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The increasing competition in the coffee shop industry in Bandung requires businesses to adopt marketing strategies that emphasize long-term relationships with customers. This study aims to analyze the implementation of relationship marketing strategies in building business networks at Groei Coffee, a community-based café located in Sukapura, Bandung Regency. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that relationship marketing at Groei Coffee is implemented through consistent product quality, two-way communication with customers, personalized services, and collaboration with campus communities and strategic partners. These strategies have proven effective in enhancing customer loyalty, expanding business networks, and strengthening the café’s competitive position in the food and beverage industry. However, several challenges were identified, including limited resources, price sensitivity among student customers, and dynamic consumer preferences. Therefore, an adaptive and sustainable approach is required to ensure that relationship marketing strategies provide long-term benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The strategic role of SMEs in the Indonesian economy and the phenomena of declining performance as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic motivated author to research this sector. Various internal problems make it difficult for SMEs to improve their performance and competitiveness in a competitive business environment. Using the dynamic capability perspective, this study examines the influence of human resource configuration through employee training and organizational culture which is able to encourage innovation that improves SME performance. This study uses purposive sampling technique and data collection is done through questionnaires and interviews with 122 SMEs in East Java. Data analysis is carried out using PLS SEM. The research results show that employee training does not have a direct effect on SME performance, however employee training is able to encourage innovation which has an impact on improving SME performance On the other hand, organizational culture has a significant direct and indirect effect on SME performance trough innovation. Results of this study can be used as a consideration by SME owners in making business decisions in order to improve their performance. From the theoretical side, the results of this study confirm the dynamic capability theory by Teece and Pisano regarding the key role of innovation and Becker's opinion from a human resource management perspective which states that employee training must be designed systematically according to the long-term needs of the organization in order to have an impact on improving organizational performance.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) producing bags play an important role in the regional economy, but still face problems in financial management, particularly cash flow planning. The main problem faced by SME partners producing bags in Cipamokolan Village, Rancasari District, Bandung City, is the lack of comprehensive cash flow planning, which has the potential to cause liquidity problems. This community service activity aims to improve the understanding and skills of bag SME  in preparing a simple cash budget and encouraging its sustainable implementation. The methods used include training and mentoring with stages of problem identification, material delivery, cash budget preparation practice, and evaluation. The results of the activity show an increase in partners' understanding of cash planning, their ability to prepare a simple cash budget, and their commitment to implementing a cash budget in their daily business financial management. This activity is expected to improve cash flow control and support the sustainability of bag SME businesses

Pricing is a critical factor determining the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the market. This study investigates the pricing strategy implemented by Kebab Ajo Lubeg, a culinary SME located near Universitas Putra Indonesia YPTK Padang. The research aims to analyze how pricing methods are applied, the factors considered in price determination, and their influence on consumer purchasing decisions and business strategy. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with the owner and employees, direct observation, and documentation of product offerings and pricing. Findings indicate that Kebab Ajo applies a combination of cost-based pricing, competition-based pricing, and product-based price variation to balance production costs, consumer purchasing power, and market competition. The pricing strategy significantly affects consumer satisfaction, repeat purchases, perceived value, brand image, and business competitiveness. This study provides practical insights for other SMEs in setting appropriate prices while maintaining customer loyalty and profitability, and it contributes to the academic discourse on marketing management and pricing strategies in the culinary sector.

In the context of both public organizations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), inefficient business processes remain a significant challenge. Fragmented information systems often hinder the optimization of these processes, leading to slower decision-making, redundant efforts, and increased operational costs. This study aims to analyze and optimize business processes by utilizing integrated information systems (IIS), providing a comparative analysis between the two sectors. The theoretical framework explores key theories such as Business Process Management (BPM) and the integration of information systems for process optimization. Previous studies highlight the differences in how IIS implementation impacts the public and SME sectors, noting challenges such as data silos, legacy systems, and resistance to change. A case study analysis methodology was employed to assess the effectiveness of IIS across both sectors. Business Process Modeling (BPMN) was used to visualize business processes before and after optimization, and process performance was measured through key metrics such as time reduction, error rates, and cost efficiency. The results show that IIS integration improved business process efficiency by an average of 28%, with reductions in redundancy and faster decision cycles observed in both sectors. Public organizations benefited from enhanced service delivery and better resource management, while SMEs gained competitive advantages through streamlined operations and increased responsiveness to market demands. The comparison reveals that integrated systems had a greater operational impact than traditional isolated process reengineering methods. Public organizations faced more regulatory and governance challenges, while SMEs leveraged their flexibility for faster integration. Recommendations for both sectors include focusing on overcoming barriers such as resistance to change and investing in system modernization. Future research should explore the long-term effects of IIS integration and further sector-specific comparisons.

This community service activity aimed to enhance the security and efficiency of halal certification mentoring services at the Aurum First Sunrise community in Surakarta. The main challenge faced by the partner was the risk of sensitive SME data leakage such as ID cards, recipes, and supply chain information, due to the lack of an adequate document security mechanism. The core solution implemented was Technology Implementation in the form of a Cryptographically-based Document Management Information sistem (utilizing the Light Weight PDAC algorithm) integrated with digital access rights management and user Training. Evaluation demonstrated successful implementation, evidenced by an increase in the average satisfaction of SMEs regarding data security to 97.8%, confirming enhanced trust. Furthermore, digitalization successfully improved the efficiency of the mentoring team, reflected by a satisfaction score of 85.0%. In conclusion, this service successfully transformed the partner into a secure, efficient, and credible mentoring institution, significantly supporting SMEs in accessing halal certification.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of business networks in improving operational efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the outdoor equipment sector. Increasing public interest in outdoor activities has intensified competition among SMEs, requiring them to develop effective collaboration strategies to maintain operational sustainability. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach with a single case study design conducted at Misala Gear Outdoor, an SME engaged in outdoor equipment rental and sales in Ciwidey, Bandung Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation, and analyzed using descriptive qualitative techniques. The results indicate that the implementation of business networks involving supplier partnerships, outdoor communities, tourism agents, and digital platforms contributes significantly to improving operational efficiency, particularly in inventory management, service delivery, and market reach. Moreover, business networks enable cost control, resource optimization, and service differentiation, which strengthen the enterprise’s competitive position. This study highlights the strategic role of business networks as an operational efficiency driver for SMEs in the outdoor industry and provides practical implications for SME managers in developing collaborative business strategies.

This study aims to analyze how the integration of traditional knowledge and digital knowledge shapes organizational strategies in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in responding to an increasingly competitive business environment. A quantitative approach was employed by applying variance-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 3 software to 100 MSME respondents. The research model was developed by incorporating three main latent constructs, namely digital knowledge, traditional knowledge, and organizational strategy, which were measured using several indicators relevant to the MSME context. The analysis results indicate that all research instruments meet good reliability and validity criteria, with outer loading values ranging from 0.719 to 0.902, Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values above 0.64, and composite reliability exceeding 0.87. Structural model testing reveals that digital knowledge has a strong and significant effect on organizational strategy (β = 0.799), while traditional knowledge shows a very small effect (β = 0.024). The research model explains 66.4% of the variance in organizational strategy. These findings confirm that digital transformation is the primary factor in shaping competitive strategies among MSMEs, while traditional knowledge continues to serve as a foundation for local context and cultural values. Therefore, the implementation of a hybrid management approach is considered effective in assisting MSMEs in formulating more adaptive, innovative, and sustainable strategies.

The coffee shop industry in Indonesia is experiencing rapid growth, leading to increasingly intense market competition, particularly among small and medium enterprises. Iro Rumah Kopi, an UMKM located in Lebak Bulus, is required to implement effective marketing communication strategies to strengthen its brand awareness. This study aims to analyze digital marketing communication practices conducted through social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, which are widely used to reach young and urban audiences. A descriptive qualitative approach is applied to examine the content shared by the marketing team, focusing on messages, visual elements, storytelling techniques, and patterns of audience interaction. The results indicate that marketing communication plays a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and increasing brand visibility. Visual content combined with consistent storytelling and active engagement with followers successfully enhances audience interaction. The positioning of Iro Rumah Kopi as a “second home” emerges as a central message that fosters emotional connections with customers. Overall, the study concludes that consistent, creative, and relevant digital communication strategies significantly contribute to improving brand awareness and customer attachment.

This study aims to analyze the role of internet technology in enhancing the competitiveness of ebusiness in Indonesia, particularly in the sector of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Based on theoretical reviews, internet technology, e-business, technology adoption (TAM), and the concept of competitiveness serve as the main foundations for understanding the ongoing digital transformation. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method with a purposive sampling technique, involving five informants consisting of digital SME owners, online store managers, and users of service platforms. Data were collected through interviews and observations, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the internet plays a crucial role as an essential infrastructure that enhances marketing effectiveness, expands market reach, and improves operational efficiency. Marketplaces, social media, and delivery-service platforms contribute significantly to sales growth and service quality. However, challenges such as low digital literacy, platform commission fees, changes in social media algorithms, and uneven infrastructure development still limit optimal utilization. From a policy perspective, the study recommends strengthening digital infrastructure and improving national digital literacy. This research emphasizes that the success of e-business depends on technology access, human resource competence, and support through public policy. It can be concluded that internet technology serves as a vital foundation for e-business competitiveness in the digital era.

This study examines the utilization of social media in improving the competitiveness of cassava chips and lidah manis SMEs in Pematang Serai Village, Tanjung Pura District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province. The rapid development of information technology has encouraged SMEs to shift from conventional marketing methods to more effective and efficient digital marketing practices. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving SME actors. The results indicate that the use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram is able to expand market reach, increase product visibility, and strengthen relationships between business owners and consumers. Attractive promotional content, consistency in posting, and responsive communication are proven to influence consumer buying interest and trust. However, SMEs still face challenges, including limited digital literacy, time management constraints, and the lack of structured marketing strategies. Therefore, continuous training and assistance are needed so that SMEs can optimize the use of social media more effectively. This study is expected to serve as a reference for the development of digital-based SMEs in rural areas.

This research aims to formulate a strategy to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs in East Java, supporting their independence. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data collection involved observation, interviews, and documentation. Key informants included SME actors, relevant agency officials, representatives from SME Banks in East Java, and academics. The analysis revealed that the strategy for enhancing competitiveness focuses on adopting digital marketing, product and process innovation, and strengthening partnerships with government, financial institutions, and large companies to expand market access and resources. Sustainability is supported by effective financial management, compliance with legal requirements, and potential circular economy practices for resource efficiency. The strategy for independence emphasizes entrepreneurship training, mentoring, easier access to capital, and facilitating business matching and exhibitions for market expansion. The government and supporting institutions play a vital role in creating a conducive ecosystem. The relationship between competitiveness, sustainability, and independence is synergistic: increasing competitiveness enhances sustainability, which in turn stabilizes the business environment. Independence allows SMEs to be proactive in achieving both competitiveness and sustainability. With sustained support, East Java's SMEs have significant growth potential, contributing to the economy, but policies, empowerment programs, and resource access facilitation will be crucial to realizing their full potential.

The purpose of this research is to formulate a model for the Strategy to Enhance Competitiveness and Sustainability of SMEs in Supporting Independence in East Java. The research method is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques use 1) Data reduction, 2) Data display, 3) Data triangulation, 4) Data verification. The informant determination technique uses indepth interviews with key informants such as SME actors, relevant agency officials, representatives from East Java's SME Banks, and academics. The results of data analysis and literature review indicate that the Strategy to Enhance Competitiveness of SMEs in East Java focuses on the adoption of digital marketing (utilization of social media, marketplaces, and e-commerce), product and process innovation (development of unique and quality products, production efficiency), as well as strengthening partnerships and collaborations with various parties (government, financial institutions, large companies) to expand market access and resources. The strategy for enhancing the sustainability of MSMEs in East Java heavily relies on prudent financial management practices (cash flow management, access to affordable financing such as Prokesra and Dagulir), compliance with legal and certification requirements (PIRT, halal, BPOM), as well as the potential implementation of circular economy concepts for resource efficiency and waste reduction. The strategy supporting the independence of MSMEs in East Java focuses on a comprehensive empowerment program, including entrepreneurship training and intensive mentoring for capacity building, ease of access to capital, and facilitation of business matching and exhibitions/bazaars for network and market expansion. The active role of the government and supporting institutions is crucial in creating a conducive ecosystem. The relationship between competitiveness, sustainability, and independence of SMEs is synergistic and mutually reinforcing. Increasing competitiveness directly contributes to economic sustainability. Sustainability creates stability that allows SMEs to continue innovating and enhancing their competitiveness. Meanwhile, independence empowers SMEs to be proactive in achieving competitiveness and sustainability, with the ability to make strategic decisions and adapt to changes. Overall, SMEs in East Java have great potential to continue growing and contributing to the economy. However, sustained support through appropriate policies, relevant empowerment programs, and facilitation of access to essential resources will be key to realizing SMEs that are not only competitive and sustainable but also fully independent.

This study aims to examine the influence of product innovation, digital marketing, and business networking on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with customer engagement positioned as a mediating variable. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, thirty Scopus-indexed articles published between 2020 and 2025 were analysed to synthesise theoretical and empirical insights related to SME competitiveness in contemporary digital and urban business environments. The findings indicate that product innovation, digital marketing, and business networking each play a significant role in strengthening SME competitiveness, particularly within markets characterised by rapid technological change. Customer engagement emerges as a critical mediating mechanism that connects these strategic variables to sustainable competitive advantage. It enhances the impact of innovative and digital strategies by fostering stronger emotional, behavioural, and participative interactions between SMEs and their customers. The review also highlights that SMEs adopting integrated digital management practices, such as the utilisation of human-resource information systems (HRIS) and data-driven decision-making tend to demonstrate greater adaptability, market responsiveness, and long-term performance. The study contributes theoretically by integrating resource-based and dynamic capability perspectives, offering a holistic understanding of how digital and relational capabilities interact to elevate competitiveness. Practically, the findings provide strategic guidance for policymakers, SME managers, and practitioners in designing innovation-oriented and digitally enabled initiatives that support sustainable SME growth in the digital era.

The rapid advancement of information technology has encouraged business actors to adopt digital transformation; this situation is also experienced by Pabrik Tahu Macanan, a small scale tofu factory in Magelang that still relies on manual systems in operation. This  study aims to analyze the implementation of management information systems in supporting digital transformation and risk management at Pabrik Tahu Macanan; a descriptive qualitative approach was applied, using interviews, observations, and documentation as date collection methods. The findings reveal that digital information systems have the potential to improve efficiency, recording accuracy, and internal control; however, their implementation remains limited due to human resource constraints and low adaptability to new technologies. The research also found that simple risk management practices such as regular machine maintenance and manual bookkeeping remain effective in maintaining business stability. The implication of this study indicates that a gradual implementation of digital based information systems, supported by training and supervision, can serve as a strategic step to enhance competitiveness, operational efficiency, and sustainability for traditional SMEs like Pabrik Tahu Macanan.

Food tourism is increasingly recognized as a strategic component in enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations, particularly thru the development of local cuisine based on local wisdom. However, most research still views digital platforms as partial promotional tools and has not yet studied how to use them systematically to build a sustainable culinary tourism ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to examine how digital platforms contribute to the development of local cuisine and how they contribute to the strengthening of sustainable culinary tourism. This is the culinary tourism destination that is the subject of this study, which was conducted using the case study method. Data was collected thru in-depth interviews with culinary MSME producers, destination managers, and tourists, as well as online observations via social media, travel review platforms, and culinary markets. The research results show that the value of tourism experiences can be enhanced, destination identity strengthened, and active participation of local SMEs increased thru the integration of digital platforms that connect visual promotion, tourist interaction, and digital culinary stories. The latest finding in this research is the development of a multi-platform digital integration model that serves not only as a marketing tool but also as a collaborative ecosystem that helps local economic growth, preserves culinary cultural heritage, and enhances the competitiveness of tourist destinations. The results of this research contribute conceptually and practically to building sustainable digital-based culinary tourism strategies.

This study investigates the strategic strengthening of the rambak cracker industry as an instrument for local economic development in Penanggulan Village, Pegandon District, Kendal Regency. Rural agro-processing enterprises have increasingly been recognized as territorially embedded production units capable of generating value-added outputs and absorbing surplus labor within localized economic systems. Field-based empirical observations reveal that rambak production in the village operates through household-managed processing systems characterized by traditional production techniques, informal managerial practices, and limited digital marketing adoption despite contributing significantly to community income generation. Data obtained from expert respondents were analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process to identify strategic priority determinants influencing industrial competitiveness and sustainability. The results indicate that product innovation and quality improvement constitute the primary strategic priority, followed by digital marketing development and institutional partnership strengthening, while production capacity expansion remains comparatively less influential in enhancing market competitiveness. These findings suggest that adaptive innovation and digitally enabled commercialization pathways function as critical mechanisms for improving value-chain integration and expanding market accessibility among rural food-processing industries. Strengthening innovation ecosystems within the rambak sector may therefore contribute to employment creation, income diversification, and sustainable community-based economic transformation in rural production clusters.

Digital technology has become an essential part of managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in efforts to achieve business sustainability. Kampong Bharu, as an iconic area in Kuala Lumpur, is home to numerous micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the culinary, craft, and tourism sectors, but faces challenges in implementing environmentally friendly practices. This research aims to analyze the application of green digital management to MSMEs in Kampong Bharu as a sustainable business strategy. The research method uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and participant observation of 15 MSME actors. The research results show that integrating digital technology with environmentally friendly principles, such as paperless digital marketing, energy-efficient use, and sustainable packaging systems, can enhance the competitiveness and positive image transformation of MSMEs. This finding has practical implications for business owners and stakeholders in developing a digital-based green MSME model in historic urban areas. These findings can also serve as a guide for implementing sustainable business strategies in the MSME sector in other major cities.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the marketing mix in SMEs in the laundry service sector, focusing on the 7P elements: product, price, promotion, place, process, people, and physical evidence. The research uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques including interviews, observations, and documentation with laundry business owners. The results show that a diverse range of services, competitive pricing, strategic location, and structured work processes contribute to the sustainability of the business. However, challenges such as unpredictable weather, timeliness, limited facilities, and suboptimal promotion still pose barriers to improving service quality. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital promotion, modernizing equipment, and improving the accuracy and consistency of human resources (HR) to enhance the effectiveness of the marketing mix. With improvements in these areas, laundry SMEs can enhance their competitiveness and provide better service to customers, thus strengthening their position in a competitive market.

The development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and household industries is often regarded as the economic foundation of a region. However, much of the existing research in Indonesia remains focused on quantitative descriptive analysis, while providing limited attention to spatial dynamics and interregional disparities. This study aims to critically evaluate the spatial distribution patterns of SMEs and household industries at the regency and city levels, with particular emphasis on clustering tendencies, unequal distribution, and their relationships with regional characteristics. A spatial analysis approach is employed to identify spatial autocorrelation and industrial clustering patterns, which is complemented by a structural analysis of infrastructure availability, market accessibility, and regional institutional capacity. The findings indicate that the distribution of SMEs and household industries is not geographically random, but rather forms clusters that are predominantly concentrated in areas with higher levels of accessibility and economic activity. This condition reflects spatial inequality that may exacerbate development disparities between regencies and cities. Furthermore, the results reveal that uniform industrial development policies are insufficient to accommodate the diverse spatial characteristics across regions. Therefore, this study underscores the importance of formulating spatially informed and context-sensitive policies for the development of SMEs and household industries in order to promote more balanced and sustainable regional industrial development.