Purpose -The purpose of this research is to present a detailed description of the qualitative research method adopted by the author in his doctoral research into the investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises; and to inform small firm researchers generally, particularly those who may be considering the use of a qualitative research methodology for the first time in the study of processes of decision-making. Design/methodology/approach -"Insider accounts" is an innovative qualitative methodology, which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation, conducted longitudinally in a case study approach. It is a research method, which includes detailed accounts from the actors themselves, incorporating the actual motives and behaviour of owner-managers. It is based on a philosophy that the "objects" studied are in fact "subjects", producing accounts of their world. Findings -The finding in the study for which this methodology was used is that owner-managers predominantly use "bootstrapping" techniques for their investment appraisal rather than the more formal methods suggested in the financial management literature. So-called "objective" studies of decision-making process using questionnaires and positivist-type approaches, do little to help to answer the basic questions relating to how and why decisions are taken. Without answering these questions it is impossible to recommend how practices can become more effective.Research limitations/implications -The study is limited to the extent to which it can be generalised to a wider population of small firms. Originality/value -The paper presents a detailed description of a qualitative research method, "insider accounts".

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Copyright and moral rights to this thesis/research project are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners. The work is supplied on the understanding that any use for commercial gain is strictly forbidden. A copy may be downloaded for personal, non-commercial, research or study without prior permission and without charge. Any use of the thesis/research project for private study or research must be properly acknowledged with reference to the work's full bibliographic details.This thesis/research project may not be reproduced in any format or medium, or extensive quotations taken from it, or its content changed in any way, without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder(s).If you believe that any material held in the repository infringes copyright law, please contact the Repository Team at Middlesex University via the following email address:eprints@mdx.ac.ukThe item will be removed from the repository while any claim is being investigated. Diversification in ethnic minority businessThe case of Asians in London's creative industries David SmallboneSmall Business Research Centre, Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, UK Marcello BertottiMiddlesex University, Enfield, UK, and Ignatius EkanemCentre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research (CEEDR), Middlesex University Business School, Hendon, London, UK Abstract Purpose -To provide an initial assessment of the nature and extent of the involvement of Asian-owned firms in the creative industries in London; to identify and assess any barriers they face; and draw out the implications for policy. Design/methodology/approach -An empirical study, undertaken in late 2002. Data sources included official statistical data and previous reports, as well as a programme of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 23 Asian entrepreneurs spread across eight sub-sectors. Findings -Asians are making a significant contribution to London's creative sectors, although they do face a number of specific constraints. Some of these are specific to the creative industries but others are shared with other small firms. However, few of these constraints appear to be exclusively Asian.Research limitations/implications -There are some limitations relating to the small scale of the study and its focus on a single geographical location.Practical implications -The research shows how (cultural) diversity can contribute to creativity and the competitiveness of regional economies, as well as individual businesses. This particularly applies in the creative industries because of extensive interlinkage with firms in other sectors. Originality/value -In creative activities, cultural diversity is a source of potential competitiveness, because of the positive relationships between diversity, creativity and innovation. Asian owned firms in the creative sectors contrast with the low value added nature of many traditional areas of Asian business activity in the UK.

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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in the entrepreneurial experiences between male and female entrepreneurs. The study investigates what entrepreneurs learn, how they learn, who they learn from and what prompted such learning. Design/methodology/approach – The data under analysis is drawn from a qualitative study which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted longitudinally as a case study in ten firms over a period of five years. The case study findings are analysed and discussed using a learning framework. Findings – The findings suggest some differences in the learning experiences between male and female entrepreneurs. Whilst male entrepreneurs were more likely to challenge and depart from industry norms, thus utilising double-loop learning process, female entrepreneurs were more likely to engage in “routinised” learning which enhances confidence, thus adopting the single-loop learning process. Research limitations/implications – The main implication of the study for policy makers is that unique training, networking and support programmes should be designed for women entrepreneurs. The study is limited to the extent that it can be generalised to a wider population of small businesses. Originality/value – To date, there have only been speculations and little understanding about whether there are differences in the entrepreneurial learning experiences between men and women. Thus, policy makers have little guidance as to whether or not unique training and support programmes should be designed for female entrepreneurs. The study is novel in so far as it was conducted longitudinally over a period of five years to sufficiently follow the learning behavioural pattern of entrepreneurs in different business sectors.