Enterprising futures: training and education for small businesses Available to Purchase

The abilities and skills of employees will be crucial to the prosperity of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and there is some evidence that graduates may have an important role to play in improving performance. This paper examines how the Department of Business Studies at the Manchester Metropolitan University investigated the relevance of its provision to SMEs.The provision is generally perceived as relevant and could be quickly enhanced through the use of guest speakers and case studies. Future changes could include a named route through the existing programmes or the development of a dedicated course. More flexible methods of delivery should be investigated. A gap in the academic literature has been identified and appropriate theoretical material needs to be developed. However, the tension between theory and practice needs to be acknowledged in designing teaching/learning strategies. Short courses in basic skills, particularly in relation to IT, may help some SME students.