Working capital management practices and sustainability of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the working capital management practices and sustainability of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. This study employed a correlational-descriptive research design. Data were gathered using a self-constructed questionnaire, which has been pre-tested to 30 other microenterprises and validated using Cronbach alpha. The participants were the owners of the 301 registered BMBEs in Ilocos Norte. This study was conducted from July to December 2020. The findings demonstrated that most of the BMBEs belong to the wholesale and retail trade sector, are registered as single proprietorships, and have no employees. The results also showed that the BMBEs have low economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the study revealed that cash management was significantly related to economic and social sustainability, while accounts receivable and inventory management were significantly related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.