This study investigates the factors contributing to the mobile commerce usage among rural entrepreneurs in Peninsular Malaysia. By using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the relationship between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions on the utilization of mobile commerce were examined. Face to face survey method was used for data collection. 360 samples were subsequently analysed using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS- SEM) method. The study found that social influence was the most influential factor in mobile commerce utilization. The performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions were positive and significantly influenced the use of mobile commerce among rural entrepreneurs in Peninsular Malaysia. The findings were added significantly in bridging the knowledge gap concerning the elements influencing the mobile commerce usage among rural entrepreneurs. This empirical study provides significant input to all stakeholders, including government, relevant stakeholders (e.g. entrepreneurs, supply chain industry, telecommunications industry, and ICT industry), and local communities.

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This paper intends to address how SMEs perceive the importance of the innovation-based capability and competency elements in their operations. Before any effort is made on improvising the SMEs' performance, their perceptions of the importance of the innovation-based capability and competency elements must be understood by the change agents. Only upon understanding their perceptions can appropriate remedial and advisory steps be taken to assist them in their businesses. The issues of innovation have attracted much attention from research and industry in recent years; however, research has mostly focused on large enterprises with more resources, infrastructure, and capabilities, which leads to establishing innovation management. The combination of organisational, financing, owner, product or process, performance, and creative output elements has been considered significant in achieving success in SME businesses. The methodology used in this study includes purposive sampling involving 213 SME owners/managers selected from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry's (MITI) list as the respondents of the study. The data were collected through survey questionnaires, while the frequency and descriptive analysis were used to derive the findings. The findings indicated that SME owners place the right importance on the elements of innovation capability, innovation competency. Meanwhile, for innovation output, they place the right importance on performance but less importance on creative output. Hence, the change agents must develop more awareness among SME owners regarding the importance of creative outputs as the most important determinant in the sustainability of innovation in their businesses.