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1 – 10 of 160
Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Jun Zhan, Ziyan Zhang, Shun Zhang, Jiabao Zhao and Fuhong Wang

Despite servitization being widely regarded as an essential catalyst to improve manufacturing firms' survival and competitiveness, how to attain servitization remains debatable…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite servitization being widely regarded as an essential catalyst to improve manufacturing firms' survival and competitiveness, how to attain servitization remains debatable. The primary objective of this research is to explore whether or not, how, and when the dynamic capabilities affect servitization in the digital economy background. This research investigates the relationships between servitization and dynamic capabilities by incorporating firm ownership, firm lifecycle stage, digital economy level and environmental uncertainty as contingency factors in the research framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This research develops and verifies a conceptual framework for manufacturing servitization by employing the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in analyzing the secondary longitudinal data from 148 China-listed manufacturing firms involved in servitization from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The analytical results of fsQCA identify several configurational solutions for the success of manufacturing servitization. Each factor can be an enabler for servitization success despite none of the factors discovered as an absolute condition. Manufacturing servitization success within the digital economy depends on the interactions between dynamic capabilities and contingency factors such as digital economy level, environmental uncertainty, firm ownership, and lifecycle stage.

Research limitations/implications

All of the construct's measurements in this research adopt secondary data, and further investigation calls for primary data (e.g. survey) for higher validity.

Originality/value

This research extends the current view of servitization by proposing an integrative conceptual framework, allowing manufacturing servitization to be examined more pertinently and comprehensively. Second, the research is an initial attempt that adopts fsQCA in servitization studies. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of attaining servitization by revealing the importance of dynamic capabilities and their interactions with the contingency factors. Third, the research extends the application scopes of dynamic capability theory, firm lifecycle theory, contingency theory, and institutional theory. Fourth, the research findings enrich the understanding of servitization in the digital economy and give business practitioners insights on leveraging dynamic capabilities in different conditions to attain successful servitization under the current circumstances.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2020

Zehui Zhan, Jun Wu, Hu Mei, Qianyi Wu and Patrick S.W. Fong

This paper aims to investigate the individual difference on digital reading, by examining the eye-tracking records of male and female readers with different reading ability…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the individual difference on digital reading, by examining the eye-tracking records of male and female readers with different reading ability (including their pupil size, blink rate, fixation rate, fixation duration, saccade rate, saccade duration, saccade amplitude and regression rate).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 74 participants were selected according to 6,520 undergraduate students’ university entrance exam scores and the follow-up reading assessments. Half of them are men and half are women, with the top 3% good readers and the bottom 3% poor readers, from different disciplines.

Findings

Results indicated that the major gender differences on reading abilities were indicated by saccade duration, regression rate and blink rate. The major effects on reading ability have a larger effect size than the major effect on gender. Among all the indicators that have been examined, blink rate and regression rates are the most sensitive to the gender attribute, while the fixation rate and saccade amplitude showed the least sensitiveness.

Originality/value

This finding could be helpful for user modeling with eye-tracking data in intelligent tutoring systems, where necessary adjustments might be needed according to users’ individual differences. In this way, instructors could be able to provide purposeful guidance according to what the learners had seen and personalized the experience of digital reading.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 April 2020

Yu Yan, Wei Jiang, Dehua Zou, Wusheng Quan, Hong Jun Li, YunFei Lei and Zhan fan Zhou

In the long-term network operation, the power distribution network will be subjected to the effects of ultra-high voltage, strong electromagnetic interference and harsh natural…

Abstract

Purpose

In the long-term network operation, the power distribution network will be subjected to the effects of ultra-high voltage, strong electromagnetic interference and harsh natural environment on the power system, which will lead to the occurrence of different faults in the distribution network and directly affect the normal operation of the power grid.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to solve the problems of labor intensity, high risk and low efficiency of distribution network manual maintenance operation, this paper proposed a new configuration of the live working robot for distribution network maintenance, the robot is equipped with dual working arms through the mobile platform, which can realize the coordination movement, the autonomous reorganization and replacement of the end tools, respectively, so as the robot power distribution maintenance function such as stripping, trimming, wiring and the operation control problem of the distribution network-robot with small arms and in small operation space can be realized.

Findings

To effective elimination or reduce the adverse effects of the internal forces in the closed chain between the working object and manipulator under the typical task of the 10 kV distribution network, this paper has established the robot coordinated control dynamics model in the closed-chain between the dual-working object and proposed the dynamic distribution method of closed-chain internal force and the effectiveness has been proved by simulation experiments and 10 kV field operation.

Originality/value

The force-position hybrid control can realize the mutual compensation of force and position so as to effectively reduce the internal force in the closed chain. Finally, the engineering practicality of the method is verified by field operation experiment, the effective implementation of this control method greatly improves the robot working efficiency and the operation reliability, the promotion and application of the control method have great theoretical and practical value and maintenance management system, so as to achieve automation of electric.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2019

Wen Zhan, Dan Jia, YongLiang Jin, HaiTao Duan, Jian Li and Jun Liu

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize amines/phenolic antioxidants by a new method and to characterize the influence of antioxidants on thermo-oxidative degradation in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize amines/phenolic antioxidants by a new method and to characterize the influence of antioxidants on thermo-oxidative degradation in trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) base oil.

Design/methodology/approach

The molecule structures of antioxidants and lubricants were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The oxidative stability of antioxidants and lubricants was evaluated by pressurized differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC).

Findings

These findings suggested that butyl-octyl-diphenylamine has obvious advantage on kinematic viscosity inhibition, and amine-phenol combination antioxidant has a slightly better suppression of total acid in TMPTO under thermal oxidation at 200°C for 96 h. The FTIR characterizations showed that all antioxidants could protect the basic structure of TMPTO in the early stage of thermal degradation.

Originality/value

Under the action of butyl-octyl-diphenylamine, the dehydrogenation of TMPTO is easily met with the alkenyl hydrogen = C–H bond in the unsaturated C = C. Meanwhile, as octadecyl 3-(3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate protects TMPTO, the unsaturated C = C bond in the base oil molecule easily breaks down during transition.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 72 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2021

Xi Ouyang, Kong Zhou, Yuan-Fang Zhan and Wen-Jun Yin

Drawing on the extended self-theory, this study explores the dynamic process through which reactive helping could influence proactive helping through self-investment and…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the extended self-theory, this study explores the dynamic process through which reactive helping could influence proactive helping through self-investment and investigate the moderating role of task difficulty in affecting this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, with a sample of 582 diary surveys from 66 employees, used experience sampling techniques to analyze the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that self-investment could mediate the positive relationship between reactive helping and proactive helping. Additionally, task difficulty acts as an essential role in facilitating the process raised by reactive helping. Further examination revealed that the moderated mediation effect in this model was also significant.

Practical implications

Managers should encourage help-seeking and positive responses to requests, especially in groups with difficult tasks, which could build helpers’ extended self at work and increase their proactive helping behaviors at the following episode.

Originality/value

As verifying the dynamic trajectory of reactive helping, this study enriches our understanding of whether and how helping behaviors are likely to grow over time. Besides, it complements current pieces of literature by exploring the potential positive implication of reactive helping with a helper-centric perspective.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2021

Rudranarayan Kandi, Pulak Mohan Pandey, Misba Majood and Sujata Mohanty

This paper aims to discuss the successful fabrication of customized tubular scaffolds for tracheal tissue engineering with a novel route using solvent-based extrusion 3D printing.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the successful fabrication of customized tubular scaffolds for tracheal tissue engineering with a novel route using solvent-based extrusion 3D printing.

Design/methodology/approach

The manufacturing approach involved extrusion of polymeric ink over a rotating predefined pattern to construct customized tubular structure of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyurethane (PU). Dimensional deviation in thickness of scaffolds were calculated for various layer thicknesses of 3D printing. Physical and chemical properties of scaffolds were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle measurement, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical characterizations were performed, and the results were compared to the reported properties of human native trachea from previous reports. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity of the fabricated scaffolds was studied in terms of cell proliferation, cell adhesion and hemagglutination assay.

Findings

The developed fabrication route was flexible and accurate by printing customized tubular scaffolds of various scales. Physiochemical results showed good miscibility of PCL/PU blend, and decrease in crystalline nature of blend with the addition of PU. Preliminary mechanical assessments illustrated comparable mechanical properties with the native human trachea. Longitudinal compression test reported outstanding strength and flexibility to maintain an unobstructed lumen, necessary for the patency. Furthermore, the scaffolds were found to be biocompatible to promote cell adhesion and proliferation from the in vitro cytotoxicity results.

Practical implications

The attempt can potentially meet the demand for flexible tubular scaffolds that ease the concerns such as availability of suitable organ donors.

Originality/value

3D printing over accurate predefined templates to fabricate customized grafts gives novelty to the present method. Various customized scaffolds were compared with conventional cylindrical scaffold in terms of flexibility.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2023

Jiantao Zhu, Jun Zhang, Zhongshuang Jiang and Jinghua Li

Emerging markets face the developmental circumstances of a weak foundation in both manufacturing and services. Although servitization is viewed as an opportunity to realise…

Abstract

Purpose

Emerging markets face the developmental circumstances of a weak foundation in both manufacturing and services. Although servitization is viewed as an opportunity to realise industry transformation and upgrading, ways for emerging market firms to implement a high-level servitization strategy is still understudied. This study examines combinations of causal conditions for emerging market firms to implement a high level of servitization.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored in the strategy tripod model, this study examines the configurations for implementing a high-level servitization strategy by using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and data from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research Database (CSMAR).

Findings

The findings identify three kinds of configurations for achieving a high-level servitization strategy: market-cultivational servitization, competition-driven servitization and government-related servitization. Furthermore, the mechanisms for implementing a high-level servitization strategy differ within the regional marketization level and state-owned equity. Specifically, the improvement of the regional marketization level helps manufacturing firms realise a high level of servitization by strengthening service capacity, and state-owned equity helps firms gain distinctive legitimacy to integrate suppliers and providers into the servitization context.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed multilevel perspective frameworks enable manufacturing firms in emerging markets to achieve a high level of servitization strategy.

Originality/value

This paper explores the impact of institutional environment, industry conditions and firm-level microfoundations on servitization, therefore providing a reference framework for emerging market firms interested in implementing high-level servitization strategies.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Jun-peng Shao, Guang-dong Liu, Xiao-dong Yu, Yan-qin Zhang, Xiu-li Meng and Hui Jiang

The purpose of this paper is to describe a simulation and experimental research concerning the effect of recess depth on the lubrication performance of a hydrostatic thrust…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a simulation and experimental research concerning the effect of recess depth on the lubrication performance of a hydrostatic thrust bearing by constant rate flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The computational fluid dynamics and finite volume method have been used to compute the lubrication characteristics of an annular recess hydrostatic thrust bearing with different recess depths. The performances are oil recess pressure, oil recess temperature and oil film velocity. The recess depth has been optimized. A test rig is established for testing the pressure field of the structure of hydrostatic thrust bearing after recess depth optimization, and experimental results show that experimental data are basically identical with the simulation results, which demonstrates the validity of the proposed numerical simulation method.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the oil film temperature decreases and the oil film pressure first increases and then decreases with an increase in the recess depth, but oil film velocity is constant. To sum up comprehensive lubrication performance, the recess depth of 3.5 mm is its optimal value for the annular recess hydrostatic thrust bearing.

Originality/value

The computed results indicate that to get an improved performance from a constant flow hydrostatic thrust bearing, a proper selection of the recess depth is essential.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 70 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Xueting Gong, Dinkneh Gebre Borojo and Jiang Yushi

Due to their limited capacity for adaptation and dependence on natural resources for economic growth, developing countries (DCs) tend to be more prone to climate change. It is…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to their limited capacity for adaptation and dependence on natural resources for economic growth, developing countries (DCs) tend to be more prone to climate change. It is argued that climate finance (CF) is a significant financial innovation to mitigate the negative effects of climate variation. However, the heterogeneous impacts of CF on environmental sustainability (ES) and social welfare (SW) have been masked. Thus, this study aims to investigate the heterogeneous effects of CF on ES and SW in 80 CF receipt DCs from 2002 to 2018. This study also aims to investigate the effects of CF on ES and SW based on population size, income heterogeneity and the type of CF.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) with fixed effects is utilized. Alternatively, the fully modified least square (FMOLS) and dynamic least square (DOLS) estimators are used for the robustness test.

Findings

The findings revealed that DCs with the lowest and middle quantiles of EF, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and human development exhibit large beneficial impacts of CF on ES and SW. In contrast, the positive effects of CF on ES breakdown for countries with the largest distributions of EF and CO2 emissions. Besides, the impacts of CF on ES and SW depend on income heterogeneity, population size and the type of CF.

Practical implications

This study calls for a framework to integrate CF into all economic development decisions to strengthen climate-resilient SW and ES in DCs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of CF on ES and SW in a wide range of DCs. Thus, it complements existing related literature focusing on the effects of CF on ES and SW.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Yage Zhan, Kan Gu, Hua Wu and Jun Luo

The on‐line concentration and temperature measurement of solutions is of great interest as a means of quality production control in many industrial processes, such as in food…

Abstract

Purpose

The on‐line concentration and temperature measurement of solutions is of great interest as a means of quality production control in many industrial processes, such as in food service industry, pharmaceuticals industry, chemical industry and environmental engineering, especially for harmful solutions or solutions that cannot be reached by the operator. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A high resolution all‐fiber multi‐parameter sensor system has been studied theoretically and experimentally. The sensor system can be used for on‐line monitoring of concentration and temperature simultaneously and dynamically. A combined long period fiber grating (CLPG) is used as the sensor head based on its resonance wavelength shifts being almost linearly with concentration and temperature, and also based on that the two applied resonance peaks have different concentration‐wavelength coefficients and different temperature‐wavelength coefficients. Two wavelength‐matched fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are used to convert resonance peak wavelengths of the CLPG into corresponding intensities for interrogation.

Findings

When the concentration and the temperature all fluctuate dynamically during experiments, a concentration resolution of 0.03 g/L has been achieved in the range of 0∼200 g/L, and a temperature resolution of 0.02C has been realized in the range of −20∼60C.

Originality/value

On‐line monitoring of concentration and temperature for solutions is a means of quality production control in biological, chemical and other many industrial processes, such as in food service industry, pharmaceuticals industry, chemical industry, and also in environmental engineering, especially for harmful solutions or solutions that cannot be reached by the operator. Optical fiber sensors have numerous advantages over traditional sensors, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, higher stability and sensitivity, more easiness of multiplex, being competent for application in harsh environments, “smart structures” and on‐site measurements. Long period optical fiber grating sensor is the most appropriate sensor for multi‐parameter monitoring in the fields mentioned above, which has all the advantages of optical fiber sensor. Besides, optical fiber grating sensors can be used for monitoring more accurately because its signal is coded by wavelength. The all‐fiber sensor system is suitable for remote monitoring of many solutions, such as the solutions of NaCl, glucose, alcohol, and hydrocarbon.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

1 – 10 of 160