Title: Increasing competitiveness through advanced manufacturing technologies

Authors: M.Y. Rosnah, M.M.H.M. Ahmad, S. Sulaiman, Z. Mohamad

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: The ability of the Malaysian small and medium scale industries to survive and compete in global markets has increased interest in the benefits that can be achieved through the implementation of computer-based technologies. Studies have shown that small firms can gain as much, if not more, than the big firms from implementing these technologies. A survey was conducted to investigate the stage and level of computer-based advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) implemented in the small and medium scale industries of Malaysia. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate not only the current level of AMT being used, but also the near future and longer term. The level of AMT used and planned can be an indication of the level of competitiveness of the small firms and used as a guideline in developing future strategies for AMT implementation, not only for the firms but also for policy makers.

Keywords: Malaysia; newly industrialised countries; competitiveness; advanced manufacturing technologies; small and medium scale industries; SMEs; implementation; global.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2003.003462

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.5 No.4, pp.371 - 379

Published online: 09 Sep 2003 *

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