• Korean small business review
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.57-76
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• 2017

While the unemployment rate is rising rapidly due to recent economic recession at home and abroad, university students' reluctance to apply for jobs in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) causes instability in manpower supply and demand and social unrest. To provide insights for solving the problem, this study explores how beliefs and attitudes of university students influence their intention to apply for jobs in SME's using Theory of Planned Behavior proposed by Icek Ajzen. This study followed the 2-stage survey methodology suggested by Ajzen. In the first stage of pilot study, a small sample of university students was used to illicit readily accessible behavioral outcomes, normative referents, and control factors. In the second stage of main study, the standard questionnaire was designed and administered and data were collected and analysed using the PLS Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. PLS-SEM was used instead of Covariance Based (CB)- SEM considering the exploratory nature of this study. In overall, the results showed that TPB is very effective in explaining and predicting the university student's intention to apply for jobs in SEM's. Gender turned out to be a significant moderator variable in the relations between intention and its influence factors. Student's scholastic performance showed a negative correlation with intention. More research efforts need to be exerted to better understand university student's job seeking behavior.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.230-238
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• 2023

Small and medium-sized food manufacturing enterprises are largely reliant on manual labor, from inputting raw materials to palletizing the final product. Recently, there has been a trend toward smartness and digitization through the implementation of robotics and sensor data technology. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of improvement through 3D simulation on two repetitive work processes within a food manufacturing company. These processes involve workers whose speed cannot match the capacity of the applied equipment. Two manual processes were selected: the weighing and packing process performed by workers after skewer assembly, and the manual batch process of counting randomly delivered frozen foods, packing (both internal and external), and palletizing. The production volume, utilization rate, and number of workers were chosen as verification indicators. As a result of the simulation for improving the 3D process, production increased by 13.5% and 56.8% compared to the existing process, respectively. This was particularly evident in the process of applying palletizing robots. In both processes, as the utilization rate and number of input workers decreased, robots could replace tasks with high worker fatigue, thereby reducing work overload. This study demonstrates the potential to visually compare the process flow improvement using 3D simulations and confirms the possibility of pre-validation for improvement.

• Journal of Venture Innovation
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2021

It can be said that it has various effects on the organization depending on the leadership of the boss, including the CEO, who is the main agent of management. In this study, Servant Leadership is the subject of research, and the concept of Servant Leadership is established as Servant Leadership, in which subordinates who are members of a corporate organization perceive their bosses in the course of performing their duties. In this study, we examined the impact of Servant leadership on job satisfaction and non-financial organizational performance, analyzed the impact of Servant leadership on subordinates, and analyzed the mediated effects of ethics in relation to Servant leadership and job performance. The subjects of this study conducted a survey of 300 workers at small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide from March 15 to April 20, 2021, and used 273 data as empirical analysis data. Data analysis uses the SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0 Statistical Analysis programs. Research has shown that Servant leadership is affecting job satisfaction and non-financial organizational performance. These results are absolutely necessary for management practice in various ways, such as strengthening servant leadership, to enhance job satisfaction and non-financial organizational performance, so it is necessary to develop and implement a program to feel unity with the organization. Therefore, organizational leaders need to create new ideas and actions to suit their objectives. To do so, it suggests that it is important to create a horizontal organizational structure in which fresh views can be derived rather than a vertical organizational structure that follows only the command system.

• Journal of Venture Innovation
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.131-148
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• 2023

This study analyzed the effect of marketing ability of SMEs using online export marketing on market performance. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are making efforts to expand their markets from the domestic market to the overseas market and increase sales. We studied the factors that can produce results in the fiercely competitive overseas market. A total of 400 export SMEs were surveyed, and 159 companies directly participating in online export marketing were selected as final targets. The survey was analyzed using SMART PLS 4.0 and SPSS 26.0 statistical programs, and research hypotheses were verified. The results of the study are as follows. First, it was found that the marketing ability of SMEs had a positive (+) effect on online export marketing. Second, it was confirmed that online export marketing had a significant positive (+) effect on market performance through its mediating role. In addition, the intensity of competition in the export market was found to have a moderating effect in online export marketing. The implications of this study are as follows. The theoretical basis was established that the marketing capabilities (product development capability, distribution capability, pricing capability, public relations capability) of exporting SMEs have a positive effect on overseas market performance through online export marketing. In the market, the use of online export marketing by SMEs can provide implications in that it can be an important means for overseas market development and performance. As a result, it is necessary to actively utilize online export marketing for SMEs to enter overseas markets and achieve results.

• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.137-157
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• 2023

The scale of research and development (R&D) investment is increasing to strengthen national competitiveness through technological innovation, leading to an increased interest in investment efficiency. In records management, the National Archives of Korea has been leading the national research and development project since 2008. Accordingly, this study analyzed R&D projects in records management regarding implementing organization, performance or outcomes, and subjects, targeting 111 National Archives of Korea contract research projects from 2008 to 2022. The analysis showed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were the most likely to conduct research, the majority of the research outcomes were academic publications, and there were some discrepancies between the reported performance in research and the actual performance. In terms of research subjects, the most common type of records are paper or print documents, establishing an electronic management system among the National Archives' works. In terms of the frequency of keywords in the records management process and research projects, it was found that research was mainly conducted on "preservation." Meanwhile, only 10 cases, or 9% of the 111 projects, were found to be relevant in terms of utilizing big data and developing intelligent technologies related to digital transformation. Therefore, the effectiveness of the R&D project must be improved through follow-up management of the results even after the research project is completed. In addition, in terms of research topics, it was identified that aside from "preservation," studies focusing on "transfer," "classification," "evaluation," and "collection," as well as research that responds to digital transformation, are needed.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.785-796
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• 2023

The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) practices in domestic construction firms is predominantly driven by major corporations. These companies not only publish reports on their ESG management but also engage in a meticulous process of identifying key issues and setting priorities. This process entails an in-depth evaluation of the severity of various issues and the gathering of insights from experts in the field. Interestingly, a comparative analysis of ESG assessments for construction companies, both domestically and internationally, reveals significant discrepancies in outcomes. These differences stem from the varied evaluation methodologies and criteria employed by different assessing bodies. Addressing this gap, our study proposes a suite of strategies aimed at bolstering ESG management within the construction sector. We advocate for enhanced policy support and financial backing, especially targeting small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) to facilitate their engagement in ESG practices. A critical step forward involves the standardization and transparent disclosure of ESG evaluation criteria, tailored to reflect the unique aspects of the construction industry. Moreover, the standardization and publication of ESG assessments for subcontractors are essential, equipping them with the necessary tools for effective ESG management and evaluation. Given the global nature of construction projects, particularly those commissioned by the European Union in regions like Africa and East Asia, adherence to ESG standards is imperative. Our long-term vision includes the development of a comprehensive database detailing ESG regulations and their impacts, segmented by region and country. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for companies venturing into international construction projects.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.225-236
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• 2023

Policy implications were derived by comparing/analyzing innovative SMEs and general SMEs that obtained innovation certification from 2015 to 2021 in terms of survival period. Work experience, scale (employment, capital and debt size, sales and operating profit) Korean standard industry classification (2 digit) was used to select general SMEs similar to innovative SMEs. Survival period was calculated by defining suspension, closure and overdue equivalent to default as events. As a result of the survival analysis, innovative SMEs showed a 9.8% reduction in the risk of delinquency compared to general SMEs, indicating that the survival period of innovative SMEs was significantly longer. In addition, it was found that the work experience and size (employment, capital) of SMEs had a positive effect on the survival period, but debt had a negative effect on the survival period. This means that the innovation certification system centered on innovation capabilities and future growth potential is a significant indicator in terms of survival period. As a result, it was concluded that the benefits and support policies provided by the innovation certification system need to be more systematic and sophisticated by reflecting the work experience and industry for the actual growth and survival of SMEs.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.199-220
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• 2023

Projects to deploy and diffuse smart factories in South Korea are aimed at enhancing national manufacturing competitiveness. However, a significant portion of deployed companies remain at the basic stage and struggle to utilize smart factories regularly. Existing studies have primarily focused on the technical aspects of smart factories, using data analytics and case studies, leading to a gap in empirical research on continuous use and upgrade intentions. This study identifies key factors influencing smart factory usage and user satisfaction, drawing on the Information Systems Success Model (ISSM) and previous research. It empirically examines the impact of these factors on continuous use intention, management performance, and advancement acceptance intention through smart factory usage and user satisfaction. A structural equation model is employed to validate the research hypotheses, using survey data from 287 small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) that have adopted smart factories. Results demonstrate that system quality, information quality, service quality, and government support significantly affect smart factory usage, while service quality and government support influence user satisfaction. Furthermore, smart factory usage and user satisfaction have positive effects on management performance, continuous use intention, and subsequently advancement acceptance intention. This study provides novel insights by demonstrating the specific impact mechanisms of smart factory user satisfaction on the business and the intentions of manufacturing SMEs regarding continuous use and advancement acceptance, leveraging the ISSM.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.825-841
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• 2024

This study aimed to scrutinize the evolution of cosmetics research and development (R&D) in Korea, utilizing data from nationally funded R&D projects, and to suggest strategies to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A thorough analysis was performed on cosmetics-related national R&D funded project data from 2019 to 2023, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on annual trends, key organization, regional characteristics, major departments, and main functions and efficacy of R&D. The features revealed that the cosmetics industry, predominantly comprised of SMEs, is directing its efforts towards the development of a diverse range of functional products, with a recent shift towards the production of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. From a regional perspective, Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongbuk-do had the highest levels of R&D activities, demonstrating the significant R&D capabilities of these local industry. It provides a systematic comprehensive analysis based on national R&D funded project data, identifies recent trends in the cosmetics industry, and evidence for SMEs to strengthen market competitiveness and establish long-term strategies for sustainable growth. Therefore, the results of this study dispense significant information and insights not only to SMEs but also to policymakers, using critical foundational data for formulating and implementing policies to advance the cosmetics industry.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2012

Under the international business circumstance, global supply chain management is considered a vital strategic challenge to small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) suffering from deficient resources and capabilities to exploit overseas markets comparing with large corporations. That is because they can expand their business domains into overseas markets by establishing strategic alliances with global supply chain partners. Although a wide range of previous researches have emphasized the cooperative networks in the chain, most are ignoring the importance of developing relational characteristics such as trust and reciprocity with the partners. Besides, verifying the relational factors influencing firms' export performances, some studies proposed different and inconsistent factors. According to the social capital theory, which is the social quality and networks facilitating close cooperation of inter-individual and inter-organization, provides the integrated view to identify the relational characteristics in the aspects of network, trust and reciprocal norm. Meanwhile, a number of researchers shows that global entrepreneurship is the internal and intangible resource necessary to promote SMEs' internationalization. Upon closer examination, however, they cannot explain clearly its influencing mechanism in the inter-firm cooperative relationships. This study is to verify the effect of social capital accumulated within global supply chain on SMEs' qualitative and quantitative export performance. In addition, we shed new light on global entrepreneurship expected to be concerned with the formation of social capital and the enhancement of export performances. For this purpose, the questionnaires, developed through literature review, were collected from 192 Korean SMEs affiliated in Korean Medium Industries Association and Global Chief Executive Officer's Club focusing on their memberships' international business. As a result of multi-regression analysis, the social capital - network, trust and reciprocal norm shared with global supply chain partner - as well as global entrepreneurship - innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking - have positive effect on SMEs' export performances. Also global entrepreneurship affects positively social capital which has mediating effect partially in the relationship between global entrepreneurship and performances. These results means that there is a structural process - global entrepreneurship(input), social capital(output), and export performances(outcome). In other words, a firm should consistently invest in and develop the social capital with global supply chain partners in order to achieve common goals, establish strategic collaborations and obtain long-term export performances. Furthermore, it is required to foster the global entrepreneurship in an organization so as to build up the social capital. More detailed practical issues and discussion are made in the conclusion.