A survey of 128 small businesses in England found that 84% of owners did not feel lifelong learning was right for their organization; 80% felt it was valid for their own development; and they did not recognize the value of nonwork-related learning. Key staff, however, saw learning as a continuous and vital process for their future development.…

A study of 168 small British manufacturing firms showed that, as they moved from single- to double-loop learning, they adopt more formalized organizational learning methods, such as systems for the management and dissemination of knowledge across the work force. (SK)

University business incubators give businesses access to labs and equipment, scientific-technical knowledge, networks, and reputation. A study of incubators in Italy shows they do not resolve inadequate funding or lack of management and financial skills. However, the networking capacity can offset these problems. (Contains 25 notes/references.)…

Discusses technology diffusion through formal and informal networks. Develops a model that includes channels and mechanisms involved in transferring technology into innovative small businesses. The model depicts influences that increase or slow the rate of diffusion. (SK)

A survey of 54 Canadian travel agencies identified various factors determining the assimilation of electronic commerce by small enterprises in the form of informational, transactional, and strategic implementation of a Web site. Results indicate informational implementation and transactional implementation are determined by the environmental…

In the context of the UK government's target of 50% participation by young people in higher education, issues relating to the use of graduates in firms assume renewed significance. Increasing attention is paid to the potential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to absorb a larger number of new graduates. With reference to the…

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the factors influencing the provision of increased training in Australian manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have embarked upon different growth development pathways. Design/Methodology/Approach: The longitudinal panel data employed in this research are drawn from the…

The process of creating and transitioning the storehouse of university research and development to commercial products is by its nature a true partnership of great university innovators, experienced entrepreneurs and adequate funding sources. In the United States, the process of university innovation to commercialization begins deep in university…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study human resource development (HRD) and organisational learning issues in a small expert organisation. Design/methodology/approach: This is a qualitative single case study conducted in one Finnish SME. It is part of an ongoing study. It is descriptive in nature and the aim is to find out whether the…

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the influence of a range of contingent factors that moderate the approaches to training in manufacturing SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a regression analysis of data from a survey of 198 manufacturing SMEs. Findings: The findings suggest that there will be times when formal training…

Small business training can facilitate business growth. The authors show that a "hands-on" approach can have a direct impact on a business owner's current situation. They consider this in relation to the problem of being unable to find the right staff, demonstrating that a program such as the one they describe enables learning and…

To develop our economies and allow the small business sector to achieve its maximum potential, it is imperative we invest in human capital. It is estimated that 97% of Irish businesses are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), with over 95% having fewer than 50 employees. We can therefore agree that the qualification and skill mix of the…

Training is one of the basic means of human resources development in business organizations, aiming to motivate employees, to develop their potential and to help them perform better. The end of the 20th century has seen the advent of globalisation and the diffusion of new information and communication technologies. Businesses have to change and…

This is a unique and groundbreaking collection of questions and answers coming from higher education institutions on diverse fields and across a wide spectrum of countries and cultures. It creates routes for further innovation, collaboration amidst the Sciences (both Natural and Social), the Humanities, and the private and public sectors of…

This paper examines the case of multiple business ownership in the Norwegian farming sector, focusing on the extent of resource transfer between farms and their newly created ventures and the subsequent effects on the performance of these new ventures. The results demonstrate that substantial resource transfer takes place, mediated both by the…