Siew Imm Ng

Training and Organizational Effectiveness: Moderating Role of Knowledge Management Process.

Purpose – Training alone is not sufficient to enhance organizational effectiveness to a greater level because not all knowledge obtained from the training is properly transferred and applied to the organization. This study aims to investigate whether efforts invested by Malaysian manufacturers in employee training and knowledge transfer affect organizational effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a quantitative research design. The questionnaire developed for this study captured the training related to individual/managerial skills, the knowledge management process in place to capture and apply the knowledge obtained through training, and the organizational effectiveness. A closed-ended online survey was sent to 1,000 members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) throughout Malaysia and 88 manufacturers responded. The unit of analysis was an organization. Findings – The study found the following: training employees to acquire individual/managerial skills and process sk...

Problems and Stakeholder Responsibilities in Island Tourism: The Case of Tioman Island in Malaysia

Tioman Island in Malaysia was once voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world. However, this ranking has gradually slipped, due to development and poor environmental management of the island. The authors employ the stakeholder theory in examining the perceptions of four stakeholder groups (tourists, local residents, government agencies, and business operators) on the environmental problems faced on the island and to identify the parties jointly responsible for solving these problems. A total of 15 problems were identified from 46 exploratory interviews conducted prior to the questionnaire survey. A questionnaire was constructed based on the interview data, and 320 questionnaires were collected from the four stakeholder groups. The results provide support that different stakeholder groups identify different problems and they perceived responsibility for solving these problems. The findings also indicated that problems related to limited road access, neglect of local community, limited phone and internet access, and dirty beaches needed immediate attention.

Identification of aromatic compounds and their sensory characteristics in cassava flakes and “garri” (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Cassava flakes and “garri” are some of the popular cassava products consumed in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. These products are cherished for their creamy colour and characteristic aroma. The aroma compounds responsible for the unique aroma notes of these products were evaluated by means of solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME). Results confirmed that the divinylbenze-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS) fibre was the most appropriate for the isolation of aroma compounds in the cassava products. In addition, the best response was attained when the extraction temperature was 60°C, equilibrium time 20 min, extraction time 10.94 min, and water addition 35%. Analysis of the odorants led to the identification of 21 compounds with an array of odour notes. However, results of the aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), and odour activity values (OAVs) showed that guaiacol, 3-methylbutanal, methylpropanal, and butyric acids contributed intensely to the characteristic aroma of both cassava flakes and garri.