Establishment of learning centers in British industrial estates was evaluated through telephone and mail questionnaires, focus groups, and case studies. The objective of learning networks was not fully realized. Tensions between the needs and interests of employers, learning providers, and individual workers was found. (SK)

A broadening of the definition and pedagogy of vocational education and training (VET) is needed if small businesses are to participate. This goal will require changes in the orientation of VET and enhanced support and facilitation instead of market-based provision. (Contains 32 references.) (JOW)

The overall mission of the Conservatoire national des arts et metiers--(CNAM) [National Conservatory of Industrial Arts and Trades] is outlined. One of its centers, the "Centre national de l'entrepreneuriat"--(CNE) [National Center for Entrepreneurship] is described in greater detail. In particular, this center offers various services, notably…

Retail farmers' markets are seen as key institutions in a more "civic agriculture," but little is known about how they promote small business entrepreneurship. Drawing on research in economic sociology and economic geography, this paper examines the role of social learning in vendor innovation. Data from a 1999 mail survey of farmers' market…

Purpose: This paper seeks to investigate the provision of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Small Ethnic Minority Businesses (SEMBs) operating in the West Midlands region of the UK. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach is employed, involving in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 66 owner/managers of small ethnic minority…

A major obstacle to the diffusion of management development learning technologies from Higher Education Institutions to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is a lack of understanding about how SME learners learn. This article examines the nature of learning in SMEs and considers the incidence of informal support for informal learning.…

While the process and practices of retail product development in developed countries have been documented, a void exists in descriptive analysis regarding retail product development in an international setting. The primary purpose of this study was to explore small business apparel retailing, and specifically the retail product development process…

Interviews with the chief executive officers of 14 small businesses revealed the leadership challenges that they face. Some of the challenges are the following: (1) creating change; (2) building a robust organization, with a well-defined structure, an effective management team, plans for succession, established delivery systems, and people who…

A 1989 mail survey collected data regarding health insurance from 18,614 small business owners who were employer members of the National Federation of Independent Business. In all, 5,368 usable surveys were returned for a 29 percent response rate. Data were obtained on opinions about health care, health care markets, and general health policy;…

A study examined public attitudes toward entrepreneurs and small business owners and people's perceptions of the entrepreneurial character and challenge. Information was gathered from two surveys, composed of three samples, conducted in 1985. Samples included: (1) 1,001 persons contacted through random telephone dialing; (2) 250 telephone…

This report sets forth findings of a committee charged with recommending policies to create 10,000,000 new jobs through small business. It defines the problems of American workers and small business owners in a period of dramatic economic change. Emphasis is on solutions for the conditions that nurture enterprise and on what the country needs to…

A study identified and analyzed adult marketing education services that have been and are currently being provided for the small business sector. The methodology involved a literature review and a mail survey of all secondary and postsecondary marketing education state supervisors listed in the 1985-86 State Supervisors Directory. Of the 54…

Designed as an aid for those interested in starting a business and for experienced business owners who have never prepared a written marketing plan, this workbook offers fundamental concepts about marketing planning, provides tools to effectively assess a marketing situation, and presents step-by-step assistance in developing a marketing plan.…

The 10 instructional sections which make up this guide on the operation of a small business from the home are intended for individual use whether in conjunction with an educational program or solo. Each section consists of a list of objectives, informational material, suggested activities, and a list of references. The sections cover the following…

This article describes examples of new food product development activities engaged in at the University of Minnesota Technical College with local industry, showing how they have been used as teaching models in the classroom. These activities have led to a program of New Product Development Assistance for small food companies in southeastern…