Virtual Collaborative R&D Teams in Malaysia Manufacturing SMEs

2nd International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Technologies, 2011

4 Pages Posted: 1 Mar 2011

See all articles by Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Research and Technology Department, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran, Postcode: 19938 93973; Centre for Research Services, Institute of Management and Research Services (IPPP), University of Malaya (UM); University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture

Shamsuddin Ahmed

University of Malaya (UM)

Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture

Zahari Taha

University Malaysia Pahang - Department of Manufacturing Engineering

Md. Abdul Wazed

University of Malaya (UM)

Date Written: February 27, 2011

Abstract

This paper presents the results of empirical research conducted during March to September 2009. The study focused on the influence of virtual research and development (R&D) teams within Malaysian manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The specific objective of the study is better understanding of the application of collaborative technologies in business, to find the effective factors to assist SMEs to remain competitive in the future. The paper stresses to find an answer for a question “Is there any relationship between company size, Internet connection facility and virtuality?” The survey data shows SMEs are now technologically capable of performing the virtual collaborative team, but the infrastructure usage is less. SMEs now have the necessary technology to begin the implementation process of collaboration tools to reduce research and development (R&D) time, costs and increase productivity. So, the manager of R&D should take the potentials of virtual teams into account.

Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises, Collaborative Tools, Questionnaires, Virtual Teams

JEL Classification: Q32, Q31, O32, O31, M11, L15, L23, O14, O4, Z, N6, M2, M54, P24, P42, L17, P23, O1, L1

Suggested Citation

Ale Ebrahim, Nader and Ahmed, Shamsuddin and Abdul Rashid, Salwa Hanim and Taha, Zahari and Wazed, Md. Abdul, Virtual Collaborative R&D Teams in Malaysia Manufacturing SMEs (February 27, 2011). 2nd International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Technologies, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1772242

Nader Ale Ebrahim (Contact Author)

Research and Technology Department, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran, Postcode: 19938 93973 ( email )

Iran

Centre for Research Services, Institute of Management and Research Services (IPPP), University of Malaya (UM) ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
University of Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
Malaysia

HOME PAGE: http://https://umresearch.um.edu.my/

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Shamsuddin Ahmed

University of Malaya (UM) ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
University of Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Zahari Taha

University Malaysia Pahang - Department of Manufacturing Engineering ( email )

Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang 26300
Malaysia

Md. Abdul Wazed

University of Malaya (UM) ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
University of Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
192
Abstract Views
2,645
Rank
283,718
PlumX Metrics