文章基本信息

标题：CLUSTER APPROACH TO MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CLUSTERED AND ISOLATED WOODEN FURNITURE ENTERPRISES IN ZIMBABWE
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作者：Michael Kamoyo ; Zororo Muranda ; Farai Mavhima 等
期刊名称：The Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA)
电子版ISSN：1520-5509
出版年度：2014
卷号：16
期号：5
出版社：Institute of Sustainable Development in Africa
摘要：The paper investigates the effectiveness of microenterprise clustering as a tool for sustainable economic development, using the wooden furniture sector in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The study determined the growth effects generated by microenterprise clustering, using data collected through a survey from sampling units, drawn from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises database. Results show that clustered operations as opposed to isolated augment economic development through growth effects on marketing, procurement and logistics economies of scale. When skills are coalesced through clustering they tend to impact positively on performance of the clustered as compared to isolated operations. However, there is evidence for lack of capacity by cluster entrepreneurs in exploiting the operational cost advantages associated with clustering. The study recommends that, cluster approach can be an effective tool for economic development and poverty alleviation if policies promote maximum exploitation of the synergetic gains presented by clusters.
关键词：Microenterprise; Cluster; Sustainable Development; Economic Development; Poverty Alleviation