PRE-INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING CHECKS · PRE-INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING CHECKS Current assumption is these will be pre-computed by us. ... the questions they receive are ... see section R)

Australian Centre for Entrepreneurship Research www.bus.qut.edu.au/research/ace/

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PRE-INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING CHECKS

Current assumption is these will be pre-computed by us. NASCENT = 1 FOR NASCENT VENTURE CASES; NASCENT = 0 FOR YOUNG FIRM CASES. PRE-DISENGAGED =1 IF PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED RESPONDENT DISENGAGED [NASCENT: (A39 = 4 IN W2, W3 OR W4); YOUNG FIRM: (a42 = 3 IN W2, W3 OR W4); OTHERWISE PRE-DISENGAGED =0 (only the latter to be interviewed in this round; we may want to have a separate follow up of disengaged respondents starting somewhat later, however, the questions they receive are already included in this design – see section R) PRE-SALES =1 IF 1) NASCENT = 0, OR 2) NASCENT = 1 AND DATE OF FIRST SALES IS PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED (A23 VALID IN W2, W3 OR W4, OR Q474# VALID IN W1); OTHERWISE PRE-SALES =0 PRE-POSCASH =1 IF DATE OF FIRST MONTH WITH REVENUE > COST PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED (A25 VALID IN W2, W3, OR W4 (this criterion applies to Nascent only). PRE-OPERATIONAL =1 IF DATE OF FIRST BEING OPERATIONAL IS PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED (A27 VALID IN W2, W3 OR W4); OTHERWISE PRE-OPERATIONAL =0 (this criterion applies to Nascent only) PRE-EMPLOYER =1 IF HAVING EMPLOYEES IS PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED (NASCENT: Q250 = 1 IN W1, OR C77 = 1 IN W2 OR W3 OR W4; YOUNG FIRM; Q204 =1 IN W1 OR B15 = 1 IN W2 OR W3 OR W4); OTHERWISE PRE-EMPLOYER =0 PRE-IMPORTER =1 IF DOING IMPORTS IS PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED (Q360H# = 1 IN W1, OR J6 = 1 IN W2 OR W3 OR W4); OTHERWISE PRE-IMPORTER =0 PRE-EXPORTER =1 IF DOING EXPORTS IS PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED (Q360F# = 1 IN W1, OR J8 = 1 IN W2 OR W3 OR W4); OTHERWISE PRE-EXPORTER =0 PRE-COVER = 1 IF COVERING OF ALL START-UPCOSTS IS PREVSIOULSY CONFIRMED (L19 = 1 IN W3 OR W4); OTHERWISE PRE-COVER = 0 This interview only for cases with PRE-DISENGAGED = 0.


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Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is <INSERT NAME> from XXX calling on behalf of Queensland University of Technology. May I speak to <ENTER CONTACTS NAME>. REINTRODUCE AS NECESSARY. W5_1. You may recall that you have previously been interviewed about your business <INSERT MOST UPDATED BUSINESS NAME> as part of Queensland University of Technology’s study of new business. We are now following up with a short, last interview and eager to hear what has happened in your case. Are you or anyone else still working on <INSERT MOST UPDATED BUSINESS NAME> or has it been terminated? [cf. A0] Interviewer Note: change in business name and/or slight to moderate change in business focus = we regard it as the same.

1 Still going 3 Discontinued 8 DO NOT READ OUT ‘Don’t know’ 9 DO NOT READ OUT ‘Refused’ READ TO ALL: (That’s interesting) If you are available we’d like to conduct the follow-up interview now. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete. (If terminated/disengaged: We are equally interested in all start-ups, regardless of what became of them). INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF THE RESPONDENT TRIES TO BACK OUT ALTOGETHER TRY TO REGAIN COMMITMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING POINTS: DISCONTINUED POINTS (IF W5_1=3):

We would still like to speak with you about this business and how your involvement ended. It’s a very short interview; no more than 10 minutes. By participating you could also help the design of better policies, education and assistance

services for business start-ups. Since last time we spoke, we have developed a close relationship with the relevant department in Canberra (DIISRTE) and they are really taking this study seriously. In fact, they help fund this last interview round.

We will also share the results of the research with you – several reports have already been issued which created some media buzz, and several more will be posted to our website over the coming year. Offer to email link http://www.qut.edu.au/research/research-projects/the-comprehensive-australian-study-of-entrepreneurial-emergence-causee

ONGOING POINTS (IF W5_1 NE 3):

It’s a very short interview; no more than 10 minutes. By participating you could also help the design of better policies, education and assistance

services for business start-ups. Since last time we spoke, we have developed a close relationship with the relevant department in Canberra (DIISRTE) and they are really taking this study seriously. In fact, they help fund this last interview round.


IF DECLINED AND W5_1 NE 3: Thank you for your time and your previous participation. Good luck with your future endeavours. IF DECLINED AND W5_1 = 3: Thank you for your time and your previous participation. If you don’t mind, can I just ask this one question: W5_2. To the best of your knowledge, what month and year was the last time any work was done on

this business? [A21]

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy


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READ: Thanks, and good luck with your future endeavours. IF AGREED: Thank you, your participation is most appreciated and will be very valuable for the project.

1 Can continue now CONTINUE2 Schedule another time RESCHEDULE READ TO ALL: Before we begin, I would like to assure you that the interview is confidential and completely voluntary. If we should come to any question that you don't want to answer, just let me know and we'll go on to the next question. W5_3. Just to reconfirm: Is this business still active? Are you or others working with it at this point in time? [A15] [Temporarily dormant; planning to revive = 1, Active]

1 Yes, business still active (with or without resp.

involved) continue

2 No, business not active 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know continue

continue 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused READ IF W5_3 = 2. It would still be very valuable for us to get some more information about what

was achieved while the business was still active. We hope you can help us with some more questions as best you can.

ASK IF W5_3 = 1, 8 OR 9. W5_4. Do you consider yourself to be actively involved with this new business or disengaged from it?

[A17]

1 Actively involved 5 Disengaged 8 Don’t know READ IF W5_4 = 5. It would still be very valuable for us to get some more information about what has

happened to this business. We hope you will answer a few more questions as best you can. ASK IF W5_4 >1 W5_5. In what month and year were you last active in this business? [A19]

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy ASK IF W5_3 >1 W5_6. Is it more or less than 12 months since anyone was doing any work on this business?

1 Less than 12 months 2 More than 12 months (No “current” or “future” or “last 12

months questions to be asked!)


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ASK IF W5_3 >1 W5_7 To the best of your knowledge, what month and year was the last time any work was done on

this business? [A21]

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy CHECKPOINT. IF W5_6 > 0, ASSIGN TERMIN00 = 1 ELSE TERMIN00 = 0 IF W5_6 =2, ASSIGN TERMIN12 = 1 ELSE TERMIN12 = 0 NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF PRE-SALES =0 . W5_9. Has this business ever received any money, income, or fees from the sale of goods or

services?

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF PRE-SALES =0 and W5_9 = 1. W5_10. To the best of your knowledge, in what month and year was the first revenue received from

the sale of goods or services for this new business? [A23]

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy NASCENT ONLY. ASK IF W5_9 = 1 OR (PRE-SALES = 1 AND PRE-OPERATIONAL = 0) W5_10A. Has there ever been a 12-month period in which for at least six of the twelve months this

business received money, income, or fees from the sale of goods or services? [A22]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF W5_10A = 1. W5_10B. In what year did this business first have a period with income from sales for at least 6

months of a twelve month period? [NEW]

RECORD YEAR: yyyy NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF PRE-POSCASH =0 AND (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1). W5_11. Has monthly revenue ever exceeded monthly expenses for this business? [A24A]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF (PRE-POSCASH = 0 and) W5_11 = 1. W5_12. To the best of your knowledge, in what month and year did monthly revenue first exceed

monthly expenses for this business?? [A23]



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NASCENT ONLY. ASK IF W5_11 = 1 OR (PRE-SALES = 1 AND PRE-OPERATIONAL = 0) W5_13. Has there ever been a 12-month period when monthly revenues of the business have been

more than monthly expenses for at least six of any twelve month period? [cf. A24]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF W5_13 = 1. W5_14. Are salaries for the owners who were active in managing the business included in the

computation of monthly expenses? [A26]

1 Yes 2 No 8 Partial Salary (If vol.) 9 Don’t know / Refused NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF PRE-OPERATIONAL = 0 AND W5_14 = 1 W5_15. What was the first month and year in which monthly revenue was greater than all monthly

expenses, including salaries for the owners active in managing the business? [A27]

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy NASCENT ONLY ASK IF TERMIN12 = 0 AND (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1, 8, 9) W5_16. In the last 12 months, has this business received any money, income, or fees from the sale of

goods or services?

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused NASCENT ONLY ASK IF W5_16 = 1, 8, 9 W5_17. Has the monthly revenue of the business been more than monthly expenses for more than

six of the past twelve months? [A24]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused


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ASK IF TERMIN12 = 0 AND (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1, 8, 9). W5_18. (To the best of your knowledge) What were the business’ sales in total dollars over the past

12 months approximately? [B18/C85]] INTERVIEWER NOTE: PLEASE PROBE FOR A DOLLAR AMOUNT. ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS).

ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: Don’t Know - 888,888,888 Refused - 999,999,999

ASK IF TERMIN12 = 0 AND (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1, 8, 9). W5_19 & W5_20 (To the best of your knowledge) What were the business’ profits or losses in

total dollars over the past 12 months approximately? [B19-20/C86-87] INTERVIEWER NOTE: ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT IN PROFIT OR LOSS; WHICH EVER APPLIES. (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS). A ZERO RESULT CAN BE ENTERED IN EITHER COLUMN. [PROGRAMMER NOTE: Programming suggestion: allow option to enter response in $, $000s or $millions to reduce interviewer entry error – APPLIES TO ALL QUESTIONS WITH OPEN $ RESPONSE]

W5_19 PROFIT W5_20. LOSS ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: $............ $............Don’t Know - 888,888,888 888,888,888Refused - 999,999,999 999,999,999 ASK IF PRE-EMPLOYER = 0. W5_21. Apart from the owners, at any stage were any people working for this business for pay,

including any managers, employees, or exclusive subcontractors? [IF ‘NO’ record ‘3’] [B15/C77]:

1 Yes 2 No, not yet – will employ in future 3 No, Not relevant NASCENTS ONLY. ASK IF (PRE-EMPLOYER = 0 AND) W5_21 = 1. W5_22. (To the best of your knowledge) In what month and year was the first person hired for this

new business? [C78] INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER 88/8888 IF RESPONDENT DOES NOT KNOW AND IS UNABLE TO GIVE ROUGH ESTIMATE


ASK IF PRE-EMPLOYER = 1 OR W5_21 = 1. W5_23. Apart from the owners, what was the largest number of people working for this business for

pay at any one time? [NEW]

INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER 8888 IF RESPONDENT DOES NOT KNOW AND IS UNABLE TO GIVE ROUGH ESTIMATE

RECORD NUMBER:


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ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0 AND (PRE-EMPLOYER = 1 OR W5_21 = 1). W5_24. (As far as you know) How many managers or employees, including exclusive subcontractors,

currently work 35 hours or more per week for this new business, not counting the owners? [B16/C80]


RECORD NUMBER:

ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0 AND (PRE-EMPLOYER = 1 OR W5_21 = 1). W5_25. (As far as you know) How many managers or employees, including exclusive subcontractors,

currently work less than 35 hours or more per week for this new business, not counting the owners? [B17/C81]


RECORD NUMBER: ASK ALL. W5_26. Did the business ever provide the main source of income for any owner or employee for a

period of at least 6 months? [NEW] (Mark one response category only)

1 Yes, owner 2 Yes, employee 3 Yes, both 4 NO, neither 8 Don’t know 9 Refused ASK IF PRE-IMPORTER = 0. W5_28. Did this business ever import goods or services from abroad? [cf. J8]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF TERMIN12 = 0 AND (PRE-IMPORTER = 1 OR W5_28 = 1). W5_29. Did this business import goods or services from abroad during the last 12 months? [cf. J6]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF PRE-EXPORTER = 0 AND (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1). W5_30. Did this business ever sell any products or services to customers in other countries, either

directly or indirectly? [cf. J8]



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ASK IF TERMIN12 = 0 AND (PRE-EXPORTER = 1 OR W5_30 = 1). W5_31. Did this business sell any products or services to customers in other countries during the last

12 months? [cf. J8]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0 AND 1) CASE IS ‘YOUNG FIRM’ OR 2) CASE IS NASCENT FIRM WITH (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_16 = 1) W5_32A-D. Approximately what percent of your revenue currently comes from customers who are...

[L15A-D]. INTERVIEWER NOTE: READ OUT. MUST ADD TO 100%

A Local –- that is, located within 30 kilometres of the new business?

______% DK 888

B ASK IF L15A <100% Located more than 30 but less than 150 kilometres away?

______% DK 888

C ASK IF L15A+L15B <100% Located more than 150 kilometres away but within Australia?

______% DK 888

D ASK IF L15A+L15B+L15C <100% From customers located abroad? Interviewer note: abroad does not include tourists

______% DK 888

TOTAL 100% ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0 AND 1) CASE IS ‘YOUNG FIRM’ OR 2) (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1) W5_33. What proportion of sales in the current year will be generated by products/services that you did not sell a year ago? Would it be closer to ……[L66]…. READ OUT CODES

1 0% 2 25% 3 50% 4 75% 5 100% ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0 AND 1) CASE IS ‘YOUNG FIRM’ OR 2) (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_9 = 1) W5_34. What proportion of sales in the current year will be generated in geographical markets which you were not selling to a year ago? Would it be closer to …[L67]……. READ OUT CODES

1 0% 2 25% 3 50% 4 75% 5 100%


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ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0. W5_37-40. For each of the following business outcomes I would like to know if you (and any other

owners of this business) think that your result over the past 12 months has been better, worse or equal to what you expected 12 months ago? (In case reply is better or worse: xx or much xx) (If needed – if other owners’ opinion differ from respondent or are unknown, record respondent’s opinion) [L1-L4]

Much worse

Worse As expected

Better Much better

37. Net profit? (i.e. sales minus operational costs)

1 2 3 4 5

38. Development of sales? (i.e. change or growth in the volume of sales)

1 2 3 4 5

39. Cash flow (i.e. inflow vs. outflow of money) 1 2 3 4 5 40. Growth of the company's value? 1 2 3 4 5

ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0 AND 1) CASE IS ‘YOUNG FIRM’ OR 2) CASE IS NASCENT FIRM WITH (PRE-OPERATIONAL = 1 OR W5_13 = 1 OR W5_17 = 1). W5_41-44. For each of these outcomes I would also like to know if you (and any other owners) think that this business’ result over the last 12 months has been better, worse or equal to that of other companies in your industry. (In case reply is better or worse: xx or much xx) [L5-8]

Much worse

Worse As expected

Better Much better

41. Net profit? (i.e. sales minus operational costs)

1 2 3 4 5

42. Development of sales? (i.e. change or growth in the volume of sales)

1 2 3 4 5

43. Cash flow (i.e. inflow vs. outflow of money) 1 2 3 4 5 44. Growth of the company's value? 1 2 3 4 5

ASK ALL. W5_45. Did you or some other original founder of this business ever sell the business, or parts of the business, to new owners? [NEW]

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF W45 =1. W5_46. Did this sale mean a profit for the seller, that is, did the seller get more than they had invested in the business (or the corresponding part of the business)? (IF YES: Probe for significant profit or modest profit) [NEW]

1 Yes, significant profit Yes, modest profit 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused


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ASK IF PRE-COVER = 0 AND TERMIN00 = 0.

W5_47 Let’s assume I posed the following question to your accountant or some other person with good insights into the history and financials of this business. Question: As of today, would it be possible to sell or walk away from this business, and it would have covered all the costs incurred for developing it to what it currently is?” What do you think that knowledgeable person would answer – “Yes, definitely”, “Yes, Probably”, “No, probably not” or “No, definitely not”? [L17]

1 Yes, definitely 2 Yes, probably 3 No, probably not 4 No, definitely not 8 Don’t Know 9 Refused ASK IF 1) PRE-COVER = 0 AND W5_47 = 3, 4, 8 or 9,

or 2) PRE-COVER = 0 AND TERMIN00 = 1. . W5_48 [REPEAT FIRST PART ONLY IF NOT JUST READ] Let’s assume I asked your accountant or

some other person with good insights into the history and financials of this business. Has there been any point in time when that knowledgeable person would have said it would be possible to sell or walk away from the business, and it would have covered all the costs incurred for developing it up until that point in time – “Yes, definitely”, “Yes, Probably”, “No, probably not” or “No, definitely not”? [CF. L18]

1 Yes, definitely 2 Yes, probably 3 No, probably not 4 No, definitely not 8 Don’t Know 9 Refused ASK IF (W5_47 = 1 or 2) OR (W5_48 = 1 or 2) W5_49. Would that “Yes” include reasonable remuneration to the owners for their work, at least

similar to the salary they could have earned doing some work as an employee? [L19]

1 Yes CONTINUE2 No CONTINUE ASK IF 1) PRE-COVER = 1 AND TERMIN00 = 0. or 2) W5_47 = 1 or 2 or 3) W5_48 = 1 or 2 . W5_50. TEXT IF PRE-COVER = 1 OR W5_47 = 1 or 2: If you (and the other owners) sold the

business today, what would be the approximate total net market value that you would receive? [L20] TEXT IF 48 = 1 or 2: If you (and the other owners) had sold the business at that time, what would be the approximate total net market value that you would receive? [L20] INTERVIEWER NOTE: ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS).

ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: Not possible to sell business at this point in time (or similar) - 777777777Don’t Know - 888888888 Refused - 999999999


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ASK IF W5_50 = 888888888 or 999999999 (DK or Ref) W5_51. TEXT IF PRE-COVER = 1 = 1 or 2: Can you tell me If you (and the other owners) sold the

business today, would the approximate total net market value that you would receive be more or less than $50,000? [L21]

TEXT IF 48 = 1 or 2: Can you tell me If you (and the other owners) sold the business at that time, would the approximate total net market value that you would receive be more or less than $50,000?

1 More than $50,000 2 Less than $50,000 8 Don’t know 9 Refused

ASK IF W5_51 = 1 W5_52 Can you tell me whether it would be more or less than $250,000? [L22]


ASK IF W5_51 = 2, 8 OR 9. W5_53 Can you tell me whether it would be more or less than $10,000? [L23]


ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0. W5_55 Overall, how do you look upon your involvement in this business now that you are a few years

into it – has it been an experience that you would rate as very negative, negative, neutral, positive or very positive? [cf. X8; L64].

1 Very negative 2 Negative 3 Neutral 4 Positive 5 Very positive 8 DK 9 Refused ASK IF TERMIN00 = 0. W5_56. [X15]. If you came across another opportunity to try to start a new business that looked

promising, would you try again? [Read as needed: “is that XX, definitely or XX, probably?] [L65; cf.X15]

1 Yes, definitely 2 Yes, probably 3 Neutral/don’t know 4 No, probably not 5 No, definitely not


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ASK ALL. W5_57-W5_63. I would like to ask a few questions that we failed to check with you in earlier interviews. Firstly, I’d like to know where the idea for the business came from. For each of the following please indicate whether what I suggest was a source of the idea for your business. The response alternatives are “not at all”, “to some degree”, “to a considerable degree” or that it was the “main source” of the idea.

Not at all To some degree

To a considerable

degree

Main source DK Refused

W5_57. Insights gained though working in a previous job

1 2 3 4 8 9

W5_58. Insights gained through a hobby or personal interest

1 2 3 4 8 9

W5_59. Insights gained as a user or consumer in contexts other than personal hobbies or interests

1 2 3 4 8 9

W5_60. Insights gained from university education or university research

1 2 3 4 8 9

W5_61. Insights gained from other education or training

1 2 3 4 8 9

W5_62. Something you saw in a different industry

1 2 3 4 8 9

W5_63. Something you saw in a different country or place

1 2 3 4 8 9

ASK ALL. W5_64. In the past five years, did the business ever change its primary location?

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF W5_64 = 1. W5_65-W5_69. Was any of the following an important reason for changing the location, yes or no?

Yes No W5_65. Moving closer to buyers 1 2 W5_66. Moving closer to suppliers 1 2 W5_67. Reducing the cost of the premises 1 2 W5_68. You outgrew the previous location 1 2 W5_69. You wanted a better environment to develop the ideas for the business

1 2

ASK ALL. W5_70. Was this business ever located in a “business incubator”, that is, a shared space for several business start-ups?



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ASK IF W5_70 = 1. W5_71. What was the most important reason for locating your business in a “business incubator”?

[RECORD OPEN ENDED ANSWER] ASK ALL. W5_72. For the purpose of developing products or services, has this business ever collaborated with other firms, organisations, or institutions?

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK ALL. W5_73. For the purpose of delivering and selling products or services, has this business ever collaborated with other firms, organisations or institutions?

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF W5_72 = 1 OR W5_73 = 1. W5_74-W5_80. Which of the following types of partners have you collaborated with for product/service development or delivery? Please answer “yes” or “no” to each.

Yes NoW5_74. Suppliers 1 2 W5_75. Customers 1 2 W5_76. Other firms within your industry? 1 2 W5_77. Other firms outside you industry? 1 2 W5_78. Academic institutions; universities 1 2 W5_79. Professional association 1 2 W5_80. State or federal government 1 2 ASK IF W5_72 = 1 OR W5_73 = 1 W5_81. Were any of these collaborations built on formal contracts between the parties?

1 Yes 2 No (all informal) 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused


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ASK IF W5_72 = 1 OR W5_73 = 1 W5_ 82-W5_85. Which of the following were important reasons for you to collaborate with other firms, organisations or institutions? Please respond “yes” to all IMPORTANT reasons. (Read alternatives and record answer for each)

Yes No W5_82. Getting access to knowledge and skills you were otherwise lacking?

1 2

W5_83. Getting access to equipment and facilities that you were otherwise lacking?

1 2

W5_84. Getting access to additional markets or customers?

1 2

W5_85. Saving on costs 1 2 ASK IF 1) CASE IS ‘YOUNG FIRM’ OR 2) CASE IS NASCENT FIRM WITH (PRE-SALES = 1 OR W5_16 = 1) W5_86. Where is (or was) this business’ most important customer located? Was it (read alternatives;

mark one)

Within 30 kilometres of your business location? 1 More than 30 but less than 150 kilometres away? 2 More than 150 kilometres away but within Australia? 3 Abroad; outside of Australia 4 DK 8 Refused 9 ASK ALL W5_87. Did this business or its founders ever participate in or benefit from any government support for starting or running the business, including grants, advice, training, tax concessions, or the like?

1 Yes 2 No (all informal) 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused ASK IF W5_87 = 1 W5_88- W5_94. Which of the following forms of support have you received through a government program or agency? (Read alternatives and record answer for each)

Yes No W5_88. Grants 1 2 W5_89 Advice 1 2W5_90. Training 1 2 W5_91. Mentoring 1 2 W5_92. Tax concessions 1 2 W5_93. Tax rebates / offsets 1 2 W5_94. Mediation services 1 2 ASK IFW5_87 = 1 W5_95. When was the most recent occasion that this business or its owner(s) participated in or

benefited from any government support? Please indicate (approximate) month and year.



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IF TERMIN00 = 1 OR W5_4 = 5 GO TO NEXT SECTION. ELSE READ: That was the last question. Once again thank you so much for sharing your time

and thoughts with us. It is very valuable for our research and we hope you found some value in this exercise as well. Goodbye.

(Should ask for current email (or check currency of existing email) so we can send link to report?)

X. Exit interview for Disengaged Respondents DR

THIS ENTIRE SECTION ONLY FOR TERMIN00 = 1 OR W5_4 = 5. (No changes from earlier waves). X1-X5. I am now going to read out some possible reasons why you are no longer working on this

business, For each of the statements could you say whether you completely disagree; partly disagree; are neutral; partly agree, or completely agree. You disengaged because… READ ITEMS FROM LIST.

Completely disagree

Partly disagree

Neutral Partly agree

Completely agree

DK Refused

X1. Demand for your products or services looked less promising than previously thought

1 2 3 4 5 8 9

X2. Achieving high profitability looked less likely than previously thought

1 2 3 4 5 8 9

X3. You ran into obstacles that made it very difficult to keep the business going

1 2 3 4 5 8 9

X4. You found another job or business that looked more promising

1 2 3 4 5 8 9

X5. Disagreement among the owners made it difficult to continue

1 2 3 4 5 8 9

X6. Changes in your personal life made it difficult or impossible to continue

1 2 3 4 5 8 9

X7. To put it differently, what triggered your decision to disengage – was it mainly something about

this particular business or mainly about deciding that running your own business isn’t the right thing for you – or did both occur together?

1 Mainly something about this particular

business 2 Mainly about running one’s own business not

the right thing 3 Both together 8 Don’t know


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X8. How do you look upon your involvement in this business now that you have left it – was it an experience that you would rate as very negative, negative, neutral, positive or very positive?

1 Very negative 2 Negative 3 Neutral 4 Positive 5 Very positive 8 DK 9 Refused X9-X14. Now that you are no longer involved in this business, are you: going back to or continuing

your old job; working at a new job; working on another start-up; looking for work, or doing something else?

MULTIPLE RESPONSE POSSIBLE – Check all that apply!

Yes No X9. Old job 1 2 X10. New job 1 2 X11. Another start-up 1 2 X12. Looking for work 1 2 X13. Something else 1 2 X14. Don’t know 1 2 X15. If you came across another opportunity to try to start a new business that looked promising,

would you try again? [Read as needed: “is that XX, definitely or XX, probably?]

1 Yes, definitely 2 Yes, probably 3 Neutral/don’t know 4 No, probably not 5 No, definitely not

X16A. Can you say roughly how much money or financial resources of any kind you and any other

owners or helpers combined have invested in this business up until your involvement ended? Please include any loans and owner contributions made to help run and develop the business.

INTERVIEWER NOTE: ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS).

ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: Don’t Know - 888888888 Refused - 999999999 ASK IF W5_4 = 5 AND TERMIN00 = 0 X17. As I understand it others may still be working on this business. Can you give us a rough idea

about how much others may have invested in it after you disengaged?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS).

ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: Don’t Know - 888888888 Refused - 999999999


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ASK IF TERMIN00 = 1. X18-X23. I understand this business is no longer active. Have any of the following stakeholders

lost any money as a result of their involvement in or with this business?

Yes No Don’t know Refused X18. Owners 1 2 8 9 X19. Banks 1 2 8 9 X20. Suppliers 1 2 8 9 X21. Customers 1 2 8 9 X22. Employees 1 2 8 9 X23. Friends or family

1 2 8 9

ASK IF TERMIN00 = 1 AND X18 = 1. X24. Can you say roughly how much money or financial resources of any kind you and any other

owners combined have lost as a result of their involvement in this business? INTERVIEWER NOTE: ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS). SOME MAY SAY IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL WHAT TO COUNT AS A “LOSS” – TELL RESPONDENT TO COMPARE WITH THE INCOME AND WEALTH THAT WOULD LIKELY HAVE RESULTED FROM THE MOST PROBABLE ALTERNATIVE ACTION TO BECOMING INVOLVED IN THIS START-UP/BUSINESS.

ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: Don’t Know - 888888888 Refused - 999999999 ASK IF ‘Don’t Know’‘ or ‘Refused’ at X24 X25. Can you tell me whether you and any other owners combined have lost more or less than

$50,000?


ASK IF X25 = 1 X26. Can you tell me whether it is more or less than $250,000?


ASK IF X25 = 2, 8 OR 9. X27. Can you tell me whether it is more or less than $10,000?



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R. Re-Entry interview for Disengaged Respondents DR

SECTION ONLY FOR TERMIN00 = 1 OR W5_4 = 5 OR PRE-DISENGAGED=1 OPTION 1: START OF SECTION R FOR PREVIOUSLY KNOWN DISENGAGED READ/ASK IF PRE-DISENGAGED=1

Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is <INSERT NAME> from XXX calling on behalf of Queensland University of Technology. May I speak to <ENTER CONTACTS NAME>. REINTRODUCE AS NECESSARY. R0 You may recall that you have previously been interviewed about your previous business <INSERT MOST UPDATED BUSINESS NAME> as part of Queensland University of Technology’s study of new business. We are now following up with a short, last interview and eager to hear what you are up to now and whether you are working on another business. If you are available we’d like to conduct the follow-up interview now. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete. (If not working on another business: We realise that starting your own business may not be your focus now, but we’d still like to ask you three short questions). INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF THE RESPONDENT TRIES TO BACK OUT ALTOGETHER TRY TO REGAIN COMMITMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

It’s a very short interview; no more than 10 minutes. By participating you could also help the design of better policies, education and

assistance services for business start-ups. Since last time we spoke, we have developed a close relationship with the relevant department in Canberra (DIISRTE) and they are really taking this study seriously. In fact, they help fund this last interview round.


IF DECLINED: Thank you for your time and your previous participation. Good luck with your future endeavours. GOTO END

IF AGREED: Thank you, your participation is most appreciated and will be very valuable for the project. CONTINUE 1 Can continue now CONTINUE2 Schedule another time RESCHEDULE

GOTO R1 OPTION 2: START OF SECTION R FOR DISENGAGED IN W5 & NOT CONSIDERING RE-ENTRY READ IF (TERMIN00 = 1 OR W5_4=5) & X11=2

We realise that starting your own business may not be your focus now, and some of this may seem repetitive, but we’d like to ask you a few short questions about what you are up to, in the same way we did the very first time we first contacted you about your previous business. GOTO R1

OPTION 3: START OF SECTION R FOR DISENGAGED IN W5 & CONSIDERING RE-ENTRY READ IF (TERMIN00 = 1 OR W5_4=5) & X11=1

We realise you said you might be starting another business, so some of this may seem repetitive, but we’d like to ask you a few short questions about this new business, in the same way we did the very first time we first contacted you about your previous business. GOTO R1


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R1 Are you, alone or with others, currently trying to start a new business, including any self-employment or selling any goods or services to others?

1 Yes NEW BUSINESS OWNER 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused

R2 Are you, alone or with others, currently trying to start a new business or a new venture for

your employer, an effort that is part of your normal work? 1 Yes NEW BUSINESS EMPLOYEE2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused

R3 Are you, alone or with others currently the owner of a business you help manage, including

self-employment or selling any goods or services to others? 1 Yes ESTABLISHED BUSINESS2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused

IF R1=2 & R2=2 & R3=2 GOTO END OTHERWISE CONTINUE R4 Are involved in more than one business or just one business?

1 One business 2 More than one business

READ IF R4=2

The focus of this interview is the most recent business start-up you are involved in even if it is not yet up and running, and where you will be an owner or part-owner of the business. Please answer the following questions with respect to that start-up.

R5 What is the business’s name?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF UNWILLING TO GIVE THE BUSINESS NAME ASK: What name can we use to refer to this new business in this interview

RECORD NEW BUSINESS NAME:

PROGRAMMING NOTE: THIS BUSINESS NAME IS FOR THEIR NEW BUSINESS AND SEPARATE NAME TO THAT ORIGINALLY IN DATABASE

R6 In what month and year did you start anything such as looking for equipment or a location,

organizing a start-up team, working on a business plan, or any other activity that would help launch <INSERT NEW BUSINESS NAME>?

RECORD MONTH & YEAR:

R7 Over the past twelve months, have you done anything to star the business, such as looking

for equipment or a location, organizing a start-up team, working on a business plan, or any other activity that would help launch a business?

1 Yes 2 No 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused


20

R8 Will you personally own all, part, or none of this business?

1 All CONTINUE

2 Part 3 None

GO TO END 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused

R9 Has this new business received any money, income, or fees from the sale of goods or services?

1 Yes 2 No

ASK IF R9 = 1 R10 In what month and year was the first revenue received from the sale of goods or services for

this new business?

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy ASK IF R9 = 1 R11 Has this business received any sales revenue, income, or fees for more than six of the past

twelve months?


ASK IF R9 = 1 R12 Has monthly revenue ever exceeded monthly expenses for this new business?

1 Yes 2 No

ASK IF R12 = 1 R13 In what month and year did monthly revenue first exceed monthly expenses for this new

business?

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy ASK IF R12 = 1 R14 Has your monthly revenue been more than monthly expenses for more than six of the past

twelve months?

1 Yes, revenue greater than expenses 2 No, expenses greater than revenue 8 DO NOT READ OUT Don’t know 9 DO NOT READ OUT Refused

R15 As we define it, a business is operating if it has experienced any 12-month period where

revenues were greater than all costs at least half the time. Is this correct for <INSERT NEW BUSINESS NAME>?



21

ASK IF R15=1 R16 In what year did this business or self-employment start, that is, when did you first start trading

in the market doing the type of business you are currently doing?

RECORD YEAR: yyyy R17 Has this name been registered with a government agency? (e.g. Australian Tax Office,

Government Business Name Registry)

1 Yes 2 No

ASK IF R17=1 R18 To the best of your knowledge, in what month and year was the business name formally

registered?

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: R19 What industry is this business in? SINGLE RESPONSE

INTERVIEWER NOTE: READ OUT LIST IF RESPONDENT UNCLEAR.

1 Retailing 2 Hospitality (Restaurant, hotel/accommodation,

bar or nightclub 3 Customer of consumer service 4 Health, education or social services 5 Manufacturing 6 Construction 7 Agriculture 8 Mining 9 Wholesale 10 Transportation 11 Utilities 12 Communications 13 Finance 14 Insurance 15 Real Estate 16 Business consulting or service 17 Other

R20 So, would you say this business will sell mainly products or mainly services?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: TRY TO AVOID ANSWERS ‘BOTH’; ‘DON’T KNOW’ OR ‘REFUSED’

1 Mainly products 2 Mainly services 3 Both equally 4 Don’t know 5 Refused

R21 What proportion of your sales, if any, is generated on-line, that is, via the Internet? Would it

be closer to ………. READ OUT CODES? 1 0% 2 25% 3 50% 4 75% 5 100%


22

R22 What is the current legal form of this business, would you say..?

1 A Sole trader 2 A Partnership 3 A Limited Liability Company [Ltd. or Pty Ltd.] 4 NASCENT ONLY

Legal form not been determined yet 7 Something else (DO NOT READ)

R23 As you know, the creation of a business often involves contributions of many individuals. Is

this business owned only by yourself, only by yourself and your spouse/de facto, or by yourself and some other people or businesses?

1 Self only 2 Self and spouse/de facto only 3 Self and others

ASK IF R23=2 or R23=3 R24 Was it you or another team member who first came up with the idea for this business?

1 Me 2 Partner/Another team member 3 Both / Two or more owners jointly / Impossible

to say R25 Which came first for you, the business idea or your decision to start a business -- or did they

occur together?

1 Business Idea 2 Decision to start a business 3 Both together 8 Don’t know

R26 To the best of your knowledge, in what month and year did you first think about starting this

business?

RECORD MONTH & YEAR: mm/yyyy R27 What is truer for you: Are you involved in this business to take advantage of a business

opportunity or because you have no better choices for work?

1 Take advantage of an opportunity 2 No better choice 3 Combination of both 9 Have job but seek better employment

R28 Which of the following two statements best describes your preference for the future size of

this business: I want this new business to be as large as possible, or I want a size I can manage myself or with a few key employees?

1 I/We want this new business to be as large as possible2 I/We want a size I/we can manage myself/ourselves or with a few key employees 3 PARTNERS & TEAM ONLY

This is a point where the partners/team members have different views


23

R29 Apart from the owners, are any people working for this business for pay, including any managers, employees, or exclusive subcontractors? [IF ‘NO’]: Will any be hired in the future, or is this not relevant for this business? 1 Yes 2 No, not yet – will in future 3 No, Not relevant

ASK IF R29=1 R30 Apart from owners, how many managers or employees, including exclusive subcontractors,

currently work 35 hours or more per week for this new business.

INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER 8888 IF RESPONDENT DOES NOT KNOW Enter number given:

ASK IF R29=1 R31 Apart from owners, how many managers or employees, including exclusive subcontractors,

currently work less than 35 hours per week.

INTERVIEWER NOTE: ENTER 8888 IF RESPONDENT DOES NOT KNOW Enter number given:

ASK IF R9=1 R32 What were the business’ sales in total dollars over the past 12 months approximately?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: PLEASE PROBE FOR A DOLLAR AMOUNT. ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS).

ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT:Don’t Know - 888,888,888Refused - 999,999,999

ASK IF R9=1 R33 What were business’ profits or losses in total dollars over the past 12 months approximately?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: ESTIMATE IS BETTER THAN DON’T KNOW. ENTER FULL AMOUNT (DO NOT SHORTEN TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS). PROGRAMMER NOTE: MULTIPLE VARIABLES

PROFIT LOSS ENTER FULL $ AMOUNT: $............ $............ Don’t Know - 888,888,888 888,888,888 Refused - 999,999,999 999,999,999

R34 On a scale of zero to one hundred, what is the likelihood that this business will be operating

five years from now, regardless of who owns and operates the firm? Enter response between 0 and 100Don’t know 888

R35 In this research we are talking to hundreds of start-up businesses. If we take one hundred of

them at random, how many do you think will be still operating five years from now, regardless of who own and operate them?

Enter response between 0 and 100 Don’t know 888


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R36 What is the expected total revenue or income for this business this business five years from now?

Enter full dollar amount, all digits (do not shorten to thousands or millions) Don’t know 8888888 Refused 9999999

R37 How many managers or employees, including exclusive subcontractors will be working for this

business five years from now, not counting the owners?

Enter number of people (in none enter zero) Don’t know 8888888 Refused 9999999

END

READ: That was the last question. Once again thank you so much for sharing your time and thoughts with us. It is very valuable for our research and we hope you found some value in this exercise as well. Goodbye.

PRE-INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING CHECKS · PRE-INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING CHECKS Current assumption is these will be pre-computed by us. ... the questions they receive are ... see section R)

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