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…

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: The purpose of this paper is to argue that action learning (AL) may provide a means of successfully developing small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach: The literature around SME learning suggests a number of processes are important for SME learning which similarity, it is argued, are encompassed in AL. AL may…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share the authors' initial insights into tourism industry capacity building via flexibly delivered online skilling and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach: An online research survey approach was employed, involving a sample of 64 micro tourism operators. Findings: The paper finds that the major…

Purpose: To explore the influence of competitive strategy in entrepreneur-led SMEs and the effects on e-learning HRD. Design/methodology/approach: Performance consulting company reviews provide holistic information on nine case studies on small and medium sized enterprises drawn from the printing, agri-foods and media industries. Findings:…

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…