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Article
Publication date: 17 March 2022

Baoxin Qi, Mu Tian and Yajun Wu

This study aims to answer few questions, such as which factors influence the local government’s choice of private firm investments; what factors influence private firms’ choice of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to answer few questions, such as which factors influence the local government’s choice of private firm investments; what factors influence private firms’ choice of specific local government to make a local investment; and why do some private firms gain a competitive edge by choosing a stakeholder management model of “running the government” in the context of the Chinese transition economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the Daqing–Geely Case, 2010, and explains why Geely chose Daqing considering the firm perspective and why the Daqing city Government chose Geely considering the local governments’ perspective.

Findings

This study highlights the concept of “co-beneficial” cooperation between government–business by virtue of the institutional innovation of the quasi-property system. In addition, it reveals that the private firms and local governments in the “Daqing–Geely mode” work together for mutual benefits by putting fair negotiation and contract mechanisms in place. Resultantly, private firms secure the commercial interests, and the local governments bring in improved efficiency.

Originality/value

This study consolidates the theory of stakeholders, thereby strengthening the current understanding of “special offer” and “universal offer.”

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Zoya Evans Kpamma, Theophilus Adjei-Kumi, Joshua Ayarkwa and Emmanuel Adinyira

The phenomenon of wicked problems is inextricably associated with a design process, especially participatory design. The management of wicked problems in participatory design…

Abstract

Purpose

The phenomenon of wicked problems is inextricably associated with a design process, especially participatory design. The management of wicked problems in participatory design, however, remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the choosing by advantages (CBA) decision system to manage wicked problems in participatory design.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies, involving the application of CBA to make typical participatory design decisions, are evaluated to establish how responsively the CBA decision system operates in the midst of wicked problems in participatory design.

Findings

Findings point to the exploitability of some elements and attributes of the CBA process to manage wicked problems in participatory design, to some extent. The observed collaborative attributes of CBA is particularly helpful and play a key role in mitigating the adverse effects of wicked problems on collaboration in this regard.

Practical implications

The recommendation of the paper is the incorporation of CBA in the development of stakeholder involvement frameworks for a design process.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge on relying on elements and the attributes of a decision-making system, such as CBA, to manage stakeholder involvement in the design process, particularly focussing on wicked problems. The CBA decision system still remains emergent regarding its application and research in the AEC industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 August 2022

Krishna Chauhan, Antti Peltokorpi, Rita Lavikka and Olli Seppänen

Prefabricated products are continually entering the building construction market; yet, the decision to use prefabricated products in a construction project is based mostly on…

1957

Abstract

Purpose

Prefabricated products are continually entering the building construction market; yet, the decision to use prefabricated products in a construction project is based mostly on personal preferences and the evaluation of direct costs. Researchers and practitioners have debated appropriate measurement systems for evaluating the impacts of prefabricated products and for comparing them with conventional on-site construction practices. The more advanced, cost–benefit approach to evaluating prefabricated products often inspires controversy because it may generate inaccurate results when converting non-monetary effects into costs. As prefabrication may affect multiple organisations and product subsystems, the method used to decide on production methods should consider multiple direct and indirect impacts, including nonmonetary ones. Thus, this study aims to develop a multi-criteria method to evaluate both the monetary and non-monetary impacts of prefabrication solutions to facilitate decision-making on whether to use prefabricated products.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a literature review, this research suggests a multi-criteria method that combines the choosing-by-advantage approach with a cost–benefit analysis. The method was presented for validation in focus group discussions and tested in a case involving a prefabricated bathroom.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the method helps a project’s stakeholders communicate about the relative merits of prefabrication and conventional construction while facilitating the final decision of whether to use prefabrication.

Originality/value

This research contributes a method of evaluating the monetary and non-monetary impacts of prefabricated products. The research underlines the need to evaluate the diverse benefits and sacrifices that stakeholder face when considering production methods in construction.

Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2018

Krassimir Todorov and Yusaf H. Akbar

Etihad Rail Company is planning to implement a mega infrastructure project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They have included freight rail system as part of the 2030 Abu Dhabi…

Abstract

Case synopsis

Etihad Rail Company is planning to implement a mega infrastructure project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They have included freight rail system as part of the 2030 Abu Dhabi economic vision and the UAE national Charter 2021. The plan is to link the UAE’s main cities via the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) border. This ambitious project presents a formidable task for the Etihad Rail Company and the region as there is no previous railway history of this kind. The project requires coordination of rail standards from East of Ghwefatet and the Northern Emirates cities and will ultimately be combined with the Western Saudi Arabia borders. The transportation system in the region will be improved greatly with the introduction of a cargo and passenger railway system in addition to the current road system and other means of transportation. The Etihad railway network is the first infrastructure project in the UAE and it will bring economic, strategic, social and environmental changes to the country. This case aims to present an overview of the strategic management dimensions of the Etihad Rail and the processes involved. This case will analyze whether Etihad’s top management team should make a decision to focus only on freight rail or to include passenger transportation as well. Many questions will be addressed in this paper such as the following: What steps should Etihad take in order to start passenger rail? Will economical, strategic and environmental aspects affect it? And if so, how? The case will focus on the analysis of the different aspects of Etihad Rail by using strategic management tools as guidance for implementation and determining its success factors.

Details

Strategic Management in Emerging Markets
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78754-166-5

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 June 2012

Samuli Leppälä and Pierre Desrochers

Besides subjectivism (in terms of value and cost) and the market process approach (as opposed to mainstream economics’ equilibrium analysis), methodological individualism is a…

Abstract

Besides subjectivism (in terms of value and cost) and the market process approach (as opposed to mainstream economics’ equilibrium analysis), methodological individualism is a foundational methodological principle of Austrian economics. While being (arguably) more consistently and consciously practiced within Austrian economics, methodological individualism is far from unique to this tradition and is a well-recognized principle of inquiry in the social sciences (Watkins, 1952a, 1952b). Needless to say though, methodological individualism remains controversial and discussions of its true meaning and adequateness periodically resurface in the philosophy of science literature (Hodgson, 2007; Udehn, 2002).

Details

The Spatial Market Process
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-006-2

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2022

Jing Yu, Zonghui Song and Chi Zhou

With the vigorous development of the e-commerce delivery service industry, delivery service has become an important factor for e-tailers to obtain the market competitive advantage

Abstract

Purpose

With the vigorous development of the e-commerce delivery service industry, delivery service has become an important factor for e-tailers to obtain the market competitive advantage. However, how to choose the best delivery service strategy is a difficult problem for e-tailers in practice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of delivery service on e-tailers and online platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Stackelberg game, the research study establishes and solves three models, namely dual self-supporting delivery service model, dual third-party delivery service model and differential delivery service model.

Findings

The results show that when the self-supporting and third-party delivery cost coefficients are all small, no matter which delivery service providers the competitor selects, the e-tailer selects delivery with a lower service fee. When the self-supporting and third-party delivery service fee are all low, no matter which delivery service providers the competitor selects, the e-tailer selects delivery with a smaller service cost. Both service fee and service cost determine the choice of e-tailers' delivery strategy. When the commission rate is moderate, both e-tailers are willing to choose the self-supporting delivery strategy, but the platform only prefers to provide self-supporting delivery to them with a lower delivery service sensitivity coefficient.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the optimal delivery service strategies for e-tailers to compete with competitors, and explores the impacts of parameters for e-tailers and online platforms in their decision-making. The findings provide valuable implications for relevant practices.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Hanen Khaireddine, Isabelle Lacombe and Anis Jarboui

Although the association between sustainability assurance (SA) quality and firm value has been examined in previous studies, the moderating relationship is novel in this study and…

Abstract

Purpose

Although the association between sustainability assurance (SA) quality and firm value has been examined in previous studies, the moderating relationship is novel in this study and highlights the effect of corporate environmental sustainability performance (CESP) on the relationship between SA quality and firm value. This study aims to examine whether such an effect is strengthened or weakened by eco-efficiency, as measured by ISO 14001 certification, aggregate CESP score and each individual dimension of CESP (emission reduction [ER], resource reduction [RR] and product innovation [PI]).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 40 companies in Euronext Paris with the largest market capitalisations (the Cotation Assistée en Continu 40 [CAC 40] index) from 2010 to 2020. The authors apply the feasible generalised least squares regression technique to estimate all the regression models. Because observed associations may be biased by reverse causation or self-selection, the authors use the instrumental variable approach and Heckman two-stage estimation.

Findings

The results show that SA quality had a positive and significant effect on firm value. Second, the authors demonstrate that CESP, as assessed by ISO 14001 certification, has a stronger interaction with assurance quality and acting as a moderator variable. Using the ASSET4 scores, an alternative proxy for CESP, the authors find inconsistent evidence regarding the impact of CESP attributes. The CESP and ER scores are homogeneous and have a positive effect on firm value. However, the PI and RR CESP attributes are not homogenous and do not have the same interactive effect on firm value. The results are robust to the use of an instrumental variable approach and the Heckman two-stage estimation procedure.

Research limitations/implications

Policy implications: Regulators may be interested in the findings when considering current and future assurance requirements for sustainability reporting, and shareholders when considering SA as an investment choice criterion. The insights into and enhanced understanding of the incentives for obtaining high SA quality can help policymakers develop effective policies and initiatives for SA. Considering the possible improvements in sustainability performance when obtaining a high level of sustainability verification, governments need to consider mandating SA.

Practical implications

Firms receive clear confirmation of the importance of investing in SA quality. Financial markets do not evaluate SA dichotomously but reward companies with higher SA quality because of the greater credibility it provides. Firms should allocate a significant percentage of their annual budgets and other relevant resources to environmental training and development programmes to improve and maintain environmental performance. If they care about environmental issues, they must announce this by issuing sustainability reports and seeking assurance of the information disclosed. High-quality assurance not only has a significant effect on investors’ investment reliability judgements but also the perceived credibility of environmental performance fully moderates the effect of assurance on these judgements.

Social implications

This study has social implications; the authors find that the French market rewards firms that provide a high-quality assurance to guarantee the integrity of their sustainability reports. Therefore, by incorporating environmental sustainability into their financial goals, a better assurance ultimately will urge firms to move from green washing to strategic goals, which is beneficial for society. Further, firms that focus on sustainability as part of their business strategy may attract employees who engage in green behaviours at work and create a friendlier and productive environment because it gives meaning to the work they do and keeps them engaged to the level needed to perform their jobs capably.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by re-examining the relationship between SA quality and firm value. It also provides new evidence on the moderating effect of CESP on the SA quality–firm value nexus. Specifically, it explores the joint effect of credibility and eco-efficiency on market confidence in sustainability information.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2013

Paola Zocchi

In Italy three quarters of the stock of households' mortgage debt is exposed to interest rate risk. The aim of this paper is to explain why the majority of mortgage holders in the…

Abstract

Purpose

In Italy three quarters of the stock of households' mortgage debt is exposed to interest rate risk. The aim of this paper is to explain why the majority of mortgage holders in the Italian residential mortgage market have chosen a mortgage with a variable interest rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis has been carried out on a sample of 959 Italian households on the basis of data from the Survey on Household Income and Wealth by the Bank of Italy and covers the period between 1997 and 2006.

Findings

The outcomes raise some doubts about the efficiency of the Italian mortgage market in terms of risk allocation between banks and householders. Fixed rate mortgage (FRM) versus adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) choice appears to be guided by a short‐term outlook informed by the need to maximize a household's immediate utility. Furthermore, households seem to embrace a myopic perspective, since the preference for ARMs increases with the lengthening of the maturity of the mortgage and with any increase in the size of the principal amount. Also, lending policies appear to have a considerable influence on a household's FRM‐ARM choice.

Practical implications

It seems that the Italian mortgage market requires adequate initiatives to improve households' financial literacy. Some measures to mitigate the assumption of the interest rate risk by households would be also welcomed.

Originality/value

This study represents the first investigation into the relationship between lending policies of banks and householders' mortgage choice from the perspective of a country distinguished by a high and persistent preference for the adjustable rate mortgages.

Details

Journal of European Real Estate Research, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-9269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1997

Sam C. Okoroafo

Investigates the determinants, decision process, and performance of mode of entry substitution patterns used by multinational firms. Based on past research, two paths (incremental…

1027

Abstract

Investigates the determinants, decision process, and performance of mode of entry substitution patterns used by multinational firms. Based on past research, two paths (incremental and non‐incremental/zigzag) for adopting entry modes in foreign product markets were conceptualized. Responses primarily via mail survey from executives of 77 Canadian and 108 US manufacturing firms verified usage of the conceptualized paths. Further, it was found that executives do preconceptualize their substitution pattern and that such preconceptualization is useful in strategic planning. Also, the executives identified choice variables critical to each pattern choice and some significant path discriminators. Finally, executives are satisfied with the performance of their chosen substitution paths.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2021

Xu Niu

In this paper, the author attempts to answer an important question upon founder-CEOs' exiting: How do they sell their remaining ownership shares? The literature has largely been…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the author attempts to answer an important question upon founder-CEOs' exiting: How do they sell their remaining ownership shares? The literature has largely been silent on this question, and therefore is missing an important piece of the puzzle on the final stage of the founding entrepreneurs' involvement in their companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses both theoretical models and empirical methods to examine how founder-CEOs sell their remaining ownership shares.

Findings

The author finds that founder-CEOs of high-growth firms and those with high managerial ability are more likely to sell remaining ownership shares gradually rather than suddenly. Moreover, if either the growth or the managerial ability is high, founder-CEOs managing firms with high volatility tend to sell gradually.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the final stage of founding entrepreneurs' involvement in companies. The methodology of pattern recognition also helps investors and regulators in tracking and monitoring stock trading of founders and other company insiders.

Details

International Journal of Managerial Finance, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1743-9132

Keywords

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