The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises: with particular reference to printing and clothing industries.

PhD thesis

Ekanem, I. 2002. The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises: with particular reference to printing and clothing industries. PhD thesis Middlesex University Business School
TypePhD thesis
TitleThe investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises: with particular reference to printing and clothing industries.
AuthorsEkanem, I.
Abstract

This research is concerned with the investment decision making process in small manufacturing enterprises in the printing and clothing industries. The focus is on the actual decision-making behaviour of owner-managers.
The study uses' Insider accounts' as a qualitative and innovative methodology, which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation,conducted longitudinally in 8 case study companies. It is a research method which includes detailed accounts from the actors themselves, incorporating the actual motives and behaviour of owner-managers based on the philosophy that the 'objects' studied are in fact 'subjects', who produce accounts of their world. The results of the study suggest that owner-manager use 'bootstrapping’ techniques for their investment appraisal instead of formal methods such as those recommended in the financial management literature. Bootstrapping represents an approach to decision
making that is grounded in previous experience of key decision-makers and their organisations and the largely informal routines that they develop from this. These techniques include a combination of experience judgement and gut-feeling,budgets and forecasts and the tendering process. The concept of bootstrapping is not simply a way of owner-managers finding a solution to a problem or a sort of 'fire-fighting’ it is a concept of actions grounded in experiential leaming. In this sense, bootstrapping is a particular form of learning behaviour. It is essentially a trial and error learning process which brings knowledge, skills, values and attitudes together and provides owner-managers with an opportunity to evaluate outcomes associated with investment based on previous experience. Therefore, the researcher believes that conceptualising small firm investment decision making within the context of an organisational learning approach holds promise as an
explanatory framework for investment behaviour in small firms.

Department nameBusiness School
Institution nameMiddlesex University
Publication dates
Print17 Aug 2010
Publication process dates
Deposited17 Aug 2010
CompletedJul 2002
Output statusPublished
Additional information

A thesis submitted to Middlesex University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

LanguageEnglish
File
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/82z2w

Log in to edit

Download files

  • 40
    total views
  • 202
    total downloads
  • 0
    views this month
  • 11
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Principles of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability: an evidence-based approach
Ekanem, I. 2024. Principles of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability: an evidence-based approach. London, UK Taylor & Francis (Routledge).
The impact of COVID-19 crisis on SMEs and their risk management and survival strategies: evidence from Nigeria
Ekanem, I. and Lawrence, D. 2023. The impact of COVID-19 crisis on SMEs and their risk management and survival strategies: evidence from Nigeria. in: Lodh, S and Nandy, M. (ed.) Corporate Risk Management after the COVID-19 Crisis World Scientific. pp. 121-152
Crowdfunding and entrepreneurship
Ekanem, I. and Ideh, S. 2023. Crowdfunding and entrepreneurship . London, UK Routledge.
The effect of militancy on local and informal enterprises in developing countries: evidence from Niger Delta
Ekanem, I., Jackson, T. and Munasunyo, A. 2021. The effect of militancy on local and informal enterprises in developing countries: evidence from Niger Delta. Journal of African Business. 22 (4), pp. 532-549. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2021.1900529
Risk factors affecting maternal health outcomes in Rivers State of Nigeria: towards the PRISMA model
Chinwah, V., Nyame-Asiamah, F. and Ekanem, I. 2020. Risk factors affecting maternal health outcomes in Rivers State of Nigeria: towards the PRISMA model. Social Science & Medicine. 265, pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113520
Marketing in the informal economy: an entrepreneurial perspective and research agenda
Madichie, N., Nkamnebe, A. and Ekanem, I. 2020. Marketing in the informal economy: an entrepreneurial perspective and research agenda. in: Nwankwo, S. and Gbadamosi, A. (ed.) Entrepreneurship marketing: principles and practice of SME marketing London Routledge. pp. 412-428
The influence of institutional environment on venture capital development in emerging economies: the example of Nigeria
Ekanem, I., Owen, R. and Cardoso, A. 2019. The influence of institutional environment on venture capital development in emerging economies: the example of Nigeria. Strategic Change. 28 (1), pp. 95-107. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2249
Understanding internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies as a learning process
Ekanem, I. 2019. Understanding internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies as a learning process. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research. 25 (5), pp. 819-841. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2018-0068
Diaspora entrepreneurship and international market entry strategies in the emerging economies: a learning process
Ekanem, I. 2017. Diaspora entrepreneurship and international market entry strategies in the emerging economies: a learning process. ISBE 2017: 40th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Belfast, Northern Ireland 08 - 09 Nov 2017
Factors influencing the use of e-commerce by small enterprises in Nigeria
Ekanem, I. and Abiade, G. 2018. Factors influencing the use of e-commerce by small enterprises in Nigeria. International Journal of ICT Research in Africa and the Middle East (IJICTRAME). 7 (1), pp. 37-43. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJICTRAME.2018010103
The emergence of social media and its impact on SME performance
Ekanem, I. and Erukusin, K. 2017. The emergence of social media and its impact on SME performance. in: Christiansen, B. and Yüksel, Ü. (ed.) Technological Integration as a Catalyst for Industrial Development and Economic Growth IGI Global. pp. 132-150
Writing a business plan: a practical guide
Ekanem, I. 2017. Writing a business plan: a practical guide. London Routledge.
The role of e-commerce in the competitiveness of SMEs in developing economies: evidence from Nigeria
Ekanem, I. and Abiade, G. 2016. The role of e-commerce in the competitiveness of SMEs in developing economies: evidence from Nigeria. AIB-SSA Conference: The 2016 Conference Academy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Conference. Lagos Business School, Lagos, Nigeria 17 - 19 Aug 2016 Academy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter. pp. 67
Transnational entrepreneurs and their global market entry modes
Ekanem, I. 2017. Transnational entrepreneurs and their global market entry modes. in: Ojo, S. (ed.) Diasporas and Transnational Entrepreneurship in Global Contexts IGI Global.
New perspectives on the internationalisation of micro businesses
De Moraes, A., Ekanem, I. and Osabutey, E. 2017. New perspectives on the internationalisation of micro businesses. in: Ojo, S. (ed.) Diasporas and Transnational Entrepreneurship in Global Contexts IGI Global.
Succession challenges facing family businesses in Saudi Arabia
Ekanem, I. and Alrossais, L. 2017. Succession challenges facing family businesses in Saudi Arabia. in: Zgheib, P. (ed.) Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation in the Middle East IGI Global. pp. 122-146
The impact of militancy on SMEs in developing countries: a case of the Niger Delta of Nigeria
Ekanem, I. and Munasunyo, A. 2016. The impact of militancy on SMEs in developing countries: a case of the Niger Delta of Nigeria. ISBE 2016: 39th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Paris, France 27 - 28 Oct 2016
Beyond the global financial crisis: challenges facing venture capitalists operating in an emerging economy such as Nigeria
Ekanem, I., Cardoso, A. and Owen, R. 2015. Beyond the global financial crisis: challenges facing venture capitalists operating in an emerging economy such as Nigeria. ISBE 2015: 38th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Glasgow, Scotland 11 - 12 Nov 2015
Entrepreneurial learning: gender differences
Ekanem, I. 2015. Entrepreneurial learning: gender differences. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research. 21 (4), pp. 557-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-08-2014-0146
The investment decision-making in small manufacturing firms: a learning approach
Ekanem, I. and Smallbone, D. 2004. The investment decision-making in small manufacturing firms: a learning approach. the 27th ISBA National Entrepreneurship & SME Development Conference. Newcastle- Gateshead
The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises: the case of the printing and clothing industries in UK
Ekanem, I. 2005. The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises: the case of the printing and clothing industries in UK. the 50th ICSB World Conference - Golden Opportunities for Entrepreneurship. Washington DC
A fresh start and the learning experience of black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs
Ekanem, I. 2006. A fresh start and the learning experience of black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. the 51st World Conference of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB). Melbourne, Australia 18 - 21 Jun 2006
Liquidity management in small firms: a learning perspective
Ekanem, I. 2008. Liquidity management in small firms: a learning perspective. International Council for Small Business (ICSB) World Conference. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 22 - 25 Jun 2008
Is there a finance gap for SMEs? Some evidence from recent studies in Scotland and London
Ekanem, I., North, D. and Deakins, D. 2009. Is there a finance gap for SMEs? Some evidence from recent studies in Scotland and London. ICSB World Conference. South Korea
Entrepreneurial learning: gender differences
Ekanem, I. 2013. Entrepreneurial learning: gender differences. Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Cardiff, United Kingdom 12 - 13 Nov 2013
The emergence of social media and its impact on SME performance
Ekanem, I. and Erukusin, K. 2014. The emergence of social media and its impact on SME performance. Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference. Manchester, United Kingdom 05 - 06 Nov 2014
African entrepreneurs, financial literacy, debt and bankruptcy
Ekanem, I. 2014. African entrepreneurs, financial literacy, debt and bankruptcy. in: Nwankwo, S. and Ibeh, K. (ed.) The Routledge companion to business in Africa London Routledge. pp. 218-233
Influences on the behaviour of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities towards debt and bankruptcy
Ekanem, I. 2013. Influences on the behaviour of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities towards debt and bankruptcy. International Journal of Consumer Studies. 37 (2), pp. 199-205. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2012.01104.x
Early assessment of the impact of BIS equity fund initiatives
North, D., Owen, R., Ekanem, I., Lewis, A. and CEEDR 2010. Early assessment of the impact of BIS equity fund initiatives. London Middlesex University.
Is there a debt finance gap relating to Scottish SMEs? A demand-side perspective
North, D., Owen, R. and Ekanem, I. 2010. Is there a debt finance gap relating to Scottish SMEs? A demand-side perspective. Venture Capital. 12 (3), pp. 173-192. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691061003658670
Diversifications in ethnic minority businss: the case of Asians in London's creative industries.
Smallbone, D., Ekanem, I. and Bertotti, M. 2005. Diversifications in ethnic minority businss: the case of Asians in London's creative industries. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development. 12 (1), pp. 41-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000510579635
Liquidity management in small firms: a learning perspective.
Ekanem, I. 2010. Liquidity management in small firms: a learning perspective. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development. 17 (1), pp. 123-138. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001011019161
Ethnic minority enterprise: policy in practice.
Ram, M., Smallbone, D., Owen, R., Ekanem, I. and CEEDR (Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research) 2001. Ethnic minority enterprise: policy in practice. Small Business Service..
Cultural influences on health and safety attitudes and behaviour in small firms.
Vickers, I., Owen, R., Smallbone, D., James, P., Ekanem, I., Bertotti, M. and CEEDR (Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research) 2003. Cultural influences on health and safety attitudes and behaviour in small firms. London Health & Safety Executive Research Report, HSE Books.
Evaluation of the deprived urban post office fund.
North, D., Vickers, I., Owen, R., Ekanem, I. and CEEDR (Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research) 2005. Evaluation of the deprived urban post office fund. London Office of the Deputy Prime Minister..
Mapping the social economy in the rural East Midlands.
Lyon, F., Smallbone, D., Evans, M., Ekanem, I., Smith, K. and CEEDR (Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research) 2002. Mapping the social economy in the rural East Midlands. Countryside Agency.
Types and impacts of BME businesses
Lyon, F., Owen, R., McPherson, M., Ekanem, I., Ellis, C., Bertotti, M., Sepulveda Ramirez, L., Oyelere, M. and CEEDR (Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research) 2007. Types and impacts of BME businesses. South East England Development Agency.
The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing firms: a learning approach.
Ekanem, I. and Smallbone, D. 2008. The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing firms: a learning approach. in: Harrison, R. and Leitch, C. (ed.) Entrepreneurial learning: conceptual frameworks and applications. London Routledge.
'Insider accounts': a qualitative research method for small firms
Ekanem, I. 2007. 'Insider accounts': a qualitative research method for small firms. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development. 14 (1), pp. 105-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000710727926
Learning in small manufacturing firms: the case of investment decision-making behaviour
Ekanem, I. and Smallbone, D. 2007. Learning in small manufacturing firms: the case of investment decision-making behaviour. International Small Business Journal. 25 (2), pp. 107-127. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242607074515
'Bootstrapping': the investment decision-making process in small firms
Ekanem, I. 2005. 'Bootstrapping': the investment decision-making process in small firms. The British Accounting Review. 37 (3), pp. 299-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2005.04.004
A fresh start and the learning experience of ethnic minority enterpreneurs
Ekanem, I. and Wyer, P. 2007. A fresh start and the learning experience of ethnic minority enterpreneurs. International Journal of Consumer Studies. 31 (2), pp. 144-151. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2006.00580.x