Title: Regression modelling of knowledge management success: a new dimension in Malaysian SMEs

Authors: Carmen Kah Mun Lai; Adeline Kean Sim Tan; Wai Seng Lai; Noreen Ann A/P Jude Mangalam

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between KM practices on innovation, specifically in product and services innovation, and ultimately between innovation and firm operational performance of the SMEs in the manufacturing and services industry in Malaysia. A total of 406 survey questionnaire responses were collected for this study and the data was analysed with simple and multiple linear regression analysis. The limitation of this research were such that the surveys may contain a degree of biasness, however, this does not affect the significance of this research. The results proved that the adoption of KM practices among SMEs in Malaysia portrays a positive relationship between innovation and enhanced firm operational performance. This paper also offers an insight to managers on the benefits of adopting KM practices and how they ultimately lead to improved firm operational performance.

Keywords: knowledge management; innovation; regression modelling; firm performance; operational performance; Malaysia; SMEs; small and medim-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOM.2014.063600

International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management, 2014 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.116 - 136

Received: 08 Apr 2014
Accepted: 17 May 2014

Published online: 30 Jul 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article