Abstract:
This thesis has endeavored to develop an entrepreneurial model for Pakistani SMEs. While
developing the model, the author has benefited from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs
engaged in commercial fast-food sector. The research was conducted through a survey
instrument, adopted from the validated questionnaires of the previous research. The instrument
included 29 items. This study had a sample size of 257 and these individuals were successful
commercial fast-food entrepreneurs. Data collected through survey was statistically analyzed and
linear and stepwise regressions were used to test the research hypotheses. The results show that
essentially four factors namely culture and environment, resources, innovation and opportunity
are main factors of the profitability and business success in this sector. Therefore, favorable
synergies ensuring availability of these determinants are required for the promotion and growth
of the SMEs which will in turn induce economic growth in economy. It is further argued that
seeking economic growth through the growth of SMEs sector is most appropriate strategy given
the labor-abundant and capital scarce nature of the economy. The proposed model is analyzed
through statistical and econometric techniques. The results so obtained validates theoretical
model. The innovation factor turns out to be the most important factor, hence, the study
concludes that entrepreneurial success is highly influenced by innovative behavior of the
entrepreneurs but being opportunistic, a suitable culture and environment and sufficient
resources are also needed for the success of a commercial fast-food SMEs. Extending this result,
to the whole SMEs sector, it is maintained that entire entrepreneurial sector could be activated
for the benefit of the economy. The results of the thesis are in general in conformity of the other
similar studies undertaken in the western countries. It is recommended to conduct similar studies
on other Pakistani SMEs sectors by benchmarking this study and the findings of this study must
be incorporated in the SMEs policies and guidelines.
