Author(s): Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Abang Zainoren Abang Abdurahman, Firdaus Abdullah, Geetha Subramaniam
Interest in operational capabilities and its influence on competitive advantage and performance have generated a large research stream within the operations management strategy literature particularly in automotive and electronic industry. However, there is limited study on operational capabilities in food industry particularly on Halal food manufacturing industry. The difference in research environment between the industries requires further study to identify relevant items in the dimensions forming operational capabilities. This paper aims to establish the dimensions of Halal operational capabilities in the Halal food manufacturing industry. This exploratory qualitative research paper is based on focus group interview held in Sarawak, Malaysia to define the scope of Halal Operational Capabilities. Based on focus group interview findings, Halal operational capabilities’ dimensions in Halal industry cover innovation, cooperation, customization, responsiveness and reconfiguration. Studies on operational capabilities dimension in the Halal food industry will provide an understanding on what are the dimensions in operational capabilities in this industry and which capabilities should be prioritized by the firm to sustain their competitive advantage.