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Supply chain management has been identified as the major constraint on the growth of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the Malaysian wood products and furniture sector. Therefore, a study to examine the characteristics of supply chain among Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the wood industry registered with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board was conducted. The results revealed that most of the respondents were micro- and small-sized enterprises, with a sales focus on the domestic and contract-market. They were predominantly wooden furniture manufacturers, who had a relatively low level of knowledge about supply chain management. The respondents also indicated that their major challenges include lack of finances, small volume of production, and the lack of government support. The factor analysis and regression analysis conducted revealed that for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to gain better supply chain management they need to improve their frequency of engagement, trust, culture, and maturity with their supply chain actors and partners. The results of this study are unique, as it implies that policymakers should take heed of improving supply chain management, to reverse the flagging fortune of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the Malaysian wood products and furniture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the preferences of architects for wood and wood products for specific applications and to assess the attributes that influenced its utilization in the construction sector in Peninsular Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 500 practicing architects throughout Peninsular Malaysia, with a response of 27%. The application of wood and wood products by architects was focused primarily on non-structural applications rather than structural applications. It was found that cost, customer demand, durability, natural beauty, availability, ease of design, and workability were primary considerations for architects in specifying wood and wood products in building construction. A factor analysis of the results showed that building regulations, material quality and beauty, customer demand, and design and assembly were the primary determinants that influence architects specifying and using wood and wood products in building construction. It was apparent that the use of wood and wood products in building construction in Peninsular Malaysia has the potential to be further increased through advertising and marketing in the material among the general public, as well as architects and specifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]