Financial Structures of Swiss SMEs in the manufacturing industry

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Content
• Introduction
  • Research Objectives
  • Structure of the Thesis
  • Research Question
• Literature Review
  • Definition of SMEs
  • Growth stages and the impact of age and size of a company
  • Finance and Capital Structure of SMEs
    • Relevant Theories
    • Financial Instruments
  • Market Characteristics
    • SME Switzerland
      • Employment and Industry Characteristics
      • Financial Structures
  • Conceptual Framework
• Research Methodology
  • Research Question and Hypotheses
  • Research Design
  • Sampling Strategy
  • Data Collection
    • Quantitative Research (online survey)
    • Qualitative Research (interviews)
  • Data Analysis
    • Triangulation
  • Limitations and Critical Reflections
  • Researcher's Role
  • Ethical Considerations
• Outcomes
  • What is a typical financial structure of SMEs in Switzerland?
    • Summary
  • Does firm size affect SMEs' financial decision making?
    • Summary
  • Does employment growth affect SMEs' financial decision making?
    • Summary
  • How satisfied are SMEs with their financial structure? What would they improve and why?
    • Summary
• Conclusion
  • Reflection on the Research Question
  • Other Findings
  • Contribution to Literature and Practice
  • Insights for Further Research
• List of References

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis investigates the financial instruments used by Swiss SMEs in the manufacturing industry and factors that influence their financial decisions. The research examines the impact of growth, size, and age on financial decision-making. It also aims to explore the satisfaction levels of SMEs with their financial instruments, particularly bank loans, and how this satisfaction influences financial decisions.

• Financial decision-making strategies of Swiss SMEs in the manufacturing industry
• Influence of growth, size, and age on financial decision-making
• Impact of satisfaction with financial instruments on decision-making
• Analysis of financial instruments used by SMEs, including retained earnings, personal savings, bank loans, and family/friends
• Assessment of the existence of a finance gap and financing dilemma

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic, outlines the objectives and structure of the thesis, and presents the research question. It also provides a brief overview of the Swiss SME landscape.
• Literature Review: This chapter delves into the existing literature on SMEs, their financial structures, and the impact of growth, size, and age on their financial decision-making. It also explores relevant theories and the market characteristics of Swiss SMEs.
• Research Methodology: This chapter describes the research design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques employed in the study. It also addresses the limitations of the research and discusses ethical considerations.
• Outcomes: This chapter presents the key findings of the research, exploring the typical financial structures of Swiss SMEs, the impact of firm size and growth on financial decision-making, and the satisfaction levels of SMEs with their financial instruments.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The research focuses on the financial structures of Swiss SMEs in the manufacturing industry, examining various financial instruments, bank relationships, and the influence of factors such as size, age, and growth on decision-making. Key concepts include SME financing, financial instruments, bank loans, and satisfaction with financial structures.