Nur Khairlida Muhamad Khair, Khai Ern Lee, Mazlin Mokhtar and Choo Ta Goh
The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers and challenges faced by chemical industries in Malaysia causing to the low participation in Responsible Care program. Also…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers and challenges faced by chemical industries in Malaysia causing to the low participation in Responsible Care program. Also, this paper aims to propose a solution to address the issues in implementing Responsible Care by introducing a Simplified and Integrated Management System for Responsible Care.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed to 132 Responsible Care signatory companies in Malaysia, and they were given a week to return it via e-mail. Combining the inputs from the survey and document analysis, a Simplified and Integrated Management System for Responsible Care (SIMS-RC) was proposed.
Findings
Responsible Care signatory companies faced barriers in implementing product stewardship code and they also faced challenges in getting employees’ commitment from all levels. Taking the inputs received from Responsible Care signatory companies and document analysis, an SIMS-RC was proposed as a closed-loop process which consists of quality, environmental, health and safety management system.
Research limitations/implications
Some of the chemical companies were unable to share their thoughts in the survey due to the companies’ confidential reason.
Originality/value
Abundant literature has discussed about the limitation of Responsible Care that needs to be improved. Therefore, several elements and procedures of the program need to be revised and innovated to help the signatory companies to continuously improve their performances and encourage more participation in Responsible Care program. The findings will add value to the current body of knowledge and Responsible Care signatory companies which seek to improve Responsible Care implementation through an integrated management system approach. The proposed SIMS-RC is a simple, integrated, holistic and process-oriented management system in which it blends Responsible Care into quality, environmental, health and safety management system.
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Goh Choo Ta, Sharina Abdul Halim, Mohamad Mahathir Amir Sultan, Wan Daraputri Razali, Mazlin Mokhtar and Ibrahim Komoo
University research institutes were established in Malaysian Universities to facilitate research activities that do not fit into discipline-oriented departments, including the…
Abstract
Purpose
University research institutes were established in Malaysian Universities to facilitate research activities that do not fit into discipline-oriented departments, including the multi- and inter-disciplinary research that goes beyond the single-disciplinary boundary. This paper aims to report on a case study of one university research institute established in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), known as the institute for environment and development (LESTARI). LESTARI conducts multi-disciplinary research that emphasises research and capacity building on issues related to sustainable development. The aims of this paper are to examine the research evolution undergone at LESTARI, and to ascertain its contribution towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
LESTARI was established two years after the Rio Conference held in 1992, with the aims of promoting sustainable development through research and capacity building. This paper uses a qualitative approach to evaluate the research evolution of LESTARI, and a quantitative analysis to ascertain LESTARI’s contribution to SDGs.
Findings
After almost 30 years of establishment, LESTARI has moved from multi-disciplinary research to inter-disciplinary research. Although the transition was based on respective research areas (e.g. chemicals management and geopark), the research maturity of LESTARI is shown in its transformation from conventional to translational research. LESTARI has proven its capability to conduct multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research, and the research outputs are also contributing to the SDGs.
Practical implications
The LESTARI case study has shown that as long as a research institute has a firm and clear research direction, regardless of how it is evaluated and monitored (e.g. evaluated by SDGs), the research institute remains relevant in the context of its establishment.
Social implications
The findings from this paper serve to set LESTARI as an example for other university research institutes, whether in Malaysia or in other countries.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this contribution is the first that discusses the transition from multi-disciplinary research to inter-disciplinary research, as well as the contribution to SDGs, among university research institutes in Malaysia.
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Nur Khairlida Muhamad Khair, Khai Ern Lee, Mazlin Mokhtar, Choo Ta Goh, Harminder Singh and Pek Wan Chan
The Responsible Care programme was first introduced in Canada in 1985 and now is implemented worldwide as one of the chemical industries' commitments to improve the industries'…
Abstract
Purpose
The Responsible Care programme was first introduced in Canada in 1985 and now is implemented worldwide as one of the chemical industries' commitments to improve the industries' public image as well as their performance in health, safety and environmental aspects. In Malaysia, the Responsible Care programme has been implemented since 1994 with a current total of 148 companies pledged to implement it in their company; however, the effectiveness of the programme remains unknown. Hence, this paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the Responsible Care programme in improving performance in the environment, health and safety in terms of documentation, training, selection processes and stakeholders' engagement for the sustainability of chemical industries.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was administered to the Responsible Care signatory companies in Malaysia. Of these, a total of 132 member companies either produced or provided services related to chemical products.
Findings
The majority of signatory companies agreed that the Responsible Care programme did improve their performance in the environment, health and safety. Besides that, the signatory companies were also keeping up their commitment to ensuring documentation, training, selection process and stakeholders' engagement run smoothly in line with Responsible Care's mission.
Originality/value
After more than two decades of implementation in Malaysia, it is important to assess the Responsible Care programme's effectiveness. As an increasing number of chemical firms, without good management, it will possibly pose a danger to the environment and human health and safety. Through assessment, advances in Responsible Care management practices will considerably increase programme effectiveness in terms of environmental health and safety.
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Mohamad Mahathir Amir Sultan, Choo Ta Goh, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh and Mazlin Mokhtar
Mercury is widely used in medical and healthcare facilities as dental amalgam, mercury-added medical devices, thiomersal-containing vaccines, laboratory analysis and for other…
Abstract
Purpose
Mercury is widely used in medical and healthcare facilities as dental amalgam, mercury-added medical devices, thiomersal-containing vaccines, laboratory analysis and for other general applications despite the hazards. Various agencies consistently promote mercury-free medical facilities through mercury-free alternatives and better management practices, which are in line with the Minamata Convention on Mercury that aims to protect human health and environment from anthropogenic mercury release. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a gap analysis on recommended practices gathered from the literature and current practices gathered through semi-structured interviews with Malaysian medical personnel. A life cycle approach was adopted covering mercury use: input, storage, handling, accident, waste disposal and governance phases.
Findings
The authors found that there are significant gaps between recommended and current mercury management practices. Analysis indicates improper mercury management as the main contributor to these gaps. The authors found from recommended practices that core components needing improvement include: mercury management action plan, mercury use identification team, purchasing policy, proper guidelines and monitoring systems.
Practical implications
This study helps us to understand mercury management practices and suggests essential steps to establish a mercury-free medical facility.
Originality/value
This study explored the gaps between recommended and current mercury management practices in a medical facility and contributes to the Minamata Convention on Mercury aspirations.
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Purpose: This paper contains an evaluation of the results from a survey on ISO 9000 certified hotels in Egypt. This study is focused on factors influencing the choice of the…
Abstract
Purpose: This paper contains an evaluation of the results from a survey on ISO 9000 certified hotels in Egypt. This study is focused on factors influencing the choice of the registration agency; problems with registration agencies; satisfaction level with the registration agencies and the use of training and consultancy in achieving the certification. Design/methodology/approach: Postal survey was used in this study to gather the required data from a sample size of 40 certified large hotels in Egypt. The sample was drawn from a list provided by ISO 9000 certification office in Egypt. A response rate of 60 per cent was achieved. Findings: The certified hotels in Egypt performed well in their registration process and benefited from ISO implementation. They were using their registration agencies for private consultancy and it has been recommended that they should avoid using their registration agencies for private consultancy as this creates conflict of interest and constitutes a violation of ISO 62. Originality/value: Adds to the body of knowledge concerning the ISO 9000 registration agencies in the service sector with particular focus on Egypt.
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Leena Afroz Mostofa Chowdhury, Tarek Rana, Mahmuda Akter and Mahfuzul Hoque
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance and, in turn, to provide insights into its impact on emerging…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance and, in turn, to provide insights into its impact on emerging economies.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 34 textile firms in Bangladesh between 2013 and 2017. The IC efficiency, through value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) model, and its impact on financial performance, through return on assets (ROA), return on equity and asset turnover (ATO), was examined using descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques. The analysis is based on secondary data obtained from annual reports.
Findings
The results indicate the impact of VAIC components on financial performance and also demonstrate diverse relationships with changes in financial indicators. The VAIC components significantly influenced productivity outcomes, with tangible capital playing a major role in both productivity and profitability. Moreover, it was found that structural capital had a considerable effect on ATO and ROA with human capital indicating an insignificant impact on all financial performance indicators.
Research limitations/implications
The research outcome is specific to the textile industry in emerging economies. The study may guide future research on IC performance in textile firms and cross-industry comparisons.
Practical implications
Managers, firm owners and regulators need to align IC to performance management to sustain the competitive advantage in globalised competitive settings.
Originality/value
The study provides an empirical evidence and extends knowledge of IC utilisation for enhancing the financial performance of the textile firms in emerging economies.
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Milla Laisi, Olli‐Pekka Hilmola and Mikko Sutela
The purpose of this paper is to understand the changes in Swedish and Finnish companies' traffic flows and evaluate the future prospects.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the changes in Swedish and Finnish companies' traffic flows and evaluate the future prospects.
Design/methodology/approach
Research was implemented through web‐based questionnaire. Furthermore, numerous second‐hand sources were used to gain knowledge. Research was conducted in three parts: first research was executed in 2006, second in 2009 and the third was realized in 2010.
Findings
The main findings support previous studies arguing that the traffic between Europe and China will continue to grow in the future. However, contrary to earlier studies, the balance will change from eastbound to westbound traffic. The future prospects to Russian traffic are stated as a slight increase in demand: however, the balance is shifting from eastbound to westbound transport, and it is noted that the transport flows from Russia to Europe might increase in the near future.
Research limitations/implications
Empirical data were gathered from two North European countries, Sweden and Finland. To follow the development in the market, and in order to make more general conclusions, research should be extended to include other countries. Furthermore, economic downturn's influences on traffic flows and its development could be analyzed in a year's time.
Practical implications
The research aggregates data from three surveys and evaluates the companies' standpoints. The study results could be used to evaluate the companies' development trends in Finland and Sweden. In addition, the research provides valuable data for the business world, as well as for academia, by adducing the market actors' outlook.
Originality/value
The paper contributes actor‐level data to the subject, which previously has been scrutinized mainly via second‐hand data and literature analyses.
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The accession of the People's Republic of China to the World Trade Organisation should provide greater access to an erstwhile‐untapped market. Trade and foreign investments are…
Abstract
The accession of the People's Republic of China to the World Trade Organisation should provide greater access to an erstwhile‐untapped market. Trade and foreign investments are expected to increase rapidly. Under this setting, an enormous challenge is posed to the logistics industry as it endeavours to meet the increased demands of the market. Based on the secondary data, this paper finds that despite the improvements and advancements undertaken by the Government and other agencies, the current logistics infrastructure, particularly those of transportation networks, telecommunications systems, warehousing facilities and customs procedures are still lacking. Future developments are also highlighted to portray an accurate assessment of the logistics situation in China.
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Heiko Gebauer, Gunther Kucza and Chunzhi Wang
Despite the proven benefits of high‐performing spare parts logistics, recommendations on how to organize spare parts logistics in China are rather rare. The absence of spare parts…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the proven benefits of high‐performing spare parts logistics, recommendations on how to organize spare parts logistics in China are rather rare. The absence of spare parts logistics concepts for China is surprising, since the spare part business is the profit pool of the capital goods industry: spare parts create about 17 percent of the industry's total revenue. The margins involved in this spare parts revenue are, on average, 25 percent compared to 2‐3 percent of the capital goods. This paper aims to offer recommendations to increase spare parts logistics performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an extensive benchmarking project with a variety of firms (focus group and single case study) in order to gain a better understanding of spare parts logistics in China. By reviewing the first benchmarking findings with a single company that struggled to achieve sufficient spare parts logistics performance, additional insight was gained into how spare parts logistics should be organized in China.
Findings
The paper attempts to provide a better understanding of the necessary changes for improving logistics performance in the Chinese market. It analyzes the necessary changes to achieve a cutting‐edge logistics solution, and shows how companies can implement the solution.
Research limitations/implications
Research limitations come from the qualitative nature of the research.
Practical implications
Managers can use the results obtained in this study to challenge their current logistics practices and develop a project procedure on how to initiate logistics projects that lead to cutting‐edge logistics performance.
Originality/value
Rather than concentrating on performance benchmarks of the supply chain of spare parts or specific aspects of spare parts management, the paper develops the setting up of a cutting‐edge logistics solution for China and Asia. The cutting‐edge solution is based on two main pillars: companies should try to develop logistics solutions for Asia that consider existing Asian and Chinese constraints instead of taking the logistics practices used in mature markets and trying to adapt them to the Chinese market, and the development of the logistics solution should be in intensive collaboration with the logistics providers.
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Yu Tian, Fujun Lai and Francis Daniel
Using China's burgeoning logistics industry as a backdrop, the present study focused on how to build trust between logistics users and third‐party logistics (3PL) providers, and…
Abstract
Purpose
Using China's burgeoning logistics industry as a backdrop, the present study focused on how to build trust between logistics users and third‐party logistics (3PL) providers, and the antecedents and consequences of trust.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire‐based mail survey was conducted in mainland China. The conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicate that logistics users' satisfaction with prior interactions with logistics providers, 3PL provider's relationship‐specific investment, 3PL provider's information sharing, and 3PL provider's reputation are key determinants of logistics users' level of trust towards 3PL providers. Additionally, logistics users' trust may facilitate their loyalty behavior towards 3PL providers.
Research limitations/implications
The findings were drawn from a Chinese setting in which logistics outsourcing is in a relatively early developmental stage. The uniqueness of Chinese culture may also limit the findings' generalizability. China's transitional economy was not considered in the study. Different company ownership may significantly influence relationship formulation, maintenance and consequences.
Practical implications
The findings demonstrated how logistics providers can improve customers' trust in logistics outsourcing relationships. The study also revealed how logistics providers can improve customers' loyalty.
Originality/value
This paper was a pioneering study that investigates the logistics outsourcing relationship in China, a rapidly growing economy. The results offered valuable managerial insights regarding how to cultivate trust and loyalty in logistics outsourcing relationships.