The study of entrepreneurship and the world of small business is recommended for gifted education programs. Benefits of entrepreneurship and small business education are identified and suggestions offered for the elementary, middle school, and secondary levels. (DB)

Compares Freire's approach to education with enterprise education (small business development as in the Durham University model). Concludes that there is more common ground than expected; educational approaches that ignore economic realities are inappropriate; and a bigger role for enterprise education focused on small businesses is possible. (SK)

The German Central Office for Continuing Training in the Crafts Sector develops continuing training for small businesses and works on teacher training. The focus is on quality assurance through continuing updates of concepts and development of new instructional media. (SK)

Two approaches to training for small/medium-sized enterprises were compared: a British distance learning program and an Irish program offering face-to-face training for micro-enterprises. Both used constructivist, collaborative, and reflective methods. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach were identified. (SK)

Australian vocational education policy emphasizes training over learning. Eight case studies of small businesses reveal that they make limited use of structured training; learning varied by educational level of staff and characteristics of the business. A more holistic view of how knowledge is acquired in business is called for. (SK)

Small businesses implementing ISO 14001 standards worked with a university to develop a learning network. The network served as a source of inspiration and reflection as well as a sounding board. It enabled small enterprises to act collectively, compensating for individual lack of resources. (SK)

Marketing students' action research projects in small businesses demonstrated that small business sustainability is enhanced by increased understanding of marketing and business students' employment potential is enhanced by exposure to small businesses. Such projects also provide material for case studies on specific marketing problems. (SK)

Discussion of the effect of globalization on SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Europe focuses on a case study of a current European Commission (EC) project, Net Quality, which is based on the virtual enterprise as an intervention model that may encourage small businesses to cooperate in strategic ventures. (Contains 29 references.)…

Analyzes instances of business-higher education collaboration within small business clusters in Britain, detailing the extent, contents, and intensity of that collaboration. Suggests that the leaders must committed to and believe in the benefits of collaborative relationships for them to be successful. (JOW)

A survey of 383 college students found that 24% definitely plan to open their own business and 60% indicated they might start a business. They would use future nonformal educational programs, such as cooperative extension, to help them be successful. (SK)

A study of undergraduates before and after participation in partnership projects with small businesses found that (1) the majority preferred working for larger companies; (2) they felt small businesses were less desirable for promotion, pay, and job security; (3) businesses were slightly more inclined to hire graduates; and (4) employers felt…

A study of 500 British employers operating Modern Apprenticeships found the following: (1) 58% were small businesses; (2) 63% recruited only 1 apprentice; (3) they were highly satisfied with participation; and (4) the current good economy may help entrench Modern Apprenticeships in the training infrastructure. (SK)

Reviews the educational needs of small businesses regarding information systems and the ways higher education is attempting to meet them. Presents case studies of six small businesses. (SK)

Describes a study that investigated the relationship between transformational leadership practices, culture, and organizational effectiveness in 12 small manufacturing and service companies. Discusses difference between high-performance and mixed-performance companies and describes results from the Leadership Practice Inventory (LPI) and the…

Responses about organizational learning from 128 British small business owners were compared to workers' statements about training. Owners often bent rules and fudged paperwork to access funding or demonstrate compliance. Workplace imperatives and government program regulations often drove these practices and subverted learning. (Contains 41…