Papers by Firend Al. Rasch
IJBMR, 2019
This paper examines development assistance inflows and Ghana’s long term growth. Specifically, th... more This paper examines development assistance inflows and Ghana’s long term growth. Specifically, the study investigates the long run effect of development assistance inflows on economic growth using Johansen cointegration approach to establish the presence of long run cointegration relationship among the variables. The fully modified ordinary least squares is then used to estimate the long run effect of development assistance inflows on economic growth. Results of the long run analysis showed that there exists a statistically significant positive relationship between development assistance and economic growth in Ghana. Therefore, the government of Ghana must ensure stable political environment in order to attract more of such assistance and also ensure that development assistance inflows are put into judicious use.
International Conference on Accounting Studies (ICAS) 2015 17-20 August 2015, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 2015
This research investigates the levels of organizational commitment among technical executive, ide... more This research investigates the levels of organizational commitment among technical executive, identifies factors that influence organizational commitment in the Malaysian oil and gas industry, and examines the impact of organizational commitment on organizational performance. This research was conducted at Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE). The framework adopted the three component-conceptualization of organizational commitment. Among the findings is that organizational commitment tends to influence stress level at work. A high level of affective commitment caused work stress to increase amongst employee.
Proceedings: conference on social and behavioural sciences, 2015
This paper examines TQM managerial practices in number of Malaysian manufacturing sectors.
International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, 2015
This research examines the impact of tobacco tax on government revenues and consumer's behavior t... more This research examines the impact of tobacco tax on government revenues and consumer's behavior towards price increases. In this examines historical trends of tobacco tax hikes in Malaysia and consumer's reaction towards anticipated price increases. Methodology consisted of qualitative and quantitative data collection for triangulation in addition to review reports and studies of governmental and independent agencies. Findings suggest that price increases has a minimal affect on consumption habits. Addiction is the primary factor causing smokers to adapt to any anticipated price hikes. Youth below the age of 18 are the most sensitive segment of the smoker population to any price increases. This is attributed to lack of disposable income amongst Malaysia youth. Findings further shows that price increases in the form of taxes are in actuality means of generating extra revenue streams.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND BUSINESS STRATEGY, 2015
Since the beginning of "Arab spring" , scholars have been attempting to distinguish the underlyi... more Since the beginning of "Arab spring" , scholars have been attempting to distinguish the underlying determinants of such historical events in the modern development of the Arab world. This research however aims to examine the role of institutions in the resource rich region of the world, and the impact of encumbrance of such institution on the evolution of events that led to the social unrest and the aftermath of the so called Arab Spring. The purpose of this research to examine the impact of the phenomenon in respect of macroeconomic management of the economy especially in poverty reduction, reducing the rate of unemployment, the growth of per capita income, reduction of income inequality, capital formation and growth. The findings of this research showed there are inconclusive evidences that the Arab Springs have not bring about the required results by the people. Although the time period before and after the Arab Spring is quite short but it is an indication with regard to the success and failure of the role of the public institutions.
Research Journal of Social Sciences, 2015
The objectives of this study is to evaluate consumer's awareness of brand by studying the relatio... more The objectives of this study is to evaluate consumer's awareness of brand by studying the relationship between brand awareness and variables such as customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, customer trust and quality of services. The study examines the relationship through a quantitative research methodology conducted in main peninsula Malaysia. The examined brand Air Asia airline's services in Malaysia. This study finds the existence of crucial association between customer loyalty, trust, satisfaction and quality of services that affects brand awareness among Malaysian consumers. Customer loyalty is found to have the highest impact on brand awareness. Findings of the study help organizations in enhancing brand images, improves brand recognition.
The international journal of business and management research "IJBMR", 2015
This paper explores the concept of economic inertia, and takes Malaysia economic performanceAs an... more This paper explores the concept of economic inertia, and takes Malaysia economic performanceAs an example to support the phenomenon. An examination of available economic data by Bank Negara Malaysia And otherIndependent economic monitoring agencies, in addition to data available to the World Bank and IMF, was utilizedIn the analysis. This research concludes that since nations strive to compete and grow economically, by design in an uncompetitive position. Economic deficienciesIn the farm of lack of adequate actions wAllow a monetary or fiscal policy to play out without full assessmentAwful impact on the economy when actions are needed,
International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, 2016
Despite the volume of training provided across Malaysian industries, personal capacity in human c... more Despite the volume of training provided across Malaysian industries, personal capacity in human capital still causing inefficiencies at the work place. Managers complain that trained staff does not show improvement in performance in the post-training stage. This study examines post-training effectiveness and applications of new skills acquired through training and the relationship between training and development and degree of job competency and quality of work. A mixed model was applied, which comprised of quantitative and qualitative interviews with both trainees, trainers, and human resources personnal incharge of training programs. Data was collected from 20 manufactorers and interview with open ended questions were conducted with 20 trainees and 5 trainers. Findings shows that cultural reasons attributed to lack of capacity in Malaysian human capital. This is attributed to workers nature of work ethics, Asian value of "show of face" or "loss of face", lack of common sense reflected in lack of worker's ability to react to instructions effectively, fear of making mistakes, lack of sense of urgency in execution of instructions, and lack of reliability. All of which, contribute to the overall competitiveness of worker in relation to other workers around the world.
ACADEMY OF MARKETING 3rd B2B MARKETING COLLOQUIUM UNIVERSITY PARIS 1 PANTHEON SORBONNE-BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY, 2016
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, consumers are presented with greater choices of servi... more In an increasingly competitive marketplace, consumers are presented with greater choices of services than ever
before, and therefore, understanding the B2B value co-creation activities between both suppliers and consumers is
of great importance. This study intends to investigate the impact of B2B value co-creation impact on consumers in
South East Asia’s services industry. The research questions formulated for this paper ask what is the impact of B2B
value co-creation on consumer satisfaction? Existing studies have mostly focused on examining the concept of
value co-creation behavior and its impact within organizational settings, with little consideration of B2B value cocreation
from consumer standpoint. Therefore, consumer approach to assessing B2B value co-creation impact on
consumer provides new insights and a greater understanding on the mechanism of B2B value co-creation. Findings
reveal that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive impact on consumer satisfaction in Asian services sector
involved in B2B activities. Findings further show that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on
consumer repurchase intentions, which suggests that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on
consumer repurchase intention.
Journal of Life Science and Biotechnology, 2016
Given the increasing competitive nature of global markets, consumers are able to choose from an e... more Given the increasing competitive nature of global markets, consumers are able to choose from an ever-increasing quality of products and services with constant declining prices. Hence, better understanding of B2B value co-creation activities that governs suppliers' relationship with a direct impact on consumer is of great importance. The general purpose behind the study is that customers are willing to buy products only if consumers are in demand of the manufactured products, and therefore, the marketing efforts should target the ultimate consumer as opposed to the buyer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of B2B value co-creation on consumers in South East Asia's manufacturing industry. The research questions of this study are as following; what is the impact of B2B value co-creation on consumer satisfaction? What is the effect of value co-creation behavior on repurchase Intention? What is the effect of value co-creation behavior on willingness to pay premium? Available literature that deals with B2B co-creation in SouthEast Asia is primarily concerned with examining the concept of value co-creation behavior and its impact within organizational settings, with little consideration given to B2B value co-creation from consumer standpoint. Hence, an approach that attempts to assess B2B value co-creation impact on the ultimate consumer provides a new insights and a greater understanding of B2B value co-creation relationship within this important geographical part of the Asian market. Findings show that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive impact on consumer satisfaction in SE-Asian manufacturing sector. Findings also reveal that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on ultimate consumer repurchase intentions. This suggests that B2B activities involving value co-creation have a positive effect on ultimate product consumer repurchase intention.
IJBMR, 2017
This paper compares the branding strategies of two cities as major tourist destinations; Kuala Lu... more This paper compares the branding strategies of two cities as major tourist destinations; Kuala Lumpur and the city of Dubai.
Because tourism revenues are vital sources of income, both cities compete to attract visitor. The methodology applied in this
research is qualitative in nature through interviews with experts from the department and ministry of tourism in both cities, and
secondary data available through governmental agencies. The significance of this research lies in highlighting successes and
failures of branding strategies at the national and local levels. Findings shows that tourism has been declining in Kuala Lumpur
and Malaysia steadily over the past three years despite declining value of the Malaysian Ringgit. This is primarily because of lack
safety and increasing insecurity, corruption, negative publicity in media and competition from neighboring destinations such as
Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia and Singapore. While Dubai managed to increase the number of
visitors in post 2008 financial crises through consistency of services offerings, the role of Emirate Airlines, and capitalization on
core competencies.
International Journal of Economics And Financial Management, 2017
The Internet shopping experience offers dissimilar ways of off-online communications with communi... more The Internet shopping experience offers dissimilar ways of off-online communications with communication differences tools that need a better decision of their effect on customer communications. Social networking sites is also fast becoming the platform for interaction, attracting new potential customers and has become the trend for companies to engage with their consumers online. The main objective of this research is to examine Malaysia customer's risk perception toward online shopping via social media website. Findings suggest that respondents from all age groups have generally accepted the Internet to be used for social networking, while older groups use the Internet for information search and online shopping. The key areas of risk for not using Internet shopping is related to product quality, scamming, and poor customer service; in which the female groups appeared to be more concerned about the risk involved. Higher income groups are more concerned with the risks on product quality suggesting they expect value for their money for the products. Findings further shows that older consumer groups require some form of education in technology, which is preventing them from fully exploring the Internet and shopping potentials. The area of concern for both genders, is information security, such as protecting private information, security of the website, comfort level with the site, information completeness and trust of the vendor. Female groups were found to have higher tendency of fear of the risk of breaching information, suggesting that they highly value their privacy and secrecy.
IJBMR, 2017
This research explores consumer’s insight into the female sportswear segment for the purpose of i... more This research explores consumer’s insight into the female sportswear segment for the purpose of improving product
development in the clothing industry in South-East Asia, a consumer base consisting of 500 million people. The research aims
to clarify the important parameters on which buying decisions are made. The parameters are based on price, function, fit,
brand, and design. The methodology used in this research is qualitative and quantitative consisting of participative
observations, in-depth interviews, and survey. Results shows a wide range of shopping approaches utilized by consumers.
Shopping behaviour can be seen depending on products and location. Essential parameters for an exercising garment are fit
and design. abundance of available options in the market can cause confusion amongst consumers. The over-availability of
products contributed to the creation of such confusion or even fussiness amongst consumers. This is to suggest that the more
alternatives available to consumers, the more difficult it will be to find “the right” product. Findings also suggests that
consumer’s input and opinion is vital to product development and significantly contributes to product design and enhancement.
IJBMR, 2018
This paper explores the application of loyalty programs in Malaysian as a representative sample o... more This paper explores the application of loyalty programs in Malaysian as a representative sample of the Asian and South East Asian consumer. This is primary attributed to the multi-culturalism and ethnic composition of the Malaysian society. This research concludes that the Malaysian consumers like most Southeast Asian consumers, is price sensitive, and motivated to utilize any form of loyalty program that enhances saving and increase value of purchase. Findings of this research concludes that consumers are increasingly price sensitive across Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Analysis further shows that higher fuel and general increases in the consumer price index (CPI) directly corelated to place of shopping. Analysis of secondary data further shows that consumers prefer to go to one stop shopping canter to get all their shopping needs done in one place, which often has all the facilities needed such as post office, banking services, food courts, and telecommunication services. Such one stop shopping canters provides convenience to consumers, and as a result, developers in the city of Kuala Lumpur are participating in the creation of such space and experience. Although this will create more commercial space and creation of jobs, yet the consequence of such demand and preference is over supply of retail centres that provides such shopping convenience. An efficient regulatory framework then must be in place that assesses population growth, demand and regulates supply of such retail space. Failing to adequately regulate supply of retail space would have a negative impact on zoning, the banking sector that is tied to the construction industry and developing companies of such retail space.
JMMR, 2018
Objective-This research explores the changing mechanism in the relationship between retailers and... more Objective-This research explores the changing mechanism in the relationship between retailers and consumers whereby consumers face higher-prices due to inflation while their earnings, and thereby their disposal income, does not simultaneously increase. Methodology/Technique-An examination is conducted on the use of loyalty cards in the Malaysian retail sector to determine whether Asian consumers are enticed by the use of loyalty programs, which can be seen as an attempt to save money when making purchases. Findings-The findings suggest that loyalty programs will expand in the future to include other offerings as they gain momentum and popularity. This research concludes that Malaysian consumers, like most of Southeast Asian consumers, are price adverse, and hence will take opportunities to save money when making purchases. Novelty-The findings of this research can be generalized to the Southeast Asian region due to the similarity of consumption and national characteristics between Malaysian and Southeast Asian consumers.
IJRTBT, 2018
This research examines the premise of effective managerial practices and its impact on organizati... more This research examines the premise of effective managerial practices and its impact on organizational productivity and employee satisfaction within the Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) context. The four variables considered in this paper to have an impact towards employee satisfaction are job involvement, teamwork, trust level between employee and employer, and work environment. Research findings suggest that managerial practices have an impact on employee satisfaction level, which is highly correlated to employee performance and organization performance. The result of this research recommends that such managerial practices to be taking into consideration not only within SME's but across SouthEast Asian organizations with similar size and characteristics. Such assertion is because of cultural similarities between Malaysia and neighboring ASIAN countries. This study further concluded that all the proposed variables examined in this research tend to have a significant impact on employee satisfaction within Malaysian SME's. This in turn, is found to be major contributor to the internal strengths of the organization when a firm is not suffering from marketing myopia that deter the firm from focusing on external market forces.
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Papers by Firend Al. Rasch
before, and therefore, understanding the B2B value co-creation activities between both suppliers and consumers is
of great importance. This study intends to investigate the impact of B2B value co-creation impact on consumers in
South East Asia’s services industry. The research questions formulated for this paper ask what is the impact of B2B
value co-creation on consumer satisfaction? Existing studies have mostly focused on examining the concept of
value co-creation behavior and its impact within organizational settings, with little consideration of B2B value cocreation
from consumer standpoint. Therefore, consumer approach to assessing B2B value co-creation impact on
consumer provides new insights and a greater understanding on the mechanism of B2B value co-creation. Findings
reveal that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive impact on consumer satisfaction in Asian services sector
involved in B2B activities. Findings further show that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on
consumer repurchase intentions, which suggests that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on
consumer repurchase intention.
Because tourism revenues are vital sources of income, both cities compete to attract visitor. The methodology applied in this
research is qualitative in nature through interviews with experts from the department and ministry of tourism in both cities, and
secondary data available through governmental agencies. The significance of this research lies in highlighting successes and
failures of branding strategies at the national and local levels. Findings shows that tourism has been declining in Kuala Lumpur
and Malaysia steadily over the past three years despite declining value of the Malaysian Ringgit. This is primarily because of lack
safety and increasing insecurity, corruption, negative publicity in media and competition from neighboring destinations such as
Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia and Singapore. While Dubai managed to increase the number of
visitors in post 2008 financial crises through consistency of services offerings, the role of Emirate Airlines, and capitalization on
core competencies.
development in the clothing industry in South-East Asia, a consumer base consisting of 500 million people. The research aims
to clarify the important parameters on which buying decisions are made. The parameters are based on price, function, fit,
brand, and design. The methodology used in this research is qualitative and quantitative consisting of participative
observations, in-depth interviews, and survey. Results shows a wide range of shopping approaches utilized by consumers.
Shopping behaviour can be seen depending on products and location. Essential parameters for an exercising garment are fit
and design. abundance of available options in the market can cause confusion amongst consumers. The over-availability of
products contributed to the creation of such confusion or even fussiness amongst consumers. This is to suggest that the more
alternatives available to consumers, the more difficult it will be to find “the right” product. Findings also suggests that
consumer’s input and opinion is vital to product development and significantly contributes to product design and enhancement.
before, and therefore, understanding the B2B value co-creation activities between both suppliers and consumers is
of great importance. This study intends to investigate the impact of B2B value co-creation impact on consumers in
South East Asia’s services industry. The research questions formulated for this paper ask what is the impact of B2B
value co-creation on consumer satisfaction? Existing studies have mostly focused on examining the concept of
value co-creation behavior and its impact within organizational settings, with little consideration of B2B value cocreation
from consumer standpoint. Therefore, consumer approach to assessing B2B value co-creation impact on
consumer provides new insights and a greater understanding on the mechanism of B2B value co-creation. Findings
reveal that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive impact on consumer satisfaction in Asian services sector
involved in B2B activities. Findings further show that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on
consumer repurchase intentions, which suggests that B2B value co-creation activities have a positive effect on
consumer repurchase intention.
Because tourism revenues are vital sources of income, both cities compete to attract visitor. The methodology applied in this
research is qualitative in nature through interviews with experts from the department and ministry of tourism in both cities, and
secondary data available through governmental agencies. The significance of this research lies in highlighting successes and
failures of branding strategies at the national and local levels. Findings shows that tourism has been declining in Kuala Lumpur
and Malaysia steadily over the past three years despite declining value of the Malaysian Ringgit. This is primarily because of lack
safety and increasing insecurity, corruption, negative publicity in media and competition from neighboring destinations such as
Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia and Singapore. While Dubai managed to increase the number of
visitors in post 2008 financial crises through consistency of services offerings, the role of Emirate Airlines, and capitalization on
core competencies.
development in the clothing industry in South-East Asia, a consumer base consisting of 500 million people. The research aims
to clarify the important parameters on which buying decisions are made. The parameters are based on price, function, fit,
brand, and design. The methodology used in this research is qualitative and quantitative consisting of participative
observations, in-depth interviews, and survey. Results shows a wide range of shopping approaches utilized by consumers.
Shopping behaviour can be seen depending on products and location. Essential parameters for an exercising garment are fit
and design. abundance of available options in the market can cause confusion amongst consumers. The over-availability of
products contributed to the creation of such confusion or even fussiness amongst consumers. This is to suggest that the more
alternatives available to consumers, the more difficult it will be to find “the right” product. Findings also suggests that
consumer’s input and opinion is vital to product development and significantly contributes to product design and enhancement.
This book attempts to provide numerous examples of companies from around the world, to show how various entities are operating and shaping the global economy. To fully comprehend such themes into practice, one need to look at various market players by examining how they
structure their operations and conduct everyday tasks in pursuit of their objectives. This book analyses numerous companies’ business modules, and attempts to illustrate to the reader the varying operational mechanism that makes them succeed. Business models of some big name companies have been examined here to illustrate how big as well as small firms, structure themselves to provide solutions of value to others. The cases in this book also detail the strategies (actions) [1] taken that contributes to the success of the firm and ultimately, reshaping the business model altogether. The biggest lesson to mention here is that companies must constantly change their business model to survive in the marketplace. Those who don’t manage to evolve their business models, or reinvent themselves, are doomed to become extinct and irrelevant. Those who do not manage to change their business model to remain relevant to their marketplace and consumers, they disappear and get replaced by others with more relevance to the consumer needs. For example, Kaiser was the largest ship builder in the U.S.A. during World-War II, today they are one of the top five health insurance companies. Tesla was one of the first electric car manufacturers. Slowly, they are shifting to electric energy providers rather than just electric car company. Uber started as an intermediary between
drivers and passengers, now they are redefining the concept of transportation. These companies understand the importance of redefining their business models constantly to remain relevant, by venturing into new unsaturated areas of consumer demand. While the reader gets the opportunity of examining various business models, let it not escape your attention as to how these businesses need to further restructure their business models to maintain future competitive advantage.
This body of work is especially relevant to people today in the eve of the 21st century, where the very nature of human activities is changing may be forever, because of technological advancements and the applications of Artificial Intelligence “AI”. Such applications are not only causing massive disruptions to the way we do things, interact, behave and consume, but, changing the rules and principles of economics as we know it, may be forever. Therefore, documenting what we know about economics, in a simplified manner, that includes economic terms, theories and concepts is necessary at this juncture of human development.
I purposely emphasized the term service providers in reference to productive agents, to illustrate how modern economic activities are shifting to services rather than production-based economies. This is a true characteristic of the global economy as it evolves from production based, to services, largely because of technological advancement. A final note regarding the simplification process in this body of work, which took the form of simplified language, presentation and display of concepts and topics to make it more enjoyable read. This is specifically true in the case of international readers or English second language, where they make up the majority of readers across the interconnected digital world.
to parish from the market place” Firend Alan Rasch
Methodology is defined as “strictly defined combination of logically related practices, methods, and processes that determine how best to plan, develop, control and deliver a project throughout the continuous implementation processes until successful completion and termination.” (MyManagementGuide). There are numerous definitions of methodology in project management. However, there is a shared fundamental principle across all definitions. That is, methodology in project management helps project managers direct the project, and keep it in track. Methodology help organizations to achieve outcomes that aligned with strategic objectives. This is especially true when considering that projects are expensive, changing and time consuming in nature.
All projects have three main components that a Project Manager (PM) constantly struggle with; cost, time, and quality. Various approaches to project methodology are the means of organizing and directing projects. These components are limitations that shape projects in the form of outcomes, deadlines and resources. As such, choosing the right methodology help achieve desired objectives and set outcomes in a most efficient and effective manner. There are six common types of project management methodologies. Each part will be discussed with explanation of its sub-parts.
This body of work is written while working in California’s Silicon Valley as project manager, and teaching project management to MBA students. The intent of this work is to clarify the various methodologies applied in project management and simply these concepts to those learning project management, and to those studying it. A study on critical success factors has been included at the end of this book to illustrate the importance of culture and the role cultural values play in defining project successes and failures for the benefit of the reader.
The objective of this book is to put together in reader’s hands all they need to know regarding modern theories in higher education in a simplified manner. It is my conviction that Hean et al., (2009: 256) is right in viewing learning and teaching adults, should not be viewed as collection of theories in of itself, but rather, “a context which [cognitive] constructivist theories are applied”. The collection of theories presented here are widely available across education and psychology textbooks.
This book is one section of the forthcoming book “Learning Theories: Everything you need to know about teaching in higher education” The forthcoming book will include additional sections such as; teaching styles, Curriculum Design, Assessment, and Learning Out- comes. The second part of the forthcoming book in 2020 will introduce the reader to essential concepts such as quality assurance and curriculum design in higher education; and the third part provides the requirements and essay examples, as part of the requirement of higher edu- cation associations that grants fellowships in education such as the Higher Education Academy in the U.K. and The American International Institute, USA.
Methodology is defined as “strictly defined combination of logically related practices, methods, and processes that determine how best to plan, develop, control and deliver a project throughout the continuous implementation processes until successful completion and termination.” (MyManagementGuide). There are numerous definitions of methodology in project management. However, there is a shared fundamental principle across all definitions. That is, methodology in project management helps project managers direct the project, and keep it in track. Methodology help organizations to achieve outcomes that aligned with strategic objectives. This is especially true when considering that projects are expensive, changing and time consuming in nature.
In 2010, Malaysia sat a target to become a high-income nation by the year of 2020 with the initiation of Economic Transformation Program (ETP). ETP is a comprehensive blueprint to move Malaysia’s economy into developed economy with a projected Gross National Income (GNI) of US$523 billion and per capita income at US$15,000 by 2020. The blueprint has included many sectors in its transformation plan such as palm oil, electrical & electronics, business services, oil & gas etc. Being a manufacturing and services center in a number of areas in the global outsourcing business, Malaysia needs to adapt to become more specialized, by identifying strong niches and subsectors to serve of the global market. Malaysia is urgent need to offer high-value services if they plan to remain relevant to international business and ultimately compete in the global marketplace. Malaysian companies are also encouraged to ready for changing nature of competitive landscape in the eve of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). TTIP will force many companies and industries in Malaysia to either become obsolete, or lack the competitive advantage needed to remain in business. The Malaysian consumer will also be forced to make adjustments in the post-TTIP agreement and with lower oil & gas prices. As we see in numerous cases presented in this book, many Malaysian firms are heavily subsidized by the government, and that’s how they manage to support operational costs and remain in business. The biggest challenge to Malaysian industries today is to compete in a crowded and competitive region. Gaining new market share and finding new segments to serve is a serious challenge for Malaysian industries in their quest to remain relevant and competitive. Corporate Malaysia and individual consumers are risk avers by nature, and not willing to charter in and unfamiliar territories. This is reflective in the level of technological advancement and innovation Malaysian industries enjoy today. VADS for instance is a very representative case study that illustrates some of the issues an average Malaysian company faces and the way they react to existing technological and market forces. This is also supported by the current position Malaysia finds itself in today, which is not able to compete with China, India and Vietnam in cheap production bases, not it is able to rise to the level of Singapore as a high-end market and services provider. This is what Richard Vietor of Harvard Business School “HBS” describes as being stuck in the middle.
This book discusses and presents number of Malaysian companies from varying industries. The case study approach may be attributed to HBS as an example of effective methodology to examining not only a company, but an industry, which can put the learner in the decision making seat. Case analysis allows the reader not only to learn about a given company’s activities, but to be able to compare, contrast and plan for course of strategies. The goal behind the case study approach is not to simply provide solutions, but it lies in the collective process of brainstorming, exchanging various point of views, providing the necessary reasoning for various positions held, interchange of perspectives, improving analytical abilities, exercising decision-making and developing leadership abilities, and most importantly building on various collective ideas presented in the process of discussion. It is important to mention that some of the companies discussed in this book did not allow the release of financial data, and so their wish was respected. Others however, are publically traded or allowed their financial statements to be shared, and hence, analyses were conducted to give the reader a cleared idea on the importance of financial structures. The data collected and presented in this book was through semi-structured interviews with the management, employees, review of program materials, available secondary data, direct observations and industry reviews. Some of the cases in this book purposely included a breakdown of the marketing 4P’s, Porter’s five forces and other models to illustrate how companies use such models in their daily assessment and analysis of their perspective organizations, their products and the industry. Such cases of real companies, serve as compelling examples for learners and practitioners alike, illustrating how powerful these tools can be for management in their decision-making and strategic corporate planning process.
Conversing with industry practitioners and academics,
often raises the issue of lack of employability amongst
graduate students at both levels, undergraduate and
post graduate. Viña of the Financial Times (April 26,
2016) reported that “the unemployment rate for
graduates was 3.1 per cent, 2.3 per cent for workers
with a postgraduate qualification and 6.4 per cent for
non-graduates”. Number of scholars also concur to
the notion that new graduates lack the needed skills
to make them employable (Archer and Davison, 2008;
Moreau and Leathwood, 2006; Reay, Crozier and
Clayton, 2010; Tomlinson, 2008). The core issue of
students’ employability lies in the needed skills and
abilities relevant to employers in various industries. Pedagogy is evolutionary and dynamic in nature, not
a static one argues (Giroux, 2011; Csikszentmihaly,
2013). Archer and Davison (2008) Hager and Holland
(2007) and Savage et. al. (1991) suggests that the
process of constant improvements involves
stakeholder’s capacity assessment. Namely, the
learner, the employer, the knowledge provider, and
societal needs.
Curcio et. al. (2006) and Pintrich (2004) proposes that
the ultimate purpose of pedagogical innovation is to
create a competitive advantage for the individual
learner, allowing them to compete at the personal
level, and in the job market at large. As a former
program director, and current framework leader, I
embarked on assessing such requirements, to
provide a pedagogical innovative environment that
helps improve students’ learning capacity and
employability. In this endeavour, I consent to Fill views that such process consists of number of
elements such as; examining learning outcomes,
capacity assessment, capacity building, availability of
resources, qualification of instructors and institutional
capability and commitment.
holds the very make up of business activities. Combined,
these two forces form the essence of contribution to what
makes economy, shaping our daily activities, and the
formation of business cycles. Given the ever-increasing
complexity of the global marketplace, business (exchange
of good and services, manufacturing, farming, production,
distribution, sales and consumption) is rooted in the way
we live and how our societies and ultimately nations,
progress. A viable, efficient and effective business model is
vital to organizational success of failure. Business model is
not just a theme of focus when reacting to a crisis, or
simply the operational structure of a given enterprise.
Business model is the manifestation of the very existence
of the organization, business, firm, group, agency,
governmental department or a person with a purpose of
providing a service to others.
This book attempts to provide numerous examples of
companies from around the world, to show how various
entities are operating and shaping the global economy. To
fully comprehend such themes into practice, one need to
look at various market players by examining how they structure their operations and conduct everyday tasks in
pursuit of their objectives. This book analyses numerous
companies’ business modules, and attempts to illustrate to
the reader the varying operational mechanism that makes
them succeed. Business models of some big name
companies have been examined here to illustrate how big
as well as small firms, structure themselves to provide
solutions of value to others. The cases in this book also
detail the strategies (actions) [1] taken that contributes to the
success of the firm and ultimately, reshaping the business
model altogether. The biggest lesson to mention here is that
companies must constantly change their business model to
survive in the marketplace. Those who don’t manage to
evolve their business models, or reinvent themselves, are
doomed to become extinct and irrelevant. Those who do
not manage to change their business model to remain
relevant to their marketplace and consumers, they disappear
and get replaced by others with more relevance to the
consumer needs. For example, Kaiser was the largest ship
builder in the U.S.A. during World-War II, today they are
one of the top five health insurance companies. Tesla was
one of the first electric car manufacturers. Slowly, they are
shifting to electric energy providers rather than just electric
car company. Uber started as an intermediary between drivers and passengers, now they are redefining the concept
of transportation. These companies understand the
importance of redefining their business models constantly
to remain relevant, by venturing into new unsaturated areas
of consumer demand. While the reader gets the opportunity
of examining various business models, let it not escape
your attention as to how these businesses need to further
restructure their business models to maintain future
competitive advantage.
demystify economics, and its role in business, and human activities. This
work initially attempted to target my M.B.A. and foreign students as a
book chapter to simplify economic concepts. Overtime, business
students and entrepreneurs showed an interest in simplified economics,
and how it impacts our daily activities and demanded a short
reference.
This body of work is especially relevant to people today in the eve of
the 21st century, where the very nature of human activities is changing
may be forever, because of technological advancements and the
applications of Artificial Intelligence “AI”. Such applications are not
only causing massive disruptions to the way we do things, interact,
behave and consume, but, changing the rules and principles of
economics as we know it, may be forever. Therefore, documenting
what we know about economics, in a simplified manner, that includes
economic terms, theories and concepts is necessary at this juncture of
human development.
I purposely emphasized the term service providers in reference to
productive agents, to illustrate how modern economic activities are
shifting to services rather than production-based economies. This is a
true characteristic of the global economy as it evolves from production
based, to services, largely because of technological advancement. A
final note regarding the simplification process in this body of work,
which took the form of simplified language, presentation and display of
concepts and topics to make it more enjoyable read. This is specifically
true in the case of international readers or English second language,
where they make up the majority of readers across the interconnected
digital world.
This book present real cases from Malaysia including Airasia, Avialite, Encorp, Felda Global Ventures Eco World, Southern Coated Penut, Bousted Heavy Industries Corporation (BHIC), BHIC Bofors Asia, APM Automotive Holdings, VADS, Asia Assistance Network, D'YANA, The Humble Chef, Jeonsa Centre, Materialise, Takaful. All of which, provides a collective lessons to Malaysian companies and those doing business in Southeast Asia, along with those studying business.
While Asia’s growth has recently disappointed, the region is expected to grow at a steady 5.4 percent in 2015–16, remaining the global growth leader. Asia’s growth should benefit markets because of the relative strong labor markets and disposable income growth along with the ongoing gradual recovery in major advanced economies. Across most major Asian economies, lower commodity prices should help consumption and market growth. Negative risks to growth dominate, especially the possibility of a sharper slowdown in China or larger spillovers from the changing composition of China’s demand. In addition, further U.S. dollar strength
accompanied by a sudden tightening of global financial conditions, weaker growth in Japan, and weaker regional potential growth could also dim Asia’s growth prospects.
The markets expects that high leverage could amplify shocks, and lower commodity prices that will also hurt corporate investment in key commodity-producing sectors. Despite its resilient outlook, Asia is facing a challenging economic environment. This calls for carefully calibrated macroeconomic policies and a renewed impetus on structural reforms to facilitate investment and improve economic efficiency, bolstering economic resilience, and potential growth. All of which opens a range of challenges and opportunities for markets and policymakers to approach the coming
stage in creative and new ways to take advantage of existing and upcoming
opportunities.
As a result this research recommend that such managerial practices to be taken into consideration not only with and SME's but across South-East Asian organisations were similar size and characteristics. Search assertion is based on cultural similarities between Malaysia and neighbouring ASIAN countries.