Manufacturing SME Strategy to Grow and Develop in an Emerging Economy: Evidence from Nigeria

The chapter aims to review the current body of knowledge on growth models in manufacturing SMEs within an emerging economy. Empirical evidence on Nigerian manufacturing SMEs, their strategy to grow and develop is discussed. The relevant literature is extensively and systematically reviewed to underpin the theoretical perspective of Nigerian manufacturing SMEs. Qualitative data is used within the empirical discussion. The instrument for the data collection was a face to face semi-structured interview of 17 senior managers and owners of Nigerian manufacturing SMEs. Thematic template analysis has been applied aiming to identify the emerging patterns from the interview to ascertain Nigeria manufacturing SMEs challenges, priorities and key issues considered vital in the development of manufacturing practices. The findings present empirical evidence in understanding SMEs development in dealing with challenges and prioritising their manufacturing practices. The findings have implications on government policy and assists professional practitioners in understanding manufacturing SMEs strategy, priorities and challenges in the emerging economy in the context of Nigeria.