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This study proposes a novel method utilising a speech-word pair bipartite network to examine the correlation structure between members of parliament (MPs) in the context of the UK- China relationship.

We construct MP-word pair bipartite networks based on the co-occurrence relationship between MPs and words in their speech content. These networks are then mapped into monopartite MPs correlation networks. Additionally, the study calculates correlation network indicators and identifies MP communities and factions to determine the characteristics of MPs and their interrelation in the UK-China relationship. This includes insights into the distribution of key MPs, their correlation structure and the evolution and development trends of MP factions.

Analysis of the parliamentary speeches on China-related affairs in the British Parliament from 2011 to 2020 reveals that the distribution and interrelationship of MPs engaged in UK-China affairs are centralised and discrete, with a few core MPs playing an integral role in the UK-China relationship. Among them, MPs such as Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, David Cameron, Lord Hunt of Chesterton and Lord Howell of Guildford formed factions with significant differences; however, the continuity of their evolution exhibits unstableness. The core MP factions, such as those led by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and David Cameron, have achieved a level of maturity and exert significant influence.

The research has several limitations that warrant acknowledgement. First, we mapped the MP-word pair bipartite network into the MP correlation network for analysis without directly analysing the structure of MPs based on the bipartite network. In future studies, we aim to explore various types of analysis based on the proposed bipartite networks to provide more comprehensive and accurate references for studying UK-China relations. In addition, we seek to incorporate semantic-level analyses, such as sentiment analysis of MPs, into the MP-word -pair bipartite networks for in-depth analysis. Second, the interpretations of MP structures in the UK-China relationship in this study are limited. Consequently, expertise in UK-China relations should be incorporated to enhance the study and provide more practical recommendations.

Firstly, the findings can contribute to an objective understanding of the characteristics and connotations of UK-China relations, thereby informing adjustments of focus accordingly. The identification of the main factions in the UK-China relationship emphasises the imperative for governments to pay greater attention to these MPs’ speeches and social relationships. Secondly, examining the evolution and development of MP factions aids in identifying a country’s diplomatic focus during different periods. This can assist governments in responding promptly to relevant issues and contribute to the formulation of effective foreign policies.

First, this study expands the research methodology of parliamentary debates analysis in previous studies. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to study the UK-China relationship through the MP-word-pair bipartite network. This outcome inspires future researchers to apply various knowledge networks in the LIS field to elucidate deeper characteristics and connotations of UK-China relations. Second, this study provides a novel perspective for UK-China relationship analysis, which deepens the research object from keywords to MPs. This finding may offer important implications for researchers to further study the role of MPs in the UK-China relationship.

This study proposes a novel scheme for analysing the correlation structure between MPs based on bipartite networks. This approach offers insights into the development and evolving dynamics of MPs.

The purpose of this study is to explore the franchise relationship in China, focusing on the relational constructs of power, control, support and conflict in this developing franchise environment. Agency theory has dominated franchise research. A more rounded theoretical interpretation of the franchising relationship is offered by employing both agency theory and institutional theory perspectives.

The study adopts an interpretive approach, employing in-depth interviews with franchisors and franchisees in nine franchise organisations operating in the retail sector in China. It contributes a fuller understanding of how to manage the research process in China.

The study reveals how the relational constructs of power, control, support and conflict are manifest in the franchise relationship in China. The explanatory power of agency theory is apparent when viewed in terms of the vertical agency problem. However, free-riding outside the franchise system, in the form of counterfeiting, mitigates against the occurrence of free-riding within it. With regard to institutional theory, we demonstrate that the regulatory institutional pillar is a crucial foundation for the franchise relationship.

The study offers insights for franchisors and franchisees considering franchise relationships in China.

For the first time in the literature, this study offers insights into key elements of the franchise relationship in China. Employing both agency and institutional theories facilitates a rounded explanation of the developing franchise environment in China.

The purpose of this paper is to explore, within the context of developing Sino‐UK educational relationships, the evolution of a specific partnership, that between Tianjin Business School, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, and Salford Business School, University of Salford, UK. The paper is the first in an intended series, which will track the evolution of the on‐going collaboration and will document the various opportunities and barriers in establishing a successful strategic partnership. Specifically, the paper focuses on the context of the embryonic relationship, notably the policy drivers in China and the UK and the profile of the two participant partners.

This is a case study‐based paper of two business schools.

This paper stresses the importance of the context and factors involved in establishing successful, and sustainable, collaborative partnerships in higher education (HE) and specifically between institutions based in China and the UK. It draws upon the experiences of two partner institutions, one in Tianjin, China, and one in Salford, UK and both of which are business schools.

The paper contributes to the limited literature on Sino‐UK collaboration in HE and does so through an original case study, involving description and analysis of an evolving collaborative relationship.

Given the recent emergence of China as a dominant economy and internal changes that have led to the encouragement of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial initiatives, this paper explores whether family dynamics and relationships still play an important role in women's decision to become entrepreneurs. It aims to understand whether there has been a shift in family dynamics and decision-making that supports female entrepreneurship.

Given that the purpose of the study is to understand the role of relationships and family dynamics in their career choice, this study has taken a qualitative approach and carried out interviews with fifteen Chinese female entrepreneurs to understand the role of relationships and family dynamics in their career choice.

The results note that though there are changes in family dynamics that encourage female entrepreneurship, women still find it difficult to choose entrepreneurship as a career and there are unfair expectations that are placed on them. The expectations create undue stress which directly affects their ability to carry out their professional duties. The research suggests that to foster the development of female entrepreneurship, government agencies and local government bodies should provide further access to family support services that can facilitate women's empowerment and foster entrepreneurial thinking without feeling guilty about family commitments or unfair expectations.

Recent studies on women's entrepreneurship have focused on various facets. The role of family dynamics and relationships has long been studied in the context of female entrepreneurship. In emerging economies like China, family dynamics and relationships determine whether women can choose entrepreneurship as a career choice or not. However, there is very limited research on the topic, in the geographical context of China. Hence, this paper is among pioneer research addressing family dynamics in the female entrepreneurship debate in China.

Guanxi has been well documented as being an essential part of doing business in China. Yet, as China continues with market liberalisation, there are indications that its strategic importance is set to decline. From a joint venture perspective, this study seeks to examine the strategic importance of guanxi when doing business in China.

First, the researchers reviewed articles on guanxi and established that although guanxi is still widely considered important, some experts are arguing that this importance is diminishing. Second, qualitative research was used to create a holistic picture of the importance attached to guanxi in UK‐Chinese joint ventures. This involved 25 semi‐structured interviews with those involved in establishing or managing such a joint venture.

Although guanxi remains important when doing business in China, a number of factors indicate that this importance may begin to decline. These include China's market liberalisation, outward investment, “guanxi learning” on the part of foreign companies and online intermediaries.

Since the paper is based on a review of existing research and 25 qualitative interviews, the findings are largely exploratory. Future research might focus on a larger sample, different industries or possibly Chinese firms engaged in outward investment.

The findings suggest that to simply describe guanxi as being “important” is too simplistic. Hence, by identifying issues that are likely to affect the strategic importance of guanxi we can help both parent company managers and those engaged in Chinese business practice.

Both the review of existing papers and empirical findings help academics to understand a “contemporary view” of guanxi. While managers that have an interest in China can gain a clear understanding of guanxi and its significance in modern day China.

The UK continues to be one of Europe’s leading investors in China. Many companies have chosen the international joint venture (IJV) option as their market entry method. However, in 2000, the growth of wholly foreignowned enterprises (WFOEs) exceeded that of JVs for the first time. Could it be that IJVs are on their way out as amarket entry method for British firms in China? This article reports on a qualitative study of business relationships between British and Chinese firms designed to examine the comparative advantages and disadvantages of IJVs and WFOEs. Case study companies came from a variety of industries and varied in terms of company size. The evidence from the case studies suggests that the preference for an IJV or a WFOE as amarket entry method depends on a number of key factors including company size, experience in China, type of industry, and conditions in the macro‐environment.

The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on transnational education (TNE) as a form of business relationship and reflects on the experience of a mid‐ranking post‐92 UN institution in developing and managing TNE programmes in China. It seeks to highlight the challenges encountered at the various stages of partnership development and evaluate the effectiveness of the practical measures taken.

The underpinning research employs a combination of longitudinal live case study tracing the history of three of the institution's TNE partnerships in China over the past ten years and action research involving the author both as the researcher and active participant.

This paper suggests that there is no set formula for initiating a Sino‐UK TNE partnership but personal connections and Chinese speaking staff would help to increase the chance of success. At the outset it is important to work out the precise form of partnership and its associated financial implications for both parties. Whilst cultural differences and differences in educational tradition, communication style and organisational practices are among the factors affecting the operation of a TNE partnership over its life‐cycle, changes in macro‐economic factors such as exchange rate can also lead to termination of a TNE project. Partners in a TNE relationship are therefore advised to develop an exit strategy in case things do not work out.

Based on the actual experiences of a real UK institution, the challenges identified in this paper are likely to be encountered by similar UK institutions operating in China and thus the solutions discussed may be adopted or adapted.