Islam in the Netherlands had created condemnation by the international community. Several muslim organizaation and political parties including Malaysia, have organized boycotts against Dutch products. This paper analyses the Fitna Movie controversy and the boycott of Dutch products in Malaysia
This document provides details on a new software update that will be installed on all company computers. The update includes security patches that fix vulnerabilities, improved compatibility with newer operating systems, and new features to enhance the user experience. The update will be automatically pushed out to all devices overnight on Friday and is expected to take 30 minutes to complete on each computer.
This document provides details on a new software update that will be installed on all company computers. The update includes security patches that fix vulnerabilities, improved compatibility with newer operating systems, and new features to enhance the user experience. The update will be automatically pushed out to all devices overnight on Friday and is expected to take 30 minutes to complete on each computer.
The document discusses the history and importance of chocolate in human civilization. It notes that chocolate originated in Mesoamerica over 3000 years ago and was prized by the Aztecs and Mayans for its taste. Cocoa beans were used as currency and their cultivation was tightly regulated. The Spanish conquest of the 16th century introduced chocolate to Europe, though it was initially consumed only as a bitter drink by the wealthy. Mass production and new technologies in the 19th century made chocolate affordable for the general population.
Globally, logistics is an important economic activity valued at about USD 320 billion a year and growing at an annual rate
of 3 to 10 percent. Malaysia has recognized the industry as the main key towards enhancing Malaysia’s progress on
becoming a globally competitive fully developed nation (IMP3 2006‐2020, 2006). It was predicted that the logistics industry
would grow at 8.6% during the plan period (2006 – 2020) and contribute 12.1% to GDP by 2020. Therefore, the
development of the human capital or human resource for the logistics industry in Malaysia becomes important in confirming
the nation’s competitiveness. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to produce a feasible framework of human resource
development for the logistics industry in Malaysia.
The paper examines the relationships among brand distinctiveness, design innovation and brand performance of furniture
manufacturers and the mediating effect of design innovation between brand distinctiveness and brand performance.
Questionnaires were distributed to more than 500 manufacturers and 204 questionnaires were analyzed. A 49-item questionnaire
which consists of brand distinctiveness, design innovation and brand performance were carried out to investigate the relations
among these variables. Statistical evidence was found to confirm only functional innovation as one of the dimensions of design
innovation that fully mediates the relationship between brand distinctiveness and brand performance. The paper researches the
role of innovation-in a twofold perspective: innovation in product design innovation on brand performance, and as a mediator
between brand distinctiveness and brand performance.
The purpose of this study is to report the results of a research designed to identify issues that confront firms in
adopting green manufacturing practices. The study is quantitative in nature, using a survey with open-ended
questions and subjected to content analysis to categorize the status of firms adopting green manufacturing practices
in the Malaysian furniture industry. Responses to an open-ended question concerning steps towards green products
indicate that a small percentage of firms embark in pursuing towards creating green products. However,
generalisability needs to be indicated through replication of findings. This study provides an original insight into the
status of firms adopting green manufacturing practices as well as offering guidance for managers in pursuing green
manufacturing practices
The document discusses the history and importance of chocolate in human civilization. It notes that chocolate originated in Mesoamerica over 3000 years ago and was prized by the Aztecs and Mayans for its taste. Cocoa beans were used as currency and their cultivation was tightly regulated. The Spanish conquest of the 16th century introduced chocolate to Europe, though it was initially consumed only as a bitter drink by the wealthy. Mass production and new technologies in the 19th century made chocolate affordable for the general population.
Globally, logistics is an important economic activity valued at about USD 320 billion a year and growing at an annual rate
of 3 to 10 percent. Malaysia has recognized the industry as the main key towards enhancing Malaysia’s progress on
becoming a globally competitive fully developed nation (IMP3 2006‐2020, 2006). It was predicted that the logistics industry
would grow at 8.6% during the plan period (2006 – 2020) and contribute 12.1% to GDP by 2020. Therefore, the
development of the human capital or human resource for the logistics industry in Malaysia becomes important in confirming
the nation’s competitiveness. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to produce a feasible framework of human resource
development for the logistics industry in Malaysia.
The paper examines the relationships among brand distinctiveness, design innovation and brand performance of furniture
manufacturers and the mediating effect of design innovation between brand distinctiveness and brand performance.
Questionnaires were distributed to more than 500 manufacturers and 204 questionnaires were analyzed. A 49-item questionnaire
which consists of brand distinctiveness, design innovation and brand performance were carried out to investigate the relations
among these variables. Statistical evidence was found to confirm only functional innovation as one of the dimensions of design
innovation that fully mediates the relationship between brand distinctiveness and brand performance. The paper researches the
role of innovation-in a twofold perspective: innovation in product design innovation on brand performance, and as a mediator
between brand distinctiveness and brand performance.
The purpose of this study is to report the results of a research designed to identify issues that confront firms in
adopting green manufacturing practices. The study is quantitative in nature, using a survey with open-ended
questions and subjected to content analysis to categorize the status of firms adopting green manufacturing practices
in the Malaysian furniture industry. Responses to an open-ended question concerning steps towards green products
indicate that a small percentage of firms embark in pursuing towards creating green products. However,
generalisability needs to be indicated through replication of findings. This study provides an original insight into the
status of firms adopting green manufacturing practices as well as offering guidance for managers in pursuing green
manufacturing practices
The purpose of this paper is assess the level of brand performance among the furniture manufacturing firms in
Malaysia where the background of firms were examined in determining the influence of demographics on their
brand performance. The brand performance framework by Wong and Merrilees (2008) was adapted to measure the
brand performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in Malaysia. 550 questionnaires were sent out to CEOs or
the marketing team of the furniture firms. This study found that there is a high level of functional innovation,
followed by meaning and aesthetic innovation. However, typological innovation mean score is slightly below the
theoretical average. Ultimately, furniture manufacturing firms have fairly high brand performance, brand
distinctiveness and brand barriers, but fairly low brand orientation, which can be considered positive results. Large
furniture firms are reported to have better brand performance than small and medium furniture firms. The findings
discussed are parallel to the emerging importance of increasing brand performance among furniture manufacturing
firms in Malaysia.
This study qualitatively examines managing talent in two leading companies in Malaysia.
The objectives of the study are to understand the practice of talent management , to examine the
definition of talent management, to identify the approaches of talent management applied by the
companies, to determine the differences of talent management approaches, to identify the problems
in managing talent in the companies and lastly to identify the effectiveness of the talent
management practiced by these companies. In depth interview with the relevant personnels were
being conducted and transcribed verbatim.Constant comparative analysis technique of data analysis
was employed in analysing the data. The study found that all the companies have started embarking
on talent management programs due to the internal and external business pressure. However, each
company was discovered to have different philosophy and approach in managing, developing and
retaining their talent. This paper also discusses the challenges faced by companies in managing their
talent and also some suggestions for improvement.
This paper reports about an instrument which has been developed by the Commonwealth of Learning Media Centre
for Asia (CEMCA) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (MOHE). This instrument aims to be a standard
quality framework which can be used by multimedia users in evaluating the quality of the e-learning materials.
Basically, the instrument is constructed to evaluate two sections, which are the learning material development process
and the finished learning material product. However, this paper merely discusses the second section.
The study develops and empirically tests a model of the
effects of brand strategy and design innovation on brand performance
in furniture manufacturing firms. Questionnaires were sent to 500
furniture SMEs operating in Malaysia and 204 effective responses
were returned. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to validate the
constructs. Research hypotheses are tested using structural equation
modeling. The proposed model fits the data well. The results show
brand orientation, brand distinctiveness and functional innovation
have direct effects on brand performance. Finally, implication and
recommendations of these findings are discussed. The paper
encapsulates the role of each dimensions of brand strategy and
product design innovation to determine a stronger brand performance
in the furniture manufacturing firms.
Globally, logistics is an important economic
activity valued at about USD 320 billion a year and growing at
an annual rate of 3 to 10 percent. Malaysia has recognized the
industry as the main key towards enhancing Malaysia’s progress
on becoming a globally competitive fully developed nation. It
was predicted that the logistics industry would grow at 8.6%
during the year 2006 – 2020 plan period and contribute 12.1% to
Growth Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020. Therefore, the
development of the human capital or human resource for the
logistics industry in Malaysia becomes important in confirming
the nation’s competitiveness. Accordingly, the aim of this study
is to produce a feasible framework of human-resource
development for the logistics industry in Malaysia.
This study aims to examine the influences of brand orientation and brand distinctiveness on brand
performance. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to collect data of 550 furniture
manufacturing firms. It was found that brand orientation of the furniture manufacturing firms have
positive and significant relationships with brand distinctiveness and brand performance. This indicates
the more oriented their brand are, the more distinctive and better performance are their brands. Brand
distinctiveness was revealed as a mediator between brand orientation and brand performance. Hence,
this study provides important findings through the integration of these variables towards brand
performance within the furniture firms in Malaysia
This paper reveals the result of 322 distance learners’ perception towards e-learning program
conducted by UiTM. Generally the respondents rated above average for all aspects of distance
learning program irrespective of gender, program of studies, income and occupation. Students’
gender also did not show any difference in their perception. Similarly, semester of studies too, did
not indicate any significant difference except their perception towards lecturer. However
students’ semester of studies showed significant difference towards lecturer, module and
physical. Gender, income and semester of studies did not show any relationship to students’
perception towards all aspects of distance learning program. However students’ program of
studies showed significant relationship towards their perceptions of the program. Students’ CGPA
showed negative relationship with all aspects of distance learning program.
The globalization of the economy has created great competitiveness in the furniture market. This industry
gives out an impressive growth for the past nine years as it contributes from 2.6 billion in 1997 to 6.3
billion in 2009 (MIFF, 2010). However in 2012, Malaysia still has to endure the fierce competition with
low cost producers of China and Vietnam. The decline of raw materials and the rise of costs have forced
companies to venture into branding and design. Not to be left behind, more companies have transformed
from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) to ODM (Original Design Manufacturing). Malaysia is
in fact between China and the Italian in terms of quality of products. Such a phenomenon has created a
concern of whether the current manufacturers have been equipped with the right innovation and
originality to reach world-class producers. Little attention has been given to examine their readiness of
design innovation in the context of the furniture industry besides looking at the effectiveness of brand
strategy and positioning. This study attempts to address this gap in the literature. There have been a few
academic literatures on design innovation in the context of brand strategy and positioning and therefore
this study aims to provide ample perspectives on both variables of brand strategy and positioning which
considered being jointly in contrast to in isolation in the recent studies. Thus, this study will investigate
whether the relationships between those variables are correlated and whether they contribute to adverse
effects in aspects of brand performance. Micro-sized companies are not included in this survey but rather
on small, medium and large-sized companies. Thus, it would benefit the government by really allocating
the proper fund to the right channels where needs arise and to keep track other issues to prevent derailing.
In reality, design innovation and branding need to be concentrated as competency towards achieving
Original Brand Manufacturing (OBM) or Original Design Manufacturing (ODM).
Presently, no information could be obtained on the learning styles of distance learners as it has not
been studied before. A study was carried out to identify the learning styles of distance learners at the
Institute of Education Development, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Felder’s Learning Styles
Index (LSI) was used in the study. Results of the study were used to make comparison and correlation
analyses between learning styles and academic achievement, programme of studies, gender and
income. One hundred and sixty two students responded to the online questionnaire. The study showed
that 35.5% students preferred visual learning style followed by 29.6% sensory, 14.2% active, 0%
verbal and 2.5% intuitive. The male students were found dominant in visual learning style as
compared to the females who were sensory dominant. The students who were majors in banking
tended towards sensory style as compared to finance and business studies students who were inclined
towards visual style. While the mass communication and public administration students dominated in
visual and sensory styles. The higher income students preferred more visual style as compared to the
middle income who were dominant in both visual and sensory. The higher achievers were found to be
better disposed towards visual as compared to low achievers who were sensory dominant in style. The
learning styles were not significantly different between genders, programme of studies and semesters.
It was also found that there was no significant relationship between learning styles and academic
achievement. This paper discusses in detail the implications of the various learning styles on students
of distance mode of education.
This research paper aims to discuss the brand strategy in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the context of
the Malaysian furniture industry. In addition, it also discusses their approach for improvement and their strengths to
navigate their competitiveness in the furniture market. This paper explores the Malaysian furniture companies in
their market competitiveness. There is a manufacturing competitiveness among the Malaysian furniture companies
in their OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) approach with a slow development to ODM (Original Design
Manufacturing) and OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing) approach. The paper outlines views of the Malaysian
furniture companies which differ in areas of marketing, product characteristics and management strategies. Drawing
upon these open-ended questions, this paper will examine from a corporate perspective the scope of their brand
strategy, their strength as exporting companies and their improvement in being furniture giants. In conclusion, it will
be argued that in spite of their approaches in their brand strategy, companies should really examine the real
definition of design and the best proactive approach that can be taken in the future. The major limitation of this
research is that it is based on open-ended questions. It is suggested that a quantitative survey be carried out to
enhance the generalisability of the model in the future. This paper makes original contributions in that it uses openended
questions to establish their relationships between themes and discusses way to strengthen their business
strategies in the coming future.
This paper articulates the function of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) in developing the Health
Tourism Industry. Focus was given in identifying the challenges faced by MHTC, understanding the
competitiveness of the industry and proposing a suitable value chain framework for the industry. Total of 12
organizations have been identified, which were including private and public organizations. Conclusions of
findings have been derived and few recommendations made at the end of this article.
Keywords: Health tourism, medical tourism, competitive, leisure services and value chain
The objective of this theoretical paper is to look at the insight of Malaysia
Contact Centre Industry and to highlight Malaysia’s competitive edge from the
perspective of Porter’s Diamond Competitive Model. The Porter’s Diamond Model
will attempt to investigate how Malaysia can be sustainable and competitive in sharing the
global contact centre as well as the BPO market.
Globally, the halal products market has a huge potential for expansion. There are currently
about 2 billion Muslim consumers and the estimated that total expenditure by this group on
logistics operations is between five to ten percent of the total income. Therefore, logistics
companies all over the world are keen to exploit opportunities which arise from the massive
potential of halal industries. As a fast expanding business, the halal industry is now
estimated at about USD 2.1 trillion. The attention and demand for halal certified services and
products continues to rise throughout the world because halal is not only for religious
obligations but there is also a rising demand from non-Muslims. Halal is not only concerned
about religious requirements such as the right way to slaughter animals and prepare food.
Halal products also attract non-Muslim consumers as it also focuses on where the resources
and materials of the product come from. Hence, traceability and integrity of the product are
part and parcel of a product being labeled halal.
As a fast expanding business, the Halal industry is
now estimated at USD 2.1 trillion. The attention and demand
for Halal certified services and products continues to rise
throughout the world because Halal is not only for religious
obligations, but there is also a rising demand from nonMuslims.
Halal is not only concerned about religious
requirements such as the right way to slaughter animals and
prepare food. Halal products also attract non-Muslim
consumers as it also focuses on where the resources and
materials of the product come from. Hence, traceability and
integrity of the product are part and parcel of a product
being labelled Halal. Halal practices do not come to an end
when the product has been manufactured as a product could
easily lose its Halalness if it gets contaminated during the
transportation and storage prior to retailing. Hence, training
industry professional is crucial as the lack of professionalism
in the transport and logistics process in the supply chain may
cast doubts on the Halal status of a product. This study
focuses on the level of training that professionals in the third
party logistics industry have on Halal standards and what
must be done to bridge the gap in training. The current
research relies heavily on disclosed and published materials
such as logistics firms annual reports, journals, newspapers
and business magazines articles, published reports produced
by consultants, special studies and reports commissioned by
the Malaysian Government for an analysis of the current
state of industry.
A Study To Measure Market Potential Of Furniture Retail Industry In India Sachin Divakar
The furniture industry in India is growing due to an emerging middle class and changing consumer preferences. However, it still only contributes 0.5% to India's GDP and is mainly composed of small, unorganized businesses. Reyami Interiors is an office furniture company that is part of a larger Dubai-based group, and has expanded to India to take advantage of growth in the Indian market through showrooms across major cities and a manufacturing plant in Hosur. The company aims to provide customized, high-quality office furniture and become the top player in the Indian market by 2015.
IKEA plans to enter the Indian market with an initial investment of 1.5 billion euros over two phases involving 25 stores. It will target India's growing middle class, especially "Stivers" and "Seekers", with modular, budget furniture. IKEA faces challenges in India including a lack of do-it-yourself culture, the need to change its sourcing strategy, and adapting store formats and designs to local tastes and preferences. Its marketing strategy will involve both traditional and digital campaigns to build awareness and educate customers on self-assembly.
The document provides an overview of the furniture industry in India. It notes that the industry has an estimated market size of Rs. 65,000 crores, with 80% falling in the unorganized sector. It produces a wide variety of furniture types including for homes, offices, hotels, and more. The top materials used are wood, metal, and plastic. The industry employs around 500,000 workers but faces challenges from unorganized sectors and low annual per capita spending on furniture. New online retailers are emerging as well to tap the growing market.