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Analysis of purchasing practices in Malaysia small-sized restaurant industry


Citation

Ungku Zainal Abidin, Ungku Fatimah and Xuen, Mak Zhi (2025) Analysis of purchasing practices in Malaysia small-sized restaurant industry. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6 (spec.1). pp. 193-209. ISSN 2716-6481

Abstract

Small-sized restaurants play a vital role in Malaysia’s food service industry, yet their purchasing practices remain underexplored. Purchasing is a critical operational function that directly influences cost control, inventory efficiency, and service delivery. This study aimed to investigate the purchasing practices of small-sized restaurants in Malaysia by focusing on three objectives: (1) to assess current purchasing practices implemented, (2) to examine purchasing behavior based on company characteristics, and (3) to identify key factors influencing purchasing decisions. A quantitative survey was conducted among management-level personnel responsible for procurement activities. Using a mixedmode distribution strategy, data were collected from 100 valid responses and analyzed through descriptive statistics and correspondence analysis using SPSS Version 27. The results revealed that while most restaurants engaged in essential purchasing activities, such as inventory control and supplier evaluation, formal procurement procedures were more prevalent among establishments operating for over 10 years or with monthly sales above RM100,000. Price emerged as the most influential factor affecting purchasing decisions, particularly among lower-revenue businesses. Overall, the study highlights the functional yet informal nature of purchasing in small-sized restaurants, with practices shaped by organizational maturity and sales performance. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing procurement strategies in Malaysia’s SME food service sector.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Business
Subject: Economics
Subject: Sociology
Divisions: Faculty of Food Science and Technology
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6si1.914
Publisher: Quantum Academic Publisher Enterprise
Keywords: Purchasing; Foodservice; Restaurant; Small-medium enterprise; Correspondence analysis
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Depositing User: Ms. Nur Faseha Mohd Kadim
Date Deposited: 29 Jul 2026 08:26
Last Modified: 29 Jul 2026 08:26
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.55197/qjssh.v6si1.914
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/127483
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