In Germany, the medical device industry constitutes a cornerstone of the health sector. In this study, we investigated the challenges and factors affecting the present-day performance of German SMEs concerned with medical devices. The research methodology adopted a cross-sectional and correlational research design, with simple random-sampling techniques, to data obtained from 110 mid-level and senior managers in German SMEs by means of an online structured survey in August 2022. We statistically validated our study data using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) testing, and Bartlett’s test, to assess the relationship between study variables and measure data adequacy using the R4.1.1(21) software, then carried out principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax factor loading and extracted six factors for use as research variables. The researchers also applied descriptive data analysis techniques using SPSS.21. The main study variables were: (1) the business performance of small and medium businesses (SMP); (2) their financial situation (SMEF); and (3) their implementation of new medical device industry regulations (MDR). By such statistical means, results confirmed poorer business performance and lower anticipated growth amongst SMEs affected by MDR, over and above the impacts of the present-day economic situation. The data can be used by management information systems (MIS) and decision system support professionals for planning and developing practical models about how to cope with current industry challenges. We recommend further research involving inferential analysis and triangulation of these data in the form of a semi-structured qualitative study in the larger scope of the population and different sectors.

This study was conducted to identify the determinants of fintech adoption in UAE financial service firms, specifically in the banking sector. Towards this direction, the study identified a set of factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, perceived trust, and perceived risk as the factors affecting fintech innovation adoption. The data for this study was primary in nature; the sample used consisted of 330 managers from UAE financial services firms. Factor analysis and regression analysis were performed to arrive at the study results, which confirmed that fintech adoption has a significant positive impact on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and perceived trust, but it has a significant negative impact on perceived risk. The results of the study recommend training employees and engaging customers for better adoption of fintech technology.

One of major challenge in a sustainable growth, which organizations face is a slow adoption of the digital transformation. This research work presents the reasons that lead to the slow digitization process in medical device SMEs in southern Germany. In addition, by developing the conceptual model, this work highlights the effect of these improper implementations on SME's business performances and financial situation. The researchers applied correlational research design methodology, with simple random sampling techniques along with empirical and statistical study with primary data collection. The main study variables are SME’s financial situation, SMEs organizational performance, and medical digitization rules. The study demonstrated the negative impact of delayed digital mechanisms in terms of businesses and financial performances.The extra transparency restrictions that add burdens for SMEs, and the lack of training for the employees, which in overall add more difficulties for adopting innovation and digital transformation are other factors negatively affecting the studied process.

Orientation: This research conceptualised the effect of implementing creating shared value concept on organisational performance for the companies in the oil and gas sector in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and introduced the role of change management as mediating factor. Research purpose: The research aims to illustrate the influence of applying creating shared value (CSV) strategies on corporate organisational performance and craft the impact of change management practices on these organisations. Motivation for the study: This study was carried out after spotting the gap and inconsistency pattern in academic literature for the concept of adopting creating shared value as ecological and practical strategies to tackle the unprecedented challenges in the oil and gas sector after unprecedented crisis occurred. Research approach/design and method: The study adopted conceptual analysis as theoretical research methodology that focused on examining and clarifying the definitions, meanings and utilisation of study key variables within a certain field, hence it aimed to ensure the consistent and accurate application of these concepts. Main findings: This study successfully conceptualised the effect of CSV on organisational performance (OP). In addition, this study conceptualised the role of organisational change management (OCM) as a mediating variable on the relationship between CSV and organisational financial performance. Practical/managerial implications: This research crafted the dynamic flow chart for the variables that affect the organisational performance in the oil sector that led to enriching the understanding and prospects of managers and executives to utilise that model among their organisations. Contribution/value-add: This is the first study to enhance the perceptions of factors that influence corporate performance, especially among oil and gas companies in the UAE.

Performance appraisal in human resource management is a function that evaluates employees’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in executing their job. To assess this appraisal, the employees’ key performance index (KPI) can be used. Recently, office politics has been indicated as an activity that may ruin employee-employer relationships and turn the office ecosystem unharmonious. The influence of organizational politics must be avoided during the performance appraisal process. This work depicted practical knowledge and theoretical gaps of the previous studies. Among them are leniency, straightness and stereotype behavior errors. This research was conducted to assess dimensions of organizational politics as one more error in the employee’s performance appraisal. The presented study considered a questionnaire directed to 274 officers and clerical staffs who were selected randomly through proportionate stratified sampling method in one of the Malaysian government financial sectors located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In total 271 questionnaires were returned and used in this study. This work employed Questionnaire of Political Considerations in Performance Appraisal by using robust statistical techniques for testing and validating the results. This study has successfully extracted three reliable dimensions of politics in performance appraisal, namely acquiring benefit, human relations, and control. In addition, this work developed a new conceptual model together with a dynamic and practical recommendation for top management in this field used to avoid the extant error factors.

This research investigates the burgeoning field of sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) within the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) manufacturing sector. The study is grounded in the observation of SMEs' growing commitment to enhancing their sustainability performance through the adoption of sustainable practices. It adds valuable insights to the current academic discourse on SMPs and the sustainable performance of SMEs, shedding light on the mediation of competitive capacity and the moderating influence of environmental legislation. Utilizing structured questionnaires, data was systematically collected from SMEs operating in the UAE's manufacturing sector. The ensuing analysis, conducted via regression models, illuminates a significant relationship between the implementation of SMPs and the enhancement of SMEs' competitive capacities, ultimately fostering long-term sustainable performance. Notably, this association is further strengthened by the mediating role of improved competitive capacities. Furthermore, the study reveals a synergistic effect whereby the combination of SMPs and adherence to environmental legislation augments the long-term viability and sustainability of SMEs. In conclusion, this paper synthesizes its findings, providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to promote sustainability within the SME sector.