SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Strategies for skill development in Malaysian SMEs to achieve competitiveness

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, and friends and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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ABSTRACT

In the following proposed study, we will examine and analyze the concepts of skill development and the contribution of SME in Malaysian economy. The primary objective of the research study is to demonstrate what strategies should be adopted by the small and medium enterprise in order to gain competitive advantage. The research study will also examine the various strategies and development programs the government of Malaysia have introduce for skill development. The research study adopts the mixed method research method for the purpose of data collection and analysis. In the end the research study also provides adequate recommendations and suggestions for future research and also provides implications for the study.Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY1

Overview Qualitative and Quantitative research approaches1

Qualitative research3

Research design3

Research method5

Sampling6

Data analysis7

Qualitative data analysis7

Quantitative data analysis7

Literature search8

Informed consent8

Confidentiality9

Validity9

Reliability10

Ethical consideration11

Conclusion13

CHAPTER 04: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS14

Interview analysis16

Role of SME in Malaysian economic development16

Importance of manufacturing SME in Malaysia17

Challenges faced by manufacturing SMEs18

Skill development for employees20

Importance of skill development22

Skill development programs23

Skill development for competitive advantage24

Skill development strategies26

Benefits of skill development27

Discussion analysis29

Skill development29

Skills development in Malaysian small and medium enterprise30

Government skill development programs for Malaysian manufacturing SMEs31

Double deduction incentive training scheme32

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF)32

Ninth Malaysia plan33

Eight Malaysia plan33

Strategies for skill development34

Upgrading technology for employees34

Application of ICT35

Grant for skills upgrading36

Skill development centers36

Skill development in enhancing the competitiveness37

Conclusion38

CHAPTER 05: CONCLUSIONS39

Introduction39

Conclusions on research questions42

Conclusion Relating to Finding on Research Question 142

Conclusion Relating to Finding on Research Question 243

Conclusion on the Research Problem45

Conclusion on the Research Objectives46

Implications of Research49

Limitations49

Future Research50

Conclusion50

REFERENCES51

APPENDIX 156

INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE56

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY

The literature review analyzed and discussed in the second chapter revealed the study of various skills development strategies in small and medium enterprises of Malaysia has been in depth and extensive. Limited studies however pertain to the specific region. The literature review and research studies have focused on various internal and external challenges that Malaysian small and medium enterprises face to gain competitive advantage. The literature review has also analyzed the various strategies that Malaysian small and medium enterprise should adopt to gain competitive advantage in the global market. The primary objective of qualitataive research exploratory study is to examine the various approaches that Malaysian small and medium manufacturing companies must adopt in order to enhance the skill development which is required to gain competitive advantage in the global market. The methodology chapter will provide and demonstrate a detailed outline of the research design used in the research study (Cooper & Schindler, 2006, pp 113)

Overview Qualitative and Quantitative research approaches

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