METHODS FOR EVALUATING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES OF THE BULGARIAN FURNITURE INDUSTRY SECTOR

Analyzing the areas of concern related to the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy, and considering the views on competitiveness enhancement of furniture enterprises outlined by the European Furniture Manufacturers Federation, this paper presents a methodology for evaluating the competitiveness of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the Bulgarian furniture industry sector. The indicators were selected to allow self-evaluation of enterprises by area: human resources management, marketing strategy, logistic approaches, production efficiency and innovations. The study findings showed that this methodology can be a useful practical tool for furniture enterprises to self-evaluate and improve their results, and to gain competitive advantage.