International Journal of Management, Economics and Social Sciences

10

Authors: Rasmulia Sembiring

The purpose of this research article was to explore the influence of knowledge and skills of human resource on the performance of culinary Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Medan City, Indonesia. Using quantitative research design, data were collected from 120 culinary SMEs located in Medan City. Multiple regression, t-test and f-ratio were used to estimate the significant effect of human knowledge and skills partially or not, whereas F test was applied to test whether the effect will be simultaneous. Results showed that knowledge and skills of human resources have significant and simultaneous effect on the performance of SMEs. It was also found that the knowledge and skills of human resources have a partial significant influence on the performance of SMEs. Human Resource skills factor has greater impact on the performance of SMEs as compared to human resource knowledge factor.

30

Authors: Hussaun A. Syed

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between happiness and housing prices in Canada. The happiness data were obtained from the General Social Survey between 2009 and 2013, asking respondents to report overall happiness level by using scale ranging between 1 to 10 points. House Price Indexes at the provincial level were constructed to cover the same period. The relationship between average house price change and average happiness was estimated using Ordinary Least Square and Logistic Regression techniques. Individual's characteristics were used as control variables. The study found that average happiness level is positively and significantly related to the change in housing prices for one group and not for another - for homeowners but not for renters. In addition, individuals with better health are much happier than individuals with poor health. Similarly, individuals with higher income are happier than individuals with less income. The implication of this study is that the government should design attractive policies to encourage homeownerships.

14-34

Authors: Chang-Lin Yang, Kai-Ping Huang, Ching-Lien Huang, Rong-Hwa Huang

This study investigated seven core subjects of ISO 26000 to explore the way in which new product development (NPD) links corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy with product development planning. This study thoroughly discussed the implementation of policies that achieve social responsibility within the context of NPD planning. Rapid changes in science and technology mean customer needs are changing faster than ever before, making it increasingly difficult to identify critical customer needs in a timely manner. NPD therefore is essential to enhance enterprise competitiveness. The construction of a CSR-based NPD model can help enterprises in NPD. Using the CSR based NPD model to plan materials selection, specification setting, manufacturing procedures and methods, distribution, servicing and recycling increases enterprise friendliness and happiness, and benefits their sustainable development. The findings of this study suggest that traditional enterprise activities focus on profit maximization and cost minimization. The profit-oriented strategy influences product design, purchase, production, manufacture and delivery. Poor working environment, overtime, low wages, neglect of health and safety, and various deficiencies in CSR frequently occur. If a CSR based perspective is initially adopted to implement public expectations regarding product design, it can be both beneficial and environmentally friendly.