This research focused on the management training and development of small busines entrepreneurs. / Paper 1: This paper seeks to determine the link between training and development and the benefits they bring to small businesses and to find out whether the prevailing training provided for small business entrepreneurs is still relevant and effective for their businesses. In addition, this paper seeks to determine the common factors that influenced and hindered training and development in small businesses and to determine how small businesses can achieve competitive advantage through training and development which consequently results in high business performance, hence promoting growth and survival. / Paper 2: This study examined the relationship between the participants' satisfaction with the management training and development programmes (MTDPs) provided by the government, with participants' personal as well as business characteristics, which include age, gender, educational level, location, sector, as well as prior job before entering into business. The findings of the study revealed that training satisfaction is associated with all the five dimensions examined, which included programme content, programme methodology, facilitator's experience, programme administration and the programme benefits. The recommendations based on the findings are provided towards the end of this paper. / Paper 3: In this case study on evaluation of the management training and development programme for Bumiputera small business entrepreneurs in Sarawak, the analysis of knowledge showed that the mean of the two scores before and after the training were found to be statistically different, suggesting that there was indeed an improvement in knowledge gained among the training participants after the training programme. The analyses on skills also showed the mean of the two scores before and after the training were found to be statistically different on items listed under this aspect, also suggesting that there was improvement in skills as believed by participants after attending the training programme. However, for attitude, only one item was found to be statistically different, suggesting that, on the whole, there was little impact on attitude change from the training. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2005

Entrepreneurship is gaining greater interest around the world and many governments are "interested in the creation of cultures that would promote enterprise and create new ventures" (Kirby, 2004, p.510). According to Kanter (1984, p 354) "because of profound transformations in the economic and social environment it should be a national priority to release and support the skills of men and women who can envision and push innovation." This is the case in Singapore where the Government is attempting to change the attitudes of young people so they seriously consider entrepreneurship as a career choice. Although the Government is making major changes in the country's education system to achieve this, it remains unclear how it should be done. Although there have been many studies of the skills of entrepreneurs (for example, Kemelgor, 1985; Appell, 1984; Kirby and Fan, 1995) and the methods of acquiring them (for example, Knowles, 1972; Gibb, 1987), they are mainly in a western context and may not be applicable to other cultures, for example Chinese entrepreneurs in Singapore. Indeed, there is no known study of the identification of key entrepreneurial skills of successful male Chinese founder entrepreneurs and their preferred methods of acquiring these skills. Therefore, this thesis examines, for the first time, the key skills of successful male Chinese founder entrepreneurs in Singapore, and how they acquired them. / The research uses a contextual stepwise approach (Siu and Kirby, 1999) comprising a literature review; ethnographic research into 42 published interviews; and face-to-face interviews, comprising open-ended questions and survey research questionnaires, with 44 entrepreneurs. The thesis identifies 10 key entrepreneurial skills of successful male Chinese founder entrepreneurs in Singapore (Opportunity Recognition Skills; People Handling Internal Skills; Marketing Skills; People Handling External Skills; Networking Skills; Communication Skills; Decision Making Skills; Judgement Skills; Leadership Skills; & Persuasion and Influence Skills) and 5 preferred ways of acquiring these skills (Doing; Experience; Observing; Listening ; & Asking). / The thesis findings imply that a person would be likely to increase his probability of business success if he possessed these 10 key entrepreneurial skills. This would suggest that these key skills should be taught to young adults if the aim is to create more successful entrepreneurs. The findings with respect to how these skills are acquired, however, suggest that if this is to occur, the methods of teaching entrepreneurial skills in Singapore's educational institutions may need to change. Most entrepreneurship studies in Singapore are conducted using traditional methods of teaching, through lectures and tutorials. The research suggests that entrepreneurship studies should incorporate new methods of teaching compatible with the preferred methods of acquiring these skills, which would mean incorporating practical aspects of learning through doing with the more traditional theoretical classroom learning. / Future questions that need to be addresses are whether the findings are applicable to entrepreneurs from different cultures (both western and eastern), different genders (Female) or different financial outcome (unsuccessful entrepreneurs). Another possible future question is whether external factors (business environment, state of the economy etc) affect the findings. / Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2005.

Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2003.

Bibliography: leaves 354-371. / xii, 371 leaves ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Graduate School of Management, 1997?

This research focused on the management training and development of small busines entrepreneurs. / Paper 1: This paper seeks to determine the link between training and development and the benefits they bring to small businesses and to find out whether the prevailing training provided for small business entrepreneurs is still relevant and effective for their businesses. In addition, this paper seeks to determine the common factors that influenced and hindered training and development in small businesses and to determine how small businesses can achieve competitive advantage through training and development which consequently results in high business performance, hence promoting growth and survival. / Paper 2: This study examined the relationship between the participants' satisfaction with the management training and development programmes (MTDPs) provided by the government, with participants' personal as well as business characteristics, which include age, gender, educational level, location, sector, as well as prior job before entering into business. The findings of the study revealed that training satisfaction is associated with all the five dimensions examined, which included programme content, programme methodology, facilitator's experience, programme administration and the programme benefits. The recommendations based on the findings are provided towards the end of this paper. / Paper 3: In this case study on evaluation of the management training and development programme for Bumiputera small business entrepreneurs in Sarawak, the analysis of knowledge showed that the mean of the two scores before and after the training were found to be statistically different, suggesting that there was indeed an improvement in knowledge gained among the training participants after the training programme. The analyses on skills also showed the mean of the two scores before and after the training were found to be statistically different on items listed under this aspect, also suggesting that there was improvement in skills as believed by participants after attending the training programme. However, for attitude, only one item was found to be statistically different, suggesting that, on the whole, there was little impact on attitude change from the training. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2005

Economic growth and private sector development have been sluggish in China’s western regions, where ethnic minorities make up a sizeable part of the population. In the northwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the state maintains a steady presence in the small but growing urban private sector, largely populated by Han-owned firms and entrepreneurs. A small group of minority Uyghur entrepreneurs have positioned themselves in markets where they hold a cultural and linguistic advantage, particularly in trade with neighbouring Central Asia and the production of Muslim foods. However, clustering in similar industries and markets limits the growth of Uyghur businesses in the private sector where they have little presence. To understand how these new entrepreneurs adapt to this environment, and their move toward ‘modern’ business practices, this thesis analyses the characteristics of Uyghur entrepreneurs and their role as ‘agents of development’ in Xinjiang’s capital of Urumqi. / Since the institution of China’s national economic reforms, Uyghurs have progressively engaged in traditional merchant and ‘bazaar’ economic activities, generally outside the registered, firm-type private sector. In Urumqi, the majority of new Uyghur entrepreneurs are disadvantaged in operating firms by a lack of management experience, skilled employees and start-up capital, so that they primarily rely on resources within the Uyghur community for support. Entrepreneurs who seek to modernise their business and ‘break out’ of traditional Uyghur market niches tend to broaden their networks outside the Uyghur ethnic group. Social networks with larger Han firms and government officials allow better access to resources and financing for Uyghur entrepreneurs. In this way, the shift to ‘modern’ business practices entails cooperation and networking with the majority Han, rather than within the Uyghur community alone. / This thesis presents Urumqi’s Uyghur entrepreneurs, traditionally operating on the fringe of the private sector, as agents of social change through business modernisation and cooperation with Han. In Xinjiang, where economic development is often conflated with the state and increasing numbers of Han migrants, Uyghur entrepreneurs are engaging in the market and contributing to the development of Uyghur society as a whole. This thesis demonstrates how these new entrepreneurs integrate into the Han-dominated private sector and thus participate in development in Xinjiang.

This research focused on the management training and development of small busines entrepreneurs. / Paper 1: This paper seeks to determine the link between training and development and the benefits they bring to small businesses and to find out whether the prevailing training provided for small business entrepreneurs is still relevant and effective for their businesses. In addition, this paper seeks to determine the common factors that influenced and hindered training and development in small businesses and to determine how small businesses can achieve competitive advantage through training and development which consequently results in high business performance, hence promoting growth and survival. / Paper 2: This study examined the relationship between the participants' satisfaction with the management training and development programmes (MTDPs) provided by the government, with participants' personal as well as business characteristics, which include age, gender, educational level, location, sector, as well as prior job before entering into business. The findings of the study revealed that training satisfaction is associated with all the five dimensions examined, which included programme content, programme methodology, facilitator's experience, programme administration and the programme benefits. The recommendations based on the findings are provided towards the end of this paper. / Paper 3: In this case study on evaluation of the management training and development programme for Bumiputera small business entrepreneurs in Sarawak, the analysis of knowledge showed that the mean of the two scores before and after the training were found to be statistically different, suggesting that there was indeed an improvement in knowledge gained among the training participants after the training programme. The analyses on skills also showed the mean of the two scores before and after the training were found to be statistically different on items listed under this aspect, also suggesting that there was improvement in skills as believed by participants after attending the training programme. However, for attitude, only one item was found to be statistically different, suggesting that, on the whole, there was little impact on attitude change from the training. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2005

This study has examined the knowledge required for the publication of an Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (E&BI) focused teaching text. The research design was based on a constructivist, interpretive paradigm, and utilised a qualitative methodology to support the development of a framework and content for a text. Data collection occurred through formal research, discovery and exploration of knowledge rather than verification, and was subject to my interpretation arising from my participation as an academic. The analysis of data required a conceptual framework to be developed consistent with the research paradigm, and be so designed as to provide a way for me through a participatory process, to identify and evaluate knowledge in E&BI and investigate the research questions. The study rationalised that E&BI educational programs must first be consistent with, and reflective of, the mission of the institution providing such programs, and also, must address the learning needs of students. Previous research undertaken for this thesis had clearly identified a strong demand for material on E&BI that combined theory and practice with case studies drawn from real world entrepreneurial practices. The outcome of this study resulted in the design of a formal text that was suitable for use by secondary, community and adult education institutions within Australia, for delivery to both a digital and print audience and representative of international E&BI good practice. The text “Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation” was published in 2005. The published text was designed to provide new entrepreneurs and existing Small to Medium Enterprise owners with a practical guide on how to pursue business success based on established entrepreneurial and enterprise management techniques. The thesis has explicated the scholarly coherence and originality of the published work, and further places the text within a pedagogical framework.

Frankfurt (Main), Univ., Diss., 2006

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-196). Also available via the Internet.