The development and implementation of global information system for Malaysian SMEs (GISSME)

Abstract

According to the UNECE (United Nation Economic Commission for Europe), the economic globalization has a dual impact on Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs). It might provide new opportunities to some SMEs for expansion and growth through increased international marketing possibilities by improving quality, competitiveness and management practices. However, for the majority, globalization brings risks due to which they are unlikely to survive in their present form. A wide barrier for SMEs to enter international trading is due to the lack of quality information, techniques, standards and conformity available for them. In the long run, globalization endangers the existence of SMEs. They are unlikely to survive in their present form unless they are able to remove the barrier to enter into international trading. Therefore, this research project is initiated to help the SMEs to enrich their organization with quality information, procedures and techniques, to become more competitive in the era of industrial globalization. This project consists of six modules which covers the organizational and operational management, quality information, manufacturing procedures and techniques for SMEs in Malaysia. The modules being developed in this research are as follows: 1. Supply Chain Information System Classification and Architectures for SMEs. 2. The Development of e-Business Applications for Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia. 3. Collaborative Tool for Product Design and Manufacture. 4. Development of Quality Information and Conformity Assessment System for SMEs. 5. Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Systems for SMEs. 6. Scheduling Software for SMEs.