Investigating the success of SMEs in rural locations

This Research & Knowledge Exchange Doctoral Project brief summarises our priority areas of research interest under the heading of:  An investigation into what prevailing factors contribute to the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a rural location.

We welcome all research degree applications aligned with and in response to this brief.

This project intends to both explore and uncover key issues and elements enabling and affecting success in rural SMEs. Examination of the current literature around SME success revealed several factors that were prevalent such as firm growth, longevity, size, and innovation.  

Given the scope of the study and its examination of SMEs within a rural location, it is recommended that a quantitative methodological approach would be best suited.  

Possible research areas may include (but are not confined to): 

• Exploration of the different indicators of SME success and identification of any prevalent contributing factors 
• Examination of which factors more accurately represents success in rural SMEs.  
• Examining whether there exist any prevalent factors that lead to business failure.  

Projects deriving from this brief are expected to sit within the Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy and the following department.

All successful research degree project proposals must emphasise a clear alignment between the project idea and our Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy.