Purchasing and the small firm

Article Abstract:

A study of 81 small businesses in the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) shows a strong relationship between the boundary spanning activities of the owner-operators of these firms and their profitability. In particular, the results of the study show the importance of purchasing activities to the performance of these firms. In light of the recent literature regarding the need for outside information for successful planning in small businesses, these results are particularly interesting. They indicate the importance of the purchasing function not only in the acquisition of materials, but also in the generation of strategic information. The implications of the results of the study for the improvement of small business operations are discussed. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Research, Purchasing, Organizational effectiveness

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Controlling new product development in the small technology-based firm

Article Abstract:

The development of a new product requires the continuous collection, communication and analysis of information internal and external to a firm. Whether formal control procedures are the most effective method of collecting and communicating this information, however, is a topic of ongoing debate. This research describes new product development control practices and examines the relationships between the method of control (i.e. formal or informal) and innovation success in thirty-three North American technology-based companies. Results indicate that companies using formal control procedures view their methods as more successful, are more satisfied and define success more stringently than firms using informal methods of control. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Analysis, High technology industry, Industrial research, Product development

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Employment-at-will: a legal area that merits attention for the small business person

Article Abstract:

The employment-by-will controversy in labor relations will be an issue of increasing importance in the next decade. The courts are introducing special measures to protect the many employees who are not protected by union contracts or additional arrangements. Many of these workers work for small business companies. Managers of small businesses must be aware of the basic problems involved and plan actions to protect their companies from law suits which may produce huge cash awards.

Human resource management, Employee dismissals, Employment terminations, Employment at will

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