What Influences the Success of Manufacturing SMEs? A Perspective from Tangier
Yassine Sefiani, Dr. Robin Bown

Abstract

Purpose - This study attempts to explore perceptions of owner-managers of manufacturing small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in Tangier with respect to the external factors of success.

Design - Using a qualitative approach, fifteen in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted
with chosen owner-managers of SMEs, forming a judgmental, to explore their experiences, beliefs, and
attitudes with respect to the external factors of success.

Findings - The importance of financial resources stemmed from the substantial challenges faced by SMEs in
Tangier. A response to these challenges often adopted an equity model of financial resources. Furthermore, the
concepts of ‘conduct’, ‘equipment’, and ‘commitments’, clearly explained the importance of a good infrastructure
to the appreciation of success in this type of business. Findings further revealed that the importance of competition
emanated from the challenges of the increasing globalization, seen in the development of free zones, as well as the
perceived unfairness of competition in the market.

Value - The study contributes to the understanding of the impact of critical external factors on the success of SMEs
in the city of Tangier. The three salient factors could be considered to be ways of understanding the external
environment by small business owners, allowing the impact of external factors to become part of the way that the
small business owner-managers conduct their business.

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