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This paper provides the outcomes of a supply chain management (SCM) practice survey designed to identify current trends in UK industrial small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises. The analysis identifies the adaptation of SCM techniques and relationships between customers and smaller suppliers. The outcomes, based on a survey of 288 firms, indicates a lack of effective adaptation from traditional adversarial relationships to the modern collaborative “e” – supply chain; identifies issues businesses need to address to improve the performance of their supply chains, and so improve their competitive position by grasping the benefits of effective SCM.

To establish the level, range and scope of current Management Education, Training and Development activity in small and medium size enterprises.

The impact of strategic procurement is driven by the contribution of the function to overall corporate performance and its interface relationships. The actual impact on corporate performance in the UK further and higher education sectors has been neither empirically substantiated nor rigorously examined. This research was carried out in UK fiscal year 1998/1999 with 60 UK further education (FE) and 40 UK higher education (HE) institutions participating. This paper provides empirical evidence that progress has been achieved in strategic procurement in FE and HE and suggests areas for continuous improvement.

This article explores the awareness and level of implementation of e‐commerce in UK small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Results of a survey of 298 small firms suggest that issues of leadership and waste management are of greater importance to SMEs than development of e‐commerce capability. Those SMEs which have developed e‐commerce capability have not done so strategically and have yet to enjoy significant cost and time savings. The survey also identifies the challenges faced by SMEs. Finally, paths are suggested, which might be followed by such firms in seeking to enhance their performance in e‐commerce.

Over the past 20 years the competition for capital equipment sales and support has intensified world wide. Europe in particular has scored some notable sales successes for aircraft, locomotives and ships. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of project management in European Aerospace and its necessity if further successes are to be achieved. Large and complex capital equipment can only justify their considerable investment costs whilst they are working or available for work. This means ensuring that extensive management procedures are conceived and implemented not only for production of capital equipments but to ensure their support strategy is considered at the outset. This paper examines the challenge presented, reviews initial and support philosophy including dealing with subcontractors, and offers guidance on project management performance parameters to remain successful in the global market place.

Establishes the level, range and scope of current management education, training and development (METD) activity in small and medium‐sized enterprises and identifies good practice and assesses barriers to METD including issues of provision, access and cost. Seeks to identify practical approaches to management development in small – and medium‐sized enterprises and establishes candidate profile for competence‐based management qualifications.

The recent attention to purchasing decisions in a variety of commercial and government contexts has grown much faster than detailed understanding of how sourcing decisions are made and their implications for organisations. This paper provides an overview of empirical research into sourcing decisions made in UK and Swiss organisations and will be of international interest to practitioners and academics in both purchasing and marketing. The research demonstrates in both countries that sourcing decisions are highly contingent situations and the variable is policy.

The impact of strategic procurement is driven by the contribution of the function to overall corporate performance and its interface relationships. The actual impact on corporate performance in the UK government sector has been neither empirically substantiated nor rigorously examined. This paper provides empirical evidence that much progress has been achieved in strategic procurement in government and suggests areas for continuous improvement.

The initial enthusiasm for further and higher education institutions to achieve the Investors in People (IiP) award appears to have faded. The reasons for this are many, and varied, and this paper examines the critical issues being encountered. It considers the need for strategic development and effectiveness, and suggests a new management paradigm is necessary if IiP accreditation is to be achieved.

Explores NVQs in Management in terms of their take up and progression into academic postgraduate (Master’s) programmes. Traces the concepts development through an initial preparation for a potential influx of mature students to attain NVQ 4 and/or 5 in Management and to provide progression opportunities into postgraduate management programmes. Reveals that, despite vigorous marketing, the influx did not occur; hence the initial market research is revisited. Examines the perceived demand locally and regionally and establishes reasons why the expected influx did not materialize. Concludes with some lessons to be learned and recommends action to be taken.