This paper discusses the widening gulf between theory and practice and examines why theoretical marketing can be deemed to be of little use to many practitioners. In order to do this one of marketing’s core tenets, the customer focused marketing mix, is analysed and found to be in need of...

Some consideration of the specific SME (small/medium sized enterprises) literature outlining perspectives on pricing practice in SMEs is given in this paper. Outlines some empirical findings gathered from in‐depth interviews with 40 SME owner‐managers in Northern Ireland. The findings...

This paper advocates the merits of a holistic qualitative research method and analysis as being the most penetrative method for determining the decision making process of SME owner‐managers. This holistic method is refined in use and illustrated in an example of assessing the processes and...

The authors describe a research model that they have found particularly helpful in their pursuit of “Interface” research. They are keen to share what they consider good practice with other colleagues who are either considering conducting research into, or are keen to start researching into,...

In many peripheral regional economies, the decline in indigenous industries has shifted the focus of attention onto SMEs. With a small firm base and a small local market, an economic priority in a regional economy is to instigate growth. In this context exporting is an essential growth strategy...

The concept of co‐operation amongst competitors has been considered for some time in the marketing literature generally, and in the small firm marketing literature specifically. However, despite the recognition that small firms do co‐operate, there has been comparatively little attention...

Focuses on the issue of how to improve quality in marketing with references to a services context. Offers a definition of Services Marketing and Quality in Marketing and attempts to match the dimensions of both by way of a Holistic Model for quality improvement in a services context. Applies...

Traditionally, senior management has focussed on a customer‐oriented search for competitive advantage in improving its marketing performance. There have been many systems, procedures and measurement approaches created for improving a company’s overall performance which have achieved varying...