Order 1125645: Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India: A Case Study of Food Industry of India

According to the viewpoint of, Indris and Primiana, (2015), every business organization should take certain adequate strategies to compete with their competitors as well as to sustain in the competitive market scenario.

A business plan is considered as the blueprint of every business organization. According to the viewpoint, Indris, and Primiana, (2015), every business organization needs to prepare an adequate business plan including financial budgets, manufacturing process, feasibility studies. It helps a small food providing organization to sustain in the competitive market effectively.

Sufficient amount of capital is one of the essential elements of every business success. According to the viewpoint of, Storey, (2016), investors of every business organization should invest a large amount of money to run their business effectively.

Market research is essential for determining the actual market demand for the products and services. In the context of, Storey, (2016), it can be stated that a small business organization should organize a market research programme to determine the actual market demands regarding their products. Moreover, appropriate market research helps an organization to determine the position of the competitors in the market, which helps them to take an upright decision to compete with the competitors in a stipulated gesture.

Quality is highly impacted on the business success. By, Schaper and et al., (2014), a small food providing company must provide premium quality products towards their target market customers to accomplish their expectation level. The higher authorities of a small business organization need to look after their production procedure and also try to provide hygienic products towards their customers at reasonable price rate to sustain in the competitive market.

According to the perception of, Brunswicker and Vanhaverbeke, (2015), it can be argued that the skilled resources can be considered as the building block of an organization. Skilled employees have that kind of ability to manage all the organizational conflicts appropriately. On the other hand, in the context of, Burns, (2016), the higher authorities of every small business organization should conduct a training and development programme for their employee to enhance their skills and knowledge, which helps an organization to accomplish their organizational goals without any interference of the barriers.

As per Schaper & et al. (2014), working environment has gravely impacted on the organizational success. Moreover, it is the prime responsibility of the key personnel of a small food business organization to maintain the work environment. An upright healthy and friendly atmosphere helps an organization to get employee loyalty as well as to improve their brand image towards their other stakeholders.

The research looks at the determinant of social sustainability among SMEs in India. From the literature review the factors that drive social sustainability are critical in creating a working environment that is socially sustainable. The conceptual framework below summarizes these determinants

Technological advancements

Policy reforms

Social Sustainability in SMEs

Finance

Work environment

Skilled employee

Quality of product

Market research

Business plan

Fig.1: Conceptual Framework of Sustainability Factors

(Source: Author)

By above figure, it can be identified that there are several factors which impacted on the organizational sustainability. An appropriate business plan, sufficient budget is essential for every organization to run their business properly. Whereas, appropriate market research is required for every small business organization to determine the actual market demand. On the other hand, quality products, skilled employees, and appropriate work environment are essential for every business organization, which helps an organization to sustain in the competitive market environment.

Based on the discussion above, it has been identified that the particular research project has an upright aim to determine the factors, which has impacted on the sustainability of a small and medium-sized business organization. This portion of the particular research project has also deliberated internal and external business environment appropriately. Moreover, organizational location, upright managerial power has also positively impacted on the sustainability of a business organization, which is not deliberated here properly. Hence, it can be considered as the literature gap of this particular research project.

Based on the discussion mentioned above, it can be stated that small and medium-size business organization plays an upright role in a country’s economic growth. Moreover, it has gravely impacted on the economy of a country by providing an opportunity of jobs towards the unemployed countrymen. Moreover, it can also be identified that key personnel of every business organization are responsible for managing the business orientated aspects to run their business operation efficiently. An appropriate business plan, strategies, technology, skilled employee, customers are required for every small and medium-sized business enterprise to manage their organizational performance. In this section, it has also been discussed about the internal and external market environment, which helps the higher authorities of a small-medium size food providing business organization to take adequate initiatives to mitigate internal and external market environment. Grounded on the different aspect, it can be concluded that an appropriate business plan, sufficient monetary budget is primarily required for every business organization to run their business properly. Moreover, appropriate market research is required for every business organization to understand the actual market demand. It can also be stated that the higher authorities of a small and medium size business organization should look after their products quality to satisfy their target market customers. Moreover, the skilled employees, friendly and healthy work environment is the key element of every business success, which helps an organization to sustain in the competitive market scenario.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction

The section mentioned above has explained regarding Factors Influencing social sustainability in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India. In this regard, this chapter will explain in detail regarding research strategy, research design, research approach, sampling strategy and research philosophy. Moreover, this section will also have data collection methods techniques and data analysis which has been used to collect the appropriate data, and also allocate the objective of the research.

3.2 Research Philosophy

There are three main types of research philosophy chosen for this research namely positivism, Interpretive, and pragmatism. Positivist helps in producing laws which communicate with the social world by observation the reality (Flowers, 2009). This philosophy manipulates the reality with different variations to form a relationship with the different elements of the social world. On the other hand, interpretivist contend are reviewed through subjective interpretation and intervention regarding reality which helps in understanding reality in greater extends (Crossan, 2003). Pragmatism is a philosophical approach which evaluates beliefs and theories concerning their practical application, in this case it illustrates the combination of positivism and interpretivism which is used when both qualitative and quantities methods are used. Here, the researcher will give focus on interpretive philosophy as this research is based on the subjective quest of identifying the factors influencing social sustainability in Small and Medium-sized in food related enterprises in India.

3.3 Research Approach

The research approach is termed as a plan or a procedure which possess steps regarding assumptions to achieve detail of the data collection, interpretation and also analysis (Richie & Lewis, 2003). This research is designed to acknowledge regarding Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India. The research approach is divided into three types namely qualitative, quantitative and also mixed research approaches. The qualitative approach takes the usage of theories and subjective literature to highlight the findings. On the other hand, quantitative research approach helps in focusing on the numerical data by making a depth analysis of data and also helps in achieving the greater results. The mixed research approach will use both qualitative and quantitative approach to achieve the required results (Richie & Lewis, 2003). This research study has made the use of the qualitative research method to understand regarding Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India in a convenient manner. Qualitative research is used in this research as human elements of social and natural sciences have been focused in a greater manner, and various theoretical data are also evaluated in this research study.

3.4 Research Strategy

The research strategy is known as effective methods which helps in ensuring regarding an appropriate resource have been made available to carry out the research study within the calculated time zone. It also confirms if the objective of the study gets addressed efficiently to increase the efficiency of the work. It is the strategy which assists in the identification of the problem and also solves it by utilizing the tools and techniques. The research strategy is divided into some forms namely case study, surveys, interviews and experimental research to achieve the requirement of the research study. Case study analysis helps in investigating the problems of the business and also examines other solutions to achieve effective output by making the use of the supporting proofs. On the other hand, the interview helps in understanding the views and opinions of the respondents by face-to-face, phone call or video call interaction (Boyce & Neale, 2006). This research study will make use of interviews strategy as it is an effective approach which assists in gathering raw information and responses of the participants to achieve the research’s objectives in a more credible manner (Boyce & Neale, 2006).

The influence of social sustainability can be better understood when respondents are asked regarding the research questions. This research will interview various employees of SMEs to achieve information regarding the effects caused by sustainability in their firms. Thus, interviewed plays a vital role in achieving valid data and information about the research and also helps in evaluating the experiences of the respondents.

3.5 Time Horizon

Time has an essential role in setting as well as organizing of the timeframe in a research study. The time horizon highlights the timeframe which helps in setting the time duration which has been separated to conduct a research study and achieve the desired results. It is termed as important components as it assists in the competition of research work in time. Time horizon is divided into two types namely cross-sectional and longitudinal (Kothari, 2004). This research study will make the use of cross-sectional time horizon to understand the research topic. The use of the time horizon helps in minimizing the time required to finish this research work.

3.6 Data Collection

Data collection is one of the important components of the research study. There are two sources of data, primary and secondary data. Primary data is termed as a first-hand data which is gathered directly from the sources. Primary data is gathering to serve the objective of the research. This data also ensures accuracy and up-to-date scenario of the research study (Wallen & Fraenkel, 2001). On the other hand, secondary data is already published data which is gathered for other purposes. This process of data collection is faster and requires lower costs. The main sources of secondary data are journals, articles, books, magazines, etc. Accordingly, this research will adopt a qualitative method of study wherein both primary and secondary data will be taken into consideration. Primary data is collected by interviewing the employees of different small and medium enterprises. The views and opinions of the respondents will be collected to analyse the data and bring about conclusive findings. On the contrary, secondary data has been considered in this study in the process of completing the research literature review section based on the key objectives of the study (Balanced Scorecard Institute, ND). Those data will be mainly collected from some of the magazines of food industry which is present in India. This will help in understanding the theoretical part in a better manner wherein validity, and authenticity will be kept in top priority while collecting the information and data.

3.7 Sampling

Sampling is termed as one of the convenient ways of selecting the respondents who are capable of giving responses in this research study. The samples that will get selected will have enough knowledge regarding the research topic, and thus, it will increase the effectiveness of the research (Biggam, 2008). Snowball sampling technique will be used in this research study to make the research study successful. Small and medium Enterprise which is present in India will be taken into consideration wherein total 10 organizations will be randomly selected to conduct the research. Moreover, these interviews will adopt 1 employee per organization which means a total of 10 employees will be interviewed in this research study. The employees, supervisors as well as managers who work at the highest level will be used in the semi-structured interviews. Those respondents who are not reached will be contacted with a phone call. All the responses collected will be recorded for further research. The findings which will be collected from the sample will help the researcher to understand regarding Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India.

This research will be conducted using the primary sources and to achieve a proper result, both close-ended, and the open-ended question will be prepared for the interview. This research interviews will have a total of 15 questions which will be regarding the Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India which also affect the employee’s performances in their workplace. The questions will be related to social sustainability regarding the industry and also about the company altogether. The close-ended questions will be helpful in answering the question of research directly (Boyce & Neale, 2006). The interview question will be well-structured and will be related to the research to achieve the objective of the research in an effective manner.

Sample size

When choosing the sample size, the snowball sampling and non-probability approach was adopted. This means that the sample population was not selected by a random sampling technique, yet some selected individuals had higher chances of being chosen over others. Indeed, each individuals of the general population of the research lacked equal chances of being chosen as compared to others. By using snowball sampling, the researcher identified 10 manager of SMEs as the most suitable for the research and were able to gain a deeper understanding of the situation of social sustainability of SMEs in India’s food industry. The most appropriate managers were selected as per the criteria of:

· The managers who are technical managers, board chairman and managing director.

· Those who have experience of at least 10 years.

The study sample for quantitative part

By using the Cochran’s formula:

Where the sample size is denoted by n, precision level is d, Z is the confidence level, p is the variability of population while q is (1-p). The study assumes that the variability of population is 0.5 which is the maximum variability while 95% is the confidence level while the precision is at ±9%. Therefore, the sample size will be:

By using the Cochran’s formula, at least 10 final company samples are required for the study. The company were selected regarding the criteria below:

· The company had a minimum of 250 employees

· The company was an active food industry

· The company had a minimum of one environmental or social factors

3.8 Data Analysis

By utilizing interview transcripts, the qualitative data was first analyzed to identify the upcoming properties via “cognitive mapping” (like mind mapping; Shaw, Eden, & Ackermann, 2009). Data analysis techniques are taken into consideration while establishing an understanding of the various codes that has been acquired from the interviews conducted with the target respondents. Data analysis helps in analysing all the collected data and achieving more important and meaningful information. To achieve rigor in the analysis a coding technique was utilized in the transcripts; this is often related to “inductive development technique” which is a modified version of grounded theory (Gioia, Corley, & Hamilton, 2013).

To begin with open coding will be applied on the issued interviews to pin point the recurring themes. The next step will involve axial coding. Axial coding will involve grouping the open codes to identify the higher level categories. The axial code undergoes a further procedure of eliminating overlapping categories, and interrogation which will help in pinpointing core codes. The primary data will be analysed with the assistance of open, axial and relational coding methods. The main motive of this research is to understand regarding the Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India. Thus, information needs to be analysed more deeply to achieve accurate and appropriate results (Malhotra, 2010). It is very essential to acknowledge that primary data which are collected after interviewing the respondents are taken without biasing them. Various themes will be utilized to analyse the gathered data after interviewing different employees of small and medium enterprise firms. The different opinions are gathered from the interviews to achieve information regarding the study of the research. Open, axial and relational coding will be considered for the purpose of elaborating the data gathered as well as analysing the same towards attaining the key research objectives in concern.

3.9 Limitation

This research study has used different steps to attain effectiveness in a greater manner. However, there are plenty of challenges and problems which are faced by the researcher while doing the study of the research. The limitation which is overviewed in this research study is the size of the sample as a researcher could take fewer samples due to time constraints. The employees of small and medium enterprise firms are interviewed one by one, and thus, this process consumes more amount of time which results in a limitation of this research study. Paid sources are also another limitation in which the researchers had to pay lots of money to collect the information in relation with the research study. It is very difficult for the researcher to provide a huge amount of money in achieving information regarding the research study and hence, researchers limit its research and thus, the quality of the research paper deteriorates.

3.10 Ethical Consideration

Ethics is considered as an important consideration which is required while conducting the study of research. Ethical consideration is used while collecting both primary and secondary data (Oliver, 2003). This research is based on Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India, and thus, reliable and academic websites and sources are used to achieve the secondary data and information. On the other hand, ethical consideration is also applied during the time of collecting the primary data wherein none of the respondents were harassed. Moreover, the identity of the interviewed respondents was kept confidential to keep them safe from any kinds of issues. None of the respondents were forced to participate in the interview session and also none of the responses were altered in the whole research study. The validity of data is termed as the main priority of this research study. All of the primary and secondary data are analysed without making any biases to maintain ethics. Furthermore, this research study is prepared with more amounts of focus and attention, and thus neither plagiarism nor errors will be encountered in this research study (Blaxter, Hughes & Tight, 2006). This research had also provided all the respondents to give responses to the entire question effectively and efficiently, and thus, this research study can be termed as an ethical thesis.

Chapter Four: Results

4. Qualitative Data Analysis

4.1. Open, axial and relational coding

The results retrieved from the interview was analysed by use of open, axial and relational coding analysis. Open coding was applied on the issued interviews to pin point the recurring themes. The next step involved axial coding. Axial coding involved grouping the open codes to identify the higher level categories. The axial code undergoes a further procedure of eliminating overlapping categories, and interrogation which always helped in pinpointing core codes. The interview was themed to acquire related views from the SME managers in regards to the primary variable that has a direct impact on the social sustainability on the SMEs using specified codes. The main variables were found to be the social and environment sustainability and are summarized in the below table.

From the pillars above the following model of open, axial and selection coding was focused on in interviews include:

With regards to the point of view of the managers, the social and environmental aspects were considered as the most effective as far as the sustainability performance of the SMEs in the India’s food industry are to be considered. Upon being interviewed on the factors concerning the environment, the SME managers retorted that among different aspects, quality product, workplace environment, business plan, the future of workplace environment, skilled employees, human resource and customer orientation form the most significant factors for SME’s sustainable performance. In accordance to a prior research conducted by Drnevich and Armstrong on small businesses, prospects that could be applied in differentiating the forms of strategy within the small firms might have been overlooked.

The former research similarly does not have an applicability exploration and relevance to the theories of management of small business enterprises. By use if the open, axial and relational coding on both the social and environmental variables, the management models that make up a small business enterprise can be developed in such a way that will pursue the goals theoretically which will result into a positive growth and business survivability. The social and environmental aspects is beneficial in a way that they can be able to influence social sustainability form small businesses by refining the management models as the existing theories are by a lesser degree understood by few individuals than the management theories of big companies.

According to the social aspect, creators of small businesses usually start with an elevated passion for success yet they may lack the necessary background skills and expertise to manage the business. The open, axial and relational coding model above is inclined towards the strategic model that was suggested by Pryor et al., (2012:3) where small business owners need to first understand the need for strategic management so that they can implement the elements upon starting the small business venture. Pryor provides a set of elements that are significant in the strategic management model.

Both the social and environmental pillars include the ability to recognize and emphasize on the market place by being able to sustain capabilities, adopt the right strategy and be able to grow. Moreover, it fosters client customer relationship, business operation resources and the practices of the human resource sector. A study by Schmitt et al., (2002) examines how numerous small business owners have consciously preferred to remain small since the positive outcomes of growth are few compared to the negative aspects.

Schmitt also elaborates on how once a small business attains the position of self-sufficiency and a manageable employee base, then it stagnates and no efforts are made to grow the venture. Numerous small scale business is focused on surviving as opposed to growth. In retrospect, this chapter elaborates a detailed overview of the factors that influence social sustainability in the small business enterprises. Just like any other business, small businesses have a functional working environment that is made up of the external and internal social environmental aspects.

4.2. Measuring Instrument

According to chapter three above, the data was collected through interview based on the literature. Most of the respondents were interviewed physically while others interviews were conducted through online video conferencing platforms. To reduce the time spent on each respondent, a cover letter was first issued prior to the day of the interview and several pointers addressed in order to get numerous responses for a short period of time. Most of the interviewees consisted of owners, managers and employees from the small business sector. The research population was chosen randomly to avoid biasness and unwanted patterns. Out of the 20 selected sample, only 50 percent (10) were able to avail themselves for interview. These participants included employees from the CBD’s, shopping malls and other food industries in India. The interview contained up to three sections dubbed A, B, and C. Section A of the interview entailed asking basic biographic information in order to create a profile. On the other hand, Section B consisted of questions based on the sustainability factors and Section C had open ended questions which would trigger the respondent to talk about other significant matters that were not captured in the interview.

4.2.1. Section A: Biographic profile

The table below demonstrates the demographic profiles and the frequency of response.

From the above table, majority of the people who were interviewed range between 31 to 40 years with a percentage of 29.6%. They are closely followed by those between 18 to 30 with a percentage of 26.7% and ages 41 to 50 at 20.7%. There was a slight difference between the ratio of male to females who took part in the interview as their difference was almost the same. Approximately three quarters of the interviewees have obtained a formal high school education.

The interview also consisted questions where the interviewees were allowed to provide a ranking of specific characteristic of business sustainability with regards to the degree if importance. The scale used in this ranking ranged from 1 to 10 with 1 being the least important and 10 as the most important. The table below shows the results of how each importance of characteristic was rated in regards to sustainability.

According to the characteristic rating, skills of communication was termed as the most significant aspect in influencing social sustainability of small and medium enterprises. The need for growth is considered the least important as most of the small business owners concentrated more on the survivability of their businesses rather than growth and development.

4.2.2. Section B: Objective one: Factors Affecting Social Sustainability in Indian SMEs in Food Industry

This section of the interviews focused on revealing the different sustainability factors that may directly or indirectly have an influence of the social sustainability of the small business enterprises. The results from the interview were tabulated and the following graphical representations generated.

Business entity

The first sustainability factor was the business entity. It was clear that up to 32 percent of the SME’s in the food industry in India are closed for operations while 30 percent are PTY (limited companies). Incorporated businesses (Inc.) form the least number of the business entities.

Family business

According to the interviewees, 76 percent of the small business enterprises are not operating as family business while 24 percent are family based as shown in the pie chart below.

Number of employees

Small businesses are struggling for survival and remaining in the market. Along these lines, 43 percent of the small businesses are only limited to an employee base of between 0 and 10. With a definitive development program and a correct creating that this study hopes to find, more jobs could be created. The figure below provides a detailed analysis of how the current employee base is made up as per the sample size.

Job creating prospects

Up to 51 percent of the respondents agreed that they are able to have job creating prospects while 49 percent hold to the idea that they are adequately staffed and there is no need for additional employees.

Duration in business

The figure below provides a summary of the duration within which most of the businesses in the food industry in India have been in business. Accordingly, most of the businesses have been up and running for 4 to six years.

Business strategies

To complement the information obtained on the section of years in business, many small businesses (29%) that are on their growth stage of development are usually between the fourth and sixth year of operation. They are followed by 23 percent of the already established businesses that are expanding their ventures in as much as they are also hesitant on opening up the ventures basing on the risk that is attached to it. The risk has influenced the start-up businesses that only 5% are willing to grow their businesses. The chart below provides a detailed analysis of the business development stages.

Objective two: To illustrating the impact of government policy to social sustainability upon the SMEs in the food sector of India

The government, through policy implementation, has as well formed multiple promotional measures through the Food Processing Policy as well as other support measures which are normally included in the annual budgets. The effectiveness and the sustainable aspects of policies are huge in terms of their impact. The contribution of these policies is huge as it leads to more interests, reduction of poverty and welfare regarding adding value (Sommer, 2017).

From the research, the franchise law in India such as “The Competion Act, 2002” allows SMEs to create franchises for competition purposes in line with the law. From the study, a majority of the respondents said that up to 82% of the SME’s are not considered to be franchises. The result is contradictory with the popular notion in the sense that franchise businesses the expectation of numerous business entrepreneurs. In such as the franchise business allows the owner and managers to apply the existing procedures and frameworks of the corporate entity, it can lead the implementation of limited business initiatives. On the other hand, non-franchise businesses do not limit the owner to apply the freedom of expression where they can apply their own ideas and make the business system more creative since “The Competition Act” of 2002 allowed them to do so.

Objective three: To identify best practices for management and enactment of factors that foster social sustainability of SMEs in the Indian food industry

The best managerial practice was covered though the respective open ended questions in the research. The responses from the interviewees showed that more than half of the small business owners have appointed managers while 47% entails the owners managing their own enterprises. This information is summarized in the below chart.

Consequently, the interview covered features of products and services as well as the importance of management criteria, markets and customers, and how businesses should operate. The table below demonstrates the different ratings as far as management criteria is concerned.

According to the rating, having experience in the business sector is considered the most important with leading percentage of 64.3%. Consequently, having a clear understanding of the business goals is considered as the least important. The point of concerns is where establishing relationships through networking and technological innovation have a score less than 30% yet they are among the key criteria needed for a successful business. It is therefore important to come through and establish this culture in order to attain the desired social sustainability of small and medium enterprises in India’s food industry. These results are in line with the earlier discussed results where respondents with more years in the business sector had more experience and indicates why experience as a management criteria scored highly.

In the food industry, service delivery is considered with the most significance with 56% followed closely with the quality of the product on offer at 31%. According to the respondents, if the quality of the product and service delivery is of high standards, then the pricing does not matter thus making the feature of pricing to be the least important with only 8.4%

With regards to maintaining a customer market relationship, the rating indicates that it is important to build a conversant relationship with the customers. Caring about the customer satisfaction is considered the least as different customers have different needs and desires, covering them all might be a very hectic endeavour.

Additionally, the interview also had a section that deals with the accepted moral ways of doing business to satisfy the social significance of SME’s. the table below provides the response as per the interviewees.

According to the results associated with the moral way of doing business, honesty was said to the most significant with up to 63% followed by the desire to embrace change when need be. Accordingly, ethics is considered the least significant criterion when doing business which is absurd as the virtue of honesty and ethics ought to go hand in hand.

4.2.3. Section C: Open Ended Questions

In this section, responded were provided a chance to give factors that would ensure the social sustainability of small and medium scale businesses as well as those that pose a threat to the sustainability. The respondents were also asked about what they think would be the best suggestion to make businesses operate in a more sustainable manner. Among the most important factors that will ascertain the sustainability of the businesses as responded by the interviewees include knowledge sharing, finance, economic growth, low-interest rates, quality and trained agents, skills and competencies, and stable workforce. The respondents also were provided with a chance to responded to the threats to business sustainability. These include lack of adequate experience, interest rate, economic downturn, lack of quality and not delivering on time. According to the respondents, businesses are able to be conducted in a green environmental friendly way by use of verified water, being conscious of the energy they use and emit, identifying alternative ideas that will cut-off material use in a better way and acquiring input from supplies that are recommended as environmentally friendly.

Chapter Five: Discussion

5.1. Main Findings

The discussion section is based on the results arrived at in the results section. From the outcome, an empirical investigation will be implemented on the results to come up with the findings. The results will be further explained in details and the graphical representation provided in the prior topic discussed in a much detailed manner. Each segment will be discussed separately and a suggestion provided for each entity. Moreover, this topic will include an overview of the entire research. This research study proposed to analyse the impacts of social and ecological factors and also the impact of the demographic foundation of the business visionaries on the SE of SMEs in the Indian food industry by researching the points of view of managers, owners, experts and entrepreneurs.

Along these lines, Dean and McMullen (2007), and Cohen and Winn (2007), have built up another type of business entrepreneur, which has risen, in accordance with the advancement in sustainability and its triple primary concern; the adjusting of social, financial, and ecological points of view, called the sustainable entrepreneur. Concerning the demographic foundation, the consequences of the correlation analysis demonstrated that working and administrative experience, education and the quantity of already settled enterprises have a huge relationship with the business enterprises that are sustainable for SMEs in sustenance industry. The outcome is affirmed by Dickson and Solomon (2008) and by Cooper et al. (1994) who have demonstrated that the odds of both an effective and high development among SMEs have had tangible positive relationships with the education level and industry-oriented learning.

In addition, Zimmerer and Scar-district (1998) expressed that the absence of reasonable administrative and experiential potential is the primary driver of big business disappointment. In any case, they also found that 30% of successful business entrepreneurs have no work experience, contrasted with just 3% of unsuccessful business entrepreneur that doesn't have any job experience. Furthermore, in their examination, Lee and Denslow (2005) found that an absence of experience is one of the significant determinants that impact entrepreneurial execution. In connection to the training and as per Meng and Liang (1996), within the world of entrepreneurship, the organizations whose workers have more elevated amounts of education are more successful because of the way that a college training gives them the chance to accomplish learning and present-day administrative aptitudes. They at that point turn out to be more mindful of what is really going ahead in the business world and along these lines will be in a situation to utilize their educated aptitudes in business administration.

Essentially, Thapa (2007), in his examination in Nepal, has discovered that education is emphatically connected with entrepreneurial achievement. In any case, he contended that more experience isn't really a reason for more achievement in an enterprise setting. Correspondingly, Mazzarol et al. (1999) expressed that demographic factors, for example, age, sexual orientation, educational level and work experience considerably affect entrepreneurial goal and objectives. Be that as it may, as the relationship analysis uncovered in this study, the gender and age are not identified with SE as the ratio was more or less equal with very minimal margins. This appears to point to the conclusion that the SE of SMEs in the Indian food industry is driven by the education and work experience of the business entrepreneurs and not its gender orientation. In view of the Pearson analysis on correlation, it has been noticed that age and gender do not apply any impact on SE. Regardless of this, Kristiansen et al. (2003) found a huge connection between the age of a business entrepreneur and the business achievement in their research analysis.

In connection to the pillars of small and medium enterprises, including social and environmental measurements, the relapse analysis demonstrated that the fundamental social factors that altogether influence the score of SE within SMEs are considering the orientation of customers, staff training, human resource and social support. The outcomes likewise demonstrated that when an organization focuses on green energy, the eventual fate of the earth, models and physical principles of work environment are the primary natural factors, which have a strong relationship with the sustainability execution of SMEs in the Indian food industry.

5.2. Demography

From the survey, the owner of a small business enterprise is approximately 41 years on average. The research also revealed that the majority of the owners who make up the small business enterprise are male with up to 57% with the majority being Indian natives. The number of those who have a high school education is larger compared to those with a university degree. According to the results retrieved in section A and the demographic profile, many of the respondents are between the groups of 18 to 50 years of age.

The male and female respondents were relatively equal, however with somewhat more male respondents. Most of the respondents were Indians and about three-quarters of the respondents have a formal tertiary capability and 25.9% finished their training at a high school graduation level. The purpose behind the distinction in results with respect to ethnicity may be on the grounds that the investigation was not a representative of the entire Food Industry of India populace since it was just in light of SMEs in the area.

5.3. Sustainability Variables of SMEs

Concerning the various factors of SMEs, it tends to be reasoned that the accompanying perspectives were noticeable pointers for maintainability of the business. Communication abilities as a characteristic of business sustainability rating were viewed as an essential measure for the long-term achievement of the respondent’s organizations. In the segment under the Literature review, enhancing correspondence between the private company network and the legislature was one of the goals of Small Organizations' ten-year development framework. The study additionally demonstrated that skills of communication among the employees impact the execution of SMEs and effective correspondence on a regular basis is important for achieving the business objectives and coordinating sustainability practices into the business condition. Experience on the other hand was found to be an imperative criterion for management. The

literature study features this since proprietors or administrators with more experience on administrative or past SME encounter had a tendency to have a more prominent inclination towards development and was additionally viewed as a fundamental criterion for sustainability. The respondents who have over 20 years' work understanding, are indicative of the way that experience was rated higher among the respondents.

The product and service feature rating results demonstrated that delivery of services is an essential aspect in terms of sustainability with a recurrence of 56.1%, trailed by delivery of quality at (31.1%). The outcomes for the open-ended inquiries from section C showed that respondents consider poor service delivery as the most vital components which will undermine business sustainability.

Since respectable client and customer relationship is considered as a Critical Success Factors (CSF's) in the literature study, it provides insights as to why building reliable relationships with the client are the best form of clients and markets rating factor for sustainability. Among the internal natural elements affecting the execution of SMEs is obtaining and securing relationships that connect the business and respective customers.

The ethical method for doing business rating demonstrated that honesty is a critical factor for business sustainability. The results from the study demonstrated that a business' estimation of honesty and integrity is the establishment of the business leadership and reputation in the way of doing business. The results demonstrated that almost half of the respondent agreed that entrepreneurs kept their financial records. The most common financials that these proprietors kept a record of includes the total stock, sales, and cost of offers. The poor financial related administration is considered to be a typical reason for SME failure in the industry, basing on the increased competitive structure.

The finance and resource accessibility rating results demonstrated that great budgetary abilities and information is critical for sustainability. The knowledge of respondents with respect to financials was tested, and the greater part of the rate recognize what the business' gross profit, gross profit percentage, net benefit and, net benefit rate. Just a few of the respondents know their business' futuristic value and current proportion. The previously mentioned business financials related information is of most extreme significance for progress to strive and achieve a thorough business sustainability stage.

By establishing a clear set of objectives as a strategy of system implementation measurement, the achievement of business objectives and goals is viewed as a vital factor for the management of the small businesses. The outcomes for the strategy implementation rating showed that respondents consider set up clear objectives as an essential factor affecting sustainability. A few respondents demonstrated in the open inquiry area, that an absence of connectivity to the internet is a standout among the most vital variables which will debilitate their business sustainability. The presence of a reliable internet is one of the technological innovation use rating segments that was considered an essential business sustainability factor. With an absence of internet connectivity, it is hard to approach a website, either by the client or the business itself.

The rating on the external environment results uncovered that systems administration and networking is essential for the social sustainability of SMEs. The results affirm the significance as great systems administration and networking is considered as a basic achievement factor for a business. SMEs additionally have a tendency to be more manageable when they participate with different organizations to diminish creation cost, share advances and frame organizing opportunities. The sustainability of SMEs isn't constrained to the above variables and in this manner; a business education project could be created and actualized concentrating on the above factors and in addition, different elements incorporated into the writing and research.

5.4. Evaluation of the Study

The essential goal of this investigation was to recognize the factors that impact the sustainability of selected small and medium-sized ventures. The objective was come to since a few factors, as demonstrated by the problem statement and affirmed by the result, emerged as vital contributors for the sustainability of small businesses. The optional goals and objectives of this research were come to since the components that impact the sustainability of SMEs were experimentally approved, a profile of SMEs was planned as indicated by a research that was conducted earlier and the dependability of the components that impact the sustainability of SMEs was resolved, and conclusions and proposals based on the discoveries of this investigation can be drawn.

Essentially, as per the consequences of both subjective and quantitative investigations, client orientation accomplished the primary rank among all other distinguishing factors as the most imperative factor towards SE within SMEs in the food sector. Appropriately, numerous research affirms the significance of this determinant in SE, particularly for SMEs. In such manner, Jenkins 2006 underline that without bigger monetary backings and subsidizing so as to ingest conceivable clients, SMEs may frequently depend on their system of individual connections and popularity as a strong instrument within their market and network. Moreover, SMEs, particularly more established endeavours and privately-run companies, may fundamentally profit by social capital. Putnam (1993) demonstrates networks that have a larger amount of social capital have lower exchange costs and can, accordingly, encounter a higher level of the democratic system. Lower expenses may enable the organizations to fabricate a more prominent feeling of the network among partners, prompting fewer necessities for creating and embracing exorbitant usage instruments within the community and market as well. Consequently, these lower expenses can decidedly influence clients through lower costs. The respondents in the results trusted that having economical resources gave them new chances to draw in clients and financial specialists. These outcomes demonstrate that the business entrepreneur most essential motivation to push toward sustainability is to pull in client certainty and lower costs and strong promotion for their business.

As indicated by the consequences of this investigation, the human resource was found to be second in SME. Jenkins (2004) affirm this finding and have called attention to that having a high potential for enlisting and fulfilling the best workers as outstanding among other contentions for practical advancement in SMEs. Numerous investigations have likewise affirmed that enlisting a workforce that understands and regards the qualities and moral conduct of an endeavour is beneficial. For example, in their investigations, Albinger and Freeman (2000) and Branco and Rodrigues (2006) have accentuated that organizations with an abnormal state of corporate social responsibility (CSR) or the ones that perform in a sustainable way, frequently have the ability to draw in, hire and maintain the correct staff with more having the desired qualities needed for a worker. In such manner, as indicated by the business entrepreneur sentiment, thinking about the employees' subsistence circumstance, giving financial related help through advances, employer stability and home-to-work transportation, are imperative for the SE of SMEs in the food industry.

From the business entrepreneur's perspective, using green resources is the third affecting element of the SMEs in the food industry. This outcome affirms the research conducted by Korsgaard and Anderson (2010), who recognized factors, for example, water treatment, reusing and recycling as clear cases of the SME of undertakings. Cohen et al. (2008), with a specific end goal to recognize the sustainability entities considered, these sustainable firms did practice environmental friendly businesses. Besides, the research also specified all the different modes of recycling as one of the primary parts of the green business.

The results obtained from this research has demonstrated that however considering the eventual fate of the earth and condition is positioned among the top in the subjective research as indicated by the quantitative outcomes. Altogether, this determinant of SMEs of the food industry has been found to be in the third place. Additionally, the Carbon Trust Institute in England demonstrated that a 10 to 20 percent decrease in energy utilization prompts a five percent expansion in offers of ventures. Despite the fact that these fundamental advances are nothing similar to more helpful sustainability techniques, they diminish costs by sparing energy consumption. Considering the ongoing conjectures concerning overall energy costs and the way that petroleum products will before long run out, techniques that decrease energy utilization are probably going to add to the enterprises' financial and ecological, execution. In like manner, business entrepreneurs have communicated the significance of the future of the business environment, with different components such as the concern on global warming and the effects it has on the food industry and the future generation.

While training of staff is considered e among the least important factor in subjective research and also in quantitative analysis, the last rank of this determinant is among the various thought about variables. This is affirmed by Thassanabanjong et al. (2009) who presumed that preparation is vital for profitability and quality and that it likewise impacts the viability, proficiency and inspiration of the representatives. Entrepreneurial learning can have beneficial effect on sustainability development and profitability. As needs be, King and McGrath (2002) recommend in their investigation that those with more education level and training will probably be fruitful in the SME area. Additionally, learning, skills, aptitudes and the experience of staff also has beneficial effect on the feasible execution of SMEs, especially concerning social and ecological measurements.

Similar to the analysis completed by Crals and Vereeck (2005), who clarified that SME incorporates three kind of guidelines. These include social, ecological and administrative, the significance of the benchmarks towards SME have been affirmed in this research. As per Nowduri (2012), SMEs that are within modern networks have a superior possibility of accomplishing sustainability on the off chance that they can address their issues for specific principles and morals as per their way of life. With respect to the significance of social help in SMEs, Korsgaard and Anderson (2010), trust that while the economic advantage is of optional significance, individuals, society and groups are considered as a matter of first importance is SME.

Likewise, the research conceptualized social backings to be among the least essential factor for accomplishing the SE of SMEs in the food business. Moreover, in connection to the physical norms of the work environment, which positions toward the end according to the research, Cohen et al. (2008) likewise considered the staff's fulfilment with their workplace as one of the vital components of SME development.

Consequently, in the event that the pillars are extracted as indicated by the prioritization of affecting elements, it very well may be presumed that in the two stages, the business entrepreneurs initially pick the social way, trailed by the environmental measurement with a specific end goal to accomplish the systematic development in SMEs of food industry. Subsequently, the social measurement of sustainability comes before the environmental angle, from the business entrepreneurs' perspective, if the development of the SMEs is the objective. The outcomes of this investigation have vital ramifications for the training and the training of sustainable business enterprise. The research attempted to explore the components that impact the execution of SMEs with a specific end goal to build up a comprehension of the elements of SMEs towards sustainability and discovered that client orientation, staff training, social backings, green environment, and physical standards of working environment are the most determinants factors of SMEs' in the food business. In addition, the level of education and work involvement of the business entrepreneurs had a solid constructive relationship with the SMEs. Such data is pivotal while assessing proper arrangements for advancing SMEs' practical advancement and decrease in poverty and their general development. It appears that such broad business enterprise practices have a more prominent impact while recognizing feasible opportunities as opposed to only addressing the environmental concerns. All things considered, the research would prompt against disregarding training in environmental and social issues, as this may affect the activity orientation of business entrepreneurs and effect whether they really follow-up on the identified opportunities.

The capacity to react to the changes in the market is a basic essential for the development of a small business. Having a flexible work schedule was a vital achievement method for small and medium sized enterprises. This capacity to move from an underlying business market position is regularly reflected in the SME's affinity to engage in export business sectors. The research on small and medium businesses recommends that numerous small ventures do not practice exportation of goods and services, yet exporting might be an important aspect for increased development for the small independent businesses; Cambridge Small Business Research Center, (1992). From this research the analyst looked to decide the benefits of exports or Franchising to different nations and other strategies of marketing utilized by SMEs in helping food industries in India in order to uphold their development in business.

From the research, the marketing strategy of a small and medium businesses system comprises of the business approaches and activities it embraces to draw in clients and satisfy their desires, to withstand pressure of competition and to reinforce its market position. These strategies give chances to the business to react to the different difficulties inside its working condition. Firms likewise come up with strategies to empower them seize strategic activities and to maintain an aggressive edge in the market (Porter, 1985). The main point is to complete an altogether better activity to its clients. The accomplishment of each business is controlled by its responsiveness to the client needs. As indicated by this research, it is evident that the food industry in India utilizes different marketing procedures to keep up its development force and pertinence in the market. With regards to the small and rapidly developing businesses, the study recommends that the introduction of new products is positively related with development; Cambridge Small Business Research Center, (1992).

With regards to innovation and technological development, the objective is to apply the advancement culture into every sector of the food industry. The application of the technological innovations is accomplished by providing the small and medium businesses with practices, qualities and frameworks of a developing innovative industry. Beaver and Prince (2002) contends that small business enterprises that plan in a strategic manner is more probable with those that are innovative, those that accomplish internal development and those prone to fail. As per this paper, Research Strategies are a factor that decides whether the development of an SME will be able to sustain itself or not. This forms a clear and reasonable indication that business administration teams need to take these variables and consider them with extreme significance to guarantee supported development.

Businesses whose strategy depends on new product development ensure their economic accomplishment through having a systematic introduction of drastically new products in the market, as a rule by making existing ones to be considered as obsolete. They strive to continuously come up with different varieties that conform to the state of the art standards of the food industry Pearce and Robinson (2007). For the food industry to achieve a state of the art service delivery, their core competence ought to focus of technological advancement, research and development. In order for the food industry to achieve this goal there are some challenges that need to be overcome, the first one being innovation. Innovation in the food industry will ensure the recognition, acknowledgment and embracing new ideas that more often than not originate from outside the industry. Secondly, food industries have to commercialize the ideas rapidly due to the nature of food tending to spoil over time. In this manner, their business and administration forms should be built for speed. Product Discipline is inclined towards the release actualized results as opposed to sitting back and waiting for other competing industries to grasp the idea. This research has figured out an alternative on how the food industries could overcome these challenges by persistently dealing with change in food products and innovation so as to guarantee that they remain in front of their rivals. Small businesses ought to take a chance at particular qualities so as to separate themselves from rivals according to the customer for an extended period of time by having a sustainable upper hand. Since the patterns of consumption are influenced by the relative wealth of different market fragments, each small business should consider competitive threats in the sections that influence the food industry. A portion of the competitive dangers both on the national and universal level that entrepreneurs must consider include observing the amount of new entrants into the market, the target populace and patterns in the development of different small and medium businesses in the industry. Every one of these variables are held within proper limits by the consistent research and product advancement and differentiation. The levels of competition influence how simple or hard it is for an SME to be effective and productive at any given time. An SME should accordingly incorporate these variables in its system formulation. This demonstrates that competition as threat exceedingly influence the development and consequently its manageability on account of the food industry of India. Further, Pearce and Robinson (2007) discussed that an innovative achievement can have a sudden impact on the condition the small businesses enterprises. As indicated by this study, innovative changes in a nation are among the variables affecting reasonable development in SMEs. Dealing with the reliability, complexity, incorporation into existing systems, assortment of products, continuous technological change and the costs identified with implementing this issues, make up some of the elements that influence the SMEs survival and subsequently their social sustainable development. Pearce and Robinson (2007) infer that the stability and direction of political components are among the major considerations that the small business owners and managers need to consider when formulating organization strategies. Political factors also characterize the legitimate and administrative parameters within which the small business have to work on.

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation

6.0. Conclusion

There is a worldwide concern that the constant stagnation and even decrease in economic development joined by perpetual poverty, unemployment and its resultant issues have prompted expanded search for alternative strategies which could fortify financial action in numerous economies. Small enterprise improvement has been at the focal point of these endeavours in view of the idea that the small enterprises frame the setting within which entrepreneurial action happens. SMEs have been found to have a higher potential for work creation in light of a lower cost for every activity made. The research considered factors and issues which impact the sustainability development in food industry of India.

As indicated by the respondents in this investigation, marketing techniques, research procedures, rivalry and change in innovation topped the list in factors that impact sustainable development in SMEs while research systems were the least significant. The research has demonstrated that marketing strategies is a fundamental establishment for business. Marketing is the sector that keeps organizations in business. There is business to conduct if there are no sales being done. For effective strategies for success and development there is need to settle on choices that keep the business at a favoured position in the market in contrast with different businesses. These moves incorporate marketing activities, reception of strategies to move from first market positions and conform to globalization. This allows the business entity to tap in another market in light of the industry's considered market division; it likewise expands the business chance to exploit existing motivating forces by various governments. Research strategies are similarly essential from the study in guaranteeing the sustainability of development.

Advancement being the way to remaining in the market, product improvement is similarly imperative. Innovative progression isn't a sector to be overlooked in business. Rivalry, market changes and political elements are similarly imperative variables. Competition may influence the manageability of development for SMEs. This features the significance of a properly focused condition to guarantee sustainability of development for organizations in the food industry. The business entrepreneurs need to set up the important estimates expected to the business contrasted with others in the business to guarantee its survival. The research has demonstrated that innovative advancement is a key factor to be considered in guaranteeing the sustainability of development for SMEs in the food industry. The absence of these measures may infer that there would be hampered development or no development in the food industry at all. It is normal that enhanced innovation and innovation will acquire changes the manner in which associations are run and represented. It is along these lines imperative for the strategy producers, and particularly the administration in basic leadership levels to comprehend the variables that impact practical development in SMEs and the methodologies that can be fittingly investigated to roll out such improvements suitable to all fields in business. It is in this manner important to keep innovative progression among the best needs for each business and the nation by and large.

0. Recommendations

The finding of the research, discussion and the preceding interpretation uncover that measures should be taken to guarantee that once a business commences in development, there is need to keep supporting the development by utilizing specific strategies that conform to the food industry. From the study, a number of recommendations are therefore provided for consideration.

I. . The management of the small and medium enterprises ought to have constant marketing activities and grasp globalization including partnerships and franchising. This ought to be a consistent and unending procedure.

II. New advances are rising quickly and for an organization to stay significant in the market, the innovation being referred to ought to be improved constantly to be at the same standard with the new patterns in the market.

III. The strategies used by the SMEs for research are extremely pivotal in search for sustainable development in the food industry. The management should then acquire development and reward any employee who comes up with creative plans to support a culture of technological advancement in the industry.

IV. The administration of these SMEs should embrace technological advancement and reward any employee who think of inventive plans to empower a culture of innovation.

V. The administration similarly ought to consider the significance of political steadiness in the nation as a rule, in the meantime the administration should put into consideration that it is essential to take the necessary precautions against such dangers with the goal that the business doesn't disintegrate in case of any political instability.

VI. The administration should also focus on the market changes and strategies that are good to the development of SMEs remembering the effect that these changes have on the survival and nonstop development of SMEs. In the meantime, the administration ought to put into thought that it is vital to safeguard against such sudden and unexpected choices that influence business so that the organization doesn't suffer in the event that they occur.

6.2. Recommendations for Future Studies.

The research recommends additionally research to be done on the significance of market adaptability and diversifying in organizations in the food industry of India. A restriction with this research was that it just concentrated the variables that impact sustainable business enterprise in small and medium-sized ventures and future investigations could centre around huge companies. Besides, this research suggests that business entrepreneurs can change their underlying position from standard to feasible practices by passing social or environmental under particular conditions and that the financial measurement of sustainable enterprise is steady in this research. Future investigations can investigate factors that impact sustainable business by concentrating on the three pillars of the research including social, financial and environmental.

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