Abdul Rahim Abu Bakar

An Empirical Study of Factors Affecting e-Commerce Adoption among Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises in a Developing Country: Evidence from Malaysia

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine determinants of e-commerce adoption among Malaysian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study tested eight hypotheses on determinants affecting e-commerce adoption with empirical data from several survey instruments: an online questionnaire-based survey, mailed survey and questionnaire collected in-person from a sample of 307 SMEs in Malaysia. The findings show that e-commerce adoption within Malaysian SMEs is affected by perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility, managers/owners knowledge and expertise, management characteristics and external change agents. This study contributes to enhancing the understanding of the determinants of adopting e-commerce in SMEs and provides some interesting perspective from Malaysia. Those parties interested in promoting their business online may find these results helpful in guiding their efforts.

Examining entrepreneurial intention through cognitive approach using Malaysia GEM data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysia adult population through the cognitive approach model. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on Global Entrepreneurship Monitor nation-wide survey which includes questions about entrepreneurial perceptions of the countrys population. Findings – Three kinds of perceptions are identified: individual perceptions, perceptions about entrepreneurial opportunities and socio-cultural perceptions. Their effect on intentions is tested along with some control variables. Practical implications – The result of this study provides empirically rigorous evidence for understanding the entrepreneurial intention of individuals in Malaysia. Originality/value – This study is very relevant as it attempt to close this gap by not only providing further insights and understanding of the entrepreneurial intention, but also for the more general understanding of the economic development in developing nation.

Reflections of entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized enterprises concerning the adoption of social media and its impact on performance outcomes: Evidence from the UAE

Abstract There have been numerous studies on the adoption of social media among individuals as well as organizations. Nevertheless, most of these studies were conducted in developed economies and focused on large organizations. This study, therefore, fills the gap by looking at the adoption of social media among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Middle East region; specifically, in the UAE. In addition, this study analyzes the adoption phenomena through word of mouth, viral marketing and social presence theory using in-depth semi-structured personal interviews with entrepreneurs of SMEs. Another significant contribution rendered by this study is its examination of social media adoption in terms of the business performance of firms.

Technology Motivation in E-Marketing Adoption Among Malaysian Manufacturers

E-marketing technology adoption and use continues to vary, despite widespread acceptance of the Internet in corporate environments. This study aims to explore the role of technology motivation in the adoption of e-marketing technology among firms. A survey was sent to 1,700 corporate managers in Malaysia based on the Federation of Malaysian Manufactures (FMM) directory. The unit of analysis was the Strategic Small Business Unit (SBU). The results revealed that technology motivation influences e-marketing technology adoption. The findings also support previous studies on the influence of management support in firms technology adoption. Our results support findings of similar studies that management support is an important internal determinant of technology adoption. This article helps to fill the gap in the literature and provide a clearer understanding of the motivations for adoption of technology for e-marketing purposes.

The propensity to business startup: Evidence from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data in Saudi Arabia

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the determining factors of entrepreneurial business startup in Saudi Arabia from an eclectic perspective. Design/methodology/approach Based on Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data of 2000 Saudi Arabian respondents, the study analyzes a multitude of individual factors which are classified into four groups: financial resources; social legitimacy; entrepreneurial personality; and entrepreneurial competencies. Gender and education are moderating variables influencing the relationship, whereas age is a control variable using binary logistic regression technique. Findings Out of ten hypotheses, only four hypotheses, namely, income, fear of failure, perception of high status and knowledge of other entrepreneurs, have a significant relationship with the possibility of a business startup. Originality/value Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Social media adoption and its impact on firm performance: the case of the UAE

Through social media technologies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can communicate information and respond to competitors with minimal cost. The ability to share and access information can affect SMEs’ performance, but there is little research on the link between SMEs’ social media adoption and their performance. The purpose of this paper is to present a quantitative survey to explore factors that influenced social media adoption by SMEs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and its impact on performance.,The study used a multi-perspective framework combining technological, organizational and environmental elements affecting SMEs. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs operating in the UAE. Using partial least squares and structural equation modeling techniques, 144 responses were analyzed.,Social media adoption had no effect on SMEs’ performance. These findings could help managers and decision makers in the SME sector to try to keep pace with research on social media innovations, and enable them to benefit from social commerce as it becomes more ubiquitous.,This has implications for social media experts and anyone wishing to encourage social media use by SMEs.,The study developed a suitable multi-perspective framework covering various factors that may affect social media use. It also tested the framework empirically on a sample of SMEs from the UAE.

Understanding social media adoption in SMEs: Empirical evidence from the United Arab Emirates

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the key drivers of social media adoption intention by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach It uses a multi-perspective framework combining technological, organizational and environmental elements affecting SMEs. Data were collected from a random sample of 1,700 SMEs operating in the UAE. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings The results showed that the technology construct had no significant effect on social media adoption, but both organization and environment constructs were significant. Research limitations/implications This has implications for social media experts and anyone wishing to encourage social media use by SMEs. Originality/value Conceptually, it develops a suitable multi-perspective framework covering various factors that may affect social media use. It also tests the framework empirically on a sample of SMEs from the UAE.

Restoring service quality, satisfaction and loyalty in higher education institutions through market orientation

This study investigates the effect of being market oriented on service quality perceptions and its relationship with customer satisfaction and loyalty. Specifically, this paper examines as to how market orientation influences performance from the customers perspective in the private higher education institutions (HEIs). Based from the response of 147 respondents comprising of postgraduate students in Malaysian private HEIs, the findings showed that market orientation influences service quality that subsequently influences customer satisfaction and loyalty. The partial effect of service quality mediating the market orientation and customer satisfaction relationship is also discussed. Finally, the implications of the research are discussed as are the limitations.

Dream or doom dome

Subject area – International management control and organisational behaviour.Study level/applicability – This case is suitable for final year undergraduate and Masters students as well as for the general practitioner. It is suitable for the university course program and for in‐company training seminars. For company training seminars, the human resources department and finance would most probably benefit from the discussion of the case.Case overview – This case was about a company that was eager to expand its business internationally as it gains success in the home market. Having being entrusted by the company CEO to lead the project, the enthusiastic “project champion” lavishly spent the company investments with minimal control from the parent company.Expected learning outcomes – After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able to: first, decide a firm mode of entry, scale of entry and strategic commitment; second, determine the market potential of a particular business venture; third, ...

What's cooking? Indonesia's kerosene to LPG conversion program

Subject area Strategic market entry; international business; marketing. Study level/applicability MBA/MA in management; international business; postgraduate. Case overview This case is based on a real-life situation of an existing transnational firm contemplating to enter a new market in a developing country. It involves a gamut of issues ranging from firm-strategic market entry, competitive positioning, international marketing strategies (including international market segmentation) and international product lifecycle. These issues revolve on numerous theories namely theories on internationalization (motive, scope, process, scale and timing of entry) and globalization of markets (standardization versus adaptation). In the past, the market was heavily regulated and protected which makes market entry simply impossible. However, a change in government policy is opening up new opportunities for foreign providers to participate in the host country. Although the market potential is enormous, there are various factors that concern the firm in determining its market entry and marketing mix decision. Expected learning outcomes After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able to: evaluate a firms internal and external position in market expansion decision; assess a countrys attractiveness in terms of its potential, competitive intensity and entry barriers; identify and discuss the factors that influence firms marketing mix decision (standardize/adapt); and determine the firm market entry and the tactical decisions. Supplementary materials Teaching notes.