This paper describes preliminary research into the effect of different approaches to supply chain management on manufacturing company performance. Three generic models were developed to describe the ways in which manufacturers manage relationships with their major suppliers and major customers....

In recent years it has become clear that joint consultation has not withered away in British industry but has managed to maintain a considerable institutional presence. The precise character of consultation in these companies is rather more difficult to determine. Drawing on research in a...

The development of the Sinclair C5 is outlined from its origins to its launch in January 1985. The development is then compared with the “textbook” stages of new product development to highlight differences. Factors that contributed to the failure are examined, encompassing such criticisms...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic examination of the importance of trust‐developing constructs and the impact of trust on long‐term orientation within the small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) domain. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretically...

Purpose – In offering a critical account of knowledge management in a small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise this paper aims to theorise the creation and sharing of knowledge from a relational perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the findings of an in‐depth longitudinal...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the key characteristics of the post‐investment relationship between the venture capital firm and its investee companies. Design/methodology/approach – The research is a case study of a major UK venture capital firm using qualitative...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on transnational education (TNE) as a form of business relationship and reflects on the experience of a mid‐ranking post‐92 UN institution in developing and managing TNE programmes in China. It seeks to highlight the...

Purpose – External knowledge is generally believed to be of prime importance to small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). However, a review of the literature shows that no empirical research has looked at knowledge management issues at the inter‐organizational level in SMEs. This paper...

Purpose – The idea that knowledge needs to be codified is central to many claims that knowledge can be managed. However, there appear to be no empirical studies in the knowledge management context that examine the process of knowledge codification. This paper therefore seeks to explore...

Purpose – The paper aims to explore some of the issues in voluntary succession associated with finding and successfully developing principal successors to ensure the survival and growth of small firms. It highlights the key issues identified, including recruiting employees with potential,...