The Impact of Org Culture on Erp System Implementation

[pic 1]

[pic 2]

BA (Hons) Business Management

Honours Dissertation

[pic 3]

SESSION 2012/13

TRIMESTER One

TITLE

An exploratory study on the impact of growth within a one-person business

AUTHOR

Laura Jackman

08005178

Supervisor: Stephen Robertson

Declaration

I declare that the work undertaken for this BA Dissertation has been undertaken by myself and the final Dissertation produced by me.  The work has not been submitted in part or in whole in regard to any other academic qualification.

Title of Dissertation:

Name (Print):___________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________

Date: __________________________________

Abstract

Management Theory up to now has tended to focus more specifically on the manager working in the large organisation whilst a manager in a small business appeared somewhat insignificant or rather amateurish.  In recent times the literature has increased however research carried out on small businesses has been fragmented and did not specifically acknowledge the existence of one-person businesses.

This study focuses on the management function within three businesses in the Edinburgh area owned and operated by one-person detailing the specific roles and functions in line with previous studies by Henry Mintzberg.  In addition to Mintzberg, this study can go back to the earlier management work of Drucker.  One objective of this study was to find suitable terminology in order to describe a business owned and operated by one-person.  A one-person business has been the preferred term and is used throughout the paper.  The other objective of this research project was to begin to understand the changes to the business functions and roles that growth brings.  The literature was somewhat ambiguous as to exactly what growth is but appeared not to consider the employment of staff.  An exploratory approach was the preferred method for this study as it took into consideration the variables of industry, previous experience of the manager, personalities and ambition as well as the different stages of the business.

The research found that the roles identified by Henry Mintzberg were able to be adapted in order to gain further understanding of the multiple roles a one-person business owner must undertake.  Some of the literature was found to be reflected in the findings and formed the basis for the researcher to be able to adapt the roles of Mintzberg in line with the results of the interviews carried out.  It was discovered that confidence plays an important role in the decision making process for the owner of a one-person business.  Often a lack of support and a feeling of loneliness with regard to the management of the business were restrictive in the journey towards growth.  This is a key recommendation of this paper, that support networks are considered in a way that is helpful and practical for businesses at this stage.  Far from being amateurish this research has shown that the business owners interviewed are professional, educated individuals who simply lack that appropriate routes to advice and the supportive networks that are seen in large organisations.

The research highlighted a further area for investigation surrounding whether gender bears a relation or has an impact as to how the business function and roles are carried out.  

The small one-person business is an important part of the wider economy and it is an area that would benefit from further research in order to understand better how this sector can thrive and develop further.

Keywords: Small business, one-person business, small business growth, management, business development

Acknowledgements

Firstly I would like to thank my supervisor Stephen Robertson for his unwavering help and guidance throughout not only this dissertation but the last few years of the degree in general.  

I would also like to acknowledge the support of my family and friends, for without their help and encouragement I would not have been able to complete this degree and for that I am extremely grateful.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures        

List of Abbreviations        

Summary of Chapters        

1.0 Introduction        

1.1 Background to the study        

1.2 Aim and Objectives        

1.2.1 Aim of the study        

1.2.2 Objectives        

1.3 Research Approach        

1.4 Limitations of the study        

2.0 Literature Review        

2.1 Introduction to the Literature Review        

2.2 Management Literature        

2.3 Leadership Literature        

2.4 Entrepreneurship Literature        

2.5 Growth Literature        

2.6 Conclusion of the Literature        

3.0 Methodology        

3.1 Introducing Business Research Methods        

3.2 Qualitative Research        

3.3 Research Method Selected for this Study        

3.4 Primary Data        

3.5 Data Description        

3.6 Profiles of the Businesses Interviewed        

3.6.1 Business A        

3.6.2 Business B        

3.6.3 Business C        

3.7 Ethical Considerations        

3.8 Limitations of the study        

4.0 Analysis and discussion of Primary Data        

4.1 How the data will be analysed        

4.2 Analysis and discussion of the data collected from the interviews        

5.0 Discussion of Findings