Showing papers in "Journal of Education and Training in 2008"
TL;DR: This article explored the characteristics of Generation Y graduates and the implications of their entry into the workplace for organisations' graduate learning and development programs, drawing on academic and popular literature and the organisational experience of one major employer of young people.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of generational difference and reflect on how this might impact on organisational approaches to graduate development.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the characteristics of Generation Y graduates and the implications of their entry into the workplace for organisations' graduate learning and development programmes, drawing on academic and popular literature and the organisational experience of one major employer of young people.Findings – This paper presents a profile of Generation Y and suggests that the learning styles and expectations of this group are very different from earlier generations. Using its experiences of employing Generation Y the case study organisation suggests future graduate development schemes need to utilise the latest technology to deliver audio‐visually rich, multi‐tasking challenges which require a collaborative approach, offer instant feedback whilst at the same time recognising that its participants may...
291 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the entrepreneurial attitudes of undergraduate students enrolled in the Small Business Institute® (SBI) program at multiple universities in the USA and found that the majority of students possessed entrepreneurial attitudes.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the entrepreneurial attitudes of undergraduate students enrolled in the Small Business Institute® (SBI) program at multiple universities in the USA Research has encouraged a continuous study and refinement of the entrepreneurial profile, particularly for young adults Past studies have linked certain personality constructs and entrepreneurship, and shown a connection between entrepreneurial intentions and past business experienceDesign/methodology/approach – A total of 216 students completed the entrepreneurial attitudes orientation (EAO) survey The EAO provides a composite score based on four attitude subscales: achievement in business; innovation in business; perceived personal control of business outcomes; and perceived self‐esteem in business In addition, participants were asked to provide demographic information and past entrepreneurial experienceFindings – Results indicated that the majority of students possessed entrepreneurial attitudes Furthermore, both
246 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an introduction to the special issue of Graduate Entrepreneurship, which positions and explores some of issues and challenges in the field of graduate entrepreneurship, and introduces papers of six authors/author teams.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper's purpose is to present an introduction to the special issue is that positions and explores some of issues and challenges in the field of graduate entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines a range of issues and themes and introduces papers of six authors/author teams. The introductory paper is divided into three sections: what is graduate entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial intentions; and education and training.Findings – The paper finds that, despite increasing attention on graduate entrepreneurship, there remains a lack of research on entrepreneurial intentions and enterprise/entrepreneurship education and training in varied and multiple contexts. This special issue includes research from a number of countries, including England, Ireland, Australia and the USA.Originality/value – The paper provides the basis for a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurial intentions and related education and training – of interest to both researchers and policy makers in te...
226 citations
TL;DR: This article explored generational differences between Generation N (persons born 1980 and after) and previous generations with regard to teaching and learning and found that Generation N employees are often not as independent as their predecessor generations requiring more structure, guidance and regular feedback.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore generational differences between Generation N (persons born 1980 and after) and previous generations with regard to teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approach – This viewpoint article reviews selected literature, synthesizing those articles with opinions on how to approach Generation N for education and training.Findings – Generation N students and employees possess certain key traits that translate into learning in school and the business world. Generation N employees are often not as independent as their predecessor generations requiring more structure, guidance and regular feedback. They prefer working collaboratively, do not respond well to the lecture, often do not communicate effectively by traditional standards, require information individually tailored to them, and require technology that is available to use. These characteristics of Gen Ns indicate that instructional designers in schools or the workplace should make appropriate adjustments ...
136 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a prospective entrepreneurship training model based on experiential learning which will enable the "production" of small business owners or entrepreneurs which is not being achieved by the current methods.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a prospective entrepreneurship training model based on experiential learning which will enable the “production” of small business owners or entrepreneurs which is not being achieved by the current methods.Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper. It analyses the current approaches in use, identifying inherent weaknesses and the gaps that need to be filled. Through literature reviews and case cites it provides a model that integrates experiential learning into entrepreneurship education.Findings – The paper shows that appropriate experiential training can truly be integrated into entrepreneurship education in South Africa as in disciplines such as engineering or nursing.Research limitation/implications – The model needs to be test implemented to find its efficacy. Just like any model, it may need refinement.Originality/value – The prospective model is an attempt to produce entrepreneurs and small business owners. This is critical in South Af...
114 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a quantitative review of the Polish students' reflections on the experience of enterprise within the Starting a New Enterprise (SANE) course, which was developed to provide entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of the business planning process.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to appraise the delivery of an enterprise education course to a cohort of Polish students evaluating its impact in encouraging entrepreneurial activity. The Polish economy continues its expansion with adoption of free market economies post communism. To encourage this growth, entrepreneurial activity must be encouraged within the next generation of entrepreneurs namely the student community. The course entitled Starting a New Enterprise (SANE) was developed to provide entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of the business planning process. The enterprise education literature questions its effectiveness in encouraging entrepreneurial activity. This study profiles the SANE course focusing on students entrepreneurial motivations, prior experiences and future intent.Design/methodology/approach – This study presents a quantitative review of the Polish students' reflections on the experience of enterprise within the SANE course. The basis for this investigation involved two semi‐structur...
103 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present research findings on the relationship between culture and learning styles, as defined by Honey and Mumford in a Higher Education setting, with first semester students studying in an International Institute of Higher Education.
Abstract: – This paper seeks to present research findings on the relationship between culture and learning styles, as defined by Honey and Mumford in a Higher Education setting., – The research was conducted with first semester students studying in an International Institute of Higher Education. A questionnaire administered to students (n=113) of Indonesian, Chinese and French origin was analysed in order to compare their learning style preferences. This was followed by a detailed item‐by‐item analysis of their responses to the same questionnaire., – In the first instance, the data support a relationship between learning styles preferences and cultural background at the outset of a programme of Higher Education. Subsequent analysis provides insight into the nature of these differences., – The generalizability of the research findings is limited owing to the nature of the sample., – Educators in both Higher Education and business settings can draw on these research findings. It is suggested that allowing incoming students to explore learning style differences will enhance their understanding of how they go about learning as well as possibly influence their learning outcomes. Parallels have been drawn with incoming international employees., – These findings have relevance for educators, both in Higher Education and in industry, concerned with how to best develop international graduates and managers.
101 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the contradictions in the current maritime education and training system (MET), which is based on competency-based education, training and assessment, and theorize the failure to make the training useful.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the contradictions in the current maritime education and training system (MET), which is based on competency‐based education, training and assessment, and to theorize the failure to make the training useful.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of education and training in the international maritime domain was conducted. Data sources include historical documents, rules and regulations concerning MET, syllabi, handouts, sample questions, field notes, an ethnographic study in a maritime college and interviews conducted with experienced mariners and course lecturer.Findings – There are contradictions in the education and training system that do not allow the targeted objectives to be fulfilled. Fundamentally, the assessment system has changed the objectives of the education and training practices from learning skills and knowledge required on‐board ships to passing competency examinations.Practical implications – The practical implication of this resea...
80 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire about entrepreneurship education was designed and piloted and then faxed to all Hong Kong secondary schools, inviting teachers teaching business related subjects and those in charge of extra-curricular activities to complete it.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to give a picture of the entrepreneurship education programs currently provided in Hong Kong secondary schools, to present teachers' evaluations of the effectiveness of the programs offered, and to point out the factors that hinder the development of entrepreneurship education in Hong Kong secondary schools.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire about entrepreneurship education was designed and piloted and then faxed to all Hong Kong secondary schools, inviting teachers teaching business related subjects and those in charge of extra‐curricular activities to complete it. One hundred and twenty‐eight usable questionnaires were received, which gave a valid response rate of 31 percent. Close‐ended and multiple‐choice questions were adopted to maintain readability of the questionnaire and encourage participation. As the participants of the quantitative research did not have the opportunity to elaborate their responses, in‐depth phone interviews were conducted.Findings – Half of...
70 citations
TL;DR: A method of teaching that is based on Novak's concept‐mapping technique is described, which facilitates quick and easy measures of student knowledge‐change so that teachers can identify the parts of the curriculum that are being understood and those that are not.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to describe a method of teaching that is based on Novak's concept‐mapping technique.Design/methodology/approach – The paper shows how concept mapping can be used to measure prior knowledge and how simple mapping exercises can promote the integration of teachers' and students' understandings in ways that are meaningful.Findings – The concept‐mapping method facilitates quick and easy measures of student knowledge‐change so that teachers can identify the parts of the curriculum that are being understood and those that are not. This is possible even among very large student groups in the 50‐minute slots that are allocated to so much teaching in higher education.Research limitations/implications – Concept mapping is discussed in the wider context of student learning style. The styles literature has been criticised because it tends to encourage undue labelling of people or behaviours. The approach described here also uses “labels” to typify learning (using the terms non‐learning and ro...
65 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the level of benefit to learning through developing strong links between universities and industry, and suggest a methodology for building bridges between university and industry that provides a full learning experience for students.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of benefit to learning through developing strong links between universities and industry, and to suggest a methodology for building bridges between university and industry that provides a full learning experience for students.Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach which included the development of interactive projects that join students with industry, and follow‐up questionnaire surveys of the outcomes, carried out among students and businesses.Findings – It was found that both parties feel that they benefit from building bridges between universities and industry, and data from this research are reported on in greater detail in the latter part of this articleResearch limitations/implications – Research is limited to students following the Manufacturing Management and Quality Systems courses within the Industrial Engineering Department of the Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, over a one year period.Practical implications – Provides ev...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify and explain the behaviour and intentions of students in their decision to start entrepreneurial activities and establish an enterprise, and identify whether students in tertiary level institutions in Ireland display the personality traits of an entrepreneur.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the paper aims to identify and explain the behaviour and intentions of students in their decision to start entrepreneurial activities and establish an enterprise. Second, the paper aims to identify whether students in tertiary level institutions in Ireland display the personality traits of an entrepreneur, which are necessary to found an enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – In order to implement the study linkages with Ireland's Network of Teachers and Researchers in Entrepreneurship was utilized in the formation of a database. This resulted in a stratified random sample of tertiary level institutions being collected. Data were collected from 248 randomly chosen third‐level students.Findings – The study presents some encouraging findings concerning the intentions of students to start a business. Some 82 per cent of respondents have had some thoughts or have started with the realisation and founded a business. This indicates that even at a young ag...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce a selection of papers on the subject of graduate training and development, covering current trends and issues, and identify developments in the field of training for graduates, recruitment, their transition to work, and their continuous development.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a selection of papers on the subject of graduate training and development, covering current trends and issues.Design/methodology/approach – The paper outlines the special issue which identifies developments in the field of training for graduates, recruitment, their transition to work, and their continuous development.Findings – The papers discuss various ways that generational differences play in competitiveness and success among graduates and it is argued that “Generation Y” possess very different characteristics from their predecessor generations. Companies have become more wise to recruitment, managing the pool of talent with potential positions in mind.Originality/value – This paper, a part of the special issue, considers recent developments in the field of graduate recruitment and development.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an assessment of business educational reform requirements in China, in the light of current employability needs, and propose reform proposals for reforming the business education curriculum.
Abstract: – The purpose of this article is to provide an assessment of business educational reform requirements in China, in the light of current employability needs., – After introducing the problem the paper discusses labour market demands for business graduates. The paper continues with a thorough conceptualisation of the concept of employability and current notions on career development, and concludes with proposals for reforming the business education curriculum., – Employability enhancement should be an integrated activity that is undertaken in close collaboration between different parties, and to eliminate recruitment bottlenecks, policies that affect both graduates' suitability and labour requirements are needed., – The paper is a useful source of information and advice for educators, employers, and business education students planning to invest in their future employability. The paper is meant to evoke discussion and to stimulate curriculum reform efforts., – This paper focuses on current labour market demands and offers insights for educational institutions engaged in optimizing curricula.
TL;DR: In this article, a modified Process Framework for Entrepreneurship education is presented focusing specifically on ICT and the primary components of the Process Framework are described (inputs, process and content, assessment and outputs) to assist in the design of relevant and targeted entrepreneurship education courses.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the requirements for an industry sector approach to entrepreneurship education – the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. A modified Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education is presented focusing specifically on ICT. The primary components of the Process Framework are described (inputs, process and content, assessment and outputs) to assist in the design of relevant and targeted entrepreneurship education courses to create an entrepreneurial mindset for graduates in this sector. This Framework can be modified to suit courses focusing on other industry sectors.Design/methodology/approach – Based on experiential learning and industry sector knowledge, an existing Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education is modified.Findings – The Process Framework for Entrepreneurship Education can be modified for a specific sector. Inputs to the process include the personal profiles and personality characteristics of the students. The rec...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate why students work during their degree program, what influences their choice of employment, and examine students' perception of their ability to balance work and study.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is to investigate why students work during their degree programme, what influences their choice of employment and to examine students' perception of their ability to balance work and study.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was completed by 42 first‐ and second‐year students from a single degree programme at the end of Semester 2.Findings – Within this group 83 per cent of students worked at some point during term‐time of their degree programme. In total 58 per cent of those students who worked did so to either cover or contribute to basic costs of living. While the majority of students felt they could balance work and study, half of all students questioned felt that working could have a negative impact on their degree classification.Research limitations/implications – This is a small study, limited to students from one degree programme. This study did not focus on the positive aspects offered to students by employment.Practical implications – Students can no lon...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the emotional competence of first year undergraduates enrolled on a high or low dropout rate (HDR and LDR) course, at a newly established university within the UK.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the emotional competence of first year undergraduates enrolled on a high or low drop‐out rate (HDR and LDR, respectively) course, at a newly established university within the UK.Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was used. The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) established participants' emotional competence, and semi‐structured interviews were used to probe the findings from the TEIQue.Findings – The results indicate that typical HDR course participants have high self‐esteem and a good level of interpersonal skills, but are controlled by their emotions and exhibit an external locus of control. This manifests itself in a distrust of peers as a source of support and a reactive attitude to self‐improvement. Typical LDR course participants have low self‐esteem and a good level of intrapersonal skills, but have developed the ability to control their emotions and...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify key factors influencing employee learning from the perspective of owners/managers, which can be classified into four main themes: factors in the external business environment; factors in work environment; learning potential of the job itself; and learning orientations of employees.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to identify key factors influencing employee learning from the perspective of owners/managers.Design/methodology/research – Data were gathered from owners/managers in a total of 27 small manufacturing and services firms through interviews and analysed using content analytic procedures.Findings – The research found that the key factors influencing employee learning could be categorised into four main themes: factors in the external business environment; factors in the work environment; learning potential of the job itself; and learning orientations of employees.Research limitations/implications – Categorisation of the factors produces a preliminary framework that might guide future research. The factors identified in this study need to be supplemented by factors identified through further research to develop a comprehensive framework.Practical implications – The findings could assist in raising owners'/managers' awareness of the key factors influencing employee lea...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify how pedagogy can inhibit students in making the transition to graduate entrepreneurship and present evidence of the need to allow students the opportunity to apply entrepreneurial learning to their individual life experiences in order to reasonably venture into entrepreneurial activity.
Abstract: Purpose With the unbridled demand for entrepreneurship in higher education, the purpose of this paper is to identify how pedagogy can inhibit students in making the transition to graduate entrepreneurship. Along the way, the concept of what and who is a graduate entrepreneur is challenged. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports upon the pragmatic development of enterprise programmes in Ireland and Australia. Despite different starting points, a convergence of purpose as to what can be realistically expected of enterprise education has emerged. Findings This study reinforces the shift away from commercialisation strategies associated with entrepreneurial action towards developing essential life skills as core to any university programme and key to developing entrepreneurial capacity among students. Despite similar government intervention, university policy and student demand for practical-based entrepreneurial learning in both cases, graduates tend not to engage in immediate entrepreneurial action due to the lack of fit between their programme of study and individual resource profiles, suggesting that graduate entrepreneurship is more than child's play. Practical implications There are practical implications for educationalists forced to consider the effectiveness of their enterprise teachings, and cautionary evidence for those charged with providing support services for graduates. Originality/value Given the evolutionary approaches used at the University of Tasmania to develop students as "reasonable adventurers" and at the University of Ulster to develop "the enterprising mindset" the paper presents evidence of the need to allow students the opportunity to apply entrepreneurial learning to their individual life experiences in order to reasonably venture into entrepreneurial activity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the possible implications for graduate employability of the economic changes which are affecting the UK in the wake of the "credit crunch" and explore the changing economic context and its implications both for HEIs and for graduates starting their careers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible implications for graduate employability of the economic changes which are affecting the UK in the wake of the “credit crunch”. It explores the changing economic context and its implications both for HEIs and for graduates starting their careers.Design/methodology/approach – The article uses current surveys and analysis of the graduate employment market, the labour market and the economy in general to identify and comment on possible trends and scenarios.Findings – There appear to be variations between general media coverage of “the state of the UK economy”, which tend to emphasise bad news and survey data, which suggest that the outlook for graduate career prospects and employability remains reasonably strong. The article comments on the increasing connections between enterprise and employability which are being made by universities and summarises current developments in graduate employability and enterprising learning in order to assess how w...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the attempts to implement the challenges of teaching enterprise to science and engineering students by the embedding approach chosen by the White Rose Centre for Enterprise (WRCE), one of the centres formed under the Science Engineering Challenge in the UK.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to focus on the attempts to implement the challenges of teaching enterprise to science and engineering students by the embedding approach chosen by the White Rose Centre for Enterprise (WRCE), one of the centres formed under the Science Engineering Challenge in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – WRCE's objective was to have departmental science and engineering staff teach enterprise modules as part of their overall departmental teaching and to have such modules integrated into the course provision. The WRCE approach emphasized the value of giving students some real life or simulated “real” experience and of developing a strand or track of enterprise through the years of the course.Findings – The general propositions of WRCE are reviewed in the light of the outcomes in a number of departments, but most specifically within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sheffield, which would claim to be one of the most successful departmental interventions of WRCE. Whilst good examp...
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of interviews were held with HR managers, line managers from the various functional areas who directly supervise graduates, as well as at least one graduate participating in each of the development programmes.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this article is to illustrate how employers have used more innovative “localised” strategies to address what appears to be “globalised” problems of attracting and retaining high calibre applicants with the appropriate “work ready” skills.Design/methodology/approach – A series of interviews were held with HR managers, line managers from the various functional areas who directly supervise graduates, as well as at least one graduate participating in each of the development programmes.Findings – The findings indicated that SMEs might struggle to meet graduate expectations on pay, but they appeared to provide effective mentoring and succession planning. This may further add weight to the argument that employers, especially SMEs, will use different strategies and have different priorities in comparison to larger global organisations. Overall, the paper concludes that sector is an important differentiating factor in terms of recruiting, developing and retaining graduates.Research limitations...
TL;DR: The Backpack-to-Briefcase project as mentioned in this paper established a set of prototype career development learning strategies for Australian university career services, with the aim of contributing to their services for supporting students and graduates to make a smoother transition into graduate employment and the world of work.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to overview the Backpack‐to‐Briefcase project which established a set of prototype career development learning strategies for Australian university career services, with the aim of contributing to their services for supporting students and graduates to make a smoother transition into graduate employment and the world‐of‐work.Design/methodology/approach – A case study analysis of the development and implementation of three career development learning interventions is described. These interventions include: employability skills workshops for students; career mentoring for students; and services to small and medium sized employers to support their recruitment and induction of new graduates into their worksites.Findings – The prototype interventions developed in the project extended the work of the university's Career Service. The interventions were judged as having the capacity to be readily implemented by university career services. A key outcome was the success of the...
TL;DR: In this paper, qualitative evidence was found for managerial style preferences in accordance with cognitive styles, leading to various ways of decision making, conflict handling, and giving feedback, and the results can be linked to contextual elements and to managerial performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute further insights into how cognitive styles influence managerial behaviour, using a qualitative approach.Design/methodology/approach – Written testimonies were gathered from people with different cognitive styles, and content analysed (n=100).Findings – Qualitative evidence was found for managerial style preferences in accordance with cognitive styles, leading to various ways of decision making, conflict handling, and giving feedback.Research limitations/implications – Future research should explore how these results can be linked to contextual elements and to managerial performance.Practical implications – This study contributes to increased managerial style awareness, which is important for intrapersonal development and interpersonal cooperation.Originality/value – This is one of a few studies that have sought to qualitatively grasp the implications of having a particular cognitive style. It provides relevant insights into task‐ and people‐oriented man...
TL;DR: The authors in this article found that BME graduate entrepreneurs were diverse in terms of their characteristics: size, gender, ethnicity and when they started the business, and almost all interviewees had worked for someone before they started their business.
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to profile the characteristics and entrepreneurial motivations of graduate entrepreneurs from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. The authors found that: BME graduate entrepreneurs were diverse in terms of their characteristics: size, gender, ethnicity and when they started the business. Almost all interviewees had worked for someone before they started their business. The two most compelling motivations for start up were 'being your own boss', especially for Indians and Bangladeshis; and making more money (31%), in particular for African Caribbeans. Over half of interviewees started a business in a sector in which they had prior experience, knowledge or skills. Two thirds of interviewees obtained advice from family and friends, while just over a third had completed any kind of training or course. This study has provided an insight into characteristics and entrepreneurial motivations of BME graduate entrepreneurs. Though the results of this study are indicative, there is a compelling case for further research into this relatively unexplored group.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore to what extent there are variations in the development of graduates once in employment, and what extent these variations can be explained by differences in the higher education systems; and what the current moves towards greater harmonisation between these systems might mean for graduates' continuing professional development in employment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore to what extent there are variations in the development of graduates once in employment; to what extent these variations can be explained by differences in the higher education systems; and what the current moves towards greater harmonisation between these systems might mean for graduates' continuing professional development in employment.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from the graduating cohort of 1999/2000 across 11 European countries, five years after graduation. The views of higher education providers and employers on graduates in the knowledge society were investigated in a smaller sub‐set of countries.Findings – There are differences in the incidence and length of UK graduates' initial training in employment compared to all graduates which can be explained, in part, by the traditionally looser “fit” between higher education and employment in the UK (compared to many continental European countries). Five years after graduation, UK ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the individual processes involved in apprentices' decisions to remain in their apprenticeship and investigated five individual domains: motivation style (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation); coping style (emotion focused and problem focused); apprentice experiences (satisfaction, work conditions, expectations, formal training and recognition); financial responsibility; and demographic factors (age, geographic location, education/training and organisational tenure).
Abstract: Purpose – In response to both the increasing concern of the declining rates of apprentices and the limited research in this area, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the individual processes involved in apprentices' decisions to remain in their apprenticeship.Design/methodology/approach – Specifically, five individual domains were investigated: motivation style (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation); coping style (emotion‐focused and problem‐focused); apprentice experiences (satisfaction, work conditions, expectations, formal training and recognition); financial responsibility; and demographic factors (age, geographic location, education/training and organisational tenure). Three measures were used to assess these five domains: the work preference inventory, the brief cope and the apprentice experience questionnaire. A total of 326 male participants were recruited from Victoria and Queensland.Findings – Logistic regression was performed to determine if motivation style, coping style, apprentice expe...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the needs and preferences for training among growth-oriented women-owned SMEs in the East of England and found that only one fourth of respondents received growthoriented training in the previous two years, with an average duration of 3-5 days per year.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training among growth-oriented women-owned SMEs in the East of England.
Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative data were collected through 108 on-line questionnaires, and the means analysed using SPSS. Qualitative data collected in response to open-ended questions were inductively analysed and interpreted.
Findings – Only one fourth of respondents received growth-oriented training in the previous two years, with an average duration of 3-5 days per year. Programmes most in demand concerned innovation and opportunity recognition, business evaluation and growth considerations, developing strategic customers and customers care, customer relationship management, as well as selling, networking and negotiation skills. High demand for these programmes corresponds to others results identifying contributory factors to higher enterprise performance and growth: product/service quality, new product/service development, appropriate marketing, effective use of websites, selling skills and informal networking.
Research limitations/implications – The scope of the project is limited to service sectors and sole proprietorships. Geographic scope is limited to the East of England. These limits nonetheless provide a reasonable base and rationale for the scope of the study.
Practical implications – With a better understanding of the capacity building requirements of women entrepreneurs in growth businesses, appropriately designed training programmes can be developed to help women achieve higher levels of entrepreneurial success.
Originality/value – The study offers original primary research into the contributory growth factors for women-owned enterprises in a representative area of Britain, identifies key issues, maps survival and success factors, and assesses women entrepreneurs' training needs and preferences.
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of the pressures to adopt new technologies and the existence of specialist technology skills was conducted of small ICT oriented firms in the West Midlands region of the UK.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore, though a survey and two short case studies, the issues smaller firms face with the adoption of new technologies.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of the pressures to adopt new technologies and the existence of specialist technology skills was conducted of small ICT oriented firms in the West Midlands region of the UK. This provides background context for short case studies of two firms and the issues they faced with the adoption of new technologies.Findings – Pressure to adopt new technologies largely emanated from within the small firms surveyed. Those firms with IT educated owner‐manager were perhaps better able to evaluate and respond to that pressure. This is further illustrated in the case studies which show what can happen where an owner‐manager is or is not willing to listen, learn and provide appropriate resources to ensure the smooth adoption and implementation of new technologies.Research limitations/implications – While a range of factors ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present empirical evidence outlining the ways in which small businesses orientate themselves towards the training market, and suggest that the small firm's behaviour in relation to the training markets is embedded in a complex web of social relations and subjective orientations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence outlining the ways in which small businesses orientate themselves towards the training market. The primary aim is to illuminate the factors influencing small firms' (non‐) participation in formal, externally‐provided training.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews with senior managers, observation and documentary analysis in 25 small firms in South Wales. Follow‐up interviews with employees were conducted in nine of these firms.Findings – The findings suggest that the small firm's behaviour in relation to the training market is embedded in a complex web of social relations and subjective orientations.Research limitations/implications – The research focuses upon one specific regional area. In addition, retail organisations were not represented in the sample.Practical implications – The findings have implications for policy and also for providers of training in terms of the way in which formal trai...