BIGGEST WINNERS ARE SMALL, THE

'An essential read for grasping and harnessing the competitive advantages, collaborative strength, and positive societal influence wielded by SMEs. This book covers, in particular, the concept of 'future readiness' which should be part of any business strategy in today's volatile world, especially for SMEs.'

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that the only thing we can predict about the future is: It is unpredictable. How do businesses — in particular smaller companies — ready themselves for this future?

This general management book serves as an introductory reading for academics, practitioners, and graduate (MBA) students interested in understanding future readiness and the significance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving the global economy and sustainability agenda. Covering topics like societal impact, technology, change management, talent, and leadership, this book highlights unique strategies for SMEs to be more future-ready. Featuring case studies of companies of different sizes from various industries around the globe, this book explores how founders, entrepreneurs, and decision makers of future-ready SMEs achieve long-term financial growth while having a positive impact on stakeholders and society.

Despite forming more than 90 percent of all businesses, SMEs have not received much attention when it comes to research on driving positive change. Yet, due to their ability to be nimbler and more agile to adapt to the evolving needs and demands in the environment, SMEs are in a better position to gain from the market and increase their competitiveness for the future. The hope is for readers to feel empowered and realize that the company may be small, but it can win big.

Contents:

• Introduction:
  • Predictably Unpredictable
• Understanding Future Readiness:
  • Nomological Network of Future Readiness
  • Global Assessment of SME Future Readiness
• Challenges in the Market Environment:
  • Sustainability
  • Technology
• People as an Asset:
  • The 3 Rs of Talent: Resourcefulness, Resilience, and Right for the Company
  • Leadership
• Change Management:
  • Just Pivot
• Notes
• Index

Readership: Academicians and researchers in general management and sustainability. Practitioners in general management (founders, entrepreneurs, executives, decision makers). Advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

'An essential read for grasping and harnessing the competitive advantages, collaborative strength, and positive societal influence wielded by SMEs. This book covers, in particular, the concept of 'future readiness' which should be part of any business strategy in today's volatile world, especially for SMEs.' - Julia DevosHead, New Champions CommunityWorld Economic Forum

'This book serves an important goal by introducing its reader to the sustainability challenges faced by SMEs, who play a big role in society by employing a significant chunk of human capital. The book delves into important topics, such as the role of technology in shaping our economic landscape through the reshaping of SMEs and how effective change management can be brought to help SMEs manage changes permeating throughout the world. This book is a recommended read for students of the global business environment, as our world stands at the intersection of technological advancement and sustainability challenges, and SMEs are expected to play a crucial role in navigating these challenges.' - Rohit NishantProfessor of Information SystemsQueen's University, Belfast

'Rajah's work effectively highlights the need for companies to shift from a reactive to a more proactive approach. This is a crucial aspect of building future readiness, especially for SMEs that have the advantage of agility but are often constrained by their size and resources. The simple framework and practical examples provided along the three core axes of sustainability, technology, and talent are valuable and offer SME leaders cross-cutting keys to develop a more future-oriented approach. This will not only benefit individual businesses but also society as a whole.' - Olivier WoeffrayForesight, Strategy and Insights Lead Arup

Key Features:

• Global study with a unique focus on SMEs conducted with the World Economic Forum
• Emphasizes the updated approach of not limiting resources to financial resources alone and extending to intangible resources like resilience of the members of the organization, sustainability, ESG, and more