Exploring the Level of Scientific Thinking, Business Performance and Factors Influencing Application of Scientific Thinking among Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Kabwe Urban Town in Zambia

This study explored the level of scientific thinking, business performance and factors influencing the application of scientific thinking among selected Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Kabwe urban town, Zambia. The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the level of scientific thinking among SMEs, to investigate SMEs’ perceptions of their business performance, and to identify factors influencing the application of scientific thinking in business operations. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-method research design within a mixed-method approach. Data were collected from 25 SMEs selected through purposive and convenience sampling from Bwacha Market, Green Market, Kawama Township, Mukobeko Township, and Tedcas Market in Kabwe urban town. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed generally low and inconsistent levels of scientific thinking among participants. Most participants reported limited use of experimentation, systematic record keeping, customer feedback, and evidence-based decision-making. The majority of the participants reported relying on intuition and informal practices rather than analytical reasoning. The study further establish that education, business training, access to information, technology, financial resources, and social support positively influenced scientific thinking, while fear of financial loss and socio-cultural factors negatively affected its application. The low levels of scientific thinking reported by the majority of participants underscore the need to strengthen such competencies from the early stages of education. The study recommends strengthening entrepreneurship training and promoting evidence-based business management practices among SMEs in Kabwe.

scientific thinking, SMEs, entrepreneurship, business performance, evidence-based decision-making, Zambia

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