What makes a successful Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) in a rural location

O'Brien, Seamus ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8221-0340 and Giorgioni, G (2014) What makes a successful Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) in a rural location. In: University of Liverpool Doctoral Conference, Liverpool.

Abstract / Summary

This study is concerned with exploring the determinants of success in the context of rural locations. Generally, it is assumed that success can be measured in quantitative terms such as growth and profitability, while occasionally surrogate measures such as growth and employment are used (Storey, 1994). However, other research suggests that success may be measured in a much more personalised way by each stakeholder, which necessarily encompasses both quantitative and qualitative measures (Beaver & Jennings, 1995). Whilst previous research has considered the subject of growth (of employment, market share, turnover) and profit as key determinants of success, this study will provide a richer and deeper understanding of where the key catalysts to successful SMEs in a rural location lie.

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