We prove the existence of a large positive solution for the boundary value problems {-Delta(p)u = lambda(-h(u) + g(x, u)) in Omega, u = 0 on partial derivative Omega, where Delta(p)u = div(vertical bar del u vertical bar(p-2)del u), p > 1, Omega is a bounded domain in R(N), lambda is a positive parameter, g(x, .) is (p - 1)-subhomogeneous at infinity, and h is allowed to become infinity at u = 0. Results for related systems are also discussed (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.