CONTENTS

Page
Abstract
Acknowledgement
Chapter One: Introduction, Overview and Definition 1
1.1 Research Domain 2
1.2 Research Objectives 3
1.3 Justification for the Research 5
1.4 Research Methodology 10
1.5 Structure of the Study 11
1.6 Definitions 12
1.61 Sunrise Industries 13
1.6.2 High-Technology Industries 13
1.6.3 Smart Industries 13
1.6.4 Key Industries 14
1.7 Chapter Summary 16
Chapter Two: Literature Review 17
2.1 Introduction 18
2.2 The Neoclassical Location Theory 25
2.2.1 Least-Cost Theory 26
2.2.2 Locational Interdependence Analysis 26
2.2.3 General Equilibrium Analysis 27
2.3 Behavioural Theory 29
2.3.1 The Behavioural Matrix 31
2.3.2 Behavioural Sequences – A Spatial Expression Framework 32
2.3.3 Strategic Location Decision Analysis 33
2.3.4 Locational Decision Process 34
2.4 Government Impact on Industrial Location Decision Making 36
2.5 New Economic Geography Theory 37
2.5.1 Products-Profit Cycle Theory and Location Factors 39
2.5.2 Localised Production Systems and Social Division of Labour 41
2.5.3 Localisation and Urbanisation of Industrial Location 42
2.6 Theoretical Model and Research Issues 44
2.7 Research Questions and Hypotheses Development 47
2.8 Chapter Summary 51
Chapter Three: Research Methodology 53
3.1 Introduction 54
3.2 Justification of Research Paradigms 54
3.2.1 Positivism Paradigm 55
3.2.2 Constructivism Paradigm 57
3.2.3 Pragmatism Paradigm 57
3.3 Research Strategies 59
3.31 Expert Panel Focus Group 61
3.3.2 In-depth Interviews 62
3.3.2.1 Rationale of In-depth Interviews 62
3.3.2.2 Sampling Strategy 63
3.3.2.3 Administration for In-depth Interview 64
3.3.3 Mail Survey 65
3.3.3.1 Survey Sample Frame, Sample Size and Sampling Method 66
3.3.3.2 Survey Administration and Data Collection 69
3.3.3.3 Quantitative Data Analysis Method 69
3.4 Validity and Reliability in Mixed Method Research 70
3.4.1 Construct Validity 72
3.4.2 Internal Validity 72

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 3.4.3 External Validity 73
3.4.4 Reliability 73
3.5 Chapter Summary 74
Chapter Four: Qualitative Data Analysis, and Questionnaire Design and Testing 76
4.1 Introduction 77
4.2 Expert Panel Findings 77
4.3 Qualitative data outcome in Determining Location Factors 83
4.3.1 Proximity 86
4.3.2 Business Operating Cost 87
4.3.3 Infrastructures 88
4.3.4 Employment 89
4.3.5 Amenities 90
4.3.6 Other Factors 91
4.4 Qualitative Data Outcome in Determining Information Process 93
4.4.1 Information Sources 93
4.4.2 Information evaluation Procedure and Criteria Setting 93
4.5 Qualitative Data Outcome in Determining Key Decision Maker 94
4.5.1 Involvement of Personnel 94
4.5.2 Characteristics of Key Personnel 95
4.6 Qualitative Data Outcome relating Organisational Structure 96
4.7 Research Questionnaire Design 97
4.7.1 Preliminary Considerations 97
4.7.2 Question Content and Wording 97
4.7.3 Response Format 99
4.7.4 Structure and Layout 100
4.8 Questionnaire Pre-Testing 100
4.9 Chapter Summary 102
Chapter Five: Quantitative Data Analysis and Findings 103
5.1 Introduction 104
5.2 Data Preparation 105
5.2.1 Data entry and Treatment of Missing Data 105
5.2.2 Outliers and Normality Examination 106
5.2.3 General Characteristics of Responding Firms 107
5.3 Data Analysis and Findings 109
5.3.1 Important Location Factors on Firms’ Location Decisions 109
5.3.2 The Impact of Organisational Structure on Information Process 116
5.3.3 Relationship Between Organisational Structure and the Key 120
Decision Maker
5.3.4 The Role of Organisational Structure of Firms in Location 124
Decision Making Process
5.4 Chapter Summary 126
Chapter Six: Discussion, Conclusion and Implications 129
6.1 Introduction 130
6.2 Discussion of Research Finding 132
6.2.1 Important Location Factors 132
6.2.2 Information Process 137
6.2.3 Key Personnel Characteristics and Their Influences 139
6.2.4 The Role of the Firm’s Organisational Structure 141
6.3 Conclusion of the Research Problems and Hypotheses 142
6.3.1 Desirable Regional Location Factors 142
6.3.2 Information Process 143
6.3.3 Involvement of Personnel and Their Influences 143
6.3.4 The Role of the Firm’s Organisational Structure 144
6.4 Implications and Recommendations 144
6.4.1 Implications for Theory Development 145
6.4.2 Implications for Government Policy Makers 145
6.4.3 Implications for Related Local Industries 146
6.4.4 Recommendations 146
6.5 Limitations and Further Research 148
6.6 Chapter Summary 149
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Reference 151
Appendices 166
1.0 The results of the in-depth interview 167
2.0 Survey Questionnaire 171
3.0 Table of Summary Statistics of Missing Data 178
4.0 Distributional Characteristics, Testing for Normality, and Possible Remedies 179

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