Alan G. Downe

Bio: Alan G. Downe is an academic researcher from Curtin University Sarawak. The author has contributed to research in topics: Supply chain & Relational capital. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 6 publications receiving 153 citations.

A structural approach to integrating total quality management and knowledge management with supply chain learning

Abstract: The aim of this study is to integrate total quality management (TQM) and knowledge management (KM) into a unified framework to study supply chain learning among partnering firms. The impacts of TQM practices (e.g. leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, information analysis, people management and process management) and KM practices including KM process, leadership in KM, KM culture, KM technology and KM measurement on supply chain learning were examined. In this study, mail questionnaire have been sent to the managers consists of the Malaysian manufacturing and service firms. A total of 202 firms participated in this study. While greater level of TQM practices tends to enhance KM practices, we found that both TQM and KM are significantly positively related to supply chain learning. The findings of this study empirically tested and confirmed the proposed integrated model. It is hoped that findings from this paper can provide greater understanding in the areas of quality and knowledge mana...

User acceptance of eGovernment: Integrating risk and trust dimensions with UTAUT model

Abstract: Studies suggest that there are factors that affects citizens' behavioural intention and adoption behaviour towards the use of government e-services. Low patronage of eGovernment has become an issue in developing nations. Therefore, this paper proposes an integration of trust dimensions and risk taken propensity to the UTAUT model. We tested the model on 101 university students in Malaysia. The survey instrument items were carefully selected from previously validated constructs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between the constructs. The study showed that Performance Expectation, Peer Influence, Trust belief and Risk taken propensity are significant in predicting behavioural intention to adopt e-government. Furthermore, implications for practice and further research were also discussed.

Behavioral Intention Towards E-Government in Malaysia: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract: This study examines an amplified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) in the context of eGovernment to get a better understanding of users' behaviour towards eGovernment. Two hundred and six respondents (206) participated in the study and the data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The study revealed that Performance Expectancy, Risk Taking Propensity, Attitude towards Computer and Web Trust dimensions are essential precursor of behavioural intention of Malaysians towards eGovernment. The study further suggests that policy-makers can increase eGovernment usage by creating applications that meets expected demands and needs of the people with provision of trust facilitating environment and security conditioned systems.

Strategic alliances with suppliers and customers in a manufacturing supply chain: From a manufacturer's perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The main purposes of the study are to: test the strategic alliance framework developed by Sambasivan et al. on the strategic alliances with suppliers and customers, separately; and compare the factors influencing strategic alliances with suppliers and customers based on the results. The present study analyzes the effect of strategic alliance motives, environment, asset specificity, perception of opportunistic behavior, interdependence between supply chain partners, and relational capital on strategic alliance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 228 companies representing different industries in manufacturing in Malaysia participated in the study. The sampling frame used was Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers directory. A questionnaire was distributed to all the companies. The authors tested the structural model for 185 suppliers and 75 customers using structural equation modelling. Findings – Based on the results, the key differences in the strategic alliances with suppliers a...

Relational capital and SME collaborative strategy in the Malaysian service industry

Abstract: Effective management of collaborative relationships requires an in-depth understanding of constructs contributing to the performance of the collaborating firms. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) approach, we explored the interfirm relational capital leading to more successful strategic collaborative outcomes. Drawing on social exchange theory, trust, interdependence, and participative communication are used to describe interfirm relational capital. We hypothesised that this relational capital affects collaborative performance in terms of perceived value, overall success, relationship-specific investment and continued commitment toward the collaboration. The results of this study suggest that interfirm relational capital enhances and perpetuates strategic collaborative outcomes through strengthened ties and greater integration between collaborative firms. This research represents an important and novel theoretical contribution to the alliance literature with conceptualisation of interfirm relational capital and, at the same time, provides empirical evidences to support the proposed framework. The limitation of the study and direction for further research are discussed.

of wastewater treatment

Abstract: The invention relates to a wastewater treatment process. In one embodiment, introducing raw sewage in a biological contactor 22 having a series of discs 24 mounted on a common shaft 25. To the wastewater stream an adsorbent capable of adsorbing impurities from the liquid. This adsorbent is, for example activated carbon is added at 26. The addition of this adsorbent improves the operating characteristics of the biological contactor and the solids were removed accumulated on the contactor at a rate equivalent to the rate at which these solids accumulate.

The role of leadership competencies for implementing TQM

Abstract: Purpose – This research seeks to identify the specific leadership competencies required for implementing Total Quality Management (TQM); to examine the influence of leadership competencies for implementing individual TQM principles; and to examine the relationship of the TQM implementation principles with TQM outcomes among the Thai manufacturing companies with different levels of leadership competencies.Design/methodology/approach – Data have been collected from 265 ISO 9000‐certified companies in the Thai manufacturing industry to examine the validity and reliability of the leadership competencies construct; nine TQM implementation constructs (top management commitment, supplier quality management, continuous improvement, product innovation, benchmarking, employee involvement, reward and recognition, education and training, and customer focus); and one outcome construct (product quality). The findings are cross‐validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Step‐wise regression methods have been use...

Employee perception of impact of knowledge management processes on public sector performance

Abstract: The application of knowledge management (KM) is critical to public sector firm as it is to private sector firm. However, despite its significance, the academic enquiry of KM in public sector is at its nascent stage. This forms the motivation of the present work; this paper aims to analyze and understand the intricate relationship between KM processes and public sector firm performance in terms of operational, quality and innovation performance.,A comprehensive KM processes–performance framework consisting of seven constructs (four constructs of KM processes and three constructs of KM performance) and their underlying factors was developed through an extensive literature review. The employee perceptions of these seven constructs were captured on a five-point Likert scale using a country-wide survey in the UAE public sector. The 270 valid responses captured were then used to first validate the KM framework and then test the hypothesized relationships between KM processes and KM performance.,The findings show that all four KM processes (knowledge creation, knowledge capture and storage, knowledge sharing and knowledge application and use) had a positive and significant impact on operational, quality and innovation performance of public sector in the UAE.,The findings confirm the validity and reliability of all the seven constructs and their underlying factors and the assessment framework. Overall, this study fills a gap in the literature about applying/implementing a KM framework for the public sector and therefore significantly contributes toward the theoretical advancement of the field. However, the study does acknowledge the use of perceptual measures of individual employees as a limitation instead of more objective measures to capture the impact KM processes on KM performance.,The strong and significant impact of KM processes on firm performance is expected to provide the impetus for practitioners and policymakers to implement and leverage from KM processes and improve firm performance in the public sector.,A comprehensive development, validation and assessment of a KM framework for the public sector has not been attempted previously anywhere, let alone UAE, and hence constitutes the novelty of this work.