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2. PHD Thesis / Tesis PHD
3. Faculty of Science and Technology / Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi

Title:	Development of lead and collaborative benchlearning framework for benchmarking implementation within clusters of SMEs
Authors:	Masoomeh Zeinalnezhad (P48035)
Supervisor:	Muriati Mukhtar, Professor Dr.
Keywords:	Benchmarking Benchmarking (Management) -- Data processing
Issue Date:	25-Aug-2013
Description:	A variety of academic and industry reports have stated that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries lack the methodology and the "knowhow" for managing quality. However, these deficiencies can be overcome by incorporation of SMEs into related clusters and implementing benchmarking. SMEs in clusters have unique characteristics, such as access to communal infrastructure, constructive dialogue, joint development, and knowledge sharing. The collaborative nature of SMEs in clusters allows them to quickly adapt to dynamic changes through well-developed networks involving SMEs and large enterprises, consultants, suppliers, financial institutions, and the government. However, current existing benchmarking frameworks, on their own, do not address the particular characteristics of clustered SMEs to accomplish effective benchmarking. Hence, related benchmarking concepts, lead benchmarking (LB), collaborative benchmarking (CB) and benchlearning (BL) need to be merged to address these characteristics. This combination is consistent with the characteristics and facilities of clustered SMEs. Therefore, the aim of this research is to develop a combined framework, called "LCB Process Framework", for benchmarking implementation within clustered SMEs. The research objectives in support of the research aim are: (1) To explore the SMEs' issues related to the benchmarking implementation, lead performances, ICTs and learning, (2) To define the LCB, (3) To determine the CSFs of LCB implementation within the clustered SMEs, (4) To develop a framework for LCB implementation, the "LCB Process Framework", and (5) To validate the "LCB Process Framework". The research was conducted through a triangulation across methods approach which involved four phases, namely, exploratory research, empirical study, framework construction and validation. After a pilot study to validate the survey instrument, for the main study, 412 questionnaires were distributed amongst Iranian SMEs located in four well-developed industrial estates (primary clusters), involved in the metal sectors. The response rate was 36.65%. Using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) resulted in construction of five critical success factors (CSFs) of LCB, namely management, employees, government, processes, and communications. Using analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) followed by structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was applied to develop the "CSFs-LCB model". This model formed the foundation of the development of the "LCB Process Framework" for benchmarking implementation within clusters of SMEs. The "LCB Process Framework" was validated through the Delphi technique. The results demonstrate that the combination of LB, CB and BL is a promising solution for sustainable growth of clustered SMEs. LCB facilitates information flow and knowledge sharing among SMEs. It benchmarks lead measures and thus considers future performance analysis. It enhances the progress of organizational learning and transforms SMEs into learning organizations. The LCB Process Framework could be applied in clusters of SMEs in similar developing and newly industrialized countries with minor modifications.,Ph.D
Pages:	373
Call Number:	HD62.15.Z435 2013 3
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Science and Technology / Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi

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