MSMEs sustainable prediction model: A three-sector comparative study

ABSTRACT This article examines the critical sustainable factors of micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the three sectors in Nigeria. We apply ordered logistic regression to estimate the success factors of manufacturing, retail services, and trade businesses in a developing country where three out of every five MSMEs are estimated to fail within five years of operation. Using a global validated prediction model, we find that the most critical sustainable factors among these sectors are capital, planning, and marketing skills. We conclude that entrepreneurs in the three sectors we examined need to start with adequate capital, have a specific plan, and have the ability and skills to market their products or services to increase their chances of success. MSMEs need to pay critical attention to these sustainable success factors to enhance their ability to grow, multiply, and replicate and also contribute to the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 8, and 9.