Thesis-2002-MohdOsman.pdf (22.09 MB)
High technology small and medium sized enterprises (HTSMEs): an assessment of the determinants of growth and constraints faced by HTSMEs in Malaysia
thesis
posted on 2010-10-21, 15:25 authored by Mohd Hassan Mohd OsmanThe industrial development of Malaysia has moved towards capital-intensive, high
technology and high value-added industries. The development of high technology
industries is an important element in the country's industrialisation process. High
technology small and medium-sized enterprises (HTSMEs) are considered a key feature
of growth in the high technology sphere in Malaysia - the creation and development of
indigenous HTSMEs is vital.
The primary aim of this research is to examine the growth of HTSMEs and provide
policy makers, owner-managers (OMs) and academics with a greater understanding of
the factors affecting the growth of such firms in Malaysia. This study also identifies the
main constraints faced by HTSMEs and explores ways in which these constraints might
be overcome. The programme of research builds upon past studies, but it adds to existing
knowledge in an area that is ripe for research.
After a literature review, and the development of an overarching theoretical framework, a
number of hypotheses are put forward. The methodological approach combines a
questionnaire survey with case studies based on interviews with selected HTSMEs and
key informants. The questionnaire is principally concerned with identifying the factors
that contribute to growth in HTSMEs, whereas the case studies and interviews
concentrate on exploring the constraints identified in the questionnaire survey. The
questionnaires were distributed to firms in databases maintained by a number of
Government bodies. All the sample firms are considered high technology, as defined by
tile Promotion of Investment Act 1986. The sample includes firms involved in a variety
of activities, from the manufacture of high technology products to the processing of
resource-based products. Firms were randomly selected to reflect the size and racial
composition of firms in the underlying population of HTSMEs. The questionnaire data
were supplemented by 15 in-depth case studies.
Two major findings emerge from this study. First, a number of detenninants did have a
significant effect on growth of HTSMEs: age of OM; age and size of firm; process
innovation and R&D. However, most the hypotheses relating to business strategy were
rejected; the researcher offers some explanations for these rejections. Second, tile case
studies demonstrate that labour constraints among HTSMEs are prevalent, whereas other
propositions were not substantiated. In particular, the case studies raise a number of
questions about the effectiveness of Government support programmes.
On tile basis of tile research findings, the researcher is able to put forward a series of
recommendations to enhance the growth of HTSMEs in Malaysia.
History
School
- Business and Economics
Department
- Business
Publisher
© Mohd. Hassan Mohd. OsmanPublication date
2002Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.247839Language
- en