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1 – 10 of over 2000Lin Runhui, Fan Jianhong, Zhao Yang, Zhang Hongjuan and Hou Rujing
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the relationship between the corporate governance (CG) environment, governance behavior and governance performance and place it into the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the relationship between the corporate governance (CG) environment, governance behavior and governance performance and place it into the research of the evolution and revolution of the Chinese telecommunication industry, a complex economic system.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of information about the Chinese telecommunication industry from 1949 to 2009 and China Mobile from 1997 to 2007, the authors analyze the Chinese telecommunication industry from two levels, namely industry level and firm level, with the combination of a critical incident method and time series method.
Findings
The results demonstrate that the evolution of the Chinese CG environment and governance behavior presents characteristics of punctuated equilibrium; governance behavior lags behind governance environment and it can cause the governance environment to evolve to benefit its development through exerting active effects; governance environment and governance performance strongly relate to and have an effect on each other; and the improvement of governance structure and mechanisms, together with the enhancement of strategic capability, can greatly contribute to the governance performance of firms.
Originality/value
This paper has divided the development of the Chinese telecommunication industry into four stages, revealing the relationship between governance environment, governance behavior and governance performance with a case study of the Chinese telecommunication industry and China Mobile.
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Qinghua Zhu and Qing Liu
This paper aims to develop a framework for Chinese telecommunication network companies on how to implement eco‐design by benchmarking its parent foreign company.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a framework for Chinese telecommunication network companies on how to implement eco‐design by benchmarking its parent foreign company.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach is used to study key aspects for eco‐design planning in Alcatel Shanghai‐Bell Co. Ltd (ASB). Challenges and possible solutions are discussed.
Findings
It is reasonable and effective for Chinese joint ventures to develop their eco‐design planning by benchmarking their parent companies. Key aspects for such eco‐planning include top management commitments, awareness of employees, and training of eco‐design tools.
Research limitations/implications
Eco‐design is still an emerging environmental tool among Chinese telecommunication network companies. As a result, quantified data about eco‐design practices and performance improvements are not available. How to record such data still requires further study and data acquisition.
Practical implications
This paper provides ideas for Chinese (and other) telecommunication companies to develop their eco‐design planning. The proposed solutions can guide Chinese telecommunication network companies to overcome challenges for their eco‐design planning and implementation.
Originality/value
This paper puts forward a framework for Chinese telecommunication companies to initiate their eco‐design practices by benchmarking their leading parent companies. The framework can be applied to Chinese and other telecommunication network companies with few environmental experiences and practices.
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Juan Shan and Dominique R. Jolly
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of high‐tech industry and the dynamics of technological learning, innovation, entrepreneurship in China through the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of high‐tech industry and the dynamics of technological learning, innovation, entrepreneurship in China through the telecom‐equipment industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper derives a number of research propositions from the literature and then uses four case studies to show how domestic firms narrow their technological gap in different stages of catch‐up and how these firms have been influenced by their innovation capabilities to catch up to the multinationals.
Findings
The major findings of the paper may be summarized as follows. First, the innovation capability and self‐developed technologies have been the key to leading domestic firms in catching‐up with the MNCs. Second, leading domestic firms mainly depend on in‐house R&D development, supplemented with external alliance to build their innovation capability. Third, there are two different catching‐up patterns in China's telecom‐equipment industry. One is “path‐following” catching‐up in global system for mobile communication driven by using new technology in low‐end market. The other is “leapfrogging” catching‐up in the development of phone digital switches and China's own 3G standard (time division – synchronous code division multiple access). However, it seems that the leapfrogging strategy will meet more challenges and problems than the path‐following strategy.
Originality/value
Based on the previous researches about technological learning, innovation and catch‐up in the newly industrializing economies, the paper provides a comprehensive elaboration in Chinese telecommunication industry by using case study approach in an original way.
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Qing Liu, Senlin Zhao and Qinghua Zhu
The purpose of this paper is to extend game analysis to explore decision-making mechanisms for promoting a specific type of products, low energy consumption for individual one…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend game analysis to explore decision-making mechanisms for promoting a specific type of products, low energy consumption for individual one while the total energy consumption is huge due to the high quantity of sales, that is, low for individual and high for total (LIHT) in terms of energy consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
Game models are developed to compare decisions of optimal prices for newly developed and environmentally friendly (NDEF) and regular products as well as associated sales quantity, profits, carbon emissions under different governmental policies, along with a case of low energy-intensive broadband terminal products in the Chinese telecommunication industry under the carbon tax and subsidy policies.
Findings
For both NDEF and regular products, optimal prices decrease under the subsidy policy while both increase under the tax policy. Manufacturers’ decision of optimal prices is highly relevant with unit carbon tax/subsidy and the consumers’ preference. Both the tax and subsidy policies can improve consumption of NDEF products while the subsidy policy can be more effective at the current initial stage.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides decision support for manufacturers to promote sustainable consumption of LIHT products. Research ideas on models development and solutions for optimal prices can be applied to other LIHT products.
Practical implications
The results provide insights for governments on how to effectively evaluate and motivate sustainable consumption for LIHT products.
Originality/value
This paper first explores how to motivate sustainable consumption of LIHT products by developing models, examining effectiveness of potential governmental policies as well as associated carbon emissions.
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Anam Bhatti, Haider Malik, Ahtisham Zahid Kamal, Alamzeb Aamir, Lamya Abdulrahman Alaali and Zahir Ullah
In the field of business, digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of business, from generating to deliver value to customers. This concept…
Abstract
Purpose
In the field of business, digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of business, from generating to deliver value to customers. This concept is essential for sustainable growth of a company and its overall economy. Based on this fact, this authentic and informative research is conducted whose major aim is to examine the importance of digital transformation within a business through big data, the Internet of things and blockchain-based capabilities for overall strategic performance within the telecom sector in China.
Design/methodology/approach
For that aim, data quality and technology competence are considered as independent variables, strategic performance as dependent variable and big data analytics capabilities, Internet of things capabilities and blockchain capabilities routinization acted as mediators within this paper. In its data collection mechanism, an online survey was conducted in which questionnaires are randomly distributed to the telecom sector's professionals in which only 343 of them gave their valid outcomes. After collecting primary data, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM)–based statistical outcomes have been generated.
Findings
Results indicate that there is a significant relationship between data quality and strategic performance and between technological competence and strategic performance. Also, the big data analytics and Internet of Things capabilities acted as significant mediating role between both independent and dependent variables. But blockchain capabilities routinization is that variable that acts as an insignificant mediator between independent and dependent variables' relationship.
Originality/value
Overall, this study is an informative and attractive source for the Chinese government, its telecom industry, administrative body and related ones to understand the importance of such IT capabilities' implications within their operating activities for their strategic performance management. Also, related field scholars can utilize its reliable data in their research analysis. Its major limitations are (1) lack of qualitative/ mixed method of research and (2) lack of comparative analysis that may impact the acceptability factor of this paper, and this weakness can be overcome by upcoming scholars in their research.
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Jiwat Ram and Ming-Lu Wu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible mediating role of switching cost (SC) in influencing customer loyalty (CL).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible mediating role of switching cost (SC) in influencing customer loyalty (CL).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors derive a model containing the relationships between customer satisfaction (CS), brand image (BI), and CL through mediating effects of SC. Data collected from 200 subscribers of China Mobile was analysed using structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
The authors find that SC does not mediate the relationship between CS and CL, nor that between BI and CL. While both CS and BI have a direct and positive relationship with CL, only CS is positively associated with the SC. SC in itself has no direct relationship with CL, necessitating further understanding of its role.
Research limitations/implications
Prior findings have suggested the mediating role of SC, this study, however, show that SC does not have any mediating role in influencing CL. In fact, the direct role of SC is also questioned, as the authors do not find any direct relationship between SC and CL.
Practical implications
While managers should retain a balanced strategy for implementing SC, developing a strong BI and achieving CS is more important, and could help avoid any negative implications that may ensue from the implementation of SC.
Originality/value
This paper offers empirical evidence of the importance of SC – or rather lack of it – in enhancing CL. It also helps explain how SC interacts with CS and BI.
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Solmaz Filiz Karabag and Christian Berggren
Several studies of the telecommunications industry have focused on government regulation and structural conditions, suggesting that initial order of entry and network effects…
Abstract
Purpose
Several studies of the telecommunications industry have focused on government regulation and structural conditions, suggesting that initial order of entry and network effects create strong first‐mover advantages for GSM companies. This paper seeks to change the focus to managerial capabilities and to investigate how an early mover on the Turkish market manages the phase of vigorous competition following the early‐regulated period.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a case study of one leading firm in the context of the Turkish telecommunications market development. The most important sources for data are Telepati Telekom Journal, Turkcell Annual Reports, Telecommunications Authority of Turkey's publications, the reports of investment institutions, web pages of operators, and previous publications about the Turkish telecom industry.
Findings
The paper finds that the early mover, Turkcell, has used a mix of differentiated marketing strategies, innovative and diversified product development and increased service quality to defend its position in an era of increased competition with new operators, a high number of pre‐paid customers and number portability.
Originality/value
On the basis of this case, the paper argues that studies of the telecommunications industry need to expand their analyses of industry structures to also include firm‐specific strategies and management capabilities.
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Paramaporn Thaichon, Antonio Lobo and Ann Mitsis
This study aims to investigate the antecedents to service quality and their relationship with affective evaluations of customers of internet service providers (ISPs) in Thailand…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the antecedents to service quality and their relationship with affective evaluations of customers of internet service providers (ISPs) in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to achieve the research objectives, a model is proposed. The literature review and formulation of hypotheses related to each construct are then discussed.
Findings
The findings reveal that service quality is influenced by network quality, customer service, information support, privacy and security. Service quality in turn also impacts customer loyalty attributes, including satisfaction, value, trust and commitment. Satisfaction is a determinant of customer trust, whereas the direct relationship between value and customer commitment is not supported.
Research limitations/implications
The model in this study was tested in the Thai ISP context which may be different in other service industries as well as in other countries.
Practical implications
By enhancing service quality, firms can influence customers' satisfaction, value, trust and commitment, which are critical for an ISP's success and long-term sustainability.
Originality/value
By applying the findings of this study, ISPs can strategise in making customers more central in their day-to-day operations, which would create competitive advantage for them.
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Jianhua Yang and Rafif Al-Sayed
This study aims to develop a better understanding of radical innovation performance and proposes a comprehensive and theoretical model of the barriers impeding radical innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a better understanding of radical innovation performance and proposes a comprehensive and theoretical model of the barriers impeding radical innovation from the perspective of researchers working in research institutions in China. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to test the hypotheses regarding barriers to radical innovation and the model proposed in this research.
Design/methodology/approach
The data was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with researchers from different research institutions across several cities in China. Next, the data was analyzed by deploying the structural equation modeling technique and calculating the statistical significance of correlations, regression and path coefficients among the latent variables.
Findings
The results indicated the major barriers impeding radical innovation in Chinese research institutes. Based on these findings, suggested policies, regulations and business models are put forward that can promote radical innovation in these institutes through increasing research freedom, enhancing organizational flexibility, attracting talented researchers and expanding research collaboration.
Originality/value
The research proposes a comprehensive and theoretical model of the barriers impeding radical innovation from the perspective of researchers working in research institutions in China.
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Abdul Qayyum, Do Ba Khang and Donyaprueth Krairit
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how various antecedents influence customer loyalty in the mobile phone industry and how customer demographic variables moderate such…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how various antecedents influence customer loyalty in the mobile phone industry and how customer demographic variables moderate such relationships. A comprehensive model is proposed and tested empirically that features six antecedents identified in recent industry literature – customer satisfaction, perceived service quality, value, switching costs, trust, and corporate image – and common demographic variables.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using a field questionnaire survey of mobile phone users in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group SEM evaluate direct and moderating effects.
Findings
Findings suggest that of six antecedents, customer satisfaction, perceived switching costs, service quality, and perceived value have positive and significant relationships with customer loyalty. Among the demographic variables, only income and area of residence moderate the relationships between customer loyalty and the antecedents.
Research limitations/implications
The research was conducted in an Asian country where – due to recent liberalization – the telecommunications industry is emerging. The cultural and socio-economic diversity in Asia limits generalization of findings.
Practical implications
Resource allocation that promotes customer loyalty in the mobile phone industry and improves customer satisfaction, perceived service quality, value, and switching costs can be optimized by implementing different measures for demographic groups. Policies should require mobile phone operators to invest more in rural areas to enhance and expand services.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive model that includes the most important antecedents of customer loyalty and customer demographics in the mobile phone industry. The model is validated empirically in the context of emerging Asian economies with new field data sourced from Pakistan.
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