bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model of capital structure decision making in small firms
Authors: Michaelas Nicos , Chittenden Francis , Poutziouris Panikkos
Published: April 2004

Although earlier capital structure theories, grounded within the finance paradigm (agency theory, transaction cost theory etc), have contributed to a deeper understanding of the capital structure puzzle, recent efforts suggest that research for the missing pieces of the puzzle should continue. This paper considers that these missing pieces of the puzzle could be diverse non‐financial and behavioural factors influencing capital structure decisions, that have received relatively little attention from finance researchers. The paper reports on an exploratory attempt to use interview techniques for the study of capital structure in small firms. Interviews can provide evidence about non‐financial and behavioural variables that quantitative analysis cannot. The paper develops a model for understanding capital structure decision making in small firms. It analyses the responses of small business owners/managers concerning the management of the financial structure of their firms and the factors that influence their capital structure decisions. Small business owners’ responses indicate that although a number of different financial variables may affect their capital structure decisions, other non‐financial and behavioural factors such as the need for control, risk propensity, experience, knowledge and goals may be more important in influencing the capital structure of their firms, at any time. The results indicate that significant progress in understanding the factors that influence capital structure may be achieved if financial researchers incorporate management theory in their studies, so that financial as well as non‐financial and behavioural factors are explored.
The Disability Discrimination Act and SMEs: the future of the threshold
Authors: Goss Fiona , Goss David
Published: April 2004

This paper addresses the issues raised for very small businesses by the introduction in the UK of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). It considers the “20‐employee threshold” which exempts organisations with fewer than 20 employees from the Act’s anti‐discrimination provisions. The attitudes and practices of small employers towards people with disabilities are explored to determine whether these differ significantly between the exempt group and larger, non‐exempt, SMEs. It is suggested that lowering the threshold is unlikely to cause significant difficulty for very small firms, but that it will not, on its own, have a dramatic impact on the spread of good practice among small firms in general.
The economic potential of portfolio entrepreneurship: Enterprise and employment contributions of multiple business ownership
Authors: Carter Sara
Published: April 2004

Portfolio entrepreneurship has become an important theme within the small firms research literature. Although originally viewed as a means of reducing business risk, the ownership of multiple businesses by a single entrepreneur is now recognised as an important business growth strategy. Although studies specifically examining portfolio entrepreneurship are still scarce, the similarities between portfolio entrepreneurship in non‐farm sectors and farm‐based pluriactivity have been noted. Based on a survey of nearly 300 farm owners in Cambridgeshire, this study analyses the incidence of portfolio entrepreneurship in the farm sector and assesses its contribution in terms enterprise and employment creation. The study demonstrates that a core of farmers have multiple business interests and that these additional business activities make a substantial contribution to both numbers of enterprises and employment creation. The results of this study challenge three basic assumptions. First, contrary to the prevailing view within the small business literature, some farm businesses were found to spawn a number of additional businesses and create substantial new employment opportunities. Secondly, new enterprise and employment creation was not confined to larger sized (hectarage) farm businesses. Finally, the results challenge the orthodox assumption that employment creation in the small firms sector arises principally through the move into self‐employment by new entrepreneurs.
Late payment and the small firm: an examination of case studies
Authors: Howorth Carole , Wilson Nick
Published: April 2004

The issue of the late payment of commercial debt has been cited as a major problem facing small business and has precipitated much political debate. In the UK this has led to establishing the Better Payment Practice Group, and legislation to enforce a statutory right to interest on late payments. A number of surveys have highlighted the extent of the late payment problem and suggested possible causes for it but there has been relatively little work, theoretical and/or empirical on understanding the payment behaviours of firms. This paper builds on previously reported survey results and econometric analysis, to develop 13 small firm case studies where the management and financing of trade credit is analysed in detail. The case studies draw on a combination of qualitative and quantitative data from interview transcripts, questionnaire responses and secondary data. Credit management is examined from the firm’s perspective as both a supplier and a customer. Valuable information is provided on the extent of late payment and small firms’ perception and management of the problem. The analysis revealed that while late payment concerned all the firms interviewed some of them managed it better than others. At the extremes there were two distinct types of firms. Those who found late payment to be the greatest problem were “juggling” various forms of short‐term finance to fund their working capital. Their credit management procedures were ad hoc and unsystematic but there was no evidence that they were at the mercy of dominant customers. Firms who managed late payment had systematic credit management procedures in place, a good knowledge of when to expect payment from each of their customers and appeared to be more in control of the process. Longer‐term sources of finance provided them with the stability to plan ahead and there was sufficient flexibility in their financial structure to cope with minor hiccups.
The role of institutional support in Asian entrepreneurial expansion in Britain
Authors: Basu Anuradha
Published: April 2004

This paper examines the role of formal and informal institutional support in the expansion of Asian‐owned businesses in Britain, based on a large survey of Asian entrepreneurs based in Britain. More specifically, it investigates the significance of formal (bank) sources of finance relative to that of informal (family or personal) sources of finance at start‐up and the implications of that reliance on subsequent business expansion. The paper also examines the wider role of informal family and community networks in providing access to information and labour, in addition to capital, and the impact of these support networks on business expansion. The methodology used is that of quantitative, statistical analysis supplemented by qualitative survey data. The evidence suggests that both formal and informal institutional support have played a limited role in fostering Asian entrepreneurial expansion in Britain. Although bank finance was valuable in preventing undercapitalised ventures, rapidly growing Asian businesses did not rely on bank finance either at start‐up or for expansion. This may be attributed to the short‐term perspective of banks. Rapidly growing Asian businesses did not rely on formal sources of advice. Nor did they rely on family or community networks for finance or labour. The Asian entrepreneurs who rapidly expanded their businesses invested their personal savings at start‐up, relied on their family and friends for advice, employed non‐Asian labour and invested in employee training. These results imply that Asian entrepreneurs aspiring to grow need to advance beyond the traditional reliance on informal support networks for finance and labour. Formal institutions could offer long‐term debt or equity finance, encourage investment in employee training, and provide appropriate training schemes.
Intellectual property management in the small and medium enterprise (SME)
Authors: Kitching John , Blackburn Robert
Published: April 2004

Intellectual, as opposed to physical and financial, capital is increasingly regarded as a source of competitive advantage for individuals, enterprises and nations. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are often regarded as important innovators in the economy. It is possible to protect some intellectual capital as property through formal legal rights such as patents or copyright or through contractual agreements. Where small businesses possess such intellectual property, they can secure legal proection. Business owners may also attempt to protect such property using informal methods such as keeping information confidential as “trade secrets”. To explore whether SMEs possess intellectual property and, if so, whether they attempt to protect it, results are presented from a study of SMEs in four sectors where such issues are likely to arise – computer services, design, electronics and mechanical engineering. Overall, small business owners placed most emphasis on informal methods to protect intellectual property. These methods were more familiar, cheaper, less time‐consuming and frequently considered as effective as more formal rights. Under most circumstances, SME owners considered formal registrable rights such as patents less important. Even where business owners adopted formal rights, they were generally reluctant to bring a legal action to obtain redress where they believed that infringements had taken place.
Strategies for growth and the barriers faced by new technology‐based SMEs
Authors: Keogh William , Evans Gary
Published: April 2004

The relevance and importance of the high technology small firm sector to economies has been discussed by a number of authors and new technology‐based firms (NTBFs) have been viewed as having a very important role to play in job creation and as the seedbed of emerging industries. This paper illustrates the findings from a study involving 20 NTBFs based in the Aberdeen area of Scotland where small firms account for a large proportion of exports from the area. The methodology employed involved in‐depth interviews with owners, directors or senior managers. The sample was comprised of engineering companies, software developers, analytical services, instrumentation specialists and a biotech company. the strategic process was explored within each organisation and the difficulties that these NTBFs have in formulating strategies were identified. Questions were asked about relationships with stakeholders and the impacts of support mechanisms for the organisation in practice. Barriers to growth and development were identified and a model of the most important strategic issues was proposed which NTBFs could relate to. Key policy issues which the NTBFs consider important for their strategic growth included innovation, internationalisation, human resources and collaboration. Policy implications at the organisational, local and national levels are highlighted.
The evolution of managerial information, control and decision‐making processes in small growth‐oriented service sector businesses: exploratory lessons from four cases of success
Authors: Perren Lew , Berry Aidan , Partridge Mike
Published: April 2004

Research into management information, control and decision‐making in small businesses appears on the surface to be contradictory. Some research suggests that small businesses have little management information, poor control and that decision‐making is ad hoc. Other research suggests that small businesses acquire effective information and control through informal means, and that decision‐making can be sophisticated. This research addresses these apparent contradications by conducting a longitudinal, in‐depth exploration of the management information and decision‐making processes in four service sector businesses that have recently broken through the micro‐enterprise barrier. Multiple sources of evidence were used to construct a longitudinal history of information provision and decision‐making in each case. These included taped, oral, accounts of each owner‐manager’s life, focused semi‐structured interview questions and documentary evidence. The quality of the data has allowed a cross case causal network to be constructed which synthesises the evidence. This traces the chains of causality from the informal systems at the start of the businesses through to the later developments of more formal systems. This leads to a consideration of implications for small businesses, practitioners and policy makers.
Internationalisation and SME development in transition economies: an international comparison
Authors: Smallbone David , Piasecki Bogdan , Venesaar Urve , Todorov Kiril , Labrianidis Lois
Published: April 2004

This paper is concerned with the effects of internationalisation on SMEs in countries that are becoming increasingly affected by market integration at a time when their economic structures are going through a process of radical transformation. Empirical data are drawn from recent surveys of SME managers in the food and clothing industries in Poland, Bulgaria and the Baltic States, which is compared with the results of similar surveys in the UK and Greece. The results show that the ability of SMEs in transition countries to compete in foreign and domestic markets, varies between sectors. In food processing, although some SMEs have been able to penetrate foreign markets, the main effect so far has been to increase the level of competition in domestic markets. The evidence shows that foreign market penetration by food processing SMEs in transition countries is often focused on markets in other transition countries rather than in Western markets. In the clothing industry, the effects of internationalisation are different because of the highly internationalised nature of the clothing market and the production system that supplies it. In this context, SMEs in countries such as Poland and Estonia particularly, have been able to attract subcontract type work from Western countries, based on their relatively low labour costs. However, as the Greek experience demonstrates, this type of production can be very volatile, disappearing almost as quickly as it is secured. Despite detailed differences between countries and between sectors, the evidence shows that in all the Central and East European countires (CEECs) featuring in the study, some SMEs in the emerging private sector are responding to new foreign market opportunities and, in the short term at least, managing to achieve competitiveness. However, there is also evidence that their current basis of competitiveness in foreign markets contains weaknesses which may affect their ability to sustain their export effort in the longer term. As far as SME managers in transition countries are concerned, the main priorities for government action to improve their ability to increase foreign market sales are assistance with export promotion and a reduction in the level of domestic taxation. The survey results show that although a significant minority of exporters in transition countries had been using external assistance to support their export effort, this was typically either on a fully paid for basis from consultants or informally from other firms or business associates rather than from trade organisations or formal business support organisations.
Entrepreneurial action, innovation and business performance: the small independent business
Authors: Georgellis Yannis , Joyce Paul , Woods Adrian
Published: April 2004

Using a sample of some 300 small independent businesses, drawn from Central London, the paper examines how entrepreneurial behaviour affects business performance. It is argued that small businesses motivated by a desire to grow in terms of sales and/or employees and to survive in
a dynamic and competitive environment need to be innovative. However, to what extent they will
innovate successfully depends on their capacity to plan ahead, their capacity to innovate and their
willingness to take risk. It is shown that entrepreneurial businesses are characterised by these competencies that allow them to innovate and thus develop and grow successfully. Not surprisingly,
not all small businesses are equipped with these three competencies owing to their diverse array of
strengths and weaknesses arising from the diversity in the managerial motives and aspirations of
entrepreneurship. These results highlight the importance of the capacity to innovate and the capacity to plan ahead as strong predictors of small businesses’ performance.
The promotion of Hungarian small and medium‐size enterprises in accordance with guidelines for European Union enlargement
Authors: Sándor‐Kriszt Éva
Published: April 2004

The basis of international comparative analysis is the harmonisation of the different conceptual systems of the discipline under investigation in various countries. The enterprises, which are the spring of the economy, can be grouped in different ways in the different countries. The goal of this paper is to compare the Hungarian practice with that of the European Union (EU), the European OECD countries and the USA. Following a short overview of the terminology, this paper seeks an answer to the question of how Hungary became – in less than a decade – a country of small enterprises. Phenomena such as the breaking up of huge companies or dismantling into small and medium‐size enterprises and the increasing number of newly founded small‐size businesses sooner or later lead to changes in the policies of these enterprises and thus contribute to the development of a functioning market economy. The map of the Hungarian economy had changed significantly by the end of the 1990s. A radical shift in the size and types of companies was brought about by market economy forces, which led to a transformation. As a result, the process of accession to the EU was begun. In the preliminary and preparatory stages, the opportunities for small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) must be enhanced, as presently the economic significance of SMEs in Hungary is smaller than their strategic importance. All these objectives are supported by concrete and long‐term governmental strategies and measures.
Feasibility of strategic alliance as an entry strategy into markets dominated by major competitors
Authors: Sheang Lee Khai , Hua Lim Guan , Tan Jiuan
Published: April 2004

Although the benefits of strategic alliances are well documented, whether strategic alliances can be a viable entry strategy option for small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) to successfully penetrate markets held by major incumbent suppliers is less clear. In this paper, strategic alliances are shown to be an effective entry‐cum‐deterrence strategy for SMEs to successfully penetrate markets that are well established and dominated by major corporations. In addition, the conditions under which SMEs can use strategic alliances as an entry strategy without restricting themselves to target only those markets ignored by bigger firms are identified. In terms of methodology, this paper follows a deductive approach – one based on game theory, to examine explicitly the reactions of bigger firms to the entry of SMEs into their markets, specifically taking into account the resource limitations faced by SMEs. To verify that the theoretical arguments presented are consistent with practice, two cases of the use of strategic alliances by SMEs as an entry strategy to penetrate markets dominated by major corporations are examined. The practices and experiences of these SMEs were found to be consistent with the theoretical arguments presented here.
Factors in the growth of micro‐enterprises (Part 2): exploring the implications
Authors: Perren Lew
Published: April 2004

This research examines micro‐enterprises pursuing gradual growth. The research findings and implications are provided in two parts. Part 1 was presented in Volume 6, Number 4 of the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development (JSBED) (Perren, 2000). It developed an empirically verified framework that explains how growth was influenced by a myriad interacting factors; this led to a discussion of the policy implications of the framework. Part 2 explores the managerial implications of the framework. A diagnostic toolkit is systematically developed to encourage micro‐enterprise owner‐managers and advisers to explore the influences on the interim growth drivers identified in part 1. It is hoped this will help them to highlight ways of “compensating” deficits in particular factors and to think creatively about growth opportunities. The audience has changed from academics and policy‐makers to owner‐managers, so the diagnostic toolkit avoids technical language and employs a Socratic questioning approach to encourage free‐thinking and self‐analysis.
Research and development activities by SMEs: a regional comparison (the West Midlands and the North East of England)
Authors: Adamson Ivana , Seddighi H.R.
Published: April 2004

This study provides an analysis of two regional samples on R&D activities in manufacturing small and medium‐size firms in the UK. The results show that there are statistically significant regional differences between the North East and the West Midlands (χr2 of 11.8 s.s. at p < .01), where the North East SMEs seem to engage less in R&D activities. The results may be of some interest to the relevant R&D funding bodies.
Marketing and company performance of Chinese small firms in Mainland China: a preliminary study
Authors: Siu Wai‐sum
Published: April 2004

This paper reports the survey results of marketing practices of 87 Chinese small firms in Mainland China. The findings suggest that the broad small firm marketing principles, though specifically generated from the Western countries, contribute to the success of Chinese small firms in China. Interestingly, however, the specific marketing practices of these small firms are different from those of their British counterparts. Research results indicate that higher‐performing Chinese small firms adopt the customer orientation, use a proactive approach in strategic planning, are aware and make use of marketing planning tools, adopt long‐term profit objectives, participate actively in new product development, and introduce new ways of doing business. Also, the higher‐performing Chinese small firms have well‐organised marketing organisation and encourage free communication flow and interaction among employees. To have better control over marketing activities, higher‐performing Chinese small firms frequently use marketing control devices. Thus, care should be taken before making generalisations about marketing in Western situations and in assuming that marketing tools and techniques are equally applicable across all locations.
The use of quantitative and qualitative criteria in the measurement of performance in small firms
Authors: Jarvis Robin , Curran James , Kitching John , Lightfoot Geoffrey
Published: April 2004

Concern has been expressed, over the years, about the financial management strategies adopted by small firms, but very little is known about these practices. Business performance measures are an important element of these financial management strategies. The paper discusses the findings from research carried out in the UK examining the quantitative and qualitative criteria in the measurement of performance in small firms. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 20 owner‐managers from both manufacturing and service sectors. Orthodox theory assumes that the objective of the firm is to maximise profits, and it follows that the performance measures advocated are largely based upon this theory. However, research has shown that small firms pursue a range of goals. It was, therefore, not surprising to find that owner‐managers of small firms used a variety of measures and indicators to assess business performance. Profit measures were found to be less important than conventional views suggest. In particular, cash flow indicators were considered to be critical. Other performance measures adopted by owner‐managers include the quality of inputs and outputs and intangible indicators.
Investigating the use of emergent strategic human resource management activity in the small firm
Authors: Marlo Sue
Published: April 2004

There is little information regarding how, or whether, small‐firm owners use their own and their management team’s skills and experiences as part of a strategic approach to achieving business goals, durability and, if desired, growth. It would appear that firms which do utilise a strategic approach, however informal, are more likely to endure. Design school strategic management techniques have traditionally been sited in, and associated with, corporate enterprises and, as such, would not be readily accessible to most small firms. Recent critics of this design school approach argue that strategic activity, in the majority of firms, is far more intuitive and flexible than previously believed and describe this as an emergent approach to strategy. If this is the case, it should be possible for most small‐firm owners and managers to harness their business skills, which evidence would suggest are likely to be intuitive, based on experience, and flexible, to develop an emergent approach to strategy. To investigate the proposition further, this paper focuses primarily upon strategic human resource management (HRM) in small firms, arguing that the efficient use of labour in small firms is a critical activity for such firms to achieve durability and if desired, growth. This paper will, therefore, briefly consider the debates surrounding design school and emergent strategies, examine the role of strategic HRM within the enterprise in some detail and then present empirical findings to illustrate these issues.
Effective websites for small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: April 2004

In the UK, millions are now online and many are prepared to use the Internet to make and influence purchasing decisions. Businesses should, therefore, consider whether the Internet could provide them with a new marketing opportunity. Although increasing numbers of businesses now have a website, there seems to be a quality problem that is leading to missed opportunities, particularly for smaller enterprises. This belief is backed up by an automated survey of 3,802 predominantly small UK business sites, believed to be by far the largest of its kind to date. Analysis of the results reveals widespread problems in relation to search engines. Most Internet users find new sites through search engines, yet over half of the sites checked were not registered in the largest one, Yahoo!, and could therefore be missing a sizeable percentage of potential customers. The underlying problem with business sites is the lack of maturity of the medium as evidenced by the focus on technological issues amongst designers and the inevitable lack of Web‐business experience of managers. Designers need to take seriously the usability of the site, its design and its ability to meet the business goals of the client. These issues are perhaps being taken up less than in the related discipline of software engineering, probably owing to the relative ease of website creation. Managers need to dictate the objectives of their site, but also, in the current climate, cannot rely even on professional website design companies and must be capable of evaluating the quality of their site themselves. Finally, educators need to ensure that these issues are emphasised to the next generation of designers and managers in order that the full potential of the Internet for business can be realised.
Business networks: assisting knowledge management and competence acquisition within UK manufacturing firms
Authors: Chaston Ian , Mangles Terry
Published: April 2004

In both literature and policy documents, small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) are being advised to form networks as a route for acquiring the knowledge required to survive in rapidly changing and/or highly competitive markets. There is, however, only limited anecdotal evidence of the positive contribution that networks are a way of upgrading organisational learning and thereby enhancing the performance of small firms. Additionally, there appears to be minimal guidance available on how small firms might exploit networks as a route for improving their capabilities to acquire and utilise knowledge to enhance future performance. To acquire additional empirical data on these issues, a survey was undertaken to examine the learning style of small UK manufacturing firms participating in some form of cooperative relationship with other members of their market supply chain. Learning style in the survey was measured by seeking response to a scale which permits assessment of the degree to which the respondent firm is exhibiting a single‐ versus double‐loop learning style. A survey of small firms advisers to gain their view of the organisational competency was measured using a scale that identifies those areas of capability that have significant impact on the performance of small firms. Results indicate that firms involved in networks tend to adopt a double‐loop (or higher‐order) learning style, whereas non‐network firms mainly appear to be autonomous single‐loop learners. When compared with non‐network firms, respondent organisations who participate in networks tend to have a better developed, more formalised knowledge management system. Furthermore, small firm advisers perceive that the creation of a formalised knowledge management system is reflected by such firms exhibiting a higher level of organisational competence across some of the areas of marketing, HRM and information management. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to how small firms might be assisted in becoming involved in learning networks as a path for improving their knowledge management capabilities. Some qualitative, illustrative examples of small business learning networks are provided. Additionally, proposals are presented on the need for further research.
Pricing and positioning for the Single European Currency – the state of play among Northampton small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Fallon Grahame , Graham Stuart , Willetts Roger
Published: April 2004

Pricing and positioning strategies are of increasing strategic importance and are crucial to the long‐term competitiveness of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Following the introduction of the Single European Currency (referred to as the “Euro” throughout this paper), the paper suggests that there will be a major squeeze on price differentials between European Union (EU) member states, creating a danger that existing price‐based positioning strategies will be undermined. This “European pricing and positioning time bomb” will affect UK SMEs (as well as larger businesses) over their short‐term planning horizon, even if UK entry into the Euro is delayed indefinitely. Strategic responses to the Euro will be most effective if they are planned and implemented at the earliest possible time. This paper explores and analyses the findings from a small sample survey of export‐active, consumer goods manufacturing, Northampton SMEs, carried out in late 1997. The aim is to establish their existing pricing and positioning strategies for EU Europe, their preparedness at that time for the introduction of the Euro and the main forms which their pricing and positioning strategies for the Euro were then taking. The findings suggest that most of the SMEs surveyed were in the early stages of planning for the Euro, but that many had not yet fully grasped its strategic marketing significance. Three categories of current marketing postures are identified: price standardisation, price but not product differentiation, and price differentiation supported by product differentiation between EU markets. The paper concludes by evaluating the effectiveness of responses based on these three alternative categories to the new marketing environment in EU Europe that the Euro will create. A set of strategic recommendations is also made for SMEs’ pricing and positioning strategies in the Euro context.
Small and medium enterprise development: borrowing from elsewhere? a research and development agenda – a comment on Allan Gibb’s paper
Authors: Curran James
Published: April 2004

This paper comments on Allan Gibb’s keynote address to the Small Business and Enterprise Conference earlier this year reproduced in this issue of the Journal. Gibb offers a critical assessment of the ways in which small business theory and research and policy making have handled the transfer of ideas as a basis for small business support policies. The arguments offered are hard hitting and persuasive, especially as an explanation for the poor record of support programmes in transitional economies. This response extends Gibb’s arguments, drawing out some implications. For instance, one of his themes is that small business theorising and research needs to give more attention to cultural and non‐economic phenomena, and this paper suggests ways in which this needs to occur. It concludes that, by accepting Gibb’s arguments, policy making would be more effective and small business theorising and research would be stronger, achieving closer relations with other social science disciplines.
Modernisation in a traditional industry
Authors: Haugh Helen M.
Published: April 2004

This paper discusses the practical impact of recent European Union (EU) hygiene legislation on small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fish‐processing industry in north‐east Scotland. Using data gathered via participant observation and in‐depth interviews, the paper reveals the attitudes and responses from four SMEs to the most recent EU hygiene requirements, and discusses the lessons that can be learned from their experiences. The results highlight the impact of an industry culture in which modernisation was interpreted by some as unnecessary. Incorporating responses from the local authority and regional trade association, the conclusion emphasises the need for cultural sensitivity in policy development and implementation. The research also endorses the need for SMEs to adopt a proactive approach to influencing future legislation, and to be actively involved in pre‐statutory collaboration and consultation.
Small manufacturing businesses: meeting decision support needs
Authors: Duan Yanqing , Kinman Russell
Published: April 2004

Small businesses play a crucial role in national and local economies, but their problems are not always accorded the same importance as those of larger organisations. Research shows that many small businesses fail from lack of management ability. It has been argued that small businesses can improve their performance and increase their competitiveness with better information and decision support systems (DSS). Study of the few research papers available reveals that the current use of computers in small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) is often limited, and geared to operational support rather than managerial decision making. The work discussed in this paper investigated current DSS use in small manufacturing businesses in Bedfordshire, and canvassed the views of managers as to what additional support they most needed. Conclusions are drawn from the results of interviews with managers of six small manufacturing businesses and a large‐scale self‐report survey of Bedfordshire firms.
Gambling for growth or settling for survival: the dilemma of the small business adviser
Authors: Mole Kevin
Published: April 2004

The paper questions aspects of the UK government’s policy to target small firm support on fast‐growing firms – to maximise its employment impact. The paper explores the tension between advice likely to increase growth and risk‐taking and advice likely to ensure firm survival in the turbulent small and medium‐sized enterprises sector. The research data derive from 24 semi‐structured interviews and a group interview of ten business advisers in the West Midlands region collected between autumn 1996 and spring 1997, and a national survey of 175 Business Link personal business advisers (PBAs) conducted in April 1998. Interviewees responded to a prompt asking for advice to a fast‐growing firm. The paper compares qualitative interview responses from a wide variety of West Midlands business advisers with questionnaire responses from PBAs. The paper suggests that the advice given by accountants and bank managers differs little from that given by Business Link’s PBAs. The paper will argue that advisers including PBAs, offer risk‐averse advice and support to small firms. Present business advice might reduce insolvency rather than increase the number of fast‐growth firms. The risk‐averse nature of advice, reflecting the adviser’s clientele, undermines policies designed to increase the number of fast‐growth companies. It concludes that advice will often be inconsistent with the growth‐oriented aim of government policy.
Managers’ accounts of innovation processes in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Barnett Elizabeth , Storey John
Published: April 2004

Fifty managers from five highly innovative medium‐sized enterprises were interviewed in depth about their experience of innovation. In order to deepen and enrich our understanding of these experiences, respondents were asked to reconstruct their insights in narrative form. Following a careful analysis of the transcripts, it was found that three interlocking themes recurred in each of the cases. First, each of the firms had creatively configured their customer relationships in order to secure long‐term resourcing in both financial and knowledge terms. Secondly, they saw innovation as part of their long‐term organisational evolution. Thirdly, they gave priority to human resource development issues, and they viewed this stance as necessary in order to underpin the other two elements.
Employment regulation and owner‐managers in small firms: seeking support and guidance
Authors: Harris Lynette
Published: April 2004

As the volume and complexity of employment legislation increases, small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) without access to internal human resource expertise are increasingly vulnerable to litigation and its associated costs. The disproportionate impact of employment regulation on the small firm has long been a concern of SME owner‐managers and is expected to increase as a result of the recent rapid expansion of labour law in the UK. This paper will consider evidence from a recent survey of small businesses, which examined their main employment concerns and the sources of advice they use on employment relations matters. The survey’s findings illustrate the particular challenge increased employment rights presents to the smaller organisation. It identifies a need for more intensive support tailored to the specific circumstances of individual firms in developing proactive approaches to human resourcing which not only comply with but also reflect the spirit of the legislation.
Barriers encountered during micro and small business start‐up in North‐West England
Authors: Fielden Sandra L. , Davidson Marilyn J. , Makin Peter J.
Published: April 2004

The success or failure of a new business is often dependent on overcoming a series of potential barriers, eg securing sufficient financial backing, adequate and appropriate guidance and training etc. Yet, in light of the substantial growth rate of micro and small businesses, there has been little research into the experiences of potential and new business owners during the start‐up of such enterprises. To date there has been no systematic study of this group in the UK, and many questions remain unanswered. This study of micro and small business during the initialisation and formation of new venture creation (eg pre‐start‐up, 0‐6 months and 6‐12 months∥ sought to answer some of those questions. It identifies the needs of new business owners, the barriers they encounter, and the strategies they use to overcome those obstacles. The findings indicate that financial difficulties and the attitudes of banks towards new business owners are the main barriers to successful enterprise creation, with mentors and more specific advice cited as the assistance regarded as affording the greatest benefit to potential and new business owners. In addition, small and micro business owners are going out of business, or are unable to fulfil their potential, because they are denied access to those factors that promote success.
What multinational corporations with manufacturing plants in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are demanding from their suppliers
Authors: McAleer Eddie , McIvor Ronan , Humphreys Paul , McCurry Larry
Published: April 2004

Since the 1970s, international manufacturing companies, in pursuit of world‐class goals, have been adopting and adapting management practices developed originally in Japan. Notable characteristics of such companies now include: a customer‐focused culture; a concentration on core competencies with high levels of outsourcing; an emphasis on team working and manufacturing cells; low levels of stock at all stages of assembly; frequent small deliveries by suppliers directly to the production areas; a supply base of relatively few suppliers; partnership agreements with key first‐tier suppliers. Such companies are aiming to produce goods of world‐class quality and to do so, given the large amounts of bought‐in components and sub‐systems, pay a great deal of attention to the supply network. As a result, the purchasing function in these companies, as the interface with suppliers, plays a crucial role in manufacturing strategy. It is thus important to determine what multinational manufacturing companies want from their suppliers, ie what constitutes the “total package” that they want to have supplied? To this end, a total quality‐based 15‐criteria model of this package was developed and pre‐tested with senior purchasing managers from multinational corporations (MNCs). Based on this model a survey of senior purchasing managers of 170 MNCs throughout Ireland was undertaken and this paper reports on the results from the 62 usable returns.
Stromules and the dynamic nature of plastid morphology
Authors: Kwok E. Y. , Hanson M. R.
Published: April 2004

Investigation of plastids via green fluorescent protein (GFP) has led to the rediscovery of tubular extensions of the plastid membrane, termed stromules, for stroma‐filled tubules. These unique structures are challenging our understanding of plastid structure and function. Stromules are highly dynamic, branching and elongating across the plant cell. Recent experiments indicate that cytoplasmic microtubules and microfilaments control the shape and motility of stromules. Whether stromule formation involves plastid‐specific structural systems, such as the plastid division machinery, remains open to debate. Fluorescence photobleaching experiments have revealed that GFP can traffic between plastids joined by stromules. As a result, interest has grown in whether other macromolecules can also travel through these connections. Although the function of stromules is unknown, several aspects of their biology suggest they play a role in molecular exchange between plastids and other organelles.
Interphase chromosomes and the Rabl configuration: does genome size matter?
Authors: Santos A. P. , Shaw P.
Published: April 2004

It is now well established that the cereals share a common gene order or gene synteny. However, the cereal species encompass an enormous range of genome size, with wheat being one of the largest and rice one of the smallest. Here we describe the current state of knowledge of interphase chromosome structure within the cereal species. In wheat and its close relatives, the interphase chromosomes adopt a highly regular Rabl configuration, with the two chromosome arms lying next to each other and the centromeres and telomeres located at opposite poles of the nuclei. By contrast, the chromosomes in most rice nuclei clearly do not show a Rabl configuration. Surprisingly, the chromosomes in the endoreduplicated xylem vessel cells of rice do adopt a Rabl configuration. To explain this observation, we propose that endoreduplication may occur immediately after chromosome segregation in these cells, and that the new chromatin interactions, particularly at the centromeres, in the endoreduplicated chromosomes may stabilize the anaphase chromosome configuration.
Personal Growth in Adults' Stories of Life Transitions
Authors: Bauer Jack J. , McAdams Dan P.
Published: April 2004

Abstract
This study identified four themes of personal growth (integrative, intrinsic, agentic, and communal) in adults' stories of life transitions in careers and religions. Specific themes were expected to relate differentially to two forms of personality development (social‐cognitive maturity and social‐emotional well‐being) and to transition satisfaction. Integrative themes correlated primarily with social‐cognitive maturity (ego development; Loevinger, 1976), whereas intrinsic themes correlated primarily with social‐emotional well‐being. Agentic‐growth themes correlated primarily with transition satisfaction, whereas communal‐growth themes correlated primarily with global well‐being. Themes of agentic and communal growth also differentiated the two types of transitions studied—changes in careers and changes in religions—in ways that both supported and contradicted traditional notions of those transitions. We discuss these findings in terms of narrative meaning making, the mature and happy person, and intentional self‐development via life transitions.
The role of diagnosis in patients failing peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization
Authors: Koenigsmann Michael , Jentsch‐Ullrich Kathleen , Mohren Martin , Becker Elke , Heim Marcell , Franke Astrid
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Failure to mobilize PBPCs for auto‐logous transplantation has mostly been attributed to previous therapy and poses therapeutic problems.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The role of underlying disease was analyzed in 17 of 73 (23%) patients with PBPC mobilization failure, and secondary mobilization with high‐dose filgrastim was attempted.

RESULTS: Of 16 patients with acute leukemia, 13 (81%) mobilized poorly. In contrast, of 57 patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and solid tumor, 53 (93%, p < 0.001) showed good PBPC mobilization. Relapsed disease did not predispose to poor mobilization. As secondary mobilization attempt, 7 patients received 25 µg per kg per day filgrastim without chemotherapy leading to a 3.7 ± 2.8‐fold (SD) increase in the maximum number of circulating CD34+ cells (p = 0.104). PBPC apheresis yielded 3.3 (±0.5) × 106 CD34+ cells per kg of body weight in 5 patients. Four poor mobilizers received 50 µg per kg per day filgrastim as second or third mobilization attempt. Circulating CD34+ cells in these patients increased by 1.5 (±0.7) compared with the primary G–CSF application.

CONCLUSION: Selective PBPC mobilization failure was seen in patients with acute leukemia whereas remarkably good mobilization was seen in other malignancies. Increasing the filgrastim dose to 25 µg per kg per day may allow PBPC collection in patients failing PBPC mobilization.