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Many theories regarding whisker growth exist. It has been demonstrated in a variety of reference sources that tin whiskers can form in both pure tin and tin alloy deposits. Conversely, an equal number of claims exist in the literature demonstrating no whisker growth in the same types of deposits. The lack of an industry standard whisker test is a significant limitation in addressing tin whiskers. Historically in the electronics industry, addition of lead (Pb) was found to be an effective method of minimizing tin whisker formation and so for many years electronic components have been electroplated with tin‐lead (Sn‐Pb). With the advent of Pb‐free electronics finishing, the risk of tin whiskers is again a significant concern. This paper will review the theories behind whisker formation, identify the common characteristics of same, and demonstrate how Pb‐free electroplating processes can be formulated to minimize the risk of whisker formation.

Given the growth of services and their importance in the economy, e‐business and the Internet have the potential to increase the competitiveness and growth of small firms. However, the general pattern is that the smaller the enterprise, the less likely they are to be prepared to adapt their business processes to accommodate this “new” technology. To illustrate the inherent issues this qualitative research utilised various projective techniques: construction, completion, and associative “tests” that have challenged the pseudo‐scientific age of business as a great human “subjective” exercise. A methodology that in the less traditional academic sense is “unusual, intriguing, fun and engaging” is innovatively employed in this small tradable service firm study to facilitate self‐expression among the respondents about particular e‐business scenarios in a less structured, indirect and more imaginative way. Consequently, the depth of the analysis and interpretation generated from the study has provided the researcher with a rich source of new leads and ideas about potential e‐business inhibitors and facilitators among SMEs not previously considered.