Developing SME performance management practices: interventions for improving productivity

Purpose The paper is a proof of concept (PoC) intervention study aimed for developing performance management (PM) practices in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the longer-term aim enabling SMEs to improve their productivity. was designed deployed by collaborative quartet academics, consultants, accountancy firm commercial bank manager. Design/methodology/approach firstly musters set initialising PM aligned productivity improvement. These are utilised design knowledge transfer deployment incorporating some associated tools. evaluation case approach founded on logic model assess development practices. Findings contributed partial mustered diagnostic based multi-factor (MFP) abstraction data extraction protocol had strongest impact. revealed importance three interlaced factors: Depth engagement, feedback opportunities gradient (the increase independent action from participating SME's diminishment external effort). Research limitations/implications limited number individual SME's, within just sector. Practical implications SME businesses will require more sustained programme interventions than this pilot develop capability, depth engagement critical. Professional stakeholders can be recruitment firms programmes. Business start capability prior PMS implementation using tools programme. Originality/value tool, synthesis MFP pyramid, an array potential discovery mechanisms practice development.