Description:
To date, most research into the implications of the Internet for small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) has focused on individual business barriers to information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-business adoption. Such research has shown that SMEs tend to be time and resource-poor, with their size being their main disadvantage vis-à-vis ICT adoption. Government intervention designed to overcome such barriers and facilitate adoption of ICT has not markedly increased the uptake of e-business by SMEs. In this discussion paper, the authors posit that the current approach to ICT adoption interventions fail to take into account the incremental nature of the SMEs e-business learning processes. An incremental learning model adapted from Earl (2000) is presented that positions ICT adoption as an evolutionary process and stresses the need for continuous learning and change. To help small business owners articulate, value and meet their evolving e-business needs, the authors suggest that ICT adoption strategies should focus on facilitating not only the acquisition of skills and knowledge, but also the development of e-business networks which underpin the SME ICT adoption process.
Description:
To date, most research into the implications of the Internet for small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) has focused on individual business barriers to information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-business adoption. Such research has shown that SMEs tend to be time and resource-poor, with their size being their main disadvantage vis-à-vis ICT adoption. Government intervention designed to overcome such barriers and facilitate adoption of ICT has not markedly increased the uptake of e-business by SMEs. In this discussion paper, the authors posit that the current approach to ICT adoption interventions fail to take into account the incremental nature of the SMEs e-business learning processes. An incremental learning model adapted from Earl (2000) is presented that positions ICT adoption as an evolutionary process and stresses the need for continuous learning and change. To help small business owners articulate, value and meet their evolving e-business needs, the authors suggest that ICT adoption strategies should focus on facilitating not only the acquisition of skills and knowledge, but also the development of e-business networks which underpin the SME ICT adoption process.
Description:
The dominant forms of enterprise in Small Towns are, not surprisingly, small firms. But are these small firms different to their metropolitan counterparts, and are these differences related to their location in regional towns? In addition, are these regional small firms governed by different rules and principles? Overseas studies, generally focusing on firm start-ups, have identified differences between regional and urban enterprises, but the differences are usually small (Westhead, 1995). The explanatory variables identified vary from study to study but include access to finance, physical resources, employment levels, population density, industry structure, regional externalities, human capital, knowledge spillovers, and resource munificent regions as possible explanations for the variations (Armington & Acs, 2002; Keeble, 1997). In this paper, the basic proposition is that regional firms in Australia may be different, but they are not necessarily disadvantaged. Focusing on issues of firm behaviour and competitiveness the paper presents a typology of firms that attempts to explain the fit between a small firm and its regional location. The typology is illustrated and discussed, using preliminary findings from a qualitative, case-based study of small, Western Victorian firms.
Description:
The dominant forms of enterprise in Small Towns are, not surprisingly, small firms. But are these small firms different to their metropolitan counterparts, and are these differences related to their location in regional towns? In addition, are these regional small firms governed by different rules and principles? Overseas studies, generally focusing on firm start-ups, have identified differences between regional and urban enterprises, but the differences are usually small (Westhead, 1995). The explanatory variables identified vary from study to study but include access to finance, physical resources, employment levels, population density, industry structure, regional externalities, human capital, knowledge spillovers, and resource munificent regions as possible explanations for the variations (Armington & Acs, 2002; Keeble, 1997). In this paper, the basic proposition is that regional firms in Australia may be different, but they are not necessarily disadvantaged. Focusing on issues of firm behaviour and competitiveness the paper presents a typology of firms that attempts to explain the fit between a small firm and its regional location. The typology is illustrated and discussed, using preliminary findings from a qualitative, case-based study of small, Western Victorian firms.
Description:
With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
Description:
With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
Description:
Enterprise development programs recognize 'gender' as a important cross-cutting issue. Strategy to address gender, however , is loosely defined with interpretations varying across agencies. Many such programs consider 'gender' more like an 'annex' rather than effectively addressing gender issues in the project design, with appropriate provisions for gender mainstreaming. In spite of the importance of research on the role of enterprise development initiatives implementing BDS market development approach to facilitating women's entrepreneurship and economic growth, the issue has not been adequately studied. Further, academic research with data from such programs is almost non-existent. This paper makes an attempt to address gender as a cross-cutting issue. It further builds on data of 120 male and female entrepreneurs and business development service providers. The paper argues that addressing genders should oftenbe a matter of 'choice' for impact, outreach and sustainability and not always ' cost effectiveness' of program interventions.
Description:
In view of the fact that women are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy, this chapter examines business skilling in the digital economy for women in general and women-led small businesses in Australia, in particular. With employability and entrepreneurial capacity of women increasing, so too is their need for a comprehensive skill set is increasing. It is proposed that business courses currently offered do not necessarily consider their target audience or include new economy considerations. This chapter discusses the need for meta-competencies that will allow women in both developed and emerging economies to operate more effectively in a changing work environment and an increasingly digital business environment. For meta-competency efficacy, it is further proposed that evidence-based learning models, gender-sensitive approaches to business learning, and collaborative uses of technology underpin content and (e-)business learning designs.
Description:
"Small businesses are regularly perceived to be poor performers in OHS management. However, attributing poor performance soley to size, to the hazardous nature of the industry or to a simplistic combination of both aspects neglects the recognition that there are some small businesses that can manage OHS with greater capacity than others."
Description:
"Small businesses are regularly perceived to be poor performers in OHS management. However, attributing poor performance soley to size, to the hazardous nature of the industry or to a simplistic combination of both aspects neglects the recognition that there are some small businesses that can manage OHS with greater capacity than others."
Description:
Reports on a qualitative, case-based study of the practices that contribute to the growth of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The research engaged with growing SMEs located in regional areas of Australia, and with the entrepreneurs and owner-managers who lead them.
Description:
With the increased use of chemicals in industry, facilities for treating chemical wastes are becoming an important part of the modern society. In Australia, chemical waste treatment facilities are largely small – sized businesses, employing less than twenty people. Because of their small size these facilities have generally escaped the attention of regulators, researchers and policy advisors. This is a significant concern because many of these facilities may continue to operate with substandard safety practices and, if left unchecked, these facilities are prime candidates for organizational disasters and major accidents.This paper discusses the findings of a pilot study investigation undertaken to assess safety management practices across a sample of small-sized chemical waste treatment facilities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Results of this study provide useful information to waste, environment and health and safety advocacy groups, researchers, employees and employers interested in prevention of chemical related incidents, and to government agencies involved in the regulatory administration of safety.
Description:
With the increased use of chemicals in industry, facilities for treating chemical wastes are becoming an important part of the modern society. In Australia, chemical waste treatment facilities are largely small – sized businesses, employing less than twenty people. Because of their small size these facilities have generally escaped the attention of regulators, researchers and policy advisors. This is a significant concern because many of these facilities may continue to operate with substandard safety practices and, if left unchecked, these facilities are prime candidates for organizational disasters and major accidents.This paper discusses the findings of a pilot study investigation undertaken to assess safety management practices across a sample of small-sized chemical waste treatment facilities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Results of this study provide useful information to waste, environment and health and safety advocacy groups, researchers, employees and employers interested in prevention of chemical related incidents, and to government agencies involved in the regulatory administration of safety.