Richard Laney

“Experiential” research methodology: an integrated academic‐practitioner “team” approach

Considers how to research small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs’ decision making in the context of their own environment, in order to reach some in‐depth understanding of such phenomena. Previous work has called for the use of more appropriate methods for understanding and assessing SME management decision making. The discussion takes account of the characteristics of SME entrepreneurs, academic researchers’ approach to carrying out research and the contribution that can be made by consultant researchers with experience of SMEs. A research design incorporating the contribution of all three parties (entrepreneurs; academics; practitioner consultants) is described, detailing the research process in action. Finally the advantages of such a research design is illustrated.

Managing strategic change in small and medium‐sized enterprises: how do owner‐managers hand over their networks?

This paper considers the concept that the owner-managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (referred to as SMEs) develop networks during the life of their businesses and that these networks by necessity, change over time. Some evidence from an exploratory empirical study carried out simultaneously in Northern Ireland and Australia is presented to examine the principal issues. The main themes of the article are as follows. The examination of owner-manager networks and how they are used. How and why SME owner-managers use networking at different periods in enterprise development as a means of adding value to their management activities in attaining and sustaining strategic advantage. The difficulties experienced by SME owner-managers in handing over their networks to other managers in delegating control or retiring from the enterprise. Copyright

Commercializing Innovations in SME–s: Insights into Australian Marketing Innovation

Little has been written about how marketing may contribute to the successful commercialization of innovation. Building on a conceptual model developed by Cummins et al (1999), this paper puts forward the view that for successful commercialization of innovation by SME–s, greater attention must be given to the marketing considerations.

SME Marketing Networks: Handover Issues Faced by Australian Entrepreneurs: A Pilot Study

In interviewing owners/managers of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) regarding the use of networking within their marketing decision making the problems of succession of networks were raised. This paper reports on a pilot study identifying six issues in handing over marketing networks as faced by entrepreneurs.