Presents several different perspectives on the copying of computer software (discs, tapes, etc.) in an attempt to determine whether such infringement of copyright, often called "software piracy," can ever be justified. Implications for both the hardware and software firms and the users are also discussed. (EAO)

Entrepreneurship education is a three-step process: providing an awareness level in early vocational programs, an exploration and creativity approach on advanced secondary and postsecondary levels, and a preparation and problem-solving approach for those ready to start a business. (SK)

A survey of over 2,000 small and midsized enterprises in the West Midlands, England, found employers had relatively high awareness of and interest in National Vocational Qualifications but low actual implementation. Causes included negative experiences, high cost, inflexibility, and mismatch with needs. (SK)

Interviews, observations, and checklists were used to measure business skills cognition of 208 informal-sector microenterprise owners in Kenya (91 had some primary, 109 some secondary, and 4 some postsecondary education). The association between educational level and business skills cognition was significant and positive. (Contains 27 references.)…

The current business climate enables small businesses to grow faster, creating more advancement opportunities. Business graduates should consider small and medium-sized employers with good growth prospects and work environments satisfying their preferences, but should have realistic expectations of working in small companies. (SK)

Friends, family members, and others considering a partnership in the camping business should examine the compatibility of their values, attitudes, and personal work styles. Business arrangements between camp co-owners should cover issues of money and power, guidelines for unexpected situations, and planning for the partnership's end. Drawing up a…

Small business owner-managers were grouped in networks in a collaborative approach to management learning. Establishment of these communities of trust helped overcome lack of time and resources for reflection, lack of peer contact, and the expectation that small business managers must be omniscient. (Contains 27 references and 12 additional…

Proposes a conceptual framework for managing relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises, based on the necessity of cooperation for survival. Describes characteristics of embedded relationship in stakeholder interactions, including trust, durability, information transfer, and collaboration. (Contains 72 references.) (SK)

Case studies of four British companies showed that management legitimacy and authority were negotiated along the axes of technical expertise and abstract knowledge. Employees required evidence of management competence, and structural indicators such as management degrees or courses did not confer unquestioned legitimacy. (Contains 62 references.)…

A qualitative study of six owner/managers of small Australian bookselling businesses elicited these themes: participation in learning is largely informal or incidental; interaction with information/communication technologies is less than optimal; and small business management relies on personal and business networking. Ways to develop a more…

Learning centers using information-communications technologies were established in three British industrial estates. A case study of one organization shows the center contributed to lifelong learning and enhanced information technology training and employee confidence. Transfer of training and productivity improvements were not as clear. (Contains…

Secondary analysis of data from a study of skill needs in the British independent retail sector suggests there is justification for focusing on higher-level training in three areas: building and sustaining competitive advantage, e-commerce, and retail operations. These areas are the core modules in a distance learning initiative that resulted from…

The author discusses factors that contribute to developing a successful private practice in career counseling. Topics include (1) defining the product; (2) understanding the marketplace; (3) identifying business support services; (4) marketing the services; (5) planning for long range growth; and (6) setting fees. (CH)

The author discusses how to attract clients to a career counseling practice. Topics covered include establishing referral networks with other human resources professionals and using direct marketing. (CH)

A process to translate cross-company competence frameworks into company-specific ones involved 10 steps: understanding generalizability, identifying additions/deletions and aggregations/disaggregations, prioritizing, changing the fine print, identifying examples of company practice, distinguishing actual/idealized practice, locating competence on…