Strengths and Weaknesses of Small & Medium Businesses on the Global Supply Chain

Moving products from one area of the globe to another in an efficient manner is difficult. Ensure that inventory is accurate and supplies arrive when needed is also difficult. Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) often lack the competence and skill to manage their supply chains well.  A study Dr. by Mohd Rahman discusses some of the challenges in supply chain management (SCM) faced by small businesses in Malaysia. 

A few decades ago Malaysia was an agricultural center but grew to prominence in the business world.  In 2005, approximately 29.6% of all companies were geared toward manufacturing exports. SME’s are 92% of registered companies and constitute 90% of manufacturing companies that contribute to 65% of employment. SMEs within Malaysia provide a strong case study of the difficulties SMEs have with SCM.

SMEs are often a strong catalyst for growth when they can effectively obtain resources and convert those resources to export products. Despite their benefits, many SMEs have a hard time achieving growth due to limitations on resources and knowledge. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses helps in tackling limitations to create a stronger business environment. 

Advantages of SMEs:

-Flat structure and short decision making that allows companies to adjust quickly.

-Flexible culture adaptable to change.

-Chances of improved success with organic vs. bureaucratic culture.

-Higher levels of innovative activities.

Disadvantages of SMEs:

 -Lack of skills and knowledge.

-Lack of financial resources.

-Owner controlling everything.

-Improper systems and processes.

The study indicated that SMEs are limited by both internal and external environmental issues. Some of these issues include cooperation with other parties in the supply chain, management supports and data transformation.  Such businesses don’t often cooperate for mutual benefit, have enough management knowledge to run certain programs effectively and lack acute ability to understand and use data.  The study found that the top five SMC dysfunctions in SMEs are 39% inefficient inventory management, 30% ignoring uncertainties in the supply chain, 26% incorrect inventory assessments, 26% lack of communication, 23% inaccurate use of data.

Rahman, M. (2012). The effective implementation of global supply chain management in small to medium-sized companies in Malaysia: An empirical study. International Journal of Management, 29 (3).

Are We Engaging in "Risky Business" With Our Environment?

“Risky Business” is a new report that details the potential impact of global warming.  Developed by the Risky Business Project and supported by both sides of the political spectrum including Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, previous NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg and donor Tom Steyer. It details some of the risks the U.S. economy faces in the future as a result of climate change.

Global warming is currently a hotly contested issue with people jumping in on either side with a slew of arguments both for and against the topic. It is unlikely that any resolution will be forthcoming soon. However, by understanding the potential consequences of Global Warming it is possible to see at least one perspective. 

Report Highlights:

-By 2050 $66-$106 billion in coastal cost with potential $238-$507 billion cost endured by 2100.

-By the middle of the century the average American will see 27 to 50 days over 95°F.

-Outdoor labor productivity may decline 3%.

-Temperatures may raise at certain times of the year beyond human capacity to adapt requiring additional air conditioning.

-Heightened use of air conditioning may put pressure on energy production.

-Northern states will have an agricultural boon and Southern states will see agricultural decline.

The report sees a new risky normal in climate change that is projected to impact energy, agriculture, and coastal infrastructure.  It moves into explanations and the potential impact on each U.S. region. The report seeks to develop a general understanding of potential changes in various parts of the country and provides some suggestions for change.

Conclusions propose business adaptation, including risk assessments in reports, and a strong stance from the public. The analysis seeks to raise awareness of the potential problems the country could face if we fail to control green house gas emissions and pollution. Businesses are encouraged to join in solutions that counter emerging problems.

Global Warming is a correlation and not yet a causation meaning that factors are associated but science has not yet conclusively said X causes Y. However, protecting the environment, finding efficiencies in business operations, conserving energy costs, reducing waste, and innovating technology are core responsibilities of running a solid business. Cost saving improvements and enhanced product development can go hand-in-hand with developing and protecting the environment.

See the Report:

http://riskybusiness.org/pdf

Call for Papers: 9th Annual London Business Research Conference

Dates: August 4^th & 5th 2014
Venue: Imperial College London, UK
Submission Deadline: 30 June, 2014
Registration Deadline: 21 July, 2014

 The aim of the above international gathering is to bring together both academic and professional researchers, scholars and students to exchange and share their research results about all aspects of Accounting, Banking, Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. Please click the details about the field of research in the left link bar on the event website. All papers will be anonymously reviewed to ensure quality and timeliness of the research. Best papers will be published in the peer reviewed international journal.

 Publication Opportunities and Best Paper Award and Participation Certificates

 As per choice of the authors, abstract and/or papers will be published in the refereed conference proceedings with ISBN and will be published electronically via a dedicated website, namely,www.wbiworldconpro.com. Proceedings will also be published in book form (if author pays for this option) for submission for indexation by ISI (Thompson-Reuters). Every effort will be made to publish proceedings via Google Scholar. Best paper award will be announced soon after the conference and these papers will be published in peer reviewed international journal "Journal of Business and Policy Research". Outstanding papers will be considered for publication in the following indexed (Cabell, Ulrich, EBSCO, ABDC, ERA etc) international refereed journals:: Journal of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Global Review of Accounting and Finance, World Journal of Management, Global Economy and Finance Journal, International Review of Business Research Papers, World Review of Business Research, World Journal of Social Sciences and journal of Islamic Finance and Business Research subject to compliance to review report, editorial comments, conference feedback and payment of applicable subscription fees.

 Website: www.londonconfo.com

Sunset Dining Experience at South Beach Bar and Grill

South Beach Bar and Grill isn’t your run of the mill chain mall dining experience. Located a block from Ocean Beach pier, adjacent to the beach, and less than a mile from the San Diego River entrance it is a seafaring restaurant that boasts a unique dockside experience. Hosting over 22 tequilas, over 40 different craft beers, flat screen TVs on nearly every wall and some of the best Mahi Mahi tacos in San Diego it draws a sizable beach thumping crowd.

Their menu contains many of your standard items like burgers, salads, and steaks but also provides some unique offers more exclusive the restaurant. You may opt for an Octopus Cocktail, Lobster Taco, or the Maui Chicken Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki. If you’re a little adventurous you could try a Shark Taco or Oyster Shooter with Peppered Vodka.

South Beach Bar and Grill is popular with tourists around Ocean Beach. Restaurant experiences contribute to the overall tourist satisfaction of their vacation (Sparks, et. al., 2003). Customers who visit the area often find this popular destination conveniently located next to popular attractions. They may come to socialize with friends, sit down for a meal or have a beer and watch a game.

The theme of the restaurant also fits into the coastal lifestyle of San Diego and its natural history of commercial fishing. Restaurant themes help to create awareness of local cultures and livelihoods (Wood, et. al, 2007).  The type of atmosphere patrons experience at the establishment are likely to be remembered for some time and be recalled when thinking about San Diego.

San Diego boasts a lifestyle many Americans are unfamiliar with. Restaurants like South Beach Bar and Grill provide an atmosphere people will remember. With prices ranging from a few dollars at the low end to $18 at the high end most patrons will find the offerings affordable. If you are in the upstairs bar area you may just get a glimpse of the sunset while sipping on your favorite cocktail.

5059 Newport Ave #104

San Diego, CA 92107

http://southbeachob.com

Sparks, B. et. al. (2003). Restaurants and the tourist market. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 15 (1).

Wood, N., et. al. (2007). No rules, just right or is it? The role of themed restaurants as cultural ambassadors. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 7 (3-4)