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21 – 30 of over 182000
Article
Publication date: 1 July 2010

J. Terence Zinger and Norman J O'Reilly

This paper responds to the need for more investigation into the "conceptual underpinnings of sponsorships" (Gardner & Shuman, 1988, p.44) by investigating the spectrum of

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Abstract

This paper responds to the need for more investigation into the "conceptual underpinnings of sponsorships" (Gardner & Shuman, 1988, p.44) by investigating the spectrum of opportunities that are available to small firms - whether as sports donors or as bona fide sponsors - through the prism of small business Stages of Development theory. A multiple case study approach is employed to explore the nature of sponsorship activities being undertaken by small enterprises and to contribute to the advancement of the authors' 'philanthropy-sponsorship' continuum.

This research makes two contributions. First, it presents the classifications of 'patronage' versus 'semistrong sponsorship' versus 'fully functioning sponsorship' relationships, based on the nature of the expected benefits. Second, it evaluates the small business/sports property interface from the perspective of small business phases of development and proposes a framework for linking the small firm to sports sponsorship outcomes.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2011

John O. Okpara

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that hinder the growth and survival of small businesses in Nigeria.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that hinder the growth and survival of small businesses in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to gather data from 211 small business owners and managers located in selected cities in Nigeria. Several statistical analyses were conducted to identify the factors constraining the growth and survival of SMEs in Nigeria.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that the most common constraints hindering small business growth and survival in Nigeria are lack of financial support, poor management, corruption, lack of training and experience, poor infrastructure, insufficient profits, and low demand for product and services.

Research limitations/implications

The instruments used for this study need to be subjected to more statistical tests in order to establish a more robust validity and reliability. Based on what we have learned, the instruments could be further refined to more closely capture each of the problem areas identified in the literature. Replication of this study using larger samples and a broader geographic base is suggested for cross‐validation purposes.

Practical implications

Understanding the factors hindering the growth and survival of SMEs in Nigeria will help policy makers – governments (federal, state, and local), NGOs, and other stakeholders – to design targeted policies and programs that will actively stimulate innovation, as well as helping those policy makers to support, encourage, and promote SMEs for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. For SMEs, this study offers alternative models to counteract the problem of collateral and lending issues. Strategic alternatives on how to address issues such as poor management, poor infrastructure, and corruption are discussed.

Originality/value

The significance of this study stems from the fact that very few studies have explored the issue of factors constraining the growth and survival of SMEs for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. The results provide additional insights into operations of SMEs in Nigeria, a sub‐Saharan African country. Sub‐Saharan Africa has been negated and, therefore, has been less researched. Also, the insights gained from this study to contribute the future development of this line of research, particularly in a non‐Western context.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Zbigniew Lucki

The transition from centralised to market economy created a number of difficulties for Polish enterprises and many of them went bankrupt, especially after the Soviet market had…

Abstract

The transition from centralised to market economy created a number of difficulties for Polish enterprises and many of them went bankrupt, especially after the Soviet market had been lost. While large companies, such as steelworks, coal mines, railways, etc, have been protected by the government for social reasons, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could survive only when they, by themselves or with some external assistance, were able to introduce internal changes and adjust to the market environment. Polish SMEs may be divided into two groups: emerging private firms and split firms which were created by a partition of large state‐owned enterprises. The various reasons for failure are discussed for both groups and compared with those described in the literature. A general model of consultancy intervention is presented and the attitudes of Polish enterprises towards change are described. In general, the state‐owned and split firms are reluctant to change unless their situation is critical, and if restructurisation is done it is rather superficial. Thus, a successful consultant has to be not only convincing and flexible but also must assess how deep a change is wanted by a given enterprise. This paper presents the approach used in helping the split firms by the University of Mining and Metallurgy (UMM), Faculty of Management Consulting Group. In order to find solutions for a given firm, a working team consisting of representatives of an enterprise and university was set up. The team devises a strategy of enterprise survival and prepares a detailed plan of the steps to be taken. This approach, which in many cases has proved to be successful, consists of trying to infuse the employees with the philosophy of enterprise survival and organising a series of relevant training activities. When the employees fully understand the essence of all the actions necessary for enterprise survival (privatisation, improvement of marketing, creation of systems of motivation, quality control, management information and other), the consulting group’s role as “company doctor” is limited to the supervision of the change planning process and the assessment of the solutions chosen. This system of triggering employee initiative has been found to be not only effective but also cheap, an aspect which in the case of small enterprises should not be underestimated.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Panikkos Poutziouris

This explorative research paper considers the strategic development objectives of small owner‐managed ventures in order to have an insight into how to systematically categorise…

4684

Abstract

This explorative research paper considers the strategic development objectives of small owner‐managed ventures in order to have an insight into how to systematically categorise the heterogeneous owner‐managed small business economy. It commences with a review of the literature and other studies pertinent to the strategic objectives of small business owner‐ managers from which the general research hypothesis is established; small firms have a variant form of strategic orientation owing to a plethora of internal (behavioural) and external market economic factors. This is followed by the research methodology and statistical analysis of a database which incorporates the views of 922 small firm owner‐managers on strategic objectives. The empirical evidence identifies four generic clusters of owner‐managers namely: growth stars, exiteers, survivors, and controllers. In order to throw more light on the profile of the variant clusters of owner‐managed small firms, the paper briefly examines the inter‐relationship of small business strategic orientation with structure (e.g. size, age, sectoral distribution), behaviour (e.g. legal form, family business control) and performance (e.g. growth, profitability). In conclusion, some tentative policy implications from the perspective of management, service providers (financiers and advisors) and policy makers, are discussed.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1999

Peter Wyer and Jane Mason

The concept of empowerment has received a great deal of attention in recent years. However, the empowerment knowledge base is predominantly large company‐oriented with little…

4768

Abstract

The concept of empowerment has received a great deal of attention in recent years. However, the empowerment knowledge base is predominantly large company‐oriented with little evidence of understanding what empowerment means in a small business context. It is inappropriate to treat the small firm as a microcosm of a large organisation. The small business is qualitatively as well as quantitatively different and this article propounds that it is questionable whether the concept of empowerment and its various dimensions as portrayed in the literature are readily transferable to small businesses. It is suggested that empowering management approaches are key features of successful growth‐oriented small firms but the current body of empowerment literature fails to encapsulate the idiosyncrasies and informalities of the small business operation, and thus convey understanding of the unique and novel forms of empowerment which facilitate sustainable development. Case study insight is used to support these propositions.

Details

Participation and Empowerment: An International Journal, vol. 7 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-4449

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Paul Gordon Dickinson

Examines the role and effect of the small scale private sector on Eastern Europe’s economic development, i.e. small private companies, partnerships and entrepreneurs, indicating…

1135

Abstract

Examines the role and effect of the small scale private sector on Eastern Europe’s economic development, i.e. small private companies, partnerships and entrepreneurs, indicating why it is important in the reform programmes. Discusses the need for an entrenchment of the small scale private sector’s contribution to economic development, through adequate legislation and the right regulatory framework including a competition policy, and a commercial code for business formation and insolvency. Focuses mainly on Poland, and takes into account the author’s own views, observations, discussions and interviews whilst working in Poznan from 1996 to 1997. In particular, finds evidence of an abundance of innate entrepreneurial skills in Poland including the propensity for risk taking, and the presence of one of the best laid regulated economic climates of the transforming economies, although there is still a need for government to encourage small business into manufacturing.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2018

Caska and Henny Indrawati

This paper aims to analyze sustainability level of crispy palm tankos mushroom business; institutions involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom business in Riau…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze sustainability level of crispy palm tankos mushroom business; institutions involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom business in Riau Region; nutritional composition, sensory assessment both descriptively and hedonically, and also designing the suitable and hygienic packaging for crispy palm tankos mushroom in Riau; institutional structuring model involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom business in Riau; and strategies to improve the quality of crispy palm tankos mushroom in Riau.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative research conducted by survey. The research was conducted in Indragiri Hulu, Pelalawan, Kampar and Siak, Riau Province, Indonesia from April to August 2017. The study population is all producers producing crispy oil palm mushroom in the research area. The sample was determined purposively with the criterion of the producers who have been running their business for at least 5 years. Based on the criterion, there were 225 producers included as the sample.

Findings

This study found that business sustainability is the main concern of micro business of crispy palm tankos mushroom in Riau Province. Although local government lack of support, the average value of business sustainability is in the very high category. In addition due to the excellent business support quality, business sustainability is supported by the family environment, independence and business progress. There are two institutions involved in the development of makers business to date, they are informal financial institutions that help makers to increase business capital, and retailers who help makers deliver products to consumers. The results of nutritional composition analysis of crispy palm tankos mushroom showed that the crispy tankos mushroom is a product with good nutrition value for consumption by the community. The implication of this study is to improve the quality of the tankos mushroom crispy palm in terms of color according to the choice of the panelists.

Originality/value

Originality of this study aims to provide strategic formulation to use local resources and improve the economic actors of the home industry of crispy palm tankos mushroom processing in Riau. This research is conducting a structure to the institutions involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom and improving the product quality. This research contributes to the development of science, especially economic development, particularly the development of small industries.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 March 2022

Stavros Sindakis and Sakshi Aggarwal

The purpose of this chapter is to analyse the theoretical work conducted in the fields of management of small businesses in the UK and control measures taken by them to cope with…

Abstract

Chapter Contribution

The purpose of this chapter is to analyse the theoretical work conducted in the fields of management of small businesses in the UK and control measures taken by them to cope with challenges that emerged due to complexities of the present uncertain environment. Brexit is one such event which brought in drastic changes in the undertaking of business and the management of small enterprises. The study upon which this chapter is based identifies knowledge in terms of economics, political events and human resource management (HRM), considering the impact and consequences of Brexit on small businesses. Much of the content developed will help establish a strong link as to what happened after the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

A structured work was applied to synthesise the theoretical understanding. A search of the existing literature was done to select the databases and keywords of the primary search. Then, a backward search was implemented to examine the references of the selected papers, and finally, a forward search examined the citations of the selected papers. The selected papers were then classified according to their content. A thorough search of the existing literature was done in Scopus, and Google Scholar using a combination of keywords such as Brexit, UK and EU, consequences and drawbacks of Brexit, and small businesses in the UK.

The findings of this study show that small businesses started opting for newer and innovative technologies to facilitate the generation of more revenues. Aspects of E-commerce, however, turned out to be the foundation of developing industrial organisations, bringing more adequate capabilities to effectively facilitate activities such as strategic planning. Whilst governments frequently fund non-profit organisations, increased concerted support for more able and growth-capable small businesses which make significant economic and social contribution would seem appropriate in the current Brexit change climate.

The small businesses sector will need to undertake a cohesive input to government decision-making since a key pre-requisite will be the maintaining of balance between survival, maintenance of existing business, as well as the availability of semi-skilled and unskilled workers and other vital underpinning resources. Moreover, this underlying study has limitations in terms of practice orientation since it is theoretical and sectional in approach, providing a static picture of the Brexit event and its impacts on small businesses in the UK.

Thus, this chapter offers researchers a broader and more comprehensive view of the impact and consequences of Brexit on UK small businesses. Educators, researchers and practitioners will benefit. Scholars in years to come will retrospectively address whether independence from the EU has nudged or nurtured small business development of appropriate entrepreneurial skills and new technology to enable adaptation to and co-creation of the change which Brexit has triggered.

Details

Small Business Management and Control of the Uncertain External Environment
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-624-2

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Panikkos Poutziouris, Francis Chittenden and Nicos Michaelas

This paper documents the findings from an extensive postal survey conducted in 1997‐98, which looks at the tax affairs of small firms, both incorporated and unincorporated. Tax…

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Abstract

This paper documents the findings from an extensive postal survey conducted in 1997‐98, which looks at the tax affairs of small firms, both incorporated and unincorporated. Tax planning practices of small firms in the UK, and the implications of these practices on working capital and investment in these businesses, are considered. The results indicate that tax planning in most small firms is not very sophisticated and this has an effect on investment decisions in these businesses. As a result of poor tax planning practices small firms are not in a position to utilise fully all available tax reduction mechanisms. Instead they have to rely on mechanisms that can be decided upon after the accounting year end; unfortunately these involve the withdrawal of money from the business (eg pension schemes, salaries/bonuses). The results presented in this paper illustrate that the decision concerning the level of pension fund contributions and drawings/salaries, and subsequently the level of retained profits, will depend on both financial (business needs and market characteristics) as well as non‐financial (management characteristics) factors. However, the present combination of these factors in the small business sector favours the extraction of profits out of the business rather than the reinvestment of profits that will enhance the creation of wealth and employment. Based on the beliefs and expectations of small business owner/directors a number of tax incentives are discussed that the government could introduce in order to enhance the financial development and prosperity of small firms.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2021

Ogechi Adeola, Prince Gyimah, Kingsley Opoku Appiah and Robert N. Lussier

This study contributes to answering the question, can critical success factors of small businesses in emerging markets advance United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study contributes to answering the question, can critical success factors of small businesses in emerging markets advance United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Specifically, this study aims to explore the critical factors contributing to the success of small businesses and ultimately the UN SDGs in the emerging market of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The design is survey research testing the Lussier success vs failure prediction model for small businesses in Nigeria. The methodology includes a logistic regression model to better understand and predict the factors that contribute to success or failure using a data set of 201 small businesses in Nigeria.

Findings

The findings support the validity of the Lussier model (p = 0.000) in Nigeria as the model accurately predicted 84.4% of the small businesses as successful or failed with a high R-square value (R = 0.540). The most significant factors (t-values < 0.05) that predict the success or failure of businesses support the findings that business owners that start with adequate capital, keep records and financial controls, use professional advice, have better product/service timing, and have parents who own businesses can increase the probability of success.

Practical implications

The study provides a list of critical success factors contributing to the growth of small business in Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa. The findings can help entrepreneurs avoid failure and advance UN SDGs 1, 2, 8 and 10. Implications for current and future entrepreneurs, public agencies, consultants, educators, policymakers, suppliers and investors are discussed.

Originality/value

This is the first study to determine the factors that contribute to the success or failure of small businesses in Nigeria using the Lussier model. It also discusses how to advance four of the UN sustainability goals. Results support the Lussier model's global validity that can be used in both emerging and developed markets, and it contributes to the development of theory.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 182000