Understanding The Small Business Sector

This text introduces the key characteristics of the small business sector. Looking at core business functions, it examines the specific problems that face the small business owner. It shows how the business environment for the smaller firm differs from that of larger companies, and studies how far their success or failure depends on the wider economic climate. It also looks at the different locations, whether urban or regional, and the effect of small businesses on the outside community. In addition, the book studies the internal organization of small companies, encompassing discussions of employment, entrepreneurship, management strategies, organizational cultures, finance and the variety of challenges the small business owner faces in each of these questions.

Originally published in 1994, this text analyses the key issues that influence the growth and development of small businesses. Looking at the concept in which they operate, the book outlines the factors that are dominant in the sector and explores the effects if has on the economy. Is the creation of small businesses the answer to unemployment? Has the lowering of interest rates or taxation encouraged the self-employed to work harder? Have banks given small business a raw deal? These are just some of the questions discussed as David Storey explains the issues of employment, finance and policy and the issues dictating failure or success.

Originally published in 1994, this text analyses the key issues that influence the growth and development of small businesses. Looking at the concept in which they operate, the book outlines the factors that are dominant in the sector and explores the effects if has on the economy. Is the creation of small businesses the answer to unemployment? Has the lowering of interest rates or taxation encouraged the self-employed to work harder? Have banks given small business a raw deal? These are just some of the questions discussed as David Storey explains the issues of employment, finance and policy and the issues dictating failure or success.

The study analyzes the formation, development, contribution and management of small firms in the United Kingdom. It explores the differences that smaller firms and larger companies face in the business environment, and studies how far their success or failure depends on the wider economic climate. The analysis also examines different locations and the effect of small businesses on the outside community. The study of the internal organization of small companies includes discussions of employment, entrepreneurship, management strategies, organizational cultures, finance and the variety of challenges the small business owner faces in all these areas. Identifies five reasons for undertaking long-term research on small firms: 1) the small business sector plays an important role in employment creation, in innovation, and in the economy in general, which means that small business policy must be a part of social and employment policy, which requires long-term research; 2) the interests of the small business owner and those of society do not always coincide, and wider social and economic considerations need to be examined; 3) it is reasonable to devote a lot of time to research because reaching a judgment on policy requires careful assessment of high-quality evidence, and because reading historical accounts about small business reveals that many issues remain similar over long periods of time; 4) long-term research can provide an antidote to the 'knee-jerk' policy making which characterized the small firm environment in the UK during the 1980s; and 5) researchers need to have an opportunity to make theoretical as well as empirical contributions. This analysis offers an overview of the small firm sector in developed countries. It discusses the problem of defining small firms and concludes that, no matter how they are defined, they constitute at least 95 percent of businesses in the European Community. The study examines the reasons for that - such as increasing unemployment and the lowering of the unemployment benefit - and the likelihood of the continuation of this trend in the future. Also examines facotrs influencing the birth rate, growth and death of small firms, their job creation potential, and financing concerns. Discusses the role of governments in promoting the small enterprise sector and in locating small firms within a wider economic and social framework. It articulates a need for a statement about objectives and targets for small firm public policy in the form of a government White Paper, so that targets can be identified and measured. The key findings are laid out to provide a basis for further action by small firms themselves, by financiers, and by governments. (AT).

Despite the seemingly relentless march of the multinationals, small businesses continue to thrive across the globe and form a vital part of all successful economies. The Economics and Management of Small Business provides an international perspective on this important topic, and includes many useful pedagogical features such as questions for discussion, international case-studies and empirical research. Graham Bannock's accessible writing style is key to the reader gaining a good understanding of this important area, and students of small business and entrepreneurship courses will find this book extremely useful.

Now in its fifth edition, Understanding Enterprise has established itself as one of the most widely respected guides to the discipline, providing a refreshingly perceptive approach to understanding and applying theory. It offers a critical introduction to enterprise in its broadest context, with particular emphasis on its application to entrepreneurs and small business. Divided into three parts, the course examines traditional approaches, new perspectives on the subject, and the success-or otherwise-of government policy. Written by leading experts with a combined wealth of research, teaching and consulting experience, this textbook will be an essential companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students of enterprise and small business. Policy makers and practitioners will also benefit from this comprehensive guide. New to this Edition: - Extensively revised to take into account the latest thinking and research, with updated content and examples throughout - Updated coverage of the impact and failings of comparative government policies - Enhanced pedagogical features to engage students and enliven their learning experience

This comprehensive guide to the key facts, ideas, and theories about enterprise and entrepreneurship considers their relation to small business and discusses measures taken to promote them. The authors outline the importance of the small business sector and consider the cultural, political and economic influences on business growth.

This book provides an overview of the theory, practice and context of entrepreneurship and innovation at both the industry and firm level. It provides a foundation of ideas and understandings designed to shape the reader’s thinking and behaviour to better appreciate the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in modern economies, and to recognise their own abilities in this regard. The book is aimed at students studying advanced levels of entrepreneurship, innovation and related fields as well as practitioners (for example, managers, business owners). As entrepreneurship and innovation are largely indivisible elements and cannot be adequately understood if studied separately, the book provides the reader with an overview of these elements and how they combine to create new value in the market. This edition is updated with recent international research, including research and examples from Europe, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region.