This paper is divided into three parts. The first part considers a range of options from which self-employment can be created; the second part considers the personal, social, and economic changes involved in going out on your own; the third part reviews the key steps involved in starting up. (SSH)

Differences in the structure and operations of small businesses necessitate management training tailored to their needs. One method involves different techniques for each management level: chief executives, managers, supervisors. Another approach is holistic group training involving action learning for the entire management team. (SK)

An exploratory investigation into training and learning in small businesses in Australia was conducted to identify issues surrounding training and learning and issues relating to the research methodology. Data were collected from a review of the literature, case studies of six small enterprises, and a review of two case studies conducted…

A survey of 78 small/medium-sized enterprises in Istanbul showed the majority were founded by their present owners (most are college graduates); 45% are not aware of national research and development; most lacked research capital; technological innovations are driven by consumer demand; and government and large enterprises are not supporting…

This research attempts to identify how social capital is manifest within the contexts of small firm networks that rely on rapid turnover of projects. Presents work to date that converts tacit knowledge into sets of explicit and manageable local data, and provides examples of information visualizations for profiling and retrieval that support the…

A study of 98 Iowa businesses found significantly more positive perceptions of supported employment by employers who had hired supported employees than those who had not. Large businesses were found to have more positive perceptions than small businesses. Extra training/supervision demands and lack of skills were cited as concerns. (Author/CR)

A Delphi panel of 120 information technology (IT) employers, software producers, and training providers in Germany, Austria, Finland, and Sweden achieved consensus on the following: most small companies are not prepared to use information technology in training; new training technologies seldom live up to their promise; and barriers include time,…

Responses from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Britain (n=81), Poland (n=30), and Portugal (n=69) identified current levels of information/communications technology use and training provided and needed. Despite high demand, training is not provided regularly or effectively. Extent of e-commerce adoption influenced level of training.…

Offers a small business person's guide to nichemanship and ideas about ending a speech, selection of a committee, and managers' behavior. (BB)

Discusses the role of two-year colleges in providing guidance and training for new or small companies involved in exporting. Describes Waukesha County Technical College's (Wisconsin) development of an International Trade Technical Center, which offers workshops on various aspects of participation in the global marketplace. (DMM)

Lists five books concerning the day care business, and provides a brief description and availability information for each. Book topics cover: child care funding, priorities and policies; day care options for workers; financing of small businesses; and future financial pressures for American families. (RJC)

Small business managers rated the importance of 60 topics for a high school small business management/entrepreneurship course. Respondents (79 of 130) rated highest the topics related to management principles, human relations, and resource development. Computer/data processing and international business received low ratings. Significant…

Information technology courses are offered at 11 accessible locations for adults with disabilities in England's East Midlands. Some modules earn credit toward a university certificate. Many trainees have developed community businesses, enhanced self-esteem, and expanded career ambitions. (SK)

Describes a business started as a profitable solution to one dairy farm's manure management challenges. Manure is anaerobically digested, dewatered, composted and sold as bagged potting soil, germinating mix, and soil amendments for the gardening market. Describes the development of the business and keys to its success. (LZ)

This paper describes techniques for helping business administration students to explore their creative unknowns by rewarding them for creative thinking and risk-taking in the development of a real business, even if the business failed. The role of trial and error in learning and creativity is explored, along with the importance of sustaining…