African Journal of Estate and Property Management

African Journal of Estate and Property Management ISSN 9671-8498 Vol. 3 (7), pp. 001-009, July, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The implementation of advanced production and management technologies in Turkey automotive sector

Suleyman Semiz¹* and Rasih Demirci²

¹Department of Mechanic Education, Technical Education Faculty, Pamukkale University, Kinikli, Denizli 20100, Turkey.

²Departman of Business Administration, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey.

Accepted 12 March, 2016

Abstract

In this study, advanced production and management technologies which are implemented in Turkey Automotive Sector have been examined. The factors such as the aims of implementation of ATs, the levels attainable to aims and the factors blocking the usage have been evaluated. In use of advanced technology in sector, the result of that many goals have been targeted to perform has been achieved. In use of APTs, as the factors especially that are “speeding up and shortening the production process”, “quality improvement”, “reducing costs”, “increasing production” are considered the important aims; and, in use of AMTs, the factor that is “ensuring effective and efficient working environment to take advantage of human resources at the highest level” comes to the fore. The leading one of the factors blocking the use of advanced production technology has been seen to be “financial problems. When evaluating that case along with the result of that advanced technologies are the most important factor affecting competitive tools, it can be stated that the companies have an idea that there is a compulsory to overcome this problem. Also, in sector, it has been achieved that the result of the important aims between today and the future in concern with the concentration of different APTs and AMTs implementations were determined.

Key words: Advanced technology, technology management, Turkey automotive sector.

African Journal of Estate and Property Management ISSN 9671-8498 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-012, June, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The effects of inter-firm power and supply partner assessment on supply chain integration

Fan-Yun Pai¹* and Tsu-Ming Yeh²

¹Department of Business Administration, National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan.

²Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management, Da-Yeh University, Taiwan.

Accepted 11 January, 2016

Abstract

With rapid changes in technology and globalization of markets, it has become very difficult for firms to “go it alone”. World-class companies, therefore, seek to enhance competitive performance by effectively linking them with the external operations of supply chain members. Several factors are critical to effective integration. Supplier’s power is one of the major factors influencing supply chain integration. Supplier’s characteristics determined its power. Inter-firm power affects buyers and suppliers’ decision and subsequently, the performance of the buyer. The relationships among supplier’s assessment, power, cooperative attitude and supply chain integration are hypothesized and investigated based on empirical data collected from companies in semiconductor component manufacturing supply chain. The results demonstrate that both power structure and suppliers’ characteristics influence supply chain integration. Managerial insights are provided accordingly for companies to achieve better supply chain integration in nowadays highly competitive environments.

Key words: Supply chain integration, power, supplier assessment, cooperation.

African Journal of Estate and Property Management ISSN 9671-8498 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-009, May, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Critical factors influencing customer value for global shipping carrier-based logistics service providers using Fuzzy AHP approach

Ji-Feng Ding

Department of Aviation and Maritime Transportation Management, Chang Jung Christian University, No. 396, Sec. 1, Chang-Rong Rd., Gui-Ren, Tainan County 711, Taiwan (R. O. C.). E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +886-6-2785123, Ext. 2263. Fax: +886-6-2785056.

Accepted 28 May, 2015

Abstract

The key purpose of this research is to apply Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach to empirically study the critical factors influencing customer value for global shipping carrier-based logistics service providers based upon the customers’ perspective. To facilitate the main issue for obtaining critical factors, the four key value metrics - service, quality, cost, and cycle time - are employed to derive those initially important factors firstly. These factors have been discussed and publicized in academic and management fields and can be summarized as four aspects and seventeen initially factors. Subsequently, the proposed Fuzzy AHP approach is used to measure relative weights for evaluating these factors. Finally, the systematic appraisal approach is to perform the empirical survey via AHP questionnaires. The results of this study show that: (1) quality is the highest aspect for customer value from the customers’ perspective in Taiwan, and the time is the lowest one; and (2) the top four critical factors influencing customer value are reasonableness of price, related direct costs, safety, and customer satisfaction, respectively.

Key words: Customer value, shipping, Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

African Journal of Estate and Property Management ISSN 9671-8498 Vol. 3 (4), pp. 001-010, April, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Ethnic group differences regarding choice factor importance in public higher education institution selection

Melanie Wiese*, Cornelius H. van Heerden and Yolanda Jordaan

Department of Marketing and Communication Management, Economic and Management Sciences 4-113, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.

Accepted 21 May, 2015

Abstract

The main goal of the study was to investigate the relevant importance of choice factors as considered by students from different ethnic groups when selecting higher education institutions in South Africa. A non-probability convenience sample of 1,241 respondents from six South African universities was drawn. A self-administrated questionnaire was used based on a 5-point Likert scale and included 23 choice factors which students had to rank accordingly. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were used to identify the most important choice factors and uncover differences between ethnic groups. Overall the quality of teaching and employment prospects seem to play a very important role in students’ decisions to choose an institution. The findings indicated that some choice factors were more important to certain ethnic groups than others such as the multi-cultural nature of the institution and social factors. A proper understanding of the relative importance of choice factors students consider when selecting a higher education institution will enable institutions to allocate funds, time and resources more efficiently and effectively. The results can aid South African higher education institutions in developing effective marketing and recruitment strategies to attract students from different ethnic groups.a

Key words: Choice factors, higher education, student, decision-making, marketing, university.

African Journal of Estate and Property Management ISSN 9671-8498 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Do human resource management practices have an impact on financial performance of banks?

Tahir Masood Quresh¹*, Ayisha Akbar², Mohammad Aslam Khan³, Rauf A. Sheikh⁴ and Syed Tahir Hijazi⁵

¹Faculty of Management Studies, University of Central Punjab Lahore, Pakistan.

²Faculty of Social Sciences, Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

³HITECH University, Taxila, Pakistan.

⁴Faculty of Management Sciences, International Islamic  University,  Islamabad,  Pakistan.

⁵University of Central Punjab Lahore, Pakistan.

Accepted 22 June, 2015

Abstract

Human resource management (HRM) practices are being increasingly considered as major contributory factors in financial performance of organizations. This research study effectively highlights the importance of HRM practices with impact on financial performance of banks (FPB) operating in Pakistan. The major objective of the study is to find out the relationship between ‘HRM Practices’ and the ‘Financial Performance of Banks’. As a sample, 46 scheduled banks were contacted, of which 38 responded. The HRM practices selected for the research study were selection, training, performance appraisal system, compensation system and employee participation. Empirical evidence was calculated through stepwise regression analysis, Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics to support theoretical models that link HRM practices with financial performance of banks. The study concluded that all tested variables have a positive relation and impact on financial performance of banks but the major contributory practices are selection, training, compensation and employee participation.

Key words: HRM practices, selection system, training, job description, performance appraisal system, compensation system, career planning system, employees participation, financial performance of the banks, planning, development, rewards.