A Case Study On The Impact Of The Credit Guarantee Scheme On Small And Medium-Sized Entreprises In Penang And Kedah

The credit guarantee programs initiated by the Malaysian Government are directed toward assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which lack internal financing. The Credit Guarantee Corporation’s Principal Guarantee Scheme (PGS) was introduced on April 3,1989 to enable SMEs to obtain external financing which would not have been available without the PGS. This case study examined the impact of the PGS on SMEs in Penang and Kedah. In determining the effectiveness of the PGS, the study focused on the following: a. response to the PGS since its inception; b. extent of participation by the banks in channelling the funds; and c. performance of SMEs after receiving the PGS facilities. Further, the findings indicated that the impact of the PGS was not entirely favourable on SMEs, that is, the objectives were not met. Finally, this study suggests eight recommendations which will strengthen the position of the PGS, as well as, increase the efforts and support for the SME sector

Business strategy, leadership styles and performance of Takaful firms

Insurance represents an important business segment in the Malaysian economy.In particular, the takaful firms are viewed to play a key role in Malaysian insurance industry.Despite the importance of takaful firms, the literature reveals research on takaful firms remained limited as well as neglected.More specifically, a review of the business literature in Malaysia reveals that very few studies have attempted to determine the relationships between business strategy, leadership styles and performance of takaful firms.This study attempts to address this research issue.The data for the study was collected from 196 Takaful Agency Leaders by using mail questionnaires.Results of the study indicate significant positive relationships between business strategy, leadership styles and performance of the takaful firms

Development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Malaysia plans: Some insights

The development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia has been emphasized in the country's five-year development plans. Since the First Malaysia Plan (1966 to 1970), various policies, development plans and programmes have been introduced to help sustain the development as well as the growth of SMEs in the national economy.The literature review however indicates that the development of SMEs as featured in the ten Malaysia Plans has not received much attention. This paper attempts to provide some insights into the development of SMEs in the First Malaysia Plan (1966 to 1970) through the Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011-2015)

Management: one too many styles

From a concept, management has evolved into a discipline of study and has become an important field of practice.Since its emergence, management has long gained tremendous interest among management theorists, consultants and practitioners.The literature however indicates that over the years, management has seen much change not only in terms of its meanings but also its emphasis and styles as well.In particular, over the decades, various styles of management have been identified, presented and promoted in the literature.The existence of numerous management styles has raised the question of their universality, applicability and relevance to organizations.Based on the management literature and previous studies, this paper reviews six specific styles of management as well as identifies the differences in their scope and focus

Management: one too many styles

From a concept, management has evolved into a discipline of study and has become an important field of practice. Since its emergence, management has long gained tremendous interest among management theorists, consultants and practitioners. The literature however indicates that over the years, management has seen much change not only in terms of its meanings but also its emphasis and styles as well. In particular, over the decades, various styles of management have been identified, presented and promoted in the literature. The existence of numerous management styles has raised the question of their universality, applicability and relevance to organizations. Based on the management literature and previous studies, this paper reviews six specific styles of management as well as identifies the differences in their scope and focus

Strategic management: origin, process, approaches and theories

Much has been written in the literature about the importance of strategic management in organizations. Regardless of size, organizations are seeking and identifying effective strategies through the strategic management process to assist them in the successful management of their businesses. Not-withstanding the tremendous attraction of strategic management, scant attention has been given to investigate its development to the current level of understanding. Based on the literature, this article examines its origin, process, approaches and theories

Developing small and medium-sized enterprises as learning organisations

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to develop and sustain their competitive advantage is through upgrading their skills and knowledge. Small and medium-sized enterprises can acquire the skills and knowledge that can make them become more competitive as well as innovative by becoming learning organizations. However, the literature indicates that limited attempts have been made to use the concept of learning organization as a way of developing SMEs. This paper initiates an attempt to describe and explain how SMEs can be developed as learning organizations

Business best practices: Lessons for small and medium-sized enterprises

Findings of past studies suggest that business best practices can help companies to become successful. Nevertheless, a review of the management literature reveals that questions have been raised as to whether the best practices identified in the earlier studies are applicable and relevant to all kinds of companies, including the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Based on the review of five most documented studies on business best practices, this paper attempts to examine and compare the best practices promoted and prescribed in the management literature.The evidence from the review of the studies indicates that successful companies not only adopted different best business practices but these practices varied from study to study as well as contradicted each other

Problem in planning and implementing strategic information system: Some evidence from Malaysian government agencies

Strategic information systems planning (SISP) is viewed as an important practice and process for improving organizational performance in both private and public sectors.However, the literature review indicates that limited studies have attempted to investigate the problems faced by organizations when planning and implementing strategic information systems planning, particularly in the public sector.This study attempted to address this issue. The data for the study was gathered from 54 government agencies in Malaysia. Based on the analysis of the data collected from the government agencies, the results of the study indicated that these agencies faced various problems when attempting to plan and implement SISP in their organizations

Suggestions for research on small and medium-sized enterprises in Malaysia

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered to be one of the important components of the business ecosystem in Malaysia.As part of the business ecosystem, SMEs contribute significantly to the Malaysian economy.Although they play a key role in the national economy, research on SMEs appears to be not only restricted but also overlooked.The review of the literature reveals that as a field of study, SMEs have received limited theoretical as well as empirical contributions. This paper reviews the literature and past studies in an attempt to identify the issues related to this area of study as well as provides some suggestions for further research on SMEs