Amira Saif Hamood Al Rashdi; Abebe Ejigu Alemu*, Dr. Noorul Shaiful Fitri Abdul Rahman
Abstract:
Purpose: This study aims to discover internal and external SC uncertainties SMEs experience. The study conducted interviews with the authorities in Muscat and Sohar.
Method: a cross-sectional mixed method was used for the study. The study administered probability sampling among 100 SMEs.
Findings: the findings on internal SC uncertainties include lack of access to finance, unable to attract/satisfy customers, lack of skill/training, poor planning, long lead-time, high operation costs. External SC uncertainties include government regulations, complicated funding processes, lack of data, competition, technological changes, unreliable suppliers, and fluctuations in fuel prices. SMEs need to be knowledge-based, exploit policy initiatives, employ technology. It is expected to benefit policymakers to design intervention measures for the resumption of SMEs as they create employment opportunities and wealth distribution among society.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 1-11 ] DOI: 10.30566/ijo-bs/2022.01.77
