A Margem de Contribuição como Ferramenta de Apoio à Decisão e Formação de Preços nas Pequenas Empresas Comerciais em Lichinga
A Margem de Contribuição como Ferramenta de Apoio à Decisão e Formação de Preços nas Pequenas Empresas Comerciais em Lichinga
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8151142528117
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Palavras-chave: margem de contribuição, pequenas empresas, gestão financeira, formação de preços, Lichinga.
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Keywords: contribution margin, small enterprises, financial management, pricing, Lichinga.
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Abstract: The present article aimed to analyze the use of the contribution margin as a tool to support decision-making and pricing in small commercial enterprises in Lichinga. The study seeks to evaluate the level of knowledge and application of this metric among local merchants, as well as to identify technical and institutional obstacles that limit its implementation, considering the context of informality and limited financial literacy. A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was adopted, based on the interpretivist paradigm, allowing an in-depth understanding of merchants’ perceptions, practices, and challenges. The sample consisted of 41 participants, selected through convenience and purposive sampling, from a total of identified by INE (2024). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires, and analyzed using thematic coding and descriptive interpretation. Findings indicate that only a small portion of merchants regularly apply the contribution margin, while most rely on intuitive or competition-based methods. Those who use the tool reported benefits such as improved understanding of profitability, support in price setting, and identification of underperforming products. However, barriers including lack of financial records, cost fluctuations, and limited financial literacy hinder systematic application. It is concluded that the contribution margin has significant potential to enhance financial management and sustainability of small commercial enterprises in Lichinga, and that simplified methods, practical training, and ongoing technical support are recommended for effective adoption.
- Jacinta da Desejada Diamantino
- Jonasse João Luís Roque