that there is a gap in focusing understanding factors of information communication technology (ICT) acceptance and use in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). ICT is gaining popularity because it is a force in the economic growth equation. SMEs adopt ICT to promote their business strategy, performance, and growth. This study…

Data on the relationships between financing strategies, entrepreneurial competencies and business growth of technology-based SMEs in Nigeria.

Science.gov (United States)

Ibidunni, Ayodotun Stephen; Kehinde, Oladele Joseph; Ibidunni, Oyebisi Mary; Olokundun, Maxwell Ayodele; Olubusayo, Falola Hezekiah; Salau, Odunayo Paul; Borishade, Taiye Tairat; Fred, Peter

2018-06-01

The article presents data on the relationship between financing strategies, entrepreneurial competencies and business growth of technology-based SMEs in Nigeria. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 233 SME owners and financial managers. Using descriptive and standard multiple regression statistical analysis, the data revealed that venture capital and business donations significantly influences profit growth of technology-based SMEs. Moreover, the data revealed that technology-`based firms can enhance their access to financing through capacity building in entrepreneurial competencies, such as acquiring the right skills and attitude.

Design of power control system using SMES and SVC for fusion power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niiyama, K; Yagai, T; Tsuda, M; Hamajima, T

2008-01-01

A SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage System) system with converter composed of self-commutated valve devices such as GTO and IGBT is available to control active and reactive power simultaneously. A SVC (Static Var Compensators) or STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) is widely employed to reduce reactive power in power plants and substations. Owing to progress of power electronics technology using GTO and IGBT devices, power converters in the SMES system and the SVC can easily control power flow in few milliseconds. Moreover, since the valve devices for the SMES are equivalent to those for the SVC, the device cost must be reduced. In this paper the basic control system combined with the SMES and SVC is designed for large pulsed loads of a nuclear fusion power plant. This combined system largely expands the reactive power control region as well as the active one. The simulation results show that the combined system is effective and prospective for the nuclear fusion power plant

Management capabilities, innovation, and gender diversity in the top management team: An empirical analysis in technology-based SMEs

OpenAIRE

Ruiz-Jiménez, Jenny María; Fuentes-Fuentes, María del Mar

2016-01-01

The paper analyzes the influence of management capabilities on the innovation performance of technology-based SMEs and the role that gender diversity in the top management team plays in this relationship. We use a sample of 205 Spanish SMEs from technology sectors and a hierarchical regression analysis to test our hypotheses. The results confirm that management capabilities affect both product and process innovation positively. In addition, gender diversity in the top management team moderate...

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FOR RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID ADOPTION BY SMEs IN THE TAIWANESE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hsin Chen

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Radio Frequency Identification (RFID technology represents a common standard for data storage and retrieval that could improve collaboration and data sharing between non-competing organisations. With the advent of RFID, organisations have the opportunity to rethink how their organisation will operate and integrate in the supply chain. Especially for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs, that they have limited resources adopting such an innovative technology (i.e. RFID the adoption decision can be daunting. Literature indicates that SMEs that decide to go on with implementation have so far only a few guidelines from either private companies or public authorities regarding awareness on specific opportunities and risks. This research is therefore trying to explore in detail the factors that affect SMEs' RFID adoption in the Taiwan Information Technology (IT manufacturing industry. We are employing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA techniques and utilising a questionnaire survey in order to collect and analyse our data. After classifying the responding SMEs into three different adopters categories named ready adopter, initiator adopter and unprepared adopter using EFA technique our results show that each category has some specific adoption factors related to their unique situation. These are for ready adopters: cost and management, for initiator adopters: competitiveness and process efficiency and unprepared adopters: IT management difficulties, IT implementation difficulties and cost of implementation. A SMEs RFID adoption model is then proposed. It is anticipated that the findings of this research will not only enhance the research in RFID adoption in SMEs, but can also act as a reference for practitioners in the industry and researchers in the academic field.

Innovation and adoption of energy efficient technologies: An exploratory analysis of Italian primary metal manufacturing SMEs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trianni, Andrea; Cagno, Enrico; Worrell, Ernst

2013-01-01

Additional efforts will be needed by European countries to improve the energy efficiency, as with current trends the 20% objective will be missed. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing sector is a promising field, as SMEs are less energy-efficient than larger enterprises. Several studies investigated the barriers to the diffusion of technologies and practices for industrial energy efficiency, but little attention has been paid to understand the factors affecting the perception of such barriers by SMEs. In this multiple case-study, we have investigated 20 Primary Metal manufacturing SMEs in Northern Italy. Economic and information barriers are perceived as the major issues. Interestingly, firm's size, innovativeness of the market in which enterprises operate, as well as product and process innovation are factors affecting barriers to energy efficiency. Differences have been observed within SMEs, especially for information and competence-related barriers. In particular, a more innovative external context in which enterprises operate and a greater production process complexity seem to reduce barriers. Moreover, more product innovative enterprises seem to have a lower perception of behavioral and technology-related barriers. The results of this exploratory investigation provide useful suggestions for policy design and further research on industrial energy efficiency. - highlights: • Economic and Information emerge as the most relevant barriers to energy efficiency. • Market, product and process innovation seem relevant factors affecting barriers. • Firm's size is a factor affecting barriers' perception

Photonics in Environment and Energy. A technology roadmap for SMEs on new photonic devices and materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Loeffler, Jonathan; Salingre, Anthony; Vitale, David; Yatsunenko, Sergey; Lojkowski, Witold

2012-11-01

Scientific and technological developments in photonics will have a major influence on lots of industries over the next ten to fifteen years. In this highly evolving field, the long-term competitiveness of companies, and especially of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), mainly depends on their ability to offer a good product and to establish a successful market position, which is well connected to the management of the hidden potential in existing technological capabilities. Technology roadmaps are interesting tools used to portray the structural and temporal relationships among science, technology and applications and thus help in the decision-making process to remain successful on the market. The present roadmap aims at identifying technological trends for new photonic devices and nanophotonic materials, mainly in terms of market development. It has the main objective to inform SMEs about new scientific discoveries and developments in photonics and their related problem-solving potential for future products and applications in the Environment and Energy sector. This roadmap is part of a set of four roadmaps about the use of photonic technologies in the industrial sectors of ICT, Heath and Well-being, Environment and Energy and Safety and Security. They were developed in the course of the European project PhotonicRoadSME. Altogether, these roadmaps will contribute to support SMEs in their strategic planning for future applications and products.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Adoption In SMEs: An Integrative Model

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mirmahdi Darbanhosseiniamirkhiz

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The objective of this study is to assess the critical factors which influence adoption of  Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs and identify hurdles and barriers which prevent small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs from accomplishing the desired goals of AMTs utilization. The proposed framework has synthesized previous studies and integrated related studies through conducting a comprehensive literature review. This paper is a theoretical construction that synthesizes previous studies, and centers on three context (Environmental, Organizational, and Technological which influence  adoption of AMTs. This model can provide managers with practical solutions through granting in-depth understanding of whole internal, external, and technological environments, and awarding empirical insight into overcoming barriers to the adoption and implementation of AMT and other process innovations in manufacturing organizations.

A Field Study on the Approach of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs to the Information and Communication Technologies and Its Required Skills

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Orhan Koçak

2011-09-01

Full Text Available Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs are the main driver of a country’s economic growth. SMEs are thought to be an important source and factor in job creation and they provide flexible working opportunities for the white collar workers. The importance of the SMEs is growing since they have an important impact on the economy which is recently in crises. The rising unemployment rates of the countries cause many social and economic problems in the world. Therefore, SMEs, as an engine in economies, should be studied in terms of their adaption of new technologies which are the most important means to enter new markets and create new jobs. With the globalization, SMEs couldn’t go beyond their national borders as much as big companies did and lagged behind of the new global markets. To be able to reach new customers who are far from their countries and to compete with their rivals in both national and international arena, SMEs should adapt to the information and communication technologies. These technologies make them faster and stronger by establishing new channels, reducing time to market, providing opportunities to work more flexible and creating new jobs. In order to catch up with these new developments, which make the firms more competitive, SMEs should consider the ICTs as a strategic integral part. In this study, it is aimed to find out to what extend small and medium companies use information technologies, if they integrate these technologies into their business processes, cut their costs by using ICTs and want to invest more for information technologies. In this work, the subject is separated into 2 sections. In the first section, the literature is reviewed and some explanations and examples are given from the world and Turkey. In the second section of the study, the survey is used to find answers to the questions mentioned above in relation to SMEs and their integration with information and communication technologies. This survey was

Plans on developments of a SMES system in Kyushu

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeo, M.; Sato, S.; Kunaki, K.; Okada, H.; Ezaki, T.; Sumiyoshi, F.; Irie, F.; Tokunaga, T.; Kanetaka, H.; Ichiki, A.

1993-01-01

We have continued an investigation on superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems. Here, we review recent progresses in the Kyushu community, in relation with a national project of SMES by the Agency of National Resources and Energy in MITI of Japan. (orig.)

Benefit/cost comparisons for utility SMES applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

De Steese, J.G.; Dagle, J.E.

1991-01-01

This paper summarizes eight cases studies that account for the benefits and costs of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) in system-specific utility applications. Four of these scenarios are hypothetical SMES application in the Pacific Northwest, where relatively low energy costs impose a stringent test on the viability of the concept. The other four scenarios address SMES applications on high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) transmission lines. While estimated SMES benefits are based on a previously reported methodology, this paper presents results of an improved cost-estimating approach that includes an assumed reduction in the cost of the power conditioning system (PCS) from approximately $160/kW to $80/kW. The revised approach results in all the SMES scenarios showing higher benefit/cost ratios that those reported earlier. However, in all but two cases, the value of any single benefit is still less than the unit's levelized cost. This suggests, as a general principle, that the total value of multiple benefits should always be considered if SMES is to appear cost effective in may utility applications. These results should offer utilities further encouragement to conduct more detailed analyses of SMES benefits in scenarios that apply to individual systems

Benefit/cost comparison for utility SMES applications

Science.gov (United States)

Desteese, J. G.; Dagle, J. E.

1991-08-01

This paper summarizes eight case studies that account for the benefits and costs of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) in system-specific utility applications. Four of these scenarios are hypothetical SMES applications in the Pacific Northwest, where relatively low energy costs impose a stringent test on the viability of the concept. The other four scenarios address SMES applications on high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) transmission lines. While estimated SMES benefits are based on a previously reported methodology, this paper presents results of an improved cost-estimating approach that includes an assumed reduction in the cost of the power conditioning system (PCS) from approximately $160/kW to $80/kW. The revised approach results in all the SMES scenarios showing higher benefit/cost ratios than those reported earlier. However, in all but two cases, the value of any single benefit is still less than the unit's levelized cost. This suggests, as a general principle, that the total value of multiple benefits should always be considered if SMES is to appear cost effective in many utility applications. These results should offer utilities further encouragement to conduct more detailed analyses of SMES benefits in scenarios that apply to individual systems.

Cloud Computing Application for Romanian SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pistol, Luminiţa

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The article studies the current economical state of Romanian SMEs and the utility of cloud computing technologies in the process of sustainable open innovation. The study is based on a supply chain adapted for SMEs, on a model of innovation within a network business environment and on a decision tree dedicated for SMEs when starting a new project. Taking into account the statements of the article, a new framework of cloud computing economics can be developed.

Open Source CRM Systems for SMEs

OpenAIRE

Marco Tereso; Jorge Bernardino

2011-01-01

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are very common in large companies. However, CRM systems are not very common in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Most SMEs do not implement CRM systems due to several reasons, such as lack of knowledge about CRM or lack of financial resources to implement CRM systems. SMEs have to start implementing Information Systems (IS) technology into their business operations in order to improve business values and gain more competitive advantage over r...

Fast SMES for generation of high power pulses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Juengst, K.P.; Salbert, H.

1996-01-01

A technique for generation of high power pulses based on a fast SMES has been developed and a model of a power modulator for linear accelerators was built. The basic function of the modulator that generates 2 ms long, approximately 1 MW power pulses at a repetition rate of 10 Hz is described in this paper. A modular construction of the SMES that consists of up to six coils has been chosen to meet the demands of several applications in high energy physics and energy distribution. The rate of change of magnetic field achieved during ramping of the magnet was more than 60 T/s without a quench. The magnet was designed with respect to the high AC losses during repetitive ramping of the SMES. The suitability of mixed matrix superconductors instead of more expensive net frequency wires for this kind of AC stress was investigated. The applied mixed matrix Cu/CuNi/NbTi wire and the construction of a single coil is described

Technology Readiness and E-Commerce Adoption among Entrepreneurs of SMEs in Bandung City, Indonesia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Novika Candra Astuti

2014-02-01

Full Text Available The emergence of internet-based electronic commerce offers considerable opportunities for companies to expand their customer base, enter new product markets, and rationalize their business. The Indonesian government has initiated and implemented a series of plans and activities to promote technology use to increase SMEs’ performance. Despite such efforts, technology adoption rate are still low. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting an entrepreneurs’ decision on internet adoption, by measuring technology readiness (TR. The purpose of this study is to investigate TR and the extent to which E-commerce is adopted amongst entrepreneurs. This study is replication of Parasuraman’s study on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI. Questionnaires were distributed using a convenience sampling method to 190 entrepreneurs of SME in Bandung city. The findings indicate that entrepreneurs are moderate in terms of their TR. There are significant differences in terms of TR across entrepreneurs’ backgrounds (gender, age, education, and income. In relation to internet adoption by those surveyed, as their use of media promotion is still low, there were only 36.3 percent who adopted it. The results clearly indicate the need to provide support to SMEs to adopt and use e-commerce. These results have implications not only for managers of SMEs but also for government agencies in developing countries such as Indonesia. The findings have implications for researchers and practitioners by identifying TR drivers (optimism and innovativeness, and barriers (discomfort and insecurity, that contribute to effectively leveraging the Internet in an important area for SMEs.

Penalaan Parameter Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES menggunakan Firefly Algorithm (FA pada Sistem Tenaga Listrik Multimesin

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Herlambang Setiadi

2014-03-01

Full Text Available Energi listrik yang disuplai ke konsumen harus mempunyai stabilitas dan keandalan yang tinggi. Jika terjadi sebuah gangguan pada sistem tenaga listrik dapat mengakibatkan ketidakstabilan. Gangguan tersebut dapat berupa putus jaringan (transien maupun perubahan beban (dinamik. Perubahan beban yang terjadi secara tiba-tiba dan periodik tidak dapat direspon dengan baik oleh generator sehingga dapat mempengaruhi kestabilan dinamik sistem. Hal ini menyebabkan timbul osilasi frekuensi pada generator. Respon yang kurang baik dapat menimbulkan osilasi frekuensi dalam periode yang lama. Hal itu akan mengakibatkan pengurangan kekuatan transfer daya yang ada. Pada sistem tenaga listrik multimachine, semua mesin bekerja secara sinkron se­hingga generator harus beroperasi pada frekuensi yang sama. Untuk meredam osilasi frekuensi yang terjadi dibutuhkan kontroler tambahan yaitu Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES. Agar mendapatkan koordinasi controler yang baik maka parameter pada SMES dioptimisasi dengan Firefly Algorithm (FA. Tugas Akhir ini mengajukan konsep penalaan parameter SMES menggunakan FA pada sistem tenaga listrik multimesin. Dengan diajukan metode diatas diharapkan permasalahan osilasi frekuensi akibat terdapat perubahan beban dapat diredam.

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hassenzahl, W.

1989-01-01

Recent programmatic developments in Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) have prompted renewed and widespread interest in this field. In mid 1987 the Defense Nuclear Agency, acting for the Strategic Defense Initiative Office issued a request for proposals for the design and construction of SMES Engineering Test Model (ETM). Two teams, one led by Bechtel and the other by Ebasco, are now engaged in the first phase of the development of a 10 to 20 MWhr ETM. This report presents the rationale for energy storage on utility systems, describes the general technology of SMES, and explains the chronological development of the technology. The present ETM program is outlined; details of the two projects for ETM development are described in other papers in these proceedings. The impact of high Tc materials on SMES is discussed

Understanding the Learning Process in SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Carr, James; Gannon-Leary, Pat

2007-01-01

A major obstacle to the diffusion of management development learning technologies from Higher Education Institutions to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is a lack of understanding about how SME learners learn. This article examines the nature of learning in SMEs and considers the incidence of informal support for informal learning.…

P-Q simultaneous control scheme for SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsuji, K.; Ise, T.; Murakami, Y.

1981-01-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) can be looked at as a control device as well as an effective energy storage device in power system applications. Thus far, active power control and reactive power control seem to have been treated separately. However, under some minor constraints, active (P) and reactive power (Q) may be controlled simultaneously and this capability is perhaps one of the most valuable characteristics of SMES in power system applications. In this brief paper, we examine the possibility of controlling active and reactive power simultaneously (henceforth we call it P-Q simultaneous control) and propose a direct digital control algorithm for the P-Q simultaneous control of SMES. Some simulation results are presented. In addition, a hierarchical control scheme for SMES at a load center is briefly discussed as an extension of P-Q simultaneous control presented in this paper

Management capabilities, innovation, and gender diversity in the top management team: An empirical analysis in technology-based SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jenny María Ruiz-Jiménez

2016-04-01

Full Text Available The paper analyzes the influence of management capabilities on the innovation performance of technology-based SMEs and the role that gender diversity in the top management team plays in this relationship. We use a sample of 205 Spanish SMEs from technology sectors and a hierarchical regression analysis to test our hypotheses. The results confirm that management capabilities affect both product and process innovation positively. In addition, gender diversity in the top management team moderates this relationship positively. In other words, management capabilities have a greater influence on both product and process innovation when the management team is more balanced in number of men and women. This study contributes to better understanding of the factors that explain how management capabilities translate into greater organizational achievements and argues the need to analyze the role of top management teams and their composition more extensively, especially in the context of technology SMEs. The study also contributes new evidence to the small number of studies that analyze the effect of gender diversity in top management teams on innovation.

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) program. Progress report, January 1-December 31, 1982

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogers, J.D.

1983-05-01

Work reported is on the development of a 30 MJ superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit, its installation at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Tacoma Substation, and the preliminary site tests in preparation for its use to stabilize power oscillations on the BPA Pacific AC Inertie. The seismic mounting of the 30 MJ superconducting coil to the dewar lid was completed. The manufacture and testing of the nonconducting dewar were completed. The 5 kV vapor cooled leads were assembled and tested. The refrigerator was placed in operation at the Tacoma Substation and tested by making liquid helium in a 500 l dewar. The refrigerator was connected to the coil dewar and is now used for cooling the 30 MJ coil and dewar with extended purification of the circulating helium to remove contaminants. All equipment was shipped and installed at the BPA Tacoma Substation. Assembly of the 30 MJ coil into the nonconducting dewar was done at the BPA Covington facility and transported to the Tacoma Substation. Substation preparation was completed by 11-1-82. BPA, at considerable expense, did an excellent job preparing the site and assisting with the SMES unit installation. All equipment is in place and operable except for components of the computer control and for full refrigeration of the 30 MJ coil. The converter was tested with the output shorted with the input transformers connected to the 13.8 kV. A new schedule for the SMES operation was established

Cryogenics for SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McIntosh, G.E.

1981-01-01

A wide-ranging study of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) structural and cryogenic requirements was made. Concepts and computational methods have been developed for all of the major problems in these areas. Design analyses have been made to provide more detailed information on some items and experimental work has been performed to create data bases in the areas of superfluid heat transfer, superfluid dielectric properties, heat transfer from conductors, and in the thermal and mechanical properties of materials at low temperatures. In most cases optimum solutions have not been made because of the developing nature of the overall study but methodology for optimization has been worked out for essentially all SMES cryogenic and structural elements. The selection of 1.8 K cooling and all aluminum systems in bedrock continues to be the best choice

The focus of marketing communication efforts of smes within south Africa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kallier Safura Mohamed

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Marketing communication is seen as a vital activity for the survival and success of SMEs. Traditionally tools such as pamphlets, local newspapers, posters and business cards were primarily used to promote SMEs. Today, however, the communication landscape has evolved due to technological advancements. As a result, there are many more communication tools that can be used by SMEs to conduct marketing communication activities of the business. The focus of this study is thus to determine the usage of traditional and technology-enabled marketing communication tools employed by SMEs in South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from SMEs in South Africa. The results of this study indicate that most SMEs make use of e-media such as websites and e-mails as marketing communication tools. This article provides insight into the marketing communication tools that are being used by SMEs in South Africa which will contribute to the understanding of SMEs marketing practices. Studies suggest that there are many similarities regarding the challenges faced by SMEs globally and as such the findings of this study can be applied universally.

A feasibility demonstration program for superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Filios, P.G.

1988-01-01

The Defense Nuclear Agency, as the agent of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) Office, has begun a program to build an engineering test model (ETM) of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system. The ETM will serve to demonstrate the feasibility of using SMES technology to meet both SDI and public utility requirements for electric energy storage. SMES technology characteristics are reviewed and related to SDI and electric utility requirements. Program structure and schedule are related to specific objectives, and critical issues are defined

SMES-UPS for large-scaled SC magnet system of LHD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamada, Shuichi; Mito, T.; Chikaraishi, H.; Nishimura, A.; Kojima, H.; Nakanishi, Y.; Uede, T.; Satow, T.; Motojima, O.

2003-01-01

The LHD is an SC experimental fusion device of heliotron type. Eight sets of the helium compressors with total electric power of 3.5 MW are installed in the cryogenic system. The analytical studies of the SMES-UPS for the compressors under the deep voltage sag are reported in this paper. The amplitude and frequency of the voltage decrease gradually by the regenerating effect of the induction motors. The SMES-UPS system proposed in this report has the following functions; (1) variable frequency control, (2) regulations by ACR and AVR, and (3) rapid isolation and synchronous reconnection from the loads to grid line. We have demonstrated that SMES was useful for the large-scaled cryogenic system of the experimental fusion device

Superconducting magnetic energy storage for electric utility load leveling: A study of cost vs. stored energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luongo, C.A.; Loyd, R.J.

1987-01-01

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is a promising technology for electric utility load leveling. This paper presents the results of a study to establish the capital cost of SMES as a function of stored energy. Energy-related coil cost and total installed plant cost are given for construction in nominal soil and in competent rock. Economic comparisons are made between SMES and other storage technologies and peaking gas turbines. SMES is projected to be competitive at stored energies as low as 1000 MWh

Development of SMES for power system control: present status and perspective

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohsaki, H.; Taniguchi, S.; Nagaya, S.; Akita, S.; Koso, S.; Tatsuta, M.

2004-01-01

A present Japanese national project for SMES development focuses on the development of cost reduction technologies for a small-scale SMES for power system control. Optimal SMES system concepts were developed for power system stabilization and for load fluctuation compensation or frequency regulation. Performance of the designed superconductors was analyzed through fabrication and tests of short sample superconductors. Then, two kinds of model coil systems were manufactured and tested for evaluation of the design concepts and cost reduction technology developments. A multi-pole solenoid coil set as a model coil system for load fluctuation compensation SMES was successfully tested, for example, in 10 000-pulse iterative charge-discharge operations. In addition, application of high-T C superconductors to SMES has been studied for further cost reduction, more reliable operation, etc

Application of SMES in wind farm to improve voltage stability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, J.; Tang, Y.J.; Ren, L.; Li, J.D.; Chen, S.J.

2008-01-01

For the wind farms introducing doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs), voltage stability is an essential issue which influences their widely integration into the power grid. This paper proposes the application of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) in the power system integrated with wind farms. SMES can control the active and reactive power flow, realizing the operation in four quadrants independently. The introducing of SMES can smooth the output power flow of the wind farms, and supply dynamic voltage support. Using MATLAB/SIMULINK, the models of the DFIG, the power grid connected and the SMES are created. Simulation results show that the voltage stability of the power system integrated with wind farms can be improved considerably

A proposal of nuclear fusion power plant equipped with SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natsukawa, Tatsuya; Makamura, Hirokazu; Molinas, Marta; Nomura, Shinichi; Tsuji-Iio, Shunji; Shimada, Ryuichi

2000-01-01

When we intend to operate the nuclear fusion power plant (NFPP) under the economically efficient conditions as an independent power plant, it is desirable that the generated electric power should be sent to network according to the power demand. With such strategy being expanded, some energy storage system is available. In this paper, NFPP equipped with the superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES) as electric power storage device is proposed. The advantages of NFPP equipped with SMES are discussed and a case study of 500 MW NFPP equipped with 6 GWh SMES is done with estimating its operational value. For SMES coil, the concept of Force Balanced Coil (FBC) is applied and 6 GWh class FBC is briefly designed

The state of the art of the development of SMES for bridging instantaneous voltage dips in Japan

Science.gov (United States)

Nagaya, Shigeo; Hirano, Naoki; Katagiri, Toshio; Tamada, Tsutomu; Shikimachi, Koji; Iwatani, Yu; Saito, Fusao; Ishii, Yusuke

2012-12-01

Development of apparatuses for protecting industrial facilities such as semiconductor plants or information industries from instantaneous voltage dips, which requires very large output power, has been expected. A Superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES), one of such apparatus, consists of superconducting magnets that must withstand high voltage during operation and require high reliability. We have already development of SMES using conventional superconducting coils and done the field test of the SMES for bridging instantaneous voltage dips. After field test, the commercial SMES for instantaneous voltage dips is working there. Since field test has started, we have confirmed nearly 40 operations, and all have succeeded. In 2011, three commercial SMES units for bridging instantaneous voltage dips are operating in Japan.

Structural design of the toroidal configuration of the HTS SMES cooling system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yeom, H.K.; Koh, D.Y.; Ko, J.S.; Kim, H.B.; Hong, Y.J.; Kim, S.H.; Seong, K.C.

2011-01-01

The superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system is working on around 30 K, because the magnet is made of high temperature superconductor. To maintain the cryogenic temperature, the superconducting coil is cooled by cryogen, helium gas or liquid neon. But there are some weak points in the cryogen cooling system. For example periodic charge of the cryogen and size is big and so on. So, we have designed the conduction cooling system for toroidal configuration HTS SMES. The toroidal type HTS SMES has some merits, so it is very small magnetic field leakage, and magnetic field applied perpendicular to the tape surface can be reduced. Our system has 28 numbers of HTS double pancake coils and they are arrayed toroidal configuration. The toroidal inner radius is 162 mm, and outer radius is 599 mm, and height is about 162 mm. In this study, we have designed the cooling structure and analyzed temperature distribution of cooling path, thermal stress and deformation of the cooling structure.

Power system stabilization by SMES using current-fed pwm power conditioner

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishikawa, T.; Akita, S.; Taniguchi, H.; Kosho, S.; Tanaka, T.

1988-01-01

A superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit, consisted of superconducting coil and AC/DC power conditioner, can be used to suppress various kinds of instability that may cause service interruption in electric power system as it has high controllability of input/output electric power. Power system stabilizing ability of SMES has been examined experimentally by using model power system and small SMES unit. Current-fed PWM power conditioner was used to obtain maximum stabilizing effect by controlling active and reactive power simultaneously and independently. Power conditioner configuration, operating characteristics and control scheme for power system stabilization are also described. Results from experiments show the effectiveness of SMES on power system stabilization

Potential applications of medium-sized, superconducting magnetic energy storage devices (SMES) in Germany; Einsatzmoeglichkeiten fuer mittelgrosse supraleitende magnetische Energiespeicher (SMES) in Deutschland

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prescher, K; Nick, W; Vollmar, H E; Kleinmaier, M; Radtke, U

1995-05-01

The paper addresses economic aspects of applying SMES instead of conventional methods in the electricity supply sector in Germany. Compared to the process of throttling of turbine valves hitherto used in steam power plants, the use of SMES will bring about advantages such as fuel savings, reduced emission, and improved utilisation of the existing power plant park in Germany. The paper presents a feasibility and cost study of a specified application of SMES. (orig.) [Deutsch] Praesentiert werden wirtschaftliche Beurteilungen, supraleitende Energiespeicher statt konventioneller Methoden in der elektrischen Energieversorgung in Deutschland einzusetzen. Anstelle der heute vorherrschenden Androsselung der Turbinenventile in Dampfkraftwerken sind bei Ersatz durch SMES Brennstoffeinsparungen, Emissionsminderungen und eine hoehere Ausnutzung des bestehenden Kraftwerksparks zu erwarten. Ein konkreter Anwendungsfall wird bezueglich technischer Machbarkeit und Kosten detaillierter untersucht. (orig.)

Power system control experiments using 1 MJ SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sugimoto, Shigeyuki

1993-01-01

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc., developed a 1 MJ Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system composed of a pulsive superconducting magnet (1000 A, 2 H) and experimental researches connecting this system to a simulated power system composed of four generators, fluctuating load and some transmission lines were carried out in the laboratory of Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc., since 1989. The purpose of this experimental researches are to investigate the effects of SMES adapting in power system control use. This paper describes the results and confirmed effects of four kinds of experiments as the following, cut-off peak demand, load leveling effect for fluctuating load, improvement of dynamic stability and frequency control effect in isolated power system. (orig.)

Assimilation Patterns in the Use of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in SMEs: Exploring their Effects on Product Innovation Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sylvestre Uwizeyemungu

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs are more and more adopting advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT aimed at fostering product innovation process, improving product quality, streamlining the production process, and gaining productivity. In this study, we analyze the relationship between AMT proficiency levels in manufacturing SMEs and product innovation performance. Using data from 616 manufacturing SMEs, and considering a wide range of various AMT (20 different types of AMT grouped into 5 categories, we derived three AMT assimilation patterns through a cluster analysis procedure combining hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering algorithms. The analysis of the relationship between AMT assimilation patterns and product innovation performance shows a rather unexpected picture: in spite of the existence of clearly distinct patterns of AMT assimilation, we find no significant relationship between any pattern and product innovation performance. Instead, we find the organizational and environmental context of SMEs to be more determinant for product innovation performance than any of the AMT assimilation patterns. From a practical point of view, this study indicates that manufacturing SMEs managers interested in fostering their innovation capabilities through AMT assimilation need to be aware of the contingency effects of their organizational size, age, and sector of activity.

Characterisation and Control of a Prototype HTS SMES Device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hawley, C J; Cuiuri, D; Cook, C D; Gower, S A; Beales, T P

2006-01-01

A 2.79 kJ prototype high transition temperature Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) device has been constructed. The coil for the prototype has been wound using High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) BSCCO-2223 tape. The refrigeration system is a gaseous helium cold head cryocooler used to maintain the SMES coil at a temperature of 30 K, improving the I c characteristic of the coil by a factor of 4.7 compared to that at 77 K. The SMES device is capable of supplying a 3-phase load during power interruptions, and has been constructed during a program to develop a larger 20 kJ system aimed at industrial applications

Design study on 50 kJ HTS SMES for simulated dynamic experiment of electric power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dai Taozhen; Fan Zeyang; Li Jingdong; Tang Yuejin; Cheng Shijie; Pan Yuan; Wang Jingrong

2004-01-01

We conducted a study in order to determine a suitable design for a 50 kJ class high temperature superconducting (HTS) SMES. Magnet size and volume are expected to be reduced by using the HTS since the HTS wire keeps better properties at high magnetic field than does LTS wire. In this paper, both the electromagnetic and mechanical design objects are considered when optimizing the magnet volume of a 50 kJ/10 kW grid model HTS-SMES system with finite element analysis method and simulated annealing algorithm. We carried out parameter surveys of the magnetic fields and circumference stress applied to the HTS-SMES magnets and studied a suitable magnet dimension with low inductance and high current. 2-3.5 T maximum magnetic field applied to the magnet and a low inductance and high current design for a 50 kJ HTS magnet are suitable for improving the dynamic response of system

Reducing SMEs informal economy through institutionalization.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alfonso Lopez Lira Arjona

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The informal sector has been growing throughout the last century in emerging economies. Particularly in Latin America, both a long-term instability in economic and political environments, and a continuous migration from rural to urban areas; have triggered the appearance of unregulated businesses and employments. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs operate informally in one or more business processes, in order to reduce costs and maximize profits. Leaving aside tax evasion and illegal labor, such SMEs often have low technology and an unskilled work force; which threatens its survival in highly competitive environments. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the impact of the Multi National Corporation (MNC and the Academia in the formalization of SMEs. This is aimed through a collaborative model for the institutionalization of operational and managerial knowledge within SMEs. Qualitative results indicate that improvements are triggered by a self-conscious awareness of the value derived from institutionalizing best business practices.

Numerical analyses of magnetic field and force in toroidal superconducting magnetic energy storage using unit coils (abstract)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanamaru, Y.; Nakayama, T.; Amemiya, Y.

1997-01-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is more useful than other systems of electric energy storage because of its larger amounts of stored energy and its higher efficiency. There are two types of SMES. One is the solenoid type and the other is the toroidal type. Some models of solenoid-type SMES are designed in the U.S. and in Japan. But the large scale SMES causes a high magnetic field in the living environment, and causes the erroneous operation of electronic equipment. The authors studied some suitable designs of magnetic shielding for the solenoidal-type SMES to reduce the magnetic field in the living environment. The toiroidal type SMES is studied in this article. The magnetic leakage flux of the toiroidal-type SMES is generally lower than that of the solenoid-type SMES. The toroidal-type SMES is constructed of unit coils, which are convenient for construction. The magnetic leakage flux occurs between unit coils. The electromagnetic force of the coils is very strong. Therefore analyses of the leakage flux and electromagnetic force are important to the design of SMES. The authors studied the number, radius, and length of unit coils. The storage energy is 5 G Wh. The numerical analyses of magnetic fields in the toroidal type SMES are obtained by analytical solutions. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics

Development of a 600 kJ HTS SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seong, K.C.; Kim, H.J.; Kim, S.H.; Sim, K.D.; Sohn, M.H.; Lee, E.Y.; Park, S.J.; Hahn, S.Y.; Park, M.W.

2008-01-01

This paper describes an overview of development on a 600 kJ high-temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage (HTS SMES). Our final goal will be the commercialization of MJ class HTS SMES system for the increase of power quality within 5 years. Hence, for this purpose, we have developed the research and development in 3 years. The purpose of this research is to develop a pilot system, which can protect the sensitivity loads from a momentary power interruption or a voltage sag

Moving from Evaluation to Trial: How do SMEs Start Adopting Cloud ERP?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Siti Aisyah Salim

2015-10-01

Full Text Available The advent of cloud technology involving low subscription overheads cost has provided small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs with the opportunity to adopt new cloud-based corporate-wide systems (i.e., cloud ERP. This technology, operating through subscription-based services, has now provided SMEs with a complete range of IT applications that were once restricted to larger organisations. As anecdotal evidences suggest, SMEs are increasingly adopting cloud-based ERP software. The selection of an ERP is a complex process involving multiple stages and stakeholders, suggesting the importance of closer examination of cloud ERP adoption in SMEs. Yet, prior studies have predominantly treated technology adoption as a single activity and largely ignored the issue of ERP adoption in SMEs. Understanding of the process nature of the adoption and the factors that are important in each stage of the adoption potentially may result in guiding SMEs to make well-informed decisions throughout the ERP selection process. Thus, our study proposes that the adoption of cloud ERP should be examined as a multi-stage process. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB and Ettlie’s adoption stages, as well as employing data gathered from 162 owners of SMEs, our findings show that the factors that influence the intention to adopt cloud ERP vary significantly across adoptive stages.

The influence of information and communication technologies on organizational innovation. A perspective of Mexican SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Héctor Cuevas-Vargas

2016-11-01

Full Text Available The adoption of new organizational methods is essential for any firm to improve its ability to seize and create new knowledge, which is necessary to develop alternative types of innovations. Hence, the appropriate use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs can substantially improve organizational innovation. In this sense, an empirical study of 288 manufacturing SMEs in the Guanajuato region, Mexico, was conducted to determine the influence of ICTs usage on organizational innovation in a developing country. The results obtained through the Structural Equation Modeling demonstrate that the use of ICTs substantially impacts on organizational innovation. Therefore, SMEs should use ICTs effectively and collaboratively with suppliers and customers to meet market trends and improve or innovate their products

A new control strategy of SMES for mitigating subsynchronous oscillations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farahani, Mohsen, E-mail: m.farahani@basu.ac.ir [Bu-Ali Sina University, Department of Electrical Engineering, Hamedan-Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2012-12-14

This paper proposes a new strategy to mitigate the subsynchronous oscillations in power systems compensated by series capacitors via control of active power of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit. The strategy is based on the generator acceleration signal. So, the SMES absorbs or generates the energy imbalance caused by different disturbances in the power system and suppresses the subsynchronous oscillations. The chaotic optimization algorithm (COA) is used to achieve the optimal parameter of the proposed controller. To validate the capability of the SMES in damping oscillations, some simulations with different disturbances are performed on the first model of IEEE second benchmark model. All the simulation results show that the subsynchronous resonance as well as low frequency oscillation (LFO) is satisfactorily mitigated by the SMES controlled by the proposed strategy.

A new control strategy of SMES for mitigating subsynchronous oscillations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farahani, Mohsen

2012-01-01

This paper proposes a new strategy to mitigate the subsynchronous oscillations in power systems compensated by series capacitors via control of active power of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit. The strategy is based on the generator acceleration signal. So, the SMES absorbs or generates the energy imbalance caused by different disturbances in the power system and suppresses the subsynchronous oscillations. The chaotic optimization algorithm (COA) is used to achieve the optimal parameter of the proposed controller. To validate the capability of the SMES in damping oscillations, some simulations with different disturbances are performed on the first model of IEEE second benchmark model. All the simulation results show that the subsynchronous resonance as well as low frequency oscillation (LFO) is satisfactorily mitigated by the SMES controlled by the proposed strategy.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE MODELS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES)

OpenAIRE

Oliviana Bold, Ph. D Student

2011-01-01

Bringing forward the concepts of change and change management is no longer surprising nowadays. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face unique and difficult challenges in the business environment. Challenges to the growth and viability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are arising from several external factors, like globalization, increased customer expectations or competition, technological advances, all of the factors being determined by the change. SMEs need to successfully deal with...

Quench simulation of SMES consisting of some superconducting coils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noguchi, S.; Oga, Y.; Igarashi, H.

2011-01-01

A chain of quenches may be caused by a quench of one element coil when SMES is consists of many element coils. To avoid the chain of quenches, the energy stored in element coil has to be quickly discharged. The cause of the chain of the quenches is the short time constant of the decreasing current of the quenched coil. In recent years, many HTS superconducting magnetic energy storage (HTS-SMES) systems are investigated and designed. They usually consist of some superconducting element coils due to storing excessively high energy. If one of them was quenched, the storage energy of the superconducting element coil quenched has to be immediately dispersed to protect the HTS-SMES system. As the result, the current of the other element coils, which do not reach to quench, increases since the magnetic coupling between the quenched element coil and the others are excessively strong. The increase of the current may cause the quench of the other element coils. If the energy dispersion of the element coil quenched was failed, the other superconducting element coil would be quenched in series. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the behavior of the HTS-SMES after quenching one or more element coils. To protect a chain of quenches, it is also important to investigate the time constant of the coils. We have developed a simulation code to investigate the behavior of the HTS-SMES. By the quench simulation, it is indicated that a chain of quenches is caused by a quench of one element coil.

Factors That Influence Adoption of Cloud Computing: An Empirical Study of Australian SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ishan Senarathna

2018-06-01

Full Text Available Cloud computing is a recent computing paradigm enabling organizations to have access to sophisticated computing services via the Internet on a fee-for-service basis. It provides Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs with opportunities to become as technologically advanced as their larger counterparts, without significant financial outlays. This paper examined the important factors that influence SMEs’ adoption of cloud computing technology. Drawing upon aspects of the Technology, Organization and Environment framework and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, we developed a research model of SMEs’ adoption of cloud computing and tested it through an online survey of 149 Australian SMEs. Data was analyzed using multiple regression methods, with results showing that SMEs were influenced by factors related to advantaging their organizational capability (i.e., relative advantage, quality of service and awareness rather than risk-related factors (i.e., security, privacy and flexibility. The findings offer insights to SMEs owners, Cloud service providers and government in establishing Cloud computing adoption strategies for SMEs.

Analysis of enhancement in available power transfer capacity by STATCOM integrated SMES by numerical simulation studies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saraswathi Ananthavel

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Power system researches are mainly focused in enhancing the available power capacities of the existing transmission lines. But still, no prominent solutions have been made due to several factors that affect the transmission lines which include the length, aging of the cables and losses on generation, transmission and distribution etc. This paper exploited the integration of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES which is then connected to existing power transmission line for enhancing the available power transfer capacity (ATC. STATCOM is power electronic voltage source converter (VSC which is connected to the transmission system for shunt reactive power and harmonics compensation. SMES is a renowned clean energy storage technology. Feasibility of the proposed power system can control the real as well as reactive power flow independently between the transmission lines and STATCOM-(SMES units. Complete proposed power system is implemented in numerical simulation software (Matlab/Simulink and its performance is validated based on obtained investigation results.

Research of a 600 kJ HTS-SMES system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seong, K.C.; Kim, H.J.; Kim, S.H.; Park, S.J.; Woo, M.H.; Hahn, S.Y.

2007-01-01

This paper describes an overview of researches on a 600 kJ high temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage (HTS-SMES) system in Korea. This project is scheduled to be conducted over three years from September 2004 to August 2007, supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) of Korea. This project is built based on collaboration among industries, universities, and laboratories. This paper describes current status of the 600 kJ HTS-SMES system in Korea

Rapid Internationalization of SMEs: Evidence from Born Global Firms in Chile

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christian A. Cancino

2014-10-01

Full Text Available The literature on born global firms in developed countries has revealed some factors that influence the rapid internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs, such as the technological level of the sector in which the firm participates, psychological and geographical distances from the target markets, and the existence of contact networks. To date, little research has been carried out on this topic for Latin American countries. This paper explores how certain determinants influence Chilean born global firms. A logistic regression model is used to analyze 112 SMEs with regular export activities. The results show that Chilean born global firms are influenced by national and international contact networks that their founders are able to generate. The psychological distance between Chilean SMEs and developed countries in Asia, North America and Europe also influences the internationalization of Chilean SMEs. The principal characteristic of Chilean born global firms is their lack of participation in highly technological sectors, with these SMEs instead being involved in sectors that actively exploit natural resources. The results of this study permit certain public policy recommendations to be made that might boost the development of export SMEs.

U.S. program to develop superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schoenung, S.M.; Hassenzahl, W.V.; Filios, P.G.

1988-01-01

The United States Government, along with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), has initiated a program to develop Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES). This program is designed to answer questions of technical and economic viability by the mid-1990s, thereby paving the way to commercialization. EPRI has supported this technology since 1981 and is interested in its potential use in diurnal electric load-leveling. The U.S. Government has an additional interest in the potential of SMES to power ground-based lasers for Strategic Defense purposes. This paper presents a brief description of SMES technology, a review of the programmatic aspects of the ongoing program, including EPRI and DoD objectives, critical issues, and program milestones. The potential impact of high temperature superconductors on SMES is also discussed

Innovation and Internationalization of Hungarian SMEs in the IT Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Csonka László

2014-10-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to look at the extent and type of internationalization among Hungarian information technology (IT small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs and the possible relationship between the degree of innovativeness and the internationalization of these companies. Information technologies play an important role in the Hungarian economy: this sector is one of the most R&D intensive industries in which many SMEs are active.

A STUDY OF ORGANISATIONAL DETERMINANTS AND INNOVATION PRACTICES IN DUBAI SMEs

OpenAIRE

YAHYA AL-ANSARI; JUN XU; SIMON PERVAN

2014-01-01

This study explores the relevance of established organisational determinants of innovation practice in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the emerging market of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Drawing upon data from 200 SMEs, the findings suggest that management orientation, technology orientation, alliance and cooperation and market orientation are important antecedents to SMEs' innovative practices, but question the importance of organisational culture. This study is the first to exa...

The SMES model coil. Fabrication

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hanai, Satoshi; Nakamoto, Kazunari; Takahashi, Nobuji

1998-01-01

A SMES model coil was fabricated as R and D item in the development of component technologies for a 480 MJ/20 MW SMES pilot plant. The coil consists of four double-pancake windings. The coil is the same diameter but half the number of pancakes that will be needed for a SMES pilot plant. The NbTi cable-in-conduit conductor and superconducting joints between the double pancakes are cooled by a forced flow of supercritical helium. Prior to fabrication, various characteristics of the cable-in-conduit were measured by full-sized short samples from actual conductors and by scaled short samples from scaled conductors. The critical current of the scaled short samples was in agreement with that calculated from one strand of the conductor. The impedance between arbitrary dual-oxide coated strands in the full-size conductor was measured to be smaller than that obtained from two Cr-plated strands, which showed a good degree of stability in another coil. It was estimated that oxide-coated conductors would have high stability. Through fabrication of a model coil, it was demonstrated that a large forced-flow coil for a small-scale 100 kWh SMES device could be manufactured. (author)

The SMES model coil. Fabrication

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hanai, Satoshi; Nakamoto, Kazunari; Takahashi, Nobuji [Toshiba Corp., Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)] [and others

1998-07-01

A SMES model coil was fabricated as R and D item in the development of component technologies for a 480 MJ/20 MW SMES pilot plant. The coil consists of four double-pancake windings. The coil is the same diameter but half the number of pancakes that will be needed for a SMES pilot plant. The NbTi cable-in-conduit conductor and superconducting joints between the double pancakes are cooled by a forced flow of supercritical helium. Prior to fabrication, various characteristics of the cable-in-conduit were measured by full-sized short samples from actual conductors and by scaled short samples from scaled conductors. The critical current of the scaled short samples was in agreement with that calculated from one strand of the conductor. The impedance between arbitrary dual-oxide coated strands in the full-size conductor was measured to be smaller than that obtained from two Cr-plated strands, which showed a good degree of stability in another coil. It was estimated that oxide-coated conductors would have high stability. Through fabrication of a model coil, it was demonstrated that a large forced-flow coil for a small-scale 100 kWh SMES device could be manufactured. (author)

A field experiment on power line stabilization by SMES system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Irie, F.; Takeo, M.; Sato, S.; Katahira, O.; Fukui, F.; Takamatsu, M.

1992-01-01

In this paper field experiments on stabilization of a hydro power plant by a SMES system are reported, where a generator having a rating of 60 kW at 3.3kV is connected to a 6.6kV power distribution line. The SMES system is composed of two 30kVA GTO convertors and a superconducting magnet system with an energy of 30kJ at 100A. Experiments of stabilization for the generator fluctuation caused by a sudden insertion of inductors in the line are successfully performed for some control modes. The value of the SMES system to compensate for a short period voltage dip is also confirmed

Numerical analysis of magnetic field in superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanamaru, Y.; Amemiya, Y.

1991-01-01

This paper reports that the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is more useful than the other systems of electric energy storage because of larger stored energy and higher efficiency. The other systems are the battery, the flywheel, the pumped-storage power station. Some models of solenoid type SMES are designed in U.S.A. and Japan. But a high magnetic field happens by the large scale SMES in the living environment, and makes the erroneous operations of the computer display, the pacemaker of the heart and the electronic equipments. We study some fit designs of magnetic shielding of the solenoidal type SMES for reduction of the magnetic field in living environment. When some superconducting shielding coils are over the main storage coil, magnetic field reduces remarkably than the case of non shielding coil. The calculated results of the magnetic field are obtained y the finite element method

Public funding - a solution for technological SMEs and entrepreneurs

Science.gov (United States)

Emilia, Calefariu; Traian Alexandru, Buda

2016-11-01

Technological SMEs are in a constant struggle for growth or sometimes maintaining the production capacity, increase market share, supporting tax burden, ensuring employees' salaries, profit growth. They constantly consider short-term survival of the company, with trying to maintain a long-term uptrend for the business. Entrepreneurs are again in a position to access public financing under quite favorable conditions. The paper aims to analyze the opportunity of accessing these external financing options, which have both advantages and a series of long-term constraints which should not be excluded before the final decision to access this funding. New research is required, thus sustainable development can be maintained for the business environment in order to increase efficiency, competitiveness, sustainable development strategies that generate job security, regional growth and rewarding the risk-taking of the entrepreneur.

Actual cash financing situation of SMEs in Romania and further recommendations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rocsana Tonis (Bucea-Manea

2014-03-01

Full Text Available The world is experiencing a revolution in the digital and mobile technologies, with more information available more quickly and for more media than ever before. In this context, SMEs can turn to cloud solution. Although the advantages of using the cloud are compelling for SMEs still involves financial costs. In Romania the rate of access to funds is very low. In this context, SMEs need additional assistance to obtain funding.

Robust SMES controller design for stabilization of inter-area oscillation considering coil size and system uncertainties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ngamroo, Issarachai

2010-01-01

It is well known that the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is able to quickly exchange active and reactive power with the power system. The SMES is expected to be the smart storage device for power system stabilization. Although the stabilizing effect of SMES is significant, the SMES is quite costly. Particularly, the superconducting magnetic coil size which is the essence of the SMES, must be carefully selected. On the other hand, various generation and load changes, unpredictable network structure, etc., cause system uncertainties. The power controller of SMES which is designed without considering such uncertainties, may not tolerate and loses stabilizing effect. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes the new design of robust SMES controller taking coil size and system uncertainties into account. The structure of the active and reactive power controllers is the 1st-order lead-lag compensator. No need for the exact mathematical representation, system uncertainties are modeled by the inverse input multiplicative perturbation. Without the difficulty of the trade-off of damping performance and robustness, the optimization problem of control parameters is formulated. The particle swarm optimization is used for solving the optimal parameters at each coil size automatically. Based on the normalized integral square error index and the consideration of coil current constraint, the robust SMES with the smallest coil size which still provides the satisfactory stabilizing effect, can be achieved. Simulation studies in the two-area four-machine interconnected power system show the superior robustness of the proposed robust SMES with the smallest coil size under various operating conditions over the non-robust SMES with large coil size.

Robust SMES controller design for stabilization of inter-area oscillation considering coil size and system uncertainties

Science.gov (United States)

Ngamroo, Issarachai

2010-12-01

It is well known that the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is able to quickly exchange active and reactive power with the power system. The SMES is expected to be the smart storage device for power system stabilization. Although the stabilizing effect of SMES is significant, the SMES is quite costly. Particularly, the superconducting magnetic coil size which is the essence of the SMES, must be carefully selected. On the other hand, various generation and load changes, unpredictable network structure, etc., cause system uncertainties. The power controller of SMES which is designed without considering such uncertainties, may not tolerate and loses stabilizing effect. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes the new design of robust SMES controller taking coil size and system uncertainties into account. The structure of the active and reactive power controllers is the 1st-order lead-lag compensator. No need for the exact mathematical representation, system uncertainties are modeled by the inverse input multiplicative perturbation. Without the difficulty of the trade-off of damping performance and robustness, the optimization problem of control parameters is formulated. The particle swarm optimization is used for solving the optimal parameters at each coil size automatically. Based on the normalized integral square error index and the consideration of coil current constraint, the robust SMES with the smallest coil size which still provides the satisfactory stabilizing effect, can be achieved. Simulation studies in the two-area four-machine interconnected power system show the superior robustness of the proposed robust SMES with the smallest coil size under various operating conditions over the non-robust SMES with large coil size.

Competitive Advantages Through it Innovation Adoption by Smes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Moghavvemi

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose—This paper seeks to explain the impact of IT innovation on competitive advantage; the barriers and the benefits companies gain from adopting and using these innovations and propose a model with which it is possible to measure determinants of IT innovation adoption among SMEs. Design/methodology/approach—This paper presents conceptual consideration on the role of SMEs in the Malaysian economy and the effect of government policy in encouraging companies to adopt IT innovation. The proposed research framework will be empirically validated using survey data. This study is an ongoing research, in the existing stage a theoretical argument is developed and methodology is in the process of being tested through regression analysis. Findings—Conclusions are drawn on the status of Malaysian SMEs to adopt IT innovation. We added attitude and self-efficacy to the Innovation Diffusion Theory to suit it to the individual situation. Therefore a novel approach is needed in order to study and understand it. Research limitations/implications—The paper represents work in progress. Practical implications – This paper present the theoretical framework for further study of IT innovation adoption among Malaysia SMEs. Originality/Value—The Information Technology concept is considered a powerful competitive weapon in the modern economy. This study used Innovation Diffusion Theory as the base theory, and added attitude and self efficacy as determinants to measure the individual’s perception toward innovation adoption. Individual self-efficacy and attitude toward innovation adoption shape beliefs and perceptions toward innovation, leading them to adopt or reject an innovation. Adding these factors to Innovation Diffusion Theory will narrow the breadth of the theory and possibilities to frame a single study which allows examination of the individual and technological dimension toward technology adoption. Keywords: IT innovation adoption, competitive

Competitive Advantages Through it Innovation Adoption by Smes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Moghavvemi

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Purpose—This paper seeks to explain the impact of IT innovation on competitive advantage; the barriers and the benefits companies gain from adopting and using these innovations and propose a model with which it is possible to measure determinants of IT innovation adoption among SMEs.Design/methodology/approach—This paper presents conceptual consideration on the role of SMEs in the Malaysian economy and the effect of government policy in encouraging companies to adopt IT innovation. The proposed research framework will be empirically validated using survey data. This study is an ongoing research, in the existing stage a theoretical argument is developed and methodology is in the process of being tested through regression analysis.Findings—Conclusions are drawn on the status of Malaysian SMEs to adopt IT innovation. We added attitude and self-efficacy to the Innovation Diffusion Theory to suit it to the individual situation. Therefore a novel approach is needed in order to study and understand it.Research limitations/implications—The paper represents work in progress.Practical implications – This paper present the theoretical framework for further study of IT innovation adoption among Malaysia SMEs.Originality/Value—The Information Technology concept is considered a powerful competitive weapon in the modern economy. This study used Innovation Diffusion Theory as the base theory, and added attitude and self efficacy as determinants to measure the individual’s perception toward innovation adoption. Individual self-efficacy and attitude toward innovation adoption shape beliefs and perceptions toward innovation, leading them to adopt or reject an innovation. Adding these factors to Innovation Diffusion Theory will narrow the breadth of the theory and possibilities to frame a single study which allows examination of the individual and technological dimension toward technology adoption.Keywords: IT innovation adoption, competitive

Importance of matrix inelastic deformations in the initial response of magnetic elastomers.

Science.gov (United States)

Sánchez, Pedro A; Gundermann, Thomas; Dobroserdova, Alla; Kantorovich, Sofia S; Odenbach, Stefan

2018-03-14

Being able to predict and understand the behaviour of soft magnetic materials paves the way to their technological applications. In this study we analyse the magnetic response of soft magnetic elastomers (SMEs) with magnetically hard particles. We present experimental evidence of a difference between the first and next magnetisation loops exhibited by these SMEs, which depends non-monotonically on the interplay between the rigidity of the polymer matrix, its mechanical coupling with the particles, and the magnetic interactions in the system. In order to explain the microstructural mechanism behind this behaviour, we used a minimal computer simulation model whose results evidence the importance of irreversible matrix deformations due to both translations and rotations of the particles. To confirm the simulation findings, computed tomography (CT) was used. We conclude that the initial exposure to the field triggers the inelastic matrix relaxation in the SMEs, as particles attempt to reorient. However, once the necessary degree of freedom is achieved, both the rotations and the magnetisation behaviour become stationary. We expect this scenario not only to be limited to the materials studied here, but also to apply to a broader class of hybrid SMEs.

The Influence of Innovativeness on the Growth of SMEs In Kenya

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

JOHN KARANJA NGUGI

2013-07-01

The findings indicated that innovativeness influences the growth of SMEs in Kenya. The tendency of owner/manager to engage in and support new ideas, novelty, experimentation and creative processes results in new products, services or technological processes which has a great influence on the performance of SMEs.

Analysis of Enhancement in Available Power Transfer Capacity by STATCOM Integrated SMES by Numerical Simulation Studies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Saraswathi, Ananthavel; Sanjeevikumar, Padmanaban; Shanmugham, Sutha

2016-01-01

Power system researches are mainly focused in enhancing the available power capacities of the existing transmission lines. But still, no prominent solutions have been made due to several factors that affect the transmission lines which include the length, aging of the cables and losses...... on generation, transmission and distribution etc. This paper exploited the integration of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) which is then connected to existing power transmission line for enhancing the available power transfer capacity (ATC). STATCOMis...... power electronic voltage source converter (VSC) which is connected to the transmission system for shunt reactive power and harmonics compensation. SMES is a renowned clean energy storage technology. Feasibility of the proposed power system can control the real as well as reactive power flow...

The impact of SFCL and SMES integration on the distance relay

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Jun, E-mail: JYang@whu.edu.cn [School of Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China); Zhang, Liling; Wang, Xinpu; Chen, Lei [School of Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China); Chen, Yanxia [Beijing Electric Power Research Institute, Beijing 100075 (China)

2016-11-15

Highlights: • The impact of SFCL and SMES integration on the circle distance relay is studied. • The detailed models of SFCL and SMES with distance delay are built in MATLAB. • The integration of SFCL and SMES does influence the operation of distance relay. • An improved distance relay to prevent mal-operation is proposed and verified. - Abstract: The superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is an ideal short-circuit fault current limiting device that can limit the fault current without any delay and control the voltage drop of the non-fault line. The superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device can exchange the active and reactive power independently, so it is applied broadly to improve power system stability. With SFCL, the low voltage ride-through capability of SMES can be enhanced as well as its MW and MJ capacities. The distance relay is a key electrical apparatus that will trip circuit breakers to protect electrical devices from short circuit faults. Due to the application of SFCL and SMES integration, the voltage and current in power grid will change accordingly, and the operation characteristic of distance relay may be affected. In this paper, the impact of a bridge-type SFCL and SMES integration on the circle distance relay is studied. And simulation results show that the integration of SFCL and SMES does influence the measured impedance of distance relay, which can lead to mal-operation of the circle distance relay. Furthermore, an improved distance relay is proposed and verified.

The impact of SFCL and SMES integration on the distance relay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Jun; Zhang, Liling; Wang, Xinpu; Chen, Lei; Chen, Yanxia

2016-01-01

Highlights: • The impact of SFCL and SMES integration on the circle distance relay is studied. • The detailed models of SFCL and SMES with distance delay are built in MATLAB. • The integration of SFCL and SMES does influence the operation of distance relay. • An improved distance relay to prevent mal-operation is proposed and verified. - Abstract: The superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is an ideal short-circuit fault current limiting device that can limit the fault current without any delay and control the voltage drop of the non-fault line. The superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device can exchange the active and reactive power independently, so it is applied broadly to improve power system stability. With SFCL, the low voltage ride-through capability of SMES can be enhanced as well as its MW and MJ capacities. The distance relay is a key electrical apparatus that will trip circuit breakers to protect electrical devices from short circuit faults. Due to the application of SFCL and SMES integration, the voltage and current in power grid will change accordingly, and the operation characteristic of distance relay may be affected. In this paper, the impact of a bridge-type SFCL and SMES integration on the circle distance relay is studied. And simulation results show that the integration of SFCL and SMES does influence the measured impedance of distance relay, which can lead to mal-operation of the circle distance relay. Furthermore, an improved distance relay is proposed and verified.

Minimal performances of high Tc wires for cost effective SMES compared with low Tc's

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Levillain, C.; Therond, P.G.

1996-01-01

On the basis of a 22MJ/10MVA unit without stray field, the authors determine minimal performances for High T c Superconducting (HTS) wires, in order to obtain HTS Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) competitive compared with Low T c Superconducting (LTS) ones. The cost equation mainly considers the wire volume, the fabrication process and losses. They then recommend HTS critical current densities and operating magnetic fields close to the present state of the art for short samples. A 30% gain for HTS SMES compared with LTS one could be expected

Creating resilient SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dahlberg, Rasmus; Guay, Fanny

2015-01-01

According to the EU, during the past five years, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have created 85% of new jobs and two-thirds of private sector employment in the region. SMEs are considered the backbone of the economy in Europe and represent more than 95% of enterprises in USA and Australia....... They are considered more vulnerable to disasters because of their size. This paper argues, on the contrary, that SMEs also can be less vulnerable to sudden change than large corporations, drawing upon the ideas of Hayek and Taleb, and that networks of SMEs may contribute to the overall resilience of society...... if certain criteria are met. With this in mind, this paper will be examining how to create resilient SMEs. A well-known concept in the field is business continuity management. BCM is defined as “a holistic management process that identifies potential threats to an organization and the impacts to business...

Islamic finance for SMES

OpenAIRE

ELASRAG, Hussein

2016-01-01

Abstract. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) make up the bulk of the economic tissue of the economy. In developing countries, they represent the majority of employment, including female employment. Investing in SMEs is a long-term and smart strategy, with sustainable returns that multiply across regions, countries and societies. SMEs constitute the overwhelming majority of firms. Globally, SMEs make up over 95% of all firms, account for approximately 50% of GDP and 60%–70% of total employmen...

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mehmet APAN

2014-07-01

Full Text Available SMEs, 99.90% of the firms operating in Turkey. On the other hand the share of employment, investment as a percentage of the total value of the share and the share of exports and SME s, has become an important player for the national economy. In contrast, the share of SMEs in total loans is lower compared to developed countries. Of foreigners to enter the Turkish banking sector to SMEs facing increasing competition and product diversit y with an increase in loans to the SMEs has been increasing interest. ISO detection research commissioned in 2013 by the economic situation; business of 47.9% has been found that there is a shortage of funding. In this context, SMEs by the end of 2013, the loans from banks by 25.9% of the amount realized. These two results, especially in SMEs financing in enterprises is an important issue reveals.

Design and modelling of a SMES coil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yuan Weijia; Campbell, A M; Coombs, T A, E-mail: wy215@cam.ac.u [EPEC Superconductivity group, Engineering Department, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FA (United Kingdom)

2010-06-01

The design of a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) coil wound by coated conductors has been presented. Based on an existing model for coated conductor pancake coils, this paper analysed the magnetic field and current density distribution of the coil at two different operation temperatures, 77K and 22K. A comparison table of the critical currents and AC losses at these two temperatures has been presented. Several steps to improve the transport current of the coil have been suggested as well.

Barriers to Application of E-Learning in Training Activities of SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Anderson, Randy J.; Wielicki, Tomasz; Anderson, Lydia E.

2010-01-01

This paper reports on the on-going study of Small and Mid-Size Enterprises (SMEs) in the Central California concerning their use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This research project analyzed data from a sample of 161 SMEs. Specifically, this part of the study is investigating the major barriers to applications of e-learning…

Financing energy SMEs in Ghana and Senegal: Outcomes, barriers and prospects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haselip, James; Desgain, Denis; Mackenzie, Gordon

2014-01-01

The article presents the findings of primary research carried out in Ghana and Senegal, which revisited the main assumptions behind the African Rural Energy Enterprise Development (AREED) initiative (2002–2012), and other donor-backed programmes, designed to promote small and medium-sized energy enterprises (energy SMEs). These assumptions were (1) that the lack of affordable local financing presented the most significant barrier to setting up and expanding energy SMEs, and (2) that these barriers would be overcome by a ‘demonstration effect’ whereby successful businesses, supported by donor-backed programmes, could in turn influence the commercial financial sector to invest in energy SMEs, thus triggering a virtuous circle of growth and profitability. - Highlights: • Analysis of the AREED ‘demonstration effect’ in Senegal and Ghana. • Commercial financial backing for SMEs remains a serious challenge for entrepreneurs. • Structural issues that increase the financial risk of investing in energy SMEs. • High transaction costs of investing in SMEs. • Longer supply chains and slower pay-back periods for capital-intensive technologies

Analysis of losses within SMES system for compensating output fluctuation of wind power farm

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, S. I.; Kim, J. H.; Le, T. D.; Lee, D. H.; Kim, H. M. [Jeju National University, Jeju (Korea, Republic of); Yoon, Y. S. [Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Shin Ansan University, Ansan (Korea, Republic of); Yoon, K. Y. [Dept. of lectrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2014-12-15

Output fluctuation which is generated in wind power farm can hinder stability of total power system. The electric energy storage (EES) reduces unstable output, and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) of various EESs has the proper performance for output compensation of wind power farm since it charges and discharges large scale power quickly with high efficiency. However, because of the change of current within SMES, the electromagnetic losses occur in the process of output compensation. In this paper, the thermal effect of the losses that occur in SMES system while compensating in wind power farm is analyzed. The output analysis of wind power farm is processed by numerical analysis, and the losses of SMES system is analyzed by 3D finite element analysis (FEA) simulation tool.

Analysis of losses within SMES system for compensating output fluctuation of wind power farm

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. I.; Kim, J. H.; Le, T. D.; Lee, D. H.; Kim, H. M.; Yoon, Y. S.; Yoon, K. Y.

2014-01-01

Output fluctuation which is generated in wind power farm can hinder stability of total power system. The electric energy storage (EES) reduces unstable output, and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) of various EESs has the proper performance for output compensation of wind power farm since it charges and discharges large scale power quickly with high efficiency. However, because of the change of current within SMES, the electromagnetic losses occur in the process of output compensation. In this paper, the thermal effect of the losses that occur in SMES system while compensating in wind power farm is analyzed. The output analysis of wind power farm is processed by numerical analysis, and the losses of SMES system is analyzed by 3D finite element analysis (FEA) simulation tool.

External Pressures for Adoption of ICT Services Among SMEs

OpenAIRE

A. ORDANINI; ARBORE A

2008-01-01

This study intends to emphasize the importance that external sources of pressure may have on the level of ICT involvement among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Italy. While past research tends to prioritize the role of endogenous conditions for the adoption of information and communication technologies, the high dependence of SMEs on their environment requires paying especial attention to external pressures as well. Both competitive and institutional pressures are proposed and...

Design and optimization of superconducting magnet system for energy storage application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhunia, Uttam

2015-01-01

In view of developing superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES) technology that will mitigate voltage sag/dip in the utility line, VEC centre has taken up a leading role in the country. In the first phase a solenoid-type 0.6 MJ SMES system using cryo-stable NbTi superconductor has been designed, developed and tested successfully with resistive load to mitigate power line voltage dips. The cryogenic test results of 0.6 MJ SMES coil will be highlighted. Further, effort is underway to develop a 4.5 MJ/1 MW SMES system with toroidal coil configuration. The lecture will also cover the superconducting coil development for SMES application with special emphasis on design aspects and the optimization issue of the toroidal system using NbTi based Rutherford-type cable. (author)

Energy conservation and environmental benefits that may be realized from Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baumann, P.D.

1992-01-01

This paper discusses the Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) technology which has the capability to significantly improve electrical system operations within electric utility systems. This has been demonstrated by Bonneville Power Administration in a 30-MJ SMES demonstration unit. Savings in utility operations from improved system efficiency, increased reliability, and reduced maintenance requirements contribute to the economic justification of SMES. Beyond these benefits, there are additional benefits which in the long run may significantly outweigh the electrical operational benefits. These benefits are the energy conservation and environmental benefits. Since SMES can uncouple generation from load, it can shift generation around, thereby changing the operational characteristics of the system. The technology has the capability of reducing fuel consumption which can in turn reduce emissions. In a regional setting it can potentially shift emissions both in volumes and in physical areas to avoid problem situations. With its capability to strategically shift generation and significantly affect emissions and air quality it can stretch clean energy generation options. With these attributes, SMES can be recognized as an energy and environmental management technology and tool

Power charging and discharging characteristics of smes connected to artificial transmission line

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nitta, T.; Okada, T.; Shirai, Y.

1985-01-01

To consider the characteristics of SMES and to investigate problems on the operations of SMES in power systems, we carried out some experiments on an experimental network. In the network, a small superconducting magnet is connected to a small synchronous generator through a double thyristorized converter and transformers. The generator is connected to the regional power system through artifitial transmission lines, AC power into or out of SMES and reactive power are controlled. Furthermore, a computer simulation program is made for the experimental system. The results of the simulation are compared with those of the experiments. For the experiments and the simulation, the harmonics current-flow, power-flow, characteristics of the generator and so on, are discussed

Stabilization of microgrid with intermittent renewable energy sources by SMES with optimal coil size

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saejia, M.; Ngamroo, I.

2011-01-01

A controller design of a superconducting magnetic energy storage unit is proposed. The structure of a power controller is the practical proportional-integral (PI). The PI parameters and coil size are tuned by a particle swarm optimization. The proposed method is able to effectively alleviate power fluctuations. It is well known that the superconducting coil is the vital part of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit. This paper deals with the power controller design of a SMES unit with an optimal coil size for stabilization of an isolated microgrid. The study microgrid consists of renewable energy sources with intermittent power outputs i.e., wind and photovoltaic. Since power generations from such renewable sources are unpredictable and variable, these result in power fluctuations in a microgrid. To stabilize power fluctuations, a SMES unit with a fast control of active and reactive power can be applied. The structure of a power controller is the practical proportional-integral (PI). Based on the minimization of the variance of power fluctuations from renewable sources as well as the initial stored energy of SMES, the optimal PI parameters and coil size are automatically and simultaneously tuned by a particle swarm optimization. Simulation studies show that the proposed SMES controller with an optimal coil size is able to effectively alleviate power fluctuations under various power patterns from intermittent renewable sources.

Stabilization of microgrid with intermittent renewable energy sources by SMES with optimal coil size

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Saejia, M., E-mail: samongkol@gmail.com [School of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut' s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520 (Thailand); Ngamroo, I. [School of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut' s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520 (Thailand)

2011-11-15

A controller design of a superconducting magnetic energy storage unit is proposed. The structure of a power controller is the practical proportional-integral (PI). The PI parameters and coil size are tuned by a particle swarm optimization. The proposed method is able to effectively alleviate power fluctuations. It is well known that the superconducting coil is the vital part of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit. This paper deals with the power controller design of a SMES unit with an optimal coil size for stabilization of an isolated microgrid. The study microgrid consists of renewable energy sources with intermittent power outputs i.e., wind and photovoltaic. Since power generations from such renewable sources are unpredictable and variable, these result in power fluctuations in a microgrid. To stabilize power fluctuations, a SMES unit with a fast control of active and reactive power can be applied. The structure of a power controller is the practical proportional-integral (PI). Based on the minimization of the variance of power fluctuations from renewable sources as well as the initial stored energy of SMES, the optimal PI parameters and coil size are automatically and simultaneously tuned by a particle swarm optimization. Simulation studies show that the proposed SMES controller with an optimal coil size is able to effectively alleviate power fluctuations under various power patterns from intermittent renewable sources.

Technical Efficiency of Thai Manufacturing SMEs: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Teerawat Charoenrat

2013-03-01

Full Text Available AbstractA major motivation of this study is to examine the factors that are the most important in contributing to the relatively poor efficiency performance of Thai manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs. The results obtained will be significant in devising effective policies aimed at tackling this poor performance.This paper uses data on manufacturing SMEs in the North-eastern region of Thailand in 2007 as a case study, by applying a stochastic frontier analysis (SFA and a technical inefficiency effects model. The empirical results obtained indicate that the mean technical efficiency of all categories of manufacturing SMEs in theNorth-eastern region is 43%, implying that manufacturing SMEs have high levels of technical inefficiency in their production processes.Manufacturing SMEs in the North-eastern region are particularly labour-intensive. The empirical results of the technical inefficiency effects model suggest that skilled labour, the municipal area and ownership characteristics are important firm-specific factors affecting technical efficiency. The paper argues that the government should play a more substantial role in developing manufacturing SMEs in the North-eastern provinces through: providing training programs for employees and employers; encouraging a greater usage of capital and technology in the production process of SMEs; enhancing the efficiency of state-ownedenterprises; encouraging a wide range of ownership forms; and improving information and communications infrastructure.

Innovation Leadership in Danish SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Abdullah, Maizura Ailin; Lindgren, Peter

2008-01-01

to reflect upon today's developments in innovation.  For this, we propose SMEs to "lead" innovation, i.e. innovation leadership, in order to succeed in today's volatile business environment.  Innovation leadership is a strategic way of thinking and practice innovation that is applicable to all organizations......, but especially in SMEs. This is because SMEs are flexible, lightly-structured and thus can adapt to the requirements of the innovation leadership model. Unfortunately SMEs also lack multiple resources that are needed in order to lead innovation. This paper discusses the potential of innovation leadership in SMEs...

Test results of the SMES model coil. Cool-down and thermal characteristics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamada, Kazuya; Kato, Takashi; Kawano, Katsumi

1998-01-01

A model coil of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device, which is a forced-cooled Nb-Ti coil, has been fabricated and a performance test at cryogenic temperatures has been carried out. The SMES model coil is composed of 4 dual pancakes and its total weight is 4.5 t. The applied conductors are cable-in-conduit conductors cooled by supercritical helium (SHe) at 4.5 K and 0.7 MPa. SHe is supplied to the SMES model coil and the structure by a reciprocating bellows pump. The test facility is located at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) common test facility, was constructed for the testing of an ITER central solenoid model coil. In the experiments, cool-down was finished within 10 days under controlled temperature differences in the SMES model coil. During cool-down and 4.5 K operation, pressure drop characteristics of the conductor were measured and the friction factor estimated. The pressure drop characteristics of the SMES model coil were in good agreement with those of the previous cable-in-conduit conductor. During static operation without current, the heat load and refrigerator operation conditions were measured. The heat load of the SMES model coil is 7.5 W, which is within the expected value. (author)

Impact of marketing, information system, modularity, and low-cost solution on the implementation of CIM in SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Marri, Hussain B.; McGaughey, Ronald; Gunasekaran, Angappa

2000-10-01

Globalization can have a dramatic impact on manufacturing sector due to the fact that the majority of establishments in this industry are small to medium manufacturing companies. The role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the national economy has been emphasized all over the world, considering their contribution to the total manufacturing output and employment opportunities. The lack of marketing forces to regulate the operation of SMEs has been a fundamental cause of low efficiency for a long time. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is emerging as one of the most promising opportunities for shrinking the time delays in information transfer and reducing manufacturing costs. CIM is the architecture for integrating the engineering, marketing and manufacturing functions through information system technologies. SMEs in general have not made full use of new technologies although their investments in CIM technology tended to be wider in scale and scope. Most of the SMEs only focus on the short-term benefit, but overlook a long- term and fundamental development on applications of new technologies. With the help of suitable information systems, modularity and low cost solutions, SMEs can compete in the global market. Considering the importance of marketing, information system, modularity and low cost solutions in the implementation of CIM in SMEs, a model has been developed and studied with the help of an empirical study conducted with British SMEs to facilitate the adoption of CIM. Finally, a summary of findings and recommendations are presented.

Multi-Layer Integration Methodology for development of ICT competences in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nunez, Heilyn Camacho

2013-01-01

(ICT) is a challenge for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As it is clear the important role of the SMEs for the countries development, this paper proposes a methodology that aims to interconnect external forces that can facilitate the removal or mitigation of some of the constraints......To modern enterprises, information technology has a multi-value, such as improving products, customer satisfaction and quality; it also facilitates administrative processes, reduces cost and improves competitiveness, among other things. Taking advantage of information and communication technologies...

Factors Impacting on Development of IT and E-Commerce in SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

sirous Alidousti

2010-04-01

Full Text Available Shifts in both the sense and direction of IT development coupled with shifts in global economy have caused small to medium enterprises (SMEs to enjoy an increasing prominence in national economic development. In order to succeed within a competitive milieu, these companies must boost the quality of their products and management processes while reducing costs. Therefore it becomes imperative to deploy IT. Studies show that while SMEs could profit from IT and E-Commerce, but to reap its benefits and succeed in deploying this technology they need to secure special conditions. In other words, the success rate in SMEs is contingent-based. Such realities have led to numerous studies and research to identify the factors impacting on IT deployment in SMEs. The present paper initially explains the role of SMEs in economic development and would follow it up with the application of IT in these enterprises. The cogent impact factors are categorized and presented within the framework of Pettigrew and Whipp change model.

CSR in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lund-Thomsen, Peter; Jamali, Dima; Vives, Antonio

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 90% of the world’s enterprises and 50-60% of employment. Their contribution to national and regional economic development and GDP growth is well-recognized (Morsing & Perrini 2009, Srinivasan & Bolar, Under Review). In fact, SMEs...... are thought to have enhanced local productive capacities, fostered innovation and entrepreneurship, and attracted foreign direct investment in both developed and developing countries (Raynard and Forstater 2002). However, whereas SMEs account for more than 60% of employment in developing countries...... (Fox, 2005). In fact, when it comes to their role in promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries, the verdict is still out there in terms of the extent to which SMEs engage in CSR, and whether their CSR involvement makes any difference to the profitability of firms, workers...

SMES, design and applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Juengst, K.P.

1993-01-01

Present days' electric power supply of many countries are mature densely meshed systems delivering electric energy at nearly any place, at any time, of any amount, and at a high level of quality. As there is little energy stored intrinsically in the electric system, load variations have to be followed by control of the generation system. At present e.g. fast changes are handled through a permanent reserve of 2.5 % in the power plants. This reserve must be activated within 5 s. The system, however, may have to face more difficulties in future due to trends on either side of suppliers and consumers of electric power. The power production becomes more complex, in some countries the distances between production and consumption may grow, there will be more competition among suppliers, the acceptance of new power stations and transmission lines is uncertain, industry expands at places with insufficient infrastructure, and more industrial customers need high power quality. A way out can be offered by application of SMES, e.g. a reasonable way to keep power quality is to add more storage of energy in a rapidly and easily available and effective form. The SMES system (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage), therefore, has found renewed interest. The special features of SMES are highly attractive such as direct storage of electric energy, high power extraction out of little stored energy, capability of frequent and even deep discharges, response to demand within milliseconds, simultaneous supply of active and reactive power, long lifetime, and no environmental problems. (orig.)

Using Social Media components in business world – SMEs perspective

OpenAIRE

Robu, Maximilian

2013-01-01

SMEs have a major contribution to economic growth and job creation. In a dynamic world, marked by very rapid technological and economic changes, they must adapt and seek new ways to improve business. Social Media seems to provide tools to improve the work, especially on the sales and marketing. This paper is to capture how social media components are used in SMEs, also highlighting some of the advantages of them.

Application of medium sized SMES electric power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Handschin, E.; Damschen, C.; Stephanblome, T.

1993-01-01

In order to evaluate the technological and economical impact of medium sized SMES with a capacity in the range of a few 100 kWh on power system operation a lot of system engineering studies are still necessary. Although the two examples mentioned in the present paper do not claim to be complete they are still illustrating the general structure of investigations concerning the location, dimensioning and control scheme of SMES. Also there is a relationship between these investigations which has to be taken into consideration with respect to economical reasons. (orig.)

Potential energy efficiency and conservation, economic, and environmental benefits from the implementation of superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baumann, P.D.

1992-01-01

This paper reports on Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) which is a recent technology that has the capability to significantly improve electrical system operations within electric utility systems. The technology has already been demonstrated by Bonneville Power Administration in a 30-MJ SMES test demonstration unit. Savings in utility operations from improved system efficiency, increased reliability, and reduced maintenance requirements contribute to the economic justification of SMES. Beyond these benefits, there are additional benefits which in the long run may equal or outweigh the electrical operational benefits. These benefits are the energy conservation and environmental benefits. The technology has the capability of reducing fuel consumption which can in turn reduce emissions. In a regional setting it can shift emissions both in volumes and in physical. With its capability to strategically shift generation and significantly affect emissions and air quality it can stretch clean energy generation options, thus SMES can be seen as an energy and environmental management technology and tool

Purchasing practices in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skjøtt-Larsen, Tage; Bagchi, Prabir K.

2007-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge and understanding of purchasing practices of SMEs in Denmark. The paper is based on the results from a survey among 94 Danish SMEs, mainly within machinery, electronics and electrical, transportation equipment, and medical equipment industries....... The results are compared with a similar study encompassing 224 SMEs in Indiana, USA. First, the level of purchasing complexity is discussed. There are similarities between the two surveys in terms of purchasing's influence on product quality and productivity, and percentage of total costs. However, the degree...... on the results from the two surveys, we discuss the managerial and research implications for purchasing practices in SMEs....

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTOR INFLUENCE ICT ADOPTION: A CASE of INDONESIAN SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucy Chairoel

2018-03-01

Full Text Available The using of Information Communication Technology (ICT in the industry is growing fast. Ne­ver­theless, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs in Indonesia do not follow these conditions. The in­fluen­cing factor of ICT adoption has been identified as internal and external factors. Accordingly, the objective of the study is to identify the influence factor of using ICT adoption in Indonesian SMEs. The conceptual model in this study was the combination between Diffusion of Innovation (DOI theory and The Technology-Or­ganization-Environment (TEO theory. The survey method for 146 SMEs selected conve­nient­ly in Indonesia. The distribution of data by online and data obtained is analysed using SEM/Smart-PLS program. The study has exogenous variable including technology, organization, mana­ge­rial charac­te­ris­tic, and envi­ron­ment. The endogen variable is ICT adoption. The research found that ICT used was pre­dic­ted by charac­teristic of management, organizational and technology.

Analysis of eddy current losses during discharging period in a 600 kJ SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, M.J.; Kwak, S.Y.; Lee, S.Y.; Kim, W.S.; Lee, J.K.; Park, C.; Choi, K.; Bae, J.H.; Kim, S.H.; Sim, K.D.; Seong, K.C.; Jung, H.K.; Hahn, S.

2008-01-01

The operation of the SMES system can be divided into three modes such as charging, operating and discharging. During the charging and the discharging modes, a magnetic field variation due to the current increase and decrease generate eddy current losses in the SMES system. The eddy current loss in discharging mode is the major factor to be considered because the operating time in the mode is fixed, whereas the charging mode has the arbitrary operating time which is not fixed. In this paper, we present the analysis results of the eddy current losses which are generated in the 600 kJ class HTS SMES system during the discharging mode

ACCELERATING THE ADOPTION PROCESS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AMONG SMES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mirjam Leloux

2015-07-01

Full Text Available By 2020, intermittent renewable small scale energy sources (e.g. wind and solar energy are expected to represent about 17% of the EU’s total electricity consumption. All national overriding energy policy objectives are to ensure competitive, secure and sustainable energy for the economy and for society. Renewable energy, allied with energy efficiency, is often found crucial to meet these goals of secure sustainable and competitive energy supplies reducing dependency on expensive fossil imports and underpinning the move towards a low carbon economy while delivering green jobs to the economy. This all contributes to national competitiveness and the jobs and economic growth agenda. However, a straight forward implementation of renewable energy options is not easy, due to various barriers and obstacles. For most SMEs, the concept of generating their own renewable energy is still more of academic than genuine interest. In general, several barriers are experienced, such as high capital investments, slow return on investment, and the lack of knowledge of the benefits. There is a need for education on the benefits and drawbacks of sustainable energy, as well as a greater contribution to costs for this to work. In this paper we describe the intermediate outcomes of a European Partnership under the name of GREAT (Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies, funded under the INTERREG IVB NWE Programme. GREAT aims to encourage communities and small to medium size enterprises (SMEs in Ireland, the United Kingdon, Belgium and The Netherlands to develop technological solutions for Smart Grid, Renewable Energy and Distributive Generation; research and develop policy issues for regulatory authorities and provide structured co-operation opportunities between SMEs and research institutes / technology developers. We developed GREAT spreadsheets to facilitate SMEs in each country to calculate the return-on-investment of renewable energy sources, such as

An affective e-commerce design for SMEs product marketing based on kansei engineering

Science.gov (United States)

Habyba, A. N.; Djatna, T.; Anggraeni, E.

2018-04-01

One of the SMEs problems in Indonesia in this information technology era is the inability to control the market. SMEs can use the e-commerce website to improve their competitiveness. It can be used as a marketing tool for SMEs to promote their products and expands the SMEs markets especially for the agroindustry SMEs where located in district area that still rely on local markets to sell their product. Some SMEs e-commerce websites have been developed in Indonesia but can not significantly increased the sales of SMEs product. Furthemore, the design of it is only able to meet the consumer need in function and usability. The development of e-commerce design should pay attention in high affective quality. This is because the affective responses effect the user’s perception of cognitive quality, usability and ease of use of e-commerce. This study is aimed to make e-commerce that can meet the affective needs of users. The result of Kansei words selection and extraction using TF-IDF are four design concepts of e-commerce website. The formulation of new SMEs e-commerce website design is resulted from the integration of four design concepts and four design elements. The “Natural-Formal” concept has the greatest value than other concepts after QTT-1 analysis. This concept can implemented as the new SMEs e-commerce website design.

A Mini-Prototype YBCO SMES Using Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Shoup, Shara

2000-01-01

...))-type coated superconducting tape to allow high current flow across a joined section of tape thus allowing products such as closed-loop style coils to be used in Superconducting Magnet Energy Storage (SMES) devices to be made...

SMEs' E-commerce Adoption

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Scupola, Ada

2009-01-01

Purpose - Proposes providing an insight about factors affecting business-to-business e-commerce adoption and implementation in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting similarities and differences between Danish and Australian SMEs.    Design/methodology/approach - The research...... conducted in Danish and Australian companies. Findings - The findings both corroborate previous results about significant factors affecting SMEs' b-to-b e-commerce adoption and implementation and provide new, interesting insights. The study also finds many similarities and differences between Denmark...... and Australia.  Research limitations/implications - The main limitation relates to the difficulty of generalization of the findings to a larger population of SMEs.  To overcome this, a statistical survey is planned to be conducted in the future. Practical implications - The results of the empirical research...

Detecting Internal Control Problems Based on COSO and Islamic Perspective: Case on SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuniarti Hidayah Suyoso Putra

2014-03-01

Full Text Available Objective – The presence of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs has been able to be livelihoods sources and absorb more labor, even though it has a relative smaller contribution of additional value compared to the Large-scale Enterprises. The number of economic actors of SMEs spread across area from urban to rural. However, SMEs have faced several serious problems. These problems are caused by the unique characteristics of SMEs itself. First, lack of managerial skills due to limited human resources and lack of monitoring which it is rarely conducted by the manager or the owner. Second, lack of information and technology to carry out operations. Both problems have great impacts in lack of internal controls. Third, SMEs also face problems in developing business scale, limited access to capital to the banks and financial institutions due to the lack of transparency. Therefore, this research aimed to detect to what extent of the problems arising in the application and assessment of internal controls performed by SMEs.Method – The research employs descriptive qualitative research method through direct observation, interview and business documentation owned by the company. Research materials are 29 SMEs consisting of 19 trading SMEs and 10 service SMEs. All SMEs are located in Malang city. Detection of application and assessment of internal controls in this study is based on the COSO framework and the Islamic perspective.Result – Internal control activities indicators apply the five principles of COSO framework which focused on three layers. First layer is self-assessment control area. Second layer is environment control area and the third layer is independent control area. While the Islamic perspective is focused on the internal control of business activities based on the Qur'an and Hadith. The results derive from application and assessment based on COSO framework and Islamic perspectives are complementary in improving the practice of internal

Marketing Strategies Influences On SMEs Cluster Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Satria Tirtayasa

2017-06-01

Full Text Available The contribution of larges businesses to make the economy growth is very important likewise the role of Small Business Enterprise SMEs where this industry has been believed so strong from the effect of crisis economic in Indonesia. In generaly SMEs owner are business manwoman that have minimum assets Rp. 500 million where their gathers together to make the cooperative assosiation in one area SMEs Cluster . So in this cooperative assosiation can be expected the SMEs businessman help each others with making colaboration internal or external networking to enhance their business performance. The internal networking simmilar with marketing strategies for instance strategi Promotion Distribution Production and Raw material supplay where the objectives are to enchance the SMEs performance. This study intends to examine the relationship between marketing strategies Promotion Distribution Production Raw material supplay on SMSEs performance. The marketing strategies consist of our dimentions as follows promotion distribution production and raw material supply. Meanwile SMEs business performance indicators are market share and profit margin. The sample of research is 70 SMEs businessman where spread of Medan Tembung District East Medan District and Medan Perjuangan District. This research had used questionnaires method to collect the data from SMEs businessman. The analysis method had used multiple regression and the result of the research reveals that promotion had positive and significant relationship with SMEs performance.Distribution had positive and significant relationship with SMEs performance Production has positive and significant relationship with SMEs performance.Raw material supplay had positiveve and significant relationship with SMEs performance. Furthermore Marketing Strategies Promotion Distribution Production Raw material supplay simultaneous have significant relationship on SMEs Performances.

Supporting SMEs in creating jobs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniela PASNICU

2018-03-01

Full Text Available SMEs are the most dynamic sector of the economy, representing a key factor in employment growth. Although SMEs have been severely affected by the economic crisis from 2008, they continue to be a more and more important source of generating jobs, regardless of size class. Given the differentiated contribution of SMEs to job creation as a result of their heterogeneity, the article analyses the dynamics of staff in enterprises by size classes and activities of the national economy. The statistical analysis is followed by a SWOT analysis of policies and tools to support SMEs in creating jobs both with direct action - management, recruitment, training and indirectly action by addressing general business issues. Measures that support the economic growth of SMEs through internationalization, innovation and improved access to finance foster competitiveness and, implicitly, the creation of new jobs.

Determinants of Innovation in Croatian SMEs – Comparison of Service and Manufacturing Firms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ljiljana Božić

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Purpose – In this paper we focus on SMEs in Croatia operating in the manufacturing and services sectors, and seek to compare them in terms of their involvement in innovation activities, and the factors determining their decision to innovate, in general and in four types of innovations in particular: product/service, process, organizational and marketing innovations. Design/Methodology/Approach – The analysis relies on the Croatian Community Innovation Survey 2010 (CIS 2010 data. To find out whether innovations have a different pattern of drivers in manufacturing and in services, we estimate the probit and multivariate probit models separately on these two groups of firms. Findings and implications – The findings reveal that, despite some differences, service and manufacturing SMEs are not that different from one another when it comes to innovation activities. Service SMEs are somewhat less likely to introduce technological innovations, but manufacturing and service SMEs do not differ significantly when it comes to non-technological innovations. One noteworthy difference between manufacturing and service SMEs is that the latter rely on acquired knowledge much more than do the former. Limitation – One limitation of the study is that most variables in the CIS dataset, including those on innovations, are of a binary nature, a fact that dictated the choice of the econometric model. In addition, the data pertain to the time period of an economic downturn in Croatia, which possibly affected the results obtained. Originality – This research contributes to understanding the drivers of innovation activities in SMEs and differences in this regard between manufacturing and services in Croatia.

Quench in a conduction-cooled Nb3Sn SMES magnet

Science.gov (United States)

Korpela, Aki; Lehtonen, Jorma; Mikkonen, Risto; Perälä, Raine

2003-11-01

Due to the rapid development of cryocoolers, conduction-cooled Nb3Sn devices are nowadays enabled. A 0.2 MJ conduction-cooled Nb3Sn SMES system has been designed and constructed. The nominal current of the coil was 275 A at 10 K. The quench tests have been performed and in this paper the experimental data are compared to the computational one. Due to a slow normal zone propagation, Nb3Sn magnets are not necessarily self-protective. In conduction-cooled coils, a thermal interface provides a protection method known as a quench back. The temperature rise in the coil during a quench was measured with a sensor located on the inner radius of the coil. The current decay was also monitored. The measured temperature increased for approximately 15 s after the current had already decayed. This temperature rise is due to the heat conduction from the hot spot. Thus, the measured temperature does not represent the hot-spot temperature. A computational quench model which takes into account quench back and heat conduction after the current decay was developed in order to understand the measured temperatures. According to the results, a quench back due to the eddy current induced heating of the thermal interface of an LTS coil was an adequate protection method.

Empirical investigation of energy efficiency barriers in Italian manufacturing SMEs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trianni, Andrea; Cagno, Enrico; Worrell, Ernst; Pugliese, Giacomo

2013-01-01

The paper identifies and evaluates barriers to industrial energy efficiency through the investigation of 48 manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Italy. The research provides interesting suggestions both for enterprises and energy policy-makers. Firstly, economic and information barriers are perceived as the major obstacles to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, whilst behavioural barriers do not seem to affect enterprises very much. Nonetheless, despite what declared, the most relevant barriers are the lack of interest in energy efficiency and the existence of other priorities, thus showing that decision-makers tend to downgrade energy efficiency to a marginal issue. Furthermore, perceived barriers do not take place exclusively in implementing energy-efficient technologies, but, with comparable importance, also in generating the interest and knowledge of the opportunities. Moreover, the study highlights that relevant differences can be appreciated for both perceived and real barriers even among SMEs, that thus should not be bundled together. In addition to that, other factors affect barriers, stimulating future research: indeed, lower real barriers can be observed with higher complexity of the production, high variability of the demand and strong competitors. -- Highlights: ► Evidence of existing misalignments between perceived and real barriers to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. ► Relevance of barriers to the generation of interest towards energy efficiency. ► Evidence of firm's size (within SMEs) and energy expenditures on barriers to energy efficiency. ► Importance, for energy efficiency barriers, of avoid bundling SMEs as a whole. ► Preliminary evidence of factors related to supply chain complexity affecting barriers to energy efficiency.

Inventory management performance in machine tool SMEs: What factors do influence them?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rajeev Narayana Pillai

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs are one of the principal driving forces in the development of an economy because of its significant contribution in terms of number of enterprises, employment, output and exports in most developing as well as developed countries. But SMEs, particularly in developing countries like India, face constraints in key areas such as technology, finance, marketing and human resources. Moreover these SMEs have been exposed to intense competition since early 1990s because of globalization. However, globalization, the process of continuing integration of the countries in the world has opened up new opportunities for SMEs of developing countries to cater to wider international market which brings out the need for these SMEs to develop competitiveness for their survival as well as growth. It is observed from literature that pursuing appropriate IM practice is one of the ways of acquiring competitiveness among others, by effectively managing and minimizing inventory investment. Inventory management can therefore be one of the crucial determinants of competitiveness as well as operational performance of SMEs in inventory intensive manufacturing industries. The key issue is whether Indian SMEs pursue better IM practices with an intension to reduce their inventory cost and enhance their competitiveness. If so, what are the IM practices pursued by these enterprises? What are the factors which influence the inventory cost and IM performance of enterprises? These questions have been addressed in this study with reference to machine tool SMEs located in the city of Bangalore, India.

Power oscillation suppression by robust SMES in power system with large wind power penetration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ngamroo, Issarachai; Cuk Supriyadi, A.N.; Dechanupaprittha, Sanchai; Mitani, Yasunori

2009-01-01

The large penetration of wind farm into interconnected power systems may cause the severe problem of tie-line power oscillations. To suppress power oscillations, the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) which is able to control active and reactive powers simultaneously, can be applied. On the other hand, several generating and loading conditions, variation of system parameters, etc., cause uncertainties in the system. The SMES controller designed without considering system uncertainties may fail to suppress power oscillations. To enhance the robustness of SMES controller against system uncertainties, this paper proposes a robust control design of SMES by taking system uncertainties into account. The inverse additive perturbation is applied to represent the unstructured system uncertainties and included in power system modeling. The configuration of active and reactive power controllers is the first-order lead-lag compensator with single input feedback. To tune the controller parameters, the optimization problem is formulated based on the enhancement of robust stability margin. The particle swarm optimization is used to solve the problem and achieve the controller parameters. Simulation studies in the six-area interconnected power system with wind farms confirm the robustness of the proposed SMES under various operating conditions

Power oscillation suppression by robust SMES in power system with large wind power penetration

Science.gov (United States)

Ngamroo, Issarachai; Cuk Supriyadi, A. N.; Dechanupaprittha, Sanchai; Mitani, Yasunori

2009-01-01

The large penetration of wind farm into interconnected power systems may cause the severe problem of tie-line power oscillations. To suppress power oscillations, the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) which is able to control active and reactive powers simultaneously, can be applied. On the other hand, several generating and loading conditions, variation of system parameters, etc., cause uncertainties in the system. The SMES controller designed without considering system uncertainties may fail to suppress power oscillations. To enhance the robustness of SMES controller against system uncertainties, this paper proposes a robust control design of SMES by taking system uncertainties into account. The inverse additive perturbation is applied to represent the unstructured system uncertainties and included in power system modeling. The configuration of active and reactive power controllers is the first-order lead-lag compensator with single input feedback. To tune the controller parameters, the optimization problem is formulated based on the enhancement of robust stability margin. The particle swarm optimization is used to solve the problem and achieve the controller parameters. Simulation studies in the six-area interconnected power system with wind farms confirm the robustness of the proposed SMES under various operating conditions.

Design of a high-temperature superconductor current lead for electric utility SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niemann, R.C.; Cha, Y.S.; Hull, J.R.; Rey, C.M.; Dixon, K.D.

1995-01-01

Current leads that rely on high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) to deliver power to devices operating at liquid helium temperature have the potential to reduce refrigeration requirements to levels significantly below those achievable with conventional leads. The design of HTS current leads suitable for use in near-term superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is in progress. The SMES system has an 0.5 MWh energy capacity and a discharge power of 30 MW. Lead-design considerations include safety and reliability, electrical and thermal performance, structural integrity, manufacturability, and cost. Available details of the design, including materials, configuration, and performance predictions, are presented

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) program. Progress report, January 1-December 31, 1980

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogers, J.D.

1981-03-01

Work is reported on the development of two superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) units. One is a 30-MJ unit for use by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to stabilize power oscillations on their Pacific AC Intertie, and the second is a 1- to 10-GWh unit for use as a diurnal load leveling device. Emphasis has been on the stabilizing system. The manufacturing phase of the 30-MJ superconducting coil was initiated and the coil fabrication has advanced rapidly. The two converter power transformers were manufactured, successfully factory tested, and shipped. One transformer reached the Tacoma Substation in good condition; the other was dropped enroute and has been returned to the factory for rebuilding. Insulation of the 30-MJ coil has been examined for high voltage effects apt to be caused by transients such as inductive voltage spikes from the protective dump circuit. The stabilizing system converter and protective energy dump system were completed, factory tested, and delivered

Coil protection for a utility scale superconducting magnetic energy storage plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Loyd, R.J.; Schoenung, S.M.; Rogers, J.D.; Hassenzahl, W.V.; Purcell, J.R.

1986-01-01

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is proposed for electric utility load leveling. Attractive costs, high diurnal energy efficiency (≥ 92%), and rapid response are advantages relative to other energy storage technologies. Recent industry-led efforts have produced a conceptual design for a 5000 MWh/1000 MW energy storage plant which is technically feasible at commercially attractive estimated costs. The SMES plant design includes a protection system which prevents damage to the magnetic coil if events require a rapid discharge of stored energy. This paper describes the design and operation of the coil protection system, which is primarily passive and uses the thermal capacity of the coil itself to absorb the stored electromagnetic energy

Drivers of productivity in Vietnamese SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Calza, Elisa; Goedhuys, Micheline; Trifkovic, Neda

2017-01-01

Using a rich panel dataset of SMEs active in the manufacturing sector in Viet Nam, this paper investigates the drivers of firm productivity, focusing on the role played by international management standards certification. We develop and test the hypothesis that, controlling for technological...... international standards, the main findings show that the possession of an internationally recognized standard certificate leads to significant productivity premium. We further investigate the relationship between technological innovation and standard adoption. We find that the likelihood of certificate adoption...... is higher when firms implement technological innovations and that the effect of certification on productivity is particularly strong for firms with technological innovation....

Organizational Development of Russian SMEs: Current trends

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emil Velinov

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The research paper sheds a light on Russian SMEs transition and specifically on their current development and evolution. The paper attempts to explain what are the main drivers and antecedents on SMEs during the period 2010-2015. Along with it, it is applied detailed analysis of Russian SMEs in terms of key performance indicators, turnover and volume of sales. Further, are given potential developments and trends within SMEs in Russia. The paper draws attention to socio-economic and political factors influencing SMEs development.

Business ICT adoption and open access : the example of SMEs at industrial parks in the Netherlands

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Sadowski, B.M.

2014-01-01

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provide small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an option to create and exploit strategic opportunities. Prior investment in ICT infrastructure can lead to follow-up decisions to adopt new ICT services, but there is no guarantee that SMEs will

Superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogers, J.D.; Boenig, H.J.

1978-01-01

Superconducting inductors provide a compact and efficient means of storing electrical energy without an intermediate conversion process. Energy storage inductors are under development for diurnal load leveling and transmission line stabilization in electric utility systems and for driving magnetic confinement and plasma heating coils in fusion energy systems. Fluctuating electric power demands force the electric utility industry to have more installed generating capacity than the average load requires. Energy storage can increase the utilization of base-load fossil and nuclear power plants for electric utilities. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems, which will store and deliver electrical energy for load leveling, peak shaving, and the stabilization of electric utility networks are being developed. In the fusion area, inductive energy transfer and storage is also being developed by LASL. Both 1-ms fast-discharge theta-pinch and 1-to-2-s slow tokamak energy transfer systems have been demonstrated. The major components and the method of operation of an SMES unit are described, and potential applications of different size SMES systems in electric power grids are presented. Results are given for a 1-GWh reference design load-leveling unit, for a 30-MJ coil proposed stabilization unit, and for tests with a small-scale, 100-kJ magnetic energy storage system. The results of the fusion energy storage and transfer tests are also presented. The common technology base for the systems is discussed

LAW REFORM OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTREPRISES (SMEs AND EQUITABLE COOPERATIVE FOR COMPETITIVENESS IMPROVEMENT IN AEC ERA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Koesrianti Koesrianti

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Small Medium Entreprises (SMEs and Cooperative have not received a proper law protection in facing trade liberation of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC and economic globalized world. In 2015 AEC has been established that would bring a huge change in Southeast Asia regionS and definitely will have a wide impact to business people in Indonesia. SMEs and Cooperative contribute to more than 90 percent of total Indonesian national economy. However, they are weak on investment and information technology and management skill as well as competition law among ASEAN Member States. Economic policies do not give a sufficient protection to SMEs and Cooperative. This article tries to seek solutions for SMEs problems especially their legal structure in order to enhance their competitiveness. This article argues that the government can provide legal protection by reforming SMEs economic sectors similar to the AEC’s priority sectors by which the Indonesian’ SMEs would become world class corporate.  Keywords: Cooperative, AEC, legal reform, SMEs

Barriers to e-marketing adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs in the Vaal Triangle

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. Dlodlo

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Purpose: The purpose of the study is to complement existing literature by examining the relevant barriers contributing to the non-adoption of electronic marketing practices by SMEs in the Vaal Triangle. Methodology: Primary data was collected using a quantitative research technique with the use of a structured questionnaire as the survey instrument. A total of 168 businesses were selected randomly and visited within the various municipal areas in the Vaal Triangle. These businesses were visited between August and November 2008. Thirty-two small, medium and medium enterprises SMEs refused to participate resulting in 123 usable questionnaires for the purposes of the analysis. Factor analysis was used to examine the robustness of the factor structure using principal component analysis. Findings: A five-dimensional structure was established comprising a 16 item-scale. The major impediments towards the non-adoption of e-marketing include technology incompatibility with target markets, lack of knowledge, stakeholder unreadiness, technology disorientation and technology perception. The reliability analysis, reflected coefficient values ranging from 0.70 to 0.88 indicating satisfactory internal consistency amongst variables within each dimension. Implications: By analysing the barriers that inhibit the adoption of e-marketing strategies among SMEs, marketers are presented with recommended strategies and implications on how to approach the challenges presented by Internet technological advancements. Internet capacities of SMEs may be strengthened through nurturing e-marketing awareness and providing adequate information tools through diverse Internet Marketing training programmes. Originality/Value: SMEs can prove to be a major source of economic growth for many African countries if sufficient guidance and support on how best to overcome the challenges of adopting advanced marketing practices is available.

Cloud Computing and Information Technology Resource Cost Management for SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kuada, Eric; Adanu, Kwame; Olesen, Henning

2013-01-01

This paper analyzes the decision-making problem confronting SMEs considering the adoption of cloud computing as an alternative to in-house computing services provision. The economics of choosing between in-house computing and a cloud alternative is analyzed by comparing the total economic costs...... in determining the relative value of cloud computing....

Design fractures and commercial potential of superconducting magnetic energy storage for electric utility application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lloyd, R.J.; Schoenung, S.

1986-01-01

Historically, energy storage in the United States has been provided by a few pumped hydroelectric plants, but siting constraints and high cost severely limit the use of this option. Two other options which will soon be in use are batteries and compressed air energy storage. A fourth option, currently being developed for load leveling is Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES). This paper reports the design features and estimated costs of utility scale SMES plants. For moderate discharge duration, SMES is projected to have substantially lower revenue requirements and better availability than other load leveling options. The Electric Power Research Institute has prepared a plan for commercialization which could, if aggressively pursued, lead to a demonstrated SMES technology that is available for utility commitment by the late 1990's

SMES developments at the University of Wisconsin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boom, R.W.; Abdelsalam, M.K.; Eyssa, Y.; Hilal, M.; Huang, X.; McIntosh, G.E.; Pfotenhauer, J.

1988-01-01

This paper reports on a long term SMES program in the Applied Superconductivity Center (ASC) in progress at the University of Wisconsin since 1970. The present principal interest in SMES stems from the US DNA-SDI program to build an engineering test model (ETM) for utility and government use. This paper is a review of SMES design highlights and of some small scale SMES studies

Use Of Ict In Smes Management Within The Sector Of Services

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Plumb Ion

2008-04-01

Full Text Available This study investigates how the use of ICT could contribute to the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs within the sector of services. Within the knowledge-based economy, SMEs are facing both opportunities and challenges due to the information and communication technologies development. We consider that ICT should be used in small business management within the sector of services because ICT are key tools in management processes and could improve managerial practices. The study is based on evidence provided by articles and research reports. The research question was answered by analysing published sources and interpreting evidence. Another way of approaching this question could be collecting and analysing empirical data from the SMEs within the sector of services and comparing the results with the findings of this study.

Access to finance and venture capital for industrial SMEs

OpenAIRE

Heimer, Thomas; Hölscher, Luise; Werner, Matthias Ralf

2008-01-01

SMEs play a crucial role for European economies. The numbers show the high importance of SMEs for national economies. Accordingly, it is no surprise that the regulatory framework SMEs are imbedded in is the subject of an important political discussion. In the discussion it is frequently mentioned by representatives of SMEs as well as associations of SMEs, that the access to finance for SMEs is still inferior. Based on the importance of SMEs for national economies and the discussion on the acc...

RESILIENCE AND ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE IN SMES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rui Gomes

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Considering that SMEs need to embrace the drivers of resilience and that a well-defined and readily available Enterprise Architecture (EA supports enterprise integration by enabling the common view of business processes, data and systems across the enterprise and its partners, we can say that EA is one of the tracks making resilience predictable and it should support and collaborate with other resilience tracks. However, the EA frameworks do not give relevance to the activities that contribute most to business resilience, so this paper aims to clarify the dimensions and the activities related to the development of an EA and the touching points with other enterprise wide processes in order to guarantee that resilience requirements are met in SMEs. For this I propose an approach of ecological adaptation, and four architectures: business, organizational, information, and technological, although this paper only presents the Business and Organizational Architectures.

Is Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) an Entrepreneurship?

OpenAIRE

Esuh Ossai-Igwe Lucky; Adebayo Isaiah Olusegun

2012-01-01

The inconsistent use of SMEs and entrepreneurship in the field of entrepreneurial business management has made the authors to explore the discrepancy between SMEs and entrepreneurship studies. As a result, the paper distinguishes between SMEs and entrepreneurship by highlighting the similarities and differences between the two concepts. The paper concludes that entrepreneurship differs from SMEs in that entrepreneurship is a process leading to the creation of SMEs and business ventures while ...

The role of government intermediaries in the internationalization of low- and medium-technology SMEs from developing countries: a case study of the Foreign Trade Commission of Mexico in Europe

OpenAIRE

Ruiz Garcia, Lorena

2015-01-01

This thesis assesses the role of the Government (in Mexico) and the Foreign Trade Council of Mexico (BANCOMEXT) in the internationalization of Mexican small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in low- and medium-technology industries (LMT), which is the main group of firms serviced by BANCOMEXT-Europe. It also sheds light on the internal and external barriers this organization has identified as affecting the internationalization of these SMEs from developing countries (Mexico) in developed an...

CSR in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lund-Thomsen, Peter; Jamali, Dima; Vives, Antonio

2014-01-01

perspectives on CSR in developing countries, and the literature on CSR and SMEs in the developing world, we analyze the potential and limits of donor-financed management tools aimed at promoting CSR in developing country SMEs. Design/methodology/approach - Using official UN and OECD lists of all multilateral...... and bilateral donor agencies we identified 38 donors that might have produced such CSR tools. We contacted them via e-mail and/or telephone, and conductied an extensive internet search with the aim of identifying whether they had developed management tools aimed at promoting CSR in SMEs in developing countries...... aspects of CSR which have been prominently highlighted in the SME-CSR literature; and 3) the extent to which these tools accord attention to the paramount concern for poverty alleviation in developing countries. Findings - Overall, the analysis testifies to the continued predominant orientation...

A feasibility study on HTS SMES applications for power quality enhancement through both software simulations and hardware-based experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, A.R.; Kim, J.G.; Kim, S. [Changwon National University, 9 Sarim-Dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Park, M., E-mail: paku@changwon.ac.kr [Changwon National University, 9 Sarim-Dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, I.K. [Changwon National University, 9 Sarim-Dong, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Seong, K.C. [Superconducting Device and Cryogenics Group, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon 641-120 (Korea, Republic of); Watanabe, K. [HFLSM, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan)

2011-11-15

SMES system was simulated to improve the power quality. The utility has one wind power generator and wind speed is continuously changed. Utility frequency was fluctuated due to wind speed variation. We made 10 kJ toroid-type HTS SMES for stabilization of utility frequency. We can monitor the operational characteristics of HTS SMES for power application. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) which promises the efficiency of more than 95% and fast response becomes a competitive energy storage device. Because of its advantages, SMES can provide benefit as a power quality enhancement device to an utility especially in connection with renewable energy sources. In this paper, a software simulation and an experiment aiming for power quality enhancement are reported. The utility was referred to Ulleung Island in Korea which had one wind power generation system. The simulation was performed using power system computer aided design/electromagnetic transient including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) and power-hardware-in-the-loop simulation (PHILS) was implemented to monitor the operational characteristics of SMES when it was connected to utility. This study provides a highly reliable simulation results, and the feasibility of a SMES application is discussed.

A feasibility study on HTS SMES applications for power quality enhancement through both software simulations and hardware-based experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, A.R.; Kim, J.G.; Kim, S.; Park, M.; Yu, I.K.; Seong, K.C.; Watanabe, K.

2011-01-01

SMES system was simulated to improve the power quality. The utility has one wind power generator and wind speed is continuously changed. Utility frequency was fluctuated due to wind speed variation. We made 10 kJ toroid-type HTS SMES for stabilization of utility frequency. We can monitor the operational characteristics of HTS SMES for power application. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) which promises the efficiency of more than 95% and fast response becomes a competitive energy storage device. Because of its advantages, SMES can provide benefit as a power quality enhancement device to an utility especially in connection with renewable energy sources. In this paper, a software simulation and an experiment aiming for power quality enhancement are reported. The utility was referred to Ulleung Island in Korea which had one wind power generation system. The simulation was performed using power system computer aided design/electromagnetic transient including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) and power-hardware-in-the-loop simulation (PHILS) was implemented to monitor the operational characteristics of SMES when it was connected to utility. This study provides a highly reliable simulation results, and the feasibility of a SMES application is discussed.

Design of an optimal SMES for automatic generation control of two-area thermal power system using Cuckoo search algorithm

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sabita Chaine

2015-05-01

Full Text Available This work presents a methodology adopted in order to tune the controller parameters of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES system in the automatic generation control (AGC of a two-area thermal power system. The gains of integral controllers of AGC loop, proportional controller of SMES loop and gains of the current feedback loop of the inductor in SMES are optimized simultaneously in order to achieve a desired performance. Recently proposed intelligent technique based algorithm known as Cuckoo search algorithm (CSA is applied for optimization. Sensitivity and robustness of the tuned gains tested at different operating conditions prove the effectiveness of fast acting energy storage devices like SMES in damping out oscillations in power system when their controllers are properly tuned.

Application of Liquid Hydrogen with SMES for Efficient Use of Renewable Energy in the Energy Internet

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xin Wang

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Considering that generally frequency instability problems occur due to abrupt variations in load demand growth and power variations generated by different renewable energy sources (RESs, the application of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES may become crucial due to its rapid response features. In this paper, liquid hydrogen with SMES (LIQHYSMES is proposed to play a role in the future energy internet in terms of its combination of the SMES and the liquid hydrogen storage unit, which can help to overcome the capacity limit and high investment cost disadvantages of SMES. The generalized predictive control (GPC algorithm is presented to be appreciatively used to eliminate the frequency deviations of the isolated micro energy grid including the LIQHYSMES and RESs. A benchmark micro energy grid with distributed generators (DGs, electrical vehicle (EV stations, smart loads and a LIQHYSMES unit is modeled in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The simulation results show that the proposed GPC strategy can reschedule the active power output of each component to maintain the stability of the grid. In addition, in order to improve the performance of the SMES, a detailed optimization design of the superconducting coil is conducted, and the optimized SMES unit can offer better technical advantages in damping the frequency fluctuations.

LIQHYSMES-size, loss and cost considerations for the SMES-a conceptual analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sander, Michael; Neumann, Holger

2011-01-01

A new energy storage concept for variable renewable energy, LIQHYSMES, has been proposed which combines the use of liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ) with superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES). LH 2 with its high volumetric energy density and, compared with compressed hydrogen, increased operational safety is the prime energy carrier for large scale stationary energy storage. But balancing load or supply fluctuations with hydrogen alone is unrealistic due to the response times of the flow control. To operate the hydrogen part more steadily, additional short-term electrical energy storage is needed. For this purpose a SMES based on coated conductors or magnesium diboride MgB 2 operated in the LH 2 bath, is proposed. Different solenoidal and toroidal SMES designs for the 10 GJ range are compared in terms of size and ramping losses. Cost targets for different power levels and supply periods are addressed, taking into account current developments in competing short-term storage devices like super-capacitors, batteries and flywheels.

Flexible automated manufacturing for SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Grube Hansen, David; Bilberg, Arne; Madsen, Erik Skov

2017-01-01

SMEs are in general highly flexible and agile in order to accommodate the customer demands in the paradigm of High Mix-Low Volume manufacturing. The flexibility and agility have mainly been enabled by manual labor, but as we are entering the technology and data driven fourth industrial revolution......, where augmented operators and machines work in cooperation in a highly flexible and productive manufacturing system both an opportunity and a need has raised for developing highly flexible and efficient automation....

Survey of domestic research on superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dresner, L.

1991-09-01

This report documents the results of a survey of domestic research on superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) undertaken with the support of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Superconductivity Pilot Center. Each survey entry includes the following: Name, address, and other telephone and facsimile numbers of the principal investigator and other staff members; funding for fiscal year 1991, 1992, 1993; brief descriptions of the program, the technical progress to date, and the expected technical progress; a note on any other collaboration. Included with the survey are recommendations intended to help DOE decide how best to support SMES research and development (R ampersand D). To summarize, I would say that important elements of a well-rounded SMES research program for DOE are as follows. (1) Construction of a large ETM. (2) Development of SMES as an enabling technology for solar and wind generation, especially in conjunction with the ETM program, if possible. (3) Development of small SMES units for electric networks, for rapid transit, and as noninterruptible power supplies [uses (2), (3), and (4) above]. In this connection, lightweight, fiber-reinforced polymer structures, which would be especially advantageous for space and transportation applications, should be developed. (4) Continued study of the potential impacts of high-temperature superconductors on SMES, with construction as soon as feasible of small SMES units using high-temperature superconductors (HTSs)

Optimization of hybrid power system composed of SMES and flywheel MG for large pulsed load

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niiyama, K.; Yagai, T.; Tsuda, M.; Hamajima, T.

2008-01-01

A superconducting magnetic storage system (SMES) has some advantages such as rapid large power response and high storage efficiency which are superior to other energy storage systems. A flywheel motor generator (FWMG) has large scaled capacity and high reliability, and hence is broadly utilized for a large pulsed load, while it has comparatively low storage efficiency due to high mechanical loss compared with SMES. A fusion power plant such as International Thermo-Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) requires a large and long pulsed load which causes a frequency deviation in a utility power system. In order to keep the frequency within an allowable deviation, we propose a hybrid power system for the pulsed load, which equips the SMES and the FWMG with the utility power system. We evaluate installation cost and frequency control performance of three power systems combined with energy storage devices; (i) SMES with the utility power, (ii) FWMG with the utility power, (iii) both SMES and FWMG with the utility power. The first power system has excellent frequency power control performance but its installation cost is high. The second system has inferior frequency control performance but its installation cost is the lowest. The third system has good frequency control performance and its installation cost is attained lower than the first power system by adjusting the ratio between SMES and FWMG

The Driving Forces for the Practice of Strategic Planning in SMEs: Evidence from Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maxwell Sandada

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Despite Zimbabwe sharing with the rest of the world, the notion that SMEs are the impeccable engines to economic revival, growth and development, many of the nation`s SMEs are plagued with high failure rates. Previous studies carried out in most foreign countries suggested that the high failure rate of SMEs was attributable to lack of strategic planning among a host of other factors. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study was to examine the driving forces for the practice of strategic planning in SMEs. A quantitative cross sectional study was conducted among active SMEs who are registered with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development in Zimbabwe. The study revealed that globalisation, business ownership motivations, environmental dynamism and innovation & technological advancement have a positive and statistically significant influence on the adoption or practice of strategic planning among SMEs. The study has important implications for the practice and implementation of strategic planning among SMEs especially in the context of a developing country such as Zimbabwe.

Romanian SMEs Financing Options:

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ioan E. Nistor

2013-11-01

Full Text Available One of the most pressing problems faced by micro, small and medium sized enterprises (henceforth SMEs in Europe is the access to sufficient funds to sustain their long term growth. Romanian SMEs make no exception. In this context the present paper focuses on analyzing the extent to which external funding sources have contributed to the value added created by the Romanian SMEs between 2007 and 2011.The investigation’s results indicate the existence of a causal link between some forms of external financing (namely bank loans, leasing, factoring, guarantee products and European funds and the value added created by the Romanian micro, small and medium sized enterprises in the aforementioned period.

Strategy Development Micro Small And Medium Business Performance In Small And Medium Enterprises Smes Cibaduyut Shoe Bandung

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yoyo Sudaryo

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Indonesias economic fundamentals have not prompted the government to build the economic structures to the existence of Micro. Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs. This sector has been proven to provide jobs and provide opportunities for SMEs to thrive in the community. MSMEs cant be doubted because it proved able to survive and become the economic driving especially after the economic crisis. On the other hand SMEs are also facing many problems the limited working capital human resources is low and less clever mastery of science and technology. Another obstacle faced by SMEs is the relationship with the business outlook is less clear and the vision and mission planning is not yet stable. Provision of information and networking markets ease of access to funding and mentoring and capacity building in information technology are some strategies for improving the competitiveness of SMEs in Indonesia. Therefore it is necessary synergy between all parties especially the government and microfinance institutions. This model is based on the consideration of SMEs as the largest group of economic actors in the Indonesian economy. The method used in this study is a survey explanatory with the technique of data collection through questionnaires interviews and observation. The population of the Small and Medium Industries SMI Shoes Cibaduyut Bandung. Then analyzed with descriptive scoring system and non-parametric statistics through different test average.

Magnetic fusion technology

CERN Document Server

Dolan, Thomas J

2014-01-01

Magnetic Fusion Technology describes the technologies that are required for successful development of nuclear fusion power plants using strong magnetic fields. These technologies include: ? magnet systems, ? plasma heating systems, ? control systems, ? energy conversion systems, ? advanced materials development, ? vacuum systems, ? cryogenic systems, ? plasma diagnostics, ? safety systems, and ? power plant design studies. Magnetic Fusion Technology will be useful to students and to specialists working in energy research.

SMEs in Their Own Right

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tran, Angie Ngoc; Jeppesen, Søren

2016-01-01

This article contributes to the limited literatures on small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using an institutional theoretical framework, we analyzed fieldwork interviews with twenty SMEs and perspectives of 165 SME managers and workers in textiles,...

Performance of a 10-kJ SMES model cooled by liquid hydrogen thermo-siphon flow for ASPCS study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Makida, Y; Shintomi, T; Hamajima, T; Tsuda, M; Miyagi, D; Ota, N; Katsura, M; Ando, K; Takao, T; Tsujigami, H; Fujikawa, S; Hirose, J; Iwaki, K; Komagome, T

2015-01-01

We propose a new electrical power storage and stabilization system, called an Advanced Superconducting Power Conditioning System (ASPCS), which consists of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and hydrogen energy storage, converged on a liquid hydrogen station for fuel cell vehicles. A small 10- kJ SMES system, in which a BSCCO coil cooled by liquid hydrogen was installed, was developed to create an experimental model of an ASPCS. The SMES coil is conductively cooled by liquid hydrogen flow through a thermo-siphon line under a liquid hydrogen buffer tank. After fabrication of the system, cooldown tests were carried out using liquid hydrogen. The SMES coil was successfully charged up to a nominal current of 200 A. An eddy current loss, which was mainly induced in pure aluminum plates pasted onto each pancake coils for conduction cooling, was also measured. (paper)

A study on the simulation and fabrication of three phase multi function power flow controller energized by SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, A.R.; Kim, J.H.; Kim, H.J.; Kim, S.H.; Seong, K.C.; Park, M.; Yu, I.K.

2007-01-01

The harmonic current, which is generated by non-linear switching devices, flows into the utility network, and becomes one of the undesired reasons which lead to the voltage distortion. And voltage sag from sudden increasing loads is also one of the serious problems inside the utility network. In order to compensate these problems, the authors propose a certain active filter system, which includes an SMES coil for energy source. However, since SMES includes the superconducting magnetic coil, quenching problem caused by unexpected reasons is one of the significant factors of the performance of active filter. Finally, this paper shows the results of the analysis of the influences of the internal fault of SMES coil. And the result of the operation of a three-phase multi-function power flow controller for the internal fault of SMES coil is also demonstrated

ARE SMES MORE CONFORTABLE WITH SMALL DOMESTIC LENDERS? (II –EVIDENCE FOR ROMANIAN SMES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Badulescu Daniel

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Based on a consistent literature presented in the previous part of our paper, and analysing our research results, carried out on a significant number of SMEs from Romania in 2011, the purpose of this paper is to examine how SMEs are affected and how they perceive the bank involvement in financing SMEs needs, in terms of the nature and characteristics of organizational structure of these lenders. We have found that, despite of the recent development of the crisis and the decision of the most of important European banks to reduce theirs involvement in Central and Eastern Europe, the mostly of the Romanian SMEs considered they are not ignored or under-privileged by large, international banks operating in Romania.

Overcoming SMEs Challenges through Critical Success Factors: A Case of SMEs in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Takalani Ramukumba

2014-03-01

Full Text Available SMEs comprise over 90% of African business operations and contribute to over 50% of African employment and Growth Domestic Product (GDP. SMEs sector has shown positive signs in South Africa, Mauritius and North Africa. In South Africa, SMEs constitute 55% of all jobs. Research of Bowler, Dawood and Page (2007 reveal that 40% of new business ventures fail in their first year, 60% in their second year, and 90% in their first 10 years of existence. It seems that a number of challenges have been identified as contributing to the failure of SMEs in South Africa and worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the critical success factors for the SMEs to improve their performance in order to overcome the challenges they are faced within the competitive market environment. The research problem of this study emanates from the current high business failure rate. The research investigates what are the critical success factors that can help these SMEs to be sustainable and have positive growth so to limit the high business failure rate in South Africa. The research established that attracting repeat customers and the performance of the product are the critical success factors that can lead to the sustenance of these SMEs. The study concluded that the resource-constraint SMEs need to focus on critical success factors to build competitive advantage to stay competitive amidst the challenges from globalisation and liberalisation. This study will make further contribution on understanding these critical success factors as they are central to business success, especially in South Africa where it is estimated that the failure rate of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEs is between 70% and 80% (Brink and Cant, 2009.

Analyzing relationship between ERP utilization and lean manufacturing maturity of Turkish SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Iris, Cagatay; Cebeci, Ufuk

2014-01-01

with rapid development of information technology (IT) and progress in modern production management strategies have emerged. Obtained results show that Turkish SMEs have widely initiated lean production practices. However, applications are in initial level in the most cases. In respect to ERP systems...... is not adequate to make an inference about relationship between ERP and lean practices. Hence, a relational model is developed to analyze correlation between use of ERP and lean manufacturing implementation in white goods manufacturing SMEs of Istanbul, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach - The examination......Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand how effective Turkish small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) use enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in module aspect and to assess the adherence to lean manufacturing requirements. Obtaining each efficiency result separately...

Materiality Analysis for CSR Reporting in Spanish SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elena Escrig-Olmedo

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Most corporate social responsibility (CSR standards have not been designedto be implemented in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs. Giventhat 99% of Spanish companies are SMEs, this study aims to propose aselection of basic CSR material issues that, because of their usefulness andsignificance, should be adapted to Spanish SMEs and their stakeholders.This study provides a CSR model for SMEs that includes the most importantsocial, environmental, and corporate governance issues. This model, whichis based on expert knowledge, is useful for integrating sustainability in themanagement of SMEs and enhancing the management of stakeholders.

Using SMES as a multi-purpose interface in power generation, transmission and distribution systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tam, K.S.; Zhang, X.; Yarali, A.

1991-01-01

This paper presents a new SMES schemes, the MSMES system, which significantly broadens the ways in which SMES can be applied to electric power systems. On the generation side, the SMES system can convert low-quality power into high-quality power and enhances the utilization of all energy sources available to the power systems. Acting both as an energy storage device and a power flow control device, a MSMES system can act as a hub in a power transmission system. The use of multiple MSMES systems can provide many new solutions to the problems facing the transmission networks of the United States today. On the distribution side, MSMES systems can be used as advanced power distribution centers that supply high-quality power to the customers while providing desirable load shapes to the power systems. In addition to these functions, a MSMES unit can also perform functions such as damping of power oscillation, stability and dynamic performance improvement and other recognized benefits of the conventional SMES system. Functioning as a multi-purpose power processing units, the MSMES systems improve the economics of SMES system. Functioning as a multi-purpose power processing units, the MSMES systems improve the economics of SMES technology and expand its potential market

Corporate Environmental Sustainability in Danish SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reyes-Rodríguez, Juan Felipe; Ulhøi, John P.; Madsen, Henning

2016-01-01

While industry leaders proactively address environmental issues as an integrated part of corporate strategy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often perceive it as a means of cost reduction. The aim of this paper is to track the development of motivators, environmental initiatives......, and their perceived effects on competitive advantage among SMEs. For that purpose, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of 4 repeated surveys over a period of 14 years among Danish manufacturing SMEs. Results show that Danish SMEs have increasingly deployed environmental initiatives that are associated with both...... of the levels of environmental engagement, the competitive benefits are generally robust regarding firm size. Before concluding, implications for future research and corporate managers are pointed out....

The Contribution of SMEs to the Economic Growth (Case of Albania

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alba Kruja

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Small & Medium Sized Enterprises have an important place in the economical development of Albania. They already consist of the majority of private business and they are the main source of employment generation, innovation and productivity growth. In this context animportant determinant of the Albanian economy development lies in the development of small and medium enterprises, which is not based only on the number of start-ups but also on the positive change of business environment and entrepreneurial skills. The aim of the research is to examine the contribution of SMEs to the economic growth of the country through employment generation, building of added value, GDP, export activities etc., and the changes in entrepreneurial skills of Albanian SMEs to foresee the ways of improvement and enterprise development. The methods of research are: analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature discussing the problems SMEs are facing and the environmental changes; the systematic statistical data analysis of Albanian entrepreneurial skills of small and medium-sized enterprises. The analysis shows that from the weakest dimensions of SME sector in Albania are entrepreneurship education and training and the promotion of innovation and use of new technologies.Keywords: SMEs, economic growth, Albania

Design study of the cooling scheme for SMES system in ASPCS by using liquid hydrogen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Makida, Yasuhiro, E-mail: yasuhiro.makida@kek.jp [High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Oho 1-1, Tsukuba 305-0801 (Japan); Shintomi, Takakazu [Nihon University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8251 (Japan); Asami, Takuya; Suzuki, Goro; Takao, Tomoaki [Sophia University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554 (Japan); Hamajima, Takataro [Hachinohe Institutue of Technology, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-8501 (Japan); Tsuda, Makoto; Miyagi, Daisuke [Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Munakata, Kouhei; Kajiwara, Masataka [Iwatani Corp., Minato-ku, Tokyo 104-8058 (Japan)

2013-11-15

Highlights: •Advanced Superconducting Power Conditioning System is composed of SMES, FC–EL, H{sub 2} storage. •The ASPCS is proposed to be built beside a LH{sub 2} storage of a vehicle station to effectively use the cooling capability of liquid hydrogen. •The SMES coil, which is made from an MgB{sub 2} conductor, is indirectly cooled by LH{sub 2} through its own conduction. -- Abstract: From the point of view of environment and energy problems, the renewable energies have been attracting attention. However, fluctuating power generation by the renewable energies affects the stability of the power network. Thus, we propose a new electric power storage and stabilization system, Advanced Superconducting Power Conditioning System (ASPCS), in which a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) and a hydrogen-energy-storage converge on a liquid hydrogen station for fuel cell vehicles. The ASPCS proposes that the SMES coils wound with MgB{sub 2} conductor are indirectly cooled by thermo-siphon circulation of liquid hydrogen to use its cooling capability. The conceptual design of cooling scheme of the ASPCS is presented.

Design study of the cooling scheme for SMES system in ASPCS by using liquid hydrogen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Makida, Yasuhiro; Shintomi, Takakazu; Asami, Takuya; Suzuki, Goro; Takao, Tomoaki; Hamajima, Takataro; Tsuda, Makoto; Miyagi, Daisuke; Munakata, Kouhei; Kajiwara, Masataka

2013-01-01

Highlights: •Advanced Superconducting Power Conditioning System is composed of SMES, FC–EL, H 2 storage. •The ASPCS is proposed to be built beside a LH 2 storage of a vehicle station to effectively use the cooling capability of liquid hydrogen. •The SMES coil, which is made from an MgB 2 conductor, is indirectly cooled by LH 2 through its own conduction. -- Abstract: From the point of view of environment and energy problems, the renewable energies have been attracting attention. However, fluctuating power generation by the renewable energies affects the stability of the power network. Thus, we propose a new electric power storage and stabilization system, Advanced Superconducting Power Conditioning System (ASPCS), in which a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) and a hydrogen-energy-storage converge on a liquid hydrogen station for fuel cell vehicles. The ASPCS proposes that the SMES coils wound with MgB 2 conductor are indirectly cooled by thermo-siphon circulation of liquid hydrogen to use its cooling capability. The conceptual design of cooling scheme of the ASPCS is presented

Internal Factors within Entrepreneurs that Influence the Acceptance and Use of Social Commerce among SMEs in Malaysia

OpenAIRE

Azilahwati Binti Adam; Jessnor Elmy Binti Mat Jizat; Mohd Asri Bin Mohd Nor

2016-01-01

Current technological advances, particularly in information and communications technology (ICT) and social media have sparked a phenomenon in the business world. The existence of social commerce (s-commerce), which is a combination of e-commerce and social media, has opened up greater opportunities for SMEs in Malaysia. The use of s-commerce as a medium for marketing and buying and selling is capable of helping SMEs to increase the sales and profitability of their businesses. However, accordi...

SMEs and international partner search

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Tan, W.L.

2010-01-01

Globalization has necessitated the internationalization on the part of SMEs. SMEs suffer from a number of handicaps when they venture overseas: the liability of size and liability of newness to the foreign markets. International cooperation is a key means for their internationalization. This thesis

Offshoring practices of Danish and Swedish SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wæhrens, Brian Vejrum; Slepniov, Dmitrij; Johansen, John

The paper examines how small-to-medium size enterprises (SMEs) configure their operations on the global scale. Seeking to relate SMEs’ value chain position to their operations configuration attributes, we draw on the operations networks literature and use mixed methods of enquiry, including case...... studies and survey techniques. The study highlights characteristics and practices of SMEs that are prompt to offshoring. Furthermore, it identifies a set of key challenges that SMEs need to overcome in order to succeed in offshoring. By incorporating the perspectives of SMEs, the paper provides a more...

Overcoming Barriers to Technology Adoption in Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs)

Science.gov (United States)

2003-06-01

7 3.4 Adopting a Control-System-Modeling Tool.................................................8 3.5 Adapting Ecommerce and Manufacturing Execution...productivity and efficiency improvements. SMEs frequently lack the necessary technical knowledge, staff, and resources to take advantage of new techniques...FEA) tool into their exist- ing 3D CAD system and to optimize their design process to take advantage of the new soft- ware. Based on the results

IT Governance in SMEs: Trust or Control?

Science.gov (United States)

Devos, Jan; van Landeghem, Hendrik; Deschoolmeester, Dirk

It is believed by many scholars that a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) cannot be seen through the lens of a large firm. Theories which explain IT governance in large organizations and methodologies used by practitioners can therefore not be extrapolated to SMEs, which have a completely different economic, cultural and managerial environment. SMEs suffer from resource poverty, have less IS experience and need more external support. SMEs largely contribute to the failure of many IS projects. We define an outsourced information system failure (OISF) as a failure of IT governance in an SME environment and propose a structure for stating propositions derived from both agency theory and theory of trust. The theoretical question addressed in this paper is: how and why do OISFs occur in SMEs? We have chosen a qualitative and positivistic IS case study research strategy based on multiple cases. Eight cases of IS projects were selected. We found that trust is more important than control issues like output-based contracts and structured controls for eliminating opportunistic behaviour in SMEs. We conclude that the world of SMEs is significantly different from that of large companies. This necessitates extra care to be taken on the part of researchers and practitioners when designing artefacts for SMEs.

Employing Knowledge Transfer to Support IS Implementation in SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Wynn, Martin; Turner, Phillip; Abas, Hanida; Shen, Rui

2009-01-01

Information systems strategy is an increasingly important component of overall business strategy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The need for readily available and consistent management information, drawn from integrated systems based on sound and upgradeable technologies, has led many senior company managers to review the business…

Effective growth paths for SMEs

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wakkee, I.A.M.; van der Veen, M.; Eurlings, W.

2015-01-01

How firms grow forms a key question in the research on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on a survey amongst 1,535 SMEs, we show that the presence of growth capability factors, such as, innovation capacity, financing capacity and human capital, offers inadequate explanation for

Employability and the psychological contract in European ICT sector SMEs

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Scholarios, D.; van der Heijden, B.I.J.M.; van der Schoot, E.; Bozionelos, N.; Epitropaki, O.; Knauth, P.; Marzec, I.; Mikkelsen, A.; van der Heijde, C.M.

2008-01-01

This article explores the employability of information and communication technology (ICT) professionals from the perspective of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The first stage of analysis, based on over 100 interviews with managers of ICT supplier companies in seven European countries

Role of Cooperatives in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

First Lady

2012-10-27

Oct 27, 2012 ... Enterprises (SMEs) Development in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way ... Nigerian governments have been spending an immense amount of money obtained from ... (SMEDAN) to facilitating access to credit, technology and market for the .... Information; Cooperation among Cooperatives and Concern for the.

Operational characteristic analysis of conduction cooling HTS SMES for Real Time Digital Simulator based power quality enhancement simulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, A.R.; Kim, G.H.; Kim, K.M.; Kim, D.W.; Park, M.; Yu, I.K.; Kim, S.H.; Sim, K.; Sohn, M.H.; Seong, K.C.

2010-01-01

This paper analyzes the operational characteristics of conduction cooling Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) through a real hardware based simulation. To analyze the operational characteristics, the authors manufactured a small-scale toroidal-type SMES and implemented a Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) based power quality enhancement simulation. The method can consider not only electrical characteristics such as inductance and current but also temperature characteristic by using the real SMES system. In order to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method, a voltage sag compensation simulation has been implemented using the RTDS connected with the High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) model coil and DC/DC converter system, and the simulation results are discussed in detail.

LIQHYSMES – spectral power distributions of imbalances and implications for the SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sander, M; Gehring, R; Neumann, H

2014-01-01

LIQHYSMES, the recently proposed hybrid energy storage concept for variable renewable energies, combines the storage of LIQuid HYdrogen (LH2) with Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES). LH2 as the bulk energy carrier is used for the large scale stationary longer-term energy storage, and the SMES cooled by the LH2 bath, provides highest power over shorter periods and at superior efficiencies. Both together contribute to the balancing of electric load or supply fluctuations from seconds to several hours, days or even weeks. Here different spectral power distributions of such imbalances between electricity supply and load reflecting different sources of fluctuations in the range between 1 sec and 15 minutes are considered. Some related implications for MgB2-based 100 MW-SMES operated at maximum fields of 2 T and 4 T, are considered for these buffering scenarios. Requirements as regards the storage capacity and correspondingly the minimum size of the LH2 storage tank are derived. The related loss contributions with a particular focus on the ramping losses are analysed.

Factors influencing access to finance by SMEs in Mozambique: Case of SMEs in Maputo central business district

OpenAIRE

Osano, Hezron Mogaka; Languitone, Hilario

2016-01-01

SMEs play an important role in the economic development of Mozambique. Access to finance is important for the growth of SMEs. Thus, the purpose of the study was to establish the factors that influence access to finance by SMEs. The factors that were addressed included structure of financial sector, awareness of funding opportunities, collateral requirements, and small business support services. The target population was 2725 which comprised of 2075 staff of three Banks, namely BIM Bank, BCI B...

Financial Distress in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES of Bangladesh: Determinants and Remedial Measures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammad Saleh JAHUR

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Financial distress in SMEs is a common phenomenon across the world, which has been a subject matter of academicians, professionals and government. Although SMEs are contributing to the economy in the form of employment, supply of products and services by using indigenous technologies, social entrepreneurship, income generating activities etc. SMEs are found most vulnerable to the macro-economic as well as internal management crises. Consequently, they fall into financial distress. In view of this, the present study has been undertaken aiming at identifying the causes of financial distress in SMEs of Bangladesh. The study has employed both financial and statistical techniques for analyzing the data collected for the study. The study has identified some potential problem areas related to financial distress such as rate adequacy, sales trends, indebtedness, management capability, financial planning, etc. The study has also identified some most important causes of financial distress such as fund management & resource crunch, poor accounting system, poor financial control, poor productivity and profitability and management succession. The study has finally come out some strategic and policy related measures for both viable and financially distressed SMEs for preventing them from the exposition to financial and operating risk.

Internal Factors within Entrepreneurs that Influence the Acceptance and Use of Social Commerce among SMEs in Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Azilahwati Binti Adam

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Current technological advances, particularly in information and communications technology (ICT and social media have sparked a phenomenon in the business world. The existence of social commerce (s-commerce, which is a combination of e-commerce and social media, has opened up greater opportunities for SMEs in Malaysia. The use of s-commerce as a medium for marketing and buying and selling is capable of helping SMEs to increase the sales and profitability of their businesses. However, according to studies conducted by SME Corp Malaysia, the usage of e-commerce and social media is still low. Attitude and self-efficacy are variables that are often used in studies related to entrepreneurs and their intention to accept a new business innovation or technology. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the internal factors within entrepreneurs, namely attitude and self-efficacy, which influence the acceptance and use of s-commerce among SMEs in Malaysia.

Wire rope superconducting cable for diurnal load leveling SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costello, G.A.

1980-01-01

The design of a wire rope cable for a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit is discussed. The superconducting wires in the rope permit the passage of large currents in the relatively small conductors of the windings and hence cause large electromagnetic forces to act on the rope. The diameter of the rope, from a strength point of view, can be considerably reduced by supporting the rope at various points along its length

Knowledge Exchange Between Universities and SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Løkkegaard, Sarai; Lykke, Marianne

Exchanging knowledge between university and industry is generally known to be problematic. In this paper we address the situation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to understand their use of knowledge: in particular scientific knowledge. The paper will present data from...... a qualitative study of the situations of eight SMEs. The data consists of ‘walk-alongs’, situational maps, and thirty-seven semi-structured interviews. The goal is to provide an in- depth understanding of the numerous circumstances that influence SMEs’ interactions with universities and scientific knowledge....... The paper presents new understandings related to industry’s ways of perceiving, accessing and imple- menting scientific knowledge; these include insights into the primary ways in which SMEs appropriate new knowledge; the barriers to acquiring new knowledge; how SMEs understand the university setting...

Distance Management of SMEs Using ICT Solutions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zdzislaw Polkowski

2017-06-01

Full Text Available The paper contains a description of a research conducted in collaboration with some Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program Romanian students, concerning the use and implementation of ICT (Information and Telecommunication Technology, especially in distance managing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs. The paper is a response to the nature of contemporary business management, with the constantly increasing amount of work, bureaucracy and the necessity to travel on business combined with the need to manage the company being away. In the research the students assumed the roles of the employees and entrepreneurs simultaneously, to gain the perspective from both points of view – supervised by the authors. The aim was to find and test the effectiveness of the available ICT remote management instruments in the context of SMEs. The aim was to create a study of implementation in real-life conditions, considering the advantages and disadvantages of the solutions tested, including possible future trends. The result was a set of recommendations for business people. Apart from the educational value of the research, the unique, dual perspective assumed by the students participating in it, provided them with a practical insight and skills to better understand and make a better use of the conditions of managing and being managed. The results described here both practical and academic value. The resulting recommendations may constitute the basis of positive changes and improvement in the use of advanced technology in business activities. It is worth noting with its international character the study focuses not only on selected Polish enterprises, but the resulting contents reflects the situation in SMEs in the EU as well, thus it may be a starting point for analyzing other regions worldwide.

Sustainable innovations in Dutch SMEs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bertens, C.; Snoei, J.

2011-11-01

The 'Dutch Monitor Determinanten Bedrijfsprestaties in het MKB' (Determinants Company Performance Monitoring SMEs) has consulted almost 3.500 persons in SMEs on a number of questions, including on innovations. 40% of these persons perceive market opportunities for sustainable products, whereas only 25% of these businesses actually tries to capitalize on these opportunities. [nl

Growth attributes – closing the GAP in Family-SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Brink, Tove; Neville, Mette

-sized Enterprises (SMEs)” to enhance the growth opportunities present in the EU SMEs. Most initiatives focus on creating better framework conditions for SMEs. However, research shows that growth is hampered by a number of internal factors. Many SMEs often lack the important internal attributes for growth pointed...... out in theory and empirical studies, which means that there is a gap between theory and practice when it comes to growth attributes in SMEs. This paper provides an enhanced understanding of whether gap-filling between theory and practice in family-SMEs is possible and whether gap-filling will actually...... stimulate growth. The findings are based on a large-scale research project involving 24 Danish family-SMEs, which completed a learning and development process over a period of three years. The aim of the project was to examine whether such a process which focused on a combination of some of the most...

Exploring manufacturing solutions for SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Radziwon, Agnieszka; Blichfeldt, Henrik; Bilberg, Arne

This exploratory study provides an overview over current state of manufacturing solutions in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in region of Southern Denmark. Building on manufacturing paradigms, this paper reveals relevant aspects for the development and implementation of improving SMEs...... of manufacturing solutions, which are required to increase their competitiveness and assure sustainable growth....

SMEs Growth in the Czech Republic: Some Macroeconomic Perspectives

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christian Nedu Osakwe

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Small and medium enterprises (SMEs are seen as a vehicle for employment generation, wealth creation, economic growth and development in countries that have a sound investment climate. SMEs, account for approximately one-third of GDP, over 50% of the value added, 99% of the share of total registered enterprises, and represent 60% of total employment in the Czech Republic. In the light of this background, the paper explores the influence of some macroeconomic variables on SMEs growth in the Czech Republic for the period 1995–2013. In order to assess the impacts of these critical macroeconomic variables (e.g., rate of unemployment, economic growth, credit provided by the financial sector on SMEs growth, we employed an econometric technique. Our findings suggest a concave relationship between unemployment and SMEs growth in the Czech Republic. More precisely, it signifies that beyond a turning point, unemployment is likely to slow down SMEs growth in the country. Our results further hint at a positive relationship between economic growth and SMEs growth. However, our empirical estimates showed an insignificant relationship between domestic credit provided by the financial sector and SMEs growth in the country. The government of the Czech Republic should continue to provide an enabling investment climate and support for bolstering a sustainable SMEs development within the country. Similar to the extant literature, we have also implored the Czech government to do more with regard to the provision of easier access and affordable credits/loans to SMEs. We have also called for the reduction of bureaucratic bottlenecks that might have to do with SMEs legislations in the country.

Japanese activities on energy storage by superconductivities (SMES)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Masuda, M.; Shintomi, T.

1988-01-01

Japanese Research Association of SMES has 5 activities. They almost finished the conceptual design and economic evaluation of 5 GWh SMES. They are proposing 50 MJ testing plant to the government. The unfinished activities are the design of 20 MWh, feasibility check of high Tc SMES and the safety analysis

Technological Change In Small And Medium Scale Enterprises ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

SMEs) have been assessed to deter-mine the effect of financial liberalization policy, by surveying purposively 66 SMEs and 11 financial institution-ns. While some SMEs acquired technologies and innovated internally to bring about technological ...

Regulatory/Scientific Supports for Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) With Medicinal Products Provided by the PMDA and EMA.

Science.gov (United States)

Kondo, Hideyuki; Shibatsuji, Masayoshi; Yasuda, Naoyuki

2018-01-01

Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been considered as key players who can bring innovative medicinal products and/or technologies into the field. However, they may need much regulatory/scientific supports to provide their products, technologies, or services to the market in a timely way. Both the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), regulatory authorities for medicinal products in Japan and the EU, respectively, have prepared supportive measures for SMEs from the early phase of product/technology development to the postmarketing phase. With respect to supports for SMEs, both agencies have provided similar SME-specific supportive activities, including routine administrative assistance, consultations about product development strategy from an early phase, as well as specific regulatory/scientific issues and fee incentives. In addition, there is a system to register SME status in the EU, which can be a tool for regulators to know how much potential SME-driven activities have and with whom they should communicate to provide necessary supports. Furthermore, as new technologies and novel products from SMEs are not limited to the region where they are developed, close communication about these topics between the PMDA and the EMA will contribute to advancing patients' access to necessary medicinal products.

ROMANIAN SME-S AFTER INTEGRATION IN EUROPEAN UNION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Corina Ana BORCOŞI

2010-03-01

Full Text Available According with the White Charter of Romanian SME-s 2007, Romanian integration in European Union was considered a great opportunity for the 46,67% of SME-s, just 9,18% of SME-s consider it like a major threatening. Romanian integration in European Union gave us much benefits and big responsibilities for all participants to this complex and long action, which is integration. The influence of integration in EU for SME-s was manifested in some special directions like: human resource, quality and competitiveness, ethics in business.

The Importance of Digital Adoption for Small and Medium Enterprises: Comparative Study of Romanian Service and IT&C SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dan POPESCU

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Service enterprises constitute significant drivers of growth for developed countries as well as countries in development. The global economy in combination with the fast paced development of technology in the digital era create opportunities for companies that realize the importance of the service-technology convergence phenomenon, also known as the service economy 3.0.In the case of the Romanian economy, SMEs and the service sector contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and our study aims to uncover opportunities for Romanian service SMEs to further their chances of succeeding on the global service market through adoption of digital technologies. We find that it is of utmost importance for Romanian service SMEs to bridge the digital divide through furthering their knowledge of network effects and digital ecosystems that can ultimately result in developing core competencies that help them remain relevant on the global services market.

Transient stability probability evaluation of power system incorporating with wind farm and SMES

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Fang, Jiakun; Miao, Lu; Wen, Jinyu

2013-01-01

Large scale renewable power generation brings great challenges to the power system operation and stabilization. Energy storage is one of the most important technologies to face the challenges. This paper proposes a method for transient stability probability evaluation of power system with wind farm...... and SMES. Firstly, a modified 11-bus test system with both wind farm and SMES has been implemented. The wind farm is represented as a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). Then a stochastic-based approach to evaluate the probabilistic transient stability index of the power system is presented. Uncertain...... the probability indices. With the proposed method based on Monte-Carlo simulation and bisection method, system stability is "measured". Quantitative relationship of penetration level, SMES coil size and system stability is established. Considering the stability versus coil size to be the production curve...

Developing countries SMEs innovation characteristics and performance

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vang, Jan; Rezaei, Shahamak; Baklanov, Nikita

An econometric study analysing developing countries’ SMEs innovation characteristics and their correlation with performance.......An econometric study analysing developing countries’ SMEs innovation characteristics and their correlation with performance....

Performance indicators for SMEs accessing EU funds

OpenAIRE

Popa Adina-Simona

2013-01-01

Being the best supporters of national economies Small and Medium Sized Enterprises are actively searching alternative sources of finance for sustaining their goals and their performances. European Union is sustaining the SMEs access to finance by direct funding: grants from the European Commission and indirect funding: financial intermediaries in the SMEs origin country. Considering the importance of SMEs for national and European economy we will analyze the relationship between the EU fundin...

Organisational Problem Based Learning and Social Communities for SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

O'Brien, Emma; Hamburg, Ileana

2013-01-01

This paper highlights reasons for SMEs low uptake of training and argues that current offerings are not suitable for their needs. It highlights the need to leverage the benefits of work based learning through the use of technology. Social media and web 2.0 has significantly changed the way people learn and access knowledge. The body of knowledge…

E-Business Initiatives in Indonesian Manufacturing SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Singgih Saptadi

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The role of information technology (IT in improving companies’ competitiveness, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs, has been widely accepted. But, the IT investment will be in vain, if SMEs do not align their business and IT. There is a need to develop a framework of business-IT alignment. The framework development requires an understanding of the patterns of IT implementation in supporting SMEs’ business (e-business initiatives. This paper presents an empirical study on e-business initiatives in Indonesian manufacturing SMEs. The study uses 41 business processes that are grouped into three business focuses: supplier side, internal side and customer side. Based on the complexity of IT support to business processes, supplier side score, internal side score, customer side score and global score can be calculated. These scores are used to develop e-business initiative groups by using cluster analysis. After validated using discriminant analysis, the cluster analysis gives five e-business initiatives. First initiative is e-business implementation in three sides of business focuses, although in the early stage. Second initiative is IT implementation with internal side focus. Third initiative is e-business with customer side focus. The fourth is initiative that focuses on internal and customer side. The last is e-business initiative that balances and extends IT implementation on the three sides of business focuses. Then, this paper explains the differences between e-business initiatives.

International Financial Reporting Standards for SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cicilia IONESCU

2011-06-01

Full Text Available • IFRS for SMEs give the response to an international requirement of the developed and emerging economies in the process of globalization to have a rigorous and common set of international accounting provisions (standard, rule, regulation specifically for SMEs, to be much more simplified than the complete IFRSs. The area where are applicable the IFRS for SMEs includes all the profit-oriented entities that prepare the general financial statements and do not have the public accountability and there are excluded the entities whose securities are publicly traded and the financial institutions like banks and the insurance companies.

Dynamic control modeling and simulation of a UPFC–SMES compensator in power systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saravanan Kandasamy

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS is granting a new group of advanced power electronic devices emerging for the enhancement of the power system performance. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC is a recent version of FACTS devices for power system applications. The back-up energy supply system incorporated with UPFC is providing a complete control of real and reactive power at the same time and hence is competent to improve the performance of an electrical power system. In this article, backup energy supply units such as superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES are integrated with UPFC. In addition, comparative exploration of UPFC–battery, UPFC–UC and UPFC–SMES performance is evaluated through the vibrant simulation by using MATLAB/Simulink software.

The use of cloud computing services by Portuguese’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) : a study which aims to understand to what extent are Portuguese’s SMEs managers using and managing cloud computing services

OpenAIRE

Duarte, Diogo Miguel de Abreu

2012-01-01

The objective of this dissertation is to understand to what extent are the Portuguese SMEs using and managing Cloud Computing services. This work strives to understand if the managers of the Portuguese SMEs are knowledgeable to embrace this technology, and identify which areas of the Portuguese SMEs’ value chain is Cloud Computing being currently applied and which areas are expected to be explored in the future. In order to address the main objective of this dissertation, an on-line questi...

IT Alignment in SMEs: Should it be with Strategy or Process?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alejandro Cataldo

2015-11-01

Full Text Available For many years researchers have been concerned about the alignment of Information Technology (IT in businesses. Most of the published research has been focused on understanding the alignment of IT with strategy, but a more recent view is that IT alignment with processes would be better, especially for SMEs. This research presents the two different approaches to measuring IT alignment, then uses the case of a small dental clinic to contribute to understanding these two alternative approaches. The results showed that both strategic alignment and process alignment were important, but strategic guidelines set the framework for the use of IT in the processes. These results contradict the claims of researchers who defend the process approach. This work has implications for practitioners because it again highlights the importance of IT in a strategic context in SMEs. This research also contributes to the theory of IT alignment in SMEs, and we hope this will encourage other researchers to study which approach is best suited for this type of business.

Network-based automation for SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Parizi, Mohammad Shahabeddini; Radziwon, Agnieszka

2017-01-01

The implementation of appropriate automation concepts which increase productivity in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) requires a lot of effort, due to their limited resources. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for small firms to open up for the external sources of knowledge, which...... could be obtained through network interaction. Based on two extreme cases of SMEs representing low-tech industry and an in-depth analysis of their manufacturing facilities this paper presents how collaboration between firms embedded in a regional ecosystem could result in implementation of new...... with other members of the same regional ecosystem. The findings highlight two main automation related areas where manufacturing SMEs could leverage on external sources on knowledge – these are assistance in defining automation problem as well as appropriate solution and provider selection. Consequently...

Corporate Brand Identity in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mäläskä, Minna; Jones, Richard Ian

Purpose: To study the emergence of corporate brand identity in SMEs and to develop a typology of brand identity drivers that reflects a co-creative approach to the emergence of brand identity. Design / Methodology / Approach : Existing approaches to brand identity are summarised. A narrative...... studies. The research is important since it suggests an iterative and co-creative approach to brand identity. A typology of brand identity formation for SMEs is presented: entrepreneur driven, market driven, stakeholder driven. Practical implications: The three paths to creating a strong brand identity...... challenge existing notions that brand identity is based solely on the values of the entrepreneur. This typology suggests that SMEs should be open to creating an identity that draws from their stakeholder eco-system. Originality / value: this research challenges the existing assumption that brand identity...

Access to bank finance for Scottish SMEs.

OpenAIRE

North, David J.; Baldock, Robert; Deakins, David; Whittam, Geoff

2008-01-01

There is evidence that some SMEs may still face difficulties in accessing bank finance from lenders (CEEDR, 2007). This paper reports an in-depth study into demand and supply side issues relating to access to bank finance by Scottish SMEs and whether there is still market\\ud failure associated with good, bankable business cases from SMEs that do not receive finance. We argue that our study utilises innovative methodology and is relatively rare as a robust study in this area. We combine demand...

Study of Government Support System in SMEs: An Empirical Investigation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hussain Bux Marri

2011-07-01

Full Text Available The SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises have created its own place and value universally, no matter how tough global competition is there in international market. This research work was undertaken to assess the increase in importance of SMEs in growing nations such as Pakistan and to highlight the importance of SMEs. This paper is validated through research work undertaken by domestic and worldwide scholars. Research work was carried out in enterprises of Sindh, province of Pakistan, using questionnaire and personal discussions with business owners/entrepreneurs of enterprises. Their response was very positive on parameters which were focused towards taxation policies (Rebate, government technological support, financial support and loan facilities. In addition to this, the results were further investigated and measured through statistical measures such as mean/average, which indicate that majority of enterprises, were not happy with country\\'s administration in terms of support they receive. Whereas, there are noticeable indications that government\\'s assistance to small and medium enterprises is very necessary at every stage. Enterprises which have received assistance from their governments have proved to be successful in developing nations.

Usable and accessible websites in SMEs. Challenges for the future

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Castillo-Díaz, Ph. D.

2010-01-01

Full Text Available In an increasingly competitive environment in which Internet occupies a prominent place, transferring a brand from the offline to the online environment has become a vital issue for companies. Usability and accessibility have become crucial to enable adequate online brand communication. Ensuring websites are usable and accessible will facilitate web navigation, will improve the company’s image, and will favour loyalty towards the brand.This article presents the results of an investigation measuring the extent to what small and medium enterprises (SMEs employ usability and accessibility as supporting pillars of brand in the online environment to communicate with their audiences. The results indicate that usability is in fact taken into account by SMEs, but it is seen more as a technological element than as a promotion tool for the brand. Accessibility, on the other hand, is of secondary concern in the design of websites analysed, since they are not certified by any standard and are not fully accessible. Thus, it can be argued that the concern to transmit the brand online is incipient but, currently, SMEs do not take advantage of all the potential offered by the Web.

Investment determinants of young and old Portuguese SMEs: A quantile approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sílvia Mendes

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Considering two samples of Portuguese SMEs: 582 young SMEs and 1654 old SMEs, using the two-step estimation method and quantile regressions, the empirical evidence allows us to conclude that the determinants of investment have a different impact on young and old SMEs, depending on a firm’ level of investment. In the framework of Acceleration Principle and Neoclassical Theories, the determinants are relevant in explaining the investment of young and old SMEs with high levels of investment. The Growth Domestic Product, as the investment determinant of Acceleration Principle Theory, has a greater impact on the investment of young SMEs with high levels of investment. Sales, as the investment determinant of Neoclassical Theory, have greater impact on the investment of old SMEs with high levels of investment. Cash flow, as the investment determinant of Free Cash Flow Theory, is important in explaining the investment of young and old SMEs with low levels of investment. However, cash flow has greater impact on the investment of young SMEs with low levels of investment. The empirical evidence obtained allows us to make suggestions for policy-makers and the owners/managers of Portuguese SMEs.

Leadership styles and quality of work life in SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

T. S. Nanjundeswaraswamy

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs in India are currently facing the challenges of increased competitions. In such environment, labor retention is very important factor for competition and survival. In this context, appropriate leadership styles and Quality of Work Life (QWL are very important factors for survival. Literature on QWL is limited to SMEs and several studies commonly correlated with only QWL dimensions but no study on QWL has association with Leadership styles. This empirical study is accomplished to predict QWL in relation to Transformational and Transactional leadership styles. The sample consists of 240 Mechanical Manufacturing SMEs in Bangalore, India. To draw the inference chi-square test, Pearson correlation and regression analysis was carried out for the collected data using Mini Tab14. The results indicate that 25% of SMEs have implemented good QWL, in 56.6% of SMEs have implemented Transformational leadership styles; QWL of SMEs has significant association with Leadership styles. QWL and Leadership styles of SMEs are independent of demographical factors of SMEs like age of the firms, size of the firms, and cost of the project. QWL dimensions like work environment, relation and cooperation, autonomy of work has a significant association with leadership style. For both transformational and transactional leadership style job satisfaction and job security has highest correlation coefficient.

SMES based power modulator - status August 2001

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Juengst, K.P.; Gehring, R.; Kudymow, A.; Suess, E.

2001-10-01

Based on a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) a long-pulse klystron modulator has been designed for use in the TESLA test facility (TTF) at DESY, Hamburg. A proto-type with an output power of 25 MW is under development at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe in cooperation with the office of engineering lbK at Karlsruhe. Including a pulse transformer (1:13/11.5), the system will deliver pulses of 130 kV or 115 kV, 1.7 ms pulse length with a flat top of ± 0.5%, at a repetition rate up to 10 Hz. This new system's main features are a highly dynamic SMES (> 100 T/s), a high current power supply (rated 27 V/2.6 kA), a switched-mode high voltage power supply (rated 14 kV/45 A), a fast thyristor power switch for 2.6 kA approx. continuous current/ 2 ms break, an IGCT power switch rated 2.6 kA/14 kV, a protection switch unit and a system control unit. This demonstration system is to serve alternatively two klystrons of 5 MW RF output or one multibeam klystron of 10 MW RF output. A significant part of the components of the system has been built. A first set of the system components had been arranged to form a model of the modulator and 1 MW pulses were generated. The next large step in the area of the power electronic part is to increase the power of this test arrangement up to 10 MW. The SMES and its cryostat have undergone initial testing. The data acquisition and control system under development at DESY has been taken over and adjusted to our computer and experimental environment. (orig.)

Effects of SMES units on power system stability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Byerly, R.T.; Juves, J.A.

1980-01-01

A mathematical model suitable for representing SMES units in power system stability studies has been developed and incorporated into an existing large-scale stability program. Demonstration studies have been performed which emphasize the use of SMES units to improve the damping of oscillations associated with synchronizing power flow among generators. The capability exists to conduct stability studies of large systems which include SMES units

The Dynamic Internationalization Model of Slovenian Born Global SMEs

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Ina Lejko

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs are important businessactors in the Slovenian, as well as European economy. Inaddition to the current global market conditions, reflecting a severeeconomic downturn, the SMEs in Slovenia and other transitioneconomies operate under additional extensive external pressures,arising from the opening of their domestic markets. Undersuch conditions, companies, including SMEs, perceive internationalizationas an inevitable, or even urgent step in the processof their business operations. However, companies pursue differentpaths in their internationalization efforts, one of them beinga rapid internationalization strategy, denoted as the Born Globalconcept. In the paper, we explore the internationalization processof Slovenian Born Global SMEs. We employ an exploratory qualitativecase study analysis of selected Slovenian SMEs in order tograsp the key characteristics of their internationalization process.On the basis of the latter we construct a dynamic internationalizationmodel that might be used as a conceptual framework forempirical research of dynamic SMEs market behavior in Sloveniaand other transition countries.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF SMES TO JOB CREATION AND ADDED VALUE IN THE ROMANIAN ECONOMY. THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

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Ştefăniţă Şuşu

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs play a crucial role in the European economy, representing a major source of entrepreneurial skills, innovationand job creation. The values of the main indicators of SMEs in the year 2013, the aggregate in the European Union, give a suggestive image of the contribution of SMEs in the Europeaneconomy, namely 99% of all enterprises in the EU are SMEs, 66% of employees are employed in SMEs, 58% of the value added generated in the economy is achieved by SMEs. However, SMEs are often confronted with market imperfections, often having difficulties in obtaining financing or crediting, especially in the phaseof newly established SMEs (start-up. Limited financial resources may also hamper access to new technologies, investment and innovation. Therefore, support for SMEs is one of the priorities ofthe European Commission for growth, creating jobs and economic and social cohesion.Regarding Romania, it is the eighth country in the EU, with a great number of employees inSMEs and with a contribution of 3% to the total workforce in the EU-28 SME sector. We are not better at the chapter of the added value achieved in the SME sector, ranking 17thin the European Union, with a 0.7% contribution to total value added in the EU-28, in front of Greece (0.93% and before Hungary (0.68%, countries with a higher number of SMEs. The disparity report between the share of added value and the potential ofRomania's demographic development reflects the large gap between the productivity and the competitiveness of Romanian SMEs. The example of other countries, such as Austria and Belgium, shows a greater contribution to value added (3.1% and 2.8% compared with 2% share of the total number of employees in the aggregate European SMEs, which demonstrates a higher level of productivity. Also, this is true for the strongest European economies, such as Germany, France and Britain.

Framework for Designing The Assessment Models of Readiness SMEs to Adopt Indonesian National Standard (SNI), Case Study: SMEs Batik in Surakarta

Science.gov (United States)

Fahma, Fakhrina; Zakaria, Roni; Fajar Gumilang, Royan

2018-03-01

Since the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is released, the opportunity to expand market share has become very open, but the level of competition is also very high. Standardization is believed to be an important factor in seizing opportunities in the AEC’s era and other free trade agreements in the future. Standardization activities in industry can be proven by obtaining certification of SNI (Indonesian National Standard). This is a challenge for SMEs, considering that currently only 20% of SMEs had SNI certification both product and process. This research will be designed a model of readiness assessment to obtain SNI certification for SMEs. The stages of model development used an innovative approach by Roger (2003). Variables that affect the readiness of SMEs are obtained from product certification requirements established by BSN (National Standardization Agency) and LSPro (Certification body). This model will be used for mapping the readiness for SNI certification of SMEs’product. The level of readiness of SMEs is determined by the percentage of compliance with those requirements. Based on the result of this study, the five variables are determined as main aspects to assess SME readiness. For model validation, trials were conducted on Batik SMEs in Laweyan Surakarta.

Analysis of factors that influence the ICT adoption by SMEs in Colombia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos Osorio-Gallego

2016-04-01

Originality/value: In view of a lack of empirical work that analyzes the implementation of technology in enterprises in emerging countries, this study provides a valuable contribution to the creation of knowledge when attempting to explain the implementation of ICT using a representative sample of SMEs in Colombia identifying the quantitative form of the impact of the benefits and barriers of these technologies.

Acceptance of Mobile Learning at SMEs of the Service Sector

Science.gov (United States)

Beutner, Marc; Rüscher, Frederike Anna

2017-01-01

Mobile Learning (mLearning) is becoming popular in several parts of education. The increasing availability of mobile technology and devices is an important fact, which fosters this trend. However, even if it attracts more and more attention at huge enterprises it is not clear what small and medium enterprises (SMEs) think about Mobile Learning.…

SMES' SECTOR ACCESS TO FINANCE: AN OVERVIEW

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Roman Angela

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Through their contribution to the creation of added value and new jobs, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs have a significant role in the economic and social development of a country. However, these enterprises are facing numerous obstacles that limit their performance, growth and development. Among the difficulties faced by SMEs, the access to finance is often reported as a major obstacle to the deployment and expansion of their activity. The access to finance is crucial for efficient allocation of financial resources and entrepreneurial development, which explains the major interest given to this subject both by the academic literature and the policy makers. The paper aims to highlight the difficulties faced by SMEs in securing financing resources, emphasizing the differences between countries and also between SMEs and large enterprises. Knowing the difficulties in SMEs financing is essential for policy makers in order to design and implement appropriate measures, which will help to improve the access to financing for these enterprises. Thus, another issue addressed, synthetically, in this paper aims the measures taken by public authorities in order to support the access to financing for SMEs. The research methodology used in this paper starts with a literature review in order to highlight the importance of the subject addressed in our research. The analysis conducted in this paper is based on data and statistics provided mainly by the World Bank surveys, by certain empirical studies and by the National Council of Small and Medium Sized Private Enterprises in Romania. Based on the methodology used, the paper indicates the difficulties in SMEs financing and the crucial importance of enhancing the public authorities concerns regarding their alleviation, especially by adopting measures focused on increasing financial development, which would ensure greater availability of financing for businesses and thus economic growth. The limited

Sustainable Tourism Related SMEs through Strategy Identification

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Jaafar Mastura

2014-01-01

Full Text Available It should be pointed out that expansion of tourism sector relies on micro, small and medium enterprises exist in various related region. This particular study was conducted in Lenggong Valley, Perak to assess the existing strategies in the attempt to develop sustainable tourism related SMEs. Potential businesses in the area were measured using four traditional SWOT inclusive strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The results from observation reveal interesting findings in relation to internal and external factors evaluation of tourism related SMEs. Therefore, this study presents the strategies for development of sustainable tourism related SMEs in the Lenggong Valley, which serve the purpose of assessing the potential business of tourism related SMEs and entrepreneurs. In-depth inspection of tourism strategies are critically considered when creating public policy that benefits the area and the local community.

Sustainable Product Service Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs: Opportunities in the Leather Manufacturing Industry

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Ricardo J. Hernández Pardo

2012-01-01

Full Text Available This paper presents an approach to identify opportunities to develop sustainable Product Service Systems (PSS involving Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs. The purpose of the research is to build understanding of how the integration of product and service design and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT can contribute to identify opportunities to develop sustainable PSS involving SMEs. In order to develop the approach, research with 16 Colombian Manufacturing SMEs was carried out. A reference model and four generic types of PSS according to the relationships between product and service design and ICT are used to analyse the data. Finally, the possibility of extending the approach into a general framework to work with other industries is discussed.

Challenges and Success Factors of ERP Systems in Australian SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sitalakshmi Venkatraman

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Today, great potential is envisaged for ERP systems in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, and software vendors have been repackaging their ERP systems for SMEs with a recent focus on cloud-based systems. While cloud ERP offers the best solution for SMEs without the overheads of the huge investment and management costs that are associated with traditional ERP systems, the SME sector faces many challenges in their adoption. Traditional ERP studies have predominantly focused on large organizations, and gaps in the literature indicate that both vendor and consumer perspectives require more understanding with new technology offerings for SMEs. This paper describes some of the common challenges, such as cost effectiveness, alignment between software and business processes, customized governance and training, which form the major SME constraints for ERP system adoption. Due to the dynamic nature of SME businesses, best practice guidelines for an SME’s ERP implementation could be arrived at through closer investigation of its business requirements in order to avoid misfits. This forms the main objective of the study. We identify key success factors of ERP implementation in an Australian SME as a case study. These target success factors are then compared to the actual outcomes achieved. Factors such as business process alignment with the ERP system, meeting customer and stakeholder needs and reducing recurring and maintenance costs were key to the success of ERP implementation for the Australian SME. In particular, the IT and business strategy alignment with a customer focus and flexible reporting features of ERP systems has resulted in business agility.

Information Technology and generating business value: An analysis in industrial SMEs

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Sara Trigueros-Preciado

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose: The literature examines the relationship between information technologies and business results mainly through direct relationship between investment on Information Technologies (IT and financial measures. This has resulted in disparity of results and lack of consensus, and therefore, the necessity to deepen this topic. In this sense, this paper aims to analyze in industrial SMEs the effects of the use of IT on different financial and non-financial variables related to business value. Design/methodology/approach: The work follows the classical research scheme with literature review, statement of hypotheses and application of quantitative empirical methodology, collecting information through questionnaires sent by email, for further processing and statistical testing using ANOVA models, which allow get results and conclusions. Findings and Originality/value: The study provides an approach beyond classical search of direct relationship between IT investment and financial measures, using instead as an explanatory variable the "use of IT" and as explained variables the Balance scorecard dimensions, which considers the financial ones and introduces other more qualitative as customers, human resources and internal processes. The obtained results show that IT contributes to the generation of value not only through the profitability but also other more qualitative factors. Research limitations/implications: The sample size (85 companies complicates the extrapolation of results. In addition, in the future it would be appropriate to consider new technological developments like Cloud computing, along with variables such as information security and its impact on value creation. Originality/value: This work shows that to analyze the generated value by IT it must to be considered financial and non-financial variables. The proposed approach, variables and scales complement traditional approaches and can guide future research as well as companies who

NEW PERSPECTIVES REGARDING CHANGE AND INNOVATION INTO ROMANIAN SMES

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Eduard Gabriel Ceptureanu

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Innovation is one of the major factor to contribute to success and competitiveness on an SMES, as these enterprises are vital for a healthy and sustainable economy. Literature consider innovativeness as one of the most important agent through which such businesses contribute to economic development. This is an even more important issue for country such Romania, where SMEs are often faced with inadequate business infrastructure and lack of support for entrepreneurs. We also consider that last years have been characterized by an increasingly dynamic, complex and unpredictable environment for businesses. Intense competition in the global market is compelling SMEs to leverage their capabilities and competencies in order to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, and improve their performance. In this paper, we explore factors that drive innovation activities and change in SMEs in Romania, and compare it with findings from other studies. We also consider that implementing changes has positive impact on products/services innovation while applying into specific organizational structures, peculiar on SMEs. In this research four types of product innovation are studied: product, process, line extension and radical radical product innovation. We also consider factors regarding percentage of highly skilled employees (T managers, knowledge oriented white collars, implementation of changed strategy, new/improved managerial techniques , SMEs age, region of developement, company dimension and legal type of organization. To generate additional insight in innovation, we also explore problems and obstacle to innovation and change. Literature considers that it is necessary to continuous change and improve SMES in order to be more sustainable and provide innovative products and services to the market If SMEs account for over 90% of businesses all over the world, and there is a growing need to create sustainable SMEs, then developing and implementing change is

Overcoming SMEs Financing and Supply Chain Obstacles by Introducing Supply Chain Finance

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Abbasi Waseem Ahmed

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Keeping in view the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs for the growth of a nation, we must also keep an eye on the challenges faced by those SMEs. There are various kinds of financing and supply chain options available for SMEs but they still face lot of hindrances. This paper would help us to understand why SMEs are important for the development of any country and how could we help the SMEs from facing challenges related to financing and supply chain. This study further highlights the key financing issues faced by SMEs and also focuses on major supply chain challenges confronted by the SMEs. This study put emphasis on the concept of supply chain finance (SCF and that how SCF could help SMEs to overcome those challenges. In addition, this paper also points out the benefits and prospects of SMEs. Even though the concept of SCF is still in developing phase but it has shown significant assistance to SMEs in order to grow further.

Discovering Gaps in Internationalization Competences of SMEs¨Ca Comparative Case Study of Austrian SMEs

OpenAIRE

Johanna Anzengruber

2015-01-01

This article adds to the debate on internationalization competences of SMEs. After an examination of the most influential papers, we systematically discuss the role of individual and organizational competence gaps before and during the internationalization phase. In more detail, we raise the question what kinds of competences gaps hinder SMEs to go international and what competence gaps arise during the internationalization. This is done using a comparative case study design with competence g...

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMES - A SOLUTION TO OVERCOME THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS

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Corina Ana BORCOŞI

2010-12-01

Full Text Available There is a close link between economic performance and increasing internationalization of SMEs. International activities increase competitiveness and ensure long-term development of enterprises. However, European SMEs still depend largely on their internal markets, notwithstanding the opportunities created to the single market and globalization in general. A study realized in 2009 by the European Commission reveals that internationalization creates more jobs: SMEs active in foreign markets reported an increase in employment by 7% compared to only 1% free activities for SMEs international. Internationalized SMEs are more innovative: 26% of SMEs have introduced internationally active products or services that were new to the sector in their country of origin.

Superconducting magnetic energy storage for electric utilities and fusion systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogers, J.D.; Boenig, H.J.; Hassenzahl, W.V.

1978-01-01

Superconducting inductors provide a compact and efficient means of storing electrical energy without an intermediate conversion process. Energy storage inductors are under development for load leveling and transmission line stabilization in electric utility systems and for driving magnetic confinement and plasma heating coils in fusion energy systems. Fluctuating electric power demands force the electric utility industry to have more installed generating capacity than the average load requires. Energy storage can increase the utilization of base-load fossil and nuclear power plants for electric utilities. The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and the University of Wisconsin are developing superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems, which will store and deliver electrical energy for load leveling, peak shaving, and the stabilization of electric utility networks. In the fusion area, inductive energy transfer and storage is being developed. Both 1-ms fast-discharge theta-pinch systems and 1-to-2-s slow energy transfer tokamak systems have been demonstrated. The major components and the method of operation of a SMES unit are described, and potential applications of different size SMES systems in electric power grids are presented. Results are given of a reference design for a 10-GWh unit for load leveling, of a 30-MJ coil proposed for system stabilization, and of tests with a small-scale, 100-kJ magnetic energy storage system. The results of the fusion energy storage and transfer tests are presented. The common technology base for the various storage systems is discussed

Network Business Environment for Open Innovation in SMEs

OpenAIRE

Ţoniş BuceaManea, Rocsana; Catană, Mădălin Gabriel; Tonoiu, Sergiu

2014-01-01

The SMEs represent an important factor of growth in both developed and developing countries, into which, however, they face different obstacles in the process of innovation. This paper analyses how open communication and collaboration can help SMEs in their struggle for sustainable innovation and profitable market competition. Based on a literature review, a number of obstacles that SMEs have to overcome in their current activity and possible support to be competitive are revea...

Emergency situations in SMEs : Are entrepreneurs prepared?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kleijn, E.; Montfort, van K.; Masurel, E.

2012-01-01

The article examines how entrepreneurs prepare for emergency situations in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands. It identifies the characteristics of SMEs and the theory related to emergency situations and the preparations for such situations. It also provides a detailed

Power quality enhancement of renewable energy source power network using SMES system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seo, H.R.; Kim, A.R.; Park, M.; Yu, I.K.

2011-01-01

Power quality enhancement of a renewable energy source power network is performed by a real-toroidal-type SMES coil. SMES unit charges and discharges the HTS coil to mitigate the fluctuation of PV system output power. The grid connected PV and SMES system has been modeled and simulated using power-hard-in-the-loop simulation. The PHILS results demonstrated the effectiveness of the SMES system for enhancing power quality. This paper deals with power quality enhancement of renewable energy source power network using SMES system and describes the operation characteristics of HTS SMES system using real-toroidal-type SMES coil for smoothening the fluctuation of large-scale renewable energy source such as photovoltaic (PV) power generation system. It generates maximum power of PV array under various weather conditions. SMES unit charges and discharges the HTS coil to mitigate the fluctuation of PV system output power. The SMES unit is controlled according to the PV array output and the utility power quality conditions. The grid connected PV and SMES system has been modeled and simulated using power-hard-in-the-loop simulation (PHILS). The PHILS results demonstrated the effectiveness of the SMES system for enhancing power quality in power network including large-scale renewable energy source, especially PV power generation system.

Health and well-being in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). What public health support do SMEs really need?

Science.gov (United States)

Holt, Maxine; Powell, Susan

2015-01-01

Health and well-being in the workplace is a concept that is understood as a fundamental business case for a productive, happy and healthy workforce. The workplace is also a setting by which knowledge and skills about health can be disseminated to assist people, in improving their health and well-being. Public health professionals are in a position to develop workplace health and well-being interventions, which support those in jobs and those seeking employment. They can also influence the extent to which work and the workplace affects health and well-being outcomes. This article aims to identify the main health and well-being needs of a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Greater Manchester and the support that public health professionals can offer. The research adopted a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) approach using convenience and opportunistic sampling methods, from the list of SMEs in Greater Manchester. The SMEs varied in size and type of business, and 91 telephone interviews, using semi-structured questions, were used to collect data which identified the health and well-being needs of a sample of SMEs in Greater Manchester. This research resulted in qualitative data using thematic analysis. Two key themes emerged from the study. Acute seasonal sickness was the most pressing reason for employee absence from work (viruses, flu, seasonal disorders) for the SMEs in this research. This accumulated to the theme of sickness presenteeism. This research highlighted that employees will present at work with acute illness that requires rest, is easily transmitted to other employees and most likely will take a longer time to recover from as cross infection and re-infection occur. A subsidiary theme was that of authenticity and the reporting of sickness, contributing further to sickness presenteeism as employees seek to legitimise their illness. This article provides issues which are specific to SMEs in Greater Manchester. In particular, the pressing

Absorptive capacity and ICT adoption strategies for SMEs: a Case study in Kenya

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Ndiege, JRA

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries continue to be challenged by their information technology (IT) adoption process, which is often characterized by a number of deficiencies. The purpose of this study was to examine...

Toward Competitive and Innovative ASEAN SMEs: Philippine SME Policy Index 2012

OpenAIRE

Aldaba, Rafaelita M.; Aldaba, Fernando T.

2014-01-01

The ASEAN SME Policy Index is an analytical tool to review, track, and identify gaps in small and medium enterprise (SME) policy development and implementation. The index covers the following eight policy areas: institutional framework; cheaper and faster start-up and better legislation and regulation for SMEs; access to information and supporting services; access to finance; technology and technology transfer; market access and getting more output of the single market; promotion of entrepren...

Have SMEs Benefited from E-Commerce?

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Simpson Poon

2002-11-01

Full Text Available Recently there has been a surge in research projects on how small and medium enterprises (SMEs use E-Commerce/E-Business for business purposes. These include a mixture of academic, industry and government studies. The outcomes have presented a mixed message. While there are anecdotal success stories, SMEs found their E-Commerce/E-Business endeavours successful to a point but face difficulties in achieving many speculations portrayed by the media and visionaries. In this paper, I try to address the issue based on published works in the domain of E-Commerce/E-Business adoption among SMEs. The answer may lie in a more refined research strategy and consolidation of research outcomes. Lessons from EDI adoption might be useful to formulate impetus to further adoption.

Specifics of the Internationalization Process of Czech Engineering SMEs

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Lea Kubíčková

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to define the specifics of the internationalization process of Czech engineering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs. Based on primary data collection among Czech engineering SMEs there were defined the main motives of the internationalization. There were also identified the factors subjectively considered by SMEs as the key success factors of the internationalization process. Attention was also paid to subjectively perceived risk factors of the internationalization process and to the issue of risk management in the internationalization process, while it was investigated whether the risk management affects the intensity of export of Czech engineering SMEs. Data were collected via electronic questionnaire surveys conducted in 2011 and 2012. In total 194 respondents (engineering SMEs filled the questionnaires. The obtained data were processed on the basis of descriptive statistics. Moreover hypothesis testing was performed.

SMEs cooperate to meet social procurement conditions

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Oden, Petra

2015-01-01

A growing amount of (semi) public organizations in the Netherlands write tenders with mandatory social conditions. It is important for SMEs to focus on social procurement in their business strategy. SMEs should be proactive and try to affect the conditions (semi) public organizations write in their

Fostering eco-innovation in SMEs through bridging research, education and industry for building a business oriented model

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Hamburg Ileana

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Small and medium sized companies (SMEs assure economic growth in Europe. The Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP concentrated and mobilized Member State and stakeholder efforts bringing eco-innovation from research to market, improving market conditions, opening up global markets. Rapid and reinforced actions are now required, building on the experience of ETAP helping SMEs to have benefits by introducing eco-innovative approaches into their operations. Particularly start-ups, can be the ideal incubators for eco-innovation, and can bring to market new, less environmentally damaging products, services and processes. Generally many SMEs are struggling to survive in an ongoing global recession and often they are becoming reluctant to release innovation, particularly eco-innovation (Assante et al., 2016. In this paper we present first the differences between eco-innovation based business models and those based on regular innovations. Secondly we give some approaches tested in national and European projects with participation of the authors in order to help SMEs to develop business models of eco-innovations. The first one is to build cooperation between researchers, educators and SME staff in order to explain SMEs the advantages of such models and to implement models designed by researchers. Secondly we used practice oriented forms of training for SMEs like Problem Based Learning (PBL as an efficient form for SMEs and entrepreneurship education to learn to solve problems like the building of an eco-innovation business model. Thirdly we use in our projects eco-innovation biographies (EIBs reflecting the evolutionary character of such innovations and the dynamics of related policy streams.

Structure requirements for magnetic energy storage devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eyssa, Y.M.; Huang, X.

1993-01-01

Large variety of large and small magnetic energy storage systems have been designed and analyzed in the last 20 years. Cryoresistive and superconductive energy storage (SMES) magnets have been considered for applications such as load leveling for electric utilities, pulsed storage for electromagnetic launchers and accelerator devices, and space borne superconductive energy storage systems. Large SMES are supported by a combination of cold and warm structure while small SMES are supported only by cold structure. In this article we provide analytical and numerical tools to estimate the structure requirements as function of the stored energy and configuration. Large and small solenoidal and toroidal geometries are used. Considerations for both warm and cold structure are discussed. Latest design concepts for both large and small units are included. (orig.)

Power system stabilization by superconducting magnetic energystorage connected to rotating exciter

OpenAIRE

Mitani, Yasunori; Tsuji, K

1993-01-01

The authors describe a combination of a rotating exciter and a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system for efficient power system stabilization. A SMES system connected to an exciter rotating with a turbine-rotor shaft is proposed. The exciter is installed exclusively to supply current for the SMES. Since electrical power output from the SMES is converted into a mechanical torque of the generator directly by the exciter, it is expected that power swings of the generator will be ...

The usage of digital marketing channels in SMEs

OpenAIRE

Taiminen, Heini; Karjaluoto, Heikki

2015-01-01

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the utilization and goals of digital marketing, and examines factors that influence the adoption and use of digital marketing channels in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – The data comprises semi-structured theme interviews in SMEs among 16 managers and 421 survey respondents in Central Finland. Findings – The results of this study reveal that SMEs seem not use the full potential of the new digital tools, and s...

The Effect of International Business on SMEs Growth in Nigeria

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Oladimeji Moruff Sanjo

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The research examined the effect of international business on SMEs growth in a competitive environment, particularly Nigeria. The secondary data were gathered from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN annual report. This study adopted ordinary least square method of data analyses. The finding revealed that trade openness as a measure of competitiveness and FDI has no significant effect on SMEs growth in Nigeria. It was also revealed that the exchange rate has a significant effect on SMEs growth in Nigeria, and the level at which exchange rate affects SMEs growth is relatively high. It was further showed that the exchange rate has a negative coefficient indicating that, as the exchange rate reduces SMEs growth increases. It is concluded that trade competitiveness had no significant effect on SMEs growth in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that government should formulate policies, which will encourage the reduction of exchange rate in the country in order to enhance competition and improve business activities across the country, and improve the growth of SMEs across the country, as well as encouraging entrepreneurship spirit in the country.

Initiation of Hoshin Kanri in SMEs using a tentative process

OpenAIRE

Löfving, Malin; Melander, Anders; Andersson, David; Elgh, Fredrik; Thulin, Mikael

2015-01-01

Hoshin Kanri is a management method supporting strategic work. In spite of a number of Hoshin Kanri success stories in large organizations, little research attention are given to SMEs. This research encourages an increased focus on Hoshin Kanri in SMEs. In this paper a tentative process for the initiation of Hoshin Kanri in SMEs is outlined. We also identify factors influencing the initiation of Hoshin Kanri in SMEs based on findings from eight case studies. The result shows that the initiati...

Utilization of the series resonant dc link converter as a conditioning system for SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marschke, K.W.; Caldeira, P.P.A.; Lipo, T.A.

1992-01-01

In this paper a new superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES) system utilizes a high-frequency series resonant dc link power converter of high efficiency as the conditioning converter is presented. This system generates a high-frequency (20 kHz or more) resonant current in a series link and switching is done at zero current instants, reducing switching losses to a minimal value. Through the utilization of an adequate control strategy, the input power factor can be fully adjusted during the charging, storing, and discharging modes of the SMES, improving the overall system efficiency. Different semiconductor devices are employed as the switching elements of the resonant converter and switching losses are established for each case. Experimental results from a monophase and three-phase system verified the results obtained from digital simulation

Digipreneur Education as the Solution for SMEs Competition in Digital Era

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aryan Eka Prastya Nugraha

2016-12-01

Full Text Available This research aims to create the digipreneur educational model for SMEs and analyze its relationship with developed digital business world.  The research used the descriptive analysis to explore and clarify a phenomenon. One of the analyses was SWOT analysis method which arrange a plan to achieve both short term goals and long term goals. Based on the constructed model of digipreneur educational model, it is emphasized on business skills aspects where modern financial skill components and all transactions today use e-banking. Digital marketing aspect should be given to SME owners since they need to know that today marketing does not just rely on the physical real world, but also in the fierce competition in digital media as the effective and efficient marketing means. SMEs were resilient business units in anything economic conditions because of their local resources. They had more significant marketing opportunity when their creative products or services were known through the information technology; thus, they need to get the information technology education.

Potential and Barriers to Adoption of B2B E-Commerce in SMEs in Transition Economies: Case of Albania

OpenAIRE

Narasimha Rao Vajjhala; Salu George Thandekkattu

2017-01-01

Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) can benefit significantly from investments in e-commerce and e-business. However, the adoption of e-commerce has been quite slow and limited among SMEs, especially in transition economies. Interviews were conducted with senior managers from 30 medium-sized enterprises in a transition economy – Albania, three from each of the ten key sectors, namely, information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, banking, financial servi...

Transient stability enhancement of wind farms connected to a multi-machine power system by using an adaptive ANN-controlled SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muyeen, S.M.; Hasanien, Hany M.; Al-Durra, Ahmed

2014-01-01

Highlights: • We present an ANN-controlled SMES in this paper. • The objective is to enhance transient stability of WF connected to power system. • The control strategy depends on a PWM VSC and DC–DC converter. • The effectiveness of proposed controller is compared with PI controller. • The validity of the proposed system is verified by simulation results. - Abstract: This paper presents a novel adaptive artificial neural network (ANN)-controlled superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system to enhance the transient stability of wind farms connected to a multi-machine power system during network disturbances. The control strategy of SMES depends mainly on a sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage source converter (VSC) and an adaptive ANN-controlled DC–DC converter using insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The effectiveness of the proposed adaptive ANN-controlled SMES is then compared with that of proportional-integral (PI)-controlled SMES optimized by response surface methodology and genetic algorithm (RSM–GA) considering both of symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults. For realistic responses, real wind speed data and two-mass drive train model of wind turbine generator system is considered in the analyses. The validity of the proposed system is verified by the simulation results which are performed using the laboratory standard dynamic power system simulator PSCAD/EMTDC. Notably, the proposed adaptive ANN-controlled SMES enhances the transient stability of wind farms connected to a multi-machine power system

Environmental Management Systems and Sustainability in SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shah Satya

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Environmental sustainability in manufacturing sector has been allocated a major consideration in the international literature. Due to growing concerns over the high effect of SMEs on world manufacturing industries and their contribution to pollution; this research attempts to focus on the key parameters that interact in the application of environmental management system, taking into account the main features of SMEs and also the integral role of industrial entrepreneurs in inspiring their firms’ approaches. The paper explores the potential opportunities which enable these enterprises to move towards organizations with high level of responsibility regarding environmental protection in order to provide a healthier life for future generations. Case investigation is carried out on an adhesive manufacturing company, which covers a notable market share within the sector. The research identifies that the company requires developing both internal and external entities within an explicit plan to revolutionize the recruitment patterns. Given the lack of adequate studies in adhesive technology, more researches are recommended in the future to consider the sustainable innovations on a broader sample of adhesive manufacturing companies to perform the life-cycle analysis due to the harmful organic compounds and toxic vapours of the adhesive products.

SAVE ENERGY IN TEXTILE SMES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SCALIA Mauro

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Efficiency and competitiveness in textile and clothing manufacturing sector must take into account the current and future energy challenges. Energy efficiency is a subject of critical importance for the Textile & Clothing industry, for other sectors and for the society in general. EURATEX has initiated Energy Made-to-Measure, an information campaign running until 2016 to empower over 300 textile & clothing companies, notably SMEs, to become more energy efficient. SET( Save Energy in Textile SMEs a collaborative project co-funded within the European Programme Intelligent Energy Europe II helps companies to understand their energy consumption and allows them to compare the sector benchmarks in different production processes. SET has developed the SET tool, Energy Saving and Efficiency Tool, a free of charge tool customized for textile manufacturers. The SET tool is made up of 4 elements: a stand-alone software (SET Tool for self-assessment based on an Excel application; an on-line part (SET tool Web for advanced benchmarking and comparison of the performances across years; a guiding document for the companies and overview of financial incentives and legal obligations regarding energy efficiency. Designed specifically for small and medium enterprises (SMEs, the SET tool enables the evaluation of energy consumption and recommends measures to reduce the consumption. Prior to modifying the company’s production processes and making investments to increase energy efficiency, textile SMEs need to get different type of information, including legal context, economic and technical peculiarities.

Innovation in European food SMEs: determinants and links between types

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francesca Minarelli

2015-05-01

Full Text Available The food sector has traditionally been considered one with the lowest research and development expenditure to value added ratio. In recent decades, however, the business environment has become more demanding in terms of technological inputs for reasons related to food safety, quality and also the globalisation of the food market. This provides a strong incentive to innovate, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME seeking to remain in business.Most businesses operating in the food sector belong to the SME category which, based on the literature, tends to have a low level of research capacity.This study seeks to identify determinants of the types of innovation adopted and associations between them by analysing a sample of European food SMEs. For this purpose a non-parametric analysis, namely the classification tree technique, is carried out. The main finding is that due to the technological factors inherent in the food industry, a tight linkage exists between product, process and market innovation. Moreover, the study shows that collaboration between competitors encourages SMEs to engage in market, process and business model innovation. Conversely, synergy with suppliers and customers supports product innovation.

Dealing with barriers to energy efficiency and SMEs: Some empirical evidences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trianni, A.; Cagno, E.

2012-01-01

This paper aims at providing an identification and an analysis of the most relevant barriers to energy efficiency that limit a widespread implementation of the Best Available Technologies and Practices (BAT/Ps) through the investigation of 128 non-energy intensive manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Italy. The study, starting from the existing literature, performs an investigation of the operational difficulties occurring when it has been decided to undertake the process of investing resources in energy efficiency interventions. The most perceived barriers have been analyzed with respect to several important characteristics (among others, sector and firm’s size). This examination shows also that very much attention should be paid to avoid bundling together SMEs of different sizes and sectors, since different behaviors with respect to the perception of the barriers can be observed. The analysis of the sample presents some interesting trends considering the perception of the barriers with respect to previous experience of the enterprises on energy efficiency. The paper also explores, through a preliminary analysis, the correlations among questions in order to understand the dynamics and the possible effects of a given barrier with respect to others. Several suggestions for future research in this important area have been provided. -- Highlights: ► Evidences of different behaviors with respect to energy efficiency among sectors and firm’s size (within SMEs). ► Importance, for energy efficiency barriers, of avoid bundling SMEs as a whole. ► Preliminary investigation of relationships between barriers in order to understand the dynamics.

Breaktrough innovations by locally embedded start-ups and SMEs in a global network

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ad Breukel; Henk Zeegers

2017-01-01

This chapter diagnoses the situation of high-tech small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Eindhoven Brainport region in the south of the Netherlands, based on desk research and additional background interviews. This region has an ecosystem with a very proliferated heritage of technology-based

Structural equation model for the evaluation of national funding on R&D project of SMEs in consideration with MBNQA criteria.

Science.gov (United States)

Sohn, S Y; Gyu Joo, Yong; Kyu Han, Hong

2007-02-01

Financial support on the R&D in Science & Technology for SMEs at the governmental level plays a crucial role on the improvement of the national competitiveness. Korea Science & Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) has supported the R&D projects of SMEs with the competitive technology ability by way of the Science and Technology Promotion Fund. In this paper, we propose a structural equation model (SEM) to evaluate the performance of such a funding program in terms of three aspects: output, outcome and impact under given funding inputs, R&D environment of a recipient company, and external evaluation programs of funding organization. We adopt Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) criteria to assess the R&D environmental factors of recipient companies. In addition, we test the effect of interim evaluation of the funded project. The proposed model is applied to the real case and is used to identify the best practices as well as to provide feedback information for the improvement of the government funding programs of the R&D projects of SMEs.

A STUDY ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF ELECTRONIC CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN UGANDAN SMES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Charles OLUPOT

2014-07-01

Full Text Available The recent global recession has pushed businesses to search for means to efficiently and effectively manage their customers so as to remain competitive. This has led to the rise in the adoption and use of information technology in different business functions. These developments have yielded into the adoption of Electronic Customer Relationship Management (e-CM. However, as this technology sees more prominence the developed countries, many initiatives in developing countries have failed. This study was intended to examine the factors that affect the adoption of e-CRM in developing countries. A case study was conducted in Uganda, in which 150 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs where purposively selected from 30 districts to participate in the study. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were then coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Although the findings indicate that e-CRM was very beneficial in promoting SMEs’ new products, marketing existing products, keeping their customers updated and sharing information, most SMEs faced challenges in adopting to the technology. The main challenges were highlighted as lack of knowledge about the e-CRM, lack of ICT skills, poor infrastructure, lack of top management support and resistance to change. The study gives some valuable recommendations for better adoption of e-CRM in SMEs.

The Spread of Knowledge Management in SMEs: A Scenario in Evolution

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Roberto Cerchione

2015-07-01

Full Text Available This paper deals with knowledge management (KM in small and medium enterprises (SMEs. Through a literature review, three research questions have been identified concerning the barriers hindering the spread of KM practices in SMEs, the main knowledge management systems (KMSs adopted by SMEs and the impact of the use of KM practices on SME performance. The research questions were subsequently addressed through a field analysis conducted on a sample of SMEs. The empirical evidence highlights that the scenario has changed in the space of but a few years. Although SMEs are generally characterized by poor financial and human resources, they are able to overcome the barriers preventing the spread of KM practices. The SMEs investigated perceive the strategic value of KM and consequently adopt a variety of KMSs. Nevertheless, such systems are generally outdated in comparison with cheaper, more recent, and user-friendly applications. Finally, the paper emphasizes that the use of KM practices can contribute to the overall growth of SMEs by simultaneously and significantly enhancing their performance.

Coping with Risk in the Internationalization of SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Eduardsen, Jonas Strømfeldt; Marinova, Svetla Trifonova

2015-01-01

managerial perceptions influence risk accommodation. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore experiences of a group of international Danish SMEs. Findings show that SMEs follow different strategies of coping with risk and uncertainty in the internationalization process depending on key decision...

CLOUD COMPUTING AND BIG DATA AS CONVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR RETAIL PRICING STRATEGIES OF SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

George SUCIU

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Most retailers know that technology has played an increasingly important role in helping retailers set prices. Online business decision systems are at the core point of an SMEs management and reporting activities. But, until recently, these efforts have been rooted in advances in computing technology, such as cloud computing and big data mining, rather than in newfound applications of scientific principles. In addition, in previous approaches big data mining solutions were implemented locally on private clouds and no SME could aggregate and analyze the information that consumers are exchanging with each other. Real science is a powerful, pervasive force in retail today, particularly so for addressing the complex challenge of retail pricing. Cloud Computing comes in to provide access to entirely new business capabilities through sharing resources and services and managing and assigning resources effectively. Done right, the application of scientific principles to the creation of a true price optimization strategy can lead to significant sales, margin, and profit lift for retailers. In this paper we describe a method to provide the mobile retail consumers with reviews, brand ratings and detailed product information at the point of sale. Furthermore, we present how we use Exalead CloudView platform to search for weak signals in big data by analyzing multimedia data (text, voice, picture, video and mining online social networks. The analysis makes not only customer profiling possible, but also brand promotion in the form of coupons, discounts or upselling to generate more sales, thus providing the opportunity for retailer SMEs to connect directly to its customers in real time. The paper explains why retailers can no longer thrive without a science-based pricing system, defines and illustrates the right science-based approach, and calls out the key features and functionalities of leading science-based price optimization systems. In particular, given

IFRS Handbook for SMEs in Finland

OpenAIRE

Farley, Andre

2016-01-01

Globalisation has led to greater competition among businesses the world over to attract stakeholders who can positively affect their business on international and global markets. To facilitate competition financial statements should be understandable and comparable to similar businesses. IFRS has become the de facto financial reporting stan-dard of the world. Finnish SMEs involved in international trade are not using IFRS, though a simple version exist for SMEs the switch from Finnish Account...

30-MJ SMES system operating experience: November 1982-June 1983

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schermer, R.I.

1983-01-01

This paper describes performance measurements on the dewar, coil, and cryogenic system for the 30-MJ superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit that has recently been tested at a Bonneville Power Administration substation in Tacoma, Washington. The cryostat, the world's largest fiber-reinforced plastic, open-mouthed dewar, boils off 12 l/h in accordance with previous calculations. Cyclic losses in the coil, 54 W for +-8.4-MW modulation at 1 Hz, are approximately 50% greater than calculated. Refrigerator capacity is adequate to handle the heat produced by the average modulation demand on the coil

An integrated information system to support supply chain management & performance in SMEs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dekeng; Budiarto, S.; Prabowo, M. Agung; Herawan, Tutut

2017-01-01

This study aims to examine the relation between the level of supply chain management (SCM) adoption and small & medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. SCM adoption level is expected to facilitate SMEs in improving their efficiency, thus they can obtain their competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses primary data in the form of questionnaires. This study only takes the SMEs engaged in commerce (retail) business in order to avoid bias in IT usage. The questionnaires are given to 88 SMEs owners whom responsible for the IT development in their companies. Findings: The result proves that SCM adoption significantly affects SMEs performance. The hypotheses testing is performed using one-way ANOVA, the result shows that there are significant differences between level initiation, diffusion, and integration with SMEs performance. Originality: This study explains the relation between supply chain management (SCM) adoption level and SMEs performance that has never been performed before.

An integrated information system to support supply chain management & performance in SMEs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dekeng; Budiarto, S.; Prabowo, M. Agung; Herawan, Tutut

2017-07-01

This study aims to examine the relation between the level of supply chain management (SCM) adoption and small & medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. SCM adoption level is expected to facilitate SMEs in improving their efficiency, thus they can obtain their competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses primary data in the form of questionnaires. This study only takes the SMEs engaged in commerce (retail) business in order to avoid bias in IT usage. The questionnaires are given to 88 SMEs owners whom responsible for the IT development in their companies. Findings: The result proves that SCM adoption significantly affects SMEs performance. The hypotheses testing is performed using one-way ANOVA, the result shows that there are significant differences between level initiation, diffusion, and integration with SMEs performance. Originality: This study explains the relation between supply chain management (SCM) adoption level and SMEs performance that has never been performed before.

SMES COMPETITIVENESS IN AN INTEGRATED ECONOMY: A PRELIMINARY STUDY FROM INDONESIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eko Suseno Hr Matrutty

2018-03-01

Full Text Available ASEAN Economic Community (AEC offers both opportunities and challenges to Indonesian Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs. Highly competitive SMEs are likely to exploit opportunities from AEC by expanding their markets and securing raw materials at lower costs. On the contrary, the increasingly intense competition is likely to marginalize less competitive SMEs in their own domestic market. This study aims to analyze the SMEs competitiveness in anticipating AEC. Using 64 SMEs that already export their products or have potentials to export as the sample; this research shows that Indonesian SMEs exhibit a high competitiveness level from the perspective of the production factor, the availability of related and supporting industries factor (especially in relation to the availability of raw and supporting materials, and the demand factor. However, SME owners acknowledge that AEC intensify competition and the government has not provided adequate facilities to improve the SME competitiveness.

MAPPING POTENTIAL TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE TECHNOLOGY PREPARATION LEADERSHIP IN REGION OF PONOROGO

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rochmat Aldy Purnomo

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Research Objectives "Mapping the Potential of Appropriate Technology for Small and Medium Enterprises as an Effort to Improve the Capability of Technology Readiness in Ponorogo District" is to describe the profile of small and medium enterprises (SMEs, evaluate and measure the level of technological readiness ability (TK2T of SMEs in Ponorogo District. The analytical tool used is a technometer that serves to measure the level of technological readiness capability used for the production of SMEs divided into three stages, basic (level 1 to level 3, medium (level 4 to level 6 and ready (Level 7 to With Level 9. By using teknometer is expected to provide basic information about mapping the potential needs and the use of appropriate technology (TTG both tools, processes and production results in Ponorogo regency. SMEs in Ponorogo Regency are dominated in the field of food, handicraft and textile fields. The SME food business unit still requires major government intervention on production process issues. The majority of SMEs business unit in the field of food still use technology (tools simple and potluck. The production process of SMEs business still neglects the hygienic side of both the production and production. The results of the evaluation and measurement of SME TK2T in Ponorogo District indicate that all samples have passed measurements at level 1 to level 3. Less than 50% pass the middle level ie level 4 to level 6, while less than 10% have passed the top level measurement , Which is level 7 to level 9. This explains that the production of SMEs in Ponorogo Regency still need government intervention both in the use of appropriate technology, as well as supporting indicators such as management, hygiene in production, human resources.

Determination of SMES capacity to enhance the dynamic stability of power system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, J.; Tang, Y.; Dai, T.; Ren, L.; Li, J.; Cheng, S.

2010-01-01

This paper proposes the principle of SMES capacity determination for power system stable operation. Adopting the energy function method, the mechanism of SMES damping power oscillation in the classical single-machine infinite-bus (SMIB) system is analyzed. The released kinetic energy during disturbance is the original of power system oscillation, which is taken as the principle of SMES capacity determination. Then, the influence of fault type, fault position, and fault clearing time on the SMES capacity determination are discussed. Using MATLAB simulation, the principle of SMES capacity determination is evaluated.

Enhancing the utilization of photovoltaic power generation by superconductive magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tam, K.S.; Kumar, P.; Foreman, M.

1989-01-01

This paper demonstrates that a superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES) system can enhance large scale utilization of PV generation. With SMES support, power generated from PV arrays van be fully utilized under different weather conditions and PV penetrations can be increased to significant levels without causing adverse effects to the power system. Coupled with PV generation, a SMES system is even more effective in performing diurnal load leveling. A coordinated PV/SMES operation scheme is proposed and demonstrated under different weather conditions

Governance mechanisms, investment opportunity set and SMEs cash holdings

OpenAIRE

Belghitar, Yacine; Khan, James

2013-01-01

This study analyses the effect of firm characteristics and governance mechanisms on cash holdings for a sample of UK SMEs. The results show that UK SMEs with greater cash flow volatility and institutional investors hold more cash; whereas levered and dividend paying SMEs with non-executive ownership hold less cash. We also find that ownership structure is significant only in explaining the cash holdings for firms with high growth investment opportunities, and leverage is only significant in e...

Develop risk-based procurement management tools for SMEs

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Staal, Anne; Hagelaar, Geoffrey; Walhof, Gert; Holman, Richard

2016-01-01

This paper provides guidance for developing risk-based management tools to improve the procurement (purchasing) performance of SMEs. Extant academic literature only offers little support on developing such tools and does not consider the wide variety of SMEs. The paper defines a procurement tool for

Simulation and experiment of a YBCO SMES prototype in voltage sag compensation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Jiahui; Yuan Weijia; Coombs, T.A.; Ming, Q.

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → YBCO conductors are used in SMES. → The SMES is successfully used to compensate voltage sag by both simulation and experiment. → A new control strategy for the power converter in the SMES. - Abstract: This paper gives a introduction of a SMES unit using 2G HTS wires. A complete SMES system including both superconducting coils and control circuit has been designed to operate at 77 K. Three single-phase H-bridge converters have been used in the control circuit. A loop control signal is sent out by using 32 fixed point Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The complete circuit has been both modelled in simulation and built experimentally. The results validate that this SMES successfully compensates a voltage sag in a power system.

Simulation and experiment of a YBCO SMES prototype in voltage sag compensation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu Jiahui, E-mail: zhujiahui@epri.sgcc.com.c [China Electric Power Research Institute, No. 15 Xiaoying Rd(E), Qinghe, Beijing 100192 (China); Yuan Weijia; Coombs, T.A. [Electrical Engineering Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, CB3 0FA (United Kingdom); Ming, Q. [China Electric Power Research Institute, No. 15 Xiaoying Rd(E), Qinghe, Beijing 100192 (China)

2011-03-15

Research highlights: {yields} YBCO conductors are used in SMES. {yields} The SMES is successfully used to compensate voltage sag by both simulation and experiment. {yields} A new control strategy for the power converter in the SMES. - Abstract: This paper gives a introduction of a SMES unit using 2G HTS wires. A complete SMES system including both superconducting coils and control circuit has been designed to operate at 77 K. Three single-phase H-bridge converters have been used in the control circuit. A loop control signal is sent out by using 32 fixed point Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The complete circuit has been both modelled in simulation and built experimentally. The results validate that this SMES successfully compensates a voltage sag in a power system.

YOUNG SMES INSOLVENCY.THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND POLICY ACTIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sebastian Ion Ceptureanu

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Compared with large firms, young SMEs in general are more leveraged and reliant on bank financing and have significantly higher chances to experience insolvency. High SME insolvency reflect in part the deep and prolonged recession that hit young SMEs hard, both through the collapse in domestic demand and the tightening of credit conditions. Despite the declines in sovereign yields, SME borrowing rates have declined by much less and remain high compared with those for large firms. SMEs present a particular set of challenges for restructuring and resolution. Given the large number of SMEs and their small sizes, lower reporting requirements, and heavy reliance on collateral, SME loan restructuring is more costly and riskier for banks than for large firms. If left unaddressed, the problems of SME indebtedness and insolvency pose a risk to the recovery and financial stability. High corporate debt and non-performing loans represent a significant drag on investment, as credit-constrained firms cut back on spending to repay debt. Young SMEs in particular, given their high leverage and lack of alternative financing, are more vulnerable to a growth slowdown or financial distress. SME weakness can in turn undermine banks’ asset quality and profitability, constraining banks’ ability to provide credit.

Designing Online Marketplace To Resolve Marketing Problem For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aditya Hermawan

2017-03-01

Full Text Available The study aims to design an online marketplace to provide solutions to problems faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs, the difficulty to market their products online. One of the problems faced by SMEs is difficult to market their products online. One of the solutions that we provide is by designing an online marketplace to solve marketing problems effectively. We found that SMEs have attempted to market their products through social media such as facebook, twitter and others. In addition, some SMEs also have a website and advertise their products through online advertising. However, many of those who did not know how to market products online in order to increase sales. We designed an online marketplace for SMEs based on the concept of e-commerce to resolve the problems faced by SMEs, the effective marketing. The online market design is made taking into account the needs of SMEs as well as customer needs. Therefore, this study was conducted to SMEs in Malang, East Java, Indonesia  and the people who often make purchases online.With the existence of the online market, SMEs can increase sales lead to increased profits for SMEs. Keyword: Online market, E-Commerce, Maketing

FACTORS INFLUENCING E-COMMERCE ADOPTION BY SMES INDONESIA: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Evi Triandini

2015-11-01

Full Text Available E-commerce present different prospect to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs andprovides benefits to SMEs. At this stage, there are a number of studies focused on SMEs indeveloped countries. For developing countries, the situation is quite different. Furthermore, thereis still limited number of researches on e-commerce adoption by SMEs in Indonesia. SMEs playa vital role in reducing the rate of poverty and unemployment in Indonesian economy. In 2009,micro, small and medium enterprises in Indonesia consist of 52.7 million units or 99.99% of thetotal business enterprises, and employ 96.21 million people or 97% of the total labor forces. SMEsin Indonesia faced internal and external problems. This study explores various factors influencinge-commerce adoption by SMEs in several countries and projecting it to Indonesia. Results showsthat there are a number of perceived opportunities presented by e-commerce adoption inIndonesia, i.e. extending market-reach and even global, increasing customer personalizeservices, and improving its competitiveness. Furthermore, this study also proposes six potentialfactors influenced the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs in Indonesia, i.e. perceived usefulness,perceived ease of use, relative advantage, perceived risk, perceived trust, and compatibility.

E-commerce adoption by SMEs in developing countries: evidence from Indonesia

OpenAIRE

Rahayu, Rita; Day, John

2016-01-01

This study aims to provide an overview of e-commerce adoption by SMEs in developing countries and, in particular, the extent of the adoption of e-commerce by Indonesian SMEs. It identifies the e-commerce benefits realized by these SMEs and investigates the relationship between the levels of e-commerce adoption and the benefits thus realized. The study was motivated by the limited studies related to e-commerce adoption by SMEs, especially in developing countries. In addition, it seems that mos...

Sustainable Business Development Through Leadership in SMEs

OpenAIRE

Szczepańska-Woszczyna Katarzyna; Kurowska-Pysz Joanna

2016-01-01

The aim of this paper is to examine the role and scope of the influence of leadership on the sustainable development of SMEs. Research methods included the theoretical analysis of scientific literature and a direct survey. The quantitative sample for analysis contained 138 managers, the representatives of companies (SMEs) located in Poland. The data was collected in November and December 2015.

SMEs Financing: the Extent of Need and the Responses of Different Credit Structures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniel BĂDULESCU

2010-07-01

Full Text Available Small and medium enterprises (SMEs have a key role in developing national economies, but are often limited by lack of development support in financing business for reasons of information asymmetry, high risks, lack of collateral, unfavorable regulatory environment. The statistics show managers given constant importance of SMEs financing opportunities, bank credit pre-eminence over other forms of financing, the lack of viable alternatives for start-up and innovative companies, etc. Market concentration, alternative between transactional or relational lending, various types of banks; state owned, private owned, foreign, large or small, are analyzed to identify the availability for SME financing. Finally, it is recognized the importance of a diversified banking markets both in terms of supply, lending technologies, but also as bank institutions itself.

BIM adoption within Australian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs: an innovation diffusion model

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Reza Hosseini

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Despite the envisaged benefits of BIM adoption for SMEs, BIM in SMEs has remained an underrepresented area within the available academic literature. This study proposes and draws upon a framework grounded on innovation diffusion theory (IDT to provide an illuminating insight into the current state of BIM and the main barriers to BIM adoption within Australian SMEs. Based on analyses of 135 questionnaires completed by SMEs through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM and grounded on the proposed framework, the current state of BIM adoption and barriers to BIM adoption for SMEs are discussed. The findings show that currently around 42% of Australian SMEs use BIM in Level 1 and Level 2 with only around 5% have tried Level 3. It comes to light that lack of knowledge within SMEs and across the construction supply chain is not a major barrier for Australian SMEs. In essence, the main barriers stem from the risks associated with an uncertain return on investment (ROI for BIM as perceived by key players in SMEs. The findings also show the validity of the framework proposed for explaining BIM adoption in Australian SMEs.

Application of VSC-HVDC with Shunt Connected SMES for Compensation of Power Fluctuation

Science.gov (United States)

Linn, Zarchi; Kakigano, Hiroaki; Miura, Yushi; Ise, Toshifumi

This paper describes the application of VSC-HVDC (High Voltage DC Transmission using Voltage Source Converter) with shunt connected SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) for compensation of power fluctuation caused by fluctuating power source such as photovoltaics and wind turbines. The objectives of this proposed system is to smooth out fluctuating power in one terminal side of HVDC in order to avoid causing power system instability and frequency deviation by absorbing or providing power according to the system requirement while another terminal side power is fluctuated. The shunt connected SMES charges and discharges the energy to and from the dc side and it compensates required power of fluctuation to obtain constant power flow in one terminal side of VSC-HVDC system. This system configuration has ability for power system stabilization in the case of power fluctuation from natural energy source. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation is used to evaluate the performance of applied system configuration and control method.

SMEs Financial Reporting in European Union: Steps towards a More Harmonized Reporting

OpenAIRE

Buculescu (Costicã) Maria Mãdãlina; Stoica Anamaria

2014-01-01

Recognizing the increasingly importance of SMEs in the economy, European Commission attempts to develop an “economic friendly” environment for SMEs business and further to create a harmonized accounting framework for SMEs financial reporting. Therefore, in 2013, European Commission issued a new Accounting Directive 2013/34/EU, to which the member states have to comply until July 2015, representing an important effort undertaken to reduce the administrative burden of SMEs financial reporting, ...

Designing Collaborative Manufacturing Solutions for SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Radziwon, Agnieszka; Bogers, Marcel; Bilberg, Arne

2014-01-01

specifically examine how these SMEs collaborate with both competitors and complementors in an innovative automation project. The findings include a decreasing importance of monetary motivation, a direct competitors paradox, and leadership and ownership's issues, on both inter- and intra-company level.......In this paper, we investigate how small manufacturing companies can apply open innovation in the context of process innovation. We present a case study, with embedded action research elements, of a particular set of SMEs that implement a collaborative solution for manufacturing processes. We...

Computational quench model applicable to the SMES/CICC

Science.gov (United States)

Luongo, Cesar A.; Chang, Chih-Lien; Partain, Kenneth D.

1994-07-01

A computational quench model accounting for the hydraulic peculiarities of the 200 kA SMES cable-in-conduit conductor has been developed. The model is presented and used to simulate the quench on the SMES-ETM. Conclusions are drawn concerning quench detection and protection. A plan for quench model validation is presented.

Sustainability in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jahanshahi, Asghar Afshar; Brem, Alexander

2017-01-01

with their innovativeness and sustainability orientation. To accomplish this, we surveyed 40 TMTs in Iranian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at two points in time. We ran a hierarchical multiple regression in order to test the hypotheses of the study. Building a theoretical model based on the Upper...

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND ROMANIAN SMEs. AN INNOVATION PERSPECTIVE.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ARIANA TAL

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Innovation can take a lot of forms in firms. Large companies are more willing to innovate due to a higher potential than SMEs. In social media, SMEs have equal chances to make a difference. In this paper I aim to present a social media overview, emphasizing the benefits and characteristics of these platforms and the way they can represent a huge innovation for SMEs and in the second part to discuss the case of Romania in relation with social media from the perspective of innovation.

Superconducting magnets technologies for large accelerator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ogitsu, Toru

2017-01-01

The first hadron collider with superconducting magnet technologies was built at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory as TEVATRON. Since then, the superconducting magnet technologies are widely used in large accelerator applications. The paper summarizes the superconducting magnet technologies used for large accelerators. (author)

A robust mixed H2/H∞ based LFC of a deregulated power system including SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shayeghi, H.; Jalili, A.; Shayanfar, H.A.

2008-01-01

This paper presents a new robust decentralized controller based on mixed H 2 /H ∞ control technique for the solution of load frequency control (LFC) problem including superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) in a deregulated electricity environment. To achieve decentralization, in each control area, the connections between this area and the rest of the system and the effects of possible contracts are treated as a set of new disturbance signals. In order to minimize effects of load disturbances and to achieve desired level of robust performance in the presence of modeling uncertainties and practical constraints on control action the idea of mixed H 2 /H ∞ control technique is being used for the solution of LFC problem. This newly developed design strategy combines advantage of H 2 and H ∞ control syntheses and gives a powerful multi-objectives design addressed by the linear matrix inequalities (LMI) technique. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method a four-area restructured power system is considered as a test system under different operating conditions. The simulation results with the proposed controller are shown to maintain robust performance in the presence of SMES unit in two areas at power system and without SMES unit in any of the areas. Analysis reveals that the proposed control strategy with considering SMES unit improves significantly the dynamical performances of system such as settling time and overshoot against parametric uncertainties for a wide range of area load demands and disturbances in either of the areas even in the presence of system nonlinearities

Managing Complexity and Change in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Managing Complexity new and Change in SMEs Frontiers in European ResearchThe process of founding new enterprises and making them grow and prosper is a far more convoluted undertaking than it was just a few decades ago. This book explores the complexity faced by today's entrepreneurs. Institutional...... boundaries, evolutionary perspectives and the intricacies of management are the central themes in this study of entrepreneurs and SMEs in a world marked by major transitions. While mainstream research enhances our understanding of the dynamics of the entrepreneurial process, this book progresses the research...

Islamic Financing in Mitigating Access to Financing Problems of SMEs in Malaysia: A Survey Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Razali Haron

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The SMEs worldwide face the biggest problem in accessing financial assistance. By surveying selected SMEs in Malaysia, this study found similar cases as they are also facing the same problem because of a lack of collateral. Investigating the feasibility of Islamic financing schemes in providing financial aids to SMEs, this study found that several Islamic financial schemes are preferred by SMEs depending on the risk profile of SMEs. These Islamic financial schemes can build a firm liaison with SMEs in realizing the Maqasid al Shari’ah and simultaneously offer paths to better distribute wealth and prosperity among SMEs and the funders as well. This study contributes significantly to the literature as it provides insights to the nature of the SMEs and the bridge built between the SMEs and the Islamic financing schemes as to realize the Islamic social financing aim as a whole.

Use of Patent Information : Empirical Evidence from Innovative SMEs

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Masurel, Enno

2005-01-01

This paper discusses the use of patent information by innovative SMEs. The standard literature tends to focus on obtaining patents; studies of using patent information for different purposes are underrepresented in the innovation literature. Studying the case of SMEs is especially interesting,

Superconducting magnetic energy storage unit; Supraleitender magnetischer Energiespeicher

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kleimaier, M [RWE Energie AG, Essen (Germany); Prescher, K [Siemens AG, Muehlheim an der Ruhr (Germany); Radtke, U [PreussenElektra AG, Hannover (Germany); Voelzke, R [Siemens AG, Erlangen (Germany)

1995-07-01

Superconducting magnetic power storage units are a low-cost alternative to turbine throttling as a means of ensuring active power seconds-range reserve. Advantages are fuel savings, emission reduction and a better utilisation of the available power plant park. With the aid of network simulations, the authors investigate the application conditions of superconducting magnetic power storage units in combination with preheater shut-off for the example of a 10 GW subgrid of the European interconnected grid. (orig.) [Deutsch] Supraleitende magnetische Energiespeicher (SMES) koennten einem Lastverteiler neue Moeglichkeiten bieten, Sekundenreserveleistung kostenguenstig vorzuhalten. Anstelle der heute vorherrschenden Androsselung der Turbinenventile sind bei Ersatz durch einen SMES Brennstoffeinsparungen, Emissionsminderungen und eine hoehere Ausnutzung des bestehenden Kraftwerksparks zu erwarten. Untersucht werden mit Hilfe von Netzsimulationsrechnungen am Beispiel eines 10-GW-Teilnetzes im westeuropaeischen Verbundnetz die Einsatzbedingungen dieser SMES in Kombination mit der Vorwaermeabschaltung. (orig.)

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs and transfer pricing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Veronika Solilová

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Small and medium sized enterprises have very important position in the EU economy, mainly in the area of growth and employment. However, most of SMEs are active only in their home country and only a few of them participate in cross-border activities. Furthermore, their activities in the internal market are limited by great deal of obstacles, mainly in the form of different tax systems which generate excessive compliance costs of taxation and the existence of different SMEs definitions for various purposes in Member states. In addition, from the view of the international taxation issues, the most important obstacles can be considered a transfer pricing and cross-border loss compensations. In this area, SMEs are facing specific problems and have specific needs. The aim of the paper is to analyze and evaluate the specific transfer pricing issues of SMEs and propose recommendations for them.

The Use of Social Media in SMEs: A Case Study for Burdur, Turkey

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Adnan Kalkan

2017-10-01

Full Text Available In today’s business world, social media tools (i.e. facebook, twitter, Linkedin, etc. begin to play an important role in reaching and communicating with customers for businesses. However, the importance of using social media can’t be still understood by SMEs so far. Businesses use different social media tools in various purposes in their life. In this research we aim to investigate the ideas of SMEs about social media and their aims of using social media tools. Data were collected from SMEs operating in Burdur by simple random sampling. The data obtained from the 84 questionnaires was entered to computer and statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS 20 statistical program. In this study, reliability analysis was used firstly. Then, some descriptive analyses were carried out about using social media for SMEs. Finally, a frequency table regarding the social media usage in SMEs was given. As a result, it was seen that 82.1% of SMEs participating in this study have a social network page. Secondly, SMEs are using facebook social media network mostly. In addition, SMEs have expressed that they attend all statements involved in the use of social media scale.

CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCES BETWEEN SMEs IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND TOURISM

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

LUDMILA PĂUNESCU (RAILEAN

2012-06-01

Full Text Available The SMEs who are looking the way to success and sustainable development are beginning to seek strategic alliances with one or more players on the market, just to gain fast and inexpensive acces to: technology, expertise, marketing, production, distribution and other benefits.Tourism development both as a way to spend a pleasant and instructive leisure, even as a service activity required at various stages of a tourist trip, is a necessity of today civilization, with broad prospects for development, is at once a consequence and cause of mutations economic, social, cultural and environmental. Thus, this paper approaches the advantages and disadvantages of strategic alliance between SMEs in the construction industry and tourism, and the elements necessary to achieve its objectives, in view to stimulate touristic activities and development of constructions sector.

A robust control strategy for mitigating renewable energy fluctuations in a real hybrid power system combined with SMES

Science.gov (United States)

Magdy, G.; Shabib, G.; Elbaset, Adel A.; Qudaih, Yaser; Mitani, Yasunori

2018-05-01

Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is attracting great attention as a solution to future energy shortages. However, the irregular nature of RESs and random load deviations cause a large frequency and voltage fluctuations. Therefore, in order to benefit from a maximum capacity of the RESs, a robust mitigation strategy of power fluctuations from RESs must be applied. Hence, this paper proposes a design of Load Frequency Control (LFC) coordinated with Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) technology (i.e., an auxiliary LFC), using an optimal PID controller-based Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) in the Egyptian Power System (EPS) considering high penetration of Photovoltaics (PV) power generation. Thus, from the perspective of LFC, the robust control strategy is proposed to maintain the nominal system frequency and mitigating the power fluctuations from RESs against all disturbances sources for the EPS with the multi-source environment. The EPS is decomposed into three dynamics subsystems, which are non-reheat, reheat and hydro power plants taking into consideration the system nonlinearity. The results by nonlinear simulation Matlab/Simulink for the EPS combined with SMES system considering PV solar power approves that, the proposed control strategy achieves a robust stability by reducing transient time, minimizing the frequency deviations, maintaining the system frequency, preventing conventional generators from exceeding their power ratings during load disturbances, and mitigating the power fluctuations from the RESs.

Open innovation in SMEs : trends, motives and management challenges

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Vrande, van de V.J.A.; Jong, de J.P.J.; Vanhaverbeke, W.P.M.; Rochemont, de M.H.

2009-01-01

Open innovation has so far been studied mainly in high-tech, multinational enterprises. This exploratory paper investigates if open innovation practices are also applied by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on a database collected from 605 innovative SMEs in the Netherlands, we

Universities, SMEs and Innovation Frameworks: Think Global, Act Local?

Science.gov (United States)

Pickernell, David; Clifton, Nick; Senyard, Julienne

2009-01-01

Universities are increasingly encouraged to take a leading role in economic development, particularly through innovation. Simultaneously, economic development policy itself is increasingly focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating overlapping interactions in the roles of government policy, universities and SMEs and the…

Probabilistic assessment of power system transient stability incorporating SMES

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fang, Jiakun, E-mail: Jiakun.Fang@gmail.com [State Key Lab of Advanced Electromagnetic Engineering and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1037, Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Yao, Wei [State Key Lab of Advanced Electromagnetic Engineering and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1037, Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Wen, Jinyu, E-mail: jinyu.wen@hust.edu.cn [State Key Lab of Advanced Electromagnetic Engineering and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1037, Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Cheng, Shijie; Tang, Yuejin; Cheng, Zhuo [State Key Lab of Advanced Electromagnetic Engineering and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1037, Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074 (China)

2013-01-15

Highlights: ► Probabilistic study of power system with wind farm and SMES is proposed. ► Quantitative relationship between system stability and SMES capacity is given. ► System stability increases with the capacity of the SMES. ► System stability decreases with the penetration of wind power. ► Together with the cost function, the coil size is optimized. -- Abstract: This paper presents a stochastic-based approach to evaluate the probabilistic transient stability index of the power system incorporating the wind farm and the SMES. Uncertain factors include both sequence of disturbance in power grid and stochastic generation of the wind farm. The spectrums of disturbance in the grid as the fault type, the fault location, the fault clearing time and the automatic reclosing process with their probabilities of occurrence are used to calculate the probability indices, while the wind speed statistics and parameters of the wind generator are used in a Monte Carlo simulation to generate samples for the studies. With the proposed method, system stability is ”measured”. Quantitative relationship of penetration level, SMES coil size and system stability is established. Considering the stability versus coil size to be the production curve, together with the cost function, the coil size is optimized economically.

Probabilistic assessment of power system transient stability incorporating SMES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fang, Jiakun; Yao, Wei; Wen, Jinyu; Cheng, Shijie; Tang, Yuejin; Cheng, Zhuo

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► Probabilistic study of power system with wind farm and SMES is proposed. ► Quantitative relationship between system stability and SMES capacity is given. ► System stability increases with the capacity of the SMES. ► System stability decreases with the penetration of wind power. ► Together with the cost function, the coil size is optimized. -- Abstract: This paper presents a stochastic-based approach to evaluate the probabilistic transient stability index of the power system incorporating the wind farm and the SMES. Uncertain factors include both sequence of disturbance in power grid and stochastic generation of the wind farm. The spectrums of disturbance in the grid as the fault type, the fault location, the fault clearing time and the automatic reclosing process with their probabilities of occurrence are used to calculate the probability indices, while the wind speed statistics and parameters of the wind generator are used in a Monte Carlo simulation to generate samples for the studies. With the proposed method, system stability is ”measured”. Quantitative relationship of penetration level, SMES coil size and system stability is established. Considering the stability versus coil size to be the production curve, together with the cost function, the coil size is optimized economically

Factors Promoting Environmental Responsibility in European SMEs: The Effect on Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francisco J. Sáez-Martínez

2016-09-01

Full Text Available There is increasing social and political awareness of the importance of developing environmental responsibility at a corporate level. When focusing on issues of responsibility, large companies are frequently perceived to be more responsible for driving climate change and resource depletion. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs contribute significantly to the use of resources such as material and energy and produce approximately 64% of the pollution in Europe. Drawing on evidence from “The Eurobarometer 381 Survey on SMEs, Resource Efficiency and Green Markets”, we analyze the environmental responsibility of European SMEs, studying their compliance with environmental legislation and how several factors drive environmental orientation among SMEs. Our sample consists of 3647 SMEs operating in 38 countries. Only around a fifth of the firms go beyond environmental regulations, showing the highest levels of environmental responsibility. We conduct OLS regressions to analyze the factors that affect a positive environmental attitude among European SMEs (internal drivers being more significant than external ones and then, to observe the positive effect of environmental responsibility and firm’s experience in offering green services/products on performance, although a conjoint effect was not found. Implications for practitioners, academics, and policy-makers are outlined.

A study of the status and future of superconducting magnetic energy storage in power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xue, X D; Cheng, K W E; Sutanto, D

2006-01-01

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems offering flexible, reliable, and fast acting power compensation are applicable to power systems to improve power system stabilities and to advance power qualities. The authors have summarized researches on SMES applications to power systems. Furthermore, various SMES applications to power systems have been described briefly and some crucial schematic diagrams and equations are given. In addition, this study presents valuable suggestions for future studies of SMES applications to power systems. Hence, this paper is helpful for co-researchers who want to know about the status of SMES applications to power systems. (topical review)

The Ideal Criteria of Supplier Selection for SMEs Food Processing Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ramlan Rohaizan

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Selection of good supplier is important to determine the performance and profitability of SMEs food processing industry. The lack of managerial capability on supplier selection in SMEs food processing industry affects the competitiveness of SMEs food processing industry. This research aims to determine the ideal criteria of supplier for food processing industry using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP. The research was carried out in a quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to 50 SMEs food processing industries. The collected data analysed using Expert Choice software to rank the supplier selection criteria. The result shows that criteria for supplier selection are ranked by cost, quality, service, delivery and management and organisation while purchase cost, audit result, defect analysis, transportation cost and fast responsiveness are the first five sub-criteria. The result of this research intends to improve managerial capabilities of SMEs food processing industry in supplier selection.

Energy-storage technologies and electricity generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hall, Peter J.; Bain, Euan J.

2008-01-01

As the contribution of electricity generated from renewable sources (wind, wave and solar) grows, the inherent intermittency of supply from such generating technologies must be addressed by a step-change in energy storage. Furthermore, the continuously developing demands of contemporary applications require the design of versatile energy-storage/power supply systems offering wide ranges of power density and energy density. As no single energy-storage technology has this capability, systems will comprise combinations of technologies such as electrochemical supercapacitors, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and kinetic energy storage. The evolution of the electrochemical supercapacitor is largely dependent on the development of optimised electrode materials (tailored to the chosen electrolyte) and electrolytes. Similarly, the development of lithium-ion battery technology requires fundamental research in materials science aimed at delivering new electrodes and electrolytes. Lithium-ion technology has significant potential, and a step-change is required in order to promote the technology from the portable electronics market into high-duty applications. Flow-battery development is largely concerned with safety and operability. However, opportunities exist to improve electrode technology yielding larger power densities. The main barriers to overcome with regard to the development of SMES technology are those related to high-temperature superconductors in terms of their granular, anisotropic nature. Materials development is essential for the successful evolution of flywheel technology. Given the appropriate research effort, the key scientific advances required in order to successfully develop energy-storage technologies generally represent realistic goals that may be achieved by 2050

What affects the innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the biotechnology industry? An empirical study on Korean biotech SMEs.

Science.gov (United States)

Kang, Kyung-Nam; Lee, Yoon-Sik

2008-10-01

Research-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the advancement of the biotechnology industry. This paper explored the impacts of internal and contextual variables on innovative activity in Korea and compared the results of this analysis with previous studies of other countries. Our analysis of 149 Korean biotech SMEs showed that the ratio of R&D expenditure to sales, the ratio of R&D employees to total employees, CEO characteristics, governmental support and international networking are positively correlated with a firm's innovation performance. The results may help decision makers to better foster SMEs in the Korean biotechnology industry.

The impact of macroeconomic variables on SMEs in Malaysia

Science.gov (United States)

Halim, F. A.; Malim, M. R.; Derasit, Z.; Rani, R. M.; Rashid, S. S.

2017-09-01

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia have gained a prominent role as the significant contributor to the economic growth. However, the world nowadays is heading towards economic downturn. The stability of macroeconomic variables promotes profitability of SMEs which propels them to a stage where they can access financing for sustaining growth. Therefore, it is apparent that the behaviour of the macroeconomic variables plays a major part in determining the nation’s backbone in surviving the economic downturn. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of macroeconomic variables on the profitability of SMEs in Malaysia using multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that the exchange rate has a small positive impact on SME GDP growth rate (10.81%), the interest rate has a strong positive impact (60.74%), while the inflation rate has a strong negative impact (-53.89%). Therefore, it can be concluded that the interest rate and inflation rate have significant impacts on the profitability of SMEs in Malaysia.

SMEs and their E-Commerce: Implications for Training in Wellington, New Zealand

Science.gov (United States)

Beal, Tim; Abdullah, Moha Asri

2005-01-01

One of the greatest challenges facing traditional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the world is that posed by the Internet. While the Internet offers great potential to SMEs, from improving and cheapening production processes through to reaching global customers, it also poses great problems. SMEs' resources, human and…

SMEs and their co-operation with academia.

Science.gov (United States)

Antoine, Jean Michel; Strömqvist, Mats

2005-01-01

Co-operation between SMEs and Academia can be a win-win situation when each partner understands the constraints of the other. SMEs are often leaders in innovation; therefore more ready to share interest in research. They are flexible and dynamic. They need a short feed-back to sustain their co-operation. Academia is often more long-term oriented and more question- than answer-oriented. A code of conduct can ease the relationship because it can anticipate the potential problems.

Drivers for Malaysian SMEs to Go Green

OpenAIRE

M. Krishna Moorthy; Peter a/l Yacob; Mahendra Kumar a/l Chelliah; Lawrence Arokiasamy

2012-01-01

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) around the world have little knowledge about environmental management and do not understand the concept of environmental management. The concept of green is still very new to Malaysian SME owners/managers, although many green conferences, seminars and campaigns have been carried out for quite some time. The concept for green process and products in Malaysia is at the infancy stage. The drivers of environmental behavior in SMEs are relatively under-researche...

Benchmarking and energy management schemes in SMEs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huenges Wajer, Boudewijn [SenterNovem (Netherlands); Helgerud, Hans Even [New Energy Performance AS (Norway); Lackner, Petra [Austrian Energy Agency (Austria)

2007-07-01

Many companies are reluctant to focus on energy management or to invest in energy efficiency measures. Nevertheless, there are many good examples proving that the right approach to implementing energy efficiency can very well be combined with the business-priorities of most companies. SMEs in particular can benefit from a facilitated European approach because they normally have a lack of resources and time to invest in energy efficiency. In the EU supported pilot project BESS, 60 SMEs from 11 European countries of the food and drink industries successfully tested a package of interactive instruments which offers such a facilitated approach. A number of pilot companies show a profit increase of 3 up to 10 %. The package includes a user-friendly and web based E-learning scheme for implementing energy management as well as a benchmarking module for company specific comparison of energy performance indicators. Moreover, it has several practical and tested tools to support the cycle of continuous improvement of energy efficiency in the company such as checklists, sector specific measure lists, templates for auditing and energy conservation plans. An important feature and also a key trigger for companies is the possibility for SMEs to benchmark anonymously their energy situation against others of the same sector. SMEs can participate in a unique web based benchmarking system to interactively benchmark in a way which fully guarantees confidentiality and safety of company data. Furthermore, the available data can contribute to a bottom-up approach to support the objectives of (national) monitoring and targeting and thereby also contributing to the EU Energy Efficiency and Energy Services Directive. A follow up project to expand the number of participating SMEs of various sectors is currently being developed.

Application of superconducting magnet energy storage to improve power system dynamic performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitani, Y.; Tsuji, K.; Murakami, Y.

1988-01-01

The application of Superconducting Magnet Energy Storage (SMES) to the stabilization of a power system with long distance bulk power transmission lines which has the problem of poorly damped power oscillations, is presented. Control schemes for stabilization using SMES which is capable of controlling active and reactive power simultaneously in four quadrant ranges, is proposed. The effective locations and the necessary capacities of SMES for power system stabilizing control are discussed in detail. Results of numerical analysis and experiments in an artificial power transmission system demonstrate the significant effect of the control by SMES on the improvement of power system oscillatory performance

Education in Management of Data Created by New Technologies for Rapid Product Development in SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Shaw, A.; Aitchison, D.

2003-01-01

This paper presents outcomes from a research programme aimed at developing new tools and methodologies to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rapid product development (RPD). The authors suggest that current education strategies for the teaching of RPD tools and methodologies may be of limited value unless those strategies also…

R&D Collaboration by SMEs: new opportunities and limitations in the face of globalisation

OpenAIRE

Narula,Rajneesh

2001-01-01

Globalisation has systemically affected the way all firms undertake innovation. First, there has been a growing use of non-internal technology development, both by outsourcing and strategic alliances. Second, products are increasingly multi-technology. This has led to the growing use of networks by all firms, previously a primary competitive advantage of SMEs. These developments have created both opportunities and threats for the SME. On the one hand, large firms have increasingly sought out ...

An analysis of e-business adoption by Indonesian manufacturing SMEs: A conceptual framework

Science.gov (United States)

Saptadi, Singgih; Pratama, Hanggar; Sudirman, Iman; Aisha, Atya Nur; Bernadhi, Brav Deva

2017-11-01

Many researches had shown IT contribution to business. Considering the contribution of SMEs to Indonesia economy, improving the competitiveness of SMEs is a concern in Indonesia development. Many studies had shown many IT projects failed to provide business performance. So, it is important to understand the pattern of e-business that provides business performances of a company. Using business process approach, we had studied SMEs' e-business initiatives in the form of "which business processes that had been supported with IT" by SMEs and business performances that SMEs gained from these e-business initiatives. But, we have not studied the intensity of implemented IT for SMEs' business processes. This paper presents a conceptual framework that relates the business performance and the intensity of e-business adoption. We also propose some antecedents that may relate to the intensity of e-business adoption.

University - SMEs Collaboration to Support the Economic Growth: A ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

... support prevent many of these companies to even think of new investment. ... Local Universities can support SMEs by designing low cost equipment to meet their needs. ... doing the link between University and SMEs and the funding institutions. ... Many small projects have already been considered by the University of ...

Human relations in SMEs from Arequipa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Walter Lizandro Arias Gallegos

2014-02-01

Full Text Available The present research settles as aim, to determine the kind of human relations which prevail in small and medium enterprises (SMEs at Paucarpata district from Arequipa City. In order to, we use the Human Relations Questionnaire with acceptable levels of validity and reliability (α = 0,648 and discriminate between four types of human relations: unsecure, collaborative, selfish and hostile. The results point that predominant human relations in SMEs are the hostile type, and make us to suppose that work conditions don’t benefit employees and could even have negative consequences in their job performance and welfare.

The Ideal Criteria of Supplier Selection for SMEs Food Processing Industry

OpenAIRE

Ramlan Rohaizan; Engku Abu Bakar Engku Muhammad Nazri; Mahmud Fatimah; Ng Hooi Keng

2016-01-01

Selection of good supplier is important to determine the performance and profitability of SMEs food processing industry. The lack of managerial capability on supplier selection in SMEs food processing industry affects the competitiveness of SMEs food processing industry. This research aims to determine the ideal criteria of supplier for food processing industry using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The research was carried out in a quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to 50 ...

Romanian SMEs During the Crisis: Economic Results and Perceptions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ciprian Nicolescu

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The paper looks at how SMEs from Romania evolved in the period2004–2011. The main objective of the paper is to compare SMEs’situation before the start of the economic crisis and during theperiod of the crisis. The examination is done from a dynamic perspectiveand the analysis comprises two aspects: (a the evolutionof a number of economic indicators related to Romanian SMEs’in the studied period and (b the opinions and the perceptions ofSMEs about the impact of the economic crisis on their activity. Thepaper advances proposals of possible strategies to help SMEs bettercope with the on-going economic crisis.

SMEs in Europe 2003

NARCIS (Netherlands)

A.R. Thurik (Roy); D.B. Audretsch (David); T. Kwaak; N. Bosma (Niels)

2004-01-01

textabstractEntrepreneurship and SMEs have emerged as the engine of economic and social development throughout the world. The role of entrepreneurship has changed dramatically and fundamentally, so that it is now seen as a requisite ingredient generating employment, economic growth and international

Money Soon Growing On Trees for SMEs?

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2006-01-01

Banks in Shanghai greenlight loans to SMEs At a June 19 fair on banking financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Shanghai, the discussion inside was just as heated as the temperature outside. "We hope that banks' lending policies will not change," said Mr. Wang, who runs a retail shop selling electrical appliances in the Putuo District of Shanghai. "Just a small shift and there goes our cash flow. With the increase in interest rates, we are concerned

Digital Marketing in an Emerging Country: Exploratory Study of the Marketing Mix of SMES with Trust Seal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Catalina Gutierrez-Leefmans

2016-06-01

Full Text Available The study of digital marketing responds to technology changes as part of the digital economy. However, there is little scientific research of this subject in Mexican SMEs. This exploratory research aims to support the Mexican context knowledge through the observation to websites of SMEs with digital trust seal. The digital resources used as part of the marketing mix that can be observed externally in the websites were analyzed. The results showed that the most used resources were social networks, e-mail, those related to navigation ease and the variety of payment options. Nevertheless, other digital resources were underutilized. It was observed, in the SMEs studied, little attention in offering additional benefits and services to the product and low use of resources related to customer service. Despite showing a high interest in social networks, a quarter of the firms with a Facebook page did not give maintenance to it. It is concluded that Mexican SMEs are still at a basic stage in the use of digital resources in the marketing mix and that the marketing mix model is useful to observe the digital resources, but that some resources may belong to more than one element of the mix.

Simple Strategic Analysis Tools at SMEs in Ecuador

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Diego H. Álvarez Peralta

2015-06-01

Full Text Available This article explores the possible applications of Strategic Analysis Tools (SAT in SMEs located in emerging countries such as Ecuador (where there are no formal studies on the subject. It is intended to analyze if whether or not it is feasible to effectively apply a set of proposed tools to guide mental map decisions of executives when decisions on strategy have to be made. Through an in-depth review of the state of the art in regards to SAT and interviews performed to main participants such as chambers and executives of different firms, it is shown the feasibility of their application. This analysis is complemented with specialists´ interviews to deepen our insights and obtaining valid conclusions. Our conclusion is that SMEs can smoothly develop and apply an appropriate set of SAT when opting for very relevant choices. However, there are some inconveniences to be solved which are connected with resources (such as peoples’ abilities and technology and behavioral (cultural factors and methodological processes.Once these barriers are knocked down, it would be more likely to enrich current approaches to make strategic decisions even more effective. This is a qualitative investigation and the research design is not experimental (among them it is transversal as it relates to a specific moment in time.

Industry Differentiation in the Innovation-Exporting Business Models of SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Child, John; Hsieh, Linda; Elbanna, Said

. This paper addresses these two research gaps by investigating whether there is a systematic variation in the specifics of the innovation-exporting business models adopted by SMEs according to their industry membership. The sample of 180 firms includes an equal number of SMEs actively engaged in exporting...... and located in the clothing, software and biotechnology industries across six economies. The results indicate that SMEs in each industry follow distinctive business models with respect to innovation and exporting. It is concluded that industry is an institutionalized socio-technical system of considerable...

Measuring Administrative Burdens of e-Government Services for Rural SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Costopoulou, Constantina; Ntaliani, Maria

Administrative burdens comprise the second most important individual business constraint for SMEs. In this context, the Rural Inclusion project aims at reducing rural SMEs' administrative burdens related to particular public services. For succeeding this, it adopts, adapts, and deploys a Web infrastructure combining semantic services with a collaborative training and networking approach in five European rural regions. The paper presents the preliminary results of the initial phases of the project regarding the measurement of administrative burdens of SMEs in a specific rural region related to the service "Starting a new business".

Exploring management and entrepreneurial factors in the internationalisation of SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bakhtiar Rana, Mohammad; Sørensen, Olav Jull

2013-01-01

The study aims to explore the internal management and entrepreneurial factors that affect the internationalisation process of ready-made-garment (RMG) SMEs in Bangladesh. The study collects information from 46 apparel SMEs located in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and is followed by a pilot survey...... in the internationalisation of apparel SMEs. Since the nature of the apparel business is buyer driven, establishing and maintaining a ‘network’ and ‘learning’ are the most important aspects for internationalisation process, which are dependent on the entrepreneur’s management capability, foreign language skill and the extent...

Marketing management capabilities of SMEs: an empirical analysis in the EU

OpenAIRE

Banterle, Alessandro; Carraresi, Laura; Stranieri, Stefanella

2008-01-01

SMEs, that represent the greater part of European food firms producing traditional food products (TFPs), meet difficulties in adapting their strategies to market changes, and in competing with big enterprises. Marketing management capabilities play a key role in good SMEs performance in the market. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the marketing capabilities of SMEs that produce TFPs. The theoretical framework considers the Market Orientation approach and marketing management capabilit...

Foundational Competencies for Enhancing Work Engagement in SMEs Malaysia

Science.gov (United States)

Haruna, Aliyu Yelwa; Marthandan, Govindan

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of foundational competencies on work engagement in the context of the Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) service sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Malaysia, and data were gathered via a survey on 312 employees representing SMEs service…

Institutionalized Technological Foresight

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Koch, Christian; Hansen, Hans Henrik; Stissing Jensen, Jens

2008-01-01

, and they become dependent of national and other institutional foresights. Since 2000 the Danish ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has tendered nine technology foresights. These could be used by SMEs as supplementary to internal decision making. One also expects to see these foresights placed firmly...... in the national strategy of coordinating and strengthening policy on research, technology and innovation in one superministry. The paper evaluates the methods, impact and role in policy making of these technological foresights. The particular role of institutionalized public foresight in relation to enterprise......Technology and knowledge monitoring is a continual challenge especially for small and medium size enterprises. Technological foresight seemingly offers important parts of this crucial monitoring. The SMEs rarely possess sufficient resources to do systematic foresights, or forecasts however...

Superconducting magnetic energy storage and superconducting self-supplied electromagnetic launcher

Science.gov (United States)

Ciceron, Jérémie; Badel, Arnaud; Tixador, Pascal

2017-10-01

Superconductors can be used to build energy storage systems called Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES), which are promising as inductive pulse power source and suitable for powering electromagnetic launchers. The second generation of high critical temperature superconductors is called coated conductors or REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide) tapes. Their current carrying capability in high magnetic field and their thermal stability are expanding the SMES application field. The BOSSE (Bobine Supraconductrice pour le Stockage d'Energie) project aims to develop and to master the use of these superconducting tapes through two prototypes. The first one is a SMES with high energy density. Thanks to the performances of REBCO tapes, the volume energy and specific energy of existing SMES systems can be surpassed. A study has been undertaken to make the best use of the REBCO tapes and to determine the most adapted topology in order to reach our objective, which is to beat the world record of mass energy density for a superconducting coil. This objective is conflicting with the classical strategies of superconducting coil protection. A different protection approach is proposed. The second prototype of the BOSSE project is a small-scale demonstrator of a Superconducting Self-Supplied Electromagnetic Launcher (S3EL), in which a SMES is integrated around the launcher which benefits from the generated magnetic field to increase the thrust applied to the projectile. The S3EL principle and its design are presented. Contribution to the topical issue "Electrical Engineering Symposium (SGE 2016)", edited by Adel Razek

Problems of financing SMEs in Ghana: a case study of the Sunyani Municipality

OpenAIRE

Prempeh, kwadwo Boateng

2015-01-01

Small and medium enterprises play an important role in the development of a country. The growth of SMEs is also important for the world economy which has been widely discussed in recent years. Although the problems SMEs face in accessing finance are well known, still there are some research gaps that need to be filled. The main focus of this research is to explore the nature and the characteristics of SMEs together with the financial constraints facing the SMEs. Basically the research focuses...

SMES-ETM Technical Analysis Report

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

1989-01-01

... documentation for the SMES-ETM Program is determined. Specifically, this report will support the SDIO-ENEC and DNA decision on whether an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement is most appropriate...

Difficulties in Raising Finance and Sources of Finance Available for SMEs

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

范怡纯

2015-01-01

Compared with large sized enterprises,one of the chief characters of smal and medium enterprises(SMEs)is that the scale is smal and the power has been highly concentrated.Essential y , almost any smal enterprise manages their business independently.Thus,the initiative of the operator total y determines the motivation for profits.As the operators are sensitive to the changeable market,implementing the combination of the right of ownership and management control can help operators either save the supervision costs or make quick decisions.However,dif iculties in raising finance have secularly blocked the development of the SMEs.Therefore,it becomes a key issue for the growing of the SMEs that how to ef ectively improve the financing situation of SMEs.

A CLASICAL APPROACH TO HUMAN RESSOURCES IN ROMANIAN SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexandra Maria FIRA

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The main objective of our paper is the study of human resources management in SMEs in Dolj County. Through our research we emphasize and demonstrate the importance of human resources in the maintaining process of stability and in perpetuating the viability of this dynamic sector – the one of SMEs. Thus, the theoretical concepts are grounded both through theory and national and international practices, and through the actual data obtained from the research that will be carried out in the field. The practical implications of our research reflect in the analysis and interpretation of the research results carried out on 516 employees from SMEs in Dolj County, as well as in the recommendations elaborated based on a set of variables established according to the importance of the employees’ role in the enterprises as bearers of initiative and generators of innovation. Therefore, we have reached the conclusion that involving employees in the decision making process is an important factor for the survival and progress of SMEs.

Energy and exergy utilizations of the Jordanian SMEs industries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Ghandoor, A.; Al Salaymeh, M.; Al-Abdallat, Y.; Al-Rawashdeh, M.

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► We analyze the energy and exergy utilizations of the Jordanian SMEs industries. ► We developed an energy balance for the Jordanian SMEs industries. ► The low efficiencies values suggest that many opportunities for better industrial energy utilizations still exist. - Abstract: This study presents detailed analysis of the energy and exergy utilizations of the Jordanian Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by considering the flows of energy and exergy through the main end uses in the Jordanian industrial sector. To achieve this purpose, a survey covering 180 facilities was conducted and energy consumption data was gathered to establish detailed end-use balance for the Jordanian industrial sector. The energy end-use balance provides a starting point to estimate the site and embodied energy and exergy efficiencies. The average site energy and exergy efficiencies of the Jordanian SMEs industries sector are estimated as 78.3% and 37.9% respectively, while the embodied energy and exergy efficiencies are estimated as 58.9% and 21.2% respectively. The low efficiencies values suggest that many opportunities for better industrial energy utilizations still exist.

Toward economic reward: Corporate social responsibility communication of SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mulović Ana

2015-01-01

Full Text Available In business world of today, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs play the part of an increasingly important role in the world economy. Currently, SMEs are thought to be the backbone of economic growth in many countries, contributing to the creation of job opportunities and acting as suppliers of goods and services for large organizations. Internationally, various studies are related to the importance of SMEs for a country's development and economic stability. SMEs also play an important role in European economies and their form according to some authors is a pillar of business structure. Academics emphasise in many ways Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR as a mantra for our time, a time which they characterised as 'the era of compassionate capitalism' or 'the age of sustainability'. CSR communication is an important element of the strategic approach to communication, which rests on the idea that enterprises can create a strong identity by implementing a systematic and proactive strategic communication practice within their organisations, establishing the way for 'the building and maintaining of favourable reputations and relationships with key stakeholders'.

MOEA based design of decentralized controllers for LFC of interconnected power systems with nonlinearities, AC-DC parallel tie-lines and SMES units

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganapathy, S.; Velusami, S.

2010-01-01

A new design of Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based decentralized controllers for load-frequency control of interconnected power systems with Governor Dead Band and Generation Rate Constraint nonlinearities, AC-DC parallel tie-lines and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) units, is proposed in this paper. The HVDC link is used as system interconnection in parallel with AC tie-line to effectively damp the frequency oscillations of AC system while the SMES unit provides bulk energy storage and release, thereby achieving combined benefits. The proposed controller satisfies two main objectives, namely, minimum Integral Squared Error of the system output and maximum closed-loop stability of the system. Simulation studies are conducted on a two area interconnected power system with nonlinearities, AC-DC tie-lines and SMES units. Results indicate that the proposed controller improves the transient responses and guarantees the closed-loop stability of the overall system even in the presence of system nonlinearities and with parameter changes.

Financial management practices in successful Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hendrik Petrus Wolmarans

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Although the success of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEs is extremely important for the South African economy, their failure rate is amongst the highest in the world; some researchers estimate as high as 90 percent. Research has shown that the lack of financial management skills and application of financial management practices are some of the biggest factors contributing to SME failure. However, it is not clear from the literature which of these skills and practices are more important than others. This study aims to fill this gap by determining which financial management skills are relevant for successful SMEs. A survey was done on a sample of owner-managers of successful SMEs who had been asked, firstly, whether they performed different financial management practices and, secondly, how frequently they performed these in their companies. The study concludes that practices regarding working capital as well as profitability are much more relevant than those regarding a balance sheet or strategic finance. Similarly, financial practices related to cash flow and decision making are more relevant than those related to planning or analysing. It may be true, due to the high risk and volatile environment of SMEs, as well as the challenges that are often underestimated, that financial practices which academics regard as important are not always implemented by these companies.  This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge as it determines the relative relevance and frequency of use of financial management practices by successful SMEs. KEY WORDS Small and medium enterprises, Financial management practices, Successful SMEs, Entrepreneurship education

The Need for Standardization in SMEs Networks

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ivana Mijatovic

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Many SMEs networking initiatives failed because of the absence of trust among companies and between companies and government, leadership and management approaches as well as absence of entrepreneurial skills in managing business networks. Even though local governments or regional agencies have a capacity to mobilize actors from the public and private sectors, generic public initiatives are proved not to be enough. The private sector should also be supported in gathering around joint interests and solving their mutual problems, thus improving business and competitiveness. Research, management and policy instruments to support SMEs will need to have some other directions. Can standardization be one of the directions? The main objective of this paper is to present some aspects of need for standardization in SMEs networking initiatives. The solution to actual or potential matching problems (intended and expected to be used repeatedly or continuously, during a certain period, by a substantial number of parties for whom they are meant can be formalized as standard. The standard development process can serve as basis for building connections and trust among cluster members. Even though some researche emphasizes the role of ad hoc de facto standards as well as standardization in the contexts of achievement of the optimum degree of order in SMEs networks, specific experience is evident in all cases, but experience in design of ad hoc de facto standards and standardization management are still missing.

Optimization of HTS superconducting magnetic energy storage magnet volume

Science.gov (United States)

Korpela, Aki; Lehtonen, Jorma; Mikkonen, Risto

2003-08-01

Nonlinear optimization problems in the field of electromagnetics have been successfully solved by means of sequential quadratic programming (SQP) and the finite element method (FEM). For example, the combination of SQP and FEM has been proven to be an efficient tool in the optimization of low temperature superconductors (LTS) superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) magnets. The procedure can also be applied for the optimization of HTS magnets. However, due to a strongly anisotropic material and a slanted electric field, current density characteristic high temperature superconductors HTS optimization is quite different from that of the LTS. In this paper the volumes of solenoidal conduction-cooled Bi-2223/Ag SMES magnets have been optimized at the operation temperature of 20 K. In addition to the electromagnetic constraints the stress caused by the tape bending has also been taken into account. Several optimization runs with different initial geometries were performed in order to find the best possible solution for a certain energy requirement. The optimization constraints describe the steady-state operation, thus the presented coil geometries are designed for slow ramping rates. Different energy requirements were investigated in order to find the energy dependence of the design parameters of optimized solenoidal HTS coils. According to the results, these dependences can be described with polynomial expressions.

A critical analysis of the contents of the IFRS for SMEs - a South African perspective

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Daniel Petrus Schutte

2011-06-01

Full Text Available The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs was developed to address the reporting needs of SMEs worldwide. Furthermore, SMEs from different parts of the world are exposed to different conditions and environments. Although the IFRS for SMEs was not intended for a specific user group,the majority of the respondents to the Exposure Draft on IFRS for SMEs were from Europe and other developed countries while only limited respondents from Africa and developing countries were involved.  This study considered the relevance of the contents of the IFRS for SMEs in the South African environment based on user requirements. Since SMEs do not necessarily have functional accounting departments and because they rely on external accountants to compile financial statements, we included accounting practitioners and trainee accountants from the SME sector in our survey. As a result we classified the contents of the IFRS for SMEs, from a South African perspective, into different levels of importance or relevance.

SMEs: Trust and judicial system

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marilene Lorizio

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Italian SMEs share capabilities and routines that permit them to reach high level of competition. But in a global system that is affected by structural deficiencies and negative performance of judicial system, it is very hard to maintain high performances. In this work, starting from the resilience capacity of a group of SMEs of surviving to the crisis, we try to analyse the quality of the expectations of a sample of resilient firms. Our study leads to the hypothesis that the economic crisis is in line with a crisis of confidence in the judicial system. This is all the more serious when considering that this distrust is rooted in those firms located in Southern Italy, where the inefficiency of the judicial system is particularly pronounced.

CSR, SMEs and Social Capital

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Murillo, David; Vallentin, Steen

2012-01-01

capital are interrelated, turning social capital into a powerful instrument to better explain what academic literature has called silent CSR practices. The analysis that follows questions some of the basic tenets that underpin the branch of business ethics that deals with the nature of SMEs' approach...... this type of action d) Any study of this kind of practice requires a dual approach: a) normative when using tools developed by CSR; and b) descriptive and instrumental using the notion of social capital....... in the automotive sector, took the distinctive approach of trying to understand the nature of CSR-like activities developed not by best-in-class CSR-driven companies but by purely competitiveness-driven firms. The case studies provide explicit evidence that the CSR activities of SMEs and the notion of social...

THE COMPARISON OF CAPITALSTRUCTURE DETERMINANTSBETWEEN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES(SMEs AND LARGEFIRMS IN MALAYSIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Asmawi Noor Saarani

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The objective of the paper isto analyze the determinants of capital structure offirms, by comparing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs and large firms.SMEs in Malaysia play a significantrole in the national economy. However,contribution of Malaysian SMEs to economy is not up to themark to selectedbenchmarking countries such as South Korea and Japan. One of major reasons isfinancial constraint. Given that theresource of financial assistance fromgovernment is limited, concentration has tobe given to potential firms which arelisted as Enterprise 50 (E50. E50 is a prestigious awards program to recognizethe achievements of SMEs. Panel data analysis has been used to test thedeterminants of capital structure, indicatedby the leverage ratio of the firms. Theindependent variables are asset tangibility, profitability, non-debt tax shield,liquidity, age and size. Evaluation isbased on financial data of 285 firmsconsisting of 91 SMEs and 194 large firms for a period of 2004 till 2011. TradeOff and Pecking Order theory are discussed. The result shows that capitalstructure of SMEs and large firms are almost similar except in term of growth,liquidity and size. Growth is important for large firms. Liquidity is the criticalfactor for SMEs in determining short term debt, and size does matter to SMEs.

ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR SMEs BY CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEMES IN TURKEY

OpenAIRE

Sarigul, Hasmet

2013-01-01

Credit guarantee schemes assist banks in lending to SMEs by overcoming collateral problems. The guarantees are used to share the risk between the bank and the guarantee institution in an agreed ratio. Thus, the bank’s risk and operation costs are lowered and its returns increased. This encourages banks to lend to SMEs who are unable to provide adequate collateral. In our study, we investigate the relationship between SMEs, banks and CGSs. We also aimed to explain the functioning of CGSs...

Innovation protection by SMEs : The case of the north east of the Netherlands

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mol, Mischa C.; Masurel, Enno

2011-01-01

SMEs do not own many patents. Although the reasons for not patenting have been the subject of much research, little is known on the alternatives that SMEs use. This article discusses a case study on the protection of innovations by SMEs by means of an analysis of the patent data and 20 interviews

Open innovation in SMEs: Exploring inter-organizational relationships in an ecosystem

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Radziwon, Agnieszka; Bogers, Marcel

2018-01-01

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the inherent tension of depending on external partners to complement their internal innovation activities while having limited resources to manage such open innovation processes. Given the importance of collaborative efforts between multiple...... stakeholders, we address the open innovation challenges from the SME perspective at the business-ecosystem level. We present an inductive case study of a particular regional ecosystem and focus on the inter-organizational collaboration between SMEs and other stakeholders in the ecosystem. With this focus, we...... explore how SMEs perceive, organize, and manage open innovation through strong collaborative ties with other ecosystem members. We identify a particular set of challenges for the SMEs due to the misalignment between their business model and that of their ecosystem. Specific findings include the link...

Identification of determinants for globalization of SMEs using multi-layer perceptron neural networks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Draz, U.; Jahanzaib, M.; Asghar, G.

2016-01-01

SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) sector is facing problems relating to implementation of international quality standards. These SMEs need to identify factors affecting business success abroad for intelligent allocation of resources to the process of internationalization. In this paper, MLP NN (Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network) has been used for identifying relative importance of key variables related to firm basics, manufacturing, quality inspection labs and level of education in determining the exporting status of Pakistani SMEs. A survey has been conducted for scoring out the pertinent variables in SMEs and coded in MLP NNs. It is found that firm registered with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and size of firm are the most important in determining exporting status of SMEs followed by other variables. For internationalization, the results aid policy makers in formulating strategies. (author)

Assessing ERP SAP implementation in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia

Science.gov (United States)

Yohannes; Gunawan, W.; Ikhsan, R. B.; Aries

2018-03-01

The consistent growth of Indonesian SMEs has received attention of global IT vendors. One of major ERP player in Indonesian market such as SAP, has introduced ERP solutions for SMEs through SAP Business One. Due to its fast growth, unfortunately, there are still very few articles can be found to understand the ERP implementation in Indonesian SMEs. The article addressed the common factors that affect the successful of the ERP implementation at SMEs. They are: identifying vendor quality, opening balance data migration, and A-SAP methodology. The article applied case study method to examine the fast growth companies owned by same owners, such as: GRK, MMM, and KM25; with the objectives to identify the practical pattern of ERP implementation in SMEs that will be useful for SAP project manager and consultants.

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMEs – CASE IN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ANETA RISTESKA

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Small and medium enterprises (SMEs are the backbone of the economy in the most of the countries around the world, their contribution can be seen in employment, export and added value. Internationalization used to be characteristic only of multinational corporations, but today it is a trend with both small and medium enterprises The main aim of this paper is to get information about the situation with internationalization of SMEs in R. Macedonia. For this purpose we carried out a survey by means of questionnaire. Obtained results are presented within this paper in details. Considering the facts from the analysis in the end of the paper we will propose many recommendations for increasing the internationalization of SMEs in Republic of Macedonia.

Multilateral Development Banks and Their Role in Supporting European SMEs during the Current Financial Crisis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sorin Gabriel Anton

2013-12-01

Full Text Available The impact of the ongoing financial crisis on the availability of finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs represents an important topic nowadays. The access to finance for SMEs is a major barrier for their growth, especially during severe conditions such as the global financial crisis. Financing the SMEs represents a priority for the most of the multilateral development banks. The aim of the paper is to analyze the activity of European multilateral development banks - European Investment Bank Group and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development - in the support of SMEs. We found that SMEs financing increased during the period 2008-2011 and the international financial institutions took several measures in order to improve the SMEs access to finance.

Marketing fortification of business through crowdsourcing and social responsibility: focus on South African SMEs

OpenAIRE

Eunice Lebogang Sesale; Solly Matshonisa Seeletse

2017-01-01

This paper investigates networking and related activities for marketing performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the sustainable development and the preservation of the environment. These SMEs have limited business skills and knowledge, and don`t have any marketing funds. As a clearly growing trend aspect in business, networking approaches were blended to find approaches to help these SMEs to take their market niche. Thirty-seven (37) SMEs were used as a convenience sample to ex...

Capital and operating cost estimates for high temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schoenung, S.M.; Meier, W.R.; Fagaly, R.L.; Heiberger, M.; Stephens, R.B.; Leuer, J.A.; Guzman, R.A.

1992-01-01

Capital and operating costs have been estimated for mid-scale (2 to 200 Mwh) superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) designed to use high temperature superconductors (HTS). Capital costs are dominated by the cost of superconducting materials. Operating costs, primarily for regeneration, are significantly reduced for HTS-SMES in comparison to low temperature, conventional systems. This cost component is small compared to other O and M and capital components, when levelized annual costs are projected. In this paper, the developments required for HTS-SMES feasibility are discussed

SMEs AND INNOVATION – CASE OF MACEDONIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ANETA RISTESKA JANKULOSKA

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Considering the dynamic environment, competitiveness of small and medium enterprises depends on the speed with which new products can be presented in the market. Innovation represent specific instrument of entrepreneurship, and in general entrepreneurs are bringing innovation. Innovation represents activity that impregnates the existing resources with new capacities for creation of resources. Innovation sometimes may result in brand new, unknown product or replacement of some existing function for it’s more efficient and successful performance. SMEs are more innovative than larger firms, due to their flexibility and their ability to quickly and efficiently integrate inventions created by the firms’ development activities. Hence, in this paper the main focus will be on SMEs in Macedonia, their innovation and the business environment, excually the influence of business environment for creating innovation. To prove this we will test three hypotheses by using the ANNOVA model and in the end of the paper based on the obtained results we will purpose a measures for improving the business environment in Macedonia in order to stimulate SMEs innovation.

CRITICAL FACTORS IN OUTSOURCING OF ACCOUNTING FUNCTIONS IN MALAYSIAN SMALL MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Magiswary Dorasamy

2010-01-01

Full Text Available The challenges that business face in sustaining competitive advantage in the corporate world have become a major concern. Businesses are adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices to cope with rapid, global changes. Various business functions are being reengineered for this purpose. Accounting functions play an important role in helping businesses to maintain competitive advantage. However, some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs face problems handling fundamental accounting functions. This is predominantly because of their lack of expertise; accounting functions require not only knowledge of generally accepted accounting rules or tax regulations but also the expertise needed to apply the rules in a given business environment (Everaert, Sarens and Rommel, 2006. This paper offers some insight on the outsourcing of accounting functions as there is paucity of data in this area in the context of Malaysia. Essentially, it presents empirical evidence regarding Malaysian SMEs' accounting outsourcing practices. A survey of SMEs was conducted to identify the overall outsourcing landscape as it relates to accounting and third-party organisations. The factors that contribute to the decision to outsource accounting functions are analysed. The study reveals a significant relationship between outsourcing accounting functions and two contributing factors, risks and operation management.

Preliminary Design of Industrial Symbiosis of Smes Using Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) Method

Science.gov (United States)

Astuti, Rahayu Siwi Dwi; Astuti, Arieyanti Dwi; Hadiyanto

2018-02-01

Industrial symbiosis is a collaboration of several industries to share their necessities such material, energy, technology as well as waste management. As a part of industrial ecology, in principle, this system attempts to emulate ecosystem where waste of an organism is being used by another organism, therefore there is no waste in the nature. This system becomes an effort to optimize resources (material and energy) as well as minimize waste. Considerable, in a symbiosis incure material and energy flows among industries. Material and energy in an industry are known as cost carriers, thus flow analysis in this system can be conducted in perspective of material, energy and cost, or called as material flow cost accounting (MFCA) that is an economic and ecological appraisal approach. Previous researches shown that MFCA implementation could be used to evaluate an industry's environmental-related efficiency as well as in planning, business control and decision making. Moreover, the MFCA has been extended to assess environmental performance of SMEs Cluster or industrial symbiosis in SMEs Cluster, even to make preliminary design of an industrial symbiosis base on a major industry. This paper describes the use of MFCA to asses performance of SMEs industrial symbiosis and to improve the performance.

Preliminary Design of Industrial Symbiosis of Smes Using Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Siwi Dwi Astuti Rahayu

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Industrial symbiosis is a collaboration of several industries to share their necessities such material, energy, technology as well as waste management. As a part of industrial ecology, in principle, this system attempts to emulate ecosystem where waste of an organism is being used by another organism, therefore there is no waste in the nature. This system becomes an effort to optimize resources (material and energy as well as minimize waste. Considerable, in a symbiosis incure material and energy flows among industries. Material and energy in an industry are known as cost carriers, thus flow analysis in this system can be conducted in perspective of material, energy and cost, or called as material flow cost accounting (MFCA that is an economic and ecological appraisal approach. Previous researches shown that MFCA implementation could be used to evaluate an industry’s environmental-related efficiency as well as in planning, business control and decision making. Moreover, the MFCA has been extended to assess environmental performance of SMEs Cluster or industrial symbiosis in SMEs Cluster, even to make preliminary design of an industrial symbiosis base on a major industry. This paper describes the use of MFCA to asses performance of SMEs industrial symbiosis and to improve the performance.

Integrating SMEs into the East Asian Region: Philippines

OpenAIRE

Medalla, Erlinda M.; Aldaba, Rafaelita M.; del Prado, Fatima; Yasay, Donald

2010-01-01

The paper aims to examine the characteristics and factors that constrain the growth of SMEs that are operating within and outside production networks. Based on a survey of 101 firms, the analysis shows that SMEs are not homogeneous. While they share certain characteristics such as age, Filipino ownership, and foreign equity share; they differ in terms of performance export intensity, interest rates on borrowings, major sources of finance, and other economic indicators. The results also show t...

Diffusion of Innovation - The Adoption of Electronic Commerce by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES- A Comparative Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wayne Pease

2005-11-01

Full Text Available This paper explores the issues that influence the diffusion of innovation as it relates to the adoption of e-commerce by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs. It seeks to identify factors facilitating and inhibiting such adoption across contexts – regional, small city and large city. This analysis is cross cultural so the impact of differing economic and cultural issues also will be identified in this research. Whilst it is generally accepted that the strategic use of information technology (IT is vital in the marketplace, the rate of such uptake between small and large businesses varies. This research seeks to identify the reasons for this variation. It is critical to understand such factors so that steps can be taken to redress inequity of uptake that might be identified. The paper endeavours to explore factors that are needed to facilitate and encourage IT adoption and so positively influence user acceptance and use of IT innovations in SMEs. Reasons for such uptake as well as strategic approach to the adoption of e-commerce, and variations regarding same also will be considered. The paper examines existing theory as it pertains to the diffusion of innovation acknowledging the perspective of regional and urban SMEs in various cultural contexts. Empirical investigation exploring this diffusion, the rate of and approach to the uptake by SMEs is planned using a case study methodology

Sustaining Tunisian SMEs' Competitiveness in the Knowledge Society

Science.gov (United States)

Del Vecchio, Pasquale; Elia, Gianluca; Secundo, Giustina

The paper aims to contribute to the debate about knowledge and digital divide affecting countries' competitiveness in the knowledge society. A survey based on qualitative and quantitative data collection has been performed to analyze the level of ICTs and e-Business adoption of the Tunisian SMEs. The results shows that to increase the SMEs competitiveness is necessary to invest in all the components of Intellectual capital: human capital (knowledge, skills, and the abilities of people for using the ICTs), structural capital (supportive infrastructure such as buildings, software, processes, patents, and trademarks, proprietary databases) and social capital (relations and collaboration inside and outside the company). At this purpose, the LINCET "Laboratoire d'Innovation Numerique pour la Competitivité de l'Entreprise Tunisienne" project is finally proposed as a coherent proposition to foster the growth of all the components of the Intellectual Capital for the benefits of competitiveness of Tunisian SMEs.

Innovation types at smes and external influencing factors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Monika Walicka

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Stimulating innovation is one of the pressing policy challenges facing many countries in the world today. The paper analyses the external factors that Polish entrepreneurs find most detrimental to their innovative activity. A sample of 199 small and medium size enterprises (SMEs in Poland were subjected to a survey. The data collected revealed the innovation types of SMEs in Poland and external financial factors influencing innovation the most. The results show external factors such as legal regulations, access to external financing, bureaucracy of institutions, financial government support, the tax system, time necessary to comply with regulations, and crisis and instability are very important for SMEs. According to the results, process and marketing innovations are applied more frequently than product and organisational innovations. Finally, the results indicate that entrepreneurs indicate that lack of government support and weakness of tax incentives is an important barrier to the innovation process.

Testing of technology readiness index model based on exploratory factor analysis approach

Science.gov (United States)

Ariani, AF; Napitupulu, D.; Jati, RK; Kadar, JA; Syafrullah, M.

2018-04-01

SMEs readiness in using ICT will determine the adoption of ICT in the future. This study aims to evaluate the model of technology readiness in order to apply the technology on SMEs. The model is tested to find if TRI model is relevant to measure ICT adoption, especially for SMEs in Indonesia. The research method used in this paper is survey to a group of SMEs in South Tangerang. The survey measures the readiness to adopt ICT based on four variables which is Optimism, Innovativeness, Discomfort, and Insecurity. Each variable contains several indicators to make sure the variable is measured thoroughly. The data collected through survey is analysed using factor analysis methodwith the help of SPSS software. The result of this study shows that TRI model gives more descendants on some indicators and variables. This result can be caused by SMEs owners’ knowledge is not homogeneous about either the technology that they are used, knowledge or the type of their business.

Cloud Computing: The Level of Awareness Amongst Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Developing Economies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yeboah-Boateng, Ezer Osei; Essandoh, Kofi Asare

2013-01-01

Cloud computing services are being touted as a major enabler for small businesses lately. This new paradigm is seen to offer unique opportunities to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) worldwide and developing economies are no exception. It presents SMEs access to similar technologies available...... indicated that a slight majority of the respondents were familiar with cloud computing on the individual level but the level of awareness amongst the larger SME industry was low to medium. The finding therefore recommends education and sensitization on cloud computing in order to increase awareness...... to their larger counterparts and those in the developed world which inherently creates innovativeness, increases competitive advantage and impacts their operations and processes. This paper seeks to determine the level of awareness and familiarity with this emerging computing paradigm. The results of the study...

Mobile Data Technology for Small Businesses: needs, uses and adoption

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Debra Harker

2002-05-01

Full Text Available The technological environment in which Australian SMEs operate can be best described as dynamic and vital. The rate of technological change provides the SME owner/manger a complex and challenging operational context. Wireless applications are being developed that provide mobile devices with Internet content and E-business services. In Australia, the adoption of commerce by large organisations has been relatively high, however, the same cannot be said for SMEs, where adoption has been slower than other developed countries. In contrast, however, mobile telephone adoption and diffusion is relatively high by SMEs. Will SMEs who have been reluctant to adopt ecommerce technologies in the past be more ready to go on-line with the merging of the Internet and mobile data technologies? This exploratory study identifies attitudes, perceptions and issues for mobile data technologies by regional SME owner/managers across a range of industry sectors. The major issues include the sector the firm belongs to, the current adoption status of the firm, the level of mistrust of the IT industry, the cost of the technologies, and the applications and attributes of the technologies.

The Influence of Business Culture on the Performance in Mexican SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gonzalo Maldonado Guzman

2017-02-01

Full Text Available In the current literature on business and management sciences, researchers, academics and professionals have focused on the publication of theoretical and empirical research on the development and importance of organizational culture in companies, but relatively few have And studies on the relationship between entrepreneurial culture and corporate performance, and even more scanty are the theoretical and empirical studies that analyze these two constructs in an environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs. The objective of this paper is to study the effect that business culture has on the level of performance of SMEs in the State of Aguascalientes, using a sample of 400 SMEs based in this geographical location. The results show that the business culture (clan, adhocratic and market have a strong influence on the level of SMEs performance, but not hierarchical type culture.

Role of Cooperatives in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The paper examined the contributions of cooperatives to small and medium scale enterprises (SME) development, identified the challenges and to suggested ways of strengthening this role. The paper argued that SMEs are the key to Nigeria‟s prosperity, but that past efforts by the government to promote SMEs has not ...

Case Studies of E-commerce Adoption in Indonesian SMEs: The Evaluation of Strategic Use

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mira Kartiwi

2006-11-01

Full Text Available The use of e-commerce in small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs has become an important topic in information systems research. At present, there is a large number of well-documented benefits derived from e-commerce for small-medium enterprises (SMEs both in theoretical and practical literature. Despite the enormous attention given to encourage SMEs to adopt e-commerce both by academics as well as governments, little research has been carried out in identifying strategies of e-commerce adoption for SMEs in developing countries, especially Indonesia. It is, therefore, the aim of this paper to understand the factors and combinations of factors that SMEs need to be considered before embracing e-commerce into their business by providing a closer look at actual experience of Indonesian SMEs. Case study research was carried out to analyse and explain the underlying factors that are likely to determine the varying extent of e-commerce adoption in SMEs, especially the service sector. The findings of the case studies have further extended into the development of proposed practical framework to illustrate how e-commerce adoption should be carried out from a strategic perspective.

An empirical study on factors affecting e-commerce adoption among SMEs in west Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seng Chee Lim

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs play a major role in most developing countries because they are able to improve and develop the economy. e-Commerce is also an important topic in vari-ous research fields as it brings about benefits to these countries. However, the adoption of e-Commerce by SMEs in developing countries is low due to several factors. Therefore, a parsimony framework has been proposed to investigate the factors which influence the adoption of e-Commerce among SMEs in West Malaysia. Three factors are considered in this research, namely Perceived Barriers, Organization Readiness, and Competitor Pressures. Questionnaires were used for data collection while SmartPLS was used to analyze the data. The results showed that Perceived Barriers contain negative significant influence on the adoption of e-Commerce among medium-sized SMEs, but not for small-sized SMEs. Organization Readiness shows a huge difference between small and medium-sized SMEs. Competitor Pressures are important for both small and medium-sized SMEs. In conclusion, the results obtained will assist and enable stakeholders to restructure e-Commerce applications which fulfill the needs of their organization and therefore, increase the effectiveness of the organization.

R&D IN FUNCTION OF DIRECT PUBLIC SUPPORTS TO SMEs: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN TURKEY

OpenAIRE

Filiz Giray; Mehmet Çınar; Simla Güzel

2015-01-01

The globalization has increased the importance of research and development (R&D) activity and of technological advancements, especially in information and communication technologies. This case is valid for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which have taken a crucial place in all economies. Since R&D activities have high costs and public features, these activities cannot be carried out by firm, especially SMEs’ fiscal sources. Direct supports play a key-role in most countries. In re...

An Integrated Information System to Support Supply Chain Management & Performance in SMEs

OpenAIRE

Budiarto, Dekeng Setyo; Prabowo, Muhammad Agung; Herawan, Tutut

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relation between the level of supply chain management (SCM) adoption and small & medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. SCM adoption level it is expected to facilitate SMEs in improving their efficiency, thus they can obtain their competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses primary data in the form of questionnaires. This study only takes the SMEs engaged in commerce (retail) business in order to avoid bias in IT ...

FACTORS AFFECTING ACCESS TO FINANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs OF BANGLADESH

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Mohammed CHOWDHURY

2017-12-01

Full Text Available This study addresses the issues that impede SMEs of Bangladesh in obtaining finance from the financial institutions. To accomplish our goals we collected data from a sample of 86 SMEs to investigate the problems and suggest policy recommendations. We collected data by directly interviewing the respondents with the help of a questionnaire for self-guidance. We also used secondary data for this purpose. Findings revealed that the size and age of the firms, education and skills of the owners, and unfavorable credit terms such as high interest rates, lack of collateral security, corruption by bank officials etc. are some of the biggest hurdles that SMEs in Bangladesh face in getting loans from financial institutions. The limitation is that the study has included one city in its sample population. A nationwide study where there are SMEs in large numbers could lead to better results for this kind of study. The implication is that small businesses, as opposed to the larger ones, face funding obstacles and are discriminated by the financial institutions in granting loans. Built on current literatures and research on SMEs, specially in regard to their ability to access finance, this study captures the information relating to problems identified by SMEs in having access to finance and suggesting the ways and means needed for strengthening the SMEs access to finance for their expansion and growth.

An Approach for R&D Partner Selection in Alliances between Large Companies, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs: Application of Bayesian Network and Patent Analysis

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Keeeun Lee

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The enhanced R&D cooperative efforts between large firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs have been emphasized to perform innovation projects and succeed in deploying profitable businesses. In order to promote such win-win alliances, it is necessary to consider the capabilities of large firms and SMEs, respectively. Thus, this paper proposes a new approach of partner selection when a large firm assesses SMEs as potential candidates for R&D collaboration. The first step of the suggested approach is to define the necessary technology for a firm by referring to a structured technology roadmap, which is a useful technique in the partner selection from the perspectives of a large firm. Second, a list of appropriate SME candidates is generated by patent information. Finally, a Bayesian network model is formulated to select an SME as an R&D collaboration partner which fits in the industry and the large firm by utilizing a bibliography with United States patents. This paper applies the proposed approach to the semiconductor industry and selects potential R&D partners for a large firm. This paper will explain how to use the model as a systematic and analytic approach for creating effective partnerships between large firms and SMEs.

Enhancing the design of a superconducting coil for magnetic energy storage systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Indira, Gomathinayagam; UmaMaheswaraRao, Theru; Chandramohan, Sankaralingam

2015-01-01

Highlights: • High magnetic flux density of SMES coil to reduce the size. • YBCO Tapes for the construction of HTS magnets. • Relation between energy storage and length of the coil wound by various materials. • Design with a certain length of second-generation HTS. - Abstract: Study and analysis of a coil for Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system is presented in this paper. Generally, high magnetic flux density is adapted in the design of superconducting coil of SMES to reduce the size of the coil and to increase its energy density. With high magnetic flux density, critical current density of the coil is degraded and so the coil is wound with High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) made of different materials. A comparative study is made to emphasize the relationship between the energy storage and length of the coil wound by Bi2223, SF12100, SCS12100 and YBCO tapes. Recently for the construction of HTS magnets, YBCO tapes have been used. Simulation models for various designs have been developed to analyze the magnetic field distribution for the optimum design of energy storage. The design which gives the maximum stored energy in the coil has been used with a certain length of second-generation HTS. The performance analysis and the results of comparative study are done

Enhancing the design of a superconducting coil for magnetic energy storage systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Indira, Gomathinayagam, E-mail: gindu80@gmail.com [EEE Department, Prince Shri Venkateshwara Padmavathy Engineering College, Chennai (India); UmaMaheswaraRao, Theru, E-mail: umesh.theru@gmail.com [Divison of Power Engineering and Management, Anna University, Chennai (India); Chandramohan, Sankaralingam, E-mail: cdramo@gmail.com [Divison of Power Engineering and Management, Anna University, Chennai (India)

2015-01-15

Highlights: • High magnetic flux density of SMES coil to reduce the size. • YBCO Tapes for the construction of HTS magnets. • Relation between energy storage and length of the coil wound by various materials. • Design with a certain length of second-generation HTS. - Abstract: Study and analysis of a coil for Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system is presented in this paper. Generally, high magnetic flux density is adapted in the design of superconducting coil of SMES to reduce the size of the coil and to increase its energy density. With high magnetic flux density, critical current density of the coil is degraded and so the coil is wound with High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) made of different materials. A comparative study is made to emphasize the relationship between the energy storage and length of the coil wound by Bi2223, SF12100, SCS12100 and YBCO tapes. Recently for the construction of HTS magnets, YBCO tapes have been used. Simulation models for various designs have been developed to analyze the magnetic field distribution for the optimum design of energy storage. The design which gives the maximum stored energy in the coil has been used with a certain length of second-generation HTS. The performance analysis and the results of comparative study are done.

Business risks in the SMEs from the North East region

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leronard Ovidiu TURCU

2014-04-01

The vulnerabilities of the SMEs are mainly linked to the decreasing available resources, to the excessive dependence on the entrepreneurs’ financial decisions and to the changing business environment. In order to revive the SMEs sector in Romania there is a need for more rigorous approaches, based on the implementation of business strategies.

Dampak Implementasi Penggunaan Teknologi Manufaktur Tingkat Lanjut -Advanced Manufacturing Technology pada Kinerja UKM di Indonesia

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Jani Rahardjo

2014-01-01

Full Text Available In Indonesia, 99.8% of the businesses are SMEs. However, those SMEs only contribute to the 56.7% of the Indonesia GDP.  This happened, mainly due to the limitations of SMEs which use traditional technologies in the production process. Therefore, in 2014, the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Cooperation and Small Medium Entreprises launced a new strategic plan to empowering the SMEs by applying the Advanced Manufacting Technology (AMT. It is believed that by applying the AMT in the SMEs can increase productivities, expand the market share and raised national economic growth. This study, identified the used of AMT in the Indonesia SMEs, especially in foods, beverages, herbal and handicraft sectors. Additionally, it is also measured the impact of the used of AMT in the SMEs’ performaces. In this study, it is found that 76.6 % of the total sampel (253 SMEs declared that they use the AMT. This indicates that the Indonesia SMEs have a clear operation mission, process production, high quality products and meet the customer’s satisfaction. It is also found that the percentage of the hard technology is higher than the soft technology. This showed that there is a large effort to increase the productivity in the process production. Finally, we found that the impact of the AMT used to the SMEs’ performance in the market share, profitability and organization performance is increased significantly.

Exploiting Innovation in Dubai SMEs: The Effect of Strategic Orientation on Organizational Determinants

OpenAIRE

Yahya Al-Ansaari; Simon Pervan; Jun Xu

2014-01-01

This study investigates the role of strategic orientations of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an emerging market, namely Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It uses the business-level typology of Miles and Snow (prospector, analyzer, and defender) to examine the effect of strategic orientations on organizational determinants (organizational culture, technology orientation, alliance and cooperation, and market orientation) and their consequences in terms of innovation. Drawing upo...

Beyond size : Predicting engagement in environmental management practices of Dutch SMEs

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Uhlaner, L.M.; Berent-Braun, M.M.; Jeurissen, R.J.M.; Wit, de G.

2012-01-01

This study focuses on the prediction of the engagement of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in environmental management practices, based on a random sample of 689 SMEs. The study finds that several endogenous factors, including tangibility of sector, firm size, innovative orientation,

Supporting Sustainable Strategies for SMEs through Training, Cooperation and Mentoring

Science.gov (United States)

Brien, Emma O.; Hamburg, Ileana

2014-01-01

In order to remain successful and competitive in business today it is important that SMEs can sustain themselves by adapting to economic changes. SMEs have a distinct advantage over large companies in that they have less bureaucracy and hierarchical restrictions and can implement changes quickly. However often they are slow to change their way of…

Opening up Global Value Chains : Web 2.0 Technologies and SME ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

Opening up Global Value Chains : Web 2.0 Technologies and SME Productivity ... Researchers will examine how leading SMEs are currently using Web 2.0 technologies to increase exports, improve productivity and/or increase competitiveness; and the barriers and limitations to achieving greater ICT adoption by SMEs.

A study on the effect of different factors on e-Commerce adoption among SMEs of Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hamidreza Mahroeian

2012-10-01

Full Text Available The Internet's World Wide Web has become the prime driver of modern E-commerce that can be an important source of competitive advantage for most business organizations, especially small and medium sized (SMEs businesses. In recent years, researchers have focused on e-commerce adoption both in the United States and other countries. This study examines the factors influencing e-commerce adoption among Malaysian SMEs. There are only a few studies which have examined the adoption of e-commerce among SMEs, its development, challenges, and future prospects. The results show that the major reason behind e-commerce non-adoption is that the organization is not ready to make that change because of external pressure and cultural reasons. Furthermore, organizational readiness strongly influences e-commerce implementation, and managerial support and financial, logistical, and technological factors weigh heavily in determining if an SME in Malaysia can pursue e-commerce implementation. The study is based on 100 samples taken from Cyberjaya. 100 sets of administrated questionnaires were sent and conducted. The data analysis shows e-commerce adoption was significantly influenced by its organizational readiness, perceived ease of use, and also perceived usefulness factors.

The effect of female participation in top management teams on the growth performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs: Evidence from a panel-data analysis in Chinese-listed SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peiyan Wu

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose - This paper aims to examine the relationship between the female participation in top management team (TMT and the growth performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs in the Chinese economic environment. Design/methodology/approach - Adopting resource dependence theory, this paper tests the hypotheses using panel data from 469 Chinese-listed SMEs during the period of 2011 to 2013. Findings - The results show that female participation in TMT significantly promotes the growth performance of SMEs, and there is significantly inverted U-shaped relationship between these two variables. Originality/value - This paper finds that education level weakens the inverted U-shaped relationship between the female’s participation in TMT and the growth performance of SMEs.

Alignment of Quality Management in SMEs with the Market Performance

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Yslene Rocha Kachba

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this research is to relate competitiveness through productivity on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs with the level of quality that these companies are and the market segment they serve. The methodology used was a multiple case study using questionnaires and systematic observations in SMEs. Results showed that the quality of the companies surveyed is determined by the market segment in which they operate. Quality management is based on the end customer and the view of entrepreneurs look beyond the premises of their companies. The importance of this research is to relate the market segment with the quality level used in SMEs, a strategy required for the current competitiveness.

Financing energy SMEs in Ghana and Senegal: Outcomes, barriers and prospects

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Haselip, James Arthur; Desgain, Denis DR; Mackenzie, Gordon A.

2014-01-01

enterprises (energy SMEs). These assumptions were (1) that the lack of affordable local financing presented the most significant barrier to setting up and expanding energy SMEs, and (2) that these barriers would be overcome by a ‘demonstration effect’ whereby successful businesses, supported by donor...

SMEs in the Philippine Manufacturing Industry and Globalization: Meeting the Development Challenges

OpenAIRE

Aldaba, Rafaelita M.

2008-01-01

In recognition of their substantial contribution to the economy both in terms of number of enterprises and workers, the Philippine government has put in place a number of policies and programs designed specifically to boost SME productivity and competitiveness in the country. However, the performance of SMEs in the last decade has not been vigorous enough to boost the Philippine manufacturing industry. As such, the deepening of high technology industries in terms of the creation of backward l...

Application of decision rules for empowering of Indonesian telematics services SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

Tosida, E. T.; Hairlangga, O.; Amirudin, F.; Ridwanah, M.

2018-03-01

The independence of the field of telematics became one of Indonesia's vision in 2024. One effort to achieve it can be done by empowering SMEs in the field of telematics. Empowerment carried out need a practical mechanism by utilizing data centered, including through the National Economic Census database (Susenas). Based on the Susenas can be formulated the decision rules of determining the provision of assistance for SMEs in the field of telematics. The way it did by generating the rule base through the classification technique. The CART algorithm-based decision rule model performs better than C45 and ID3 models. The high level of performance model is also in line with the regulations applied by the government. This becomes one of the strengths of research, because the resulting model is consistent with the existing conditions in Indonesia. The rules base generated from the three classification techniques show different rules. The CART technique has pattern matching with the realization of activities in The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs. So far, the government has difficulty in referring data related to the empowerment of SMEs telematics services. Therefore, the findings resulting from this research can be used as an alternative decision support system related to the program of empowerment of SMEs in telematics.

Electric energy storage - Overview of technologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boye, Henri

2013-01-01

Energy storage is a challenging and costly process, as electricity can only be stored by conversion into other forms of energy (e.g. potential, thermal, chemical or magnetic energy). The grids must be precisely balanced in real time and it must be made sure that the cost of electricity is the lowest possible. Storage of electricity has many advantages, in centralized mass storages used for the management of the transmission network, or in decentralized storages of smaller dimensions. This article presents an overview of the storage technologies: mechanical storage in hydroelectric and pumped storage power stations, compressed air energy storage (CAES), flywheels accumulating kinetic energy, electrochemical batteries with various technologies, traditional lead acid batteries, lithium ion, sodium sulfur (NaS) and others, including vehicle to grid, sensible heat thermal storage, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), super-capacitors, conversion into hydrogen... The different technologies are compared in terms of cost and level of maturity. The development of intermittent renewable energies will result in a growing need for mechanisms to regulate energy flow and innovative energy storage solutions seem well positioned to develop. (author)

On the Effectiveness of Gamified Risk Management Workshops: Evidence from German SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Avo Schönbohm

2016-06-01

Full Text Available This study analyzes the potential benefits gamification can offer to SMEs in the area of risk management. A structured review of the topic of risk management in SMEs and previous studies of the application of gamification to risk management forms a theoretical framework. A gamified risk management workshop is devised which is used as a treatment for three German SMEs. This article contains a description of the developed workshop, the applied methodology and the respective results. While following a quasi-experimental action research approach, it becomes evident that the gamified workshop has the potential to motivate the participants, increase their knowledge on risk management and foster cognitive and group de-biasing. The findings suggest that gamification can be a valuable tool for SMEs to enhance their risk management process.

A study on the operation analysis of the power conditioning system with real HTS SMES coil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, A.R.; Jung, H.Y.; Kim, J.H.; Ali, Mohd. Hasan; Park, M.; Yu, I.K.; Kim, H.J.; Kim, S.H.; Seong, K.C.

2008-01-01

Voltage sag from sudden increasing loads is one of the major problems in the utility network. In order to compensate the voltage sag problem, power compensation devices have widely been developed. In the case of voltage sag, it needs an energy source to overcome the energy caused by voltage sag. According as the SMES device is characterized by its very high response time of charge and discharge, it has widely been researched and developed for more than 20 years. However, before the installation of SMES into utility, the system analysis has to be carried out with a certain simulation tool. This paper presents a real-time simulation algorithm for the SMES system by using the miniaturized SMES model coil whose properties are same as those of real size SMES coil. With this method, researchers can easily analyse the performance of SMES connected into utility network by abstracting the properties from the real modeled SMES coil and using the virtual simulated power network in RSCAD/RTDS

Exploring the Impact of Complementary Assets on the Environmental Performance in Manufacturing SMEs

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Chungwon Woo

2014-10-01

Full Text Available As the impact of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs on the environment increases, there is a need for effective environmental policies to sustain their development. Under this condition, SMEs implement innovation to meet environmental regulations and to achieve environmental competitiveness in sustainability. We examine the impact of environmental innovation on labor productivity in SME manufacturers. The literature shows that complementary assets help SMEs to increase their performance in environmental innovation. Therefore, we study the interactive effects of the SMEs’ business-group affiliation and the listing status on the relationship between environmental innovation and labor productivity. We add these interaction terms to multivariate regressions by using the 2010 Korea Innovation Survey. The results show that SMEs are able to use environmental innovation as a business strategy for green growth with improved labor productivity. Also, the results highlight that the business-group affiliation and the listing status as the complementary assets positively moderate the performance of the environmental innovation of the SMEs.

Encouraging resilience within SMEs: the Cabinet Office's proposed approach.

Science.gov (United States)

Sterling, Stuart

2011-06-01

This paper introduces the Cabinet Office's Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS). It explains how the National Risk Assessment, produced within the CCS, is created and used. As part of the recent Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Government made a commitment to improve the business continuity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).This paper describes the CCS's approach to achieving this, and explains why the resilience of SMEs is important to both local communities, at a time of disruption or crisis, and the essential services sectors, such as energy, food and transport. It provides an outline of a strategic approach that will seek to simplify business continuity by making it accessible, achievable and affordable, and, in partnership with the organisations that SMEs turn to for advice, promotes the benefits of business continuity and encourages its use.

A model of success: (creation of a culture of friendly innovation generation for german SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gordon Lemme

2013-11-01

Full Text Available In the course of the demographic development in Germany, the ratio of elderly workers grows compared to the share of young qualified employees. As a consequence, professional shortages are an increasingly growing problem. Hence, it is more and more important, especially for German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, to develop strategies in order to handle this demographic change. Skilled employees have a major impact on the development of innovations particularly in SMEs. Their closely customer-corporate relationship in combination with a high number of SMEs in Germany forces them to be innovative in order to stand out from the crowd. Due to identified deficits regarding an appropriate human resources management as well as a structured innovation process management within SMEs, the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is funding several research projects to support SMEs by using a set of manifold instruments with the aim to solve the stated problems. The presented research project, called generIK (setting up generation equitable innovation cultures within SMEs, aims to sensitize SMEs and business leaders to build up such a generation friendly innovation culture as part of a holistic corporate culture. Instead of the age of an employee it is his/her personal attitude to the work which decisively influences the engagement to improve products, what finally can lead to the realization of innovations. As further research results, the scientists developed several analysis-methods among them an instrument to conduct a company-specific self-validation for SMEs. To strengthen the market position of SMEs in times of the demographic change which should be accompanied by a rise of employee and customer satisfaction, the output of our project has to be disseminated to the SMEs and especially to the business leaders.  

The Aspects of Managing Risks in Connection with the Internationalization of Smes from Selected Central European Countries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Martina Toulová

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Insufficient domestic demand and increasing competition force small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs to engage in internationalization process and enter to foreign markets. This process, however, carries risks that should be appropriate managed. In order to identify similarities and differences in the approach of SMEs from selected Central European countries towards managing these risks and find out whether perception of risks differ based on domestic country of the SMEs, questionnaire survey among Czech, Slovak, German, Austrian and Poland SMEs was performed in 2014. It was found that more Austrian and German SMEs, compared to Czech, Slovak and Polish SMEs, do not apply any method of risk analysis but are more focused on some form of protection in international operations. As the most common form was identified payment in advance. It was also found that Austrian and German SMEs prefer to use bank products rather that conclude long‑term contracts or verify the credibility of their foreign business partners used by Czech, Slovak and Poland SMEs. Based on statistical testing, significant differences appeared in risk perception of SMEs from different countries. Especially perception of market risks, transportation risks and risk of natural disasters.

Ageing workers in SMEs and the influence on corporate’s internationalization

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Zahel, Tina; Gellert, Franz Jozef

The „Ageing of Europe‟ phenomenon is related to a higher life expectancy of European inhabitants as well as to decreasing fertility and mortality rates. Those developments affect small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) because the number of older workers in SMEs is increasing too. Our research

Product Innovation in High-tech SMEs: A Case Study of Weili Electronics Co.,Ltd

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

HE Zheng; LI Shi-ming

2006-01-01

Product innovation is an important strategy for high-tech firms, especially for small and medium enterprises. This paper proposes that the technological strategies for SMEs are dynamic and during different phase, there is different innovation strategy which leads to various market performances. In particular, through the case study of Weili Electronics Co., Ltd, we find that organizational learning abilities play a fundamental role in strategic decision. In addition, the frameworks for the determinants of technological strategies in three stages are established to illustrate the evolutionary processes of product innovation in Weili Electronics Co., Ltd.

Barriers to innovation in service SMEs: Evidence from Mexico

OpenAIRE

Maldonado Guzman, G.; Garza-Reyes, J. A.; Pinzón-Castro, S. Y.; Kumar, V.

2017-01-01

Purpose – Specific research related to the study of innovation barriers in service SMEs in the Latin American region is limited. This study thus investigates the effects that external environmental, financial and human barriers have on innovation activities, particularly, within the context of Mexican service SMEs.\\ud \\ud Design/methodology/approach – Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Data were collected through an instrument that was devel...

CHINESE SMEs' USES OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN DECISION MAKING

OpenAIRE

HOWARD VAN AUKEN; KUI YANG

2014-01-01

With a sample of 46 Chinese small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this study examines factors that might affect firms' use of financial statements to make decisions. Financial statements contain insightful information about potential risk and return implications of various decisions. A logit analysis shows that owners of Chinese SMEs use financial statements to make decisions according to the frequency of available financial statement information and their ability to interpret the informa...

Exploring the Role of Usability in the Software Process: A Study of Irish Software SMEs

Science.gov (United States)

O'Connor, Rory V.

This paper explores the software processes and usability techniques used by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that develop web applications. The significance of this research is that it looks at development processes used by SMEs in order to assess to what degree usability is integrated into the process. This study seeks to gain an understanding into the level of awareness of usability within SMEs today and their commitment to usability in practice. The motivation for this research is to explore the current development processes used by SMEs in developing web applications and to understand how usability is represented in those processes. The background for this research is provided by the growth of the web application industry beyond informational web sites to more sophisticated applications delivering a broad range of functionality. This paper presents an analysis of the practices of several Irish SMEs that develop web applications through a series of case studies. With the focus on SMEs that develop web applications as Management Information Systems and not E-Commerce sites, informational sites, online communities or web portals. This study gathered data about the usability techniques practiced by these companies and their awareness of usability in the context of the software process in those SMEs. The contribution of this study is to further the understanding of the current role of usability within the software development processes of SMEs that develop web applications.

Are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs Planning for Strategic Marketing in South Africa?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

van Scheers Louise

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Substantial evidence shows that strategic marketing planning leads to increased small business performance, yet most small business owners do not draw up a plan for their businesses. This paper presents the results of a secondary research survey on strategic marketing planning of SMEs in South Africa. They indicate that while the higher performing SMEs give a higher priority to marketing than to other business functions, they are still sales- or production-oriented. The higher performing SMEs are more aware of strategic planning tools. They compete with value-added products and good buyer-seller relationships. The findings suggest that broad, small business marketing principles to some extent contribute to the success of SMEs.

Superconducting Magnet Technology for the Upgrade

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Todesco, E. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland). TE Dept.; Ambrosio, G. [Fermi National Accelerator Lab. (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States); Ferracin, P. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland). TE Dept.; Rifflet, J. M. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland). TE Dept.; Sabbi, G. L. [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Segreti, M. [Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Saclay (France); Nakamoto, T. [High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba (Japan); van Weelderen, R. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland). TE Dept.; Xu, Q. [High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba (Japan)

2015-10-01

In this section we present the magnet technology for the High Luminosity LHC. After a short review of the project targets and constraints, we discuss the main guidelines used to determine the technology, the field/gradients, the operational margins, and the choice of the current density for each type of magnet. Then we discuss the peculiar aspects of each class of magnet, with special emphasis on the triplet.

Superconducting Magnet Technology for the Upgrade

Science.gov (United States)

Todesco, E.; Ambrosio, G.; Ferracin, P.; Rifflet, J. M.; Sabbi, G. L.; Segreti, M.; Nakamoto, T.; van Weelderen, R.; Xu, Q.

In this section we present the magnet technology for the High Luminosity LHC. After a short review of the project targets and constraints, we discuss the main guidelines used to determine the technology, the field/gradients, the operational margins, and the choice of the current density for each type of magnet. Then we discuss the peculiar aspects of each class of magnet, with special emphasis on the triplet.

Business Models For SMEs In Bandung: Swot Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Senen Machmud

2014-04-01

Full Text Available The main objective of this study is to find the model business for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs with management strategy and business strategy approach. This research to help researchers, owners of SMEs and government in developing a framework for management strategy and business strategy on how the best result of business models. This study is valuable considering the limited among of empirical work previously done on the topic in question. The result of management strategies is internal and external factor analysis than analysis with strength, weakness, opportunities, and treatment (SWOT.

Evaluation of the efficacy of factors influencing on marketing SMEs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mona Yaghoubi

2014-07-01

Full Text Available This paper presents an empirical investigation to study the effects of different factors influencing on marketing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs in city of Tehran, Iran. The study has been accomplished among 57 SMEs out of 70 active business units who were involved in hand made carpet. The survey uses a questionnaire originally developed by Merrilees et al. (2011 [Merrilees, B., Rundle-Thiele, S., & Lye, A. (2011. Marketing capabilities: Antecedents and implications for B2B SME performance. Industrial Marketing Management, 40(3, 368-375.] to determine the factors influencing on marketing SMEs. Using structural equation modeling, the results of survey indicate that market orientation, management capability, innovation capability and brand capability of SME's marketing performance influence on development of marketing, positively.

THE READINESS OF SMES IN BULUNGAN TO FACE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nurus Soimah

2017-11-01

Full Text Available ASEAN Economic Community (AEC is formed on the basis of an agreement in order to create a relationship of closer cooperation among ASEAN countries. The agreement covers four strategic, namely: (1 the achievement of a single market and a unified production base, (2 a competitive economic region, (3 equitable economic growth, and (4 integrated with the global economy. This research aimed to identify the readiness of SMEs Facing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC, which will begin to be realized in December 2015. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The researcher took a case study on SMEs in Bulungan Regency by selecting informants by using Purposive Sampling. 36 SMEs domiciled in Bulungan Regency were taken as the research subject. The data used in this research was a combination of primary data obtained in the field through interviews and secondary data adapted from various sources as a reference for research writing. Data analysis techniques used was data reduction and validity techniques using triangulation. The result of the research shows that the problem of SMEs in Bulungan Regency is the problem of the production process, capital, marketing, and permit. Further research results indicate that Bulungan Regency Government has been trying to encourage the development of the SMEs, but the implementation of government policy is not maximized. Based on the conditions and problems faced by SMEs in Bulungan Regency, it is not ready to face the AEC.

Why SMEs invest in Environmental Measures: Sustainability Evidence from Small and Medium-sized Printing Firms

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Masurel, E.

2007-01-01

Why do SMEs invest in environmental measures? From the literature we know that most SMEs are rather slow in adopting these sustainable measures, but then the following question arises: why are other SMEs fast in this respect? From our research, it becomes clear that improving the working conditions

Small and Medium Enterprises` (SMEs) Access to Finance: Philippines

OpenAIRE

Aldaba, Rafaelita M.

2012-01-01

Based on a survey of 97 firms in the garments, textiles, automotive, electrical and electronics, and food manufacturing industries; the paper highlights the difficulties faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing finance. For both firms with access to finance as well as those that did not make any finance request, financing obstacles posed as one of the top four serious problems for the growth of their businesses. The survey indicates the continued dependence of SMEs on interna...

Design study of SMES system using high temperature superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoshihara, T.; Masuda, M.; Shintomi, T.; Hasegawa, J.

1988-01-01

Various studies of high Tc superconductors are being energetically pursued all over the world, since IBM Zurich Research Laboratory reported on the superconducting oxide. A new design using a high Tc superconductor is under study for 5000 MWh, on the assumption that it is available like conventional superconductors. Problems related to the Tc SMES system, mainly thermal insulation, refrigeration system, stability of superconductors, etc., are considered. Some design examples of high Tc SMES system are proposed

Developing cluster strategy of apples dodol SMEs by integration K-means clustering and analytical hierarchy process method

Science.gov (United States)

Mustaniroh, S. A.; Effendi, U.; Silalahi, R. L. R.; Sari, T.; Ala, M.

2018-03-01

The purposes of this research were to determine the grouping of apples dodol small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Batu City and to determine an appropriate development strategy for each cluster. The methods used for clustering SMEs was k-means. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach was then applied to determine the development strategy priority for each cluster. The variables used in grouping include production capacity per month, length of operation, investment value, average sales revenue per month, amount of SMEs assets, and the number of workers. Several factors were considered in AHP include industry cluster, government, as well as related and supporting industries. Data was collected using the methods of questionaire and interviews. SMEs respondents were selected among SMEs appels dodol in Batu City using purposive sampling. The result showed that two clusters were formed from five apples dodol SMEs. The 1stcluster of apples dodol SMEs, classified as small enterprises, included SME A, SME C, and SME D. The 2ndcluster of SMEs apples dodol, classified as medium enterprises, consisted of SME B and SME E. The AHP results indicated that the priority development strategy for the 1stcluster of apples dodol SMEs was improving quality and the product standardisation, while for the 2nd cluster was increasing the marketing access.

Design optimization of superconducting magnetic energy storage coil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bhunia, Uttam, E-mail: ubhunia@vecc.gov.in; Saha, Subimal; Chakrabarti, Alok

2014-05-15

Highlights: • We modeled the optimization formulation that minimizes overall refrigeration load into the SMES cryostat. • Higher the operating current reduces the dynamic load but increases static heat load into the cryostat. • Higher allowable hoop stress reduces both coil volume and refrigeration load. • The formulation can be in general be utilized for any arbitrary specification of SMES coil and conductor type. - Abstract: An optimization formulation has been developed for a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) solenoid-type coil with niobium titanium (Nb–Ti) based Rutherford-type cable that minimizes the cryogenic refrigeration load into the cryostat. Minimization of refrigeration load reduces the operating cost and opens up the possibility to adopt helium re-condensing system using cryo-cooler especially for small-scale SMES system. Dynamic refrigeration load during charging or discharging operational mode of the coil dominates over steady state load. The paper outlines design optimization with practical design constraints like actual critical characteristics of the superconducting cable, maximum allowable hoop stress on winding, etc., with the objective to minimize refrigeration load into the SMES cryostat. Effect of design parameters on refrigeration load is also investigated.

Magnetic Suspension Technology Workshop

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keckler, C.R.; Groom, N.J.; Britcher, C.P.

1993-01-01

In order to identify the state of magnetic suspension technology in such areas as rotating systems, pointing of experiments or subsystems, payload isolation, and superconducting materials, a workshop on Magnetic Suspension Technology was held at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, on 2-4 Feb. 1988. The workshop included five technical sessions in which a total of 24 papers were presented. The technical sessions covered the areas of pointing, isolation, and measurement, rotating systems, modeling and control, and superconductors. A list of attendees is provided. Separate abstracts have been prepared for articles from this report

Mediation effect of organizational culture on the relationship between perceived ethics and SMEs performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gorondutse, A.H.; Hilman, H.

2016-07-01

This research aims to examine the association between perceived ethics and SMEs performance; also determine the mediation effect of organizational culture on the relationship. Based on the literature review, this research developed a conceptual model of Perceived ethics, organizational culture and performance. This research applied purposive sampling to gather data from owners/managers of SMEs in Kano State North-West of Nigeria. Apart from assessing the reliability and validity of the constructs through confirmatory factor analysis, this research also used Partial Least Square Techniques (PLS) of analysis approach to test the proposed hypothesis. Statistical result reveals that the relationship between perceived ethics and SMEs performance was found to be significant at p.value less than 0.001. Similarly as postulated the organizational culture mediates the relationships with significant value. The sample for this study is based on SMEs and cross sectional in nature, In addition, the present study employed quantitative techniques future study can employed qualitative or case study method for design and analysis of information. The finding of this study can assist practitioners and policy makers in SMEs to support the idea of social responsibility in designing strategic plan for superior performance. As whole, the outcome of this research will assist managers for better understanding of the business social responsibility antecedents under the perspective SMEs. This paper has tried to provide a comprehensive understanding about business social responsibility antecedents under the perspective SMEs context in Nigeria. Since there was a lack of such research in SMEs context, this research can provide theoretical contribution and managerial basis for future researches as well as implications for the managers. (Author)

The Netherlands: ERM Comparative Analytical Report on 'Public policy and support for restructuring in SMEs'

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van het Kaar, R.H.

2013-01-01

Although SMEs get a lot of attention in the Netherlands, there is no specific debate on SMEs and restructuring. A range of public instruments directed at SMEs exists, but their focus is mainly on growth and expansion. Many instruments are fiscal in nature. There are no public or social partner

Orchestrating Company Development in SMEs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Riis, Jens Ove

2003-01-01

Over a period of several years many companies undergo a transformation with signifi­cant improvement in performance. We have studied such a process in seven SMEs to achieve a better understanding of how the change process was initiated and orches­trated. A rather complex picture has emerged...

Exploring the Types of SMEs Which Could use Blogs as a Marketing Tool: a Proposed Future Research Agenda

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Adeline Phaik Harn Chua

2009-08-01

Full Text Available Blogs appear to be gaining momentum as a marketing tool which can be used by organisations for such strategies and processes as branding, managing reputation, developing customer trust and loyalty, niche marketing, gathering marketing intelligence and promoting their online presence. There has been limited academic research in this area, and most significantly concerning the types of small and medium enterprises (SMEs for which blogs might have potential as a marketing tool. In an attempt to address the knowledge gap, this paper presents a future research agenda (in the form of research questions which can guide the eBusiness research community in conducting much needed studies in this area. This paper is particularly novel in that it aims to demonstrate how the heterogeneity of SMEs and their specific business uses of eBusiness technology such as blogs can form the central plank of a future research agenda. This is important because the existing eBusiness literature tends to treat eBusiness collectively rather than focusing on the specific business uses of different eBusiness technologies, and to treat SMEs as a homogeneous group. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this research agenda can form the basis of studies which use a range of different research methods, and how this "big picture" agenda approach might help the eBusiness research community build theory which better explains SME adoption and use of eBusiness.

PENGARUH TECHNOLOGY READINESS TERHADAP PENERIMAAN TEKNOLOGI KOMPUTER PADA UMKM DI YOGYAKARTA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mimin Nur Aisyah

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Abstrak: Pengaruh Technology Readiness terhadap Penerimaan Teknologi Komputer pada UMKM di Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengekplorasi pengaruh kesiapan teknologi terhadap persepsi kemanfaatan sistem dan persepsi kemudahan penggunaan sistem serta pengaruh kedua persepsi terhadap teknologi tersebut terhadap minat menggunakan teknologi komputer dalam membantu proses bisnis pada UMKM di Yogyakarta.  Sampel penelitian ini sejumlah 498 UMKM yang terdaftar di Disperindagkop Yogyakarta. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Data diperoleh menggunakan kuesioner. Analisis data dan uji hipotesis menggunakan model Partial-Least-Square (PLS. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh kesiapan teknologi terhadap persepsi kemanfaatan sistem dan persepsi kemudahan penggunaan sistem, serta terdapat pengaruh persepsi kemanfaatan teknologi dan persepsi kemudahan penggunaan teknologi terhadap minat menggunakan teknologi komputer dalam membantu proses bisnis pada UMKM di Yogyakarta.   Kata kunci: kesiapan teknologi, persepsi kemanfaatan, persepsi kemudahan penggunaan, minat menggunakan, UMKM Abstract: The Effect of Technology Readiness toward Acceptance of Computer Technology on SMEs in Yogyakarta. This research aims to explore the effect of technology readiness to the perceived of usefulness of system and perceived ease of use of the system and the influence of both perceptions of these technologies to the behavioral intention of computer technology in business processes in SMEs in Yogyakarta. The research sample number of 498 SMEs were registered in Disperindagkop Yogyakarta. The sampling technique using simple random sampling technique. The data were obtained using a questionnaire. Data analysis and hypothesis testing using a model of the Partial-Least-Square (PLS. The research found that there are significant technology readiness to the perception of the benefit system and perceived ease of use of the system

Marketing in SMEs: a '4Ps' self-branding model

OpenAIRE

Resnick, SM; Cheng, R; Simpson, M; Lourenço, F

2016-01-01

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which traditional marketing theory and practice can be applied in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and consider how owner-managers perceive their own role in marketing within a small business setting. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative exploratory approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews amongst owner-managers of SMEs in the UK. Findings – SME marketing is effective in that it embraces some relevant c...

Solving LFC problem in an interconnected power system using superconducting magnetic energy storage

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farahani, Mohsen, E-mail: mhs.farahani@gmail.com [Sama Technical and Vocational Training College, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ganjefar, Soheil [Department of Electrical Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2013-04-15

Highlights: ► Load frequency control of PID type is combined with a SMES. ► Damping speed of frequency and tie-line power flow deviations are considerably increased. ► Optimal parameters of PID and SMES control loop are obtained by PS optimization. -- Abstract: This paper proposes the combination of a load frequency control (LFC) with superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) to solve the LFC problem in interconnected power systems. By using this combination, the speed damping of frequency and tie-line power flow deviations is considerably increased. A new control strategy of SMES is proposed in this paper. The problem of determining optimal parameters of PID and SMES control loop is considered as an optimization problem and a pattern search algorithm (PS) optimization is employed to solve it. The simulation results show that if an SMES unit is installed in an interconnected power system, in addition to eliminating oscillations and deviations, the settling time in the frequency and tie-line power flow responses is considerably reduced.

Solving LFC problem in an interconnected power system using superconducting magnetic energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farahani, Mohsen; Ganjefar, Soheil

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► Load frequency control of PID type is combined with a SMES. ► Damping speed of frequency and tie-line power flow deviations are considerably increased. ► Optimal parameters of PID and SMES control loop are obtained by PS optimization. -- Abstract: This paper proposes the combination of a load frequency control (LFC) with superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) to solve the LFC problem in interconnected power systems. By using this combination, the speed damping of frequency and tie-line power flow deviations is considerably increased. A new control strategy of SMES is proposed in this paper. The problem of determining optimal parameters of PID and SMES control loop is considered as an optimization problem and a pattern search algorithm (PS) optimization is employed to solve it. The simulation results show that if an SMES unit is installed in an interconnected power system, in addition to eliminating oscillations and deviations, the settling time in the frequency and tie-line power flow responses is considerably reduced

SMEs, Growth, and Poverty

OpenAIRE

Beck, Thorsten; Demirgüç-Kunt, Asli

2004-01-01

This Note explores the relationship between the size of the small and medium-size enterprise (SME) sector and economic growth and poverty reduction. A new study finds no support for the widely held belief that SMEs promote higher growth and lower pover ty. But it does provide some support for the view that the quality of the business environment facing all firms, large and small, influen...

Designing Online Marketplace To Resolve Marketing Problem For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

OpenAIRE

Aditya Hermawan; Aniek Murniati

2017-01-01

The study aims to design an online marketplace to provide solutions to problems faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the difficulty to market their products online. One of the problems faced by SMEs is difficult to market their products online. One of the solutions that we provide is by designing an online marketplace to solve marketing problems effectively. We found that SMEs have attempted to market their products through social media such as facebook, twitter and others. In additi...

Integrated Magnetic MEMS Relays: Status of the Technology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Giuseppe Schiavone

2014-08-01

Full Text Available The development and application of magnetic technologies employing microfabricated magnetic structures for the production of switching components has generated enormous interest in the scientific and industrial communities over the last decade. Magnetic actuation offers many benefits when compared to other schemes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS, including the generation of forces that have higher magnitude and longer range. Magnetic actuation can be achieved using different excitation sources, which create challenges related to the integration with other technologies, such as CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, and the requirement to reduce power consumption. Novel designs and technologies are therefore sought to enable the use of magnetic switching architectures in integrated MEMS devices, without incurring excessive energy consumption. This article reviews the status of magnetic MEMS technology and presents devices recently developed by various research groups, with key focuses on integrability and effective power management, in addition to the ability to integrate the technology with other microelectronic fabrication processes.

SMEs capital structure determinants during severe economic crisis: The case of Greece

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D. Balios

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The objective of this paper was to explore whether and how the main capital structure determinants of SMEs affected capital structure determination in different ways during the years of economic crisis. We used panel data of 8,052 SMEs operating in Greece during 2009–2012. We found that the effect of capital structure determinants on leverage does not change in an environment of economic crisis; larger SMEs continued to show higher debt ratios, the relationship between profitability and tangibility of assets with leverage continued to be negative, and growth was positively related to leverage.

Developing, implementing and evaluating OSH interventions in SMEs: a pilot, exploratory study.

Science.gov (United States)

Masi, Donato; Cagno, Enrico; Micheli, Guido J L

2014-01-01

The literature on occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions contains many debates on how interventions should work, but far less attention has been paid to how they actually do work, and to the contextual factors that influence their implementation, development and effect. The need of improving the understanding of the OSH interventions issue is particularly relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), since they experience worse OSH conditions, and have fewer physical, economic and organizational resources if compared to larger enterprises; thus, SMEs strongly need to focus their few resources in the decision-making process so as to select and put in place only the most proper interventions. This exploratory study is based on interviews with safety officers of 5 SMEs, and it gives an overview of the key features of the actual intervention process in SMEs and of the contextual factors making this actual intervention process similar or dissimilar to the ideal case. The results show how much qualitative and experience driven the actual intervention process is; they should be used to direct the future research towards an increasingly applicable one, to enable practitioners from SMEs to develop, implement and evaluate their OSH interventions in an "ideal" way.

Mediation effect of organizational culture on the relationship between perceived ethics and SMEs performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abdullahi Hassan Gorondutse

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose: This research aims to examine the association between perceived ethics and SMEs performance; also determine the mediation effect of organizational culture on the relationship. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the literature review, this research developed a conceptual model of Perceived ethics, organizational culture and performance. This research applied purposive sampling to gather data from owners/managers of SMEs in Kano State North-West of Nigeria. Apart from assessing the reliability and validity of the constructs through confirmatory factor analysis, this research also used Partial Least Square Techniques (PLS of analysis approach to test the proposed hypothesis. Findings: Statistical result reveals that the relationship between perceived ethics and SMEs performance was found to be significant at p.value less than 0.001. Similarly as postulated the organizational culture mediates the relationships with significant value. Research limitations/implications: The sample for this study is based on SMEs and cross sectional in nature, In addition, the present study employed quantitative techniques future study can employed qualitative or case study method for design and analysis of information. Practical implications: The finding of this study can assist practitioners and policy makers in SMEs to support the idea of social responsibility in designing strategic plan for superior performance. As whole, the outcome of this research will assist managers for better understanding of the business social responsibility antecedents under the perspective SMEs. Originality/value: This paper has tried to provide a comprehensive understanding about business social responsibility antecedents under the perspective SMEs context in Nigeria. Since there was a lack of such research in SMEs context, this research can provide theoretical contribution and managerial basis for future researches as well as implications for the managers.

Configurations of new ventures and SMEs: a literature review of empirical research

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Michor, Lukas; Harms, Rainer; Schwarz, Erich; Breitenecker, Robert

2010-01-01

This article aims at analyzing configuration studies and their respective variable selection in the context of entrepreneurship and SMEs. New ventures as well as SMEs are both confronted with a high amount of dynamism and complexity. The configuration approach is well suited to capture that and

ERP system implementation in SMEs: exploring the influences of the SME context

Science.gov (United States)

Zach, Ondrej; Munkvold, Bjørn Erik; Håkon Olsen, Dag

2014-03-01

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Compared to large enterprises, SMEs differ in a number of inherent characteristics, which are likely to impact the ERP system implementations. The purpose of this study is to explore these influences of the SME context on the ERP system implementation process. SME characteristics are synthesised from relevant literature and the influences of the contextual factors on various activities across the ERP life cycle are investigated. The study presents findings from a multiple case study of four SMEs. The ownership type of the companies and limited resources were identified as the most influential contextual factors. Among the ERP life-cycle phases, the implementation phase was affected most by the SME context. The case studies also illustrate the need for a more nuanced view on what should be considered general characteristics of SMEs; for example, regarding the level of IS knowledge, business processes, and market characteristics.

Electricity currents : an update of the experience of Alberta SMEs under deregulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-10-01

A survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in 2003 indicated that half of small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta use less than 250,000 kWh of electricity per year. Of the remaining half, 29 per cent did not know their annual consumption of electricity and 21 per cent reported using more than 250,000 kWh per year. Nearly half of the respondents were on the regulated rate option, and only 21 per cent had signed onto fixed price contracts. The survey showed that an increasing number (72 per cent) of SMEs are not satisfied with their electricity arrangement. The aspects of deregulation that concerned SMEs most were the rate increases and the lack of competition which has enabled Enmax and Epcor to maintain a dominant position in Alberta's electricity market. Many companies also reported difficulty in understanding electricity bills and billing problems. Many SMEs stated that higher electricity costs had a serious impact on their business. 6 figs