SMEs in Developing Asia


Book Description

A vibrant stratum of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is critical for the growth and development of Asian economies. These enterprises generate employment, contribute to investment, participate in value chains, and support innovation. SMEs that seek to sustain and grow their operations, however, face a variety of constraints, many of which are directly related to size. These so-called "size-induced market failures" create a role for public policy interventions by governments throughout the region. This book focuses on the market failures encountered by enterprises in the key areas of technology and innovation, credit and finance, education and skills, and market access. Obstacles to participation in the rapidly expanding regional and global value chains are also examined. Among a variety of issues, the book explores the "missing middle" in credit facilities for enterprises that are beyond microcredit but not yet able to secure regular loans from banks. The book investigates the barriers to innovation and how best to combine internal and external research and development. It also looks at the hiring versus training options to build human capital. The various chapter authors examine national and multicountry experiences in South and East Asia, ranging from those in Pakistan to Japan.




Labour Information


Book Description

This reference book provides a core list of publications in the labour field covering both reference materials and selected ILO publications in English. It covers employment training, labour relations, labour administration, working conditions and environment, social security, promotion of equality and workers' education.




Occupational Ergonomics


Book Description

In the fifteen years since the publication of Occupational Ergonomics: Theory and Applications significant advances have been made in this field. These advances include understanding the impact of ageing and obesity on workplace, the role of ergonomics in promoting healthy workplaces and healthy life styles, the role of ergonomic science in th







Advances in Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Safety in Manufacturing and Service Industries


Book Description

This volume is concerned with the human factors, ergonomics, and safety issues related to the design of products, processes, and systems, as well as operation and management of business enterprises in both manufacturing and service sectors of contemporary industry. The book is organized into ten sections that focus on the following subject matters:







Occupational Health In National Development


Book Description

In the process of nation building, the health of the working population becomes a key factor. With the introduction of new technologies, foreign labour and changes in working patterns, the health of the working population will be affected. Health care workers, administrators and politicians will be confronted with these occupational health issues.This book outlines the various occupational health issues in national development and proposes a system of planning for the health services for the working population. It is the result of a two week ICOH Seminar where international experts addressed the issue of developing occupational health services for various countries.




General Conditions to Stimulate Job Creation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises


Book Description

This report is concerned with policies, strategies, and programs for the creation of sustainable and productive jobs in small and medium-sized enterprises. It reviews the general characteristics, potential, and problems of the small and medium enterprise sector, provides an overview of recent employment trends and reviews data on qualitative aspects of small and medium enterprise employment, including working conditions, safety and health, and terms of employment. It also summarizes international experience to date in creating an enabling environment for growth and development, analyzes the services, institutions, and programs which support the emergence of a competitive and growing small and medium enterprise sector, provides an overview of international labor standards as they apply to this sector, and surveys the roles of governments, employers' and workers' organizations and other actors in small and medium enterprise promotion.




Small Business Management in Developing Countries


Book Description

This book aims at making a contribution to the promotion of small businesses in developing countries. It does so by helping to identify management problems encountered by small businesses in developing countries, with reference to policy environment, institutional framework, and UNIDO technical assistance. The result is aimed at providing a good information base on how small business management and performance in developing countries can be improved. This is for individuals who are already involved with small businesses and those interested in it.