This participant-observation study explores the process of gathering and evaluating both financial and non-financial information and communication and transfer of that information within a medium-size Electrical Company in Christchurch, New Zealand. The previous literature has established the importance and the main characteristics of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), mainly studying manufacturing companies. However, there has been little research done in New Zealand on the overall communication process and the financial and non-financial information usage in a small-medium enterprise. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with all the office employees and two partners, along with a ten month participant-observation in the Electrical Company in order to understand how financial and non-financial information is communicated and processed in an SME. Also, research in an SME that has overcome the 2008 economic depression and several major earthquakes allows a deep understanding of lessons learned and what is valued by the Electrical Company. The research has found characteristics of this SME similar to those that have been mentioned in previous literature. However, the partners of the Electrical Company understand the importance of financial management and use financial information extensively to ensure the business expenses are under control. Moreover, the partners use more than just financial information to manage the company. They gather non-financial information through talking to their accountant, their customers and people in the same industry and they keenly follow the news on the rebuilding of Christchurch.
The Foundation facilitates community engagement and communication through their website, providing service delivery, volunteer co-ordination and service to assist with the rebuild of Christchurch and Canterbury following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.
A story submitted by Alice to the QuakeStories website.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 27 December 2011 entitled, "Languishing Li-los".
A story submitted by Anonymous to the QuakeStories website.
At a meeting in a tent, Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr speaks to staff about their return to work after the February 2011 earthquake. The photographer comments, "The VC addresses staff in a marquee in the Communication Disorders car park".
A story submitted by Anonymous to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Michelle to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Helen to the QuakeStories website.
A pdf copy of a drawing for children focusing on diggers and road cones.
A pdf copy of a cut-out dress-up game for young children involving safety gear.
An area next to the river in Kaiapoi where workers previously dug trenches to fix the power and communication lines. They have now been fixed and the trenches have been filled in. A pile of dirt can still be seen.
A story submitted by Melissa to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Claudia Chernishoff to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Melody to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Sarah to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Maria Simmonds to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Shannon Arthur to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Holly to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Sophie to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Allie to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Rene to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Leonie to the QuakeStories website.
A document for SCIRT's communications team which details how SCIRT should carry out school visits.
A pdf copy of a SCIRT school visit feedback form from Richmond Primary School.
A plan which provides SCIRT with clear direction and guidelines regarding communication in the event of a crisis. The first version of this plan was produced on 1 December 2013. Note that personal details of key personnel have been removed from this document.
A story submitted by Rebecca to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Drew to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Madelaine Weiss to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Danielle Mclellan to the QuakeStories website.
