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.
While introducing new innovation has the potential for great benefit delivering a poor quality innovation can have a impact far beyond just the potential of the innovation itself.
Review of Implementation of lean manufacturing in cement industryijsrd.com
Implementation of lean helps many organizations to improve their productivity and efficiency; on the other hand number of organizations has failed to benefit from lean philosophy. The case of not achieving the expected results of implementing lean is not because of limitation of lean to specific organizations type; but it is the misconception of lean philosophy. The lean thinking was first implied in the automobile companies and it widely spreads within the all types of industries; however the today's challenge is to implement the lean philosophy within continuous manufacturing industries and different organizations regardless to the type and size of the organization. This has motivated me to apply lean philosophy to the continuous industry i.e. cement industry. The cement industry is an example of the continuous industry sector and it will be used to convey that the lean philosophy is applicable to all deferent organization types. There are many problems the cement industry facing in today's cut throat competition; one of the major challenges is the capability of the cement industry to adopt techniques by which the overall improvement can be achieved. The need for improving the productivity of the cement production line is to reduce the downtime rates, and satisfy high demands of consumers. This research has aimed that the lean philosophy is beneficial to cement industry once the organization aims, and objectives are clarified and communicated through all levels of the organization. Furthermore barriers and obstacles should be removed by changing the organizational culture, and empowering the people to be involved in identifying and problem solving process.
ECONÓMICO MASTERBATCH NEGRO B1600 CONCENTRACIÓN DE 30%.
Adecuado para Granulación o Reciclaje.
Más información correo sonny@malion.cn
whatsapp +8613106740699
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
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.
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.
While introducing new innovation has the potential for great benefit delivering a poor quality innovation can have a impact far beyond just the potential of the innovation itself.
Review of Implementation of lean manufacturing in cement industryijsrd.com
Implementation of lean helps many organizations to improve their productivity and efficiency; on the other hand number of organizations has failed to benefit from lean philosophy. The case of not achieving the expected results of implementing lean is not because of limitation of lean to specific organizations type; but it is the misconception of lean philosophy. The lean thinking was first implied in the automobile companies and it widely spreads within the all types of industries; however the today's challenge is to implement the lean philosophy within continuous manufacturing industries and different organizations regardless to the type and size of the organization. This has motivated me to apply lean philosophy to the continuous industry i.e. cement industry. The cement industry is an example of the continuous industry sector and it will be used to convey that the lean philosophy is applicable to all deferent organization types. There are many problems the cement industry facing in today's cut throat competition; one of the major challenges is the capability of the cement industry to adopt techniques by which the overall improvement can be achieved. The need for improving the productivity of the cement production line is to reduce the downtime rates, and satisfy high demands of consumers. This research has aimed that the lean philosophy is beneficial to cement industry once the organization aims, and objectives are clarified and communicated through all levels of the organization. Furthermore barriers and obstacles should be removed by changing the organizational culture, and empowering the people to be involved in identifying and problem solving process.
ECONÓMICO MASTERBATCH NEGRO B1600 CONCENTRACIÓN DE 30%.
Adecuado para Granulación o Reciclaje.
Más información correo sonny@malion.cn
whatsapp +8613106740699
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Ikea Invades India - Market Research report on entry strategy in IndiaManeesh Garg
Market Research Report on - Entry Strategy of IKEA in India based on case study "IKEA Furniture" by Harvard Cases.
To get a copy of this report, share your views about the presentation with your email id in Comments section... I keep on updating my presentations and documents. To ensure that you don't miss any update or new upload don't forget to press the "FOLLOW" and "LIKE" button. You can also mail me at manigarg21@gmail.com
How employee brand relationships and employee relationship co-existCBR Conference
Presentation given at the 2nd International Consumer Brand Relationships Conference, www.consumer-brand-relationships.org
Copyright by
Birgit Loehndorf
Adamantios Diamantopoulos
Linking Design, Marketing, and Innovation: Managing the Connection for Compet...Waqas Tariq
Marketing should closely coordinate with product innovation. Not only will an effective connection of the marketing activity and design trigger product innovation in enterprises, it is a key factor to the product success in the market place. In practice, how to process product design so as to reach the goal of marketing during the innovation procedure? In the past, enterprises did have some concrete actions but empirical studies regarding the correlation model between marketing strategy and design strategy or even between marketing strategy and innovation are rarely seen. In the study, the author first synthesized viewpoints from literature on marketing strategy, product innovation strategy, and design strategy. Then managers at marketing divisions and R&D departments of the Taiwanese consumer electronic industry were interviewed. The fitness of theoretical models and the observed data was then verified by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). From the 265 effective questionnaires, a proper fitness was found for the correlation theoretical model of marketing strategy, product innovation strategy, and design strategy, and the observed data. In enterprises, marketing strategy will influence design strategy, and at the same time, the marketing strategy will also influence design strategy through innovation strategy. Among these three variables, innovation strategy serves as an independent variable and intervene variable to design strategy.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Ikea Invades India - Market Research report on entry strategy in IndiaManeesh Garg
Market Research Report on - Entry Strategy of IKEA in India based on case study "IKEA Furniture" by Harvard Cases.
To get a copy of this report, share your views about the presentation with your email id in Comments section... I keep on updating my presentations and documents. To ensure that you don't miss any update or new upload don't forget to press the "FOLLOW" and "LIKE" button. You can also mail me at manigarg21@gmail.com
Ikea Invades India - Market Research report on entry strategy in India
Similar to The Mediating Effect of Design Innovation between Brand Distinctiveness and Brand Performance: Evidence from Furniture Manufacturing Firms in Malaysia
How employee brand relationships and employee relationship co-existCBR Conference
Presentation given at the 2nd International Consumer Brand Relationships Conference, www.consumer-brand-relationships.org
Copyright by
Birgit Loehndorf
Adamantios Diamantopoulos
Linking Design, Marketing, and Innovation: Managing the Connection for Compet...Waqas Tariq
Marketing should closely coordinate with product innovation. Not only will an effective connection of the marketing activity and design trigger product innovation in enterprises, it is a key factor to the product success in the market place. In practice, how to process product design so as to reach the goal of marketing during the innovation procedure? In the past, enterprises did have some concrete actions but empirical studies regarding the correlation model between marketing strategy and design strategy or even between marketing strategy and innovation are rarely seen. In the study, the author first synthesized viewpoints from literature on marketing strategy, product innovation strategy, and design strategy. Then managers at marketing divisions and R&D departments of the Taiwanese consumer electronic industry were interviewed. The fitness of theoretical models and the observed data was then verified by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). From the 265 effective questionnaires, a proper fitness was found for the correlation theoretical model of marketing strategy, product innovation strategy, and design strategy, and the observed data. In enterprises, marketing strategy will influence design strategy, and at the same time, the marketing strategy will also influence design strategy through innovation strategy. Among these three variables, innovation strategy serves as an independent variable and intervene variable to design strategy.
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.
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.
Design Co-creation and Performance in New Product Development ProcessWaqas Tariq
Co-creation is a kind of marketing strategy or business strategy that stresses the generation and continuing realization of mutual firm-customer value. Product design, marketing, and Innovation ought to be closely coordinated in companies. Most researchers have indicated that highly effective connection among innovation R&D, marketing activities, and design pushes products in to the marketplace and guarantees their success. However, empirical studies from the Co- creations among design, marketing, and innovation strategies in New Product Development (NPD) performance are intermittent. Within this study, enterprises through the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA) database were chosen randomly as subjects. Inside the first survey, the status from the marketing strategy, innovation strategy, and design strategy was determined. Following a new product was marketed for one year, another survey was conducted for NPD performance check. After repeated contact, 285 enterprises (21.11%) responded. Major findings in the study are listed below: (1) The Structural Equation Model (SEM) results demonstrate a good fit involving the theoretical model and observed data for innovation, marketing, and design strategies; (2) The NPD performance is influenced by an enterprise’s innovation, marketing, and design strategies. Moreover, innovation and marketing strategies also influence NPD performance through design strategy. For NPD performance, design strategy is both a completely independent variable and an intervening variable; (3) The NPD performance could be reinforced when enterprises struggle for design, innovation, and marketing strategies.
Effects of the External (Macro) And Internal (Micro) Source (Factors) of Inno...inventionjournals
In an attempt to use the resource-based theoretical approach, this article tried to empirically investigate the influence and impact of theinternal (micro) and external (macro) environmental factors of innovation performance using a sample of small and medium sized firms in the telecommunication cluster in Ghana with the main focus on examining variables such as customer inputs, the intensive role of R&D, cooperative networks, the uncertain environment and the complex environment of the firm. A sample of 31 SMEs in the telecommunication cluster was selected with 109 questionnaires administered. The results indicate that the macro environmental sources as cooperative network and customer inputs actually impact positively on the innovation performance of SMEs in the communication cluster in Ghana. However, firm size, network size and complex environment were shown to be negatively related to firm innovation performance.
The working environment, now-a-days is becoming
increasingly competitive. To reach that competition, Employer
Branding is fast emerging as a long term human resource
strategy to attract and retain talented work force. The purpose
of this research paper is to make a conceptual Literature of
review. Our most definitive finding concerns the impact of
Employer Branding .Which can be firmly linked to Brand.
The structural model of the effects of marketing mix elements on brand equity is defined in line with the existing theoretical findings. Research hypotheses are defined according to the identified structural model. In order to test the defined structural model and research hypotheses empirical research was conducted on the sample of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb. Research results indicate that the structural model has an acceptable level of fit to the empirical data. The estimated structural coefficients and indirect effect coefficients indicate the direction and intensity of effects of each analysed element of marketing mix on brand equity. Finally, implications of research results for the theory and practice of brand management are analysed and discussed.
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Green Marketing Mix As Strategy to Improve Competitive Advantage in Real Esta...inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Similar to The Mediating Effect of Design Innovation between Brand Distinctiveness and Brand Performance: Evidence from Furniture Manufacturing Firms in Malaysia (20)
3.0 Project 2_ Developing My Brand Identity Kit.pptxtanyjahb
A personal brand exploration presentation summarizes an individual's unique qualities and goals, covering strengths, values, passions, and target audience. It helps individuals understand what makes them stand out, their desired image, and how they aim to achieve it.
Structural Design Process: Step-by-Step Guide for BuildingsChandresh Chudasama
The structural design process is explained: Follow our step-by-step guide to understand building design intricacies and ensure structural integrity. Learn how to build wonderful buildings with the help of our detailed information. Learn how to create structures with durability and reliability and also gain insights on ways of managing structures.
Navigating the world of forex trading can be challenging, especially for beginners. To help you make an informed decision, we have comprehensively compared the best forex brokers in India for 2024. This article, reviewed by Top Forex Brokers Review, will cover featured award winners, the best forex brokers, featured offers, the best copy trading platforms, the best forex brokers for beginners, the best MetaTrader brokers, and recently updated reviews. We will focus on FP Markets, Black Bull, EightCap, IC Markets, and Octa.
Personal Brand Statement:
As an Army veteran dedicated to lifelong learning, I bring a disciplined, strategic mindset to my pursuits. I am constantly expanding my knowledge to innovate and lead effectively. My journey is driven by a commitment to excellence, and to make a meaningful impact in the world.
How to Implement a Real Estate CRM SoftwareSalesTown
To implement a CRM for real estate, set clear goals, choose a CRM with key real estate features, and customize it to your needs. Migrate your data, train your team, and use automation to save time. Monitor performance, ensure data security, and use the CRM to enhance marketing. Regularly check its effectiveness to improve your business.
Company Valuation webinar series - Tuesday, 4 June 2024FelixPerez547899
This session provided an update as to the latest valuation data in the UK and then delved into a discussion on the upcoming election and the impacts on valuation. We finished, as always with a Q&A
An introduction to the cryptocurrency investment platform Binance Savings.Any kyc Account
Learn how to use Binance Savings to expand your bitcoin holdings. Discover how to maximize your earnings on one of the most reliable cryptocurrency exchange platforms, as well as how to earn interest on your cryptocurrency holdings and the various savings choices available.
In the Adani-Hindenburg case, what is SEBI investigating.pptxAdani case
Adani SEBI investigation revealed that the latter had sought information from five foreign jurisdictions concerning the holdings of the firm’s foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in relation to the alleged violations of the MPS Regulations. Nevertheless, the economic interest of the twelve FPIs based in tax haven jurisdictions still needs to be determined. The Adani Group firms classed these FPIs as public shareholders. According to Hindenburg, FPIs were used to get around regulatory standards.
Tata Group Dials Taiwan for Its Chipmaking Ambition in Gujarat’s DholeraAvirahi City Dholera
The Tata Group, a titan of Indian industry, is making waves with its advanced talks with Taiwanese chipmakers Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) and UMC Group. The goal? Establishing a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication unit (fab) in Dholera, Gujarat. This isn’t just any project; it’s a potential game changer for India’s chipmaking aspirations and a boon for investors seeking promising residential projects in dholera sir.
Visit : https://www.avirahi.com/blog/tata-group-dials-taiwan-for-its-chipmaking-ambition-in-gujarats-dholera/
2. 334 Puteri Fadzline et al. / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 130 (2014) 333 – 339
1. Introduction
Brand distinctiveness, design innovation and brand performance are of particular importance to furniture
manufacturing firms. These manufacturers in turbulent environments are struggling to maintain their brands with
fierce competitors particularly from China and Vietnam. The central goal of this study is to understand the
mediating effects of design innovation in the relationship between brand distinctiveness and brand performance. The
significance of understanding brand performance is exemplified by the fact that brand performance is the key to a
greater firm performance (Li & Calantone, 1998; Slater & Narver, 1995; Weerawardena, 2003). Numerous design
innovation scholars asserted that design innovation has a crucial influence on branding (Dell ’Era & Verganti, 2009;
Matthews & Wrigley, 2011; Norman & Verganti, 2012; Vianna, Vianna, Adler, Lucena, & Russo, 2012).
Correspondingly, rich literature has devoted to the relationship between brand distinctiveness and innovation
(Karjalainen & Snelders, 2010; Montana et al., 2007; Mozota, 2004, 2010b; Ravasi & Lojacono, 2005). However,
the relationship between brand distinctiveness and innovation seems to have been overlooked. Abbing (2010)
pointed out that brands add value to innovation where the direction of an innovation is highly influenced by the
brand. Thus, a synergy of innovation and branding increases the barrier against competitors with the implementation
of proactive firm management and efficient investment. It can also add integrity and authenticity to an innovation,
knowingly that this innovation in this company is worth branded, and can overall make the innovation visible
(Aaker, 2007; Abbing, 2010).
The predictions of the present study were as follows:
Hypothesis 1: The higher the brand distinctiveness implementation, the greater the performance of a firm’s brand
Hypothesis 2: Brand distinctiveness is a determinant of design innovation
H2a: Brand distinctiveness is positively related to aesthetic innovation
H2b: Brand distinctiveness is positively related to functional innovation
H2c: Brand distinctiveness is positively related to meaning innovation
H2d: Brand distinctiveness is positively related to typological innovation
Hypothesis 3: Design innovation is a determinant of brand performance
H3a: Aesthetic innovation is positively related to brand performance
H3b: Functional innovation is positively related to brand performance
H3c: Meaning innovation is positively related to brand performance
H3d: Typological innovation is positively related to brand performance
Hypothesis 4: Design innovation is a mediator between brand distinctiveness and brand performance
H4a: Aesthetic innovation mediates the effect of brand distinctiveness on brand performance
H4b: Functional innovation mediates the effect of brand distinctiveness on brand performance
H4c: Meaning innovation mediates the effect of brand distinctiveness on brand performance
H4d: Typological innovation mediates the effect of brand distinctiveness on brand performance
2. Method
The sampling frame for the study is composed of furniture manufacturing firms operating in Malaysia. Brand
distinctiveness and brand performance questionnaire were developed by Wong & Merrilees (2008). The 27-item
design innovation questions were adapted from Rampino (2011) which were grouped into 4 different dimensions:
aesthetic, functional, meaning and typological innovation. 910 furniture firms were drawn from Corp (2012)
according to their sales revenue in 2011. Overall, of the distribution of 500 samples, 204 usable questionnaires were
received after elimination of missing data and outliers. The choice of marketing managers and CEOs have been
justified as they are likely to be heavily involved in the strategic decisions of their marketing, particularly relating to
their branding activities. The initial causal variable was brand distinctiveness (BD); the outcome variable was brand
3. 335Puteri Fadzline et al. / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 130 (2014) 333 – 339
performance (BP); and the proposed mediating dimensions were aesthetic innovation, functional innovation,
meaning innovation and typological innovation. In this research, bootstrapping in SEM is preferred to Sobel Test
and SPSS for mediation effects (Preacher & Hayes, 2008). This technique provides examination of the indirect
effects of each predictor variable on the outcome variable in any model (Bollen & Lennox, 1991). The measurement
model using fit indices were recommended by authors Anderson & Gerbing (1988), Hair et al. (2006), Arbuckle
(2003), Bryne (2001), Kline (1998), Bagozzi (1988) and Hu & Bentler, P. (1995).
3. Results
3.1. Direct effects of brand distinctiveness and design innovation towards brand performance
Most furniture manufacturing firms have an increasing interest in developing a high brand performance. The
empirical results exhibits that firms possessing design innovation dramatically enhance brand performance. These
findings suggest a direct effect of brand distinctiveness on brand performance as well as design innovation with its
dimensions in Table 1.
Table 1. Structural parameters of the research model
H Hypothesized path C.R. P Hypothesis
H1 Brand Performance (BP) Brand distinctiveness (BD) .133 2.54 *** Supported
H2a Aesthetic Innovation (AI) Brand Distinctiveness(BD) -.740 -7.81 *** Not supported
H2b Functional Innovation (FI) Brand Distinctiveness(BD) -.777 -9.24 *** Not supported
H2c Meaning Innovation (MI) Brand Distinctiveness(BD) .821 9.24 *** Supported
H2d Typological Innovation (TI) Brand Distinctiveness(BD) .826 9.06 *** Supported
H3a Brand Performance (BP) Aesthetics Innovation (AI) -.014 -.1.96 .845 Not supported
H3b Brand Performance (BP) Functional Innovation (FI) .555 6.37 *** Supported
H3c Brand Performance (BP) Meaning Innovation (MI) -.072 -.93 .353 Not supported
H3d Brand Performance (BP) Typological Innovation(TI) -.129 -2.15 .032 Not supported
Note: b refers to standardized beta coefficient; CR refers to critical ratio; p refers to significance level. ***p < 0.05. Impact of control variables
are not noted in the current table.
Individual hypotheses are examined next. Examination of path estimates reveals that all the direct hypotheses are
significant except for hypotheses aesthetic innovation, meaning innovation and typological innovation influences on
brand performance. Brand distinctiveness exerts a direct negative significant impact on aesthetic innovation and
- -.777, C.R=.084) respectively, thus rejecting H2a and H2b.
Meaning innovation and typological innovation, a
2c and H2d. Relationships of aesthetic
innovation, meaning innovation, and typological innovation with brand performance are in negative impact which
signifies rejected hypotheses of H3a, H3c, and H3d. Only functional innovation exerts direct significant influence on
3b. Test of fitness of the model used on the whole
sample p value of 1235.224 with the freedom of 970. Therefore, the CMIN/DF was reported to be 1.273.
Referring to the chi square, the model does not seem to be compatible. However, the chi square value offers a
certain degree of sensitivity to the sample size. As another option, there are several indices which serve to be a
potential indicator that can determine the goodness of fit. TLI, NFI and GFI are close to 1, which suggest that the
model and the data are also harmonious with one another (Byrne, 2001). GFI show a reasonable value which is
0.803. The RMSEA value was 0.037 and the 90% confidence interval varies from 0.031 to 0.043. The narrow
confidence interval of 0.012 suggests that the RMSEA value is precise and 0.05 implies that it has good fitness.
3.2. The mediating effect of design innovation between brand distinctiveness and brand performance
The bootstrapping method was applied which results to fit indices of the model that adequately fits the data (CFI
4. 336 Puteri Fadzline et al. / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 130 (2014) 333 – 339
2.930, TLI 1.014, RMSEA 0.000, NFI 0.995, and GFI 0.995). As illustrated in Table 1, the direct path between
brand distinctiveness and brand performance were found to be significant. In Figure 1, however, this path
approach
performance, once the defence mechanisms mediator were controlled as shown in Figure 1.
Fig 1. Mediating role of design innovation in the association between brand distinctiveness and brand performance
This research present the standardized estimates indirect effects of variables included in the model in Table 2.
Table 2. The standardized estimates indirect effects of variables
Effect Estimate Bootstrap BC confidence
C.R P SE SE-SE Bias SE-Bias Lower Upper P
BD AI -10.801 *** .056 .001 .000 .002 .000 .000 …
BD FI -13.988 *** .048 .001 .002 .002 .000 .000 …
BD MI 12.298 *** .046 .001 -.001 .001 .000 .000 …
BD TI 11.295 *** .045 .001 .000 .001 .000 .000 …
BD BP .204 .838 .131 .003 .001 .004 -.702 -.308 .002
AI BP -.199 .843 .076 .002 .000 .002 .000 .000 …
FI BP 7.552 *** .085 .002 -.001 .003 .000 .000 …
MI BP -1.176 .240 .084 .002 -.001 .003 .000 .000 …
TI BP -1.113 .266 .069 .002 .000 .002 .000 .000 …
Note: Based on 1,000 bootstrap samples, BC confidence = Biased-Corrected Confidence Intervals (95%)
Overall, the analysis of this study indicated that only functional innovation mediates the association between
brand distinctiveness on brand performance through full mediation, in comparison to the rest of its dimensions of
design innovation. Hence, the mediation effect finding only supports hypothesis H4b whereby functional innovation
fully mediates the effects of brand distinctiveness on brand performance. The indirect effect of brand distinctiveness
on brand performance is -.506 (95% CI: -.702~ -.308).
4. Discussion of results
According to previous research, this study is among the rare studies, besides Wong and Merrilees (2008) that
focuses on brand distinctiveness, innovation and brand performance simultaneously. This study supports the
existence of a positive relationship between brand distinctiveness and brand performance. Furniture manufacturing
firms with brands that have high distinctiveness are more likely to have higher levels of brand performance. This
5. 337Puteri Fadzline et al. / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 130 (2014) 333 – 339
results is complementary to the argument of Wong & Merrilees (2008). Most researchers also agree that customers
have higher willingness to pay more for a brand that owns a set of unique values comparable to other brands (Jacoby
& Chestnut, 1978; Reichheld, 1996). Therefore first hypothesis of the study has been verified.
The second hypothesis in the study was on the relationship between brand distinctiveness and design innovation.
The finding shows that brand distinctiveness has positive effect on design innovation. However, the positive effect
was found only on dimensions of meaning and typological innovation. This is supported by Ratnasingam (2004) that
design and marketing stages in business which include brand distinctiveness is crucial to achieve the highest value-
addition as opposed to the manufacturing stage. People are searching for an emotional experience in every product
they purchase, which makes emotions and meanings a privilege (Mozota, 2010a). Design plays a much larger role in
getting the brand message across that contains both emotive and embedded (Abbing, 2010; Vedin et al., 2006).
This study supports the positive relationship between design innovation and brand performance. However, this
effect appears purely through functional innovation. Correspondingly, diversifying the use of timber products is one
of Malaysia’s strength in the wood product industry through the improvement of technology and the quality of wood
(Commodities, 2009). Some firms innovate though the flexibility of the process (Ng & K., 2011b). This add to the
work of Ratnasingam (2000), who highlighted this issue on the importance of machining process particularly on
gluing, the finishing processes, the profiled components and many more. This verified the third hypothesis of the
study.
The fourth hypothesis of the current study was the mediating effect of dimensions of design innovation (aesthetic,
functional, meaning and typological) between brand distinctiveness and brand performance. The link of brand
distinctiveness-design innovation-brand performance is confirmed under functional innovation, as opposed to
aesthetic, meaning and typological innovation. This finding is harmonious with Council (2012); Reduction (2009)'s
work who indicated that the innovation and technology adoption in Malaysia is of equal status or higher than the
middle-income countries, but much a lower level than the high-income countries. Kam & Heng (2010) mentioned
that innovation in Malaysia are focusing more on functional innovation and described it as incremental organization
and process improvements, new design and regional brands in the furniture sectors as opposed to high tech sectors.
Technological innovation is also instilled in the National Timber Policy (NATIP) as a driver for a more successful
furniture industry (Commodities, 2009).
In essence, this study indicates that product design innovation does promote brand performance. Furthermore,
this further implies that brand distinctiveness by them is simply not enough to achieve superior brand performance.
More specifically, functional innovation is a means which firms can address the dynamism present within their
brand distinctiveness and still strive in the context of the furniture industry in Malaysia. This type of innovation
gives more influence as a mediator in comparison to the rest of the types of design innovation. This is due to the
strong network by research and development (R&D) players throughout Malaysia with a strong support by the
government. Wood Industry Skills Development Centre (WISDEC), Institute Kemahiran MARA (IKM), Akademi
Binaan Malaysia (ABM) are among active training centres that enhance new skills and technical expertise among
trainees to become professionals and further develop more functional innovations in the industry (Commodities,
2009). These actors are classified as non-firm organizations and apart of the key actors in generating and adopting
new technologies which is included in the main concepts of Sectoral Innovation Systems (Edquist, 1997; Malerba,
2004). In relation to that, most innovation of the furniture industry roots from suppliers and materials as the furniture
sector are categorized as supplier dominated sectors which were revealed by Pavitt (2005), similarly to construction,
printing and publishing sector and mainly encompasses in machinery, equipment, and capital assets (Vega-Juradov,
Gutiérrez-Gracia, & Fernández-De-Lucio, 2009). While expenditures of in-house R&D expenditures are rather
limited in the furniture industry, functional innovation is largely dispersed through its process.
On the contrary, this result contradict other findings by other scholars who argued that meaning innovation is also
a prerequisite in mediating the effects between brand distinctiveness and brand performance (Norman, D. A., &
Verganti, R. 2012). Anssary (2006) emphasized the higher needs of designers’ skill in transforming the hard
attributes of technologies into soft attributes of emotion needs which is a challenge to designers today. This indicates
that elements of meaning innovation need to be synchronized with functional innovation as a mediator which will
further strengthen a firm’s brand performance. This notion is supported by Mytelka & Farinelli (2000) who stated
that firms should not overemphasize on technological innovation and instead look on a wider perspective in product
6. 338 Puteri Fadzline et al. / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 130 (2014) 333 – 339
innovation. Therefore, manufacturing technology with automation in mind must be well synchronized with new
design innovation as the furniture industry no longer can depend on manual labour for productivity and quality
(Omar, 2013). More precisely, Adams, Day, & Dougherty (1998); Cooper, Edgett, & Kleinschmidt (2004); Cooper
(1994) revealed that the quality and competency of the new product performance does not entirely depend on the
technology level of its product development. Italian companies that have strong brands with unique designs are good
examples of applying the ‘design push’ or a combination of functional and meaning innovation as stated by
Lindman, Scozzi, & Otero-Neira (2008); Verganti (2009a); Zurlo, Cagliano, Simonelli, & Verganti (2002). This
synchronizes with Ashby & Johnson (2002)’s study that indicates that functional innovation is merely enough to
fulfill the overall requirements of the product, but must be coupled with emotional elements.
5. Conclusions
The Malaysian furniture industry is at a crossroad and despite the excellent performance of the economy; there is
a very real risk that the industry must change to stay competitive for the years to come. Meaning and functional
innovation are closely related with each other and very much dependent on the presence of brand, design and
innovation. Hence, firms should invest more in meaning-functional innovation in order to enhance customer’s
perception of their brand. Striking the right emotional and functional chord to the customers is essential through
these innovations and coupled with brand distinctiveness.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the help and support of the Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council
(MFPC), Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) and fellow respondents who participated in this study.
References
Abbing, E. R. (2010). Brand-Driven Innovation. Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA.
Aaker, D. A. (2007). Innovation: Brand It or Lose It. California Management Review, 50(1), 8–24.
Anssary, A. El. (2006). An Approach to Support the Design Process Considering Technological Possibilities. Department of Art and Design.
University of Duisburg-Essen
Adams, E. M., Day, G. S., & Dougherty, D. (1998). Enhancing new product development performance: an organizational learning perspective.
Journal of Product Innovation Management, 15(5), 403–422.
Anderson, J. C., & Gerbing, D. W. (1988). Structural equation modeling in practice: A review and recommended two-step approach.
Psychological Bulletin, 103(3), 411–423.
Arbuckle, J. L. (2003). AMOS 5.0 [Computer Software]. Chicago: SPSS.
Ashby, M., & Johnson, K. (2002). Materials and Design. The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design (Vol. Oxford).
Butterworth-Heinemann.
Bagozzi, R. P. (1988). On the Evaluation of Structural Equation Models. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 16, 74–94.
Bollen, K., & Lennox, R. (1991). Conventional Wisdom on Measurement - a Structural Equation Perspective,. Psychological Bulletin, 110(2),
305–331.
Byrne, B M. (2001). Structural Equation Modeling with AMOS: Basic Concepts, Applications, and Programming. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates,
Inc.
Commodities, M. of P. I. and. (2009). National Timber Industry Policy . Putrajaya.
Cooper, R. G. (1994). New products: the factors that drive success. International Marketing Review, 11(1), 60–76.
Cooper, R. G., Edgett, S. J., & Kleinschmidt, E. J. (2004). Benchmarking best NPD practices – I. Research Technology Management, 47(1), 31–
43.
Corp, S. M. E. (2012). Furniture SMEs in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur.
Council, M. F. P. (2012). MPFC & You.
Dell ’Era, C., & Verganti, R. (2009). Design-Driven laboratories:organization and strategy of laboratories specialized in the development of
radical design-driven innovations. R&D Management, 39(1-21).
Dola, K., Rusli, A. N., & Noor, K. B. M. (2011). Investigating Users’ Acceptance in Designing and Marketing Sustainable New Product.
International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(6), 254–261.
Edquist, C. (1997). Systems of innovation approaches — their emergence and characteristics. (C. Edquist, Ed.)Systems of Innovation
Technologies, Institutions and Organisations (pp. 1–35). UK: London Pinter.
Hair, Black, W., Babin, B., Anderson, R., & Tatham, R. (2006). Multivariate Data Analysis: A Global Perspective 7th Edition (p. 770). New
Jersey: Pearson Hall.
Hair, J. F., Jr., A., & R., T. (1998). Multivariate Data Analysis (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
7. 339Puteri Fadzline et al. / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 130 (2014) 333 – 339
Hashim, R., Sulaiman, O., Kumar, R. N., Tamyez, P. F., Murphy, R. J., & Z.Al. (2009). Physical and mechanical properties of flame retardant
urea formaldehyde medium density fiberboard. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 209, 635–640.
Hovgaard, A., & Hansen, E. (2004). Innovativeness in the forest products industry. Forest Product Journal, 54(1), 26–33.
Hu, & Bentler, P. (1995). Structural Equation Modeling. Concepts, Issues, and Applications (pp. 76–99). London: Sage.
Jacoby, J., & Chestnut, R. W. (1978). Brand Loyalty: Measurement and Management. NewYork, NY: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Kam, L. V., & Heng, L. C. (2010). Accelerating Innovations in Malaysian Industry Supply Chains. Institute of Supply Chain Management,
Malaysia University of Science and Technology.
Karjalainen, T.-M., & Snelders, D. (2010). Designing visual recognition for the brand. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 27(1), 6–22.
Kline, R. B. (1998). Principles And Practice Of Structural Equation Modeling. New York: Guilford Press.
Li, T., & Calantone, R. (1998). The impact of market knowledge competence on new product advantage: Conceptualization and empirical
evidence. Journal of Marketing, 62, 13–29.
Lindman, M., Scozzi, B., & Otero-Neira, C. (2008). Low-tech, small- and medium-sized enterprises and the practice of new product
development: An international comparison. European Business Review, 20(1), 51–72. doi:10.1108/09555340810843690
Malerba, F. (2004). Sectoral systems of innovation: basic concept. (F. Malerba, Ed.)Sectoral Systems of Innovation: Concept, Issues and
Analyses of Six Major Sectors in Europe. UK: Cambridge.
Matthews, J., & Wrigley, C. (2011). Design and Design Thinking in Business and Management Education and Development. 25th Annual
Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Conference: The Future of Work and Organisations. Amora Hotel, Wellington,
New Zealand.
Montana, J., Guzman, F., & Moll, I. (2007). Branding and Design Management: a brand design management model. Journal of Marketing
Management, 23(9-10), 829–840.
Mozota, B. B. D. (2004). Design management: Using design to build brand value and corporate innovation. Allworth Pr.
Mozota, B. B. D. (2010a). The Brand Aesthetics Model: Reconciling Designers and Marketers on Brand Management. International Conference
on Kansei Engineering and Emotion Research 2010. Paris.
Mytelka, L., & Farinelli, F. (2000). Local Clusters, Innovation Systems and Sustained Competitiveness. Institute for New Technologies, The
Netherlands: United Nations University.
Ng, B. K., & K., T. (2011b). The dynamics of innovation in Malaysia’s wooden furniture industry: Innovation actors and linkages. Forest Policy
and Economics, 14, 107–118.
Norman, D. A., & Verganti, R. (2012). Incremental and Radical Innovation: Design Research versus Technology and Meaning Change.
Designing Pleasurable Products and Interfaces Conference. Milan.
Omar, N. (2013). MIFF Furniture Design Competition: A Tribute to the Shapes and Colours of Malaysia. Asian Timber, January/Fe.
Pavitt, K. (2005). The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. (J. Fagerberg & A. R. R. Nelson, Eds.)Innovation processes. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Preacher, K. J., & Hayes, A. F. (2008). Asymptotic and resampling strategies for assessing and comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator
models. Behavior Research Methods, 40(879-891).
Rampino, L. (2011). The Innovation Pyramid: A Categorization of the Innovation Phenomenon in the Product-Design Field. International
Journal of Design, 5(1).
Ratnasingam, J. (2000). The Malaysian wood industry at the crossroads. Asian Timber, 19, 10–13.
Ratnasingam, J. (2004). Furniture Market Outlook: Expectations and Challenges. In Optimizing Competitive Advantage for a Resilient Furniture
Industry in Sarawak. Sarawak.
Ravasi, D., & Lojacono, G. (2005). Managing design and designers for strategic renewal. Long Range Planning, 38(1), 51–77.
Reduction, P. (2009). Malaysia Productivity and Investment Climate Assessment Update. Unit East Asia and Pacific Region.
Reichheld, F. F. (1996). The Loyalty Effect . Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Slater, S. F., & Narver, J. (1995). Market orientation and the learning organization. Journal of Marketing, 59, 63–74.
Vedin, B.-A., Alvarez, E., Ekman, S., Sanderson, S. W., Tether, B., & Verganti, R. (2006). Design-Inspired Innovation. Imperial College Press-
World Scientific Publishers.
Vega-Juradov, J., Gutiérrez-Gracia, A., & Fernández-De-Lucio, I. (2009). Does External Knowledge Sourcing Matter for Innovation? Evidence
from the Spanish Manufacturing Industry. Industrial and Corporate Change, 18(4), 637–670.
Verganti, R. (2009a). Design Driven Innovation: Changing the Rules of Competition by Radically Innovating What Things Mean. Harvard
Business Press.
Verganti, R. (2009b). Designs, Meanings and radical innovation: A meta-model and a research agenda. Journal of Product Innovation
Management.
Vianna, M., Vianna, Y., Adler, I. K., Lucena, B., & Russo, B. (2012). Design Thinking: Business Innovation. Rio de Janeiro: MJV Press.
Weerawardena, J. (2003). Exploring the role of market learning capability in competitive strategy. European Journal of Marketing, 37(3/4), 407–
429.
Wong, H. Y., & Merrilees, B. (2008). The performance benefits of being brand-orientated. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 17(6),
372–383.
Zurlo, F., Cagliano, R., Simonelli, G., & Verganti, R. (2002). Innovating through Design. The Case of Italian Lighting Industry. Milano: Il Sole
24Ore.