This study investigated the longitudinal behaviour of growth rates and profitability for a large sample of Australian firms. Similar to previous studies, growth rates were found to be much more volatile than profitability measures. Using a regression equation with lagged profit and growth...

Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of word of mouth as an integral component of a firms’ marketing efforts, there has been little emphasis on developing suitable guidelines for entrepreneurs who wish to leverage scarce resources by pursuing more innovative marketing...

The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the evolution of small firm performance. We do so by studying performance changes on a two dimensional "growth– profitability performance space". It is well established that both growth and profitability are important dimensions of...

Real options valuation (ROV) has recently been proposed as a promising solution to the deficiencies of traditional valuation methods when facing risky technology investments or ventures. Indeed ?real option thinking? - the managerial flexibility to capitalise on opportunities when they arise...

This paper examines the potential impact of interconnectivity of supply chain partnerships through electronic means (e-business practices) on the governance and management of Public Sector Agriculture R&D in Australia. We review the global forces driving the move towards supply chain...

The traditional theory of the firm, as presented in virtually all economics textbooks, implicitly treats the firm as an owner-managed, or entrepreneurial, entity. In reality, ownership and control of the firm are often separated. The consequent delegation of tasks and information asymmetry lead...

This paper investigates the decision making behaviour of individuals with respect to attributes considered relevant to the assessment of potential venture opportunities. Using a decision making experiment, we were able to consider the behaviour of individuals taking into account their risk and...

This paper reports on a comprehensive study of the role of SMEs for job creation and regional economic well-being in Sweden during the 1990-93 recession period as well as the years immediately preceding and following that period. It is found that SMEs were over-represented as job creators across...