http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/498 Search the Channel search http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/simple-search http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/785 Title: Customer perceived quality, relationship quality and business loyalty:An example of B2B organization <br/> <br/>Authors: Kong, Shin Yee <br/> <br/>Abstract: The rapidly growing field of services has a strong focus on relationship marketing. Numerous researches are carried out on the effect of paradigm shift in marketing principles from transactional marketing to relationship marketing, but not many been discussed within industrial services and manufacturing environment. This study aims to examine how relationship quality can influence customer loyalty in the business-to-business (B2B)context. By targeting a Malaysian wooden product manufacturer as case organisation, tailored questionnaire surveys were sent with responses of 36 business customers. The study proposes a theoretical framework of relationship quality, customer perceived quality (using a modified Grönroos’s model of bi- imensional service quality theory involving both product and services aspects) as antecedent of relationship quality and business loyalty as ultimate dependent variable. The findings of this study suggest that customer satisfaction towards service provider can be improved by focusing on their perceived quality on both service and product. Consequently, customer loyalty and relationship quality can be enhanced by increasing customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this study reinforces the belief that relationship satisfaction has an important role to play in the manufacturing environment. It puts forward one possible causal explanation of the elusive link between satisfaction and relationship. The study concluded with theoretical and managerial implications of the findings. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (M.B.A)-- Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/783 Title: Financial ratios as the predictor of corporate distress in Malaysia <br/> <br/>Authors: Nazrinn Fariss Idris <br/> <br/>Abstract: The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis severely impacted Malaysia’s domestic economy. In the space of just 3 short weeks, almost RM300 billion in market capitalization was wiped off the local bourse. While some argue the situation had been predicted, clearly the depth and suddenness of the event had caught many by surprise. To many Malaysians, the occurrence of the financial crisis highlighted the need for firm action and activities to be constantly monitored and regulated. As the value of listed firms are often supported by the use of funds supplied by the general public, the potential loss in equity value as a direct or indirect result of firm distress, bankruptcy, and reorganization could have wide ranging effects. Clearly, a pre-emptive tool to identify potential problems had to be developed. One tool often cited was through the use of financial ratios. First developed around the turn of the 20th century, research argued that it could predict firm health with a 78% accuracy rate up to five years before distress or failure. In order to evaluate the usefulness of financial ratios to predict firm status in Malaysia, data for firms listed on the Industrial sector of Bursa Malaysia’s Main Board were collected. By compiling the data in the form of financial ratios, we hoped that differences between those from healthy firms and those from distressed firms could be evaluated. Through the use of a ratio analysis, tests of significance, and logit analysis, we found that financial ratios did indeed discriminate the two groups. For almost all ratios tested, the difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, by comparing the two groups based on their liquidity and profitability, results indicate that firm distress or failure could be predicted based on these characteristics. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/782 Title: Management training methods: Relative effectiveness and frequency <br/> <br/>Authors: Sinniah, Veeriah <br/> <br/>Abstract: This study comparatively examined the relative effectiveness and frequency of use of modern and conventional training methods in Malaysian context. Indeed, researchers have set out to study and compare the effectiveness of various training methods. While literature from many of these studies commonly suggests there is no significant difference, others maintain that significant differences do exist because removing instructor feedback and human interaction, characteristics of conventional instructor-led training methods and classroom setting, deprives trainees of a critical dimension that is necessary for meaningful learning. Thus the debate is clearly not settled. The application of technology in both its “hard” (for example through computing technology) and “soft” (for example through instructional design) forms has enhanced the range of training methods available to practitioners. Today, much rhetoric has surrounded the use of techniques such as distance learning and computer-based training methods. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the perceptions of employees to modern training methods as compared to conventional training methods. This study also explores any significant difference in terms of size of organizations. A questionnaire survey of 200 employees in organizations of all sizes and from a range of sectors was conducted. The data suggested that there is no significant difference with respect to frequency of use, but there is a significant difference in terms of effectiveness. The result shows that at-job training methods are widely used and is also perceived as being the most effective method, whereas distance learning is not widely used as it is perceived as less effective. An analysis in terms of firm’s size revealed more similarities than differences between larger and smaller firms. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/781 Title: The relationship between the control environment and the adoption of control self-assessment in Malaysian local banks <br/> <br/>Authors: Andrena Yeoh; Nordiana Bt Roslan <br/> <br/>Abstract: The financial scandals of recent years have highlighted the weaknesses in the internal control systems of many companies. This has led to increased attention on internal controls, from governments and supervisory bodies all over the world. Today, the need for strong internal control systems continues to grow and the importance of managing risks has never been higher. This paper investigates the relationship between the control environment and the adoption of Control Self-Assessment (CSA). The control environment is the foundation for all other components of internal control and sets the tone of the organization, influencing the control consciousness of its people. Whereas Control Self-Assessment is a process through which internal control effectiveness is examined and assessed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that all business objectives will be met. The subject of the study revolves solely around the control environment excluding other possible variables affecting the internal control system. This study concludes that there is no relationship between CSA adoption and the control environment. The possibility that no relationship is found between the variables can be explained with Hofstede's cultural dimensions. Malaysia is considered as having a high power distance and low individualism culture, where the society has lesser equality, empowerment and opportunity to speak for itself. The duration of CSA adoption may also be a factor concerning its impact on the control environment. Thus, further research is recommended to determine the differences between the two (2) variables. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/780 Title: Cognition, culture and competition : an empirical test of the learning organization in the Malaysian <br/> <br/>Authors: Muthukaruppan, Visalakshi S <br/> <br/>Abstract: This research was conducted to examine the principal assumption that organizational learning leads to increased organizational performance and explores the role of organizational learning, culture and focused learning on organizational performance. This study is based on convenience sampling of Grade 7 CIDB (Construction Industries Development Board) registered Malaysian construction companies in the Klang Valley and adopts a structural equation methodology as by the previous researcher. Scales and constructs used to measure the variables are adopted from previous research. The results suggest that organizations with cooperative culture are more likely to achieve competitive advantage and have a positive effect on organizational performance. However, the results did not support the cognitive dimension of double-loop learning nor the behavioral dimension of single-loop learning. The effect of competitive forces means that organizational learning focused on efficiency and concentration leads to competitive advantage and has a positive effect on organizational performance in the Malaysian construction industry. Limitations of this research are to be noted. Firstly, the assumption that executives and managers can assess accurately the levels of organizational learning. Secondly, generalizability of findings is limited as sample is from construction companies in the Klang Valley only and thirdly, the length of the Questionnaire may have resulted in measurement error. Future research should include all registered companies in order to enhance and increase the generalizability of the findings. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/779 Title: Succession planning and management practices among private sector firms in Malaysia <br/> <br/>Authors: Naidu, Krishna <br/> <br/>Abstract: Purpose Succession planning is an important strategic management tool that helps to sustain organizational growth and competitive advantage. A planned succession reduces uncertainties and avoids business disruptions when there is a departure of key talents or leadership in the organization. This study aims to empirically investigate the adoption of succession planning program among private sector firms in Malaysia and explores its practices and approach. Specifically, the study intends to examine the significant relationships between succession planning characteristics, demographic/control variables and organizational outcomes. Design/Methodology/Approach Managing Directors/CEOs and HR professionals of 108 private sector firms from a crosssection of manufacturing and services sectors have participated in the survey, which contributed to a response rate of 26.1%. The framework of succession planning characteristics and organizational outcomes are adopted from the work of Rioux & Bernthal (1999). Findings The findings show that on average firms in Malaysia employ an effective succession planning system. A formal succession planning is practised in 56.5% of the firms which are mostly large firms. Company growth and desire to improve business results are two main reasons why succession planning is important for private sector firms in Malaysia. The results of the study indicate that no significant difference is found between succession planning characteristics and demographic variables. The Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis also show that succession planning characteristics are significant in determining the organizational outcomes. The hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between succession planning characteristics and demographic variables are only partially supported. Similarly, it is only partially supported to the claim that, there is a significant relationship between organizational outcomes and demographic variables. Practical Implications The present study offers an empirical finding on practices and approach of succession planning and its impact on organizational outcomes in the context of Malaysia. Originality / Value Overall, the present study adds value to existing literature by examining the influence of demographic/control variables in determining the relationship between the succession planning characteristics and organizational outcomes. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/778 Title: Corporate sports sponsorship: the relationships among consumer perception, consumer response and sponsor’s reputation <br/> <br/>Authors: Nor Izham bin Ismail <br/> <br/>Abstract: Over the years, many corporate organizations have been taking sponsorship, particularly in sporting events, with an increasingly important role in marketing, brand and reputation building tool. Adapting the previous study of Speed and Thompson (2000) as the premise, this study explores the relationship among the multidimensional measure of consumer perception on sports sponsorship, their response towards it and the reputation of the sponsors among the Malaysian consumers. Online and on ground sampling were undertaken to assess the general views of the local sponsorship audience. The general attitude towards the sponsor and perceived sincerity of the sponsor were found to be of the most important factors for reputation building by corporate organizations through sports sponsorship deal. Evidently, consumer response towards a sponsorship partially mediates and further improves the effects of consumer perception on the sponsors’ reputation. The implications of these findings for sponsors and event organizers are examined and future research directions are outlined. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/777 Title: Do changes in dividend policy signal the future or the past? <br/> <br/>Authors: Lim, Wei Ling <br/> <br/>Abstract: This research study investigates whether Malaysian Main Board companies pursue changes in dividends to convey information on the future profitability of the companies by studying on a total of 2,679 firm-year observations from year 1998 to 2007. The Ordinary Least Square regression results show that Main Board listed companies do not use dividends as a signalling tool to convey information on the future prospect of the companies. In fact, positive and significant relationship is found to be stronger between changes in dividends in year T=0 with concurrent changes in earnings in year T=0, which is consistent with the previous findings by Benartzi, Michaely and Thaler (1997) and Nissim and Ziv (2001). Further, regression analysis on sub-samples of firm-year observations categorized by the period of stable dividends before the dividend change events (2 years, 3 years and 4 years) shows no relationship exists between the stability of dividends before dividend change events with the extent of dividend signalling. No relationship is found between size of dividend change, size of dividend yield with the extent of dividend signalling. Multiple regression by incorporating industry dummies in the regression equation shows that no difference in changes in earnings between the 3 major sectors (Industrial, Trading/Service and Consumer) when there are changes in dividends, indicating that industry effect does not have any influence on the extent of dividend signalling of the companies. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/776 Title: Antecedents of attitude towards functional foods and purchase behavior <br/> <br/>Authors: Ooi, Shal Peng <br/> <br/>Abstract: The purpose of the study is to examine the consumers’ attitude towards functional foods and purchase behavior. Basically, the attributes involve are knowledge and awareness, believe in nutrition and health and self motivation. Total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. Subsequently, the data that derived from the survey will be statically analyzed by using the Statistically Package for Social Sciences programme (SPSS) version 14.0. The finding shown that the predictors of knowledge and awareness believe in nutrition and health and self motivation were all significant that indicate the relationship towards the moderator of consumers’ attitude. In additional, the finding also supported that consumers’ attitude towards functional foods has significant related with purchase towards functional foods. Consumers’ attitude towards functional foods in the study is likely to have affected their purchase of functional foods. Therefore, for implication, it raise up an interesting results for manager when they want to come out with marketing strategies to reach their target market effectively, as the study demonstrated the important of market attributes towards consumers’ attitude. Future research, consumers need clear understand of functional foods and a strong level confidence in the scientific criteria that are used to document health effects and claims where most of them already making changes to improve the healthfulness of their diets, yet still more can be done to increase their knowledge about benefits of functional foods. By understanding how the factors interact, this could help the managers make important decisions about consumers’ attitude towards functional foods and purchase behaviour in Malaysia contest. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008. http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/handle/1812/775 Title: Financial distress risk and stock returns: evidence of the Malaysian stock market <br/> <br/>Authors: Mohd Azhar bin Mohd Yusof <br/> <br/>Abstract: If financial distress risk can be accurately predicted, the stock price of high distress risk firms should be discounted so as to enable investors to earn higher expected returns. This is true if the distress risk is undiversifiable or systematic. This study sets out a direct approach to examining the risk-return relationship of distress-listed companies in Malaysia. Using Z-Score bankruptcy prediction model as the proxy of distress risk and the subsequent realised stock returns of the distress-listed companies as a proxy of systematic risk, this study finds that the distress risk and the size and book-to-market equity effect are not statistically significant enough to explain the expected stock returns. It is also found that the theoretical expectation of the size and book-to-market equity effect on distress risk also does not hold in the case of the Malaysian distress listed-firms. However, similar to the findings of Griffin and Lemmon (2002), there is evidence of a significant inverse relationship between distress risk and book-to-market equity indicating that Malaysian distress listed-companies with higher probability of distress risk display lower book-to-market value of equity ratio. This study reports that it is inconclusive to deduce that distress risk is a systematic risk in relation to the Malaysian stock market. <br/> <br/>Description: Dissertation (MBA) Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 2008.