FROM CHALLENGES TO OPPORTUNITIES: WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN BANGLADESH AND THEIR PATH FORWARD

Popy Rani Sarkar — 2024-12-20

In a developing nation like Bangladesh, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic development. However, women face numerous challenges that hinder their success as entrepreneurs. Given that women make up half of the population, it is essential to promote their participation in entrepreneurial activities by addressing the obstacles they encounter and identifying available opportunities. This study examines the current landscape of women’s entrepreneurship in Bangladesh, focusing on the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and the prospects for growth, along with strategies to turn these challenges into viable opportunities. To fulfill its objectives, the research employs survey data collected from 60 women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh through a structured questionnaire. Various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and regression coefficients, are employed to present the findings in a clear and interpretable manner. The results reveal a positive correlation between women’s engagement in entrepreneurship and their potential for success, which contributes to their entrepreneurial endeavors. Conversely, the study identifies a weaker positive relationship between women’s entrepreneurial activities and the challenges they face in self-employment. Despite these obstacles, it is evident that women can enhance their entrepreneurial pursuits by effectively addressing the barriers in their way. The findings of this study advocate for government initiatives that promote women’s participation in entrepreneurship and provide the necessary support to overcome these challenges. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh. By increasing women’s engagement in entrepreneurship, the nation can significantly advance its economic development goals.

JEL Classification Codes: J16, J16, O10, O53.

UPSKILLING STRATEGIES FOR SME EMPLOYEES IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Muhammad Ismail — 2024-12-24

The domineering demand for upskilling employees in a Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for being competitive has brought to light by the growing demand for skilled workers in the digital age. The contemporary age’s growing demand for skilled workers shines through the human capital theory, thereby asserts that investment in staff training is imperative, developments of an organization. Insufficient research delays effective upskilling ingenuities in Pakistan. This study explores at how employees of Small and Medium Enterprises can advance their skills in the digital age, with a focus on technology tools, training techniques, financial and managerial skills. This study employed the qualitative methods for research by 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire survey to 411 employees from an event management company in Lahore, Pakistan. ‘Correlation’ (r) and ‘Regression’ (r2) analysis also shown positive values, which more supports our study hypothesis. Reliability shown that Cronbach’s alpha (ἀ) 0.81, it revealed that SME employees want to improve their skills in the digital transformation. The results show that respondents strongly agreed with the value of upskilling in improving their performance and the effectiveness of the Small and Medium Enterprises. The results indicate a noteworthy positive correlation between employee performance and upskilling, with 95.6% of respondents recognizing the value of upskilling and 71.5% strongly agreeing that it is necessary to improve their job serving work, which is proven by their understanding the benefits of technology and digital change. The findings of the study shed light on the advantages and maneuvers for upskilling SME employees in the digital age.

JEL Classification Codes: M53, M12, O33, L26.

International Journal of Small and Medium Enterprises

FROM CHALLENGES TO OPPORTUNITIES: WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN BANGLADESH AND THEIR PATH FORWARD

UPSKILLING STRATEGIES FOR SME EMPLOYEES IN THE DIGITAL AGE