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1 – 10 of over 19000
Article
Publication date: 16 June 2023

Arpita Agnihotri, Carolyn M. Callahan and Saurabh Bhattacharya

Leveraging Emerson’s theory of power and motivated reasoning, this study aims to explore how the net power of an individual and actual, instead of perceived, vulnerability results…

Abstract

Purpose

Leveraging Emerson’s theory of power and motivated reasoning, this study aims to explore how the net power of an individual and actual, instead of perceived, vulnerability results in asymmetric trust and distrust development in a dyadic relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on extant literature and gaps in the literature, this conceptual paper hypothesises and proposes trust formation based on power dynamics and vulnerability.

Findings

This research extends the knowledge base by exploring the role of actual vulnerability over perceived vulnerability in trust formation and distrust formation.

Research limitations/implications

The research propositions imply that the dyadic trust formation process is not rational, and trust itself is not symmetrical but asymmetrical. The net power possessed by one individual over the other drives trust. Net power balance determines the actual vulnerability of the focal individual, and then the individual, through motivated reasoning, trusts or distrusts another individual. Scholars, going forward, could explore how trust formation varies at group and firm levels.

Originality/value

Extant literature has not explored the role of power imbalance in determining actual (versus perceived) vulnerability that influences trust formation between parties. The conceptual paper fills this gap.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2023

Chen Zhu, Timothy Beatty, Qiran Zhao, Wei Si and Qihui Chen

Food choices profoundly affect one's dietary, nutritional and health outcomes. Using alcoholic beverages as a case study, the authors assess the potential of genetic data in…

Abstract

Purpose

Food choices profoundly affect one's dietary, nutritional and health outcomes. Using alcoholic beverages as a case study, the authors assess the potential of genetic data in predicting consumers' food choices combined with conventional socio-demographic data.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment was conducted to elicit the underlying preferences of 484 participants from seven provinces in China. By linking three types of data (—data from the choice experiment, socio-demographic information and individual genotyping data) of the participants, the authors employed four machine learning-based classification (MLC) models to assess the performance of genetic information in predicting individuals' food choices.

Findings

The authors found that the XGBoost algorithm incorporating both genetic and socio-demographic data achieves the highest prediction accuracy (77.36%), significantly outperforming those using only socio-demographic data (permutation test p-value = 0.033). Polygenic scores of several behavioral traits (e.g. depression and height) and genetic variants associated with bitter taste perceptions (e.g. TAS2R5 rs2227264 and TAS2R38 rs713598) offer contributions comparable to that of standard socio-demographic factors (e.g. gender, age and income).

Originality/value

This study is among the first in the economic literature to empirically demonstrate genetic factors' important role in predicting consumer behavior. The findings contribute fresh insights to the realm of random utility theory and warrant further consumer behavior studies integrating genetic data to facilitate developments in precision nutrition and precision marketing.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2023

Nofirman Firdaus, Hasnida Ab-Samat and Bambang Teguh Prasetyo

This paper reviews the literature on maintenance strategies for energy efficiency as a potential maintenance approach. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main concept…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper reviews the literature on maintenance strategies for energy efficiency as a potential maintenance approach. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main concept and common principle for each maintenance strategy for energy efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review has been carried out on maintenance and energy efficiency. The paper systematically classified the literature into three maintenance strategies (e.g. inspection-based maintenance [IBM], time-based maintenance [TBM] and condition-based maintenance [CBM]). The concept and principle of each maintenance strategy are identified, compared and discussed.

Findings

Each maintenance strategy's main concept and principle are identified based on the following criteria: data required and collection, data analysis/modeling and decision-making. IBM relies on human senses and common senses to detect energy faults. Any detected energy losses are quantified to energy cost. A payback period analysis is commonly used to justify corrective actions. On the other hand, CBM monitors relevant parameters that indicate energy performance indicators (EnPIs). Data analysis or deterioration modeling is needed to identify energy degradation. For the diagnostics approach, the energy degradation is compared with the threshold to justify corrective maintenance. The prognostics approach estimates when energy degradation reaches its threshold; therefore, proper maintenance tasks can be planned. On the other hand, TBM uses historical data from energy monitoring. Data analysis or deterioration modeling is required to identify degradation. Further analysis is performed to find the optimal time to perform a maintenance task. The comparison between housekeeping, IBM and CBM is also discussed and presented.

Practical implications

The literature on the classification of maintenance strategies for energy efficiency has been limited. On the other hand, the ISO 50001 energy management systems standard shows the importance of maintenance for energy efficiency (MFEE). Therefore, to bridge the gap between research and industry, the proposed concept and principle of maintenance strategies will be helpful for practitioners to apply maintenance strategies as energy conservation measures in implementing ISO 50001 standard.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is in-depth discussion on the concept and principle of each maintenance strategy (e.g. housekeeping or IBM, TBM and CBM) for energy efficiency. The relevant literature for each maintenance strategy was also summarized. In addition, basic rules for maintenance strategy selection are also proposed.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2022

Xu Wang, Xin Feng and Yuan Guo

The research on social media-based academic communication has made great progress with the development of the mobile Internet era, and while a large number of research results…

Abstract

Purpose

The research on social media-based academic communication has made great progress with the development of the mobile Internet era, and while a large number of research results have emerged, clarifying the topology of the knowledge label network (KLN) in this field and showing the development of its knowledge labels and related concepts is one of the issues that must be faced. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned issue.

Design/methodology/approach

From a bibliometric perspective, 5,217 research papers in this field from CNKI from 2011 to 2021 are selected, and the title and abstract of each paper are subjected to subword processing and topic model analysis, and the extended labels are obtained by taking the merged set with the original keywords, so as to construct a conceptually expanded KLN. At the same time, appropriate time window slicing is performed to observe the temporal evolution of the network topology. Specifically, the basic network topological parameters and the complex modal structure are analyzed empirically to explore the evolution pattern and inner mechanism of the KLN in this domain. In addition, the ARIMA time series prediction model is used to further predict and compare the changing trend of network structure among different disciplines, so as to compare the differences among different disciplines.

Findings

The results show that the degree sequence distribution of the KLN is power-law distributed during the growth process, and it performs better in the mature stage of network development, and the network shows more stable scale-free characteristics. At the same time, the network has the characteristics of “short path and high clustering” throughout the time series, which is a typical small-world network. The KLN consists of a small number of hub nodes occupying the core position of the network, while a large number of label nodes are distributed at the periphery of the network and formed around these hub nodes, and its knowledge expansion pattern has a certain retrospective nature. More knowledge label nodes expand from the center to the periphery and have a gradual and stable trend. In addition, there are certain differences between different disciplines, and the research direction or topic of library and information science (LIS) is more refined and deeper than that of journalism and media and computer science. The LIS discipline has shown better development momentum in this field.

Originality/value

KLN is constructed by using extended labels and empirically analyzed by using network frontier conceptual motifs, which reflects the innovation of the study to a certain extent. In future research, the influence of larger-scale network motifs on the structural features and evolutionary mechanisms of KLNs will be further explored.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 75 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

Camillia Matuk, Ralph Vacca, Anna Amato, Megan Silander, Kayla DesPortes, Peter J. Woods and Marian Tes

Arts-integration is a promising approach to building students’ abilities to create and critique arguments with data, also known as informal inferential reasoning (IIR). However…

Abstract

Purpose

Arts-integration is a promising approach to building students’ abilities to create and critique arguments with data, also known as informal inferential reasoning (IIR). However, differences in disciplinary practices and routines, as well as school organization and culture, can pose barriers to subject integration. The purpose of this study is to describe synergies and tensions between data science and the arts, and how these can create or constrain opportunities for learners to engage in IIR.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors co-designed and implemented four arts-integrated data literacy units with 10 teachers of arts and mathematics in middle school classrooms from four different schools in the USA. The data include student-generated artwork and their written rationales, and interviews with teachers and students. Through maximum variation sampling, the authors identified examples from the data to illustrate disciplinary synergies and tensions that appeared to support different IIR processes among students.

Findings

Aspects of artistic representation, including embodiment, narrative and visual image; and aspects of the culture of arts, including an emphasis on personal experience, the acknowledgement of subjectivity and considerations for the audience’s perspective, created synergies and tensions that both offered and hindered opportunities for IIR (i.e. going beyond data, using data as evidence and expressing uncertainty).

Originality/value

This study answers calls for humanistic approaches to data literacy education. It contributes an interdisciplinary perspective on data literacy that complements other context-oriented perspectives on data science. This study also offers recommendations for how designers and educators can capitalize on synergies and mitigate tensions between domains to promote successful IIR in arts-integrated data literacy education.

Details

Information and Learning Sciences, vol. 125 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2023

Maria Vittoria Bufali, Alec Morton and Graham Connelly

Cross-national research on cultural differences can help understand what drives, in differing contexts, mentors' commitment to school-based mentoring programs. This comparative…

Abstract

Purpose

Cross-national research on cultural differences can help understand what drives, in differing contexts, mentors' commitment to school-based mentoring programs. This comparative study aims to explore whether adult volunteers, from Scotland and Italy, experience being mentors of vulnerable youth differently.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from interviews (n = 20) and questionnaires (n = 114) were used to test hypotheses concerning volunteer mentors' perceptions of their role and abilities, as well as motives for participation. According to cross-cultural theories, Scottish mentors should be more likely to identify mentoring with establishing friendly relationships with mentees and promoting youth self-empowerment. They should also be more self-confident and value-driven as volunteers.

Findings

Despite the mixed support for the assumptions concerning how the mentor role is conceived, Scottish mentors were less likely than Italians to doubt their abilities and more driven by other-focused and generative concerns.

Originality/value

The study reveals significant variations in how volunteers from countries featuring different welfare regimes and cultural orientations experience mentoring. The research advances the understanding of how culturally sensitive approaches can foster mentors' engagement.

Details

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6854

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Michele Lo Re, Eleonora Veglianti, Fabrizio Parente, Umberto Monarca and Cosimo Magazzino

This paper explores international trade of the Chinese manufacturing industries through the lenses of network analysis (NA) to visualise the world trade network of the Chinese…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores international trade of the Chinese manufacturing industries through the lenses of network analysis (NA) to visualise the world trade network of the Chinese economy, describe its topology and better explain the international organisation of Chinese manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors built a dataset of 40,550 Chinese companies and their 107,026 subsidiaries in 118 countries from Orbis-BVD and used a NA to investigate the connection between China and other countries. In particular, the authors studied the connections between Chinese companies and their subsidiaries in order to build a network of Chinese industries.

Findings

The authors found that the network of Chinese companies is ramified but not wide and it can be divided into two clusters. Moreover, the relations between China and other peripheral countries are strongly mediated by a few leading locations (e.g. Hong Kong and the USA).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in several ways. First, the authors provide empirical evidence on the magnitude and ramifications of Chinese enterprises in the world. The existing studies generally focus on applying NA to sectoral insights (Mao and Yang, 2012; Shaikh et al., 2016; Zheng et al., 2016; Wanzenbö ck, 2018; Krichene et al., 2019), whereas in this work the authors take a comprehensive view of the entire Chinese manufacturing system. Second, this paper complements the existing literature identifying the difference between cluster levels in Chinese manufacturing (Wu and Jiang, 2011) by proposing a cluster centralisation method to analyse the international network of Chinese firms rather than just the national network. Finally, the results also shed light on the international trade relationship between China, Hong Kong and the USA.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 50 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2023

Weiliang Zhang, Sifeng Liu, Junliang Du, Liangyan Tao and Wenjie Dong

The purpose of this study is to advance a novel evaluation index system and evaluation approach for ability of older adults in China.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance a novel evaluation index system and evaluation approach for ability of older adults in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructed a comprehensive older adult ability evaluation index system with 4 primary indicators and 17 secondary indicators. Grey clustering analysis and entropy weight method are combined into a robust evaluation model for the ability of older adults.

Findings

The result demonstrates that the proposed grey clustering model is readily available to calculate the disability level of elderly individuals. The constructed index system more comprehensively considers all aspects of the disability of the elderly.

Originality/value

This study provides a quantitative method and a more reasonable index system for the determination of the disability level of the elderly.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2023

Ying Kit Cherry Kwan, Mei Wa Chan and Dickson K.W. Chiu

In the 21st century, libraries are experiencing a significant decline in users due to shifting reading habits and the impact of technology, necessitating library transformation…

Abstract

Purpose

In the 21st century, libraries are experiencing a significant decline in users due to shifting reading habits and the impact of technology, necessitating library transformation and a heightened emphasis on library marketing. Special libraries, in particular, rely heavily on patrons for survival, often due to their private ownership and limited resources. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the Taste Library, a special library in Hong Kong, and analyzes its current practices based on an interview with its founder, website content, and social media presence. The 7Ps Marketing Mix model is employed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the library's current market position.

Findings

The Taste Library's existing practices exhibit limitations in attracting young patrons. To address this issue, we propose marketing strategies focused on enhancing social network presence, offering digitized content, and engaging in school outreach.

Practical implications

By concentrating on youth marketing, this study offers valuable insights for special libraries in developing strategic plans for transitioning and maintaining sustainability.

Originality/value

Few studies concentrate on marketing small special libraries, particularly in the East, within today's digitized economy.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2022

Leon Esquierro and Sergio Da Silva

The authors test the granularity hypothesis to international inflation spillovers using annual exports and inflation data for 138 countries from 1991 to 2020. This study aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors test the granularity hypothesis to international inflation spillovers using annual exports and inflation data for 138 countries from 1991 to 2020. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors quantify the power law for the right tail of the export volumes distribution and discuss its implications. Then, the authors compute the granular residual, a measure of shocks to the largest countries.

Findings

The authors find export volumes across countries are not Gaussian-distributed but follow a power law. This finding means the largest countries disproportionately impact world inflation. In addition, the authors find that countries with higher relative weight in international trade determine a portion of international spillovers greater than their trade share. Moreover, eight big grains are responsible for the bulk of inflation spillovers.

Practical implications

The policy implication is that other countries' central banks should closely monitor the eight big grains when conducting their domestic monetary policy.

Originality/value

This is the first study spotting the problem of granular inflation spillovers.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

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