Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Small business Australia Accounting'
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1
Lignier, Philip Andre Cyberspace Law & Policy Centre Faculty of Law UNSW. "Identification and evaluation of the managerial benefits derived by small businesses as a result of complying with the Australian tax system." Publisher:University of New South Wales. Cyberspace Law & Policy Centre, 2008. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/41018.
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This thesis explores the managerial benefits derived by small business entities as a result of complying with their tax obligations. This is the first study on managerial benefits that considers all federal taxes in the Australian context. While the managerial benefits of tax compliance were first identified by Sandford in the 1980s, there is only limited evidence to date about their perception by business taxpayers and no evidence at all about their actual occurrence. The work undertaken by Sandford together with the findings of empirical research on accounting in small businesses, provide the framework for the development of research hypotheses. With the purpose of testing these hypotheses, the research examines concurrently a sample of small businesses located in a regional area of Australia, and a sample of similar entities located in an external territory of Australia exempt from federal taxes and with minimal tax compliance obligations. The thesis adopts a mixed research method which combines a survey and a case study component from which a number of convergent results emerge. Results show that bookkeeping requirements imposed by tax compliance compel small businesses to upgrade their accounting systems, typically in the form of computerisation. The increased sophistication of the accounting system following this upgrade allows small businesses to derive managerial benefits in the form of a better knowledge of their financial affairs. The study also demonstrates that when small businesses seek the assistance of an accountant to comply with their tax compliance obligations, managerial benefits may be derived in the form of informal business advice and other services that come as a spin-off from tax compliance work. The findings of the research also indicate that a majority of small businesses value positively the accounting information generated as a result of tax imposed record keeping requirements, however further studies are required to establish the extent to which the additional information has a positive effect on decision making. Finally, the study identifies various possible approaches to quantify managerial benefits including a method based on the costs of alternative resources, and a valuation based on what owner-managers would be prepared to pay for the information.
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Adams, Karen Ann. "Accounting Strategies for Small Business Law Firms' Sustainability." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2629.
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Small business family law firms generate jobs within the local community, but often fail because of suboptimal accounting strategies. A multiple case study was used to research the accounting strategies small business family law firm owners use to succeed in business beyond 5 years. The population for this study was three small business owners of family law firms located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The small business family law firm owners had achieved and maintained profitability of their businesses for a minimum of 5 years. Financial literacy theory and the leadership skill model comprised the conceptual framework for this study. Data collection included semistructured face-to-face interviews with the small business family law firm owners, a review of company documents, and field notes. Thematic analysis included data from face-to-face interviews, document collection, field notes, and current literature. Themes that emerged were (a) having or obtaining some formal accounting education, (b) working with an accounting professional, (c) categorizing expenses and using formal financial reporting, (d) developing and maintaining ethical standards of billing and unearned income, and (e) utilizing accounting software. Recommendations for action included investing in accounting courses and seeking professional assistance. Small business family law firm owners may apply these results to spend more time working with clients to increase income. Increasing the success of small business family law firm owners may contribute to positive social change by providing increased employment and economic health within communities.
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Walker, Elizabeth A. "Small business owners' measures of success." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2001. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1039.
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Small business plays a significant part in the economy of all nations because of its revenue contribution and as a generator of employment. In the Australian context, small businesses account for 85% of all businesses, employ 40% of the total workforce and contribute $75 billion annually to Industry Gross Product. All of these numerical indicators highlight the financial importance of small business, which is also how small business success has traditionally been measured. These traditional success measures have been by increases in financial performance criteria, such as return on investment, turnover or profit, or by increases in number of staff.
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Fu, Winnie. "Small business modelling within the financial accounting conceptual framework." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape8/PQDD_0006/MQ41701.pdf.
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Coleman, Brittany E. "Energy-Efficiency Programs: A Supplemental Guide for Small Manufacturing Businesses." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2012. https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/138.
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This research was focused on small manufacturing businesses and energy-efficiency programs on the federal, state, and local levels. Small manufacturing businesses have many types of energy-efficiency programs available to them from several different sources. Sources of information for these programs provide technical explanations that are difficult to understand. In addition, different qualifications are required for participation in different programs. The intention of this research was to form a manual for small manufacturing businesses that are energy-intensive. The purpose of the manual is to make the information about energy-efficiency programs more accessible and comprehendible for owners and managers of small manufacturing businesses.
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Nwabueze, John Chidi. "Strategies to Sustain Small Accounting Businesses for Longer Than 5 Years." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7172.
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Small businesses represent over 99% of all United States businesses and are engines of economic growth and job creation. In 2018, the Small Business Administration estimated that a total of 30.2 million small businesses employed over 58.9 million workers. Small businesses are known to face significant challenges, and most fail within 5 years of startup. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that owners of small accounting businesses used to sustain their organizations for longer than 5 years. The population in this study consisted of 5 owners of small accounting businesses in Michigan. The conceptual framework for the study was human capital theory. Data were collected through face-to-face, semistructured interviews and review of documents. The analysis of collected data yielded themes that included market research and competitive analysis, excellent customer service, passion for accounting and arduous work, and retention of skilled and competent employees. The findings of this study may be applied to bringing about positive social change by enhancing small business owners' competence and promoting business growth. Additionally, the use of the results of this study may promote economic activities and sustainability by stimulating job creation and reducing unemployment.
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Mbumbo, Ernest Pierre Tsague. "Management accounting skills of decision makers of small, medium and micro tourism enterprises in Western Cape, South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2065.
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Thesis (MTech (Cost and Management Accounting))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Small medium micro enterprises (SMMEs) in general and small medium and micro tourism enterprises (SMMTEs) in particular are considered as one of the viable vehicles to reduce the high unemployment rate and increase economic participation in South Africa. Due to the lack of management skills, among other factors, SMMTEs may not fully realise their potential. The question that arises is: to what extent do the decision makers of SMMTEs employ management-accounting tools to inform their business decisions? The aim of this study is to investigate and to evaluate the ways decision-makers of the SMMTEs in the Western Cape of South Africa use management-accounting skills to make their decisions. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that comprised closed-ended questions. The findings may assist SMMEs to improve the management of their businesses as they will be able to see how employees with different management-accounting skills and experience compare to each other when it comes to running the business, and or if management-accounting skills influence business decisions.
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Saracina, Tara Honea. "AN EXAMINATION OF THE USE OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THE SUCCESS OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN SOUTH CAROLINA." NSUWorks, 2012. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/hsbe_etd/102.
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The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the use and sophistication of accounting information systems (AISs) and the success of small businesses in South Carolina. Additionally, this study explored the variables that influence South Carolinian small business owners/managers in the extent of adoption (sophistication) of AISs. This study applied the contingency theory of management accounting information systems as the theoretical foundation of the study. The study sought to fill the gap in the literature related to the use of accounting information systems in small businesses. Previous empirical studies of owner/manager behavior have resulted in conflicting findings with respect to accounting and business processes and systems utilized in small businesses. The research question central to this study was whether or not the sophistication of accounting information systems improved the success of South Carolina small businesses. The researcher expected to find that businesses owned by individuals with business-related education and previous business experience would be using more sophisticated AISs, and therefore be more successful. The results of the study did show a positive relationship between the sophistication of the AIS and higher levels of sales in small businesses. Also, the study found a significant positive relationship between the importance the owner/manager placed on AISs and the sophistication of the AIS. The findings indicated no positive significantly related differences in the sophistication of accounting information systems and owner/manager education, experience, ethnicity, or gender.
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Rogers, Alan D. "Examining Small Business Adoption of Computerized Accounting Systems Using the Technology Acceptance Model." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1982.
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Small business owners who fail to adopt modern technology risk placing themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Drawing on Davis's technology acceptance model, the purpose of this study was to examine how small business owners in Central Ohio come to accept and use computerized accounting systems (CAS). The research question addressed the correlation between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and the intent to adopt CAS using multiple linear regression. Data were collected using a survey mailed to 347 small business owners which yielded a sample size of 71 respondents. Results showed a positive correlation between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and the intent to adopt CAS; therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. The model predicted about 71% of the variations in intent to adopt CAS. Using the portion of the sample where small business owners had not yet adopted CAS (n = 34), the model was able to predict about 63% of the variation, and in the portion where small business owners had already adopted CAS (n = 37), the model was able to predict about 70% of the variation. However, when splitting the sample between small businesses whose owners had already adopted CAS and those who had not yet adopted CAS, importance of ease of use and usefulness changed. Usefulness is more important to nonadopters and ease of use is more important for continued use. The implication for social change is the potential to reduce business failures. The study showed that 83% of small businesses over 5 years old currently use a CAS and only 56% under 5 years old use a CAS. Society could benefit from an increase in the number of successful small businesses, which would then contribute to economic expansion.
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Kotyk, Viktoriia, and Вікторія Романівна Котик. "Accounting and reporting of the small businesses." Thesis, National Aviation University, 2021. https://er.nau.edu.ua/handle/NAU/50101.
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1. Pro rozvytok ta derzhavnu pidtrymku maloho i serednoho pidpryiemnytstva v Ukraini: Zakon Ukrainy vid 22.03.2012 № 4618-VI [On Development and State Support of Small and Medium Business in Ukraine: Law of Ukraine of March 22, 2012 No. 4618-VI]. zakon.rada.gov.ua. Retrieved from: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/4618-17 (accessed 10 April 2020) [in Ukrainian].
2. Liutyi, I.O., & Romaniuk, M.V. (2007). Problemy ta perspektyvy sproshchenoi systemy opodatkuvannia subiektiv maloho pidpryiemnytstva v Ukraini [Problems and prospects of a simplified tax system for small business entities in Ukraine]. Finansy Ukrainy – Finance of Ukraine, 6, 31-38 [in Ukrainian].
3. Derzhavna kaznacheiska sluzhba Ukrainy [State Treasury Service of Ukraine]. treasury.gov.ua. Retrieved from: https://www.treasury.gov.ua/ua (accessed 10 April 2020) [in Ukrainian].The world experience proves that the small businesses is a key component for developing a state economy. That is why relationships between small business entities and the state should be based on parity. Government support for small businesses allows not only successful and profitable business activity, but also it creates additional workplaces and increases the solvency of the population. For the development and sustainable functioning of the small enterprises, we need clear, easy-to-use and understandable accounting schemes to guide sustainable operations. So, it is necessary to form a single accounting information system that includes accounting, tax accounting, operational and technical accounting data which represents objective information.
Світовий досвід доводить, що малий бізнес є ключовою складовою розвитку державної економіки. Ось чому відносини між суб’єктами малого підприємництва та державою повинні базуватися на паритеті. Державна підтримка малого бізнесу дозволяє не тільки успішну та прибуткову ділову діяльність, але й створює додаткові робочі місця та підвищує платоспроможність населення. Для розвитку та стійкого функціонування малих підприємств нам потрібні чіткі, прості у використанні та зрозумілі схеми бухгалтерського обліку для керівництва сталого функціонування. Отже, необхідно сформувати єдину бухгалтерську інформаційну систему, яка включає дані бухгалтерського, податкового обліку, оперативного та технічного обліку, що представляють об’єктивну інформацію.
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Maduekwe, Chidinma Caroline. "The usage of management accounting tools by small and medium enterprises in Cape Metropole, South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2066.
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Thesis (MTech (Cost and Management Accounting))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.This study sought to determine the extent to which Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Cape Metropole use Management Accounting Tools (MATs), namely budgeting tools, Performance Measurement Tools (PMTs) and pricing tools, which are considered critical for the survival of these entities. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the types of MATs used by SMEs; the purpose for which MATs are used by SMEs; the perception of SMEs regarding the effectiveness of these tools and the possible factors that could inhibit SMEs from using the tools. The study was motivated by a lack of research on the usage of MATs by SMEs. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that comprised closed-ended questions.
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Alhajeri, Abdullah S. B. J. "The financing and success factors of small business in Kuwait." Thesis, University of Portsmouth, 2012. https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/the-financing-and-success-factors-of-small-business-in-kuwait(efd4dd4f-7911-479a-8398-3989697eec63).html.
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Small businesses (SBs) are considered as one of the pillars of the economic structure, particularly in the developing countries. Kuwait, as one of these developing countries has high hopes for these small businesses to drive the economy as a major component of the economic reform strategy. The current research is complementary to previous efforts attempting to identify problems facing small businesses and the success factors of such projects in the state of Kuwait. This study can contribute to solving some aspects of economic and social problems in Kuwait. The first phase includes determining the effect of independent variables (financial problems, marketing problems, organizational and administrative problems, and legislative problems) on the success factors of SBs. The second phase includes the assessment of the effect of success factors on profits. The third phase includes the measurement of the effect of profits and SBs problems on the continuation of these SBs. The research sample comprises owners and managers running small projects, along with a group representing the supporting bodies of small projects in the state of Kuwait. The results show that only project management and the level of profit have a relationship with the problems facing small projects in Kuwait. Also it was found that there were significant differences between the views of relevant ategories of study about the success factors of small projects in Kuwait. In addition, it was found that there was a significant relationship between the problems facing small projects in Kuwait and the success factors of those projects. These problems explain 75.8% of variance in the success factors. However, there was a weak relationship between the problems facing small projects in Kuwait and the intention to continue the project. Those problems explain 2.6% of the variance in the dependent variable. Moreover, a significant relationship was found between the problems facing small projects in Kuwait and the level of profits earned, with the problems explaining 11.9% of the changes in the dependent variable. Also, it was found that there was a significant relationship between the level of profits earned and the intention to continue the project. Finally, specific recommendations have been introduced for policy makers and managers to benefit from this study. Furthermore, suggestions are made for future studies.
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Haavig, Maren Michelle. "Cash Management Strategies to Improve the Sustainability of Small Tavern Businesses." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7656.
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The results of small business operations play a significant economic role in developed economies, yet in the United States, approximately 50% of small businesses fail within the first 5 years of operation. Some small business owners embark on small business initiatives without the cash management strategies necessary to sustain their businesses. Grounded on financial literacy theory, this multiple-case study identified the strategies that owners of small businesses used to manage cash in their daily operations. The population included 3 owners of small tavern business in southeast Alaska who have implemented cash management strategies. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, supplementary documentation, and reflective journal notes. Data were analyzed using methodological triangulation, coding, and thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from data analysis: cash management capabilities, internal controls and employee accountability, and cash management opportunities. The findings of this study may contribute to positive social change by improving the ability of leaders of small businesses to increase job availability and contribute to economic stability in communities, thereby improving local and regional economies and enhancing the standard of living for individuals and households.
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Dupree, Lee. "Valuation Strategies for Small Businesses' Intangible Assets." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7135.
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Small business owners who attempt to sell their businesses may not receive full value if they do not adequately value their intangible assets. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore effective strategies business leaders used to value intangible assets when considering the sale of their businesses. The participants for this study were 5 business owners in a metropolitan area in the southeastern United States who had successful valuation experiences during the sale of their businesses. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with participants, methodological triangulation, observations, and review of company documents. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, coding narrative segments, and reviewing secondary data. The themes that emerged from data analysis include collecting and using company data concerning intangible assets; hiring a reputable accounting firm to assist in valuation; understanding the values of brand, customer base, and goodwill; and choosing the appropriate asset valuation approach. To accurately value the intangible assets of their businesses, the most significant and recurring theme in the participants' responses was the need for assistance from a reputable accounting firm. The implications of this study for positive social change include the potential to enhance the economic investment in local areas where business owners appropriately value intangible assets.
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Vallance, Jane. "Research into the delivery of the small business traineeship in Western Australia." Thesis, Vallance, Jane (1997) Research into the delivery of the small business traineeship in Western Australia. Masters by Coursework thesis, Murdoch University, 1997. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/51179/.
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This research project aims to provide some indication of the progress and delivery of the Small Business Traineeship (SBT) in Western Australia. The Small Business Traineeship is one of the new “employer focused” and “more flexible” entry level training arrangements which allows 100% on-the-job training and employer assessment of trainee competencies. The project provides a wide range of information on the employer and trainee profiles and current status of trainees.
The project found that over 70% of trainees are under 25, employed overwhelmingly in very small firms (less than 10 employees), the vast majority of whom (70%) had not been involved in entry level training previously. SBT is succeeding in achievement of MAATS objectives of expansion of entry level training opportunities into new industries and new employers. The research also found that female participation in SBT traineeships is much lower than males. The vast majority of employers using SBT did not know about alternative entry level training “products” and are therefore vulnerable to training marketing agents favouring one product over another. There is a high attrition rate (38%) for the program and concerns from employers about lack of support which requires further investigation.
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Despin, Tina M. "Strategies Small Financial Business Owners Apply to Succeed Beyond Five Years." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4053.
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Small businesses in the United States employ 98% of workers, yet approximately 47% of small businesses shut down in less than five years. Business leaders who fail to implement adequate strategic strategies experience reduced profits and sustainability challenges. These business closures cause unemployment rates to rise and inflict damages to the economic growth of economies in the United States. This multiple case study was grounded in the theory of transformational leadership. The purpose was to explore strategies used by small financial business owners to sustain their businesses beyond five years. The population consisted of 8small financial businesses in Southwest Florida; these businesses all have been in operation beyond 5years. Using methodological triangulation, data were collected from interviews with the leaders, company documents, physical artifacts such as the company websites and social media pages, to assess culture similarities and differences. Thematic analysis involved developing codes and themes from data collected and member checking. Four themes emerged transformational leadership, establishing trust, maintaining adequate capital, and proficient time management. These themes applied by business owners may help business owners experience greater success in remaining sustainable. The findings of this study could contribute to positive social change by providing insights for small financial business owners on the strategic implementations for business longevity that would possibly increase workplace stability for employees supporting their families as well as contributing positively to their communities in Southwest Florida
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Kemp, Phillip. "The influence of business incubation in developing new enterprises in Australia." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2013. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/864.
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Australia was an early adopter of business incubation, and made substantial investments in it in the early 2000s, however local interest has declined with the closure of big government-funded projects, at a time when international interest in business incubation is increasing. This study revisits the question of business incubators and their usefulness in economic development, describing a case study conducted on a university-linked business incubator in Australia. It investigates the impact of its operations on developing start-up businesses operating from within the facility; the motivations, perceptions and priorities of small businesses tenants and former tenants; and the role of the manager in influencing the development of new enterprises. The study builds on the theoretical understanding of business incubation and a model has been developed that demonstrates the ways in which options theory, coproduction theory, networking theory and social capital theory explain stages of incubation.
The study found the principle motivation for tenants to locate their business within a business incubator was the price for the office space and not the business development assistance that is the primary service of the business incubator. Once operating from within the business incubator, however, the principle advantage perceived by tenants was the provision of business assistance in the development and growth of their businesses. The only disadvantage raised was price as it reduced the pressure to strive for profits and business growth on the tenant businesses. The interaction with the manager was found to have a positive impact on the tenant businesses and contributed to their development. The tenants believed that the interaction was on their own terms and that they could seek advice whenever they needed from the manager. The manager believed that he could add value by assisting the tenants directly, with connecting them and introducing tenants to other service providers and businesses when required.
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Armstrong, Douglas Bruce, University of Western Sydney, of Science Technology and Environment College, and School of Environment and Agriculture. "CEO characteristics, organisation characteristics, decision making and CBIS success in regional small business." THESIS_CSTE_EAG_Armstrong_D.xml, 2003. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/773.
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The research conducted for this thesis had two broad aims. The first was to provide descriptive information about the use of computer-based information systems (CBIS) in regional small business. The second of the aims was to examine the relationships among key constructs identified from the literature and to explore how they contributed to predicting CBIS success in regional small business.In the second phase of the analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to examine the factorial constructs underlying the data. Constructs were identified that measured CEO characteristics, two measuring organisational characteristics, four measuring aspects of decision-making, and five measuring perceived CBIS success. Correlations among the constructs were examined prior to relationships among the constructs being explored using hierarchical regression analysis. The constructs were also examined in a single measurement model to determine their collective effect and relationships with the constructs measuring CBIS success based on structural equation modelling. Notwithstanding the limitations of the research, it resulted in the identification of relationships among key variables that predict CBIS success. The identification of items associated with decision-making processes, and the identification of the factorial constructs underlying the data is a major contribution to a portion of the literature that was non-existent. The final measurement model is also a significant contribution in identifying and specifying the relationships constructs measuring CEO characteristics, organisational characteristics, decision-making and CBIS success in regional small business.Doctor of Philosphy (PhD)
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Millsteed, Jeannine. "A model of management learning for occupational therapists in small business in Australia." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2013. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/860.
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This research sought to identify factors that contribute to occupational therapists developing management competencies when they become small business owners providing professional clinical services. This is an important for several reasons and precipitated by the Australian government’s introduction of incentives that encourage health professions to move from employment in public hospitals into the private sector, coupled with a recognition that occupational therapists receive no formal business training in their professional education, and the reported high levels of business failure in the small business sector. A review of the literature established the value of small business to the Australian economy, growth in the health sector generally, and increasing opportunities for allied health professionals to consider starting their own small business. Such a move requires occupational therapists to gain mastery as business managers in addition to their existing professional clinical knowledge and skills.
The context of the research was set with a review of the literature on management development in small businesses, which indicates that professionals starting their own small business often have poorly developed management skills, and some experience high rates of failure. Theories on management development in small business were reviewed, and the conclusion drawn that a gap in knowledge on how occupational therapists develop their management skills existed. These gaps in the literature gave rise to the principal research question, that being ‘what factors contribute to the success of occupational therapists as small business owners providing professional services?’ Four related questions focused on motivations for starting a business, the management competencies needed, learning management competencies, and perceptions of business success.
The study used a qualitative exploratory approach. Twenty-six female occupational therapists, who were small business owners were interviewed on their experiences of becoming a business manager. Purposive sampling ensured diversity across backgrounds, prior experience, clinical specialisations, and the age of the business. A thematic analysis of data built an understanding about why and how occupational therapists develop their management capabilities in small business.
The principal factors affecting the development of the participants’ business and management skills were the interactions between their initial motivations for start-up, career aspirations, and engagement with external business environments. The participants learnt their business skills through a combination of formal learning prior to starting their businesses, and informal learning once they started their businesses. Lower-level learning occurred in the more routine and operational processes, the ‘know-how’ aspects of the business. However, most of their higher level learning was through discontinuous events that had serious consequences for their businesses if not addressed. These higher-level learning events resulted in participants understanding that ‘know-why’ change was needed, and a transformation in their understanding about themselves as business managers. The participants were central in determining the level of interaction between the resources and capabilities in their internal environments, and engagement with external environments that enable the development of their business and management capabilities.
The findings led to a theoretical proposition on how occupational therapists make the transition to develop their management capabilities and become successful small business owners. A model of business starts with the nascent business owner assessing their business capabilities, learning to identify environmental opportunities and risks, and finally learning to identify and respond to new opportunities and changing circumstances in the external environment, was developed.
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Weiss, Stephanie. "Internal Controls Possessed by Small Business Owners." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4691.
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On average, a small business could lose $150,000 a year due to employee fraud schemes. For most of the small businesses affected by employee fraud schemes, the average $150,000 loss could be detrimental to the small business, causing the business to close. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the internal controls small business owners apply to detect and prevent fraud from occurring in the business. The population for the study consisted of 3 small business owners located in Hartsville, South Carolina who implemented effective internal fraud controls in their business. The conceptual framework guiding the study was the fraud triangle theory. Data were collected and triangulated through semistructured interviews, company internal control policy and procedure documents, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission internal control framework, and the Small Business Administration internal control good practices. Data were analyzed through coding. There were 3 themes which emerged in relation to addressing the central research question: cash collection, separation of duties, and attentiveness and awareness. The findings could contribute to positive social change by providing best practices for small business owners to mitigate the components of the fraud triangle and subsequently decrease, if not eliminate, fraud from occurring in small businesses.
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Simpson, Gabriël Pieter. "Relevant cost and financial ratio principles applied in a small business / G.P. Simpson." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9837.
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Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis and financial ratios are all managerial accounting and financial accounting tools that can help managers to make informative business decisions within their organisations. In addition, certain strategic tools such as Porters five forces, SWOT analysis, identifying of core principles, the compilation of the vision and mission statement will empower the small to medium business to be successful as an entrepreneurial venture.
The problem arises in many small to medium business (SMEs), that once growth occurs and important decisions needs to be made, which may include relocation of the business and buying of capital equipment. The owners of these ventures struggle to make informative decisions.
The general objective of this research is to apply financial and managerial accounting principles as well as strategy principles to a small business called Envirocare Laboratories. The aim of this research is to empower the small business owner with these tools to ensure success in future ventures.
Literature on financial, managerial and strategic principles advises that the objectives, measurements and targets should be aligned with the SMEs long-term goals and performance.
An empirical study done with the owner of the SME called Envirocare, has indicated serious shortcomings in terms of understanding how long-term goals are defined and the objectives achieved. The most important conclusion includes that certain capital expenditure projects have been viable, that the SME has been adding value to the economy and that the current strategy needs to be revised to include long-term goal planning.Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.
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Sharafizad, Jalleh. "The Networking Behaviour of Women Small Business Owners." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2014. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1422.
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Businesses are not isolated entities - they expand and grow through links with others. Like all business owners, women small business owners (SBOs) need social and business networks that support the establishment and growth of their business. This thesis presents an insight and increased understanding of the networking behaviours of women SBOs in Western Australia. It was aimed at determining whether women business owners’ motivations for starting a business were linked to their networking strategies.
Although there is substantial literature on “entrepreneurship”, “women entrepreneurship” and “small business”, the researcher could not find any literature in the field of Australian women small business ownership that integrates motivations and networking studies Much of the previous literature on SBOs has concentrated on demographic and psychographic characteristics such as gender, age, motivation, and family responsibilities. Only one previous study was identified (Curran, Jarvis, Blackburn & Black, 1993), which specifically looked at the link between motivations and networking. This research aimed to contribute and address some of the existing gaps identified in the literature review on this topic by examining the potential link between business start-up motivation and networking of Australian women SBOs, and comparing their networks and networking behaviours, the research introduced an added dimension to women SBOs and their networking behaviour, not previously available in the literature.
This research adopted an exploratory approach and was guided by social network theory (SNT), as little was known about the subject area. The research was qualitative, as interviews were the main source of data for answering the research questions. Qualitative data was collected through 28 semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data sets were then analysed to determine the networking behaviour of women SBOs with different motivations for starting their own businesses.
This study sought to explore the following primary question:
How do women’s motivations for starting a small business influence their networking behaviour?
In addition to the primary research question, there were three secondary questions:
1. How do women’s motivations for starting a small business influence their network structure?
2. How do women’s motivations for starting a small business influence their network interaction?
3. How do women’s motivations for starting a small business influence their network content?
The research framework was based on the research questions and the outcome of the preliminary literature review. This study drew upon earlier work by Hughes (2006) who used women SBOs’ start-up motivations to categorise them into three types: classic SBOs, forced SBOs, and work-family SBOs. It expands upon Hughes’ (2006) study by further comparing the networking behaviour of these three types of women SBOs. The target population was metropolitan Perth, Western Australia.
This research examined the networking activities of women SBOs in their pursuit of resources for three main activities: obtaining general assistance for overall business strategies; obtaining assistance with daily business operations, such as advice and resources for legal, financial, technology and marketing; and emotional support through mentoring and socialising. The findings highlighted many similarities and differences between the three types of women SBOs (CSBO, FSBO and WFSBO) and concluded that there are two different networking cultures: “entrepreneurial networking culture” and “non-entrepreneurial networking culture.” The study found that women SBOs chose the networking strategy that best suited their business, lifestyle and future business plans. Those who started their business for financial reasons hoped to expand and grow, and had an entrepreneurial networking culture with a diverse network of strong and weak ties. Women SBOs who started their business for family and domestic reasons chose to keep their business small, did not plan to expand or grow, were non-entrepreneurial by definition, and had a small homogenous network. One networking strategy was not necessarily better than the other. The best type of networking was that which allowed business owners to achieve their goals and purpose for starting the business in the first place.
The research revealed that the networking behaviour of women SBOs was based on their motivation for starting their business. Recommendations for future research include an examination of these phenomena at a national level, and further scrutiny of differences in networking behaviours between genders.
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Feltham, Doris K. "The Adoption of International Accounting Standards for Small- and Medium-Sized Entities." ScholarWorks, 2011. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1043.
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U.S. private entities considering adoption of International Standards for Small- and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) need to understand how the new standards will modify financial reporting. However, there has been no determination of the significance of the financial statement impact of changing from United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) to IFRS for SMEs. Without this knowledge, private entities in the United States will not be able to make an informed decision as to the benefits or consequences of adopting IFRS for SMEs. Based on stakeholder theory, this study sought to determine how adoption of IFRS for SMEs would affect the financial reporting of U.S. private entities. Using identified reporting differences between the 2 sets of standards, hypothetical 2010 IFRS for SMEs' financial statements were prepared for 3 participating entities. Analysis of variation between the hypothetical IFRS for SMEs' financial statements and the original U.S. GAAP financial statements provided a means to determine the financial reporting impact of IFRS for SMEs' adoption. In each of the 3 case studies, adoption of IFRS for SMEs did not significantly influence the financial reporting of U.S private entities, indicating that the communication of financial information would be fundamentally the same using the simplified IFRS for SMEs or the more complex U.S. GAAP. The results of this study suggest that IFRS for SMEs should be considered an acceptable set of standards for the preparation of quality financial statements by U.S. private entities. This study positively contributes to social change by providing new knowledge to assist private companies in the evaluation of the adoption of IFRS for SMEs; such knowledge could, in turn, reduce financial reporting costs and improve the SMEs' economic conditions.
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Zimmerman, Mary-Jo. "Exploring the Role of Bookkeeping in Business Success." Thesis, Walden University, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10113720.
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Small businesses support local economies by creating jobs and providing products and services, yet 50% of them fail within 5 years and only 30% of them survive for 10 years or more. The purpose of this qualitative explanatory case study was to explore how bookkeeping strategies helped 1 small business owner to sustain business growth over time. The sample was comprised of 1 small business owner who has been in business at least 5 years, experienced success, and achieved sustainability in Wake County, North Carolina. Systems theory served as the conceptual framework for this study. The data were collected through a semistructured interview and review of company documents. Transcript review and member checking were completed to strengthen credibility and trustworthiness. Based on methodological triangulation of the data sources collected, 3 themes emerged: the accountant as an advisor, the accounting system and processes, and the relationship between owner and accountant and between accountant and employees. The findings from this study may contribute to social change by providing insights and strategies for small business owners, accountants, and academics to rethink how to approach business. Accountants with advisory and management accounting skills could benefit small business owners. Future accounting students could prepare to help small business owners by gaining advisory and management accounting skills. The data from this study may contribute to the success of small business owners’ growth, sustainability, and prosperity and, subsequently, benefit their local economies.
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Wu, Da. "Small world, not small competition: does spatial distance among audit partners matter?" Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505193/.
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The purpose of my dissertation is to examine whether competition among audit partners affects audit quality. While prior research on audit market competition focuses on audit firm-level or office-level analyses, I argue that audit partners, as the primary decision makers in providing audit services, are likely to engage in competitive actions in the audit market. Further, I use spatial distance among audit partners to measure partner-level competition. I conjecture that spatial distance could better reflect the dynamics of audit market competition than the Herfindahl index, the traditional proxy for competition used in most extant studies. Drawing on the spatial economics theory and the social comparison theory, I hypothesize a negative association between competition measured by spatial distance and the quality level delivered by the incumbent audit partner. Using newly available data of U.S. audit partners, this study provides evidence that audit quality is higher (lower) when the spatial distance between the incumbent partner and the closest competing partner is larger (smaller). In addition, the results reveal that the effects of competition measured by spatial distance on audit quality is mainly a partner-level phenomenon rather than an office-level one. Overall, this study highlights the importance of studying competitive dynamics among audit partners.
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Navaratnam, Michelle. "The commercialisation of small firm technologies in Western Australia : A case for user-producer interaction and the integration of large industrial users with small technology producers." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 1999. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1216.
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The purpose of this study was to: * examine how grantee firms of the Western Australian Innovation Support Scheme (WAISS) have overcome their impediments to commercialisation; * examine how the process of user-producer interaction has enabled grantee firms to commercialise their technologies; * examine the process of user-producer interaction with large and/or small industrial users, and the subsequent benefits derived; * examine the entry barriers faced by grantee firms in forming interactions with large industrial users. The study examined the literature involving the role of small firms in the development and commercialisation of new technologies. The study adopted a multiple, holistic case study design using qualitative methodology, A theoretical pathway constructed from arguments presented within the literature was the basis upon which the cases were analysed. The cases have demonstrated that the adoption of strategies promoting user-producer interaction through a dyadic problem-solving style approach with industrial users have enabled small firms to commercialise their technologies in industry. The cases have found that those firms interacting with large industrial users have experienced extensive product diversification and market expansion opportunities as opposed to those firms interacting with small industrial users. In addition to the product diversification and market expansion opportunities acquired through interactions with these large industrial users, it was clear that the large-scale marketing and distribution resources of these industrial users also enabled small firms to attract other industrial users, both domestically and internationally. This ultimately led to further product diversification and market expansion opportunities. Those firms that interacted with small industrial users experienced either minimal or no product diversification and market expansion opportunities because of the ‘small firm’ characteristics or these users. This meant that as 'small firms' these industrial users also faced constraints with regards to the availability of marketing resources and distribution channels, and were therefore unable to attract the interests of industrial users within large-scale markets. Those firms that experienced either minimal or no product diversification and market expansion opportunities have faced entry barriers typical to small firms when trying to find large industrial users for their technologies. They have been unable to attract the interests of large industrial users as a result of the high risk factors associated with the newness of their technologies and their credibility as a newly established firm. The study's main finding reveals that the commercialisation of small firm technologies, the commercial extent derived for these technologies, and the overcoming of barriers faced by the small firm, was dependent on the social orientation of user-producer interaction in conjunction with the dyadic information exchanges of technological opportunities and user needs.
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Chavan, Meena S., of Western Sydney Nepean University, and School of Business and Industry Operations Management. "Entrepreneurship development amongst the ethnic community in Australia : a model for ethnic small business creation and success." THESIS_XXX_BIOM_Chavan_M.xml, 2000. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/725.
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This research seeks to analyse the phenomenon of ethnic business creation amongst the ethnic community in Australia. The main emphasis is on finding the reasons for the process of ethnic business creation over time, focusing on the ethnic resources that the intending ethnic business operators bring to such activities through links to their country of origin. This is a resource-based study, which looks at ethnic resources as a means of sustained competitive advantage and as strategy for success in ethnic business operations in Australia. It attempts to gauge the extent of interactive processes between business operations and the relevant ethnic resources, some of which have a great influence in determining ethnic business people’s success. Policies aimed directly at facilitating, encouraging and strengthening these processes would be a valuable development. This research also examines the theories of small business development and identifies their applicability and relevance to the development of ethnic small business in Australia. The findings of this study enabled the development of a new theory and model for ethnic business creation that links the creation and success of ethnic small businesses to the use of productive diversity principles.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Eiseman, John. "Strategies for small business education and training : a case study in the independent supermarket industry in Australia /." [Sydney] : University of Western Sydney, 1997. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030811.161842/index.html.
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Thesis (M.Sc. (Hons)) --University of Westen Sydney, 1997."A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science (Honours)" Accompanied by : Current concerns, future outlook and training needs of independent supermarket retailers / John Eiseman.1994. Bibliography: p. 134-142.
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Jess, Gabrielle M. "Minding my own business: Small business owners' decision making during a response to a natural disaster in southeast Queensland, Australia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/228750/1/Gabrielle_Jess_Thesis.pdf.
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With Australia experiencing unprecedented natural disasters, this transdisciplinary thesis is timely. It explores small business owner’s decision making during such events in Southeast Queensland alongside the affordances provided by public and non-profit entities to sustain business continuity. Using interview data of business owners’ and key informants’ from urban, peri-urban and rural communities, this study catalogued their decisions, decision processes and affordances organised around six business capitals. As predicted by the recognition primed decision theory, decisions were quick yet indicated both complexities and competencies of business owners. Fast decisions and political affordances support business owners’ survival during high consequence, disruptive events.
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Akuh, Comfort G. "Small Retail Business Strategies to Detect and Prevent Employee Fraud." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4266.
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Small businesses have an important role to play in the U.S. economy. However, employee fraud can jeopardize the sustainability of small businesses. Grounded on Cressey's fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies used by selected managers and owners of small retail businesses to detect and prevent employee fraud. Ten participants from 5 small retail businesses participated in the study. Nine participated in a face-to-face semistructured interview, and 1 participated in a telephone interview. These participants included 5 owners and 5 managers of small retail businesses in the state of Michigan in the United States who have implemented strategies to detect and prevent employee fraud. Through a process of methodological triangulation, casual observations and documentary evidence supplemented data collected through semistructured interviews. Using thematic analysis by coding narrative segments, the research findings included themes of controls and communication, cash register accountability, segregation of duties, monitoring, and action against perpetrators. Managers and owners of small businesses may benefit from the findings of this study by gaining awareness of the need to detect and prevent employee fraud. The implications for positive social change may include the potential to increase appropriate controls over employee fraud, thus enabling owners of small retail business an opportunity to operate effectively and efficiently, which could increase employment opportunities. Increased employment opportunities could create a positive effect on other small retail businesses and allow local communities to prosper.
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Leith, Andrew Roydon. "Competitiveness of Australian small to medium enterprises in Indonesia /." View thesis View thesis, 2000. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030429.163902/index.html.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2000.A thesis submitted as part of the candidature requirement for the award of a Doctorate of Philosophy, November 2000, University of Western Sydney. Bibliography : leaves 204-215.
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Bode, Shirley A. "Designing a framework for the alignment of e-business strategy and consultant engagement processes for Australian SMEs : a cross-case analysis." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2002. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/715.
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The majority of SMEs have neither the internal expertise nor financial resources to enable in-house development of electronic commerce and therefore turn to the services of website design consultants to assist them. Unfortunately, they often engage consultants without any clear idea of their intended e-business strategy and without due care as to effective engagement processes. This frequently leads to ineffective e-business development and a highly disaffected group of small entrepreneurs. The study suggests that there is a significant gap between the intended strategies of SMEs and the actual e-business strategy implemented. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between Australian Small and Medium Enterprises, Internet strategy and the engagement of website design consultants. The objectives of the research project were firstly, to identify factors including SME engagement of website design consultants, and other factors presented in previous research that may influence the success of online organizations. Secondly, to construct a framework for analysing those factors' which may influence the success of online organizations. Finally, to provide a set of critical development factors that may be used by Australian SMEs to implement the online organisation. The research methodology chosen used an interpretivist perspective and incorporated a multiple cross-case study approach. Four research instruments were employed in the study to enable triangulation of data and to increase validity and reliability. A pilot study was conducted and the results were used to refine and develop the data collection methods, procedures and theory development for the main study. The expected outcomes of the research project included developing a framework to enhance negotiations between website design consultants and Australian SMEs; to design a set of critical development factors, in relation to Internet strategy and consultant engagement, that may be used by Australian SMEs and consultants to facilitate the implementation of the online organization; and to provide a summarised report to Dow Digital in fulfilment of the requirements of the research funding, and to publish a number of papers based on the research project.
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Chavan, Meena S. "Entrepreneurship development amongst the ethnic community in Australia : a model for ethnic small business creation and success /." View thesis, 2000. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030805.132801/index.html.
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Osinowo, Olamide. "The impact of online accounting software as a credit management tool on small business cash flow." Thesis, Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10369/10060.
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Late payments occur frequently amongst businesses, and poor credit management processes are part of the fundamental causes of late payment. However, small businesses lack sufficient debt collection procedures as they operate without a credit control department. As such, they tend to experience eccentrically late payments and defaults by debtors. This is a major concern for small business growth. Online Accounting Software is the latest development in management accounting and information systems, however, the leading vendors of this software claim that it can manage credit sales for small businesses and can help to improve their cash flow position. In addition, the software is distributed in a standard format and can be modified to include a credit management add-on (provided from other vendors) to further help small firms with their trade credit management efforts. This study tests the claims of such standard software vendors in terms of the effectiveness of the standard software in helping to improve the cash flow of small firms. It also examines the extent to which small business respondents who have modified their standard software have experienced improvements to their cash flow using a unified framework; specifically the Credit Management Activity Model. A descriptive quantitative methodology using multivariate ordinal logistic (logit) regression was employed to analyse data which were collected using SPSS 24 with median-centered variables. The results showed that the standard software was very effective in terms of improving the cash flow of small firms, and this supports the claims of the vendors. Moreover, users of the standard software experienced delayed increases to their cash flows after the implementation of the software. Nonetheless, the modified software helped its users to cope with the increasing complexities of trade credit management. This study has made trade credit management in small business to business relationships more understandable, and has also enriched the existing body of knowledge in relation to financial management information systems by providing information as to the use of Online Accounting Software using small businesses in the UK as a point of reference. Future research can investigate the relationship between Online Accounting Software and the length of the operating cycle of small businesses. Future research should also explore the impact of such software on short and medium-term productivity increases, and the control issues that emerge from the safety and security of business data in relation to this software.
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Anderson-Marks, Michelle. "The decision making processes of small business owner-managers : an environmental focus." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2014. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/861.
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Large business is often the focus when environmental issues are discussed because their individual impact on the environment is viewed as larger than that of the smaller business. However due to the large size of the small business sector it has been recognised that reducing their collective impact is critical to achieving a sustainable future. A lack of engagement by small businesses in environmental management invoked an interest in understanding how to better engage the owner-managers in this area, but more specifically what influenced their decision.
With an emphasis on the day to day running of the business, many small business owner-managers place more emphasis on core business operations and often neglect the impact their business has on the natural environment. Considering 96% of all business in Australia is classified as small, their collective impact on the natural environment is significant. As many small business owner-managers see their environmental impact as minimal, improving their environmental behaviour is challenging.
The aim of this study was therefore to explore the decision making approaches of the small business owner-manager to environmental management issues. Nine small businesses from three industries were chosen and using the Critical Incident Technique to explore their decision making process, this study sought to understand from the owner-managers perspective how and why business decisions are made. Semi structured interviews were used to identify the decision making approaches for four different business decisions: economic, legislative, social and environmental. Over a series of interviews the owner-managers were able to freely describe their decision process and rich data was able to be obtained.
Results indicated that owner-managers base business decisions on many factors and use a range of decision making styles depending on the type, and importance, of the decision to be made, that is core business decision are more often rationally made, whilst discretionary decisions will often be made intuitively based on the information at hand. Therefore to better engage them in ways to improve environmental management practices, increasing the knowledge and understanding to the benefits of these improvements is imperative. In addition this information is more readily accepted when the information is relevant to their business and presented in a clear manner by someone with whom the owner-manager has established a pre-existing relationship.
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Suh, Jude Thaddeus. "Strategies for Used Car Dealership Owners to Sustain Business in a Competitive Environment." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5949.
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Small used car dealership ventures experience high business failures in the marketplace. Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies used car dealership owners and managers employ to remain profitable and sustain operations for longer than 5 years. In this study, 10 participants, including 5 owners and 5 managers from small used car dealerships in Colorado participated in face-to-face semistructured interviews. These participants have developed successful strategies to remain profitable for at least 5 years. Using methodological triangulation, field notes and documentary evidence supplemented the data collected through semistructured interviews. Through thematic analysis, 3 themes emerged from the research findings: customer care, aggressive marketing, and business knowledge. The findings showed the need for managers and owners of used car dealerships to employ strategies to compete in the marketplace and sustain growth. The positive social change resulting from this study includes the potential to increase small business successes, which could increase employment opportunities and the potential for job creation. The success of these small businesses could contribute positively to the economic empowerment of other related businesses and improve the economic wellbeing of communities through an increase in tax revenues and contributions to local nonprofit organizations.
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Wani, Kayaso Cosmas. "Strategies to Sustain Small Businesses Beyond 5 Years." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4895.
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According to the U.S. Small Business Association, the failure rates for small businesses in 2014 were as high as 50% to 80% within the first 5 years of establishment. The purpose for this multiple case study was to explore the strategies that small business owners have used to sustain their businesses beyond 5 years. Guided by entrepreneurship theory as the conceptual framework, and a purposive sampling method, this qualitative case study used semistructured interviews with 3 successful, small, ethnic grocery business owners in Anchorage, AK to better understand small business strategies for survival. Member checking and triangulation with field notes, interview data, business websites, customer comments, and government documents helped ensure theoretical saturation and trustworthiness of interpretations. Using pre-coded themes for the data analysis, the 8 themes from this study were entrepreneur characteristics, education and management skills, financial planning, marketing strategies and competitive advantages, social networks and human relationships, technology and innovation, government supports and social responsibility, and motivational influence. Two key results indicated the strategies needed for small business owners were entrepreneur management skills and government support for small businesses. These findings may influence positive social change by improving small business owner competence and sustainability, rising higher business incomes, providing a better quality of life to employees and their communities welfare benefiting the entire U.S. economy.
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Nguyen, Son Thanh. "Sustainment Strategies Small Business Owners Use for More Than 5 Years." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3909.
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U.S. Small Business Administration reports that small businesses are one of the pillars of the U.S. economy, providing employment, innovation, and productivity. However, these businesses are constantly faced with challenges resulting from limited resources and continuous technological advances. This qualitative multiple-case study was performed to explore the strategies that small business owners (SBOs) in Maryland use to acquire capital to sustain their businesses financially for more than 5 years. The study's framework, the strategic management theory, was applied to determine the most effective approaches for the small businesses. Face-to-face interviews with 6 recruited SBOs were performed. A qualitative thematic analysis was then used to analyze the interviews. The main strategies to sustain capital were to create a business plan focusing on long-term goals and invest in employee knowledge and skills. In the process of measuring success, participants mostly determined their success by their ability to acquire customers based on feedback and good service. The interviewees managed their cash by minimizing debt, maximizing the use of technology, and keeping track of cash flows. The SBOs also shared that the challenges in business were endured by staying debt-free, adjusting their strategies with the market changes, and conserving cash and expenses. Contributions to social change include helping small businesses sustain by leveraging strategic planning, management, and implementation in their businesses, thereby providing jobs and contributing to the overall economic vitality of the community.
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Aronowitz, Jordan G. "Optimize Your Fitness, Optimize Your Business: The Balanced Scorecard, Analysis and Application for the CrossFit Affiliate." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2018. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1973.
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The Balanced Scorecard for the CrossFit Affiliate will provide unprepared or inexperienced managers with the necessary information to make informed operational decisions. The Balanced Scorecard incorporates financial data, customer satisfaction, internal operations, and future growth to create a series of cause-and-effect relationships that illustrate how decisions in one aspect of a business affect others. The Balanced Scorecard particularly benefits inexperienced managers leading small businesses. As overall small business growth increased, the boutique fitness industry expanded. The CrossFit brand rose in conjunction, but because corporate leaders insist on a hands-off licensing model, affiliate owners do not receive assistance from CrossFit corporate headquarters. In addition, the high frequency of affiliate owners without business education or management experience contributes to the likelihood of failure. Until CrossFit corporate actively guides its licensees, owners need a tool to promote business success. The Balanced Scorecard for the CrossFit Affiliate, comprised of data from one successful and four unsuccessful affiliates, will assist affiliate managers. Profitability, market share, retention, and the introduction of new services are the main drivers of the Balanced Scorecard and augment the analysis of relationships between the financial, customer, internal, and growth perspectives.
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Venkatesan, Venkateswara S. "The marketing orientation of small and medium enterprises: An Australian study." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2000. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1497.
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The market orientation construct has emerged as a key marketing theme in the 1990's. While the concept of being focussed on the market (customers and competitors) has been known since the early 1950's (e.g. Drucker,1954), putting the concept into practice through a set of specific actions has eluded many organisations and academics. As a result, market orientation (also termed market focus, customer focus and competitor focus) had remained a business philosophy (Bennett & Cooper, 1979: Felton, 1959; Konopa & Calabro,1971) more than a strategic approach. While there have been sporadic attempts at defining or operationalisinga marketing or customer orientation in the past (Gronrnos, 1989: Kotler, 1977: Masiello, 1988: Webster,1988), the first serious effort in the early 1990's when Kohli and Jaworski (1990) and Narver and Slater (1990 defined market orientation as a set of organisational activities or behaviours. Narver and Slater also found a positive link between having such an orientation and business performance. The emphasis in both models was on obtaining and understanding customers and competitors and responding to customers' needs better than competitors through a coordinated effort across the organisation. Subsequently a number of studies have supported the positive relationship between market orientation and business performance. However, results have not been consistent and several variables have been shown to moderate the market orientation performance relationship. All of the major market orientation studies have been undertaken within large organisations and very little is known about the market orientation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or of its relationship to their performance. It is recognised that SMEs are different from large businesses some of their marketing practices are unique to SME. Given this uniqueness, the present research examined the applicability of existing market orientation constructs and models to SMEs. For this purpose, Kohli and Jaworski's and Narver and Slater's constructs were modified and some unique SME items were added. Following a staged research approach, as recommended by Churchill (1979), a randomly chosen sample of Australian SMEs was surveyed. In all, more than 700 responses were received, of which 542, were used in the present study. The results obtained suggested that while a form of market orientation existed in SMEs, its operationalisation was different. Of Kohli and Jaworski’s (1990) three dimensions, (intelligence generation, dissemination and organisational response), organisational response could not be supported. The study also provided support for Narver and Slater's (1990) customer and competitor orientation constructs. The third construct 'inter-functional coordination' was not included as early qualitative interviews made it clear that it had no meaning in an SME context. Customer and competitor orientations emerged as distinct constructs but the interrelationship between the two suggested the presence of a higher order 'market orientation' construct. Compared to the organisations analysed in earlier studies, the SMEs in the current study were small in size and very few had multiple functional areas. In most of the businesses, marketing did not exist as a separate function. Consequently there was 110 support for constructs such as organisational response and inter-functional coordination. The informal nature of SMEs marketing activities was evident in the market orientation constructs. It appeared that SMEs collect their intelligence through informal means. Their marketing activities were also based more on intuition than logic. Apart from customer and competitor orientations, a customer service orientation emerged as an important element. Having a customer service orientation led to customer satisfaction and, hence, to repeal business, which was considered to be extremely important by the small businesses surveyed. Having a customer service orientation also had a positive impact on the organisational commitment of employees, repeat business and business performance. The overall impact of customer orientation and competitor orientation on business performance was positive, but small. This was not surprising as respondents took a casual or intuitive approach to marketing. It seems that small business performance is constrained by factors other than marketing, such as the availability of resources. Further, even among large businesses. The market orientation-performance relationship has not been consistently positive or significant. The present results suggest that market orientation, as practised in large businesses, or as articulated by academics, may not be applicable to SMEs and that customer service elements needed to be included in the model. As regards performance, the results obtained suggest that factors other than marketing are also critical and fun her research is needed to tease out the nature of these additional factors.
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Jänkälä, S. (Sinikka). "Management control systems (MCS) in the small business context:linking effects of contextual factors with MCS and financial performance of small firms." Doctoral thesis, University of Oulu, 2007. http://urn.fi/urn:isbn:9789514285288.
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Abstract
Small businesses are numerous in any country. However, we have very limited knowledge regarding their management accounting (MA) and management control systems (MCS). Traditionally, it has been stated that small firms do not need and use MCS due to their simple structures and poor resources. On the other hand, a few studies on high technology firms have shown that these firms have developed their MCS and are also utilizing sophisticated management accounting practices and information.
The aim of this study is to analyse small firms' use of MCS practices as well as to examine the role of MCS practices and information of small firms in a contingency theoretical framework. Furthermore, the study is not only focusing on small, rapidly growing firms but also on traditional, more stable small firms, all employing from 10 to 49 persons. Based on the survey responses of 183 managing directors of small Finnish firms, the study describes the diffusion and penetration of MCS practices and information among small firms. Two theoretical models are constructed linking the use of MCS with strategy, perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU), use of diversified management team and financial performance of small firms. Tests are made by using structural equation modeling (SEM).
The results suggest that small firms do use a wide range of MCS practices and information. The main results also indicate that the use of a more diversified management team seems to increase the use of MCS practices and information. The use of more advanced practices is related to small firms which have been more profitable or which have had lower growth rates in sales. In addition, the use of MCS seems to be associated with small firms' strategies, both realized and intended. The pursued strategy seems to drive small firms' profitability and growth in net sales. However, such an association was not found between the intended strategy and financial performance after two years. The use of MCS seems to have only a few positive effects on small firm's financial performance. Nevertheless, more use of advanced dimensions of MCS seems to predict significant improvements for longer-term growth in net sales.
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Mwanza, Phales Mbewe. "Utilisation of budgets by small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing industry in the Cape Metropole." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2684.
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Thesis (MTech (Cost and Management Accounting))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Background: Research has shown that a high percentage of SMMEs in South Africa are not sustainable, most of them failing in their infancy stage. In order to make sound decisions and achieve desirable results, owners/managers need to make use of budgets in managing their businesses. Utilisation of budgets is the core of financial planning and decision-making in manufacturing enterprises. Lack of utilisation of budgets in managing businesses can lead to business failure. There is need to conduct a study on the utilisation of budgets by SMEs in the manufacturing industry. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which SMEs in the manufacturing industry in the Cape Metropolis use budgets for managing their businesses. This was achieved by determining whether the SMEs in the manufacturing industry used budgets or not, what types of budgets were used, the purposes for which the budgets were used and what challenges if any were faced by these SMEs when using budgets. Methodology: Data was collected from 108 respondents by means of a questionnaire comprising closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data in SPSS version 24. Frequency tables and pie charts were used to present the findings. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that most SMEs in the manufacturing industry in the Cape Metropolis use budgets for managing their businesses. The SMEs prepare budgets which are used for various purposes. The SMEs however face challenges when utilising budgets. Recommendations: Future interventions by Department of Small Business Development on financial planning should focus more on micro and very small enterprises. Other categories of enterprises may apply this information and emulate the utilisation of budgets from the SMEs in the manufacturing industry as they strive to survive and grow.
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Eiseman, John, University of Western Sydney, and of Science Technology and Agriculture Faculty. "Strategies for small business education and training: a case study in the independent supermarket industry in Australia." THESIS_FSTA_xxx_Eiseman_J.xml, 1997. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/36.
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The need to raise the skills and knowledge of both managers and staff in small business through improvement to education and training is the underpinning thematic concern of this research. Another concern is the appropriateness of action research as a process for research and development in education and training for small business. The independent supermarket industry in Australia provided the case study for this action research. The study sought to identify the barriers to participation in education and training programs and to develop strategies to overcome these barriers. Participation in education and training programs in the independent supermarket industry in Australia was found to be constrained by working conditions at store level, geographic location, negative attitudes of owners or principal managers towards education and formalised training and economic pressures on the industry. In this study the action research methodology provided the means to incrementally achieve a rich contextual understanding, to build researcher-client relationships, client receptivity to the research findings and credibility for both the researcher and the study. However, a key constraint to action research was the difficulty of gaining active participation from the client system. Another contribution of this is the documentation of the key issues and characteristics of independent supermarkets which have been poorly reported. The issues and characteristics identified for independent supermarkets, such as those arising from future uncertainity, family ownership, management style and attitude are compatible with those reported for small business generally. This research was guided by, and the results support, the proposition put forward by Gummesson that action research in a business environment is enhanced by the combining of the consultant and researcher roles. This role duality and the cyclic processes of action research provided the opportunity for incremental benefits to the clients which gave incentive for the clients to provide access and support for research in their enviroMaster of Science (Hons)
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Hurst, Gavin. "The due process of accounting standard setting in Australia : the case of AAS27 : financial reporting by local governments." University of Ballarat, 2003. http://archimedes.ballarat.edu.au:8080/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/14636.
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"This study enquires into the accounting standard system in Australia and questions the appropriateness of its core democratic participatory vehicle, the due process. In doing so it highlights issues associated with self-regulating authorities and their policy making practices. The study is pertinent to the extent it reviews a major paradigm shift within the Australian public sector and more specifically local government financial reporting. Spanning the course of three decades it examines the reasons for such a paradigm shift, the major actors involved, the actual changes made and the effectiveness of those changes."Doctor of Business Administration
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Davis, Marquita V. "Strategies to Prevent and Detect Occupational Fraud in Small Retail Businesses." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6887.
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Business owners' lack of strategies to prevent and detect occupational fraud in small retail businesses in the United States could result in substantial financial losses or insolvency. Grounded in Cressey's fraud triangle, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore internal control strategies 6 owners of small retail businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania used to prevent and detect occupational fraud. Face-to-face interviews, observations, and documentation are the data collection techniques I used in this study. Data were transcribed, coded, analyzed, and member checked to identify emergent themes. Six themes emerged from the thematic analysis: financial impact, transaction responsibility and monitoring, networking and business models, communication, separation of duties, and training. The results of this study indicated areas for action that owners of small retail businesses could take to prevent and detect occupational fraud. Strategies business owners could implement to protect their businesses from occupational fraud include monitoring, employee identity documents to track employee activity, separation of duties, and communication with employees. The implications of this study for positive social change include the potential for social entrepreneurship because small business owners create employment opportunities for members of the community, including high school students with the desire to run small retail businesses. Small business owners serve their communities by focusing on wealth distribution, including donations to local charities that foster economic stability with positive effects on society.
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Nwagbo, Alfred. "Strategies to Minimize Profit Loss From Small Business Enterprise Credit Rejections." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5919.
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Institutional policies or terms and conditions of credit allocation complicate the demand and supply of small business enterprise (SBE) credit, causing lost profits. Banks leaders losing 28% of profitable projects because of the high rejection rate of credit applications for SBE loans is a concern. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies Southeastern Nigerian state bank leaders use to minimize lost profit from SBE credit rejections. The conceptual framework that grounded this study was credit rationing focused on the lender-borrower relationship. Data collection involved reviews of company documents and face-to-face semistructured interviews of 6 participants from 3 banks in the Southeastern Nigerian state. Based on the Schorr's modified data analysis approach, 5 themes emerged (a) credit rationing depends on sufficient information (b) business accounts statements are a fall back for credit availability (c) character may be more important than collateral (d) government policies are challenges to the formal banking system (e) profits may be a hedge for high-interest rates. Findings may be used to enhance the profitability of banks in the Southeastern Nigerian state. Implications for positive social change may include the support of community projects for individuals living at or below the poverty level in the region.
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Johnston, Louise C. "The relevance of strategic human resource management (SHRM) for the growing small business." University of Western Australia. Graduate School of Management, 2008. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2008.0111.
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[Truncated abstract] The commercial developments of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have come to signify profound and far-reaching change in the way that goods and services are designed, produced, marketed and delivered to customers in the world's international and domestic markets. In order to respond to a more intensively competitive trading environment that demands ever-increasing levels of product quality, customer service, organisational efficiency and business performance, the management of business entities has undergone fundamental alteration in form and content. It is within this context that two traditionally disparate business disciplines have emerged to play an important role in the new economic commercial order, that of small business management and that of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). Historically eclipsed by the large and powerful mass-producing corporations, the small business sector has been more recently viewed as playing an increasingly prominent part in the creation of national and regional prosperity within the developed countries. The unprecedented interest in smaller firms and the desire to see them fulfill their economic and social potential have resulted in legislative reform and widespread initiatives by governments and other institutions designed to support and protect the smaller operators in their commercial endeavours. Similarly, in the post-industrial knowledge economy people have risen in prominence over other organisational resources as a key source of competitive commercial advantage. The role of intellectual capital in securing business success has fuelled the development of management technology and methods designed to enhance the contribution of human resources to business performance. Heralded by many as the defining managerial approach for enterprises that wish to build sustainable competitive advantage in the markets of today and the future, SHRM has come to the fore as a means to re-evaluate the importance of human contribution to business outcomes and guide management practice in leveraging the latent potential of a company's human assets. ... In general, the management of business strategy was found to possess low levels of structure and formality, effectively merging into the collective activities associated with owning and operating a small business. Similarly, when compared with the key elements of a strategic human resource management framework constructed specifically for this study, the data indicated that the strategic management of people is prevalent in smaller firms but that this again represents only partial adoption of normative models as commonly promoted for the larger business management context. It was concluded that the theoretical principles and concepts of SHRM demonstrate relevance for small companies on account of the status of the contemporary external commercial environment in which they must compete as well as the range of managerial benefits associated with strategic methodology and practice. However, currently there exist no suitable models of practice with supporting guidelines that respond to the unique contextual and operational needs and experiences typical of smaller firm owner-managers.
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Du, Toit Christine. "A comparative study of tax incentives available for small businesses in South Africa, Australia and Canada." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/20340.
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Thesis (MAcc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The comparative study of tax incentive legislation in South Africa, Australia and Canada for small businesses confirmed that tax incentives in South Africa are on par with those of said developed countries. The study compared tax incentives for income tax, capital gains tax and sales tax after the operation of the specific taxes was researched and the tax incentives identified. It is concluded in the study that there are tax incentives legislated in Australia and Canada that may enhance current South African tax incentives or which may be introduced as new tax incentives. These incentives may facilitate and stimulate economic growth and development in the country.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vergelykende studie van belastingvergunnings vir klein besighede in Suid-Afrika, Australië en Kanada het bevestig dat belastingvergunnings in Suid-Afrika op standaard is met dié van ontwikkelde lande. Die studie het inkomstebelasting, kapitaalwinsbelasting en verkoopsbelasting vergelyk nadat die werking van die gespesifiseerde belastings nagevors en die belastingvergunnings van toepassing geïdentifiseer is. In die studie word daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat daar belastingvergunnings in Australië en Kanada is wat of die huidige belastingvergunnings in Suid-Afrika kan uitbrei of as nuwe belastingvergunnings in Suid-Afrika geimplementeer kan word. Die gewysigde en nuwe belastingvergunnings mag moontlik bydra tot verdere groei en ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika.
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Foster, Tracy A. "Budget Planning, Budget Control, Business Age, and Financial Performance in Small Businesses." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3605.
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Over 390,000 businesses failed in the United States in 2014. The primary cause for most business failures is poor planning, and budgets are a primary means of planning. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine to what extent, if any, budget planning, budget control, and the age of the business significantly predict financial performance in small businesses. The target population consisted of small business leaders in the Midwest. Churchill and Lewis's theory on the relative importance of selected management factors of small businesses through 5 stages of development formed the theoretical framework for this study. Data were collected through a self-developed online survey using existing Likert-scale measures for each variable based on prior research about those variables. A convenience sample of 86 Midwest U.S. small business leaders identified through SurveyMonkey's crowdsourcing pool resulted in 77 participants with useable responses. Standard multiple linear regression determined the extent to which budget planning, budget control, and age of the business predicted the value of financial performance. The model as a whole was able to significantly predict financial performance. The linear combination of predictor variables (budget planning, budget control, and business age) accounted for approximately 12% of the variation in financial performance. Budget planning significantly predicted financial performance, even when budget control and business age were held constant. Better planning using budgets may help leaders improve the financial health of their small businesses, potentially reducing business failures and job losses. Financially strong and healthy small businesses can create jobs and improve the economic health of local communities.
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Best, Simon, and n/a. "On a wing and a prayer stories of the use of improvisation by NEIS businesses during the start-up phase." Swinburne University of Technology, 2006. http://adt.lib.swin.edu.au./public/adt-VSWT20060824.142152.
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The focus of this study is to consider the concept of ?improvisation? as a business process used by small businesses when faced with unanticipated events. Although the business news and literature is dominated by the activities of big businesses, there is little disagreement among researchers and business commentators about the role that small businesses plays in contributing to the economic activity of Australia. The contribution that small businesses make to the economy includes job creation, competitive power, economic growth and innovation. Furthermore, there is evidence that a flourishing small business sector can assist with creating and maintaining political and social stability.
It is widely acknowledged that businesses are operating in a turbulent, unstable and at times chaotic commercial environment. Many business operators are spending increasing amounts of their time responding to unanticipated events in circumstances where there is little or no time to plan solutions or build up resources. There has been little research into how small businesses respond to such unanticipated events.
A review of previous literature showed that business operators were likely to respond to unanticipated events in one of three ways; they either ignored the event, undertook planning or they improvised. The term 'improvisation' in this context was used to reflect either the time convergence between the realisation of a solution and its implementation or the application of selected resources for purposes other than that for which they were intended. A model of the process of improvisation was developed using the elements previously described in previous studies. The model falls into three parts; pre-improvisation, improvisation and post-improvisation.
The methodology used was a qualitative process consisting of a semi-structured interviews with twenty-nine owners of small-business start-up firms, to explore their experiences with dealing with unanticipated events and to try to establish the nature of the improvisational process. It was important for the participants to tell their stories of improvisation and for the researcher to reflect their experiences in relation to the model of improvisation.
The data collected provided greater insight into the process of improvisation and a refined model evolved which better represents the experience of participants. The study confirmed that small businesses do at times, use improvisation to respond to unanticipated events. Consequently, this study has made a significant contribution to the field by extending on the work undertaken to date and by the development of a model that more comprehensively represents the process of an improvisational response to an unanticipated event, in the context of small business.