Thierry Volery

Abstract This article analyses the evolution of the small business management and entrepreneurship fields as reflected in articles published in its premier journal, the International Small Business Journal. It investigates the evolution of the fields through bibliometric examination of all 660 articles published between 1982 and 2012. While small business management has remained the main focus of the journal, there has been a significant growth in the number of articles focusing specifically on entrepreneurship. Also identified in this analysis are the rise of theoretical studies and the relative decline of descriptive work. Parallel to a clear improvement in the rigour of the articles published, the field of small business and entrepreneurship has relied on a multidisciplinary foundation which offers a diverse and multifaceted engagement. Despite this increasing diversity, it appears that small business and entrepreneurship have unique characteristics that distinguish this field from the broader economics and or management discipline.

This article uses the sociological method of structured observation to explore the every day behaviour of entrepreneurs from an exploration-exploitation perspective. Six entrepreneurs leading successful growth-oriented businesses were observed for a four-day period and 2305 ‘units of action' performed by the entrepreneurs were recorded. Six behavioural patterns that allowed them, their management team or the organisation as a whole to pursue ambidexterity were identified. In contrast with the existing high-level approaches of ambidexterity, this study provides a synthesis of entrepreneur behaviours and competencies to achieve ambidexterity at the operating level.

Abstract Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the expectations that small business entrepreneurs hold in relation to the future returns from the commercialisation of innovations, and key organisational elements including inputs, knowledge, culture, strategy, portfolio, project management and commercialisation. More specifically, this research aims to deepen the knowledge of how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manage their innovation and identify critical factors determining the potential innovation outcomes. Design/methodology/approach - This study draws on a large sample of innovative SMEs from multiple Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development countries. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered face-to-face with owners-managers or executives of SMEs who made critical decisions for the innovation management of the firm. First, a factor analysis is conducted to identify the most appropriate measures for each variable. Second, the authors test for multicollinearity among independent variables. The final step integrates results from the general linear model analysis that measures the relationship between organisational factors and the anticipated returns. Findings - Findings suggest that positive expectations over future investment in innovation - as measured by the anticipated rent - are influenced by organisational factors, including innovation strategy, portfolio management, project management, and organisational culture and commercialisation process. Conversely, the resource endowment is not perceived as a barrier to innovation and to the development of a competitive advantage. In addition, industrial knowledge management has an indirect effect on the anticipated returns. Originality/value - Despite extensive research in innovation management, the role of organisational factors on anticipated returns in SMEs has not been investigated to date. The study provides researchers with new insights into the resource-based view and the theory of entrepreneurial rent from the perspective of innovation management. The findings offer guidance to managers as to potential success factors in enhancing the rent, but also reflect entrepreneurial optimism in the management of innovation.

The majority of studies that analyze the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial attitudes, intentions, and venture activities report positive influences. However, several scholars have recently cast doubts about research methods and the generalizability of entrepreneurship education impact studies. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of the methods used in entrepreneurship education impact studies. Our results uncover significant methodological deficiencies and question the overwhelmingly positive impact of entrepreneurship education. Based on this evidence, we propose a series of recommendations to improve the reliability and validity of entrepreneurship education impact studies and we outline promising topics which are currently under-researched.

Abstract: In this study we evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship education on human capital at the upper-secondary level using a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected from 494 students attending entrepreneurship education programs and from 238 in a control group. Our results indicate that some personality traits such as need for autonomy and risk propensity, as well as beliefs, can have a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurship education has a positive, albeit limited impact on human-capital assets. The programs we assessed had a statistically significant impact on beliefs, on the capacity to exploit an opportunity, and on entrepreneurial knowledge. However, we did not observe any significant impact on entrepreneurial intention.

In this study, we used the sociological method of structured observation to investigate the everyday behavior of six entrepreneurs in the start-up stage and six entrepreneurs in the growth stage. Our results suggest the existence of both commonalities and differences between these two stages with regard to activities, functions, exploration vs. exploitation, and communication. Building on these detailed observations, we develop a taxonomy specifying the constitutive elements of entrepreneurs' behavior on a continuum that spans from single, discrete actions of entrepreneurs to actions concerning the broader organization.

Most of the current courses and textbooks in entrepreneurship focus on promoting start-up desirability and feasibility. We call for a more balanced approach to entrepreneurship education and training by developing a sense of success and a sense of failure among would-be entrepreneurs. The sense of success acts of a promotion of entrepreneurial behaviour and encompasses elements such as the start-up intentions, expectations and ability. Conversely, the sense of failure acts as prevention and draws on negative experience, responsibility and awareness of pitfalls. We posit that the combination of both senses can reduce the large number of business failures which leads to huge economic, political and psychological losses. In addition, this approach might help failed entrepreneurs to come to terms with their grief and re-start a venture.

This study examines the innovation management practices of small firms in Australia, France and Switzerland. The focus was on how firm size, age and growth influence the commercialisation process. A sample of 143 firms was surveyed across the three countries. Findings from the study suggest that the size of the firm, its age and pace of growth are important determinants in influencing how firms behave. Consistent with the findings from earlier studies the need for greater formalisation and external assistance as firms grow, and the need for customer research and independent testing when innovations are in their early stages were found.