Reports on the uncovering of a small‐firm reality where the self‐gratifying behaviour of the owner/manager threatens the survival of the organization. Takes a “middle‐range thinking” approach to mould ethnographic data, and demonstrates and develops, via a case study, models of change...

Examines those aspects of trader/consumer transactions — the quality of the organizations products and/or services, and the quality of its interaction with customers — which are critical to customer satisfaction. Considers how companies are regulating these areas, suggesting that customer...

The introduction of Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) represents a unique opportunity to promote the “skills revolution” initiative of the CBI (in partnership with the Government) and the broader service framework for small business organizations. Describes some preliminary research...

Hypothesizes numerous views of what a case study is and what outcomes case studies, as aids to the management development process, might be expected to facilitate. Presents a configuration of case design characteristics which, together with the accompanying discussion, is intended to be helpful...

Approaches the case study teaching session as an event which needs to be designed as a control system. Emphasizes the benefits to be obtained from using role play simulations within the case‐based class.

This paper seeks to address the important modern management issue of vision management. In particular, it attempts to provide examples of, and to differentiate between three different types of visionary who have been the focal points for the theorists working in this area. It presents a profile...

This paper explains what business planning is and why it is being criticized. It differentiates between business planning (which focuses on the strategic development of the small firm or business unit) and corporate planning (which deals with the strategic direction and activities of the bigger,...

Examines the organization as a system of interrelated competences. Argues that strategic development, rather than following on the making of product‐market choices, might be better achieved through the measuring, improving and monitoring of a range of critical competences.

Examines the nature of business environments and reports on the potential danger they have for organizations operating unresponsively from unrealistically safe views of reality. Argues that these organizations need to adopt an objectively rational view of their position in their environment, and...

Addresses the issue of business failure. Identifies different types of business failure and provides a framework for further research into this aspect of strategic management. Draws from the management literature to describe the causes and processes of each of the failure contexts covered and...