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Article
Publication date: 16 October 2019

Chinese reverse M&As in the Netherlands: Chinese managers’ trust building practices

Zhe Sun and Liang Zhao

Building trust is critical in reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As), attributed to the divergence of governance and culture between the East and the West. This paper…

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Abstract

Purpose

Building trust is critical in reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As), attributed to the divergence of governance and culture between the East and the West. This paper aims to explore the barriers and trust-building practices of Chinese managers in reverse M&As in developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data set of this research contains case studies of two Chinese M&A deals and in-depth interviews with managers and advisories in the Netherlands.

Findings

This research finds that the divergences of decision-making structure, communication style and trust orientation generate barriers to the trust building in Chinese reverse M&As. The third-party advisory participation helps to build cognition-based trust of acquired company managers on Chinese acquiring company managers through providing information and explanation, fitting Chinese buyers in the Western M&A procedure and offering communication. It also helps to build affect-based trust through bridging the divergence of trust orientation and filling the cultural voids. Meanwhile, the invisible integration helps to build cognition-based trust through maintaining the core business, offering great help to acquired companies for their business expansion and selecting the business collaboration areas in the long term. It also helps to build affect-based trust through granting a high degree of governance independence and enabling a balanced status in acquired companies.

Originality/value

This research unveils the “black box” of Chinese reverse M&As from an inter-personal trust perspective and advances the nuanced understanding of trust and trust-building practices in Chinese reverse M&As. It also provides practical tools for both Chinese companies and acquired companies in developed countries.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-11-2018-0748
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

  • Affect-based trust
  • Chinese companies
  • Cognition-based trust
  • Advisory participation
  • Invisible integration approach
  • Reverse M&As

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Article
Publication date: 7 May 2019

Improvement of the inspection-repair process with building information modelling and image classification

Jian Zhan, Xin Janet Ge, Shoudong Huang, Liang Zhao, Johnny Kwok Wai Wong and Sean XiangJian He

Automated technologies have been applied to facility management (FM) practices to address labour demands of, and time consumed by, inputting and processing manual data…

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Abstract

Purpose

Automated technologies have been applied to facility management (FM) practices to address labour demands of, and time consumed by, inputting and processing manual data. Less attention has been focussed on automation of visual information, such as images, when improving timely maintenance decisions. This study aims to develop image classification algorithms to improve information flow in the inspection-repair process through building information modelling (BIM).

Design/methodology/approach

To improve and automate the inspection-repair process, image classification algorithms were used to connect images with a corresponding image database in a BIM knowledge repository. Quick response (QR) code decoding and Bag of Words were chosen to classify images in the system. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were developed to facilitate activity collaboration and communication. A pilot case study in an inspection-repair process was applied to demonstrate the applications of this system.

Findings

The system developed in this study associates the inspection-repair process with a digital three-dimensional (3D) model, GUIs, a BIM knowledge repository and image classification algorithms. By implementing the proposed application in a case study, the authors found that improvement of the inspection-repair process and automated image classification with a BIM knowledge repository (such as the one developed in this study) can enhance FM practices by increasing productivity and reducing time and costs associated with ecision-making.

Originality/value

This study introduces an innovative approach that applies image classification and leverages a BIM knowledge repository to enhance the inspection-repair process in FM practice. The system designed provides automated image-classifying data from a smart phone, eliminates time required to input image data manually and improves communication and collaboration between FM personnel for maintenance in the decision-making process.

Details

Facilities, vol. 37 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/F-01-2018-0005
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

  • Automation
  • Facility management
  • Building information modelling

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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2019

Guanxi, trust and reward-based crowdfunding success: a Chinese case

Liang Zhao and Tsvi Vinig

This paper aims to examine different hypotheses concerning the effects of guanxi on the reward-based crowdfunding project fundraising. Specifically, this study provides…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine different hypotheses concerning the effects of guanxi on the reward-based crowdfunding project fundraising. Specifically, this study provides new insights into how guanxi and guanxi intensity may affect reward-based crowdfunding success and project performance in the Chinese context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research data including 989 crowdfunding projects were collected from zhongchou.com which is the largest reward-based crowdfunding platform in a one-year period (2014.1-2014.12). The hypotheses are tested by using robust OLS regressions and robust logistic regressions. Robustness check was also conducted to test the validation of the results.

Findings

This paper found that project developers’ guanxi-establishing behavior conducted before launching their own projects such as being fans of other projects and supporting other projects are positively related to project success. In addition, the intensity of guanxi-establishing behavior positively influences project performance in a significant way. Besides, the establishment and maintenance of project developers’ guanxi with funders during the fundraising process are also positively associated with project success and fundraising performance.

Originality/value

Based on the theory of trust, this paper offers an interesting and novel perspective to investigate reward-based crowdfunding success in the Chinese context by taking guanxi and guanxi intensity into consideration.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-02-2019-0041
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

  • China
  • Guanxi
  • Success
  • Reward-based crowdfunding

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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2019

Pure donation or hybrid donation crowdfunding: Which model is more conducive to prosocial campaign success?

Liang Zhao and Zhe Sun

Despite the growing research exploring the possibility and feasibility of financing socially oriented projects through crowdfunding, relatively little research examines…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing research exploring the possibility and feasibility of financing socially oriented projects through crowdfunding, relatively little research examines which crowdfunding model is better to serve such purpose. The purpose of this paper is to offer novel insights to mitigate this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique data set collected from the largest Chinese crowdfunding platform is used to test the hypotheses. To solve the perceived self-selection problem, the propensity score matching method is adopted in this paper. Based on this approach, the results of similar prosocial campaigns in two different models (pure donation and hybrid donation) are compared.

Findings

The empirical results show that the hybrid donation model is negatively associated with the status of success and the extent of success of prosocial campaigns. Specifically, compared to the pure donation model, hybrid donation model leads to a lower probability of success, fewer contributors, a lower funding amount and a lower completion ratio.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a relatively understudied theme in crowdfunding, namely, donations. It does so by introducing the concepts of pure vs hybrid donation models and investigates the model selection problem in financing social projects through crowdfunding based on cognitive evaluation theory.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BJM-02-2019-0076
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

  • Cognitive evaluation theory
  • Crowdfunding model selection
  • Prosocial crowdfunding campaign

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Article
Publication date: 18 January 2021

Intelligent anti-corrosion expert system based on big data analysis

Liang Zhao, Wen Tao, Guangwen Wang, Lida Wang and Guichang Liu

The paper aims to develop an intelligent anti-corrosion expert system based on browser/server (B/S) architecture to realize an intelligent corrosion management system.

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to develop an intelligent anti-corrosion expert system based on browser/server (B/S) architecture to realize an intelligent corrosion management system.

Design/methodology/approach

The system is based on Java EE technology platform and model view controller (MVC) three-tier architecture development model. The authors used an extended three-dimensional interpolation model to predict corrosion rate, and the model is verified by cross-validation method. Additionally, MySQL is used to realize comprehensive data management.

Findings

The proposed anti-corrosion system thoroughly considers a full use of corrosion data, relevant corrosion prediction and efficient corrosion management in one system. Therefore, this system can achieve an accurate prediction of corrosion rate, risk evaluation, risk alert and expert suggestion for equipment in petrochemical plants.

Originality/value

Collectively, this present study has important ramifications for the more efficient and scientific management of corrosion data in enterprises and experts’ guidance in controlling corrosion status. At the same time, the digital management of corrosion data can provide a data support for related theoretical researches in corrosion field, and the intelligent system also offers examples in other fields to improve system by adding intelligence means.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 68 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-10-2020-2384
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

  • Intelligent anti-corrosion system
  • Corrosion management
  • Three-dimensional interpolation
  • Expert system
  • Corrosion data

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Article
Publication date: 23 November 2020

Numerical investigation of the effect of the injection angle on the spray structures of an air-blast atomizer

Sheng Chen, Yuming Xing, Xin Liu and Liang Zhao

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the injection angle α on the spray structures of an air-blast atomizer and help enhance the understanding of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the injection angle α on the spray structures of an air-blast atomizer and help enhance the understanding of droplet-gas mixing process in such atomizers in the engineering domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The phenomena in the air-blast atomizer were numerically modelled using the computational fluid dynamics software Fluent 17.2. The Euler-Lagrange approach was applied to model the droplet tracking and droplet-gas interaction in studied cases. The standard k-ε model was used to simulate the turbulent flow. A model with a modified drag coefficient was used to consider the effects of the bending of the liquid column and its penetration in the primary breakup region. The Kelvin-Helmholtz, Rayleigh-Taylor model was applied to consider the secondary breakup of the droplets.

Findings

The basic spatial distribution and spray structures of the droplets corresponding to the angled liquid jet (α = 60°) were similar to those reported in liquid jets injected transversely into a gaseous crossflow studies. The injection angle α did not considerably influence the averaged Sauter to mean diameter (SMD) of the cross-sections. However, the spray structures pertaining to α = 30°, α = 60° and α = 90° were considerably different. In the case of the atomizer with multiple injections, a “collision region” was observed at α = 60° and characterized by a higher ci and larger averaged SMD in the central parts of the cross-sections.

Originality/value

The injection angle α is a key design parameter for air-blast atomizers. The findings of this study can help enhance the understanding of the droplet-gas mixing process in air-blast atomizers. Engineers who design air-blast atomizers and face new challenges in the process can refer to the presented findings to obtain the desired atomization performance. The code has been validated and can be used in the engineering design process of the gas-liquid jet atomizer.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-03-2020-0175
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

  • Numerical modelling
  • Air-blast atomizer
  • Injection angle
  • Spray structures

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Article
Publication date: 7 October 2019

Study of electrokinetic effects for heat transfer in microchannel with sinusoidal thermal boundary conditions

Muhammad Raees Ul Haq, Hang Xu and Liang Zhao

The purpose of this study is to obtain the numerical as well as regularity results for the nonlinear elliptic set of equations arising in the study of fluid flow in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to obtain the numerical as well as regularity results for the nonlinear elliptic set of equations arising in the study of fluid flow in microchannel induced by the pressure in the presence of interfacial electrokinetic effects.

Design/methodology/approach

For the numerical study, the authors implemented traditional FDM approach, and for the regularity results they used the classical energy estimates. The interfacial electrokinetic effects result in an additional source term in classical momentum equation, hence affecting the characteristics of the flow and heat transfer. The sinusoidal temperature variation is assumed on side walls.

Findings

The results were obtained for various combinations of physical parameters appearing in the governing equations. This study concludes that in the presence of electric double layer, the average heat transfer rate reduces along with larger values of Reynolds number. It is observed that the heat transfer increases with the increase in amplitude ratio and phase deviation. The flow behavior and heat transfer rate inside the microchannel are also strongly affected by the presence of κ (kappa).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the problem of heat transfer through microchannel in combination with sinusoidal temperature variation at boundary with electric double layer effects has not been considered previously. Hence, this paper focuses on the influence of the sinusoidal boundary temperature distributions on both sidewalls of a rectangular microchannel through parallel plates with electrokinetic effects on the pressure-driven laminar flow. In addition, a detailed mathematical analysis is also to be carried out to verify the regularity of this model with the proposed boundary conditions. The study used the classical energy method to get the regularity results.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 29 no. 10
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-04-2018-0179
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

  • Electrokinetic effects
  • Elliptic PDEs
  • Energy estimates
  • Interfacial EDL effects
  • Sinusoidal boundary conditions

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Article
Publication date: 10 July 2017

Hedonic value and crowdfunding project performance: a propensity score matching-based analysis

Liang Zhao and Tsvi Vinig

In the existing literature on crowdfunding project performance, previous studies have given little attention to the impact of investors’ hedonic value and utilitarian…

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Abstract

Purpose

In the existing literature on crowdfunding project performance, previous studies have given little attention to the impact of investors’ hedonic value and utilitarian value on project results. In a crowdfunding setting, utilitarian value is somehow hard to satisfy due to information asymmetry and adverse selection problem. Therefore, the projects with more hedonic value can be more attractive for potential investors. Lucky draw is a method to increase consumer hedonic value, and it can influence investors’ behavior as a result. The authors hypothesize that projects with hedonic treatment (lucky draw) may have higher probability to win their campaign than others. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique self-extracted two-year Chinese crowdfunding platform real data set has been applied as the analysis sample. The authors first employ propensity score matching methods to control for the endogeneity of hedonic treatment adoption (lucky draw). The authors then run OLS regression and probit regression in order to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The analysis suggests a significant positive relationship not only between project lottery adoption and project results but also between project lottery adoption and project popularity.

Originality/value

The results suggest that an often ignored factor – hedonic treatment (lucky draw) – can play an important role in crowdfunding project performance.

Details

Review of Behavioral Finance, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/RBF-09-2016-0059
ISSN: 1940-5979

Keywords

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Crowdfunding
  • Hedonic value
  • Project performance
  • Propensity score matching (PSM)

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Article
Publication date: 2 July 2018

Numerical investigation of droplets-gas mixing performance in depth adjustable underwater launcher cooling chamber

Xin Liu, Yuming Xing and Liang Zhao

The purpose of this study is to investigate structure parameters that influence the mixing process of droplets-gas in underwater depth-adjustable launcher cooling chamber…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate structure parameters that influence the mixing process of droplets-gas in underwater depth-adjustable launcher cooling chamber and help engineers who design the launcher to distinguish the most important factor that impacts mixing performance in the cooling chamber.

Design/methodology/approach

Euler–Lagrangian droplet tracking method was used to simulate droplets-gas mixing process in the cooling chamber. The SST k-w model was adopted to simulate turbulence. Droplet breakup was described by KHRT hybrid model using modified contains which are more fit to the supersonic main flow condition.

Findings

The results show the counter-rotating vortex pairs which caused by injected liquid accelerate the mixing process. High-pressure supersonic freestream makes the liquid jet break into more small droplets due to the high momentum of the main stream. Axial injection angle has the greatest influence on Sauter mean diameter (SMD). Penetration height, SMD and total pressure loss slightly change in different tangential injection conditions. However, mixedness decreases with reduction of tangential injection angle due to a more limited space for spray developing. Enlarging orifice diameter raises penetration and mixedness greatly, while SMD and total pressure loss increase slightly.

Originality/value

The findings of this study confirm the key structure parameter to improve mixing performance in the cooling chamber. Engineers who design the underwater depth-adjustable launcher can refer the findings in this study to make control of launching power more accurate.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-09-2017-0343
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

  • Cooling chamber
  • Depth-adjustable underwater launcher
  • Mixing process
  • Structure parameter
  • Supersonic flow

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Case study
Publication date: 26 November 2015

Hotelvp: swimming with sharks

Yan Gong, Ramakrishna Velamuri, Liman Zhao and Liang Dong

This case is written for those people who are interested in entrepreneurship, and to generate discussions on the Lean Start-up methodology, as well as other topics related…

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Teaching notes available

Abstract

Subject area

This case is written for those people who are interested in entrepreneurship, and to generate discussions on the Lean Start-up methodology, as well as other topics related to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Study level/applicability

It can be used with senior undergraduates, MBAs, EMBAs and senior executives.

Case overview

In August 2011, Mars Ren and Gene Deng created a technology-based venture, Shanghai Tianhailu Network Information Technology Ltd. Filled with passion, they aspired to be the first “factory outlet” in China' hotel booking industry. To achieve this goal, they developed the Hotelvp app for mobile users. After 6:00 p.m. every day, users could book accommodation online in hotels above three-star standard for that same night at significant discounts. Hotels also benefited because they could sell their unsold room nights at the last minute and improve their revenue management. Ren and Deng were convinced that this win-win idea would take off. Unfortunately, it failed to fully satisfy either the users or the hotels. In spite of the founders' passion and energy, it was still acquired by a much more powerful player in the online sector, JD.com, in early 2014. This case is designed to stimulate in-depth discussions based on the question: What are the key obstacles when launching a startup and how to overcome them?

Expected learning outcomes

Through class discussion, it aims at teaching the student how to define and practice a start-up idea successfully by following the “Lean Start-up” methodology and/or take advantage of a practical tool, discovery-driven planning. Specifically, this case intends to teach students how: To identify and define a good start-up idea; To take actions based on the idea/opportunity, iterate and modify it along the way to create new start-ups, and finally lead the new start-ups to grow and succeed; To understand the key concepts, frameworks and theoretical logics of Lean Start-up methodology, and apply it in practice.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 5 no. 8
Type: Case Study
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-06-2015-0115
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

  • Start-ups
  • Entrepreneurial opportunity
  • Technology-based entrepreneurship

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