HOW AND HOW MUCH DIGITALIZATION AFFECTED ENTERPRISE PERFORMANCE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Ermira KALAJ

University “Luigj Gurakuqi”, Shkoder, Albania

ermira.kalaj@unishk.edu.al

ORCID: 0000-0003-4692-6055

Erjola BARBULLUSHI

University “Luigj Gurakuqi”, Shkoder, Albania

erjola.barbullushi@unishk.edu.al

Abstract

This paper focuses on the analyses of digitalization of enterprises and its performance impact in Albania. Using World Bank Enterprise Survey of 2019 merged with the ES follow-up on Covid-19 for Albania we investigate on the overall performance of enterprises during Covid-19 pandemic and the role of digitalization. The objective of the survey is to better understand the firm’s experience in the private sector. Collected data are based on firms’ experiences and perception of the environment in which they operate.

The paper uses these specific questions to study digitalization prior to and during Covid-19 pandemic. ES questionnaires focus on the following questions: (1) Does the establishment have its own website? (2) Started or increased business activity online? (3) Started or increased remote work arrangement for its workforce? The dependent variable is performance of the enterprises measured in terms of sales growth, employment growth, closure, and production adjustment. While the vector of independent variables is composed by enterprise characteristics such as firm size, ownership structure, legal status, region, etc. Moreover, dummy variables are used to capture access to formal banking service, and gender ownership.

Keywords: Firm Performance, Entrepreneurship, Digitalization, General Regional Economics

JEL classification: L25, L26, L86, R15

pp. 97-108

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STRATEGIES OF SMALL ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Tatyana Nikolaevna YAKUBOVA

Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6, Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

yakubova_tn@rudn.university

Boy Moustoifa SAGAFFE

PhD student, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 13, Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

Sagaffe15@gmail.com

Abstract

The article describes the basic concepts and classification icons/symbols of small enterprises. Small enterprises are defined by the author as irreplaceable drivers of economic development, which are a source of economic growth and a tool for resources redistribution. This study analyzes the current strategies of small enterprises development in African countries such as Morocco, SAR and Tunisia, which made it possible to formulate conclusions and recommendations.

Keywords: African country, SMEs, entrepreneurship, small enterprises development strategies, competitiveness
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STRATEGIES OF SMALL ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Yakubova, Tatyana NIKOLAEVNA

Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6, Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

yakubova_tn@rudn.university

Sagaffe Boy MOUSTOIFA

PhD student, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 13, Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

Sagaffe15@gmail.com

Abstract

The article describes the basic concepts and classification icons/symbols of small enterprises. Small enterprises are defined by the author as irreplaceable drivers of economic development, which are a source of economic growth and a tool for resources redistribution. This study analyzes the current strategies of small enterprises development in African countries such as Morocco, SAR and Tunisia, which made it possible to formulate conclusions and recommendations.

Keywords: African country, SMEs, entrepreneurship, small enterprises development strategies, competitiveness.
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