Proposes a conceptual framework for managing relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises, based on the necessity of cooperation for survival. Describes characteristics of embedded relationship in stakeholder interactions, including trust, durability, information transfer, and collaboration. (Contains 72 references.) (SK)

Case studies of four British companies showed that management legitimacy and authority were negotiated along the axes of technical expertise and abstract knowledge. Employees required evidence of management competence, and structural indicators such as management degrees or courses did not confer unquestioned legitimacy. (Contains 62 references.)…

A qualitative study of six owner/managers of small Australian bookselling businesses elicited these themes: participation in learning is largely informal or incidental; interaction with information/communication technologies is less than optimal; and small business management relies on personal and business networking. Ways to develop a more…

Learning centers using information-communications technologies were established in three British industrial estates. A case study of one organization shows the center contributed to lifelong learning and enhanced information technology training and employee confidence. Transfer of training and productivity improvements were not as clear. (Contains…

Secondary analysis of data from a study of skill needs in the British independent retail sector suggests there is justification for focusing on higher-level training in three areas: building and sustaining competitive advantage, e-commerce, and retail operations. These areas are the core modules in a distance learning initiative that resulted from…

The author discusses factors that contribute to developing a successful private practice in career counseling. Topics include (1) defining the product; (2) understanding the marketplace; (3) identifying business support services; (4) marketing the services; (5) planning for long range growth; and (6) setting fees. (CH)

The author discusses how to attract clients to a career counseling practice. Topics covered include establishing referral networks with other human resources professionals and using direct marketing. (CH)

A process to translate cross-company competence frameworks into company-specific ones involved 10 steps: understanding generalizability, identifying additions/deletions and aggregations/disaggregations, prioritizing, changing the fine print, identifying examples of company practice, distinguishing actual/idealized practice, locating competence on…

The Grassroots Gender Empowerment Movement in Sierra Leone is a gender-focused program of small enterprise development and revolving loans that has brought a degree of economic independence, community development, gender awareness, improved living conditions, and empowerment to the women involved. (JOW)

A survey of 29 employees at a real estate office revealed that one-third still felt incompetent with computers despite generally positive attitudes toward them. A correlation appears to exist between frustration with computers and job satisfaction, although negative attitudes toward computers and job performance appear unrelated to organizational…

Surveys chief executive officers in small companies regarding employment interviews. Discusses their views on appearances of job applicants, beginnings of job interviews, contents of interviews, and closings of interviews. (SR)

The Screening Battery of the Adult Basic Learning Examination and a demographic questionnaire were completed by 65 employees in small manufacturing firms in Oklahoma City. Despite overall educational attainment of 11.5 years, grade equivalents of scores were 7.6 for reading comprehension, 8.9 for problem solving; 21.5% were classified as…

According to a survey of 148 small business employers, schools should teach youngsters basic math, reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, along with specialized skills needed for technology, business, public service, personal service, health, and consumer occupations. Schools should also teach good grooming, healthy habits, and the…

Presents personal accounts of Hispanic entrepreneurs who have successfully established small businesses. Young Hispanic entrepreneurs frequently experience age discrimination and have difficulty securing financing. The Small Business Administration can provide technical assistance, training, and development. (KS)

Among 540 successful small businesses in New England, female-owned businesses had lower sales volumes and produced lower incomes than male-owned businesses. The smaller size of women's businesses was the major explanatory factor, followed by women's lack of experience and concentration in less profitable industries. Contains 66 references. (SV)