International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• A bibliometric cartography on the evolution of sustainable training from the classical era to the emerging trends era: global research trend and future pathway  
  by M.H. Raamkhumar 
  Abstract: The schema of global sustainability discourse is gradually extending into human capital development. This secular adaptation named sustainable training is one area that interfaces environmental awareness on the one hand with organisational learning on the other. The intellectual gestalt of and the thematic turn being taken by the studies in sustainable training are largely unexplored. This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric cartography that aims to offer a picture of global research activity on the subject of sustainable and green training, from the inception of the concept in the early 20th century until its modern developments. The analysis employed performance, the matic and science mapping approaches to identify scientific patterns, trends, and future directions. The findings demonstrate a series of three evolutionary phases: an embryonic one dominated indeed by conceptualisation, a formative one in which green HRM significantly intervened, and finally an emergent phase witnessing an integration of sustainability practices in harmony with the digital transformation and SDGs.
  Keywords: sustainable training; green training; training evolution; bibliometrics; trend mapping; science mapping.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2025.10072938
   
  
• Driving SME management in the digital era: an empirical evidence on the role of accounting information systems in strategic planning, controlling, and coordination activities  
  by Priyanka Koundal, Minie Bhalla, Manpreet Kailay 
  Abstract: In todays highly competitive environment, SMEs must recognise that accounting information systems (AISs) can improve planning, controlling, and coordinating activities (PCC), which are essential for their survival and success. This study established a theoretical framework based on the information systems (IS) success model. The components of the model were evaluated through structural equation modelling using Smart-PLS applied to a sample of 302 SMEs. Empirical evidence indicated that AISs information, system, and service quality strongly influence PCC, thereby fostering SMEs efficiency and supporting policy decisions benefiting practitioners and policymakers in SME management and development. This study is the first of its kind to analyse the impact of AIS on three essential managerial activities: planning, controlling, and coordinating. The findings shed light on the collective influence of AIS on these activities. The study offers valuable insights for strengthening PCC in SMEs, advancing AIS design, and informing owners, designers, and policymakers.
  Keywords: AIS; accounting information system; planning; controlling; coordinating; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; accounting information systems.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2025.10074251
   
  
• How does marketing digitalisation occur in SMEs? a systematic literature review and a theoretical framework development  
  by Marina Proença, Kelly Mara Seronato, Mayara Ferreira Simões, Ana Maria Machado Toaldo 
  Abstract: While digitalisation can significantly benefit small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), they often struggle to implement comprehensive strategies, facing major cultural and personnel barriers. Research on the topic is fragmented, with most studies focusing on specific technologies or isolated aspects of digitalisation rather than providing a comprehensive overview, making it difficult to create a theoretical body of knowledge. Therefore, this study seeks to better understand the literature on marketing digitalisation in SMEs by identifying the major motivations, challenges, and benefits of digital technology implementation. Scopus and Web of Sciences were used for a 2012-2024 systematic literature review and 73 papers were carefully examined. The results suggest convergences and divergences related to SME marketing digitalisation literature, which culminated in a conceptual and analytical framework to organise the existing knowledge on the subject.
  Keywords: marketing; digitalisation; literature review; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; digital marketing; digital transformation; marketing digitalisation.
  
  
• The effect of blackouts to the benefit of digitalisation on the micro and small enterprises productivity  
  by Eny Sulistyaningrum, Esa Azali Asyahid 
  Abstract: This study investigates the detrimental effects of electricity blackouts on the productivity benefits of digitalisation, specifically through internet adoption, among small businesses. The data for this analysis were drawn from a survey of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSEs) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. As blackout incidence and internet adoption status are endogenous, we employ a multivariate regression framework that controls for a comprehensive set of potential confounders. Our findings show that MSEs experiencing more frequent blackouts capture significantly smaller productivity gains from internet adoption. Blackouts appear to have reduced by around half the potential productivity improvements associated with internet use. These results highlight an additional and important channel through which electricity shortages impair firm performance.
  Keywords: blackout; MSEs; micro and small enterprises; digitalisation; internet; productivity.
  
  
• Micro-business success: gender and innovation  
  by Nathania M. Yuliani, R. Shanti D. Ottemoesoe, Yohanes S. Kunto, Sautma Roni Basana 
  Abstract: Studies indicate that business performance varies by gender, with disparities more pronounced in regions with gender bias, especially in the micro-sector. Previous research has highlighted the importance of education and financial literacy for female-led micro-businesses. Our study examines whether entrepreneurial orientation (EO) can mitigate these gender disparities. Data from a survey of 430 micro-business owners in Java and Bali, Indonesia, were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results show that female micro-business owners underperformed compared to males (= -0.120, p < 0.05) in profit and asset growth. EO was a key mediator, with higher EO linked to better performance (= 0.688, p < 0.01). However, females exhibited lower EO than males (= -0.110, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of EO in improving business performance and reducing gender disparities. We recommend gender sensitive programs for female-led micro-enterprises in Java and Bali to promote agile entrepreneurship.
  Keywords: entrepreneurial orientation; business performance; gender disparities; micro-business; necessity-driven entrepreneurship; growth-oriented entrepreneurship; financial literacy; business innovation; female entrepreneurship; empowerment strategies.