Factors Resulting in Successes and Failures for Small Businesses in the Small Business Institute Program at Syracuse University
During the 1970s the U.S. Congress inaugurated a program of managerial assistance to meld the talents and needs of local small-business communities, nearby educational institutions of higher business learning, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. This program was known as the Small Business Institute. The authors analyzed the experience of Syracuse University with the program from 1973 to 1997 and found that some problems faced by small businesses persisted over time, although there were significant shifts in other problems as the economic environment changed. We also found that the chances for survival of our client firms varied by industry, with manufacturing, retailing, and professional and nonprofessional service firms most likely to survive.
Small Business Growth During a Recession
This research examines the relationship between local government policies and small business growth at various stages of development. Businesses at different stages of development have distinct needs; therefore, we predict that they will interact with the local policy environment in different ways. We use data from the 2009 International City/County Management Association and National League of Cities economic development survey, the National Establishment Time Series Database, and the American Community Survey to construct four regression models to predict growth between 2007 and 2008 of small businesses overall, small businesses in the self-employed stage, small businesses with 1 to 9 employees, and small businesses with 10 to 99 employees. Overall, our findings suggest that the local policies that most significantly affect small business growth are those that create a supportive culture between the local public and private sectors and provide regulatory assistance.
Research requirements to reduce maintenance costs of civil helicopters
The maintenance problems faced by the operators of civil helicopters that result in high costs are documented. Existing technology that can be applied to reduce maintenance costs and research that should be carried out were identified. Good design practice and application of existing technology were described as having a significant impact on reducing maintenance costs immediately. The research and development that have potential for long range reduction of maintenance costs are presented.