scholarly journals From the Cabinet of Curiosities: The misdirection of research and policy debates on small firm growth

2020 ◽  
pp. 026624262095171
Author(s):  
Mark Hart ◽  
Neha Prashar ◽  
Anastasia Ri
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Policy Perspective

We would like to thank Professor Mark Hart, Dr Neha Prashar and Dr Anastasia Ri for compiling our Annual Review Article of 2020 which is dedicated to the memory of Michael Anyadike-Danes. Analyses of growth and scalability are of perennial interest given the centrality of this issue and the diverse range of debate it generates; it is clearly of even greater importance during the current pandemic given the disruption to markets and related economic volatility. This review papers offers a refreshing critique of axioms regarding scalability which have been latched onto by policy makers but are not supported by longitudinal evidence and instead, considers alternative pathways for future research. I would like to extend my thanks to the authors and to the referee who commented upon an earlier version of this article, for their valuable contribution to the ISBJ. Understanding business growth, and particularly the growth of small firms, has been the subject of academic enquiry for over 40 years. Yet, it still creates debate and controversy as academics and policy makers wrestle with a rich, complex evidence base. From a policy perspective, ‘scaling’ is an important dynamic to nurture in the UK economy, but we argue that current discussions about ‘scale-ups’ are profoundly unhelpful from a policy perspective and has misdirected research effort and public policy resources. We step away from growth rates as the central concern – the preoccupation of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) High-Growth Firm metric – towards ‘growth trajectories’ which better captures the interplay between growth and survival. It provides a different approach to measuring the contribution of rapidly growing firms to job creation and economic growth.

EFFECTS OF FORMAL PLANNING AND CONTROL ON GROWTH: A CASE STUDY APPROACH

1995 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 161-195
Author(s):  
CLAUDIO A. ROMANO ◽  
JANEK RATNATUNGA
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
Control Process ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Contextual Variables ◽  
Planning And Control ◽  
And Control

While planning and control and their impact on small firm growth are implicit in many academic discussions, much of our understanding of these phenomena are based on speculation and opinion. Thus, they seem neglected areas of small business research. This paper seeks to improve the understanding of formal planning and control systems and their relationship to the growth of small business in Australian manufacturing. First, a framework is developed which incorporates the main contextual variables which independently and simultaneously have been shown to have a major relationship with growth. Second, the study provides empirically-based qualitative evidence to further the understanding of causality in the growth of small business by focusing on how formal planning and control systems are embedded within the external or internal contextual variables of small business and the characteristics of their management. Evidence is also provided as to the conditions and circumstances under which formal planning and control are likely to be most effective in controlling the effects of contextual variables, and to the differences between high growth and low growth firms in the use of formal planning and control. The findings of this study are important for two principal reasons. First, it has provided the opportunity to conduct exploratory research into how a small business is managed within the context in which the processes are applied. Second, it has provided the opportunity to identify factors which encourage or discourage small firms to plan, thus providing a better understanding of the planning and control process adopted by small firms.

Conclusion

2018 ◽  
pp. 205-208
Author(s):  
Deanna Edwards ◽  
Kate Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Risk Averse ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

This concluding chapter argues for the potential of family group conferences (FGCs) to lead to positive outcomes for families in a diverse range of social work practice areas. The research and evidence base, while patchy, is clear on this. Policy makers, practitioners, and advocates of the FGC process have a responsibility to ensure that the practice does not become marginalised by austerity measures and increasingly risk-averse practice contexts. After all FGCs not only embody the key principles of key social work legislation and policy in the UK but also the values of social work practice. Indeed, the principles of FGCs are clearly aligned to the International Federation of Social Work definition of social work and the model provides the opportunity for local authorities to become increasingly reflective of the holistic approach to social work practice.

scholarly journals A systematic review of CALL in English as a second language: Focus on primary and secondary education

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Macaro ◽  
Zöe Handley ◽  
Catherine Walter
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Technological Developments

After explaining why consideration of the use of technology in second language (L2) teaching in the primary and secondary sectors is necessary, this systematic review presents a keyword map of 117 studies of technology in L2 learning since 1990. It reveals that research effort in these educational sectors has increased in line with technological developments and there have been important differences between the primary and secondary sectors in the adoption of applications. There then follows an in-depth review of 47 post-2000 studies investigating the efficacy of technology in the teaching of L2 English. It asks what technology has been used and why, what evidence there is that technology facilitates language learning, and what other insights can be drawn from the research in this field. The evidence that technology has a direct beneficial impact on linguistic outcomes is slight and inconclusive, but it may impact indirectly and positively on learner attitudes and behaviours and may promote collaboration. On the whole, the research reviewed lacked the quality that would reassure practitioners and policy-makers that technological investment is warranted. We argue that future research needs to provide a tighter link between technological applications, Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theory, and learning outcomes.

scholarly journals The Backlash Against Globalization

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Walter
Keyword(s):  
Science Volume ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
International Policy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Popular Narrative ◽  
The World ◽  
Societal Actors ◽  
National Governments

In recent years, the world has seen a rising backlash against globalization. This article reviews the nature, causes, and consequences of the globalization backlash. It shows that, contrary to a popular narrative, the backlash is not associated with a large swing in public opinion against globalization but is rather a result of its politicization. The increasing influence of globalization-skeptic actors has resulted in more protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist policies, some of which fundamentally threaten pillars of the contemporary international order. Both material and nonmaterial causes drive the globalization backlash, and these causes interact and mediate each other. The consequences are shaped by the responses of societal actors, national governments, and international policy makers. These responses can either yield to and reinforce the global backlash or push back against it. Understanding these dynamics will be an important task for future research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Political Science, Volume 24 is May 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

The Role of High-Tech Entrepreneurship on Regional Development

2018 ◽  
pp. 259-271
Author(s):  
Maria del Mar Miralles-Quiros ◽  
Jose Luis Miralles-Quiros ◽  
Julio Daza-Izquierdo
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Global Recession ◽  
Development Policies

In a globalized business environment characterized by the existence of mature sectors, it is essential to focus our attention on those firms with low entry barriers as well as high growth potential in order to design adequate regional development policies. In this context, we analyze firm growth in Brazilian technology-based companies over the 2002-2013 period testing the Law of Proportionate Effect which allows us to provide useful information for policy makers. This study confirms that firm growth is not a random process and, most importantly, we observe that there has been a positive and significant effect of more profitable firms on firm growth in years of global recession. Consequently, we highlight that public policies should be focused on small, profitable and less indebted firms of the technology-based sector because they would contribute to business dynamism and job creation.

Are growth-oriented SMEs more likely to adopt market and brand orientations?

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Reijonen ◽  
Szandra Párdányi ◽  
Sasu Tuominen ◽  
Tommi Laukkanen ◽  
Raija Komppula
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Capital Adequacy ◽  
Brand Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Intention Group

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how SMEs with varying growth intentions differ from each other with regard to market orientation and brand orientation. Both of these strategic orientations are seen to lead to enhanced market performance. Consequently, the authors investigate whether those small firms that regard growth as an important goal have adopted market or brand orientation. Design/methodology/approach – Responses from 492 SMEs were analysed. They were clustered into four groups according to their growth intentions. These groups included firms that have low growth intention, capital adequacy growth intention, expansion growth intention and high growth intention. ANOVA was used to explore whether these groups differed in their market or brand orientation. Findings – The results indicate that the higher growth intention group the SME belonged to the more market and brand oriented it is. The biggest differences between the SMEs were found with regards to brand orientation. Research limitations/implications – The findings suggest that SMEs have acknowledged the positive effect of market and brand orientations on firm growth, thus highlighting the importance of supporting growth-oriented SMEs in their quest to become more market or brand oriented. Originality/value – The study sheds more light on the little researched themes of market and brand orientations in the context of SMEs. It also offers insights into how growth intentions affect the adoption of different strategic orientations.

scholarly journals Opportunities to prevent and manage undernutrition to amplify efforts to end TB

2022 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
I. Darnton-Hill ◽  
P. P. Mandal ◽  
A. de Silva ◽  
V. Bhatia ◽  
M. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Nutrition Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
High Burden ◽  
Bidirectional Relationship ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
East Asia Region

The bidirectional relationship between TB and nutrition is well recognized – primary undernutrition is a risk factor for developing TB disease, while TB results in wasting. Although nutrition support is acknowledged as an important intervention in TB programmes, it is seldom afforded commensurate priority for action. TB incidence and deaths worldwide are falling too slowly to meet WHO End TB Strategy milestones, and the number of undernourished people is increasing, likely to be further exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Undernutrition needs to be more urgently and intensively addressed. This is especially true for the WHO South-East Asia Region, where the high rates of undernutrition are a key driver of the TB epidemic. The evidence base has been sufficiently robust for clear and workable programmatic guidance to be formulated on assessment, counselling and interventions for TB patients. Many high-burden countries have developed policies addressing TB and nutrition. Gaps in research to date have frustrated the development of more refined programmatic approaches related to addressing TB and malnutrition. Future research can be shaped to inform targeted, actionable policies and programmes delivering dual benefits in terms of undernutrition and TB. There are clear opportunities for policy-makers to amplify efforts to end TB by addressing undernutrition.

Strategic Management in SMEs

2014 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Rosalind Jones ◽  
Susan Sisay
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Marketing ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Marketing Orientation ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Published Research

The chapter examines strategic orientation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in response to the growing demand for the generation of new knowledge concerning strategic behaviours of SMEs. Drawing from both strategic management and entrepreneurial marketing literature and using models and recent theoretical developments from published research based in small firms, it explains the sorts of activities, attitudes and behaviours which occur in SMEs and suggests that different strategic orientations generate either increased or decreased profitability and firm growth. It also presents a conceptual model which serves to illustrate the competitive strategic typologies adopted by SMEs and the interrelationship between these strategic typologies and an Entrepreneurial Marketing Orientation (EMO) dimension of SMEs. The authors propose that the dominant strategic orientations of SMEs could be predicted by application of this model in future studies. The chapter concludes with ecommendations and suggestions for future research directions.

Using corpora in depth psychology: a trigram-based analysis of a corpus of fetish fantasies

Corpora ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Depth Psychology ◽  
Constant Pressure ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
German Language ◽  
Alternative Theory ◽  
Depth Psychological ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Quantitative Linguistics

Contemporary depth psychology is under constant pressure to demonstrate and strengthen its evidence base. In this paper, I show how the analysis of large corpora can contribute to this goal of developing and testing depth-psychological theory. To provide a basis for evaluating statements about foot and shoe fetishism, I analyse the thirty-six most frequent three-word phrases (or trigrams) in a corpus of about 1.6 million words of amateur fetish stories written in the German language. Zipfian methods from quantitative linguistics are used to specify the number of phrases for analysis and I argue that these reflect the core themes of the corpus. The analysis reveals three main dimensions. First, it corroborates the observations of the early sexologists that foot and shoe fetishism is very closely intertwined with sadomasochism. Secondly, it shows that genitalia-related phrases are also common, but an examination of their contexts questions Freud's theory that fetishism results from an assumption of female castration. Thirdly, it reveals that the mouth also plays a key role; however, the frequent co-presence of genitalia references in the same texts does not seem to support straightforwardly the most common alternative theory of fetishism based on object relations. Future research could valuably extend this approach to other fetishes and, in due course, to other depth-psychological constructs.

Political psychology in the digital (mis)information age: A model of news belief and sharing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Joseph Van Bavel ◽  
Elizabeth Ann Harris ◽  
Philip Pärnamets ◽  
Steve Rathje ◽  
Kimberly Doell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Psychology ◽  
Information Age ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
The Social

The spread of misinformation, including “fake news,” propaganda, and conspiracy theories, represents a serious threat to society, as it has the potential to alter beliefs, behavior, and policy. Research is beginning to disentangle how and why misinformation is spread and identify processes that contribute to this social problem. We propose an integrative model to understand the social, political, and cognitive psychology risk factors that underlie the spread of misinformation and highlight strategies that might be effective in mitigating this problem. However, the spread of misinformation is a rapidly growing and evolving problem; thus scholars need to identify and test novel solutions, and work with policy makers to evaluate and deploy these solutions. Hence, we provide a roadmap for future research to identify where scholars should invest their energy in order to have the greatest overall impact.

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