Using a randomized evaluation with 432 Mexican small and medium enterprises, this paper shows that access to management consulting led to better firm performance: one-year results show positive effects on return-on-assets and total factor productivity. Owners also had large increases in...

This paper reviews issues and trends in business advice policies for business start-ups and existing SMEs, including public support for business consultancy and mentoring. Business advice policies aim to improve the growth, survival and productivity performance of new and small firms by...

For those engaging in fieldwork in a business setting, this book offers guidance and support from the initial project assignment and client meeting to the closing presentation and exit meeting. Practical advice is provided throughout the consulting process with chapters devoted to establishing...

This chapter focuses on forms of control used by small businesses in contracts with different advisors that supply business advice. The use of legal agreement and personal trust are compared in the chapter. The analysis is carried out using the results of a study of 400 small companies operating...