Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and list critical success factors (CSFs) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies, developing frameworks and to ensure effective implementation experience of LSS. Design/methodology/approach – It systematically reviews literature on CSFs and Indian experience regarding LSS. It uses exploratory approach for data collection and documents various studies depicting both manufacturing and service experiences by using time tested statistical tools to prioritize CSFs, which critically influence LSS implementation. Findings – The study guides and facilitates researchers and practitioners in using the most appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies and in developing/modifying/reviewing application frameworks. It also guides implementation experi...

Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma in SMEs (small and medium enterprises)

This paper examines the moderating effect of firm age on relationship between knowledge sharing orientation and business performance. Convenience sample of 274 firms from manufacturing and service sector was taken as sample for the study from National Capital Region NCR and Punjab State of India. The survey questionnaire was administered to the managerial level employees C.E.O's, top level and middle level managers who were key decision makers in the organizations. The findings show that the knowledge sharing orientation exhibits a positive impact on business performance; firm age does not moderate the relationship between knowledge sharing orientation and business performance. The findings of the research will help knowledge management researchers as well as practitioners develop a better understanding of the role of knowledge sharing in successful implementation of knowledge management programs.

Multi-Group Moderation Analysis for Relationship between Knowledge Sharing Orientation and Business Performance

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make remarkable contributions to the economic growth of developing countries. As a newly industrialized country, the Malaysian economy predominantly depends on the SME sector. However, this study seeks to redress this by reporting the key drivers influencing the internationalization process of SMEs such as market orientation, government regulation and competitive advantage on internationalization of manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia. To empirically test those factors, primary data was gathered using the survey questionnaire method. The survey instrument was distributed to all manufacturing SMEs involved in exporting which are located in the Klang Valley of Malaysia and totally 257 questionnaires were received (FMM, 2012). The findings indicate the significant role of market orientation, government regulation and competitive advantage in their process of internationalization. Furthermore, the study has added to body of knowledge by introducing competitive advantage as a mediating variable between market orientation and government regulation with internationalization of manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia. The results of this research could help practitioners and managers of SMEs in the manufacturing sector to be in a better position to improve their internationalization efforts.

/pdf/market-orientation-government-regulation-competitive-2gxjuj8by6.pdf

Market Orientation, Government Regulation, Competitive Advantage and Internationalization of SMEs: A Study in Malaysia

Survival in the current competitive business environment requires updated and accurate accounting information through adoption of appropriate management accounting practices (MAPs). However, improving organizational performance may require businesses including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to not merely adopt those practices but also to observe the fit between MAPs and the contextual variables that determine performance. Knowledge regarding MAPs in SMEs is still scarce; hence, the need for further understanding of factors affecting the adoption of MAPs and how appropriate the fit between those factors and practices enhances SMEs’ performance. This study aims to examine the effect of perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU), advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and chief executive officers’ (CEOs) involvement in networks and characteristics on advanced MAPs including strategic management accounting (SMA), advanced budgeting and sophisticated costing techniques. The study also explores the mediating effect of advanced MAPs on performance. An online survey was conducted among 1470 manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia which produced 186 useable responses. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used and the data was analysed using SmartPLS 3. The results provide evidence of the positive relationship between the contingency factors and almost all MAPs as well as between MAPs (with the exception of costing techniques) and performance. In addition, the main result suggested that in a situation of high PEU or when CEOs are highly educated and experienced, the increased use of budgeting practices will yield higher performance. Moreover, when CEOs are more educated, using more SMA can have similar effect to firm performance. This study elucidates the appropriate MAPs for SMEs by offering empirical evidence based on the integration of the theory of contingency and upper echelon theory. This model helps SMEs adopt suitable advanced MAPs for better response to particular circumstances that their firm faces.

A contingency-based framework of strategic management accounting, sophisticated budgeting and costing techniques in Malaysian small and medium enterprises

The purpose of this study is to test and develop absorptive capacity as a moderator of the relationship between Government Business Support Service (GBSS) and SMEs Performance in Malaysia. A random sampling technique was used on 150 usable questionnaires and data was analysed by SPSS 19. Statistically, the results confirmed that financial and non-financial support by government positively related to SMEs Performance and there is an interaction of absorptive capacity as a moderator on GBSS and SMEs Performance.

Malaysian SMEs Performance and the Government Business Support Service: The Moderating Effects of Absorptive Capacity

Previous research on the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) explored the relationship between adoption of global orientation and competitive advantage, management attitude, and international knowledge and experience. However, there was a difference in opinion between those arguing that there is a positive relationship between these variables and others who contended that there is moderating effect of size on the internationalization. Within this context, this study sets out to further the discussion by comparing the global orientation of SMEs in Malaysia with their different level of size. In doing so, it draws upon the findings of survey of 300 internationalized enterprises located in northern region of Malaysia. The results suggest that size functions as moderating factor for internationalization only for relatively smaller firms. It has its biggest impact when relatively smaller SMEs acquire international knowledge and experience. They also note implications for managers and policy makers. 

	 

	Key words: Firm size, international knowledge and experience, competitive advantage, management attitude, index of internationalization.

The moderating effect of firm size: Internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector

This research has provided a basic understanding on the factors influencing corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in Malaysian aviation industry. There are four factors which have positive relationship, four plausible factors and one factor with negative relationship and it is safe to mention that this research has met its objective that is, finding out the factors influencing CSR activities. This research has successfully established the factors influencing CSR activities. As the limitation and future research suggestion can be considered in future when the research is extended, the basic of the research can be obtained from this research. As consumer, some change in mindset is needed for betterment of CSR in the future. With Bursa Malaysia and Security Commission of Malaysia, the future of CSR in overall industry is excellent and with the introduction of Islamic values in business, CSR can be at the driving force.

	 

	Key words: Shareholder and owner financial performance, brand image and reputation, cultural system.

Sivamurugan P

Papers

The moderating effect of firm size: Internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector

An empirical study on corporate social responsibility in Malaysian aviation industry: A case study