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Software entrepreneurs’ competencies based on business growth

Iman Sudirman (Department of Industrial Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia)
Joko Siswanto (Department of Industrial Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia)
Atya Nur Aisha (Department of Industrial Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia and Department of Industrial Engineering, Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia)

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship

ISSN: 1471-5201

Article publication date: 21 May 2020

Issue publication date: 8 July 2020

513

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the competencies of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) entrepreneurs in the software sector and the perceived level of attainment in each competency. It also examines whether these competencies and their levels affect business turnover and growth (in terms of business scale and duration).

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this purpose, the study took a quantitative approach, involving a survey of 33 SME entrepreneurs, which was then processed using statistical tests, including chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test and ordinal regression.

Findings

There were four findings of the study. Firstly, software SME entrepreneurs need 17 competencies, with high levels of soft competencies being required and average levels of technical competencies. Secondly, there are significant differences in perceived levels of customer service orientation (p = 0.089) depending on the scale of the business and in perceived levels of project management (p = 0.087) depending on the duration of the business. Thirdly, customer service orientation (p = 0.031) and project management (p = 0.01) both have a significant influence on business revenues. Fourthly, there were significant gaps in perceived levels of competency (p < 0.05) in achievement orientation, customer service orientation and project management.

Originality/value

There is existing research that conducts competency mappings at the managerial level in large-scale organizations; however, this sort of research in relation to SME entrepreneurs is still lacking. The present study seeks to fill this gap. It also maps integrated entrepreneurial competencies, including soft and technical competencies; a focus that is lacking in previous studies.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to ITB for having supported the present research by a funding scheme of Research, Community Service and Innovation (P3MI) activity of ITB Research Group.

Citation

Sudirman, I., Siswanto, J. and Aisha, A.N. (2020), "Software entrepreneurs’ competencies based on business growth", Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 111-132. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRME-12-2017-0055

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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