Answers such questions as Why invest in training? Who should be responsible for it? When is training not the solution? How are training needs assessed? How should effective, low-cost programs be designed? and How should training programs be evaluated? (SK)

A study of women entrepreneurs explored learning in the process of business start-up, conditions that foster innovative learning (challenge/variety, compelling social purpose, recognition and pride), and forms of innovative learning (generating multiple ideas, scanning, optimizing, problem solving, self-confidence). Innovative processes involved…

Offers a four-step process to close the gaps between the ideal and the actual in the way staff, customers, and vendors are treated: (1) conducting a self-examination; (2) making a commitment; (3) developing a code of ethics; and (4) continuing the process. Includes a list of resources and an ethics questionnaire with responses of 240 small…

Guidelines for selecting and working with computer consultants include the following: contract or hire?; select consultant; analyze system requirements; design system; implement system; make the system operational; and maintain the system. (JOW)

Describes a demonstration program in which information needed to respond to questions is based on secondary data that comes from databases of agencies such as the Census Bureau and Dun and Bradstreet. (JOW)

Notes that American research has paid relatively little attention to prospects for adapting disability management practices to financial and management environment of smaller employers. Compares large and small firms in terms of employer disability practices and characteristics of disabled workers; discusses barriers to rehabilitation and…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a knowledge transfer method that capitalizes on both research and teaching dimensions of academic work. It also aims to propose a framework for evaluating the impact of such a method on the involved stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach: The case study outlines and evaluates the six-stage…

Small businesses account for the great majority of businesses and half the private sector employment in Australia, but only one third provide structured training for their employees. This study, a systematic review of existing research, set out to find clear evidence of intervention strategies that meet small business needs in relation to the…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show that most small business owner-managers are technically competent in their area of business activity however they do not always have equal managerial competence. For example, deficiency in human resource management competence may lead to difficulties in attracting, retaining or leading staff. These…

For the small business advisor, consulting and counseling are part of the same continuum. Advisors' roles can be aligned hierarchically: (1) advisors may need simply to provide business information or expertise; (2) they may need to facilitate the business process, helping clients identify problems and discover their own solutions; (3) for clients…

In the early 1900s, the small, penny newspapers of E. W. Scripps were aimed primarily at working class readers, had a policy of limited advertising, and relied upon circulation to provide the bulk of revenues. The "Spokane Press" was conceived in 1902 with E. W. Scripps, his sister Ellen Browning Scripps, and George Putnam as copartners.…

A training program for members of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Training Advisory Committee, which is 80 percent small business, incorporated the following features: (1) four hours in the morning; (2) Friday morning programs; (3) $35 per program; (4) series; and (5) low fees to trainers. (JOW)

A survey of 77 educational institutions in the United Kingdom showed that they provide small business courses for people wishing to start their own businesses, for owners of existing small firms, and for students of entrepreneurship. The survey also revealed barriers to small business administration education and the potential for substantial…

Discusses the role of vocational education in fostering the entrepreneurship developmental process. Indicates the need for a definition and a philosophy of entrepreneurship education and a consideration of the role of the marketing and distributive education staff in infusing it into the vocational program. (JOW)

Among the rewards for entrepreneurs are money, independence, and a satisfying way of life. A variety of opportunities exist for those with the vision, ingenuity, and courage to exploit the potential of the market place. (SK)