5,165 research outputs found
The relationship between training and small firm performance: research frameworks and lost quests
No full textDEAN PATTON IS PRINCIPAL LECTURER in corporate strategy, Sue Marlow is principal lecturer in industrial relations, and Paul Hannon is academic director at the Leicestershire Centre for Enterprise, all at de Montfort University, England. In recent years it has been acknowledged that the take-up of training and development opportunities within the United Kingdom has been generally poor and that this has had a detrimental effect upon national productivity and competitiveness (Keep and Mayhew, 1997). It is noticeable that smaller firms in particular are reluctant to engage with formal training initiatives regardless of the incentives offered (Maton, 1999; Jennings and Hawley, 1996; Stanworth and Gray, 1992). To support greater take-up of such initiatives, policymakers and academics have sought to find a relationship between training and the performance of firms. The extant literature on this subject is inconclusive and a number of criticisms have been made witlh reference to the research design and methodology employed (Westhead and Storey, 1997). This paper proposes that a more focused research design to the subject is required and puts forward a model that would address many of the concerns raised (Westhead, 1996; Westhead and Storey, 1997). It is suggested that the search for statistical significance may actually be inappropriate, given the number of variables in the relationship. The model would, however, provide a framework within which the importance and interaction of such variables can be more clearly analysed and evaluated
Virgie Patton-Ezelle Interview, 28 October 2008
No full textArtist Virgie Patton-Ezelle, a native Clevelander, discusses her life and career as an artist. Ms. Patton-Ezelle describes the earliest recognition of her artistic ability and its impact on her identity. She notes individuals who encouraged her to pursue art as a professional, especially her teacher at John Hay High School, Mrs. Shidoba; artist John Ferguson of Karamu House; her instructors at the Cleveland Institute of Art, including artists Paul Travis and John Tyrell; and arts patron Richard Sherra. Patton-Ezelle also describes her work for the Finished Art Department at American Greetings Corporation, select exhibits of her work, and the attraction of New York City to artists in smaller markets such as Cleveland. The artist describes her creative process, as well as the themes, composition, color, and materials used in her painting. Patton-Ezelle also describes the meaning of spirituality and race in her life and art. Also notewiorthy is Patton-Ezelle\u27s recollection of her family experience during the Great Depression, and her appraisal of the arts projects sponsored by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). At the close of this interview, gallery owner William Busta enters the room to discuss an upcoming exhibition of African-American artists, entitled In Their Own Voice, which is to include Patton-Ezelle\u27s work
Virgie Patton-Ezelle Interview, 28 October 2008
No full textArtist Virgie Patton-Ezelle, a native Clevelander, discusses her life and career as an artist. Ms. Patton-Ezelle describes the earliest recognition of her artistic ability and its impact on her identity. She notes individuals who encouraged her to pursue art as a professional, especially her teacher at John Hay High School, Mrs. Shidoba; artist John Ferguson of Karamu House; her instructors at the Cleveland Institute of Art, including artists Paul Travis and John Tyrell; and arts patron Richard Sherra. Patton-Ezelle also describes her work for the Finished Art Department at American Greetings Corporation, select exhibits of her work, and the attraction of New York City to artists in smaller markets such as Cleveland. The artist describes her creative process, as well as the themes, composition, color, and materials used in her painting. Patton-Ezelle also describes the meaning of spirituality and race in her life and art. Also notewiorthy is Patton-Ezelle\u27s recollection of her family experience during the Great Depression, and her appraisal of the arts projects sponsored by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). At the close of this interview, gallery owner William Busta enters the room to discuss an upcoming exhibition of African-American artists, entitled In Their Own Voice, which is to include Patton-Ezelle\u27s work
Improving investment readiness in new and young high growth business
No full textWithin the UK, evidence indicates that new and young businesses with high growth potential find raising appropriate levels of capital problematic as they lack concise and coherent business propositions with which to attract potential investors. This suggests that there is an information and expectation gap between entrepreneurs seeking finance and those looking for investment opportunities. This paper undertakes a qualitative evaluation of the process and outcomes from an Investment Readiness programme, focused on firms in the West Midlands, designed to address this ga
Participatory evaluation as a learning tool: the case of Mustard.UK.Com, a high-growth small business programme
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Minding the gap between employers and employees: the challenge for owner-managers of smaller manufacturing firms
No full textThe empirical evidence which underpins and illustrates labour management theory has been drawn from a range of case studies across industrial sectors sited, usually, within the corporate sector. This fails to recognise the importance of the smaller firm as an employer. At present, the study of the employment relationship is grounded within a segment of the economy that no longer employs the majority of private sector labour within the UK. To reflect contemporary change within modern developed economies, the manner in which labour is managed in smaller firms must be explored. This paper considers why smaller firms might be excluded from this debate and reviews some of the limited literature pertaining to managing the employment relationship in such firms. One area in particular is then focused upon in more depth, the manner in which labour compliance and control is addressed in smaller manufacturing firms. On the basis of empirical evidence drawn from a study of the impact of employment regulation on smaller manufacturing firms, it is suggested that there are blurred divisions between employers and employees. Through necessity or choice, when the owner of the firm also takes the role of co-worker this can create shared social relationships and group working which is advantageous to the owner, but has implications for managing labour discipline
Dr. Leslie K. Patton
No full textDean Patton interprets a student's psychograph at TC. Many students in the 1940s took aptitude and skills test upon entering TC. Dr. Patton filled many roles at TC including: Associate rofessor Prof. of Education, Dean of Instruction, Prof. of Education and Psychology, Dean of the College, Acting President, and Vice President and Dean. He served TC from 1939 - 1953
Patton, Robert L.
No full textMemorial Statement for Professor Robert L. Patton, who died in 2008. The memorial statements contained herein were prepared by the Office of the Dean of the University Faculty of Cornell University to honor its faculty for their service to the university
SMEs and environmental regulations: a study of the UK screen-printing sector
No full textIn the literature of corporate greening, the regulatory domain has been identified as a key influence on the environmental behaviour of firms and has been linked to actions beyond compliance and to the pursuit of competitive advantage. That said, studies of the environmental performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) suggest that, on the whole, smaller firms tend to take a more reactive and compliant stance with regard to environmental legislation, with little evidence existing to suggest that regulation provides a strong baseline for internally driven change. The authors report the findings from empirical research undertaken to assess the impact of environmental legislation upon the activities of SMEs within the screen-printing sector in the United Kingdom and explore the motivations that have driven responses to such legislation. The aim of the research was to examine the extent to which regulation was a factor in explaining SME environmental behaviour, and to identify the nature of corporate responses to environmental change. In addressing these issues a hybrid methodology was adopted, based on a quantitative survey of 200 firms in the UK screen-printing industry and a qualitative analysis of five organisations chosen from the survey respondents. The results of the survey -- which had a usable response rate of 33% -- and from the case-study interviews shed important light on SME attitudes, awareness, and responses to existing regulatory requirements. The authors comment on how far the evidence supports the propositions in the extant literature and examine possible policy implications of the findings
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