1 AIT Asian Institute of Technology

Comparative study of performance of selected urban and rural small-scale industries

AuthorArvisu, Marcia B.
Call NumberAIT Thesis no.HS-82-27
Subject(s)Small business research
NoteA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology
PublisherAsian Institute of Technology
AbstractThis study attempts to present a descriptive profile of selected urban and rural small-scale metalcraft, woodcraft and handicraft industries, discovering insights on the performance of the selected industries and isolating some of the entrepreneurial characteristics that are associated with high performance. Two parameters were chosen to measure profitable performance of the individual firms under study: profit margin per unit sales ratio and sales per capital ratio. Results of the cross- sectional analysis of the operations of the selected industries exhibited a more superior performance of urban entrepreneurs. Several entrepreneurial characteristics were found to have considerable effect on performance. For urban metalcraft industry, ability to generate external funds for expansion purposes, larger amount of initial capital and number of years in business were found to be the critical aspect influencing successful performance. For rural metalcraft entrepreneurs, only the first two mentioned characteristics are crucial. On the other hand, both urban and rural woodcraft enterprises are sensitive to the experience of the entrepreneurs and assistance availed from the government. Financing play a vital role in the viability of both urban and rural handicraft industries, Keeping accounting records and government assistance al so influence profitability of handicraft operations. Recommendations include an integrated approach in the delivery of assistances; strengthening of training programs in the fields of accounting, skill and product quality development; promotion of subcontracting arrangements between rural and urban entrepreneurs; more aggressive marketing support; organization and/or strengthening of industry associations; and formulation of alternative financial schemes within the affordability of the rural entrepreneurs for the growth and development of small-scale industries.
Year1982
TypeThesis
SchoolSchool of Engineering and Technology
DepartmentDepartment of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE)
Chairperson(s)Vokes, Richard W. A.
Examination Committee(s)Kammeier, Hans Detlef ; Tabucanon, Mario T.
Scholarship Donor(s)Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
DegreeThesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1982


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