bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Attitudinal Factors in the Consulting Relationship with Minority-Owned Small Businesses
Authors: Dougherty David M.
Published: December 2017

Eighty-one black businesses which received free consulting assistance from whites from 1968 to 1973 were studied with respect to entrepreneur motivation and consultant attitude as determinants for the success of the firm and the value of the consulting relationship.

Success of the businesses was determined by their survival into 1976, and the value of the consulting relationships was estimated from the consulting reports.

The white consultant's motivation was not significant whereas the black entrepreneur's attitude was most important. A valueless consulting relationship predicts a business failure whereas a valuable consulting relationship does not predict business success.
A Priority Analysis of the Problems of Small Business Managers
Authors: Dandridge Thomas C. , Sewall Murphy A.
Published: December 2017

Much has been written about problems of operating a small business. However, most of this work has been qualitative, and there has been little empirical analysis of assertions and conclusions presented in this literature. This paper presents a pilot study of small business managers' perceptions of the relative importance of decision problems confronting them. Problems which result from externally imposed regulatory or financing requirements dominate the attention of most small business operators — perhaps to the detriment of actually operating the firm.
Material Requirements Planning in a Noncomputerized Environment
Authors: Adams Fred P. , Cox James F. , Ledbetter William
Published: December 2017

This paper reviews briefly the material requirements planning (MRP) concept and shows how its major elements can assist a small manufacturer to control production and inventories for some products without the use of a computer. The prerequisite is an uncomplicated product consisting of few parts. To illustrate this, an actual application of MRP to the manufacture of greenhouses is described.
Differing Perceptions of Small Business Problems
Authors: Edmunds Stahrl W.
Published: December 2017

Three differing perceptions of what constitute the real problems of small business are examined: (1) the management deficiency diagnosis, (2) the unfair competition hypothesis, and (3) the government intervention hypothesis. Valid arguments and factual data can be demonstrated for each model, depending upon the portion of the small business universe from which the data is drawn. Hence the sampling Problem is a serious difficulty in small business research, due to the lack of a current and comprehensive data base on the small business universe. The most comprehensive data set on the universe now available is from IRS tabulations of tax returns. In testing two of the hypotheses above against IRS data by business size, the findings are: (1) small business is not deficient in management competence relative to large business, but rather is more competent, and (2) the tax burden on small business is regressive and prejudicial to the accumulation of internal or external capital.
Economic and Noneconomic Factors Affecting Plant Location Decisions
Authors: Tombari Henry A.
Published: December 2017

This paper describes two geographically separated studies concerning plant location decisions in the electronics industry. It was found that economic factors tend to outweigh noneconomic factors as important location decision variables for this industry. Differences in the importance of factor ordering was found between the two studies. The implications of location analysis are discussed with regard to differences in industries, geographical areas and local conditions. Overall, the study implies that the location decision is situational in nature.
Goal Programming for Decision Making in Closely Held Businesses
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Justis Robert T. , Franz Lori Sharp
Published: December 2017

There are few analytical and managerial tools available to assist the small business decision maker. This paper presents a practical goal Programming model which can be easily generalized to fit the planning needs of most small businesses. Specifically the model explicitly considers the multiple goals and priorities of the owner-manager and determines if these goals can be accomplished under various demand Projections. An illustrative example of the use of this model with a small fast-food business is given.
Financial Leverage Analysis for Small Business
Authors: Edwards Charles E. , Cooley Philip L. , Zerbst Robert H.
Published: December 2017

The effects of financial leverage on equity returns may be analyzed in either of two frameworks. When using the net-operating-income model to evaluate leverage, the small-business analyst, unwittingly and by default, makes several implicit assumptions. Most of these implicit assumptions are unrealistic and too restrictive for small businesses. Unencumbered by such restrictive conditions, the cash-flow model can be tailored to meet the distinctive characteristics of small businesses.
Estimates of the Number of Quasi and Small Businesses, 1948 to 1972
Authors: Star Alvin D.
Published: December 2017

When quasi businesses, businesses with no employees, are disaggregated from small businesses, businesses with one to ninety nine employees, for the period 1948 through 1972 the number of quasi businesses is estimated to have increased 161 percent. In the same time period the number of small businesses is estimated to have increased only 32 percent, with very little growth after 1959. These estimates indicate that small business, strictly defined, has had less growth in units over the 1948–72 time period than the commonly aggregated quasi and small business statistics would suggest.
Forecasting the Cash Budget in the Small Firm
Authors: Dethomas Arthur R.
Published: December 2017

The cash budget is a vital part of the planning process in the small firm and selecting an appropriate tool for forecasting the key cash flows in the budget is critical to this process. In many situations exponential smoothing proves to be a simple, inexpensive, yet highly effective method of forecasting cash flows. This article describes and illustrates how easily this method can be applied to cash budgeting.
Differences between Exporters and Non-Exporters: Some Hypotheses concerning Small Manufacturing Businesses
Authors: Withey John J.
Published: December 2017

Survey data generated by four hundred small, United States manufacturers are analyzed seeking to compare exporters with non-exporters by number of employees, scope of international activities and, attitudes about the future role of exporting among small businesses. The paper concludes with three hypotheses regarding differences between small, U.S. exporters and small, U.S. non-exporters.
Training Needs of Managers of Small Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Thomas Joe , Sireno Peter
Published: December 2017

This study examined the competencies deemed necessary for incumbents of middle-management positions in manufacturing facilities. The most important competencies were in the areas of communicating, planning, and organizing. These skills are also required of the manager of a small business. Less important skills for mid-managers included staffing, controlling, directing and administering. Implications for designing post-secondary and in-service continuing education programs are examined for both mid-managers and entrepreneurs.
Advertising Trends and the Small Retailer
Authors: Patti Charles H. , Walker Bruce J.
Published: December 2017

The new decade brings a number of challenges and opportunities to the retailer. Among them are important developments in the advertising area. This article discusses the major trends in retail advertising and then provides guidelines to assist the small retailer in developing effective advertising programs within a volatile business environment.
The Effect of U.S. Economic Policies on the Rate of Business Failure
Authors: Clute Ronald C. , Garman George B.
Published: December 2017

Using 92 quarters of data, the authors attempt to determine if federal government economic policies are the cause of unexplained variations in the rate of business failure. The three policy variables, money supply, volume of bank loans, and interest rates are investigated with a Cochran-Orcutt regression model utilizing lagged explanatory variables. The authors conclude that variations in the money supply and the volume of bank loans have an inverse, lagged effect on the rate of business failure. A statistically significant relationship was not established for interest rates.
Affirmative Action how it Affects Small Business
Authors: Fry Fred L.
Published: December 2017

Affirmative Action laws have significantly affected large businesses, but the impact has been even greater on many small businesses which must compete in the same labor markets for the scarce qualified women and minority workers. This article examines the problems faced by small businesses in their struggles to meet EEOC and affirmative action guidelines. In particular, the focus is on the different categories in which a small business may fall: (1) a government contractor, (2) a subcontractor to a firm with government contracts, (3) a small branch of a larger corporation, (4) a small independent firm with no government contracts.
Management of Idle Cash Can Generate Handsome Returns
Authors: Gibson Charles H. , Court Gary
Published: December 2017

This paper describes realistic procedures for a small business to follow in the management of idle cash for handsome returns. The cash management method described in this paper has been thoroughly tested and has obtained excellent results.

A small business should find this method to be relatively simple and rewarding.
A New Approach to Capital Budgeting in Closely-Held Firms and Small Firms
Authors: McInish Thomas H. , Kudla Ronald J.
Published: December 2017

The traditional application of the net present value method in capital budgeting involves the use of market derived discount rates such as the cost of capital. Justification of these discount rates stems from the separation principle that states that investment decisions can be made independent of shareholders' tastes and preferences. The purpose of this paper is to show that the separation principle does not hold for closely-held firms and small firms, and, accordingly, market-derived discount rates are inappropriate. Two capital budgeting techniques which are appropriate for these firms are presented.

Accept/reject decisions for capital budgeting projects are often made using a technique known as “net present value” (NPV).1 Using the NPV method, acceptable projects are those for which the project's cost is less than the present value of the project's cash flows discounted at the firm's cost of capital; in other words, acceptable projects have a positive NPV. The firm's cost of capital is usually taken to be the weighted average of the firm's cost of equity and debt as measured by investor returns in the capital markets. Justification for use of a discount rate, determined by reference to market-wide investor returns, is based on “the separation principle” which asserts that corporations can make capital budgeting decisions independently of their shareholders' views.2 But because a critical assumption of the separation principle is that shares are readily marketable, it is likely that the separation principle and, hence, market-determined discount rates are inappropriate for closely-held firms and small firms.3 In this paper, we discuss two capital budgeting approaches which are applicable to firms whose shares are not readily marketable.

This paper is divided into five sections. First, we discuss the traditional net present value approach to capital budgeting and, then, we indicate in detail, why it may not be suitable for use by closely-held firms and small firms. In the third and fourth sections, we explain two capital budgeting techniques which may be appropriate for use by these firms. Finally, we summarize our conclusions.
Using Small Computers for More Effective Business Management
Authors: Dologite Dorothy G.
Published: December 2017

Small and reliable computer systems are now within the budgets of most small businesses. This article describes several examples of how small business managers are using small computers to manage more effectively. In particular, examples in the credit management, inventory control, and other management control areas are explored. The ability of a small computer to grow as company needs require is · elaborated with examples of expansion into distributed data processing. Finally, problems to avoid with small computer installation and use are considered.
The Operational Efficiency of the Federal Business Development Bank in Financing Small Businesses
Authors: Kryzanowski Lawrence , Chau Minh
Published: December 2017

Although the Canadian FBDB is similar to the U.S. SBA, it provides loans directly to small Canadian businesses. Thus, this paper compares the relative operational efficiency of the public-sector FBDB and Roynat, its major private-sector counterpart. The study concludes that the FBDB operates as efficiently as Roynat, when the relative sizes and the natures of the clienteles of both institutions are accounted for. The study has implications for those countries (such as the U.S.), which predominantly rely on private-sector delivery systems to financially assist small businesses.
A Comparative Study of U.S. Department of Commerce Directors’ Attitudes towards their Ability to Provide Export Assistance to small and Large Businesses in Selected States
Authors: Gill Roger W.T. , Brady Donald L.
Published: December 2017

Directors of the United States Department of Commerce in eight southern states were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward their ability to provide export assistance to small and large firms. Attitudes were assessed toward help available for direct and indirect exporting methods. Attitudes were found to be generally favorable, thus implying a considerable mismatch in perception and attitudes with small business entrepreneurs. The implications of this difference are discussed.
Small and Medium-Size firms in Sweden and Government Policy
Authors: Herzog Helge
Published: December 2017

The small and medium-sized firms are an important part of the Swedish economy. They are employing more than one million people or one third of the employees in Sweden. Small firms help many villages in the countryside to survive. They promote technical development and are important as sub-contractors to large industries. These firms, however, often face obstacles such as insufficient security for loans, lack of risk capital, and sometimes insufficient management expertise in the fields of technical development, financial planning, or marketing. The aim of governmental policy is to remove these obstacles. To achieve this, a number of supporting institutions have been launched in the last years. The most far-reaching is the organization of the Regional Development Funds. These funds are working in all 24 counties of Sweden, providing financial assistance and management service in various forms. The Funds do not compete with private organizations but work closely together with bank and private consultants.

The Swedish Board of Industry (SIND) is the principal and financer of the Funds. According to the experiences of SIND, the small and medium-sized firms really need the services offered by the Funds. Those firms which have received support from the funds have been well benefited.
Management Training in Small Business
Authors: Solomon George T. , Carhart David H.
Published: December 2017

Trainers, educators, and small business people have for some time, argued the issue of “the need for and the usefulness of” small business training. On the one hand, some individuals believe that small business training is both unwanted and in some cases, impossible to deliver. Those on the other side of the issue would point to the constant need for knowledge, the obsolescence of learned skills, and the highly competitive nature of the market place in which small businesses exist.

In this paper an attempt is made to examine the issues surrounding small business training, a brief overview discussing the rationale and operation of a new innovative national training program jointly created by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC) — “The Small Business National Training Network,” (SNTN) and the results from an empirically based research analyzing the attendees’ perception concerning the effectiveness of the program.
Foreign Exchange Management for the Small Firm
Authors: Soenen L.A.
Published: December 2017

This article is directed to those firms which might have experienced the need for a coherent approach to foreign exchange management but have not yet defined such a policy. The article explains the basics of a foreign exchange policy for small firms and provides some practical advice on hedging foreign exchange risk. The major issues dealt with are defining the foreign exchange exposure for the small firm, estimating the relative strength or weakness of the foreign currencies involved, and explaining some techniques for hedging exchange risk especially related to small firms.
The Informational Needs of the Small Firm Engaged in International Dealings
Authors: Seely Richard L. , Iglarsh Harvey J.
Published: December 2017

The small firm considering international operations must devote substantial time and resources to collecting information about potential foreign markets. This article identifies the information needs of small businesses, examines sources of this information, including the Federal government, trade associations, and trading companies, and proposes strategies by which small firms can approach the problem of international market data acquisition.
East Indian Small Businesses in the U.S.: Perceptions, Problems and Adjustments
Authors: Raval Dinker
Published: December 2017

The development of small businesses by nationals of developing countries in a developed country into a successful, viable and profitable enterprises depends upon the perceptions held by these nationals, their ability to identify problems and how they adjust to an alien market environment. This article makes conceptual observations of East Indian small businessmen's cultural perceptions, problems and adjustments in the U.S. market.
Improving Small Business Productivity
Authors: Greenwood Frank , Gupta Jatinder
Published: December 2017

Humans speak, write, and use numbers and pictures to communicate. Offices are information factories created by humans. Therefore, for an office to use technology to manage and to communicate information more effectively, technology has to be applied to information in the forms of numbers, written words, pictures, and spoken words. The premier technology is the telecommunications network. It allows systems to be interconnected and people to share information more efficiently. The sine qua non is people. Attitudes control. People can make a blundering automation effort work and a technically brilliant one fail.
Accounting and Marketing—Key Small Business Problems
Authors: Wichmann Henry
Published: December 2017

The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that small businesses represent 97 percent of all businesses in the United States [5, p. 1]. The SBA defines a small business as “one that is not dominate in its field.” While the ma and pa shops fall within this definition, much larger firms are considered small under SBA criteria.

The owner-managers of these small firms face unique problems—success or failure is keyed to solving these problems. Each year in the United States, some 500,000 new businesses start and 400,000 businesses discontinue operations [1, p. 47]. These discontinuances are not all due to business failure (a bankrupt firm). Some small firms are merged with larger companies, while the spark of life leaves other small firms because the owner retires without a son or daughter to take over the reins of leadership.

The purpose of this article is to aid small business managers by (1) reviewing the process of beginning a business, (2) identifying some of the attributes that characterize a successful or unsuccessful small business, and (3) discussing small firms’ problems common to the frontier states of Alaska and Wyoming.
Successful Time-Management Techniques for Small Businesses
Authors: Coleman Linda Jane , Neri Virginia Cavanagh
Published: December 2017

This article provides the small business owner and operator with useful techniques to better manage time. Effective management of time is important for all businesses, but to the small business person who wears many hats, it is crucial to the success of his/her organization. This article summarizes the major time-management problems facing small businesses and offers some strategies for successful time management.
Decision Analysis for Small Business
Authors: Dianich David F. , Gupta Jatinder N. D.
Published: December 2017

Decision analysis is a relatively recent subject to enter the field of managerial decision-making. The application of decision analysis to managerial decision problems is useful especially in situations where the problem is complex, outcomes are risky, and intuitive judgments are rather difficult. This paper discusses the fundamental concepts of decision analysis and illustrates its utility to small business executives in analyzing and resolving their problems more effectively. It is shown that the decision analysis approach is an extension of the executive's natural problem solving style—that of analyzing contingencies—and can increase the information base useful in making better intuitive decisions.
Activation Theory and Job Design: A Useable Motivational Tool for Small Business Managers
Authors: Milbourn Gene
Published: December 2017

Small business managers seem to be overlooked by behaviorial scientists in their efforts to promote new techniques for inspiring the will to work. This article details the best of two psychologically “pure” behavioral techniques and integrates them into a useable program for small business managers. Activation theory explains how and why workers respond to routine work in ways that they do. This theory provides a neuropsychological foundation for job design. Job redesign is intended to better motivate workers by allowing them to feel personally responsible for an identifiable and meaningful portion of work.
The Manager's Self Assessments of Managerial Roles: Small vs. Large Firms
Authors: Paolillo Joseph G.P.
Published: December 2017

This study systematically assessed the various roles essential to managers in small vs. large firms. A sample of 352 managers from both large and small organizations in a variety of industries were asked to rate the various roles required by their positions. The analysis of variance results indicate that 7 of the 10 roles are influenced by firm size. A quadratic discriminant analysis was utilized to identify a role profile for managers in small vs. large firms. Implications for the practice and teaching of business are discussed.
Strategies for Introducing Change in the Small Business
Authors: New J. Randolph
Published: December 2017

Effective management of change is important to owners and managers of small businesses, particularly those whose goals include growth. This article explores the various reasons people resist change, introduces techniques for dealing with this resistance, and describes ways to adapt these techniques to individual situations.
What Export Trading Companies Mean to Small Business
Authors: Stoner Charles R. , Arora Rajinder S.
Published: December 2017

Although international trade is essential to the social and economic well-being of our country as well as to our domestic employment situation, relatively few domestic firms are actively involved in exporting. The need and opportunities for international trade are present for small firms. Export Trading Companies may provide the necessary support for small firms to realize their international market opportunities. This paper defines the role of export trading companies and explores their impact on the activities of a typical small business. The attitudes of small businesses toward exporting and the relationships between Export Trading Companies and its member firms are explored.
The Most Critical Problem for the Fledgling Small Business: Getting Sales
Authors: Stephenson Harriet Buckman
Published: December 2017

The most pressing problem of small business owners is how to get sales now and in the future. Items such as inflation, taxes, government regulation, costs of paper work, etc. become more important as a small business moves beyond stage 1 and possibly 2. Yet even then, how to get customers should still be the significant focus. Many entrepreneurs, especially providers of services, rely almost exclusively on word-of-mouth, which is often ineffectively utilized and, as the major source of business, should not be relied on. The entire selling process must be focused on in the first stage to change the survival rate of small businesses.
Impact of Counseling on Small Business Performance
Authors: Rocha Joseph R. , Khan M. Riaz
Published: December 2017

This paper assesses the effect of the Small Business Institute's counseling program at the University of Lowell on small business performance as perceived by client firms located in New England. In analyzing data gathered from a population of 52 firms, the authors initially classify recommendations made by counseling teams for the purpose of improving business operations. The impact of the suggestions is examined primarily by considering various dimensions of their implementation. After weighing results of an evaluation of the counseling service as discerned by the client firms, the authors summarize their findings and draw conclusions.
The Contingency Plan—How to Profit from Opportunities Created by Others
Authors: Sonfield Matthew C.
Published: December 2017

While small businesses can not generally create profit opportunities as can large firms, they need not rely only on luck for such profit opportunities to arise. This article explains how small business managers can develop contingency plans that will allow them to take advantage of opportunities created by others and then use these opportunities for their own profit.
Levels of Assurance
Authors: Cardegna Thomas F. , Martin Charles L. , Weimer Roderick D.
Published: December 2017

Since July 1, 1979, the independent CPA has been permitted to perform three levels of service for a non-public entity. Each level of service corresponded to differing degrees of financial statement risk. In order to assess the appropriate level of risk and ensuing service, the CPA must often consider the client's needs along with the associated financial institution's requirements.

Based upon in-depth interviews with representatives from independent CPA firms and financial institutions, one may identify specific situations that would dictate the need for mutually satisfying client desires and financial institution requirements. Such situations are identified and investigated in this paper.
Consumer Responses to Small Business Coupon Sales Promotions
Authors: Varadarajan P. Rajan
Published: December 2017

This paper focuses on the practice of sales promotion in the context of small business food service establishments. First a conceptual framework for evaluating the profit, dollar sales volume, and store traffic implications of two coupon promotion alternatives (adapted from real world small business coupon promotion) is presented. Next, the results of an empirical sales promotion study conducted in cooperation with a small business food service establishment are presented. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
Credit Strategy in Small and Large Companies
Authors: Shipley David D. , Neale C.W.
Published: December 2017

This article presents information drawn from surveys of US and UK businessmen. It indicates that, despite preconceptions, the quality of credit management among small enterprises compares favourably with that among large companies. However, it finds that from the customer's perspective the credit offerings of many firms in both countries and size classes could be improved. Suggestions are offered concerning the customer-generating characteristics of an attractive credit package, and businessmen in both countries are urged to make more use of facilities for management education. 1

1 The findings reported here are extracted from a broader investigation of marketing strategy conducted by Shipley. Gratitude is extended for the generous financial support provided by Shell UK Limited, Hallmark International Inc., Western Litho Plate Company, The Foundation for Management Education, and North Staffordshire Polytechnic.
Entrepreneurship: Process and Abilities
Authors: Olson Philip D.
Published: December 2017

This study provides information about important entrepreneurial abilities. Initially, the activities that entrepreneurs undertake when starting new ventures are organized into a process. It is proposed that a useful framework for examining entrepreneurial abilities could be developed through two thinking modes that can be linked to these activities. One mode is characterized by intuitive, holistic and simultaneous thinking; the other, by rational, analytic and sequential processing.
Age Effects on Managerial Compensation in Small Firms
Authors: Cooley Philip L. , Edwards Charles E.
Published: December 2017

A number of factors exert significant influences on levels of executive pay In small firms. For example, CEOs of larger firms generally earn larger compensation than do CEOs of smaller firms. Similarly, more profitable firms tend to pay their CEOs more than do less profitable firms. Where survey data are used to prescribe compensation levels In small firms, the analyst must ascertain that comparability of circumstances exists. Otherwise, the compensation prescribed may fall short of the competitive level required to attract and retain competent managers. The present study suggests the addition of an “age effect” to be considered along with other factors In evaluating salary data.
The Impact of Managerial Attitudes on Export Behavior
Authors: Kedia Ben L. , Chhokar Jagdeep
Published: December 2017

This study examines the managerial attitudes of 49 exporters and 47 non- exporters In the machinery manufacturing and food processing Industries. The results Indicate that non-exporters perceive the costs and risks of exporting significantly differently than do exporters. Furthermore, there are significant differences even among the exporters of machinery (industrial products) and the exporters of food (consumer goods). The research shows that negative perceptions create a significant barrier to exporting.
Purchasing and the Small Firm
Authors: Dollinger Marc J. , Kolchin Michael G.
Published: December 2017

A study of 81 small businesses in the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) shows a strong relationship between the boundary spanning activities of the owner/operators of these firms and their profitability. In particular, the results of the study show the importance of purchasing activities to the performance of these firms. In light of the recent literature regarding the need for outside information for successful planning in small businesses, these results are particularly interesting. They indicate the importance of the purchasing function not only in the acquisition of materials, but also in the generation of strategic information. The implications of the results of the study for the improvement of small business operations are discussed.
Productivity in Small Business: An Analysis Using African Data
Authors: Thurik A. Roy
Published: December 2017

Labor and floorspace cost functions are derived for small business trade. Relationships are proposed between average volume of labor or average floorspace per establishment on the one hand, and average size per establishment, average rental paid, percentage selling space, and indicators of business type and location on the other. Promising estimation results are reported using South African data of 1979/1980. The method however Is not restricted to the South African case. A productivity business support system can be developed providing productivity standards for any area in the small (service) business. An analysis similar to the one presented here, but relating to the area in question, should precede the development of such a system.
An Analysis of the Work Roles of CEOs of Small Firms
Authors: Castaldi Richard M.
Published: December 2017

The work roles of CEOs who start and manage their own firms were analyzed and contrasted with CEOs who are nonowner-managers. Significant differences emerged concerning the importance of three work roles, which are attributed to personality differences between the two groups of CEOs. These differences in work role importance concerned specific operational and technical facets of the CEO position. Two strategic-oriented work roles regarding capital expenditure decisions and long-range planning surfaced as the two most Important roles to all of the CEOs.
A Comparison of Insurance and Pension Plans in Large and Small Firms
Authors: Sutton Nancy A.
Published: December 2017

The study reported in this article was designed to identify the specific insurance and retirement benefits which the small plan may be lacking in comparison with larger firms and evaluate how small business managers may stretch benefit dollars. The findings indicate that most large firms offer superior benefit packages and utilize contributory approaches, where the employee contributes to the cost of the benefit, more extensively than small firms. It is suggested that contributory approaches may help the small business manager increase benefits in a manner that more effectively allocates company expenditures only to employees who need the coverage while decreasing the company's cost of providing benefits.
Interstate Banking and Small Business Finance: Implications from Available Evidence
Authors: Rose John T.
Published: December 2017

The prospect of full interstate banking in the near future raises questions about the supply and cost of bank credit for small business firms under such a regime. This study explores this issue, drawing on the evidence of prior research. Specifically, the focus is on three questions: (1) the likely commitment of large, nationwide banks to the small business sector; (2) the implications of interstate banking for the viability of small, independent banks; and (3) the effect of nationwide banking on the overall level of local bank competition. The available evidence indicates little reason to expect the supply or cost of small business credit to be affected adversely by interstate banking. If anything, nationwide banking should increase the supply, and possibly lower the cost, of bank financing for small firms.
Perceived Causes of Success in Small Business
Authors: Ibrahim A. B. , Goodwin J. R.
Published: December 2017

This empirical research is a pilot study which endeavours to identify a set of variables associated with successful small businesses. Seventy-four (74) small firms operating in Montreal responded to a lengthy questionnaire and an intensive interview. From this data three variables were initially identified. A replication study of seventy small firms located in Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York, was carried out in order to observe whether the identified variables were duplicated beyond a certain geographical location. Using factor analysis on the data, the authors were able to delineate entrepreneurial behavior and managerial skills as key success factors in small business management. This finding underscores the role of entrepreneurship education in developing both the behavioral and the managerial skills in the owner/manager.
Entrepreneurial Research: Old Questions, New Answers and Methodological Issues
Authors: Cooper Arnold C. , Dunkelberg William C.
Published: December 2017

Previous research is reviewed on certain aspects of the characteristics of entrepreneurs and on the incubator organizations from which they come. Findings from these focused studies are then contrasted with the results from a broadly-based survey of 890 entrepreneurs. It is clear that care must be used in generalizing from specific studies and that researchers must consider thoughtfully the nature of samples examined and the research methods used.
A Research Agenda for Computers and Small Business
Authors: Cooley Philip L. , Walz Daniel T. , Walz Diane B.
Published: December 2017

Two factors have contributed to the increasing use of computers within the small-business environment: decreasing prices of computer technology and the advent of “friendlier” (simpler and easier to use) systems, languages, and development tools. Many studies in recent years have investigated the role of computers in small business. Primarily, this research has sought to survey the current use of computers by small firms, to illustrate the kinds of small-business decisions appropriate for automation or computer support, and to suggest methods of software and hardware evaluation. This paper proposes an agenda for future research that focuses on the factors affecting the success of small-business computing. These factors are considered in the context of the computing function's life-cycle within the firm, the organizational structure of the computing function, end-user computing, planning, and computer support for decision making.
Information Sources Used for Strategic Planning Decisions in Small Firms
Authors: Specht Pamela Hammers
Published: December 2017

Sources used by strategic planning groups in small firms to collect information on the environment were studied. The relationship between perceived environmental change and complexity and use of personal and impersonal information sources was found not to be direct, but moderated by uncertainty about planning and intolerance of the ambiguous situation. In addition, personal sources were found to be used more than impersonal.
The Role of Incubators in Small Business Planning
Authors: Fry Fred L.
Published: December 2017

An incubator houses a number of new, small businesses that share space and administrative support. Management assistance is usually available and financial assistance is sometimes provided. Incubator managers can aid tenants also by encouraging and assisting them in their planning efforts. However, this study found a wide variance among incubators regarding the amount of planning by tenant firms. Further, the amount of planning by tenants appears to be a function of the amount of planning that is required or encouraged by incubator managers. The major implication is that planning can be affected by incubator managers. Thus, incubator managers should see part of their role as a planning facilitator. Additional areas for future research are suggested.
Validation of an Innovative Teaching Approach for Entrepreneurship Courses
Authors: Ronstadt Robert , Sexton Donald L. , Bowman-Upton Nancy
Published: December 2017

Don Sexton and Nancy Bowman-Upton's excellent article represents the first of a series of different authors on the general topic of teaching entrepreneurship.

The series on teaching entrepreneurship is focused on what to teach students and particularly, how to teach it. Future coverage can include other areas besides undergraduate and graduate teaching, assuming papers of high quality are forthcoming. Our intent is to expedite the review process, so if you have a paper on teaching entrepreneurship, I can promise you a timely response.
Entrepreneurial Research: Are We Playing the Correct Game?
Authors: Brockhaus Robert H.
Published: December 2017

The three primary sources of journal articles and the three primary proceedings of conferences in the field of entrepreneurship and small business are reviewed for the year 1986 to evaluate the degree to which they contained information relevant to the issues and recommendations of the 1986 White House Conference on Small Business. Suggestions for future research direction are made based upon this analysis.
“Who is an Entrepreneur?” Is a Question Worth Asking
Authors: Carland James W. , Hoy Frank , Carland Jo Ann C.
Published: December 2017

This paper is a response to Gartner's critique of definitions posited by Carland, Hoy, Boulton and Carland (1984) for “entrepreneur” and “small business owner.” The paper concludes that both trait and behavioral approaches to research are necessary in order to understand the concept of entrepreneurship.
Health Care Providers’ Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer Screening in Vietnamese American Women
Authors: Nguyen-Truong Connie Kim Yen , Hassouneh Dena , Lee-Lin Frances , Hsiao Chiao-Yun , Le Tuong Vy , Tang Joannie , Vu Margret , Truong Anthony My
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Vietnamese American women (VAW) are diagnosed and die at twice the rate than White non-Hispanic American women (16.8/100,000 vs. 8.1/100,000 and 4.4/100,000 vs. 2.4/100,000, respectively). Despite efforts to increase cervical cancer (CC) screening among VAW, the participation rates are persistently low (69% to 81%). The purpose of this study was to explore health care providers’ (HCPs) perspectives on barriers and facilitators to CC screening in VAW. Method: This qualitative descriptive pilot study, used open-ended semistructured interviews with 10 HCPs. Results: The HCPs had two to 23 years treating VAW. Major barriers and facilitators identified by the HCPs were as follows: VAW’s decision making about CC screening; sexual health divide; language discordance, relying on interpreters; breaking suspicion; VAW’s exposure to health sources of CC screening; sustainable trust; and motivated health care practices. Discussion: HCPs perceived the reasons for VAW not being screened or delaying CC screening were due to their lack of knowledge, cultural barriers, language, and issues related to trust.
“In the Sport I Am Here”: Therapeutic Processes and Health Effects of Sport and Exercise on PTSD
Authors: Ley Clemens , Rato Barrio María , Koch Andreas
Published: December 2017

Current evidence suggests positive effects of exercise on posttraumatic stress symptoms; however, knowledge about how these effects are achieved is limited. Thus, this study aims to contribute to a more holistic understanding of these effects. We performed a single case study of a war and torture survivor, who was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, and who was participant of the sport and exercise therapy program Movi Kune. Participant observation was conducted as well as semi-structured interviews with the participant and his psychotherapist. Data analysis resulted in the proposal of different processes: The focus on bodily sensations related to an exposure effect, contributing to improvements in body awareness, coping behavior, and affect regulation, whereas the focus on playing related to an improved performance, presence, enjoyment, and mastery experiences, pointing toward distraction and motivational-restorative effects. The findings also advice to be cautious as participants may be exposed to negative sensations and trauma-related triggers.
Bits of Falling Sky and Global Pandemics: Moral Panic and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Authors: Muzzatti Stephen L.
Published: December 2017

Whether it's a story about crime, the weather, politics, Hollywood celebrities, or public health, sensationalistic and exploitative coverage is a media staple. The mass media's coverage of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the spring of 2003 was no exception. The media's construction of the source, virulence, and transmissibility of this disease, a previously unknown cousin of the common cold, diverged considerably from its medical realities and contributed to a widespread though short-lived moral panic. Drawing on work in the areas of the sociology of health and critical criminology, this article explores the claims-making activities behind the SARS “epidemic.” Specifically, it addresses how threats to the public well-being are manufactured by the media and how these threats draw upon past and present cultural myths of dangerous “others” and contribute to unwarranted public fear, intolerance, and distrust.
Winning the Battle of Seattle: State Response to Perceived Crisis
Authors: Wozniak Jesse
Published: December 2017

This article examines the nature of police violence in the context of social discord. Using the anti-World Trade Organization protests as a backdrop, it delineates and applies Stark's (1968) theory of police riots to explain the progression of police aggression in Seattle. The article also extends Stark's model by integrating it with a Gramscian understanding of the dynamics of ideological consent in late capitalist societies. Finally, the article demonstrates the dangers that result from official perceptions of protesters as members of the “dangerous class,” and from police displays of excessive and provocative force. It also illustrates how the increased militarization of the police encourages provocative policing practices that undermine fundamental democratic rights, particularly the right to participate in peaceful protests.
Acute Loss and the Social Construction of Blame
Authors: Martin Daniel D.
Published: December 2017

Using interview and observation data from white and African-American parents of murdered children, this article explores a primary social process accompanying acute loss: the social construction of blame. Findings reveal that race and class are primary forces that shape not only the experience of loss, but also attributions of cause, designations of blame, and the construction of post-mortem identities. While poor Black informants encountered avoidance strategies on the part of authorities (e.g., police) when their child was murdered, whites and upper middle-class Blacks received emotional support. This differential treatment by authorities led to either legitimate or disenfranchised grief, both of which were addressed by the strategy of “sanctification,” a form of emotion work.
A purposeful Yet Nonimposing Approach: How Japanese Home Care Nurses Establish Relationships With Older Clients and Their Families
Authors: Iwasaki Takako , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko , Sato Kana , Yumoto Yoshie , Noguchi-Watanabe Maiko , Ogata Yasuko
Published: December 2017

Relationship development is crucial to nursing practice with families. However, little is known about the process of building relationships with multiple family members in home care settings and in various cultures. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of home care nurses about how they established relationships with older clients and their families in Japan. Grounded theory was used to guide the research. Twenty-three expert home care nurses participated in semistructured interviews concerning their family nursing practice. The establishment of relationships with clients/family members was based on a purposeful yet nonimposing approach composed of four aspects: keeping a mindful distance from the family, not being a threat to family life, being a comfortable neighbor, and gaining trust as a competent nurse. Through a purposeful nonimposing approach, Japanese home care nurses promoted and nurtured nurse–family relationships and became involved in the life of the family. These findings provide a useful foundation to guide practice with families and grow knowledge about the process of establishing relationships with multiple family members in home settings.