Product Description

The fourth edition of this text continues to cover entrepreneurial and small firm theory, concepts, evidence, policy and practice. This fully updated edition contains the latest research developments as well as practical assignments, examples and real life case studies. In addition, it has new coverage of family business and female entrepreneurs, and a revised structure.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #111598 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 360 pages

About the Author
Professor David Deakins is currently the Acting Dean of Paisley Business School and the Director of Paisley Enterprise Research Centre (PERC).

Mark Freel is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Edinburgh Management School.

Customer Reviews

Better understanding of entrepreneurship + little more
Deakins and Mark Freel offer a completely and successfully revised edition. The book has an excellent comprehensive layout and good structure. The principle of American textbooks is used to give the book a more attractive and interactive outlay: there are 'cases', suggested 'think points', graphical material, suggested assignments. Undeniably, the book is based on the profound and most qualified research in entrepreneurship and gives extensive lists of references for each of its 12 chapters.

The book would be a good suggestion for undergraduate or graduate courses targeted to give students understanding of the role of entrepreneurship and small business in the economy, rather than introducing them to the small business management aspects. Students will find the book easy to use and full of 'good stuff'. However, the graduates may feel that the book gives only one particular perspective on entrepreneurship and small business and should be completed by readings of other authors.

The lecturers will be seduced by the support material of PowerPoint presentations and case studies available on-line. There is a students' on-line zone giving answers to think points and case studies discussions.

To conclude - a lot of high quality material on entrepreneurship, UK support government policies and initiatives, something on sources of finance and business planning, however, very little on how the small firm operates. But if you are looking just for understanding of the entrepreneurship, go for it!

Some good material, but beware!
This was a set text on my first year Entrepreneurship module, so I was required to read it! While the introductory chapters are helpful in providing a background to entrepreneurship in small firms, there are some less helpful chapters. Chapter 7, 'ICT and e-business' is absurd - it confuses websites and networks and related security in a breathtaking manner. Chapter 3 includes a sample financial projection which includes capital as revenue and hence part of 'profit', which spoilt a much needed section on the role of women and ethnic minories. Not too good for a 4th edition.

So buy this if you have to, but be careful to cross check information before you use it. And, as other reviewers have said, this is relly just an academic work and not of much practical value to budding Anita Roddicks.