Abu Bakar Abdul Hamid

International publishers of academic, scientific and professional journals since 1979.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to establish the halal certification–logistics performance relationship by means of developing a theoretical model and to suggest areas for future research undertakings. The relationship between various forms of certification and logistics performance has been reported in many logistics literature. However, there is paucity in research concerning the relationship between halal certification and logistics performance. Design/methodology/approach: The literature representing the concept of halal, halal logistics, institutional support and logistics performance are synthesised to develop a framework. Two distinguished management theories, namely, the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, set the foundation of the proposed theoretical framework. Findings: The paper suggests that proper application of resources, in this case halal certification, could positively influence logistics performance. The paper asserts that governmental factors act as the moderator between the halal certification–logistics performance relationship, or could directly influence logistics performance. Research limitations/implications: The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected variables of halal certification and logistics performance, and integrates the RBV and institutional theories as the basis for a theoretical framework. However, the proposed theoretical framework requires further validation through the supports of additional empirical research. Practical implications: Apart from implementing halal certification as a tool to gain business legitimacy, the paper offers insights to logistics service provider as to how halal certification can be used as a mechanism to improve organisational performance, particularly logistics performance. Originality/value: This paper is one of the first to establish the relation between halal certification and logistics performance and highlights the prominent role of government support as an independent and moderating factor. It constitutes a preliminary argument that entices research within the halal certification and halal logistics spectrum.

The current automotive supply chain is facing more risks than ever due to the heavy dependencies of local automotive component manufacturers with foreign and established global producers. In response, this paper is designed to explore the supply chain risk management (SCRM) practice of automotive industry in Malaysia. In-depth case studies were conducted at two automotive components manufacturers based on three constructs of SCRM framework including the SCRM process, tools used in SCRM and techniques to minimize risk. The case studies revealed that the automotive companies implemented failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), 5 why analysis, impact-aspect study, and recovery planning to manage their supply chain risks. In addition, brainstorming techniques, experience and expert judgment were mainly used as risk identification and assessment techniques. Most of the risks encountered during operations were dealt by reactive strategies such as back-up suppliers and increasing buffer stocks. Overall, the automotive companies are heading towards more formal and sophisticated SCRM especially with the certification of TS16949 although there are still plenty of rooms for improvements in the risk identification and risk assessment techniques since very limited quantitative techniques were evidenced.

Brand loyalty is one of the most-cited concepts in marketing literature, and both academic and practitioners have accepted the range of benefits derived from it. Today, brand loyalty plays a vital part in strategic management. It is surely true that the loyalty to the brand is amongst the most important company’s fundamental tactics in order to acquire a maintainable competitive advantage. In order to get an understanding of brand loyalty, a discussion about the development of brand loyalty has been carried out in the following sections. The first section is about the different perspective of measurement of brand loyalty because of some argument in marketing literature and then second section is concerning potential antecedent of brand loyalty. This paper suggests a conceptual model to more understand the role of brand personality and brand satisfaction in influencing attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. The model will highlights the variable on which the brand loyalty depends and is helpful for managers and marketers for the better understanding of their market and also help them to better serve the needs and wants of their potential customers. This article is next established into specific research hypotheses for future studies.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are playing an increasingly important role in sustaining economic growth and generating employment in Malaysia. SMEs also play a very crucial role in supply chain management (SCM) as they may serve the roles of suppliers, producers, distributors and customers. However, adoption of SCM in Malaysian SMEs has not been broadly explored. Therefore, the authors propose a conceptual model by examining the moderating effects of contextual factors (firm size, firm age and supply chain length) on the relationship between SCM practices, namely, information sharing, strategic supplier partnership, customer relationship, material flow management, corporate culture and SCM performance in a single study. The study has important managerial implications as the findings will enable management of SMEs to understand progressive and highly varied SCM practices and contextual factors that contribute to the SCM performance and its effective implementation.