Volume II of two books on how to master Small- and Medium-Sized Projects - SMPs. These projects seldom receive serious attention in project literature of today. But the popularity of the project approach means that smaller, ‘everyday’ tasks can be performed as projects. The goal and purpose of the smaller projects are often very different from those of the bigger projects and need a different approach. The books systematically review the steps or ‘Stepstones’ any project manager needs to negotiate. The focus is on SMPs, but all projects could benefit from going through the ‘Stepstones’
Volume I of two books on how to master Small- and Medium-Sized Projects - SMPs. These projects seldom receive serious attention in project literature of today. But the popularity of the project approach means that smaller, ‘everyday’ tasks can be performed as projects. The goal and purpose of the smaller projects are often very different from those of the bigger projects and need a different approach. The books systematically review the steps or ‘Stepstones’ any project manager needs to negotiate. The focus is on SMPs, but all projects could benefit from going through the ‘Stepstones’.
What does a manager really do? What is a manager supposed to do? What is the difference between a manager and a leader? This book outlines the challenging role of the manager. The main topics such as planning, organizing, leading and controlling are covered, as well as issues such as competitive advantage, team structure, motivating, trust and flowcharting. Management can be different in the not-for-profit area, therefore each section concludes with a comment about this sector. This book includes a case woven through the chapters and questions at the end of each section.
Second volume considers industrial settings and essentially attempts to apply the theory considered in volume one. Furthermore, this volume recognizes the contributions of small firms to these industries, firmly establishing the pivotal role they play in future economic development and prosperity. This is achieved by investigating a number of industries such as agri-food, health, energy, construction and heritage. In particular there is consideration of innovative and sustainable solutions, the assessment of research and development, technology and multimedia knowledge management systems.
Volume considers innovation and small business with particular reference to the innovation process. Here an approach appropriate to small businesses is taken by considering the distinction between invention and innovation as well as research and development in the context of small firms. In addition, technology diffusion, clusters and knowledge flows, higher education spin-offs, global start-ups and innovation performance indicators are also considered with particular reference to the small business sector.
