Efficacy of virtual organization concept in enhancing business operations: a case study in Malaysian fashion (footwear) industry

Summary form only given. In this study, we look at applications of the virtual organisation concept, which has been made possible through the availability of these next-generation information technologies. This paper is a case study of a small and medium enterprise (SME) that is expanding its globalisation programmes. The paper looks at the applications of the available information and telecommunication infrastructure to re-organise and enhance business operations of a footwear manufacturing organisation if its effort to move towards becoming a virtual organisation to dynamically change its capacity to perform its competencies and gain competitive advantage in the competitive global market. An evaluation of the operations both internal and external to the firm was done through secondary data (company records) and interviews of the concerned employees and the managing director. Various issues regarding improvements in operational and decision-making efficiency were identified through the interviews and systems analysis and design approach in order to "virtualizes" them. Finally recommendations regarding relevant and affordable IT/telecom technologies are identified and the method of implementation methods.