ARTICLE 1

The failure of family SMEs in Chad

Résumé :

The objective of this paper is to understand the factors explaining the failure of family SMEs in Chad. The study concerns a sample of twenty-two promoters of family SMEs belonging to various industries and eleven accountants who support these managers on a daily basis. We have opted for a qualitative and exploratory methodology which is based on the analysis of the speeches and points of view of the actors who were interviewed. The main results are: the lack of sustainability of the entrepreneurial project, family management, the institutional environment and confusion in the management of resources explain the failure of family SMEs in Chad. In conclusion, the theoretical and managerial implications are discussed as well as the limitations and future lines of research

par Ratangar Djimnadjingar
Master Assistant (CAMES)
Doctor in management sciences,
Dean of the Faculty of Law and Economics,
University of Doba-Chad
(Tchad)

ARTICLE 2

Contextualizing SEAM in the Pantheon of Consulting Theory and Practice

Résumé :

There is a veritable pantheon of theories, tools, and methodologies available to scholar-practitioner consultants. Schein (1999) describes three broad consulting approaches ranging from expert (topic-specific technical guidance), doctor-patient (a variant of expert with more attention to the client's symptoms and perspective), and process consulting (helping an organization develop fundamental capabilities to sustain and expand near-term improvements). We explore the contribution of the Socio-Economic Approach to Management (SEAM) to the field herein, with special attention to its expansion of action research into intervention and qualimetric research, and the broader implications these innovations bring to management consulting practice and theory.

par Eric J. Sanders
PhD
Elmhurst University
& Organization Development Economist,
LLC (United State of America)
Tonya L. Henderson
Technical Project Manager
Lockwood Hills
(United State of America)

ARTICLE 3

Where are the people in Continuous Improvement efforts?

Résumé :

In this paper, we investigate whether companies with better reputations enjoy a lower corporate governance risk in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. we find strong evidence that American companies with higher reputation scores enjoy a lower corporate governance risk score even after controlling for other factors that determine the corporate governance risk during the pandemic. Our research contributes to the corporate governance literature by extending prior research on the determinants of corporate governance risk. It also contributes to the reputation literature by focusing on important benefit that derives from creating and sustain a high reputation during crashes.

par Hanene Ezzine
Professor
ESC - University of Sfax
(Tunisia)

ARTICLE 4

Is entrepreneurship an appropriate strategic posture for franchise systems? A configurational analysis

Résumé :

This study investigates the impact of bank governance characteristics on credit risk-taking behavior among Tunisian financial institutions. We examine credit risk-taking behavior using the relative weight of non-performing loans as a relevant banking credit risk indicator and show that internal governance mechanisms affect Tunisian banks' credit risk significantly, albeit with mixed effects. The empirical analysis indicates that the internal governance mechanisms did not ensure sound management of Tunisian banks and contributed to unwise credit risk management. We conclude by recommending the establishment of effective governance, adapted to the specific context and banking activities in Tunisia, to enable a cautious and reassuring credit policy.

par Ines Ghazouani
Associate professor
GEF2A-Lab.
University of Tunis
Higher Institute of Management of Tunis,
(Tunisia)
Zied Ftiti
Full Professor
OCRE-Lab.
EDC Paris Business School
(France)
Waël Louhichi
Full Professor
ESSCA School of Management,
Paris
(France)

ARTICLE 5

Bankruptcy prediction modeling in real-world conditions: A contrast of boosting algorithm and logistic regression

Résumé :

This article aims to build bankruptcy forecasting models using techniques that overcome the imbalanced data set issue. The imbalanced data set issue is overcome by applying logit, boosting, and over-sampling techniques to an imbalanced data set of 2,266 Belgian firms. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) is used to test the accuracy of models on different proportions of imbalanced samples. The results demonstrate that using techniques that consider the imbalanced dataset issue provides better prediction accuracy, especially by reducing type I error rate, which is the costliest economic error. This survey offers important information for investors, suppliers, bankers, and governments

par Xavier Brédart
Professor
University of Mons
(Belgium)
Diego Andrés Correa-Mejía
Professor
University of Antioquia
(Columbia)

ARTICLE 6

Diagnosing Organizational Stress Within a Manufacturing Company During a Pandemic

Résumé :

This paper draws on survey data to examine the stress levels of employees at a small business during a stressful period. The purpose of this study was to diagnose the organizational stress levels that stem from both the internal and external environment. An employee involvement approach using survey feedback to diagnose intergroup stress levels was incorporated. The results are placed into grid analysis to diagnose the intensity of organizational stress within this small business while maintaining a focus on the individual in the organization. In conclusion, results will help organizational leaders to understand the current climate of their organization and develop an improved strategy for successful operations.

par Bryan P McCusker
PhD
Benedictine University/HFI Manufacturing
(United State of America)
Therese Yaeger
PhD
Benedictine University
(United State of America)
Peter Sorensen
PhD
Benedictine University
(United State of America)

ARTICLE 7

Investigating the Tourism Sustainability Empowerment Potential of Kids' Facilitators in Holiday Resorts with Mini-Clubs : A French Case

Résumé :

This article describes a study that aims to identify the key elements of successfully educating children about tourism sustainability, through their participation in mini-clubs in holiday resorts. Mini-clubs appear to be a useful and strategic vehicle to educate young people about sustainability issues. The results of the study show that kids' clubs (1) actually have the potential to transmit awareness about sustainability in tourism and (2) raise awareness about sustainability through discussions rather than activities. The main contribution of this article is to conceptualize the role of kids' facilitators (which includes counsellors, animators, activity organisers and leaders) as sustainability educators. These facilitators could help contribute to the long-term achievement of sustainable development goals by educating a younger generation about those principles.

par Frédéric Dosquet
Phd – Habilité à diriger des Recherches
Professor of Marketing
ESC Pau Business School
(France)
Michèle Ambaye
Phd
Professor of Marketing
Kedge Business School
(France)
Stéphane Bourliataux-Lajoinie
Phd – Habilité à diriger des Recherches
Professor of Marketing (Associate Professor) (MCF)
Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers – Lirsa
(France)
Thierry Lorey
Phd – Habilité à diriger des Recherches
Professor of Marketing
Kedge Business School
(France)

ARTICLE 8

An investigation into the perception of social responsibility by SME managing directors: Evidence from French context

Résumé :

This research aims to investigate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) managing directors' (MDs) perceptions of social responsibility and how they include social responsibility in their leadership process. Based on semi-structured interviews with 24 MDs of French SMEs in the Lorraine region, our research reveals that SME MDs adopt informal and implicit social responsibility practices. In addition, this survey highlights that the personal and professional values of the MD are key drivers of socially responsible leadership. This research also provides evidence that the employees and the clients are the main stakeholders of an SME

par Kamel Mnisri
Professeur Associé
CEREFIGE
ICN Business School
(France)
Olga Ivanova Ruffo
Professeur Associé
ICN Business School
CEREFIGE
(France)
Christine Morin-Esteves
Professeur Associé
CEREFIGE
ICN Business School
(France)
Corinne Gendron
Professeur
Université du Québec à Montréal
(Canada)
ICN Business School
(France)