Learning by Linking : Establishing Sustainable Business Learning Networks

Description

The Sustainable Learning Networks in Ireland and Wales project was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the INTERREG IVA Ireland Wales programme 2007-2013. The project was undertaken by the Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy, School of Business, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland in partnership with the School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Wales. The primary goal of the SLNIW project was to increase the competitiveness, creativity and innovative capacities and capabilities of small, medium and micro-enterprise. Read more... Content: Colophon; Foreword; Introduction; PART 1 PURPOSE; 1. Learning Networks: An Introduction; 1.1 The importance of networking to the micro-enterprise and SME business sectors; 1.2 Networking and the business owner; 1.3 Networking and the female business owner; 1.4 Business learning networks; 1.5 THE Benefits of business networks for regional economies; PART II PROCEDURE; 2. The SLNIW Process; 2.1 Introduction to the SLNIW process; 2.2 The rationale underpinning the SLNIW project; 2.3 THE SLNIW organisational structure; 2.4 The role of intermediaries; 2.5 Perceptions of business networks. 2.6 Recruiting SLNIW network participants2.7 Starting the networks; 3. Gathering the Evidence; 3.1 INTRODUCTION; 3.2 Participant Observation; 3.3 Observation Approaches; 3.4 Observer Effect; 3.5 Lessons learned about the observation process; PART III PROCESS; 4. Operational Factors; 4.1 Introduction; 4.2 Networking; 4.3 Network Governance and Process; 4.4 Network Evolution; 4.5 The SLNIW On-Line Forum and Other Communication Processes; 4.6 Summary; 5. External Forces; 5.1 Introduction; 5.2 The Role of the SLNIW Support Team; 5.3 The Impact of the skill-building sessions. 5.4 the Impact of gender division on the development of learning networks5.5 SUMMARY; 6. Internal Forces; 6.1 Introduction; 6.2 Cohesion and diversity; 6.3 Size and composition; 6.4 Trust; 6.5 Commitment; 6.6 Learning and knowledge exchange; 6.7 Network attraction; 6.8 Summary; 7. Sustainability: The Road to Self-Facilitating Networks; 7.1 Introduction; 7.2 THE Personal benefits of networking; 7.2.1 Lessons Learned from Personal Benefits of Networking; 7.3 THE Business benefits for network participants; 7.4 New networking skills developed through the SLNIW process; 7.5 Drawbacks to networking. 7.6 Sustainability7.7 SUMMARY; PART IV PARTING; 8. Network Participant Disengagement; 8.1 Introduction; 8.2 Participant Disengagement; 8.3 THE Effect of participant withdrawal on those remaining in the networks; 8.4 Summary; PART V PRACTICE; 9. Developing Sustainable Self-Facilitating Learning Networks: A Code of Good Practice; 9.1 Introduction; 9.2 Participant recruitment; 9.3 Terms of Engagement; 9.4 Facilitating Networks to become Self-Facilitating; 9.5 Network process and structure; 9.6 Summary; References; The Authors; Oak Tree Press; Notes. Abstract: The Sustainable Learning Networks in Ireland and Wales project was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the INTERREG IVA Ireland Wales programme 2007-2013. The project was undertaken by the Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy, School of Business, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland in partnership with the School of Management and Business, Aberystwyth University, Wales. The primary goal of the SLNIW project was to increase the competitiveness, creativity and innovative capacities and capabilities of small, medium and micro-enterprise