Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons^™

The Impact Of Screening Criteria On Entrepreneurship Research, Gregory B. Murphy, Robert Hill

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship researchers use various types of screening criteria to select samples for study. In that selecting these criteria is, in effect, choosing a definition or model of entrepreneurship, the consequences are immense and have had a direct impact on the generalizability of research and theory development in our field. The purpose of this study is to help entrepreneurship researchers better understand these consequences and, thereby, improve our understanding of entrepreneurial phenomenon. Four of the most commonly used screening criteria are included in this study: firm age, firm size, firm growth, and innovation. Based on a sample of 368 manufacturing firms, …

Entrepreneurship And Self-Employment: The State-Of-The-Art And Directions For Future Research, Giseung Kim

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

This survey overviews the literature on entrepreneurship and self-employment. The author catalogs the main contributions of this body of research and makes a distinction between issues on which there is now widespread agreement and those for which no consensus has yet emerged. This latter set of issues provides fertile ground for further research.

Utilization Of Problem-Based Learning In An Entrepreneurship Business Planning Course, Joseph R. Bell

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

This article demonstrates the implementation and efficacy of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in an undergraduate entrepreneurship business planning course. Throughout the course, ill-structured problems arise that require independent thinking and ongoing problem solving with students taking responsibility for their own learning. The course incorporates the latest classroom technology and how that technology is utilized to deliver self-directed learning. The PBL methodology is then evaluated in light of anonymous student survey results. The objective is to create a framework for future assessment in evaluating PBL in the business planning course.

Entrepreneurship Education, Marguerite R. Faulk

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Book review by Marguerite R. Faulk.

Greene, Patricia G. and Mark P. Rice, eds. Entrepreneurship Education, Cheltenham, UK: Edgar Elgar Publishing, 2007. ISBN 9781845424220

New England Journal Of Entrepreneurship, Fall 2008

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

No abstract provided.

Separated At Birth: An Inquiry On The Conceptual Independence Of The Entrepreneurship And The Leadership Constructs, Richard C. Becherer, Mark Mendenhall, Karen Ford Eickhoff

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and leadership may flow from the same genealogical source and the appearance of separation of the two constructs may be due to differences in the contexts through which the root phenomenon flows. Entrepreneurship and leadership are figuratively different manifestations of the need to create. To better understand the origin of entrepreneurship and leadership, research must first focus on the combinations or hierarchy of traits that are necessary, but perhaps not sufficient, to stimulate the two constructs. Factors that trigger a drive to create or take initiative within the individual in the context of a particular circumstance should be identified, …

Are You An Innovator Or Adaptor? The Impact Of Cognitive Propensity On Venture Expectations And Outcomes, Kevin L. Johnson, Wade M. Danis, Marc J. Dollinger

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

In this study we confirm the often assumed but largely untested belief that entrepreneurs think and behave differently than others. We examine a group of more than 700 nascent entrepreneurs and 400 nonentrepreneurs. We determine the entrepreneurs’ cognitive style propensity for problem solving (Innovator versus Adaptor); we compare their expectations; and, we examine the outcomes (performance and start-up) of their ventures. We find that nascent entrepreneurs are more likely to be overly optimistic Innovators, most people are Adaptors, and one’s cognitive style can indeed play a role in the initial development and outcome for the venture, but not always as …

The Influence Of Family Business Size On Management Activities, Styles And Characteristics, Matthew C. Sonfield, Robert N. Lussier

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

This is an empirical study of family firm size, as measured by the number of employees, and the relationship of a firm’s size to a variety of management activities, styles, and characteristics. A statistical analysis of data drawn from 159 American family businesses indicates significant differences by size with regard to the number of nonfamily members in top management, use of outside advisors, time spent engaged in strategic management, use of sophisticated methods of financial management, proportion of women family members involved in firm management, and level of conflict between family members. Implications are offered for family firm owner-managers, for …

Translighting Group, Inc., A Small Town, Family Business, Jeff Lowenthal

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

TransLighting Group, Inc. consists of two companies all centered around the transportation industry. The original company, TransLighting, was started in 1962 by Henry Phillips. Henry was an engineer with Ford Motor Company specializing in braking wiring systems. Over an eight-year period, he designed and patented several wiring and harness systems that are used in cars as of the 2006 model year. Back in the 1950s Henry had the opportunity to learn about and use LED technology. He even came up with a process using this technology to increase brake light visibility (i.e., the third or middle brake light on most …

Growing Pains: Transitioning From An Entrepreneurship To A Professionally Managed Firm, Michele K. Masterfano

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Book review by Michele K. Masterfano.

Flamholtz, Eric G. and Yvonne Randle. Growing Pains: Transitioning from an Entrepreneurship to a Professionally Managed Firm. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2007. ISBN 9780787986162

The Oxford Handbook Of Entrepreneurship, William H. A. Johnson

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Book review by William H. A. Johnson.

Casson, Mark et al., eds. The Oxford Handbook of Entrepreneurship, New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN 9780199288984

The Black Box: Unraveling Family Business Succession, Noel D. Campbell, Kirk C. Heriot, Dianne H. Welsh

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Using the family business succession, resource-based view of firms, familiness, and organizational clan literatures, this article develops a model based on the ability of the family business to use familiness, a specific bundle of attributes deriving from a family’s culture, as a competitive advantage for the family firm. In particular, this resource-based framework of family business shows how familiness can distinguish between family firms that succeed beyond the second generation and those that do not. Implications for future research are discussed.

Toward A Typology Of New Venture Creators: Similarities And Contrasts Between Business And Social Entrepreneurs, Gina Vega, Roland E. Kidwell

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

This article advances a conceptual typology delineating the differences and similarities between business- and social-sector new venture creators. Our classification scheme differentiates business and social entrepreneurs, considering characteristics of social entrepreneurs in a larger entrepreneurial context. Within a conceptual 2x2 typology based on two dimensions: drive (passion vs. business) and desired return (financial ROI vs. social ROI), we identify and classify 80 examples of new venture creators into one of the quadrants of an enterprise model of entrepreneurs. Preliminary results reveal similarities between social and traditional entrepreneurs and differentiate social entrepreneurs in terms of traits, goals, tendencies, and motivational sources.

From The Editors, Herbert Sherman, Joshua Shuart, Laurence Weinstein

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

No abstract provided.

Fostering Entrepreneurship: Developing A Risk-Taking Culture In Singapore, Balbir B. Bhasin

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

About 10 years ago the Singapore Government realized that entrepreneurial spirit was lacking in its general population. These conclusions were confirmed by an empirical survey, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), an annual assessment of the national level of entrepreneurial activity. The paternalistic and authoritative approach of the government contributed to the general population’s averseness to participating in risk-oriented ventures.

Removing impediments to entrepreneurship is a key challenge for the government and the business sector if the island republic is to maintain its national competitiveness. This article explores the various initiatives taken by the government to stimulate risk-taking and attempts to …

The Tale Of Iranian Entrepreneurs In The United States, Keramat Poorsoltan

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

In practice and in theory, as the findings of this research reveal, the Iranian business community is a new and different, nonconforming immigrant group in the United States. This study explores certain aspects of the Iranian business community in light of a survey done by the author.The article compares and contrasts findings of the survey with those of existing literature that has been written about the business communities of various ethnic groups. The results of this study disagree with the literature in most areas. One difference is that the Iranian business community in the United States does not fit into …

New England Journal Of Entrepreneurship, Fall 2007

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

No abstract provided.

The Entrepreneurial Director, Bruce Sherony

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

The argument that the board of directors can be a helpful tool for entrepreneurships and small businesses derives from the rationale for using boards from both a macro and a micro perspective. Society depends on boards to provide overall checks and balances in the running of businesses. This could not be more evident from the role of the board in Enron’s collapse (U.S. Senate 2002). The board’s value to the entrepreneur is found in the application of the micro perspective. Two sets of recommendations are developed to formulate an improved model of directorship actions and behaviors. First, duties and responsibilities …

Entrepreneurial Selection And Use Of Legal Counsel, Stephen J. Schanz

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs starting new ventures will encounter a host of legal issues requiring consultation with an attorney on an episodic or ongoing basis. It is critical that careful attention be given to the attorney selection process to properly match the needs of the company with the credentials of the attorney. Additionally, options should be explored regarding the billing and payment methodologies the attorney is willing to entertain. The financial resources and cash flow of young companies will likely have a direct impact on the financial agreements entered into with legal counsel. Further, companies desirous of offering the attorney a stake in …

Keystones Of Entrepreneurship Knowledge, James Bronson

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Book review by James W. Bronson.

Rob van der Horst, Sandra King-Kauanui, and Susan Duffy, ed., Keystones of Entrepreneurship Knowledge, Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2005. ISBN 9781405139212

From The Editors, Herbert Sherman, Joshua Shuart, Laurence Weinstein

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

No abstract provided.

New England Journal Of Entrepreneurship, Spring 2007

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Effects Of Corporate Venturing On New Business Creation, Salvatore Sciascia, Fernando G. Alberti, Riccardo De Vita, Alberto Poli

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

One of the main problems of large firms is that they tend to lose their entrepreneurial orientation (EO) once they have grown. The launch of corporate ventures (CV) has been adopted by managers, and studied by scholars, as the means to create new businesses within large companies with a low level of EO. Extensive research on CV has been carried out to understand how these projects can effectively lead to new business creation. However, there are no studies on the effect of CV projects on new business creation after the project has ended. More specifically, scholars have overlooked the prospect …

Owens Sawmill: A Family Business Facing A Social Responsibility Dilemma, Dianne H. Welsh, David Rawlings

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

This is a real case involving an SME that produces southern hardwood finished lumber. The family business faces a social responsibility dilemma in terms of displaced workers and limited job opportunities in the surrounding labor market if they purchase a new saw that would modernize production, improve profitability, and eliminate 50 percent of their labor costs. The most logical employment for these workers would be a cutter, loader, or hauler of logs, which have been determined to be some of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. This case requires students to examine the decision-making process of a modest …

Principles Before Profits: An Interview With S. Truett Cathy, S. Truett Cathy, Miles K. Davis, Leyland M. Lucas

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Interview of S. Truett Cathy with Miles K. Davis and Leyland M. Lucas.

Since 1946, S. Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A Inc., has run his enterprises based on his understanding of Christian principles. In the following interview, S.Truett offers his perspective on why focusing on principles is more important than focusing on profits and what he thinks it takes to succeed in business and in life.

Annotated Bibliography On Women Business Owners: A Diversity Lens, Bonita L. Betters-Reed, Lynda L. Moore

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

When we take the lens of race, ethnicity, gender, and class to the collected academic work on women business owners, what does it reveal? What do we really know? Are there differing definitions of success across segments of the women businessowner demographics? Do the challenges faced by African American women entrepreneurs differ from those confronting white female entrepreneurs? Do immigrant female women businessowners face more significant institutional barriers than their counterparts who have been U.S. citizens for at least two generations? Are there similar reasons for starting their businesses?

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow: Dhr Patio Homes, Llc And Family Firm Management, Herbert Sherman, Daniel James Rowley

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

"I quit." Those two little words were dropped like an atomic bomb and seemed to explode across the dinner table at the Davis residence. The meal had not yet been served though everyone was at the table engaged in a lively discussion, which of course included their business, DHR Patio Homes, LLC. Immediately, a hush descended upon the Davis family and their guest, close friend, and business associate, Stephen Hodgetts, as an imaginary mushroom cloud filled the room. No one could move or say a word although numerous glances of varying nature were being exchanged in rapid succession. The somberness …

New England Journal Of Entrepreneurship, Fall 2006

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

No abstract provided.

Problems Encountered By Ethnic Entrepreneurs: A Comparative Analysis Across Five Ethnic Groups, Gabrielle A. Brenner, Louis Jacques Filion, Teresa V. Menzies, Lionel Dionne

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Despite growing interest in the difficulties encountered by ethnic entrepreneurs, very little research has yet been done on the subject. This article attempts to fill the gap. A total of 715 Chinese, Italian, Indian/Sikh, Jewish, and Vietnamese entrepreneurs from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver were surveyed for the research. The results show that ethnic businesses tend to face the same problems as other businesses, which consequently does not appear to justify the development of support programs specifically for ethnic entrepreneurs. However, this study of established businesses does not consider failed or nascent businesses, which may have experienced additional problems. Further research …

Role Modeling As A Pedagogical Strategy In Entrepreneurship Education For Women And Girls: An Interactive Model Of Transformational Learning, Jeannette Oppedisano, Kenneth R. Laird

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

This article presents a pedagogical model that utilizes students as primary researchers in the identification, interviewing, and then reporting on women entrepreneurs as a major component of a multidisciplinary entrepreneurship course. The purpose of the course is to attract students who may not be familiar with the entrepreneurship concept itself, the role of women in such economic ventures, or the possibilities for people like themselves in such a career avenue. Students are exposed to the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs throughout U.S. history in the broad categories of agriculture and mining; construction; communication; manufacturing; service (both for profit and not-for-profit); transportation; …