Resource management and evaluation of competitive advantage: a case study of east java manufacturing companies

This study attempts to answer some essential issues related to the management of the firm’s resources to create competitive advantage and survival. The following research questions will be explored in this study: 1.What are the general purposes of resources management by organizations (technology, human resources, capital, materials, and other capabilities)? 2. How do external and internal factors encourage companies to manage their resources? 3. What are the factors that supported the management of resources, and what obstacles faced in its allocation? 4. How companies manage their resources in a business environment to accommodate uncertainty and the intense of competition? 5. How do companies develop the capabilities of the resources and benefits that are expected with proper resource management? This study uses a case study approach. This study involves five manufacturing companies in Surabaya and surrounding areas with different fields. Furthermore, this study provides some findings i.e: First, in terms of resources, especially hard technology, the level of technology adoption is still in the moderate level. Second, the study indicates that the skills of the participants are still in moderate levels and tend to be low. Third, the quality and availability of raw materials tend to be in moderate level. Furthermore, related to the business environment and the relationships with resource management, indicates that business uncertainty perceived by the participants. Final conclusion of this study is that the financial and operational performance measurement can be seen from many aspects, however, this study use financial performance and operational aspects are common and frequently used by previous investigators