Advanced Review of SME Regulatory Compliance Models Across U.S. State-Level Jurisdictions

Authors(6) :-Onyeka Kelvin Chima, Sandra Orobosa Idemudia, Onyinye Jacqueline Ezeilo, Benjamin Monday Ojonugwa, Akoche Ochefu, Michael Olumuyiwa Adesuyi

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) serve as the backbone of the United States economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and economic growth. However, navigating the complex and often fragmented regulatory landscape across various U.S. state-level jurisdictions presents substantial challenges for these enterprises. This paper provides an advanced review of SME regulatory compliance models across U.S. states, aiming to identify patterns, divergences, and best practices that can inform policy development and support mechanisms for SMEs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of regulatory frameworks with qualitative insights from SME stakeholders. Data were collected from state statutes, regulatory agency guidelines, and interviews with SME owners and compliance officers across diverse industries and regions. The analysis focuses on key regulatory domains, including labor laws, environmental regulations, taxation, and data privacy. Findings reveal significant variability in regulatory requirements and enforcement practices across states, leading to compliance complexities for SMEs operating in multiple jurisdictions. Some states have implemented streamlined processes and support structures that facilitate compliance, while others maintain more rigid and complex systems. The study identifies models of regulatory frameworks that balance the need for oversight with the operational realities of SMEs, highlighting the importance of clarity, accessibility, and support in regulatory compliance. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers to harmonize regulatory requirements where feasible, enhance support systems for SMEs, and adopt best practices from states with effective compliance models. By addressing the regulatory challenges faced by SMEs, states can foster a more conducive environment for these enterprises to thrive, thereby strengthening the overall economy.

Authors and Affiliations

Onyeka Kelvin Chima
Africa Capital Alliance, Ikoyi, Lagos. Nigeria
Sandra Orobosa Idemudia
Independent Researcher, Abuja, Nigeria
Onyinye Jacqueline Ezeilo
Independent researcher, Abuja, Nigeria
Benjamin Monday Ojonugwa
Independent Researcher, Lagos, Nigeria
Akoche Ochefu
Benue State Civil Service Commission, Benue, Nigeria
Michael Olumuyiwa Adesuyi
First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, Kano, Nigeria

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Regulatory Compliance, State-Level Regulation, Policy Harmonization, Compliance Models, Economic Development

  1. J. E. Cohen, “The regulatory state in the information age,” Theor. Inq. Law, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 369–414, Jul. 2016, doi: 10.1515/til-2016-0015.
  2. R. B. Stewart, “The Global Regulatory Challenge to U.S. Administrative Law,” N. Y. Univ. J. Int. Law Polit., vol. 37, p. 695, 2005 2004.
  3. R. B. Stewart, “Regulation, Innovation, and Administrative Law: A Conceptual Framework,” Calif. Law Rev., vol. 69, p. 1256, 1981.
  4. E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, O. Y. Ogunsola, and N. J. Isibor, “A Conceptual Approach to Cost Forecasting and Financial Planning in Complex Oil and Gas Projects,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 819–833, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.819-833.
  5. E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, O. Y. Ogunsola, and N. J. Isibor, “A Conceptual Framework for Financial Optimization and Budget Management in Large-Scale Energy Projects,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 823–834, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.823-834.
  6. T. Giladi Shtub and M. S. Gal, “The Competitive Effects of China’s Legal Data Regime”, Online]. Available: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/joclec/nhac007
  7. O. Ilori, C. I. Lawal, S. C. Friday, N. J. Isibor, and E. C. Chukwuma- Eke, “The Role of Data Visualization and Forensic Technology in Enhancing Audit Effectiveness: A Research Synthesis,” J. Front. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 188–200, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJFMR.2022.3.1.188-200.
  8. D. Lessard, D. J. Teece, and S. Leih, “The Dynamic Capabilities of Meta‐Multinationals,” Glob. Strategy J., vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 211–224, Aug. 2016, doi: 10.1002/gsj.1126.
  9. A. Lundberg, Successful with the Agile Spotify Framework: Squads, Tribes and Chapters - The Next Step After Scrum and Kanban? BoD – Books on Demand, 2020.
  10. D. I. Ajiga, “Strategic Framework for Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Improve Financial Reporting Accuracy and Restore Public Trust,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 882–892, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.882-892.
  11. T. Bridgman and E. Bell, “Seeing and Being Seen as a Management Learning and Education Scholar: Rejoinder to ‘Identifying Research Topic Development in Business and Management Education Research Using Legitimation Code Theory,’” J. Manag. Educ., vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 692–699, Dec. 2016, doi: 10.1177/1052562916662103.
  12. C. E. Alozie, “School of Computer and Information Sciences, University of the Cumberlands”.
  13. Q. He, M. Meadows, D. Angwin, E. Gomes, and J. Child, “Strategic Alliance Research in the Era of Digital Transformation: Perspectives on Future Research”, Online]. Available: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-8551.12406
  14. J. Xu, S. She, and W. Liu, “Role of digitalization in environment, social and governance, and sustainability: Review-based study for implications,” Front. Psychol., vol. 13, Nov. 2022, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.961057.
  15. Christian Chukwuemeka Ike, Adebimpe Bolatito Ige, Sunday Adeola Oladosu, Peter Adeyemo Adepoju, Olukunle Oladipupo Amoo, and Adeoye Idowu Afolabi, “Redefining zero trust architecture in cloud networks: A conceptual shift towards granular, dynamic access control and policy enforcement,” Magna Sci. Adv. Res. Rev., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 074–086, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.30574/msarr.2021.2.1.0032.
  16. O. J. Esan, O. T. Uzozie, O. Onaghinor, G. O. Osho, and E. A. Etukudoh, “Procurement 4.0: Revolutionizing Supplier Relationships through Blockchain, AI, and Automation: A Comprehensive Framework,” J. Front. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 117–123, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJFMR.2022.3.1.117-123.
  17. O. J. Esan, O. T. Uzozie, O. Onaghinor, G. O. Osho, and J. O. Omisola, “Policy and Operational Synergies: Strategic Supply Chain Optimization for National Economic Growth,” Int. J. Soc. Sci. Except. Res., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 239–245, 2022, doi: 10.54660/IJSSER.2022.1.1.239-245.
  18. “(PDF) An architecture governance approach for Agile development by tailoring the Spotify model.” Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352713951_An_architecture_governance_approach_for_Agile_development_by_tailoring_the_Spotify_model
  19. “No title found],” Int. J. Front. Sci. Technol. Res..
  20. O. O. Elumilade, I. A. Ogundeji, G. O. Achumie, H. E. Omokhoa, and B. M. Omowole, “Optimizing corporate tax strategies and transfer pricing policies to improve financial efficiency and compliance,” J. Adv. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 1, no. 2, Art. no. 2, Aug. 2022.
  21. O. O. Ogbuagu, A. O. Mbata, O. D. Balogun, O. Oladapo, and O. O. Ojo, “Novel phytochemicals in traditional medicine: Isolation and pharmacological profiling of bioactive compounds,” Int. J. Med. Body Health Res., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 63–71, 2022, doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2022.3.1.63-71.
  22. B. I. Adekunle, E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, E. D. Balogun, and K. O. Ogunsola, “Machine Learning for Automation: Developing Data-Driven Solutions for Process Optimization and Accuracy Improvement,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 800–808, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.800-808.
  23. “Large-Scale Agile | SpringerLink.” Online]. Available: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-05469-3_18
  24. “International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation www.allmultidisciplinaryjournal.com”.
  25. E. C. Chianumba, N. Ikhalea, A. Y. Mustapha, A. Y. Forkuo, and D. Osamika, “Integrating AI, Blockchain, and Big Data to Strengthen Healthcare Data Security, Privacy, and Patient Outcomes,” J. Front. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 124–129, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJFMR.2022.3.1.124-129.
  26. O. I. Charles, O. Hamza, A. Eweje, A. Collins, G. O. Babatunde, and B. C. Ubamadu, “Implementing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to Streamline Business Processes and Improve Operational Efficiency in Enterprises,” Int. J. Soc. Sci. Except. Res., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 111–119, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.1.1.111-119.
  27. A. R. Watson, “Impact of the Digital Age on Transforming Healthcare,” in Healthcare Information Management Systems: Cases, Strategies, and Solutions, C. A. Weaver, M. J. Ball, G. R. Kim, and J. M. Kiel, Eds., Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2016, pp. 219–233. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-20765-0_13.
  28. O. T. Uzozie, O. Onaghinor, O. J. Esan, G. O. Osho, and J. O. Omisola, “Global Supply Chain Strategy: Framework for Managing Cross-Continental Efficiency and Performance in Multinational Operations,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 938–943, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.938-943.
  29. A. H. Adepoju, B. Austin-Gabriel, A. Eweje, and A. Collins, “Framework for Automating Multi-Team Workflows to Maximize Operational Efficiency and Minimize Redundant Data Handling,” vol. 5, no. 9, 2022.
  30. K. O. Ogunsola and E. D. Balogun, “Enhancing Financial Integrity Through an Advanced Internal Audit Risk Assessment and Governance Model,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 781–790, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.781-790.
  31. A. Abisoye, C. A. Udeh, and C. A. Okonkwo, “The Impact of AI-Powered Learning Tools on STEM Education Outcomes: A Policy Perspective,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 121–127, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.121-127.
  32. E. O. Alonge, N. L. Eyo-Udo, B. C. Ubanadu, A. I. Daraojimba, E. D. Balogun, and K. O. Ogunsola, “Enhancing Data Security with Machine Learning: A Study on Fraud Detection Algorithms,” J. Front. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 19–31, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJFMR.2021.2.1.19-31.
  33. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Favour-Ojika-2/publication/390738611_The_Impact_of_Machine_Learning_on_Image_Processing_A_Conceptual_Model_for_Real-Time_Retail_Data_Analysis_and_Model_Optimization/links/6802c03dbfbe974b23ab4ca9/The-Impact-of-Machine-Learning-on-Image-Processing-A-Conceptual-Model-for-Real-Time-Retail-Data-Analysis-and-Model-Optimization.pdf
  34. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Favour-Ojika-2/publication/390928998_Optimizing_AI_Models_for_Cross-Functional_Collaboration_A_Framework_for_Improving_Product_Roadmap_Execution_in_Agile_Teams/links/6802b65bded43315572ad388/Optimizing-AI-Models-for-Cross-Functional-Collaboration-A-Framework-for-Improving-Product-Roadmap-Execution-in-Agile-Teams.pdf
  35. B. S. Adelusi, D. Osamika, M. C. Kelvin-Agwu, A. Y. Mustapha, and N. Ikhalea, “A Deep Learning Approach to Predicting Diabetes Mellitus Using Electronic Health Records,” J. Front. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 47–56, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJFMR.2022.3.1.47-56.
  36. A. Abisoye and J. I. Akerele, “A Practical Framework for Advancing Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technological Ecosystems to Support Regional Economic Development and Innovation,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 700–713, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.700-713.
  37. N. J. Isibor, A. I. Ibeh, C. P.-M. Ewim, N. J. Sam-Bulya, E. M. Adaga, and G. O. Achumie, “A Financial Control and Performance Management Framework for SMEs: Strengthening Budgeting, Risk Mitigation, and Profitability,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 761–768, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.761-768.
  38. Paris Descartes University, 45 Rue Des Saints-Pères, Paris, France, C. Khalil, and S. Khalil, “A Governance Framework for Adopting Agile Methodologies,” Int. J. E-Educ. E-Bus. E-Manag. E-Learn., vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 111–119, 2016, doi: 10.17706/ijeeee.2016.6.2.111-119.
  39. B. I. Adekunle, E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, E. D. Balogun, and K. O. Ogunsola, “A Predictive Modeling Approach to Optimizing Business Operations: A Case Study on Reducing Operational Inefficiencies through Machine Learning,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 791–799, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.791-799.
  40. N. J. Isibor, C. Paul-Mikki Ewim, A. I. Ibeh, E. M. Adaga, N. J. Sam-Bulya, and G. O. Achumie, “A Generalizable Social Media Utilization Framework for Entrepreneurs: Enhancing Digital Branding, Customer Engagement, and Growth,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 751–758, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.751-758.
  41. M. Pop, “Agile Virtualization – The importance of Scrum frame- work in creating synergies in global organizations”.
  42. B. O. Otokiti, A. N. Igwe, C. P.-M. Ewim, A. I. Ibeh, and Z. S.- Nwokediegwu, “A Framework for developing resilient business models for Nigerian SMES in response to economic disruptions,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 647–659, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1-647-659.
  43. E. D. Balogun, K. O. Ogunsola, and A. S. Ogunmokun, “A Risk Intelligence Framework for Detecting and Preventing Financial Fraud in Digital Marketplaces,” vol. 4, no. 8, 2021.
  44. B. I. Adekunle, E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, E. D. Balogun, and K. O. Ogunsola, “A Predictive Modeling Approach to Optimizing Business Operations: A Case Study on Reducing Operational Inefficiencies through Machine Learning,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 791–799, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.791-799.
  45. A. S. Ogunmokun, E. D. Balogun, and K. O. Ogunsola, “A Strategic Fraud Risk Mitigation Framework for Corporate Finance Cost Optimization and Loss Prevention,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 783–790, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.783-790.
  46. N. Hanna, “A role for the state in the digital age,” J. Innov. Entrep., vol. 7, no. 1, p. 5, Jul. 2018, doi: 10.1186/s13731-018-0086-3.
  47. “A Systematic Review of the Literature on Digital Transformation: Insights and Implications for Strategy and Organizational Change - Hanelt - 2021 - Journal of Management Studies - Wiley Online Library.” Online]. Available: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joms.12639
  48. M. Janssen and H. Van Der Voort, “Adaptive governance: Towards a stable, accountable and responsive government,” Gov. Inf. Q., vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 1–5, Jan. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.giq.2016.02.003.
  49. A. H. Adepoju, B. Austin-Gabriel, O. Hamza, and A. Collins, “Advancing Monitoring and Alert Systems: A Proactive Approach to Improving Reliability in Complex Data Ecosystems,” vol. 5, no. 11, 2022.
  50. Afees Olanrewaju Akinade, Peter Adeyemo Adepoju, Adebimpe Bolatito Ige, Adeoye Idowu Afolabi, and Olukunle Oladipupo Amoo, “Advancing segment routing technology: A new model for scalable and low-latency IP/MPLS backbone optimization,” Open Access Res. J. Sci. Technol., vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 077–095, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.53022/oarjst.2022.5.2.0056.
  51. M. Ruotsala, “Agile and Lean processes on an IoT development”.
  52. P. V. Zhukov, A. A. Silvanskiy, K. Y. Mukhin, and O. L. Domnina, “Agile Supply Chain Management in Multinational Corporations: Opportunities and Barriers,” vol. 8, no. 3, 2019.
  53. U. B. Chibunna, O. Hamza, A. Collins, J. P. Onoja, A. Eweja, and A. I. Daraojimba, “Building Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity Awareness to Empower Underrepresented Groups in the Tech Industry,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 125–138, 2020, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2020.1.1.125-138.
  54. F. Reginaldo and G. Santos, “Challenges in Agile Transformation Journey: A Qualitative Study,” in Proceedings of the XXXIV Brazilian Symposium on Software Engineering, Natal Brazil: ACM, Oct. 2020, pp. 11–20. doi: 10.1145/3422392.3422436.
  55. B. Fitzgerald and K.-J. Stol, “Continuous software engineering and beyond: trends and challenges,” in Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Rapid Continuous Software Engineering, in RCoSE 2014. New York, NY, USA: Association for Computing Machinery, Jun. 2014, pp. 1–9. doi: 10.1145/2593812.2593813.
  56. O. Ilori, C. I. Lawal, S. C. Friday, N. J. Isibor, and E. C. C.- Eke, “Cybersecurity Auditing in the Digital Age: A Review of Methodologies and Regulatory Implications,” J. Front. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 174–187, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJFMR.2022.3.1.174-187.
  57. E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, O. Y. Ogunsola, and N. J. Isibor, “Designing a Robust Cost Allocation Framework for Energy Corporations Using SAP for Improved Financial Performance,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 809–822, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.809-822.
  58. E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, O. Y. Ogunsola, and N. J. Isibor, “Developing an Integrated Framework for SAP-Based Cost Control and Financial Reporting in Energy Companies,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 805–818, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.805-818.
  59. “Digital governance mechanisms and principles that enable agile responses in dynamic competitive environments: European Journal of Information Systems: Vol 31, No 6.” Online]. Available: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0960085X.2022.2078743
  60. C. P.- Mikki Ewim, H. E. Omokhoa, I. A. Ogundeji, and A. I. Ibeh, “Future of Work in Banking: Adapting Workforce Skills to Digital Transformation Challenges,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 663–676, 2021, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.663-676.
  61. K. O. Ogunsola, E. D. Balogun, and A. S. Ogunmokun, “Developing an Automated ETL Pipeline Model for Enhanced Data Quality and Governance in Analytics,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 791–796, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.791-796.
  62. E. C. Chukwuma-Eke, O. Y. Ogunsola, and N. J. Isibor, “Developing an Integrated Framework for SAP-Based Cost Control and Financial Reporting in Energy Companies,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 805–818, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.805-818.
  63. O. T. Uzozie, O. Onaghinor, O. J. Esan, G. O. Osho, and J. O. Omisola, “Global Supply Chain Strategy: Framework for Managing Cross-Continental Efficiency and Performance in Multinational Operations,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Growth Eval., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 938–943, 2022, doi: 10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.938-943.

Publication Details

Published in : Volume 5 | Issue 2 | March-April 2022
Date of Publication : 2022-03-30
License:  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Page(s) : 191-209
Manuscript Number : SHISRRJ221226
Publisher : Shauryam Research Institute

ISSN : 2581-6306

Cite This Article :

Onyeka Kelvin Chima, Sandra Orobosa Idemudia, Onyinye Jacqueline Ezeilo, Benjamin Monday Ojonugwa, Akoche Ochefu, Michael Olumuyiwa Adesuyi, "Advanced Review of SME Regulatory Compliance Models Across U.S. State-Level Jurisdictions ", Shodhshauryam, International Scientific Refereed Research Journal (SHISRRJ), ISSN : 2581-6306, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp.191-209, March-April.2022
URL : https://shisrrj.com/SHISRRJ221226

Article Preview