Search results

This study investigated the relationships among big data analytics capability (BDAC), low-cost advantage, differentiation advantage, market and operational performance underpinning the resource-based view (RBV) and the entanglement view of sociomaterialism (EVS) theories.

A total of 191 responses from members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers were analysed using a structural equation modelling approach.

This study has conclusively demonstrated that BDAC is indeed a resource bundle comprising human skills, tangible and intangible resources. This study found that BDAC positively influences competitive advantage and firm performance. The differentiation advantage was found to be a key factor in explaining market performance. Theoretically, both RBV and EVS could be used to link BDAC, differentiation advantage and market performance to explain superior firm performance.

First, the sample is restricted to the manufacturers in Malaysia. Second, a single independent variable, BDAC, is used as a higher-order capability to influence competitive advantage, and thus, superior firm performance. Third, this study uses a self-reported survey, which means that only one respondent from each firm answered the questions. Fourth, this study excludes the focused strategy as it aims to investigate the competitive strategy used in the broader industry environment, rather than in a specific segment pursuing a focused strategy.

First, BDAC is a valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable tool for manufacturers to enhance their firm performance. Second, BDAC is crucial for manufacturing firms to reduce costs and differentiate themselves. Third, a low-cost advantage may not help manufacturers achieve greater market and operational performance.

The relationship among BDAC, low-cost advantage, differentiation advantage, market and operational performance within manufacturing industry is empirically tested.

Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility.

This case is suitable to be used in advanced undergraduate and MBA/MSc level.

This case demonstrates the dilemma of a team of students who initiated a CSR project under the supervision of their Business Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability (BERS) course lecturer Dr Qanitah at Azman Hashim International Business School, UTM. The team faced challenge in getting sufficient sponsorship from the outside parties involved. In order to create awareness about CSR issues among general public, the team came up with a project plan and named it as You Only Live Once (YOLO). Two weeks before the YOLO project, one of the main sponsors withdrawn the agreement to sponsor the event. Lack of sufficient funding could contribute to the failure of the YOLO project. Dr Qanitah and the team were in a dilemma to sort out this issue.

By utilizing this case, the students will be able to:

• understand the need for undertaking CSR initiatives;

• expose to the obstacles faced by organizer with regard to the sudden withdrawal of sponsorships; and

• understand the importance of building awareness about CSR among general public.

understand the need for undertaking CSR initiatives;

expose to the obstacles faced by organizer with regard to the sudden withdrawal of sponsorships; and

understand the importance of building awareness about CSR among general public.