Research problems

It is noted that the small as well as the medium sized enterprises which are also known as (SMEs), are noticeably gaining an increased support from the public and the private organizations in Oman. The situation has risen having a large number of public officials expressing an enthusiasm for the further development in this sector. The intention of this study is mainly to cover up the research gaps that are developed by producing many empirical evidence that helps to clarify the various relationship among SMEs. The fundamental ideas of the research questions arise and are mainly based on whether the SMEs and the market strategies are linked in a performance perspective or these links add to the bottom of the organizations. The study aims in attempting to improve the understanding of the issues that have developed theoretical and practical relevance. The smart combination of the quantitative report (survey) and qualitative report (case studies) can help in identifying the dynamics of the economies in the SMEs.

Research Objectives
The main objective in this paper is to recognize the impact of the strategies that is there in an entry level market for the SMEs in Oman that falls in the organizations performance and rise. The second objective of this study is to determine the required market entry strategies that can be incorporated by the SMEs that leads to improvement in their overall performance. It should be noted that the specific objectives here are to examine the various market entry strategies that are available for the SMEs in the terms of performance. They also help to determine the main barriers that play an active role in enhancing the performance of SMEs. There has been a few studies that are done to link the market entry strategies of the SMEs. Justification of conducting this research It came to light according to the dept. of Ministry of Commerce & Industry Oman, that there have been around 121,000 SMEs that have been operational in the Sultanate. It is noted to be accounting for almost 90% of the total economic activity. Where a figure more than that of 40% of SMEs are located in the retail sector only, the small businesses are also noted to have a very significant presence and active in the construction and contracting business. The ministry of Oman has also identified the need that may rise to create more and more services in order to address the challenges that are mostly encountered by the smaller local businesses that are flourishing. Another fact is that any company or an individual establishment which is operational within certain industrial area and has a noted registered capital that exceeds about $42,300 and has more than ten of the registered employees can be considered within the social security program that is implemented. Hence is quite justified to conduct a study that explains the working and the strategies implemented by the SMEs.

Hypothesis:
We are conducting this research to check the validity of the following hypothesis. If the foreign market of Oman has any entry strategies of running the small and medium scale enterprises. If the exporting strategies of SMEs do not enhance their promised performance in the state of Oman. Whether the joint venture strategies of the small and medium scale enterprises, enhance their self- performance in the state of Oman.

Research methodology
The methodology will be based on the studies that have been previously conducted as well as collection of relevant materials by the research scholars and economists. We will note what the economists have to say in this matter. They stated that the contribution of the MSEs makes a forward step towards the economic development mainly in the developing countries and they cannot be underestimated. In the other hand economist from Asia supported these theories of the researchers by the statement which read that the MSEs were considered to be the main engines of a constant economic growth. Another economist duo from Oman also suggested that the small businesses in Oman not just create employment but are also regarded as the economic engines that are driving the global standard of living. However, Bridges, another economist is reported to state that the micro, small & the medium enterprises are often known as the backbone of most of the private sectors in the developing world that are coming up in creating jobs for the unemployed. Meanwhile, as stated by noted economists, the small enterprises perform significantly low on the practice that are related to the long term based planning along with the strategic management which includes practices such as maintaining a vision in business that prompt manufacturing planning along with strategy & performance management when compared to the medium enterprises in the market. In recent survey the researchers supported the public policy initiatives and called for creating & enabling the environment that is necessary for the development of small business the gulf. Some economists also contended that all the Micro as well as SMEs have been recorded to occupy an important and a strategic place in the noted economies of all the countries. It is as they are observed to contribute significantly to the wealth and employment in those nations. The benefits of SMEs are fore stated not to be achieved without any direct intervention of the respective government of those countries. The SMEs entry mode choices have been abruptly considered to be among the most important research fields. In the last few years it is seen that many of the market entry strategies have been adapted by the government having a view in developing the small & medium scale enterprises. As a result, it is clearly visible that there exists several factors that play their role in challenging the success of the small business in Oman. Apart from these noticeable and inevitable challenges, there also lies several strategic options which can back the SMEs in overcoming these much faced challenges. In addition to them, the awareness of these important issues along with the challenges should be taken into account. Also the strategic options in the particular field is quite an important factor for these SMEs present in Oman along with the sustainable development in this sector.

Limitations:
The limitations in the research mainly lies in the time and cost factors. Due to this, the research content has been limited to the manufacturing segments of the SMEs in Oman.

SME: An Overview
Moving forward it came to surface that the SMEs in Oman like in other countries are constantly facing number of noted difficulties and challenging obstacles which mainly are complicating the growth and performance of such countries. The growth and the performance of those firms are very much affected by the marketing strategy more specifically along the market entry strategies. In recent trends quite a number of market entry strategies are noticed to have been identified by the researchers. They can enhance those SMEs in improving the performance once these strategies are made to be followed in the day to day business operations. It is expected that these measures should help in improving the overall performance of the SMEs business. It is also widely seen that the small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs are gaining an increased support from the public as well as the private organizations in Oman. Having a number of the public officials expressing their enthusiasm for further development in the sector the SMEs are seen to grow up and develop a healthy competition.

The research conducted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Oman it was found out that there exists around 121,000 number of SMEs that are currently operating in the Sultanate. Consequently, they are accounting for up to 90% of the economic activity in Oman. Where more than 40% SMEs are located in the retail sector there are small businesses that also have a significant position that deals in construction contract business. The ministry, therefore, has recognized the need of creating more services that help to address the known challenges that are encountered by small scale local businesses in the city.

As the records show, the MOCI is known to have already planned for a number of SME relevant events. For example, the annual SME exhibition and Conference otherwise known as the SME Expo was held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. Meanwhile, having the SMEs accounting for up to 16% of the total GDP of Oman and the fact of serving as a dominating source of employment, it is of no surprise to us that the government is also seeking to improve the business and the growth strategies that are beneficial to the local entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

In the gulf countries, mainly the medium scale enterprises have been observed to dominate the economy. The government of Oman has formulated quite a number of policies that are aimed at development of the small and the medium scale enterprises. The SMEs that are present around the world have been considered to be the silent engines that drive the national economy of the countries.

Hence in an emerging economic country like Oman, SMEs are considered to be the leading edge once it comes to the innovation new global markets entering. There are many failures that one may face in the SME sectors. It is reported in the past few years that the failures were mainly due to the absence of efficiency in the management systems. Therefore it is necessary that a constant survey and study should be maintained in the SME sector that reflects the problems and the counter solution for the operations. SMEs are no doubt a growing economic engine and with proper steps, it can reward with excellence.