The board of Kaa Sui Berhad has recently grown in size and the Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Ponett Sanwangtrang, is considering how to enhance its effectiveness, particularly in terms of decision-making. Kaa Sui operates in a highly technical field, so board decisions can be delayed due to a significant volume of questions being raised at its meetings. These questions have to be referred to the relevant technical team within Kaa Sui or to external advisors who have assisted in the research and development of the technology. Many of the directors have also highlighted that the volume and complexity of the board papers is an issue and that there is insufficient time to fully digest the information prior to meetings. Tan Sri Dr Ponett Sanwantrang would like to be advised on addressing these issues and how he, as Chairman, and you, as an advisor, can contribute directly to improving the effectiveness of the board. Required
(a) Discuss the factors that can affect decision-making and board effectiveness.
(b) Explain how Kaa Sui and its board can overcome the issues it is experiencing, discussing the specific contributions that you and Tan Sri Dr Ponett Sanwangtrang can make to this process of improvement.