The demise rate of small firms every year is high worldwide and mostly these businesses struggle for many years without significant growth. Therefore, this study focused on identifying factors that contribute to the sustainability of growth for small firms in a developing country. Small firms are vital in the development and growth of bottom billion economies and are part of solutions to social problems that Namibia experience, inter alia, high unemployment rate. In developing countries, it is estimated that 45% of formal sector workers belong to SMEs and about 24% of GDP is contributed by small firms. SMEs are known for the common characteristics such as responsiveness, strategic agility, and leanness in operations management that are often aimed to meet and exceed variations of market demands. Thus far, it is crucial to study such behavior of small firms responsible for their growth or demise in the contemporary markets where small firms are crippled by raspy competition from MNCs.

Abstract:The demise rate of small firms every year is high worldwide and mostly these businesses struggle for many years without significant growth. Therefore, this study focused on identifying factors that contribute to the sustainability of growth for small firms in a developing country. Small firms are vital in the development and growth of bottom billion economies and are part of solutions to social problems that Namibia experience, inter alia, high unemployment rate. In developing countries, it is estimated that 45% of formal sector workers belong to SMEs and about 24% of GDP is contributed by small firms. SMEs are known for the common characteristics such as responsiveness, strategic agility, and leanness in operations management that are often aimed to meet and exceed variations of market demands. Thus far, it is crucial to study such behavior of small firms responsible for their growth or demise in the contemporary markets where small firms are crippled by raspy competition from MNCs.

Knowledge of the negative impacts of tourism is an essential prerequisite for sustainability. This study explores the resident perceptions of an educated population on the environment and economic impacts of tourism in Fiji. Using a sample of 298 respondents based on the triple bottom line framework, we construct a model for sustainable tourism planning for Fiji. The structural equation modelling (SEM) approach indicates that awareness of the adverse effects of tourism is vital for the sustainable expansion of the sector and economic development. The current level and type of awareness are nonspecific. The study implies adaptation of sustainability into the education curriculum, enacting uncompromising sustainable acts and policies and forming an independent sustainability national council to vet all tourism developments.

Global warming is a worldwide issue but it is mostly developing countries like Fiji and other island nations such as Kiribati that are being affected. While citizens of most economies do not have a say in legislations and policies of their countries towards reducing emissions, the only realistic way of having a say can be done through their behaviour towards reducing carbon footprints. This study seeks to study attitudes of educated Fijians towards environmental issues, particularly issues brought by tourism and Fijians intentional behaviour in reducing these impacts by minimising their carbon footprints. It concludes that tourism is not regarded as a high impact environmental issue owing to Fijians either lack of awareness or an intentional lack of awareness. Awareness campaigns in Fiji are generic in nature, as most mentioned behaviours were unspecific meaning most Fijians know what to do but do not know how.

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