Competitive advantages and the SMEs: the role of distinctive competences as determinants of success, are there differences across gender, sector, and size?

This dissertation explores and examines, via qualitative and quantitative research methods, the competitive advantages and distinctive competencies that determine success in firms established in Puerto Rico for at least three years across sectors. The study embraces case analysis, in-depth interviews of successful and non-successful firms, and an extensive island-wide survey mailed to CEOs of established firms. Data was examined and analyzed using multiple statistical analyses; results were summarized and presented in table and graph forms. Moreover, a model of success was created with the intention of using it as a success guideline and failure deterrent.
Findings support the idea, within limitations, that the competitive advantages present in Puerto Rico's firms relate to other empirical findings. Results strongly suggest that success determinants across size, sector, and gender seem to be nearly the same, though, in the case of females, results show that women owners seem to possess less experience; their firms remain smaller; report more difficulties, are in areas less prone to grow, and under-perform. Findings also suggest measures for policy makers, bankers, educators, and lenders geared to increase programs oriented towards educating SMEs, as well as to stimulate current and prospective entrepreneurs to better cope with economic and cultural changes, and as a deterrent to failure.