Training in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises Available to Purchase

The small and medium enterprise (SME) sector is receiving increasing recognition and, as part of this, its human resources needs is a comparatively neglected area. This study of 300 companies consisted of a comprehensive investigation of all aspects of human resources. The focus here is on the training and development aspects. Evidence from the survey itself and the detailed case studies is presented. This shows that training is by no means neglected, although it tends to be hands on rather than theoretical. It is related to both countering competition and the corporate strategy of companies. Management education is a less certain area, and may depend on whether those in charge of companies have themselves been through management education. Suppliers are not invariably in touch with sector needs.