James Curran & Robert Blackburn 
Researching the Small Enterprise [PDF ebook] 

Although there are plenty of books devoted to small business and management research, few give much attention to the small enterprise. This book focuses systematically on researching the small firm, from basic issues of definition, to selecting topics and research designs, to fieldwork problems, data analysis and finally, writing and presenting results.

The discussion is set in the wider context of issues and problems in business research. Quantitative and especially qualitative approaches are explored and illustrated by drawing in depth on a wide range of research on the small enterprise. The result is an extensive resource book for researchers at all levels to draw upon in planning and conducting effective research.

Table of Content

The Need for Small Business Research

First Stages in the Small Business Research Project

In the Field

Analysing Data

Presentation

The Last Link in the Research Chain

Conclusions

About the author

Expertise All aspects of small business and entrepreneurship; small business management; employment; growth; innovation; IP management; environmental practices; business exit; regional and international dimensions; public policy initiatives and evaluations.Reviewer for book publishers (eg. Sage), research councils (ESRC; Leverhulme; Nuffield) and journals.Research Interest(s)Extensive research portfolio for academic (eg ESRC), private (eg HSBC) and public (eg HM Treasury; EU Commission) organisations. Expertise in primary and secondary data collection and analyses; engaged in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Editor of International Small Business Journal Teaching Engaged in postgraduate teaching programmes linked to entrepreneurship and small business; supervision and examination experience at masters and doctorate levels.Memberships Member of RAE2008 and REF2014 Business and Management sub-panel Member of ACCA Small Firms Committee Member of Association of Business Schools Research Committee Member of Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Member of the British Academy of Management Member of Academicians of the Academy of Social Science; Holder of the Queen′s Award for Enterprise Promotion