Vol.1 No. 2, June 2010

Article 1: LOGISTIC BENCHMARK STUDY OF THE EAST WEST ECONOMIC CORRIDOR, pp. 1-13
By: Ruth Banomyong (Guest Author), Thammasat University, Thailand
Apichat Sopadang,and Sakgasem Ramingwong, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse and benchmark the current status of the East West Economic Corridor (EWEC) logistics system. The EWEC is one of most recognised program of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) within the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) initiative. This development program is named after the physical linkages in the transportation network from East to West across 4 GMS countries, i.e. Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR and Vietnam. The benchmark study is based on several logistics assessment tools, i.e, analysis on macro logistics system component, logistics performance benchmarking, corridor analysis and a snapshot methodology. The rationale behind EWEC logistics benchmark analysis is to provide policy makers with a detailed illustration of the “AS IS” situation and the issues currently constraining integration. Logistics development policies, comprising of 8 sub programs, are then proposed to enhance EWEC integration. The prediction is that the 1,109-km journey will travelled in less than 22 hours in the near future.
Keywords: Logistics benchmarking, east-west economic corridor, logistics policy development

Article 2: THE INFLUENCE OF TRAINING IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT ON COMPETITIVENESS, pp. 14-31

By: Arawati Agus and Zulridah Mohd. Nor, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Za'faran Hassan, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

This paper examines the relationship between training in supply chain management (SCM) and competitive advantage of manufacturing companies in Malaysia. The study measures senior SCM managers’ or production managers’ perception of training in SCM practices and level of competitiveness in the industry. Associations between training in supply chain management and competitive advantage are analyzed through methods such as Pearson’s correlations, cluster analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) utilizing 115 respondents’ data. The findings suggest that training in SCM has significant correlations with competitive advantage (comprises of determinants such as product differentiation, employee differentiation, service differentiation and price differentiation). Specifically, competitive advantage (CA) has high correlations with training variables such as ‘adequacy of production training among employees’, ‘management training in supply chain effectiveness’ and ‘employee training in supply chain technologies’. The SEM result also reveals that training in SCM exhibit direct impact on competitiveness. Findings of the study provide a demonstration of the importance of training in enhancing competitiveness in Malaysian manufacturing companies.
Keywords: Supply chain management, training, competitive advantage, manufacturing companies, Pearson’s correlation, cluster analysis and structural equation modeling.

Article 3: THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL INDUSTRIES ON MALAYSIA'S ECONOMY, pp. 33-42
By: Herwina Rosnan, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Mohd Nazari Ismail, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

The main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of cultural industries in general and film industry in particular on national economy. Globally, cultural industries have contributed to economic development of many developed and developing countries. For example, in the United States, film industry (which fall under the category of cultural industries) contribution is greater than its aerospace industry. In the case of third world countries, film industry has been neglected in the academic literature despite its huge potential contribution to the economy. Based on the reviews of earlier studies, it was found that little attention has been given by scholars to study the impact of cultural industries and national economic development. Most studies on economic development focused on other industries deemed significant, especially manufacturing industry. Hence, this paper highlights the importance of cultural industries and its potential contribution to national economy. It also highlights some important points that need to be considered by national government in their effort to benefit from the development of their national film industry.
Keywords: Cultural industries, film, national economy, economic development.

Article 4: EFFECTIVENSS OF THE EXTENDED MEAN-VARIANCE MODEL USING FUZZY APPROACH FOR PORTFOLIO SELECTION IN MALAYSIAN STOCK MARKET, pp.43-53
By: Zulkifli Mohamed, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor, Malaysia
Ruzidah Ahyak, Segamat Technical School, Johor, Malaysia
Sazali Abidin, University of Waikato, New Zealand
Norzaidi Mohd Daud, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

Purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of the extended mean-variance model using fuzzy approach in maximizing portfolio diversification benefit in the Malaysian stock market. 10 types of portfolios involving 300 listed companies in Bursa Malaysia from 1998 to 2009 were used as a sample for the extended model testing. Linear programming optimization tool was used to derive efficient portfolios. Portfolio superiority then been measured by using the efficient frontier index (EFI). Empirical evidence revealed that the extended mean-variance model is able to maximize portfolio’s diversification benefit in the Malaysian stock market compared to the conventional mean-variance and the VBS fuzzy models. The result provides on how the Malaysian investors could improve on their investment strategy. This study is perhaps one of the first to address portfolio diversification benefit using the extended mean-variance model in the Malaysian stock market.
Keywords: Portfolio, mean-variance, efficient frontier, fuzzy, Malaysia.

Article 5: VISITOR' USE OF INFORMATION KIOSK AT MELAKA TOWN HERITAGE SITES, pp.54-65
By: Mohd Hasrul Yushairi Johari, Mohd Saiyidi Mokhtar Mat Roni, Amiruddin Ahmad & Ahmad Khairuman Md. Hasim, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka, Malaysia

The advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) has garnered much interest in various fields. Tourism arena is one of the many fields in which ICT has become a subject of interest. Although in the late 90’s and in the early 21st century virtual tourism was predicted to have a major impact, traditional visit to places of attraction still remains popular. Therefore, the visitor’s appreciation and knowledge on certain places of attraction may improve through an integration of virtual tourism into a conventional physical movement. This will later could help induce further interest to visit. This integration can take in many forms. One of the many significant approaches to this method is to deploy an ICT based information kiosk. Adapting the intrinsic value of information through the information kiosk however, requires more than just the technology. Social norms and user behaviour has to be adequately studied in order to better understand the visitors intention and likelihood to use such technology. Perhaps, the deployment of such technology is viewed as a catalyst to lure interest among visitors to heritage sites. Therefore, understanding the social behaviour among visitors would contribute useful information on the technical aspects of the kiosk such as design, concept and content. Several theories of social behaviour are studied and the most applicable theory is used to explain the intention and the actual use of the kiosk. Derived from the Theory of Reasoned Action which is later refined into Theory of Planned Behaviour, a model called Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is adapted in this study. The use of UTAUT is considered appropriate in current study as it incorporates several parameters that help to explain the use of an ICT based information kiosk among visitors.
Keywords: Kiosks, behavior model, interpretive media