Discover the keys to small business success with Longenecker/Petty/Palich/Hoy's SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: LAUNCHING AND GROWING ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES, 20E. This best-selling book provides practical concepts, entrepreneurial insights and complete resources that are valuable now and throughout your management ventures. This edition guides you through the full business cycle, from how to start and manage to growing and harvesting a business. Current coverage offers innovative tools and unforgettable examples, cases and activities to sharpen skills. You take the role of decision-maker as you apply what you've learned to current challenges in today's small businesses. Revisions address the gig economy while expanded coverage of the business plan highlights the Business Model Canvas. Updated, clear explanations of financial statements focus on the needs of small business owners. MindTap digital resources and LivePlan business plan software are also available with more tools for business success.

The international cast of authors in this important book explore how internationalizing small and medium sized enterprises (iSMEs) face major crises, such as COVID-19, and have managed them to reach a stable and desired state post-crisis. Chapter orientations vary from theoretical to empirical. Each focuses on issues related to a major crisis, and present already-deployed success strategies in 14 different country environments. The rich diversity of chapters offers a highly significant and timely contribution to the field. This book consists of five parts. An introduction to the volume and an extensive literature review open the book and are followed in Part II by general, yet critical, topics such as firm capabilities, resources and orientations, which collectively influence how smaller firms perceive emerging, approaching or unfolding crises in their environments and how the national public policy as well as the evolution of the crisis affects them. Part III extends this discussion to look at digitization and 'servitization' for higher customer and market-orientation, supply chains and overall governance. Specific research-based examples of potent strategies by four internationalized SMEs in different industries and country environments fill out Part IV and the final part offers a view beyond the current crisis. Scholars and students in entrepreneurship, international business and other related areas will find this very timely volume illuminating.

A practical guide to managing your attention–the most powerful resource you have to get stuff done, become more creative, and live a meaningful life

Our attention has never been as overwhelmed as it is today. Many of us recognize that our brains struggle to multitask. Despite this, we feel compelled to do so anyway while we fill each moment of our lives to the brim with mindless distraction. Hyperfocus provides profound insights into how you can best take charge of your attention to achieve a greater sense of purpose and productivity throughout the day.

The most recent neuroscientific research reveals that our brain has two powerful modes that can be unlocked when we use our attention effectively: a focused mode (hyperfocus), which is the foundation for being highly productive, and a creative mode (scatterfocus), which enables us to connect ideas in novel ways. Hyperfocus helps you access each of the two mental modes so you can concentrate more deeply, think more clearly, and work and live more deliberately every day.

Chris Bailey examines such topics such as:

• identifying and dealing with the four key types of distraction and interruption;
• establishing a clear physical and mental environment in which to work;
• controlling motivation and working fewer hours to become more productive;
• taking time-outs with intention;
• multitasking strategically; and
• learning when to pay attention and when to let your mind wander wherever it wants to.

By transforming how you think about your attention, Hyperfocus reveals that the more effectively you learn to take charge of it, the better you’ll be able to manage every aspect of your life.

This Research Handbook provides a solid foundation for exploring the vibrant field of strategic entrepreneurship, with an examination of important topics from theoretical, psychological and economic perspectives. Analysing new directions for future research, this Research Handbook spans the comprehensiveness of the field and offers insights into specific topic areas within strategic entrepreneurship including historical cognition, ethnomethodology and the strategic entrepreneurial mind. With contributions from scholars across diverse backgrounds, the Research Handbook not only critically analyses existing research at the intersection of strategy and entrepreneurship, but also identifies new avenues for future inquiry. The editors provide useful guidance for travelling new paths within the domain of strategic entrepreneurship research, and across other disciplines, based upon distinct theoretical foundations. PhD students, scholars, and researchers alike who want to investigate further into strategic entrepreneurship in depth as well as uncharted territories, will find this Research Handbook a valuable resource.

A groundbreaking exploration of purchasing behaviour and its essential role in smarter marketing practices to benefit your organization If you understand why people buy, you are already one step ahead in reaching out to them effectively with your products and services. Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy offers a groundbreaking exploration into the science of purchasing. The book specifically demonstrates why decision science has proven invaluable to the field of marketing by helping to explain purchasing behaviours. Decoded delivers a practical framework and guidelines for applying science to the marketing practices you use every day. As a marketing professional, you can look to this book for behavioural knowledge, timely case studies, and an understanding of methodologies. You'll gain advice on how to employ knowledge about behaviours for more effective brand management, from strategy to implementation to new product development. You'll also gain useful insight into the latest research on consumer motivations that lead to purchasing decisions. Learn more about what happens in the human brain as buyers make their choices. This updated edition of Decoded provides new material that marketers can apply to informed, successful practices. Gain an understanding of the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) approach Take a closer look at the Ferrero neuroscience study that supports JTBD See updated and relevant case studies of JTBD at work Discover how to engage customers through digital touchpoints If you're a marketing practitioner, an understanding of decision science will enhance your day-to-day work. Decoded helps you see how science and marketing come together. Immerse yourself in the science of why people buy and gain a stronger base of knowledge as you develop strategies, implement marketing plans, and meet customer needs through innovation.

Investigating the changing forms, dynamics and trajectories of the artisan and craft sector, this timely book considers the opportunities, challenges, and uncertainties associated with artisanal businesses in new economic times. Exploring how artisanal and craft products remain vibrant embodiments of tradition, heritage, authenticity and creativity, the book explores how these qualities are being harnessed and transformed to enable artisanal businesses to exploit the opportunities presented by technological innovation and evolving consumption patterns for their future viability and vitality. Revolutionary advancement in digital technologies offer 'game-changing' possibilities for artisanship and craft, across a spectrum ranging from production practices to e-commerce. But such technological advancements also present challenges to how artisanship sustains its important 'traditional' associations, and how it builds on its relationship with the ethical, the sustainable and the local. Featuring an international range of case studies, chapters exemplify how artisanal organisations can revitalise their business models, using innovative branding and marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship, to utilise the best of both the past and the future. This cutting-edge book will prove invaluable to students and scholars of marketing, business studies and sociology who are interested in contemporary innovation in artisanship and craft. With practical advice from industry experts, it also serves as a useful resource for practitioners and stakeholders within the artisanal and craft sector who might be concerned with the impact of digitalisation on the field.

If you are looking for the intersection of past practices, current thinking, and future insights into the ever-expanding world of entrepreneurship education, then you will want to read and explore the fifth edition of the Annals of Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy. Prepared under the auspices of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), this edited volume covers a broad range of scholarly, practical, and thoughtful perspectives on a compelling range of entrepreneurship education issues. The fifth edition spans topics ranging from innovative practices in facilitating entrepreneurship teaching and learning inside and outside the classroom, learning innovation, and model programs, to the latest research from top programs and thought leaders in entrepreneurship. Moreover, the fifth edition builds on previous editions as it continues to investigate critical issues in designing, implementing, and assessing experiential learning techniques in the field of entrepreneurship. This contemporary volume provides insights and challenges in the development of entrepreneurship education for students, educators, mentors, community leaders, and more. Annals of Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy - 2023 is a must-have book for any entrepreneurship professor, scholar, or program director dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education in the US and around the world.

Timely and invigorating, this book explores how blockchain technology is disrupting economies and transforming societies. It offers detailed insights into the synergistic and complementary effects of blockchain and other new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, satellite imagery and digital twins. The Rise of Blockchains highlights how the developments of ecosystems around blockchain are helping to realize the potential of this technology to act as a 'trust machine' across more contexts and settings. Multidisciplinary in both scope and perspectives, the book looks at blockchain's potential for impacting challenges in supply chain management, security, privacy and compliancy issues, and transforming payment and settlement systems. It further provides insights into the opportunities, barriers, and enablers of blockchain adoption by organizations. With a focus on both theoretical and practical knowledge related to blockchain, this will be an important read for business and management scholars, particularly those focusing on organization studies, information systems, and supply chain management. It will also be a useful book for economics students and economists working with cryptocurrencies.

This discerning book examines good governance developments in the US and the UK, with a focus on anti-bribery efforts, recognising that with each new major case of corporate malfeasance the parameters of directors' duties change and expand. Taking this expansion of roles and expectations into account, and acknowledging the respective increase in exposure to civil, criminal and reputational liabilities, Patrick J. O'Malley compares the fundamental national compliance experiences of the US and UK. Investigating anti-bribery, corporate and securities law and guidance, this engaging book explores the systemic expectations that directors, executive officers and compliance personnel in public and private companies are subject to, as well as key accountability mechanisms and enforcement actions. Analysing the effectiveness of current law and best practice recommendations, the author's key finding is that directors need to add value to the business while also upholding higher societal, and ethical, values if they wish to meet today's ever evolving standards of corporate stewardship. Highlighting the role of directors and boards as corporate monitors, this thought-provoking book will be a key resource for international lawyers and practitioners working in corporate law and business law, in-house corporate counsel, corporate decision makers within the US, UK and globally, as well as for international investors.

From Stephen R. Covey's eldest son come a revolutionary book that will guide business leaders, public figures and their organizations towards unprecedented productivity and satisfaction. Trust, says Stephen M. R. Covey, is the very basis of the 21st century's global economy, but its power is generally overlooked and misunderstood. Covey shows you how to inspire immediate trust in everyone you encounter - colleagues, constituents, the marketplace - allowing you to forego the time-killing and energy-draining check and balance bureaucracies that are so often relied upon in lieu of actual trust.

This intriguing and absorbing book takes a look at aspects of Westerosi society and politics from an anthropological and organizational studies angle. It shows both how management theory influenced the world-building in the Game of Thrones franchise, and also how students, academics and managers can draw on the series to further enhance their understanding of concepts in human resource management and organization theory. Based on a detailed knowledge of Game of Thrones but grounded in serious management research, Fiona Moore provides a tour of the organizations, leaders and followers in Westeros, giving insights into the fantasy kingdom as well as important lessons managers can use in their own careers. Providing a brief and enjoyable introduction to management and organization theory, the book then discusses how and why modern management concepts can be seen in Game of Thrones, exploring concepts such as leadership, strategy and human resource management through a unique lens. Unconventional in its approach, this book will prove a key resource for students and scholars in areas such as business leadership, human resource management and organization studies looking for new and entertaining ways of understanding the theory behind management.

This book considers what work and retirement mean for older women, how each is experienced, and how working fits with other facets of their lives. The authors draw on data collected from women themselves, employers, industry stakeholders and older workers' advocates, to explore older women's experiences of work and retirement against a backdrop of current policy efforts to extend working lives in response to ageing societies. Contrary to common representations of the situation of older workers, the data reveal how workplaces can be seen as relatively benign, and retirement viewed positively. It contributes to academic debate regarding identity, purpose and meaning in later life, identifying challenges for work-focused public policy. Students and scholars of human resource management, sociology, gerontology and social policy will appreciate the extension of understanding older women's life course trajectories that the book offers. Public policy-makers will benefit from the different representations of older women in the book, and the identification of where they would benefit from policy changes.

Tackling the pressing challenges that business schools face as they deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this How To guide provides rich insights into how to create and sustain the business schools of the future. The SDGs are ubiquitous and this signals that business schools need to embark on an urgent paradigm shift to embed the SDGs into their research, education and operations. Taking an integrated approach to sustainability, this work provides rich insights into how business school leaders, academics, students and professional staff can create the business school of the future; one that has close collaborative relationships with its stakeholders, that is inclusive and advances responsible management education, and ultimately generates positive societal benefits. The authors consider the drivers for sustainability and the roles of accreditation and rankings' bodies, and how through their research, educational offerings and governance, business schools can develop new modus operandi to embed sustainability. Accessible yet rigorous, the combination of theory with real-life examples in this research-based book will prove invaluable to leaders and managers in business schools as well as all those with an interest in shaping their agenda and activities, including students, scholars and all stakeholders interested in creating more sustainable futures.

Bullying, harassment and other unacceptable workplace behaviors pose significant problems for organizations. This exploration of the issue notes that factors from within the organization may help determine who and why some individuals become targets and others become bullies. The authors explore different types of behaviors where managers and management, as well as employees, are the problem. Each chapter has anecdotes scattered throughout and contains a 'mini-case,' review questions, 'action' items, and two longer cases, all based on actual events. The authors present a unique framework (V-REEL (R)) to assist individuals and organizations in analyzing the organization's environment in an effort to eradicate the negative behavior forces that contribute to bad behavior. In addition, they have included a glossary of important terms, a bibliography of useful references, a survey that may be used to assess conditions in the organization, and a listing of organizations that provide information or assistance. These various pedagogical tools enable the book to be used by human resource professionals, managers, employees, and academics as individuals or in groups to both avoid and eradicate bullying and harassment at work.

How do you define ‘business’? What do you think are the ‘functions’ of a business? If you ask other people, you will likely get a different answer to yours. To get an authoritative view of how organisations do what they do every day and what the real role of a manager is, read this new edition of Business Functions. The topics it covers have been selected and presented so that you can enjoy current information from real, South African business examples and credible academic resources.

Give students the critical leadership skills and solid understanding of theory to become effective leaders during turbulent times with Richard Daft's THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE.

This edition combines extensive, in-depth scholarly research with examples from hundreds of leaders in real organizations and dozens of new experiential exercises. Students explore the latest insights in leadership theory and contemporary leader behavior. Revisions address traditional leadership topics as well as emerging developments, including leading agile, hybrid and remote work teams; establishing growth mindsets; encouraging mindfulness; embracing diversity and leading with love versus fear. Content also addresses moral awareness, optimism bias, leading with grit, a leader's responsibility to followers, creating a healthy culture and collective activism.

Memorable examples and unique thoughts behind actual leadership decisions make topics further come alive.

Between the theories of business school and the real world of business, there is still a gap - one that can only be filled by experience, helped by the knowledge of someone who has already done it.

Over a lifetime as one of the world's most influential business leaders, Mark McCormack gathered more insights than could ever fit in one book: here he has distilled the strategies, techniques and wisdom that everyone needs to get organised, get ahead and gain and keep the competitive edge.

Building on from What They Don't Teach You At Harvard Business School, this straight-talking, practical guide offers essential tools and skills - from negotiating to managing, advancing your career to building a new idea - that will help you be a leader at any level.

Organisations affect all aspects of human existence. They operate under immense pressure to offer their goods and services efficiently, economically and at the right time, all within the confines of the domestic and international laws which govern their trading. To meet these challenges in today's ever-changing global environment, the dealings within and between organisations need to be constantly monitored. Organisational analysis and intergovernmental relations: a South African perspective discusses how organisations work, how to conduct organisational analysis and how organisations can benefit from the advantages of intergovernmental relations in order to maximise productivity, effectiveness and profitability. Organisational analysis and intergovernmental relations: a South African perspective provides an overview of organisations, and the organisational design and structures applicable to both the private and public sectors. It equips managers with the knowledge to analyse the status of their organisations and decide what approaches to employ in responding to change (whether planned or unplanned). The book also explores how the relations between the spheres of government are affected by the shifting political environment in South Africa.

Globalisation, the impending 4th Industrial Revolution and migration in the 21st century have catapulted workplace diversity and inclusion into the forefront as instrumental tools in the success of organisations. These concepts are the guiding principles that embrace multiple perspectives, build distinct corporate teams, develop leaders from different backgrounds and create organisations that are the right fit for a variety of individuals. Managing diversity in the South African workplace provides a scientific basis for understanding diversity and inclusion at the macro-legislative, meso-organisational and micro-individual levels. Managing diversity in the South African workplace examines how diverse employees and groups can be accommodated within the South African workplace and the concomitant legislation that supports the inclusion of individuals from different backgrounds. Managing diversity in the South African workplace can be used by undergraduate and postgraduate students at further and higher education institutions within South Africa as well as managers and human resource practitioners.

Understanding business and ethics in the South African context provides an overview of the relationship between business and ethics from a contextual and integrative perspective. The purpose of the book is to prepare students to engage with ethical issues in the workplace and socio-economic challenges in society in an accountable and responsible manner. The book incorporates the fundamental hermeneutical theories, the ethical dimensions of these theories, socio-economic challenges in South Africa, the development of capitalism, the challenges of the legacy of colonialism, ethical theories, business theories, governance, management of ethics, strategy and the practical exploration of ethics in management, marketing, labour relations and finance. The discussion is augmented with explanatory case studies and teaching resources. This is a new contextual view on business and ethics in South Africa and will heighten the sensitivity of students to contextual factors facing business in South Africa and tools for responsible decision-making and ethical leadership. Cultural diversity and the challenges in relation to governance and ethics in business are explored to provide students with the ability to respond with possible alternatives that are responsible and sensitive to the unique South Africa context.

From ancient times, the conduct of human beings, and what is deemed acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, has been an intriguing and much-debated topic for people from all walks of life. This is even more so for public officials, both appointed and elected, who by nature of the public duty they fulfil, are held to a higher moral standard by the broader society. Unethical conduct not only impacts negatively on the social contract that government has with the public but also affects the rights of citizens, who are taxpayers. Ethics in the public sector is being published at a time when the South African public sector is grappling with serious issues relating to ethics, with startling revelations of conduct by government officials that directly contradicts the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which prescribe high standards of ethical behaviour. Ethics in the public sector is arranged in such a way as to provide a unique understanding of public sector ethics. It includes discussions of two other African countries, Botswana and Namibia, to provide perspective. Main themes include the theory and philosophical foundation of public sector ethics, the African context of ethics, the policy framework for ethics, role players in ethics, causes of unethical behaviour and remedies for unethical behaviour. It also comes at a time when most universities across South Africa are reconsidering curricula for alignment and relevance to the challenges that public officials and politicians deal with daily. Ethics is an area that has thus far received insufficient attention both at universities and in practice. Ethics in the public sector is aimed at students, officials and politicians.

Creativity is currently ranked among the most critical skills required to address issues and exploit opportunities created by the 4th Industrial Revolution. It functions as problem solver and idea generator, and is an essential component of innovation. In an increasingly aggressive global business environment, the ability of a nation to compete is of utmost importance for economic survival and growth via innovation. Exploring creativity and innovation discusses all the aspects of innovation, including the creative person, process and outcome; and now also includes a section on design thinking that facilitates modern creative behaviour in an array of business and organisational environments. Exploring creativity and innovation follows a process approach and provides locally relevant examples and case studies to help readers clearly understand the concepts of innovation and innovation management, and to situate them within the African context.

Want to learn how you can stay employable and relevant for the rest of your working life? Want to enjoy feeling valued and fulfilled? In these unpredictable times, there is every reason for you to want to realise your skills and lifestyle choices to look forward to an adventurous and exciting future. Are you worth it? Of course you are! You are your greatest asset and investment. Welcome to Future Proofing Yourself. This book is for everyone. Reflecting on his own personal experiences and those of his family, friends and people that he has coached and mentored. David Yeabsley shares how at times we will all feel vulnerable in our working careers and worry about the future. We can feel lost and lacking in confidence. In Future Proof Yourself, David discusses how these feelings can be managed, encouraging you to discover how YOU can take control of situations and make the right choices for your future career and personal life. What could you expect from a life that you have Future Proofed? Well you can certainly look forward to having: - the ability to take control of your professional career - new skills and experiences - new people to network with - new learning opportunities It will also guide you to: - develop your confidence - create new ways of thinking - achieve the right balance in your life - enable you to stay relevant and employable for the rest of your working career Investment in yourself applies to all areas of your life, not just your career. Be careful though, following the Future Proof Yourself guidance you just might start living it and become the best version of yourself! Why should you make the effort? Well, if you don't look after yourself, who is going to do it for you? The author, David Yeabsley, has over 20 years' experience in coaching, mentoring, training and presenting.