Showing papers in "Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development in 2008"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the perceived influence that various entrepreneurship education courses have had on a cohort of 64 graduate entrepreneurs from eight HEIs in the UK and find that graduate needs for entrepreneurship education do not match actual outcomes in terms of entrepreneurial skills, knowledge, and attitudes.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that entrepreneurship education can have on entrepreneurial outcomes. The author aims to investigate the perceived influence that various entrepreneurship education courses have had on a cohort of 64 graduate entrepreneurs from eight HEIs in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured, in‐depth telephone interviews were conducted annually over a ten year period (1997 to 2006) to document, measure and analyse respondent progression from graduation and into entrepreneurship.Findings – Results indicate that graduate needs for entrepreneurship education do not match actual outcomes in terms of entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and attitudes. This mismatch influences an entrepreneur's perceptions of actual and future educational needs. Most of the graduate entrepreneurs, however, seem to be satisfied with the outcomes of their entrepreneurship education, both in relative and in absolute terms.Practical implications – The findings provide val...
474 citations
TL;DR: This paper explored the relationship between general education, specific forms of entrepreneurial education and a range of entrepreneurial activities through an analysis of peer-reviewed research published in a wide range of journals and proceedings between 1995 and 2006.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between general education, specific forms of entrepreneurial education and a range of entrepreneurial activities.Design/methodology/approach – The relationships were investigated through an analysis of peer‐reviewed research published in a wide range of journals and proceedings between 1995 and 2006.Findings – Findings suggest strong evidence supporting the relationship between levels of general education and several entrepreneurial success measures. The findings are less clear in regards to the link between general education and the choice to become an entrepreneur. The findings linking specific programs of entrepreneurship education to entrepreneurship, although ambiguous, suggest a positive link between such education and both the choice to become an entrepreneur and subsequent entrepreneurial success.Research limitations/implications – The review of research suggests four implications for existing research: a need for increased researc...
428 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between Chinese university students' higher educational background and their entrepreneurial intentions using structural equation modeling and found that diversity of educational background offers plausible explanations on the difference of entrepreneurial intentions.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between Chinese university students' higher educational background and their entrepreneurial intentions.Design/methodology/approach – The TPB model was adopted and tested for the formation of Chinese university students' entrepreneurial intentions using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from students of Tongji University in Shanghai, China.Findings – The main results of this empirical research suggest that diversity of educational background offers plausible explanations on the difference of entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese university students. Higher educational institutions should develop more flexible approaches with focus on different groups of students in accordance with their various educational backgrounds.Practical implications – In response to the change of graduate labour market and the quest for sustainable competitive advantage in China, higher educational institutions have to integrate the change of mind...
406 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used social cognitive theory to investigate entrepreneurial intent among participants in graduate entrepreneurship programs and found that high scores on a creativity test and prior entrepreneurial experiences are positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions, whereas perception of risks has a negative influence.
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to use social cognitive theory to investigate entrepreneurial intent among participants in graduate entrepreneurship programs. Specifically, the authors test whether students' creative potential is related to their intention to engage in entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach - Theoretically derived hypotheses are tested using multiple and ordinal regression analyses. Findings - High scores on a creativity test and prior entrepreneurial experiences are positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions, whereas perception of risks has a negative influence. Research limitations/implications - The authors' theoretical predictors of entrepreneurial intention received strong support, indicating that creativity should be considered in models of entrepreneurial intentions. However, the use of intentions as dependent variable has its own weaknesses in that it may not distinguish between "dreamers" and "doers". Practical implications - The findings indicate that exercises in creativity can be used to raise the entrepreneurial intentions of students in entrepreneurship education. Heterogeneity in creative styles among students also points to the problems of a "one-size-fits-all" approach to entrepreneurship education. Originality/value - The paper is the first to investigate the importance of creativity in entrepreneurship education and theoretical models of entrepreneurial intentions.
371 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the reasons behind the significant gender gaps observed in entrepreneurial interest among adolescents, and test multiple models that analyze direct and indirect relationships between work and leadership experience, presence of a parental role model, self-efficacy, and interest by teens in becoming entrepreneurs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons behind the significant gender gaps observed in entrepreneurial interest among adolescents. Specifically, the authors aim to test multiple models that analyze direct and indirect relationships between work and leadership experience, presence of a parental role model, self‐efficacy, and interest by teens in becoming entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of over 5,000 middle and high school students participated in the larger study from which the data were drawn. Participants completed measures of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, entrepreneurial intentions, work and leadership experience, and parental entrepreneurial role model. The authors analyzed the data using structural equation modeling.Findings – While the study confirmed previous empirical findings regarding the antecedents of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions, significant differences across gender emerged. First, while boys and girls hold jobs outsi...
203 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of prior start-up experience as a source of learning in the entrepreneurial process is examined with respect to a compariso- compariso comparision of three learning outcomes.
Abstract: This paper aims to present a study of the role of prior start-up experience as a source of learning in the entrepreneurial process. Three learning outcomes are examined with respect to a compariso ...
188 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify role typologies and argue that teaching entrepreneurship needs to produce a combination of the creative talents of the artist, the skills and ability of the artisan, yet include the applied knowledge of the technician with the know-what of the professional.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the context, approach and teaching techniques used for entrepreneurship education need to reflect the different roles that encompass enterprise., – The authors analyse and reflect upon what attributes, qualities, skills and knowledge are required for the different roles involved in entrepreneurship., – From the analysis the authors identify role typologies and argue that teaching entrepreneurship needs to produce a combination of the creative talents of the artist, the skills and ability of the artisan, yet include the applied knowledge of the technician with the know‐what of the professional. The authors then present some examples of pedagogies in entrepreneurship that might be used to develop the skills required for these roles., – The authors demonstrate why the teaching of entrepreneurship requires a combination of theory and practice., – The paper shows that a different approach to understanding entrepreneurial pedagogy may be useful for educators and students.
134 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative research study summarizes and analyzes interviews with 149 established entrepreneurs and small business owners regarding their perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of their endeavors, and on providing advice to prospective new venture creators.
Abstract: Purpose – Guidance from successful individuals can be valuable to prospective and nascent entrepreneurs, as well as writers and instructors in the field. This paper seeks to confirm contemporary entrepreneurship concepts, examine current perceptions, and expand the knowledge base by exploring established entrepreneurship perceptions through first‐hand accounts of successful small business owners.Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research study summarizes and analyzes interviews with 149 established entrepreneurs and small business owners regarding their perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of their endeavors, and on providing advice to prospective new venture creators.Findings – The research revealed that entrepreneurs enjoy the independence, freedom, job satisfaction, and money, but believe the long hours, stress, responsibility, risk, and lack of company benefits are drawbacks of entrepreneurial activity. The findings largely support previous research in the field, while clarifyi...
124 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on business development success in SMEs and build a framework for a business development project success in a SME context, which is based on data from four SMEs that have implemented a business-development project.
Abstract: Purpose – There are not many answers to the question of how the development projects launched to improve business performance in SMEs have succeeded. This study focuses on business development success in SMEs. The main objective is to structure and model the success dimensions that contribute to and can be used in evaluating the business development success in SMEs.Design/methodology/approach – The study utilises multiple case study methodology, following the replication approach. The empirical evidence is based on data from four SMEs that have implemented a business development project. Two of the projects were perceived as successful and the other two as unsuccessful.Findings – This study builds a framework for a business development project success in a SME context. In the SME context the business development project success seems to be dependent on several interrelated dimensions. Success in one area leads to success in other areas, and so creates an upward success spiral. Failure in one area seems to...
120 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the factors which can modify risk perception, placing special emphasis on those arising from the coincidence of ownership and management in family businesses, and found that risk perception decreases with the presence of the first generation and the size of these organisations.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper has as its aim to research the factors affecting the risk perceived by family firm executives in relation to international activity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the factors which can modify risk perception, placing special emphasis on those arising from the coincidence of ownership and management in family businesses.Findings – Focus on the international commitment assumed by family firms and using a sample of 92 Spanish family companies, this paper shows that risk perception decreases with the presence of the first generation and the size of these organisations. Additionally, it has been found that the risk perceived is higher when the firm advances in its international commitment level.Practical implications – If family firms know the factors which can affect the risk perceived about international activity, they will stand a better chance to handle them properly with a view to move forward in their internationalisation process.Originality/value – An effort is mad...
105 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the profile of the potential entrepreneur student in what concerns the personal attributes and motivations for start-ups' creation, and identify some important characteristics that are common in entrepreneurs.
Abstract: – This paper aims to identify the profile of the potential entrepreneur student in what concerns the personal attributes and motivations for start‐ups' creation., – A review of literature related to the entrepreneur profile is made in order to justify the importance of the theme. Through some studies it was possible to identify a diversity of works and authors that present some aspects which contribute to the characterisation of entrepreneur individuals. The present research uses primary data obtained by means of a questionnaire, involving a sample of students, which were currently engaged in a graduation course at the University of Beira Interior. The questionnaire was administrated by interviews conducted in the classrooms of the University's faculties. The collected data were submitted to a multivariate statistical analysis., – Research findings include the existence of a typology of two distinct groups of students, respectively designated by “The accommodated independents” and “The confidents”, according to the most outstanding characteristics related with several attributes and motivations presented by each of them., – The identification of the entrepreneurs' characteristics and the knowledge of the potential business creator students' profile may be important for the development of an adequate educational programme directed to the entrepreneurship education and start‐up processes., – The paper identifies some important characteristics that are common in entrepreneurs. The findings could be used both to promote entrepreneurship in our education systems and to identify the best practices.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the relationship between Turkish entrepreneurs' cultural attributes and the entrepreneurial behavior of their firms, and identify those cultural attributes of the ethnic entrepreneurs that need to be aligned with the wider economic environment of the host country.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to evaluate the relationship between Turkish entrepreneurs' cultural attributes and the entrepreneurial behaviour of their firms.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face‐to‐face structured interviews with Turkish entrepreneurs.Findings – This study illustrates that there is a strong relationship between the religion of an entrepreneur and the firm's recruitment, market segmentation and advice‐seeking practices. The English fluency of the entrepreneurs also influences their choice of using formal channels for advice.Research limitations/implications – Data collection was limited to London, and non‐Turkish entrepreneurs were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample.Practical implications – This paper identifies those cultural attributes of the ethnic entrepreneurs that need to be aligned with the wider economic environment of the host country.Originality/value – This study focuses on the most c...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine one aspect of Chinese culture, guanxi Guanxi, "special relationships" has long been employed to facilitate business in China and ask whether this is likely to continue in the rapidly changing environment.
Abstract: Purpose – This article aims to examine one aspect of Chinese culture, guanxi Guanxi, “special relationships” has long been employed to facilitate business in China The authors ask whether this is likely to continue in the rapidly changing environment China's long history of insularity has created a culture and business environment considered to be uniquely based on Confucian values Yet in the last couple of decades China has opened its doors to globalisation These forces, in conjunction with what many see as Confucian dynamism of Chinese entrepreneurship, have generated economic growth levels in excess of 11 per cent per annum This blending of the old and the new raises questions about how practices may be changingDesign/methodology/approach – The authors employed a survey of two groups; middle managers in Hong Kong and young middle class in mainland China These groups represent the modern, Hong Kong as westernised; the old, but with new perspectives, the affluent middle classes of present day Chi
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors investigated structural characteristics of a business network comprising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and explored the relationships between such network characteristics and innovative capabilities of the participating firms.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate structural characteristics of a business network comprising small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and to explore the relationships between such network characteristics and innovative capabilities of the participating firms.Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts a survey approach and conducts empirical analysis by drawing data from 92 firms operating in the packaging and printing industry in Shantou City, Guangdong Province.Findings – In relation to the participating firms' innovative capabilities, density, reciprocity and multiplicity of the business network are figured out as factors with positive association, while hypotheses concerning intensity, non‐redundancy and betweenness of the network are not supported.Research limitations/implications – The authors only conducted a survey in a single industry in one location. Thus the extent to which the results of this study can be generalized remains to be further investigated.Practical implications – Sma...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse to what extent compulsory school education in Germany and Sweden facilitates a more entrepreneurial way of thinking among pupils and present a holistic approach based on a model by Dahlgren.
Abstract: Purpose – The question arises whether entrepreneurship education will be able to facilitate the entrepreneurial attitude in the near future. Unfortunately, the decisive role of compulsory schooling has long been neglected in this context. Until recently it was considered sufficient to provide education in entrepreneurship in universities (especially in the area of Business Administration) or in the form of special courses for people who consider starting their own business. Picking up the discussion at this point, the purpose of this paper is to analyse to what extent compulsory school education in Germany and Sweden facilitates a more entrepreneurial way of thinking among pupils.Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper briefly summarises the relevant research literature and specify important components of entrepreneurship education. Second, it discusses what exactly is to be understood by entrepreneurial qualities and present a holistic approach based on a model by Dahlgren. Third, it describes the...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate whether two unconventional experiential courses, with the style and content that the authors would like to have experienced before becoming entrepreneurs, can be successfully grafted on to the more conventional offerings of a large university business school.
Abstract: Purpose – There is wide consensus on the importance of experiential entrepreneurship education. The purpose of this article is to investigate whether two unconventional experiential courses, with the style and content that the authors would like to have experienced before becoming entrepreneurs, can be successfully grafted on to the more conventional offerings of a large university business school.Design/methodology/approach – The authors create learning by allowing a small group of students with serious business ideas to actually be entrepreneurs (rather than pretending to be) as they evaluate, optimize, and start running their businesses within the university course structure. All distractions from these goals, such as formal business plans and academic exercises, are removed, and direct contact with outside stakeholders is strongly emphasized. Fellow‐students and the instructor provide constant feedback and ideas to adapt and improve the businesses.Findings – The courses meet a variety of accepted expe...
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of 651 SMEs from the manufacturing sector of Pakistan was conducted in 2003 and statistical analysis was carried out to analyze the data and the relationship between the health indicators namely, sales/employee, increase/decrease in sales, and investment plans and the different personal characteristics of the owner/entrepreneur.
Abstract: Purpose – A major frustration for most policy researchers in the small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) area is the virtual non‐existence of scientific data on this sector in the country. This paper aims to provide some data.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 651 SMEs from the manufacturing sector of Pakistan was conducted in 2003 and statistical analysis was carried out to analyze the data. This paper focuses on the relationship between the health indicators namely, sales/employee, increase/decrease in sales, and investment plans and the different personal characteristics of the owner/entrepreneur.Findings – This analysis suggests that education, generation setting up the business, and number of partners have a significant relationship with the health of SMEs. Health of the firm is also dependent on owner habits like watching television, reading newspapers and using computers for office work. Other factors like caste of the owner and occupation of the owner's relatives were also analyzed, but no s...
TL;DR: In this article, an exploratory study aims to provide fresh insights into the ownership transfer of private family firms through internal management buyout (MBO) and external management buy-in (MBI) succession routes.
Abstract: Purpose – This exploratory study aims to provide fresh insights into the ownership transfer of private family firms through internal management buy‐out (MBO) and external management buy‐in (MBI) succession routes. The paper aims to explore if flows of information impact the succession planning process and if the nature of succession planning impacts the business sale negotiation process relating to family firms that select MBO/MBI succession routes.Design/methodology/approach – Guided by insights from agency theory and theories relating to information asymmetries and negotiation behaviour six hypotheses were derived. Private family firms that had received venture capital and the MBO/I deals had been completed between 1994 and 2003 were identified. A structured survey was administered to 117 senior members of acquiring MBO/I management teams after the deal had been completed in several European countries. Non‐parametric chi‐square tests and Mann‐Whitney “U” tests were used to test the presented hypotheses....
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify and explain a number of key criteria including: educational impact, financial sustainability, academic credibility, human capital, structural embeddedness, context and infrastructure, alignment with institutional strategy and policy, community engagement, and alignment with policy context and funding.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify criteria for assessing the viability of institutional strategies for enterprise education and to develop models that describe methods of organising enterprise education.Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies and explains a number of key criteria including: educational impact, financial sustainability, academic credibility, human capital, structural embeddedness, context and infrastructure, alignment with institutional strategy and policy, community engagement, and alignment with policy context and funding. The paper then considers a number of models. These models are separated into two clusters: single department‐led models and campus wide models. The evaluative criteria are applied to each model to explore the impact of particular strategies and the criteria are used to assess the long‐term viability of each model. The paper concludes by making judgements about each criteria and their usefulness for helping understand long‐term sustainability of enterpris...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted an exploratory study of the organizational life cycle and found that small firms are not only found in the first two life cycle stages, existence and survival, but also in the decline stage.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present the results of an exploratory study of the organizational life cycle. Rather than approaching the construct from a small‐ or large‐ firm perspective, a model appropriate for all organizations is employed.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was administered to 107 practicing managers to determine life cycle stage of their organizations and environmental scanning pursuits.Findings – The study revealed that small firms are not only found in the first two life cycle stages – existence and survival – but also in the decline stage. In addition, support was not found for environmental scanning patterns previously postulated in the literature.Practical implications – Managers of SMEs who wish to grow their organizations must understand the Gestalt changes necessary for successful progression to a large organization.Originality/value – One life cycle model is appropriate for all organizations and can be utilized as a transition guide for strategic managers who recognize that...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the research on internationalization in small firms and research on managerial behavior, and it aims to develop new research questions that can enhance the understanding of the interface between these two areas.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the research on internationalization in small firms and research on managerial behavior, and it aims to develop new research questions that can enhance the understanding of the interface between these two areas.Design/methodology/approach: A literature review of internationalization of small firms is carried out. It is concluded that understanding of managerial behavior in small international firms is in need of improvement. Therefore, the literature on managerial behavior is described, scrutinized and deployed in the context of small firms' internationalization.Findings: No previous research has combined the research on small-business internationalization and managerial behavior. Hypotheses that can be empirically tested and new research questions that can yield a better understanding of the internationalization processes in small firms are developed.Research limitations/implications: The hypotheses developed in this study have not yet been tested empirically. Further research is suggested to confirm and elaborate these propositions.Practical implications: As the propositions in this study are not tested their practical implications are limited at present. However, earlier research has shown that there is a link between managerial behavior and firm behavior. Managers may be inspired by the study to reflect upon this link and adjust their behavior in ways that can improve their firms' international development.Originality/value: In this paper the research on internationalization in small firms is merged with the research on managerial behavior. By adding knowledge from the latter research tradition, the understanding of small-firm internationalization should be advanced through raising novel issues and applying new methodological tools.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the impact of product launch, product advantage and market orientation on new product development performance and organisational performance in SMEs and identified several significant differences between the impact this article.
Abstract: Purpose – The importance of new product development to the survival and success of firms is well supported in the literature; however, few studies have investigated new product development in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to examine the impact of product launch, product advantage and market orientation on new product development performance and organisational performance in SMEs.Design/methodology/approach – This model was tested using data collected from 48 small and large sized firms in Ireland. Findings from 33 small and 15 large firms were compared, and a correlation analysis was used to establish the relationships defined in the model for both small and large firms.Findings – The study identified several significant differences between the impact of product launch, product advantage and market orientation on new product development and organisational performance in small and large firms. It also indicated several areas in which small firms can improve their new product and...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the change of R&D fiscal policies in China since 1978 and its impact on China's drive to become an innovation-oriented country by adopting an archive approach and undertakes an overview of the policy changes and their implications.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper intends to examine the change of R&D fiscal policies in China since 1978 and its impact on China's drive to become an innovation‐oriented country.Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts an archive approach and undertakes an overview of the policy changes and their implications.Findings – It is found that policy changes have gradually made enterprises the focal point of the national innovation system and that correspondingly a new financial and fiscal mechanism has been created to create incentives for innovation in firms.Originality/value – This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the changing financial and fiscal policies in support of technological innovation in China.
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual model was constructed as the initial step in this research for visualising and testing the relationship between owner/managers' personality styles, operational approaches and financial performance.
Abstract: Purpose – Despite the fact that the mentality of owner/managers is an important aspect of their personality characteristics no prior study has made any attempt to examine its possible impact on enterprise performance during various stages of growth. Therefore, based on a questionnaire survey conducted in Sri Lanka, this study attempts to examine this aspect of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature, a conceptual model was constructed as the initial step in this research for visualising and testing the relationship between owner/managers' personality styles, operational approaches and financial performance. The model was then extended to reflect the relationship between owner/manager's mentality styles and financial performance over all stages of enterprise growth.Findings – The results of the study show that there is a strong relationship between owner/managers' mentality and financial performance of their enterprises. Moreover, when owner/mana...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented empirical data on e-commerce development among small businesses in Sweden and found that a significant share of the studied firms have adopted internet technologies, but also that more than 70 per cent of the small businesses have more than five years of experience of e-Commerce.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore small business e‐commerce development and usage of the emerging ICT‐infrastructure for e‐commerce in Sweden. For more than a decade firms in countries with appropriate infrastructures in place have generally been able to exploit internet technologies for business purposes.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the results from a telephone survey on Swedish small businesses. The 160 firms surveyed were independent manufacturing firms in Sweden with a number of employees ranging from ten to 50 and a turnover not surpassing €10 million. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS.Findings – The paper presents empirical data on e‐commerce development among small businesses in Sweden. The study shows that a significant share of the studied firms have adopted internet technologies, but also that more than 70 per cent of the small businesses in the study have more than five years of experience of e‐commerce. The study finds that small businesses ...
TL;DR: In this paper, an activity theory framework for the analysis of entrepreneurs engaged in the creation of new business ventures (NBVs) is proposed. But it is based on the work of Engestrom.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to draw on the work of Engestrom to set out an activity theory framework for the analysis of entrepreneurs engaged in the creation of new business ventures (NBVs). Adopting an activity‐based approach involves analysing the actions of individual and groups that are mediated through a range of devices, including language and physical artefacts.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data are based on a small sample of “scholars” taking part in a UK government‐sponsored initiative to promote enterprise: the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES). The data were collected by means of semi‐structured interviews with the entrepreneurs. NVivo software was then used to systemise the data according to the six dimensions of the activity theory triangle.Findings – The cases illustrate the contradictions and tensions that confront nascent entrepreneurs as they consider the horizon of possibilities associated with their business idea. The paper demonstrates that the new business actually emerg...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that the way home-based internet businesses (HBIBs) operate and the reasons for which they are started enable HBIBs to bring about variety, and argue that this variety has a broader impact on the industry and the economy.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that the way home‐based internet businesses (HBIBs) are operated and the reasons for which they are started enable HBIBs to bring about variety, and to argue that this variety has a broader impact on the industry and the economy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a multiple case study approach, studying the best practices of eight HBIBs.Findings – The study finds that HBIBs generate variety because of the unique way in which they operate, and because of the reasons why they are started. How HBIBs operate can be captured in the acronym SMILES: Speed, Multiple income, Inexpensive, LEan, and Smart. They are founded (amongst other motives) for reasons of autonomy, freedom and independence. Both aspects – the how and why – of HBIBs are conducive to the creation of variety as they facilitate trial‐and‐error commercialisation of authentic ideas.Research limitations/implications – Five theoretical perspectives posit that variety is important for the indus...
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study approach is used to provide an in-depth analysis of the challenges and outcomes of the Know about Your Business (KAB) program initiated by the International Labour Organisation and piloted at the China Youth University for Political Sciences in Beijing.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of entrepreneurship education in the wider context of the Chinese educational system in transition and raise pertinent questions regarding its direction and future development.Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to provide an in‐depth analysis of the challenges and outcomes of the “Know about your business” (KAB) programme initiated by the International Labour Organisation and piloted at the China Youth University for Political Sciences in Beijing.Findings – The evaluation of the KAB pilot programme showed that it proved largely successful: 43.9 per cent of participating students were very satisfied with it, 52.6 per cent claimed to be satisfied and only 3.5 per cent were not content with it. Student feedback highlighted a small number of problems with this programme, including issues relating to a lack of market research knowledge, limited contact hours, a shortage of business plan models and difficulties in managing related team wo...
TL;DR: A simple, logical and easy‐to‐use approach that could even be understood and applied by SMEs managers with a limited knowledge base is proposed.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to propose a role interaction model for understanding a supply chain orientation of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach – The paper defines various role players and logic for the quantification of conceptual role model. This process enlists some 13 possible combinations of various roles and defines them on a coordinated geometry of cube. An applicability of proposed logic is demonstrated for a case of XYZ tin‐container manufacturing SME.Findings – The study provides an identification of various roles, development of role interaction model and its 13 combinations to gain insights into the supply chain management (SCM) issues of SMEs are the major contributions.Practical implications – The paper proposes a simple, logical and easy‐to‐use approach that could even be understood and applied by SMEs managers with a limited knowledge base.Originality/value – The contributions of the paper are three‐fold: it reports contemporary literature on supply chai...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify four types of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to their state along the exporting experience spectrum and explore survey information from a historic comparative static longitudinal database.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify four “types” of private small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to their “state” along the exporting experience spectrum.Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study explores survey information from a historic comparative static longitudinal database. Survey information was gathered in 1990/1991 from a stratified random sample of 621 manufacturing, construction and services businesses located in 12 contrasting environments in Great Britain. Surviving firms were re‐interviewed in 1997. The propensity to export was monitored at two points in real time. Information relating to actual behaviour rather than solely attitudes was gathered.Findings – Strategic obstacles to exporting were not more likely to be cited by respondents in “disinterested exporter” rather than “disappointed exporter” firms. Also, a reactive exporting strategy was not more likely to be cited by respondents in “export capable” rather then “committed exporter” firms. Several statis...