Alternative growth of Asian SMEs 【Article】

This article analyzes the process of growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Asian countries.Based on the accumulation of capabilities and resources through subcontracting, OEM or joint venture,SMEs often obtain competitive advantage to lead to growth. The types of growth process vary depend-ing on the stage of economic development, socio-cultural conditions and corporate strategy. The sub-contracting and OEM are quite effective approach for SMEs with limited resource to enter into overseasmarket. Firms can upgrade the technological capabilities and then proceed into manufacturing with ownbrand

Supplier development framework in the Malaysian automotive industry: Proton’s experience

In a dynamic market, firms need to evolve from traditional to strategic purchasing which aims to reduce the cost of the purchase and that might imply standardization of components, delivery time and levels of inventory. This effort will usually include key suppliers as joint problem solvers and with these problem-solving models to work with; the firm’s attitude towards suppliers may change from confrontation to trust and partnership. From the buyer-supplier relationship perspective, the procurement practice of the buyer is critical and acts as a window to nurture the supplier development effort. This article presents the result of a study on supplier development in the Malaysian automotive industry, which focused on PROTON, and its role in developing the suppliers’ relationships and development. This study indicates that PROTON and its suppliers’ development program plays a crucial role in developing and extending comprehensive support to its supplier’s firm such as supplier selection and appointment, development, match making, and promoting continuous performance development and improvement programs

Environmental Management Transfer and Environmental Performance by Japanese Firms in Thailand

This paper analyzes the determinants of environmental management transfer and environmental performance by Japanese firms in Thailand. For sustainable development, all actors need to contribute to the reduction of environmental loads. This requirement is part of a corporate social responsibility. Data obtained from a questionnaire survey on Japanese subsidiaries in Thailand are used in the analysis. Government regulation, environmental strategy, organization and environmental performance are the key factors in the analytical framework. This paper uses ordinary least square (OLS) method for estimation. The results of the analysis indicate that the environmental management system and green procurement by parent firms are significantly related to the international transfer of these practices. Top leadership and the goal of environmental management in the subsidiary are also significantly related to the transfer. The emphasis of environmental strategy leads to improved environmental performance. Specifically, water and air performance are related to top initiative. In contrast, CO2 and waste performance are related to the priority of environmental management. This paper presents new findings in environmental management.