Originally published in 1994, this text analyses the key issues that influence the growth and development of small businesses. Looking at the concept in which they operate, the book outlines the factors that are dominant in the sector and explores the effects if has on the economy. Is the creation of small businesses the answer to unemployment? Has the lowering of interest rates or taxation encouraged the self-employed to work harder? Have banks given small business a raw deal? These are just some of the questions discussed as David Storey explains the issues of employment, finance and policy and the issues dictating failure or success.
Originally published in 1994, this text analyses the key issues that influence the growth and development of small businesses. Looking at the concept in which they operate, the book outlines the factors that are dominant in the sector and explores the effects if has on the economy. Is the creation of small businesses the answer to unemployment? Has the lowering of interest rates or taxation encouraged the self-employed to work harder? Have banks given small business a raw deal? These are just some of the questions discussed as David Storey explains the issues of employment, finance and policy and the issues dictating failure or success.
The study analyzes the formation, development, contribution and management of small firms in the United Kingdom. It explores the differences that smaller firms and larger companies face in the business environment, and studies how far their success or failure depends on the wider economic climate. The analysis also examines different locations and the effect of small businesses on the outside community. The study of the internal organization of small companies includes discussions of employment, entrepreneurship, management strategies, organizational cultures, finance and the variety of challenges the small business owner faces in all these areas. Identifies five reasons for undertaking long-term research on small firms: 1) the small business sector plays an important role in employment creation, in innovation, and in the economy in general, which means that small business policy must be a part of social and employment policy, which requires long-term research; 2) the interests of the small business owner and those of society do not always coincide, and wider social and economic considerations need to be examined; 3) it is reasonable to devote a lot of time to research because reaching a judgment on policy requires careful assessment of high-quality evidence, and because reading historical accounts about small business reveals that many issues remain similar over long periods of time; 4) long-term research can provide an antidote to the 'knee-jerk' policy making which characterized the small firm environment in the UK during the 1980s; and 5) researchers need to have an opportunity to make theoretical as well as empirical contributions. This analysis offers an overview of the small firm sector in developed countries. It discusses the problem of defining small firms and concludes that, no matter how they are defined, they constitute at least 95 percent of businesses in the European Community. The study examines the reasons for that - such as increasing unemployment and the lowering of the unemployment benefit - and the likelihood of the continuation of this trend in the future. Also examines facotrs influencing the birth rate, growth and death of small firms, their job creation potential, and financing concerns. Discusses the role of governments in promoting the small enterprise sector and in locating small firms within a wider economic and social framework. It articulates a need for a statement about objectives and targets for small firm public policy in the form of a government White Paper, so that targets can be identified and measured. The key findings are laid out to provide a basis for further action by small firms themselves, by financiers, and by governments. (AT).
Now in its fifth edition, Understanding Enterprise has established itself as one of the most widely respected guides to the discipline, providing a refreshingly perceptive approach to understanding and applying theory. It offers a critical introduction to enterprise in its broadest context, with particular emphasis on its application to entrepreneurs and small business. Divided into three parts, the course examines traditional approaches, new perspectives on the subject, and the success-or otherwise-of government policy. Written by leading experts with a combined wealth of research, teaching and consulting experience, this textbook will be an essential companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students of enterprise and small business. Policy makers and practitioners will also benefit from this comprehensive guide. New to this Edition: - Extensively revised to take into account the latest thinking and research, with updated content and examples throughout - Updated coverage of the impact and failings of comparative government policies - Enhanced pedagogical features to engage students and enliven their learning experience
This workshop report focuses on successes and failures of small innovative firms in five science cities in Russia. The workshop was organized by the NRC with the cooperation of Minatom.
This book provides an overview of the theory, practice and context of entrepreneurship and innovation at both the industry and firm level. It provides a foundation of ideas and understandings designed to shape the reader’s thinking and behaviour to better appreciate the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in modern economies, and to recognise their own abilities in this regard. The book is aimed at students studying advanced levels of entrepreneurship, innovation and related fields as well as practitioners (for example, managers, business owners). As entrepreneurship and innovation are largely indivisible elements and cannot be adequately understood if studied separately, the book provides the reader with an overview of these elements and how they combine to create new value in the market. This edition is updated with recent international research, including research and examples from Europe, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region.
This survey reviews research on the economics of small business, introducing key concepts for the understanding of the research, including some basic microeconomics, distribution functions, and concepts of entrepreneurship. Accessible to readers with elementary knowledge of economics and probability, the book is suitable as a text for an undergraduate course in the economics of small business. It also covers the economics of organization, the role of the family in small business, human capital and nonpecuniary motivation, together with the relationship of small business to entrepreneurship and growth. Public policy toward small business is discussed with an emphasis on the United States, together with comparisons and contrasts of many other countries.
Despite the seemingly relentless march of the multinationals, small businesses continue to thrive across the globe and form a vital part of all successful economies. The Economics and Management of Small Business provides an international perspective on this important topic, and includes many useful pedagogical features such as questions for discussion, international case-studies and empirical research. Graham Bannock's accessible writing style is key to the reader gaining a good understanding of this important area, and students of small business and entrepreneurship courses will find this book extremely useful.
This textbook familiarises students with the theory and practice of small business management and challenges assumptions that may be held about the way small business management can or should adopt the management practices of larger firms. For students interested in establishing and managing their own small firm, this book helps them to focus their thinking on the realities of life as a small business owner-manager – both its challenges and its rewards. For postgraduate students that are keen to ‘make a difference’, this text enables them to understand how they might consult to small firms and assist owner-managers to establish and grow their ventures. In addition to students, this book is also useful to small business owner-managers as a general guide on how they might better manage their operations. Managers in large corporations and financial institutions who deal with small businesses as clients or suppliers, and professionals such as accountants, lawyers and consultants who provide advice and other services to small businesses will also find the book of interest.
Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. The book provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond.
