San Antonio Export Leaders: A Case Study of Third-Party Assistance for Small Business

Date of Degree

12-2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program

Education

Advisor

Richard Henderson

Advisor

Absael Antelo

Advisor

Mark Teachout

Advisor

Raydel Tullous

Abstract

Using qualitative methodology, this study investigated reasons why a select group of small business people chose to participate in a third-party assistance program which provided training and education about doing business in Mexico. Selected graduates were interviewed to determine what they expected from the program, whether they felt their expectations were met, and their perception of its effectiveness. The study also investigated whether the action-learning component of the program contributed to the perceived benefits of the program by the participants. Subjects were asked for suggestions to close the gap between their expectations and what they felt they received from the program. The study found that the subjects felt the program was worth their time, and generally, their expectations were met. The discovered program benefits included enhanced credibility for the participants, valuable learning reinforcement by the group interaction, increased confidence in doing business in Mexico, and successful business transactions. The study includes qualified conclusions and recommendations for further study.

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