Description
Book SynopsisThroughout the book, the authors offer a conceptual framework supported by original case study data to explain how and why a small firm should approach strategic planning, the forces influencing the planning process, and the nexus between innovation and planning.
The majority of all businesses throughout the world are small firms, which play a crucial role in the growth of the world's economies. Tim Mazzarol and Sophie Reboud address questions such as: what is the value of planning for small firms, and how should these firms approach strategic planning? This book provides an in-depth analysis of the theory and conceptual frameworks associated with planning and strategy in small firms. It also explores key issues linked with why and how small firms should plan and the benefits they gain.
This timely book will be invaluable to academics, postgraduate research students and professional advisors working in the field of small business management and entrepreneurship. Supported by original research and comprehensive key theories, entrepreneurs and practicing managers with an interest in understanding the foundations of planning and strategy will find this book of great importance to them.
Trade Review'All in all, there is much to be learned from this book. Practitioners will find a plethora of concepts to analyse where their firm actually stands and what the next logical steps could be to develop the business, while small business mentors and consultants will come across many concepts and tools to understand their clients better, and therefore will find it much easier to assist them in their strategic journey. Academics and scholars should use this book as a starting point for their own research projects on small business strategy, as the volume comprehensively covers the status quo of the research in this area.' -- Andreas Kuckertz, International Small Business Journal
'This is an excellent book which covers a lot of ground and which looks to appreciate the strategic needs of the type of firm which populates the majority of industries in all countries: small, independently owned and operated.' -- Steve Talbot, International Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
'Mazzarol and Reboud present an extremely well documented book that offers grounded approaches through insightful case studies. It is a rare book from which practitioners, students, teachers and researchers will gain both knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject.' -- Louis Jacques Filion, HEC Montreal, Canada
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Conceptual Structure of the Book 3. A Review of the Literature Part 1 4. A Review of the Literature Part 2 5. Entrepreneur versus Owner-Manager 6. The Strategic Myopia of Small Firms 7. The Strategic Management Process 8. Strategic Options for Small Firms 9. Innovation as Competitive Advantage 10. Applying the Innovation Framework 11. Strategic Networks and Outsiders 12. Managing the Strategic Triangle References Index
