An Analysis of Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in Malaysian Smes
N. Hami1, F. M. Yamin2, S. M. Shafie3, M. R. Muhamad4
1N. Hami, School of Technology Management and Logistics, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.
2F. M. Yamin, School of Technology Management and Logistics, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.
3S. M. Shafie, School of Technology Management and Logistics, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.
4M. R. Muhamad, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, Durian, Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.
Manuscript received on 25 May 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 12 June 2019 | Manuscript Published on 26 June 2019 | PP: 185-190 | Volume-8 Issue-1S5 June 2019 | Retrieval Number: A00340681S519/2019©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: This paper aims to explore the sustainable manufacturing practices (SMP) which are being applied in the studied firms and what is the perceived effect that these have on sustainability performance. Adopting exploratory methodology approach, a multi-case study analysis was used to obtain a deeper insight into the SMP implementation and sustainability performance within two small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Interviews were conducted with relevant staffs who are knowledgeable on the subject area studied in all three firms. SMP is not yet fully implemented in the studied firms. However, some of the environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices are already implemented in these firms including cleaner production, eco-efficiency, supplier relation, employee relation, and customer relation. Based on the respondents’ opinions, it also can be concluded that the implementation of such practices would enhance the economic, environmental, and social sustainability performance of the studied firms but limited in the certain aspects. The findings of this study provide a good foundation to understand the SMP and their contribution to sustainability performance particularly in the context of Malaysian SMEs.
Keywords: Sustainable Manufacturing Practice, Sustainability, Smalland Medium Enterprise Case Study, Malaysia.
Scope of the Article: Manufacturing Processes