TY - JOUR
T1 - Project planning and business growth in SMEs
T2 - The mediating role of decision-making
AU - Churampi-Cangalaya, Roberto Lider
AU - Visurraga Camargo, Luis Antonio
AU - Mego-Cañari, Yael Sadith
AU - Moyano Mustto, Victor Oscar
AU - Calle Caceres, Moises Jesus
AU - Suarez Reynoso, Carlos Alberto
AU - Lopez Robles, Zenon Manuel
AU - Mendoza Cruz, Katia Magaly
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada and 2026 by the authors.
PY - 2026
Y1 - 2026
N2 - This study analyzed the influence of project planning on the business growth of 313 SMEs in the Central Region of Peru (Tarma), evaluating the mediating effect of decision-making. Using a quantitative approach, a hypothetical-deductive method, and a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and explanatory design, data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and processed with SmartPLS 4.0. The measurement model demonstrated optimal internal consistency and psychometric validity, with Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values greater than 0.90, and a mean variance extracted (AVE) greater than 0.50. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) validated all hypotheses (p < 0.001; t > 1.96). It was demonstrated that strategic planning (β = 0.412), resource and budget management (β = 0.356), and scope and quality (β = 0.438) have a direct and positive impact on decision-making. This, in turn, has a strong influence on business growth (β = 0.621), confirming a significant mediating effect of decision-making. The overall model fit was satisfactory (SRMR = 0.045; R² = 0.385), leading to the conclusion that the analytical professionalization of decision-making flows is a critical factor for the scalability of SMEs.
AB - This study analyzed the influence of project planning on the business growth of 313 SMEs in the Central Region of Peru (Tarma), evaluating the mediating effect of decision-making. Using a quantitative approach, a hypothetical-deductive method, and a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and explanatory design, data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and processed with SmartPLS 4.0. The measurement model demonstrated optimal internal consistency and psychometric validity, with Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values greater than 0.90, and a mean variance extracted (AVE) greater than 0.50. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) validated all hypotheses (p < 0.001; t > 1.96). It was demonstrated that strategic planning (β = 0.412), resource and budget management (β = 0.356), and scope and quality (β = 0.438) have a direct and positive impact on decision-making. This, in turn, has a strong influence on business growth (β = 0.621), confirming a significant mediating effect of decision-making. The overall model fit was satisfactory (SRMR = 0.045; R² = 0.385), leading to the conclusion that the analytical professionalization of decision-making flows is a critical factor for the scalability of SMEs.
KW - Business growth
KW - Decision making
KW - Project planning
KW - SMEs
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105041811227
U2 - 10.5267/j.jpm.2026.5.012
DO - 10.5267/j.jpm.2026.5.012
M3 - Artículo
AN - SCOPUS:105041811227
SN - 2371-8366
VL - 11
SP - 613
EP - 622
JO - Journal of Project Management (Canada)
JF - Journal of Project Management (Canada)
IS - 3
ER -