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Covers the meaning of mediation, the role of the mediator, and the mediation process. Outlines the framework for discussion with reference to the mediator’s role. Concludes that it is necessary to focus on common ground and not the differences.

The paper focuses on two topics, optimizing the proposed triangular tube for crashworthiness and solving a non‐linear programming problem by a “mapping” technique, which the condition of Lagrange Multiplier Theorem is violated within the feasible region. The purpose of studying optimized triangular tubes is to prepare them for redesigning vehicle bumpers. The dimension optimization of triangular tube is carried out for its thickness and lateral length, based on the accomplished shape optimization under an impact. The load uniformity is taken as the objective function, which is defined as the ratio of maximum peak force and means crushing force. Meanwhile the mean crushing force and absorbed energy are treated as constraints. Based on FEA analysis, the regression functions for load uniformity, mean crushing force, and absorbed energy are formulated by RSM. The result has shown that triangular tube possesses an optimization region, under which the better‐integrated property can be achieved to supply a more safety environment for vehicular occupants.

In this paper, we study a partially linear dynamic panel data model with fixed effects, where either exogenous or endogenous variables or both enter the linear part, and the lagged-dependent variable together with some other exogenous variables enter the nonparametric part. Two types of estimation methods are proposed for the first-differenced model. One is composed of a semiparametric GMM estimator for the finite-dimensional parameter θ and a local polynomial estimator for the infinite-dimensional parameter m based on the empirical solutions to Fredholm integral equations of the second kind, and the other is a sieve IV estimate of the parametric and nonparametric components jointly. We study the asymptotic properties for these two types of estimates when the number of individuals N tends to ∞ and the time period T is fixed. We also propose a specification test for the linearity of the nonparametric component based on a weighted square distance between the parametric estimate under the linear restriction and the semiparametric estimate under the alternative. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the proposed estimators and tests perform well in finite samples. We apply the model to study the relationship between intellectual property right (IPR) protection and economic growth, and find that IPR has a non-linear positive effect on the economic growth rate.

Introduces the concept of service‐oriented agile logistics and presents a generic apparatus for the design of such systems. An analysis of future communication‐based logistics leads to the logistic control and engineering system SERVICES. The logistic system is conceived as a “society” of interacting “self‐responsible intelligent service‐producing actors”, where services or functions are taken as the system‐base. This means that, instead of working with process‐modules, the development of a service‐oriented information‐system primarily works with service‐modules that program the operational interaction between client, service‐producer and possibly sub‐contracted service‐producers. From this the supporting execution‐control in the context of the service‐producing units can be deduced. A case study of a high‐performance deep‐sea container terminal is given. This shows that the function‐programming system of SERVICES is generic, adequate and effective and that it favours distributed control.

Recognizes the inherent conflict between multinationals’ (MNEs’) need to respond to local markets while using global integration to achieve economies of scale; and outlines relevant research from the fields of both economic and organizational theory. Criticizes the process approach based on normative theory and suggests that loose coupling theory is a more practical way of looking at MNEs. Discusses the application of these ideas to their management and identifies seven behavioural characteristics of loosely coupled systems (Weick). Links these to Doz and Prahalad’s (1991) criteria for assessing the applicability of organizational theory to MNEs. Considers the research implications and believes that MNE organization will eventually be seen, not as a special case, but as a general model.

A number of literature contributions have underlined the importance of developing value-added logistics activities or VALS in order to help improve customers’ satisfaction. However, there is usually very little attention given regarding where to perform these VALS. This study aims to: (1) identify a comprehensive set of factors which may influence the location of VALS, (2) to analyze to what extent those factors influence location decisions, and (3) to distinguish the determinants behind the location choices for distribution centers and for the kind of VALS that will be developed in these distribution centers.

In this paper, we will present a conceptual framework on the locations of VALS in view of the identifying determinants for assigning VALS to logistical centers. We argue that the optimal location of VALS is determined by complex interactions between the determinants at the level of the choice of a distribution system, distribution center location factors, and different logistical characteristics regarding products.

This study aims to analyze the influence of farmers’ degree of participation in collective action on their adoption decisions and waiting time regarding soil and water conservation (SWC) measures.

The Probit model and Generalized Propensity Score Match method are used to assess the effect of the degree of participation in collective action on farmers’ adoption decisions and waiting time for implementing SWC measures.

The findings reveal that farmers’ engagement in collective action positively influences the decision-making process regarding terrace construction, water-saving irrigation and afforestation measures. However, it does not significantly impact the decision-making process for plastic film and ridge-furrow tillage practices. Notably, collective action has the strongest influence on farmers’ adoption decisions regarding water-saving irrigation technology, with a relatively smaller influence on the adoption of afforestation and terrace measures. Moreover, the results suggest that participating in collective action effectively reduces the waiting time for terrace construction and expedites the adoption of afforestation and water-saving irrigation technology. Specifically, collective action has a significantly negative effect on the waiting time for terrace construction, followed by water-saving irrigation technology and afforestation measures.

The results of this study underscore the significance of fostering mutual assistance and cooperation mechanisms among farmers, as they can pave the way for raising funds and labor, cultivating elite farmers, attracting skilled labor to rural areas, enhancing the adoption rate and expediting the implementation of terraces, water-saving irrigation technology and afforestation measures.

Drawing on an evaluation of farmers’ degree of participation in collective action, this paper investigates the effect of participation on their SWC adoption decisions and waiting times, thereby offering theoretical and practical insights into soil erosion control in the Loess Plateau.

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of lead users (LUs) on innovation success by proposing and validating an integrative model that links LUs, innovation success and knowledge sharing (KS) variables.

The authors research is quantitative in nature and data were collected through a survey conducted among 30 information technology Tunisian companies. The authors preliminary analysis was explored using the “SPSS” software and processed through exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis methods.

Results showed that LUs who possess advanced skills and valuable knowledge can contribute to enhance new successful innovations, and hence, enable companies to gain short and long-term profits. Besides, the authors confirmed that the impact of LUs on innovation success is mediated by the “KS” behavior.

An integrative framework that links LUs, innovation success and a third variable called KS is presented to see beyond the intended importance of this type of user regarding the development of new innovations.

The paper offers new insights to the topic of LUs by emphasizing the role of “KS” variable in strengthening the LUs – innovation success relationship.

This study develops a belief-value-satisfaction model based on social cognitive theory. This paper aims to explain how relational virtual community (RVC) members’ beliefs on individual features and environments can be transformed into satisfaction through social learning strategies.

The authors followed a longitudinal, quasi-experimental field approach to collect data from two phases, which entailed the key informant approach to get the responses from those who participated in knowledge exchange in VC. The authors used partial least squares to examine the proposed hypotheses.

Satisfaction is measured as two dimensions – outcome and process. Value creation is conceptualized as social self-regulated learning (SRL), and its antecedents include lead userness, learning goal orientation and social influence. The results show that both dimensions of satisfaction are affected by social SRL, which in turn is influenced by learning goal orientation and social influence.

A systematic research for understanding satisfaction from a social learning perspective in relational virtual community settings remains absent. This study explains why and how relational virtual community members’ social SRL serves the role in leveraging resources and reducing uncertainty, from which they gain satisfaction.

Residing on social networking platforms, social games have unique characteristics distinguishing them from other digital games or online games. The purpose of this paper is to explore both social and gaming factors of social games and investigate their roles on enhancing perceived enjoyment. The authors also examine the relationships between perceived enjoyment, subject norm, perceived critical mass, intention to play, and actual behavior.

This paper develops a research model including nine hypotheses. Using a survey questionnaire, empirical data were collected from 169 actual social game players. Structured equation modeling was used to test the proposed research models.

Social identification, social interaction, and diversion significantly influence perceived enjoyment. Perceived enjoyment significantly influences the intention to play, which in turn significantly influences the actual behavior. Moreover, subject norm and perceived critical mass play different roles in determining the intention to play and the actual behavior.

The results of this study provide social game practitioners with a set of rich insights into guidelines on designing specific social and gaming characteristics to improve users’ perceived enjoyment and actual playing behavior.

Through analyzing characteristics of social games, The authors emphasize the difference between social games and other online games or computer games and recognize the enhancing role of social and gaming factors on perceived enjoyment. Findings of this study contribute to the literature on social games.