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Article
Publication date: 29 December 2021

Jinqiang Wang, Yaobin Lu, Si Fan, Peng Hu and Bin Wang

The purpose of the research is to explore how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in central China achieve intelligent transformation through the use of artificial intelligence…

1582

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to explore how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in central China achieve intelligent transformation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Because of unequal resource allocation, constraints on the intelligent transformation of SMEs in central China are different from those in economically and technologically well-developed coastal provinces. Hence, the authors focus on SMEs in central China to identify drivers of and barriers to intelligent transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The interview data were collected from 66 SMEs across 20 industries in central China. To verify the validity of the data collection method, the authors used two methods to control for retrospective bias: multi-level informants and enterprises' AI project application materials (Wei and Clegg, 2020). The final data were validated without conflicts. Next, the authors cautiously followed a two-step approach recommended by Venkatesh et al. (2010) and used NVivo 11.0 to analyze the collected text data.

Findings

SMEs in central China are enthusiastic about intelligent transformation while facing both internal and external pressures. SMEs need to pay attention to both internal (enterprise development needs, implementation cost, human resources and top management involvement) and external factors (external market pressure, convenience of AI technology and policy support) and their different impacts on intelligent transformation. However, constrained by limited resources, SMEs in central China have been forced to take a step-by-step intelligent transformation strategy based on their actual needs with the technological flexibility method in the short term.

Originality/value

Considering the large number of SMEs and their importance in promoting China's economic development and job creation (SME Bureau of MIIT, 2020), more research on SMEs with limited resources is needed. In the study, the authors confirmed that enterprises should handle “social responsibility” carefully because over-emphasizing it will hinder intelligent transformation. However, firms should pay attention to the role of executives in promoting intelligent transformation and make full use of policy support to access more resources.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Ping Li, Rui Xue, Sai Shao, Yuhao Zhu and Yi Liu

In recent years, railway systems worldwide have faced challenges such as the modernization of engineering projects, efficient management of intelligent digital railway equipment…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, railway systems worldwide have faced challenges such as the modernization of engineering projects, efficient management of intelligent digital railway equipment, rapid growth in passenger and freight transport demands, customized transport services and ubiquitous transport safety. The transformation toward intelligent digital transformation in railways has emerged as an effective response to the formidable challenges confronting the railway industry, thereby becoming an inevitable global trend in railway development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, therefore, conducts a comprehensive analysis of the current state of global railway intelligent digital transformation, focusing on the characteristics and applications of intelligent digital transformation technology. It summarizes and analyzes relevant technologies and applicable scenarios in the realm of railway intelligent digital transformation, theoretically elucidating the development process of global railway intelligent digital transformation and, in practice, providing guidance and empirical examples for railway intelligence and digital transformation.

Findings

Digital and intelligent technologies follow a wave-like pattern of continuous iterative evolution, progressing from the early stages, to a period of increasing attention and popularity, then to a phase of declining interest, followed by a resurgence and ultimately reaching a mature stage.

Originality/value

The results offer reference and guidance to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the latest wave of the digitalization revolution, accelerate the overall upgrade of the railway industry and promote global collaborative development in railway intelligent digital transformation.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Meifang Li and Yujing Liu

With the deep development of the new technological revolution and industrial transformation, the development, application, expansion and integration of digital technology provide…

Abstract

Purpose

With the deep development of the new technological revolution and industrial transformation, the development, application, expansion and integration of digital technology provide opportunities for transforming the manufacturing industry from traditional manufacturing to intelligent manufacturing. However, little research currently focuses on analyzing the influencing factors of intelligent development in this field. There is a lack of research from the perspective of the digital innovation ecosystem to explore the intrinsic mechanism that drives intelligent development. Therefore, this article starts with high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises as the research subject to explore how their digital innovation ecosystem promotes the effectiveness of enterprise intelligent development, providing theoretical support and policy guidance for enterprises to achieve intelligent development at the current stage.

Design/methodology/approach

This article constructs a logical framework for the digital innovation ecosystem using a “three-layer core-periphery” structure, collects data using crawling for subsequent indicator measurement and assessment and uses the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis method (fsQCA) to explore how the various components of the digital innovation ecosystem in high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises work together to promote the development of enterprise intelligently.

Findings

This article finds that the various components of the digital innovation ecosystem of high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises, through mutual coordination, can help improve the level of enterprise intelligence. Empirical analysis shows four specific configuration implementation paths for the digital innovation ecosystem of high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises to promote intelligent development. The core conditions and their combinations that affect the intelligent development of enterprises differ in each configuration path.

Originality/value

Firstly, this article discusses the practical problems of intelligent transformation and development in the manufacturing industry and focuses on the intelligent development effectiveness of various components of the digital innovation ecosystem of high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises in the context of digitalization. Secondly, this article uses crawling, text sentiment analysis and other methods to creatively collect relevant data to overcome the research dilemma of being limited to theoretical analysis due to the difficulty in obtaining data in this field. At the same time, based on the characteristics of high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises, the “three-layer core-periphery” digital innovation ecosystem framework constructed in this article helps to gain a deep understanding of the development characteristics of the industry's enterprises, provides specific indicator analysis for their intelligent development, opening the “black box” of intelligent development in the industry's enterprises and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Finally, this study uses the fsQCA research method of configuration analysis to explore the complexity of the antecedents and investigate the combined effects of multiple factors on intelligent development, providing new perspectives and rich research results for relevant literature on the intelligent development of high-end equipment manufacturing enterprises.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2020

Victor Chang, Yuanyuan Kate Xu, Jingqi Zhang and Qianwen Xu

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current situation of China's local valve industry, the maturity of intelligent manufacturing and the way to promote intellectual…

265

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current situation of China's local valve industry, the maturity of intelligent manufacturing and the way to promote intellectual development.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a macro analysis of the valve market environment from the domestic and international perspective was conducted. Secondly, online surveys and in-depth interviews were administered to understand the current status of IM development and future development goals. Finally, case studies were conducted to demonstrate whether the hypothesis of the development approach is feasible.

Findings

This study finds that the overall maturity level of the local valve industry is still in the planning stage since the local valve industry lacks concentration and is relatively scattered. In addition, the feasible development approach is dependent on smart devices to improve production efficiency, ensure quality management and effectively control costs.

Research limitations/implications

The research is conducted and focused on the Yangtze River Delta region instead of the whole country, and the size of the sample is small. Therefore, there may be some characteristics omitted in the analysis.

Practical implications

Manufacturers can upgrade to smart manufacturing through intelligent software platforms in order to complete an automatic interaction of data and devices. In addition, manufacturers should complete cross-regional collaborative development through the industrial Internet of things.

Originality/value

There is little or none of research work completed for the development strategy of the valve industry internationally. Therefore, research findings of this area can provide a fundamental understanding of China's local valve industry and contribute to the existing knowledge.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Jinliang Chen, Guoli Liu and Yu Wang

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nuanced effects of downstream complexity on supply chain resilience, based on portfolio theory and normal accident theory. Intelligent

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nuanced effects of downstream complexity on supply chain resilience, based on portfolio theory and normal accident theory. Intelligent manufacturing is considered to clarify their boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The ordinary least squares regression was conducted, based on the data collected from 136 high-tech firms in China.

Findings

Horizontal downstream complexity has a positive effect on supply chain resilience significantly, while the negative impact of vertical downstream complexity on supply chain resilience is not significant. Contingently, intelligent manufacturing plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between horizontal downstream complexity and supply chain resilience, while it positively moderates the relationship between vertical downstream complexity and supply chain resilience.

Originality/value

This study disentangles the nuanced effects of both horizontal and vertical downstream complexity on supply chain resilience, based on portfolio theory and normal accident theory. It also clarifies their boundary conditions by considering the focal firm's intelligent manufacturing level as the contingent factor.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 34 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2022

Xueqi Zhao, Xiaozhe Sun, Longwen Zhao and Yibing Xing

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relations between the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises and enterprise innovation to provide inspiration for…

2222

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relations between the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises and enterprise innovation to provide inspiration for promoting the digitization and upgrading of China's manufacturing industry and facilitate enterprises' innovative development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a panel data of 584 listed manufacturing companies in China from 2016 to 2020, and using a fixed effects approach, this paper empirically examines the impact of digital transformation on corporate innovation in manufacturing enterprises, as well as examining the influential mechanisms and heterogeneity.

Findings

The research shows that the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises has effectively improved the innovation capacity of enterprises and verifies different situations through heterogeneity. At the same time, the research clarifies the mediating effect of the innovation investment mechanism, cost control mechanism, and profit guarantee mechanism on the relations between the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises and the innovation capacity of enterprises.

Originality/value

Based on Chinese manufacturing enterprise samples, this paper empirically tests the influential mechanism of digital transformation on the innovation capability of manufacturing enterprises, therefore clarifying the main mediating effects. This paper could provide inspiration for manufacturing companies to make good use of digital transformation rules according to their own situation and improve their innovation capabilities, thereby enhancing competitiveness in the digital economy era.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Wanhong Li, Fan Wang, Tiansen Liu, Qinglian Xue and Nan Liu

The use of digital technology in firms has drawn attention of innovation management scholars and policy-makers, especially the imitation of digital technology and competition…

Abstract

Purpose

The use of digital technology in firms has drawn attention of innovation management scholars and policy-makers, especially the imitation of digital technology and competition among peer firms. Drawing on dynamic competition theory, this paper examines how firms react to their peers' digital innovation behavior and the effect of external environment mechanisms on the magnitude of peer effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a text mining method to construct a baseline model with a Tobit estimator using data obtained for Chinese listed firms.

Findings

The findings suggest that peer effects on digital innovation behavior are robust and significant positive in China. Moreover, peer effects on digital innovation participation are positively magnified by firms' strong social network and high Fintech development. However, peer effects are relatively higher in non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), low-profitability and high R&D firms.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' findings contribute to the digital management literature by showing that firms need digital technological imitation and diffusion of innovations in the digital era.

Practical implications

Managers should provide insights into firms' imitation of their peers' acts to preserve competitive parity. Besides, firms should integrate employees within the organization and communicate digital innovation concepts and behaviors to external peer firms.

Originality/value

First, this paper contributes to explaining how firms change their digital innovation strategy through the influence of peers' digital innovation behavior. Second, this paper fills the literature gaps related to the moderating effects of external environment factors in peer effects of digital innovation behavior.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2022

Zhijia You

The existing literature has been mainly focused on local problems but without an overall framework for studying the top-level planning of intelligent construction from a…

Abstract

Purpose

The existing literature has been mainly focused on local problems but without an overall framework for studying the top-level planning of intelligent construction from a systematic perspective. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a deductive research approach.

Findings

This research proposes a reference architecture and related business scenario framework for intelligent construction based on the existing theory and industrial practice.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is to provide a useful reference to the Chinese government and industry for formulating digital transformation strategies, as well as suggests meaningful future research directions in the construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 December 2021

Xiaosong Dong, Wenli Cao and Yeqing Bao

This paper provides the strategic direction and coordination mechanism selection for the intelligent transformation of manufacturing enterprises.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides the strategic direction and coordination mechanism selection for the intelligent transformation of manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is developed through grounded theory and case analysis.

Findings

Collaboration value is the building block of the intelligent product ecosystem. The ecosystem is upgraded via a path of product coordination, platform coordination and network coordination.

Practical implications

This paper provides a framework for enterprises to build an intelligent product ecosystem.

Originality/value

The proposed intelligent product ecosystem framework is new to the literature and lays down a fruitful avenue for future research.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Edward T. Lee and Madonna E. Lee

An improvement transformation is a transformation which has the following two properties, namely, (1) after applying it, all the already achieved subgoals are still being…

629

Abstract

An improvement transformation is a transformation which has the following two properties, namely, (1) after applying it, all the already achieved subgoals are still being accomplished and (2) additional new subgoals or partial new subgoals may be accomplished. By using improvement transformations, an intelligent problem‐solving method is presented with illustrative examples. This method consists of three parts: (1) goal decomposition and subgoal ordering; (2) successive improvement transformations; and (3) backtrack algorithms. The intelligent problem‐solving method using successive improvement transformations may have useful applications in goal decomposition, goal regression, genetic algorithms, robotics, and future expert system design.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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