ISSUES WITH INTRODUCING GENERIC OPTIMIZATION MODELS INTO SMEs IN SUBSAHARAN AFRICA

Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) play a vital role in the sustainable industrial development of the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SMEs can benefit from use of productivity and efficiency enhancement optimization models. Even the simplest mathematical model application has the potential to help SMEs promote their competiveness and sustainable growth. The application of optimization models has a proven supportive role in streamlining strategic and operational planning processes. This paper discusses conceptually the feasibility and problems of applying generic optimization methods in the operational planning of SMEs in the SSA nations. This will increase the awareness of SME entrepreneurs of how simple optimization models can help SMEs’ improve their efficiency and effectiveness in scarce resources utilization activities. The paper develops generic optimization models with the topologies of suitable applications’ modes operandi. Practical application will be subject to further research.