Compares differences in market approach, risk perception, and personnel selection between large companies and small firms with family of origin ties to other countries. Uses these differences to develop a substantially altered model for cross-cultural training in expatriate firms. (SK)

Electronic Commerce Resource Centers focus on transferring emerging technologies to small businesses through university/industry partnerships. Successful implementation hinges on a strategic operating plan, creation of measurable value for customers, investment in customer-targeted training, and measurement of performance outputs. (SK)

In Sierra Leone, two church-sponsored programs are focused on sustainable development. The Wesleyan Development Education and Awareness Programme trains people to initiate community projects. Women's Loan Scheme encourages development of small-scale enterprises. (SK)

A study of 372 companies examined the cooperation between small-to-medium-sized businesses and external providers of training in Austria. New forms of cooperation such as integrated training and consulting programs, process consultation of in-house projects, and support of cooperation are needed. (JOW)

Small businesses employ slightly more than half of the private sector work force. In many ways, such as education, race, origin, age, and part-time status, the small business work force differs from that of larger enterprises (Author)

Presents results from a study examining approaches developed by seven governments to foster competitive intelligence practice in SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and compares them with the approach taken by the government of Quebec. Suggests a need for a better understanding of information needs and uses in SMEs. (Contains 22 references.)…

Provides an overview of innovation in United Kingdom firms based on a survey of 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. Includes case studies of the industrial clustering process, identifying factors connecting firms in the high-technology circuit. Discusses policy considerations for firms and government. (Contains 61 references/notes.) (JOW)

Results of research into the graduate recruitment and selection practices of 30 British small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the skills being sought by employers suggest that SMEs value transferable skills and that small employers expect an immediate contribution from graduate recruits. (JOW)

Analysis of Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises reveals that small business culture is a significant barrier to skill development. Other barriers include awareness, finance, and access to training. A welter of recent policy initiatives has added to a state of confusion about the role of training. (SK)

A case study of union initiatives to rebuild the training infrastructure for small businesses in the printing industry in Southwest England illustrates two points: (1) unions are responding to the individualizing tendency of globalization while maintaining collectivist traditions; and (2) organizational culture can inhibit the acquisition,…

A longitudinal study focused on the training needs of 6,000 small and medium-sized businesses in 6 formerly communist countries. Results showed owner/managers had positive attitudes to training, but the vast majority had provided no training in the past year. Difficulties included economic conditions and availability of relevant training.…

Small businesses dominate the tourism and hospitality industry worldwide and are of critical importance for the competitiveness of destinations. Small family hotel businesses are characterised by a number of specific business processes which generate particular training and educational needs. It is increasingly clear that small businesses are not…

Language patterns of family business owners were explored by identifying discourse styles and emphasized ideas in four presenting contexts: business, family, intersection of family and business, and business success. The content analysis supports the existence of a general discourse style within family businesses and of similarities and…

Rulemaking agencies commonly delegate the implementation and enforcement of rules to affected parties, but they rarely delegate rulemaking authority. Regulatory negotiation is an example of this uncommon behavior. Compared to conventional rulemaking, regulatory negotiation is thought to be an attempt to make bureaucracy more responsive to affected…

Following a review of assistance provision to New Zealand small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 1998, the government established the BIZ programme. The purpose of the new initiative was to build management capability amongst SMEs by providing them with free access to a business needs assessment, followed by training and seminars, one-on-one…