Purpose – To investigate the role and impact of strategic orientation and environmental perceptions on innovation and supporting mechanisms such as process technologies and management practices, in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach based on a random sampling...

The European Commission (EC) is updating the definition of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) following widespread consultation. The EC is focusing on a redefinition of the financial ceiling criterion rather than the ceilings in relation to the number of persons employed in categorising...

Purpose – Recognizing the heterogeneity of services, this paper aims to clarify the characteristics of forward and the corresponding reverse supply chains of different services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a two-dimensional typology matrix, representing four main...

Purpose – The authors examine the role of entrepreneurial business models in the reverse supply chain of apparel/fashion retailers. The purpose of this paper is to offer an alternative approach to the “return to the point of origin” prevalent in the reverse chain of manufacturers but less...

Purpose – To date there is a dearth of research on strategic decision‐making in manufacturing small and medium sized firms. This research paper focuses on the key drivers of decision‐making and organisational performance: ownership, decision‐making (type and level) and employee...

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine and analyze the development of strategic management as a field of inquiry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper relies on secondary‐source analysis. Findings – Strategic management has evolved significantly over the past four decades...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the views of Rod Aldridge OBE on building the strategy of a FTSE 100 company. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of an interview. Findings – The interview with Rod Aldridge brings to life a number of key strategy...

Purpose – British Telecom (BT) has achieved a classic turnaround that involved divestment and efficiency drives. This interview with Sir Mike Rake, Chairman of BT, sheds light on BT's past development and future growth. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of an interview...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how key strategic decisions are made in practice at a successful FTSE 100 company. Design/methodology/ approach – The paper is based on semi‐structured interview with the Chief Executive of Cadbury, Mr Todd Stitzer. Mr Stitzer has...