Thoo Ai Chin

Motivations and limitations in implementing halal food certification: A pareto analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review, analyse, and synthesise the motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic online library search gathered 50 recent journal articles between the years 2004 and 2014. After common motivation and limitation factors were identified and reviewed, a Pareto analysis was performed. This is done to prioritise the motivation and limitation factors and ultimately revealed the major factors that influence the implementation of Halal food certification. Findings – A total of 36 motivation and 37 limitation factors were identified. Through Pareto analysis, 15 motivation factors accounted for 80.07 per cent and 20 limitation factors are responsible for 79.65 per cent. These factors are considered the major factors in implementing Halal food certification. Practical implications – For academicians, this study provides the most recent review of food safety and quality certification literature and the ...

Does gender diversity moderate the relationship between supply chain management practice and performance in the electronic manufacturing services industry

This study attempts to examine the moderating effects of gender diversity on the relationship between supply chain management (SCM) practices and supply chain performance in the Malaysian electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry. The respondents were selected from the four departments: purchasing, planning, logistics and operation of one of the most well-known Malaysian manufacturing company located in Johor state, Malaysia; with the questionnaires being distributed via email. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the above objective. Findings indicate that SCM practices–performance relationship was not moderated by employees’ gender diversity. Theoretical and managerial implications as well as conclusion are also explored.

Emerging Halal food market: an Institutional Theory of Halal certificate implementation

Purpose The emergence of the Halal food market as one of the largest consumer food markets has encouraged firms to implement Halal food certification. However, the theoretical gap in Halal studies and the unequal focus of Halal food certification research prove the deficiency of theoretical development and understanding. Hence, this paper aims to ascertain the theoretical background of Halal food certificate implementation. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews and synthesises literature focusing on Halal certification, food certification and the Institutional Theory factors that could potentially explain the impetus of Halal food certificate implementation. Findings The Institutional Theory offers a suitable explanation that grounds the motivation to implement Halal food certification. The highly institutionalised Halal industry comprising government regulations, Muslim demands for Halal foods and intense industry competition instigate Halal food certificate implementation. Three propositions are presented and a conceptual model is developed. Research limitations/implications The notions of this paper are based on the institutional perspective, i.e. the external motivation factors. An alternative view on a management theory that explains the internal motivation factors would provide a more comprehensive interpretation of reasons to implement Halal food certification. Nevertheless, the Institutional Theory offers strong understandings behind the motivation to implement Halal food certification. Practical implications Discussions and propositions from this paper could contribute to theory formation that is unique to Halal or Muslim food certification. This paper could also provide a sense of direction for researchers in mapping out future research undertakings. Originality/value The paper presents a valuable understanding of the dynamic of the Institutional Theory in the field of Halal food certification. It is the first attempt that considers the institutional isomorphism of government decree, consumer demand and inter-firm competition as motivation factors of Halal food certificate implementation.

Can halal certification influence logistics performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the halal certification–logistics performance relationship by means of developing a theoretical model and to suggest areas for future research undertakings. The relationship between various forms of certification and logistics performance has been reported in many logistics literature. However, there is paucity in research concerning the relationship between halal certification and logistics performance. Design/methodology/approach The literature representing the concept of halal, halal logistics, institutional support and logistics performance are synthesised to develop a framework. Two distinguished management theories, namely, the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, set the foundation of the proposed theoretical framework. Findings The paper suggests that proper application of resources, in this case halal certification, could positively influence logistics performance. The paper asserts that governmental factors act as the moderator between the halal certification–logistics performance relationship, or could directly influence logistics performance. Research limitations/implications The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected variables of halal certification and logistics performance, and integrates the RBV and institutional theories as the basis for a theoretical framework. However, the proposed theoretical framework requires further validation through the supports of additional empirical research. Practical implications Apart from implementing halal certification as a tool to gain business legitimacy, the paper offers insights to logistics service provider as to how halal certification can be used as a mechanism to improve organisational performance, particularly logistics performance. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to establish the relation between halal certification and logistics performance and highlights the prominent role of government support as an independent and moderating factor. It constitutes a preliminary argument that entices research within the halal certification and halal logistics spectrum.

Barriers to Halal logistics operation: views from Malaysian logistics experts

There is a growing demand for Halal-certified logistics service, but the supply of such logistics service is limited. This study asserts that there is a potential area for research, and argue that logistics service providers (LSP) are resistant to adopt Halal logistics operation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the barriers in adopting Halal logistics operation. Additionally, this study tries to highlight the core reasons behind the barrier to Halal logistics operation. This study fills in the gap exist between insufficient supply of Halal LSP and the rising demand for Halal logistics. Semistructured interview technique is used to gather information from four Halal LSP in Malaysia. The respondents are identified from purposive judgement sampling. Four major barriers to Halal logistics operation are identified, and there are four core reasons behind these barriers. This study appraised and contributed to the growing knowledge of Halal and Halal logistics. Research limitations are highlighted and future research agendas are proposed.

Technology Assessment Need: Review on Attractiveness and Competitiveness

Technology assessment is crucial in managing technology for the purpose of technology exploitation. With business environment continuously changing, firms have to address this issue critically as technology is considered one of the important elements to evaluate performance and gain competitive advantage. Missteps in deciding the best technology to be developed, employed or maintained would cost the firm overall value. To fulfil the need of finding the appropriate scale to assess suitable technology, this paper summarizes that technology assessment (TA) should cover two main aspects, namely technology attractiveness and competitiveness. These components are seen capable to link the scale suggested towards evaluation of financial and non-financial performance towards competitive advantage.

EXPLORING SUPPLY CHAIN RISKS AMONG MALAYSIAN AUTOMOTIVE SMES

There is scant evidence pertaining to risks faced by Malaysian automotive SMEs, although many researches have been conducted in other countries. For that reason, this paper aims to explore supply chain risks experienced by Malaysian automotive companies. By using a case study method involving three Malaysian automotive SMEs, the data analysis reveals that Malaysian automotive SMEs are mostly affected by risks external to firm but internal to supply chain, particularly the risk of late delivery and part shortages. With respect to risk internal to firm, all three case companies admitted that human-related risk is putting pressure on them. The risks of force majeure events and government regulation emerge as the most common risks external to Malaysian automotive SME’s supply chains. Although the results of this study are limited due to the small number of case companies investigated, they suggested automotive SMEs to implement multi-sourcing or develop closer relationship with sister companies and supply chain members to manage supply chain risks.

Linking Halal food certification and business performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between Halal food certification (HFC) and business performance. This study argues that Halal food certificate implementation positively influences business performance. Design/methodology/approach A total of 210 Halal certified food manufacturing companies in Malaysia participated in the study. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling technique. Findings The study proved that HFC has a positive relationship with operational performance. Additionally, operational performance mediates the relationship between HFC and financial performance. Altogether, this signifies that Halal food certificate implementation positively influences business performance. Practical implications By linking HFC and business performance, managers may be aware of the significant role of HFC in influencing operational and financial performance. It would entice more food companies to become Halal certified that opens up an opportunity to a lucrative Halal food industry. It also empirically justifies that a religion-based food certification has the ability to influence business performance, consistent with other established food standards such as ISO 22000 or HACCP. Originality/value Although numerous studies have concentrated on well-established food certifications, the expanding Muslim population, rising demand for Halal food, and lucrative Halal food market have raised the attention on HFC research among academicians and practitioners. This research is able to highlight the importance of implementing HFC among food companies as it could potentially lead to superior business outcomes.

Identifying critical success factors for TQM and employee performance in Malaysian automotive industry: a literature review

TQM is a management philosophy embracing all activities through which the needs and expectations of the customer and the community and the goals of the companies are satisfied in the most efficient and cost effective way by maximizing the potential of all workers in a continuing drive for total quality improvement. TQM is very important to the company especially in automotive industry in order for them to survive in the competitive global market. The main objective of this study is to review a relationship between TQM and employee performance. Authors review updated literature on TQM study with two main targets: (a) evolution of TQM considering as a set of practice, (b) and its impacts to employee performance. Therefore, two research questions are proposed in order to review TQM constructs and employee performance measure: (a) Is the set of critical success factors associated with TQM valid as a whole? (b) What is the critical success factors should be considered to measure employee performance in automotive industry?

Supply Chain Integration Implementation and Operational Capability in SMEs: A Literature Review and a Research Agenda

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute the bulk of enterprises in Malaysia, and they are the major source of dynamism, innovation and flexibility in emerging and developing countries, as well as to the economies of most industrialised nations. Supply chain integration (SCI) is one of the most powerful tools available for ensuring growth and creating firm’s competitive advantage, thus leading to the significant gain for SMEs. The purpose of this study is to review the literature of implementation of SCI methodology in SMEs through highlighting their needs and challenges. A number of selected referred journal articles were analysed. The extent review of literature reveals that though SCI practices help SMEs to improve their operational and financial performance, the previous research is inconsistent in these findings. The inconsistency is attributed to a number of competencies and interrelated objectives between the SCI-performance relationships. Therefore, there is a need to find out the foci of practice initiatives implementation and operational capabilities development and the focus of operations strategy under different business environments. As such, Malaysian SMEs can explore which SCI practices and capabilities may influence the improvement of business performance. From the perspective of theoretical contribution, this paper is valuable to scholars working in identifying future areas of research as new findings could enrich the existing body of knowledge in supply chain, operations and manufacturing industry.