Toward an Understanding of Internet Adoption at the Marketing/Entrepreneurship Interface

The aim of this research is to explore those competencies within the entrepreneurial small firm, (ESF), which will determine if it is to adopt and fully exploit the potential of the Internet in developing and maintaining relationships with its customers. A key relationship, and one that is a major focus of much of the relationship marketing literature, is that between the supplier, in this case the ESF, and the customer or buyer. In this research, using a qualitative methodology, the authors examine the nature and character of the challenges faced by 30 entrepreneurial individuals in their relationship-oriented utilisation of the Internet. As a first stage of a larger research programme it explores the competencies likely to determine the extent of Internet adoption. The paper offers insights to a more complete competency spectrum for Internet marketing in the ESF.     

The Impact of Collaboration Between Industry and Academia on SME Growth

One important aspect in the small firm sector is the increased provision of training available to encourage small businesses to expand and develop their knowledge base. In the belief that new small firms can generate a number of new jobs at a time of high unemployment, the UK government in the early 1980s developed public policy to encourage small firm formation and growth. Measures have been enacted to assist small firms in the UK in areas of taxation, education, funding and placement schemes. (Cross 1983). Although Curran (1986) describes this as a 'heading plunge' into a policy of discrimination in favour of the small enterprise, and is critical of the effectiveness of many of these actions, the measures are a clear indication that public policy and funds are firmly committed to support the small firm sector (Marlow 1992). Since then local support agencies, such as The Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs), and Local Enterprise Councils (LECs) in Scotland, funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and European Union offer professional consultancy advice and training to small firms and their owners. Such agencies offer help in the form of business start-up support and training, management skills and any aspect, which can aid growth in the small firm. However, the indications from the agency consultants have found that not enough owner/managers are utilising this enterprise network to assist business growth (Marlow 1992, Choueke and Armstrong 1998).     

People Who Complain about Advertising: The Aficionados,Guardians, Activists and Seekers

Creativity is a driver of competitive advantage. It is found in firms of all sizes, but perhaps has greatest impact within the entrepreneurial smaller firm. This paper discusses the origins of the study of creativity, from social psychology to the business discipline. Creativity is then viewed as a key competency at the Marketing/Entrepreneurship Interface, linked with related issues such as innovation, vision, leadership and motivation. The benefits of developing creative competencies are presented and linked to a knowledge entrepreneur's set of 21_st century business skills. A model of creativity as competitive advantage is developed, built from sets of internal and external factors impinging upon firm and managerial performance. Finally, a series of recommendations for both marketing practitioners and academics are made, focusing on the need to challenge convention in order to progress ideas, products and services into the new century.