Track: Operations Management

Abstract

One of the 10 main most important decisions in operations management is where to locate the company. It is one of the most vital decisions any SMME or other company will ever make. The aim of this study is to examine the effect location decision has on manufacturing and service SMMEs’ business performance. This research conducted a qualitative study where 5 SMMEs owners/managers from the manufacturing and service sector were interviewed. The thematic analysis revealed a central theme that SMME owners face while deciding where to locate their business. Then, based on the interview, five themes were developed. Because of their previous experiences with location decisions, all five respondents are satisfied with their current business. This study is important because it contributes to the body knowledge of operations management. Future studies should conduct a similar study but with more respondents to identify new themes that might emerge.