Search results
1 – 10 of 384Peng Huang and Yue Lu
The purpose of the study is to examine the relation between board structure and firm performance variability in an international setting. The authors further explore the effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to examine the relation between board structure and firm performance variability in an international setting. The authors further explore the effect of national culture in shaping such relations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors’ international sample contains 4,911 firms across 49 countries over the 2002–2017 period. The authors use national culture values on individualism and power distance developed by Hofstede (1980, 2001, 2011). The authors focus on within-firm, over-time variability of firm performance and estimate multivariate linear regressions with fixed effects. The authors address the endogeneity concern using the instrumental variable approach, and the authors’ results are robust to alternative measures of variables and different subsamples.
Findings
The authors find that firms with larger board size, greater board independence and less powerful CEOs have less variable performance. Individualism has a magnifying effect while power distance has a mitigating effect in shaping such relations.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to answer the call of Adams, Hermalin and Weisbach (2010) for research on corporate boards in an international setting. It is also one of the few studies which examine the variability of firm performance, while the majority of existing literature focuses on the level of firm performance. Most importantly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of national culture in shaping boardroom interactions that affect the decision-making process of corporate boards, which, in turn, affects firm performance variability.
Details
Keywords
Qian Ding, Songze Li, Jikun Huang, Yeting Ma and Fangbin Qiao
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of different information source on consumer attitudes toward genetically modified food.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of different information source on consumer attitudes toward genetically modified food.
Design/methodology/approach
The data used in this study are obtained from a large-scale nationwide consumers' survey in urban China conducted by the China Center for Agricultural Policy, Peking University, in 2020. A descriptive analysis between information sources and consumer attitudes toward GM food was conducted. Based on the collected data, an econometric model on the determinants of consumer attitudes was constructed and used for analysis.
Findings
This study shows that the impact of new media is currently no different than that of traditional media, indicating that the media campaign successfully reduced the spread of rumors and misinformation regarding GM food. Moreover, this study also shows that consumers whose main information source regarding GM foods is school hold more positive feelings toward such food.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of information source on consumer attitudes toward GM food. To reverse consumers' negative attitudes, China has launched a widespread media campaign since the first decade of the 2000s. Results of this study show that authorities' efforts to manage and surveil new media have yielded the desired outcome.
Details
Keywords
Tao Wang, Shaoliang Wu, Hengqiong Jia, Shanqing Peng, Haiyan Li, Piyan Shao, Zhao Wei and Yi Shi
During the construction process of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I type filling layer, the nonwoven fabric bags have been used as grouting templates for cement asphalt…
Abstract
Purpose
During the construction process of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I type filling layer, the nonwoven fabric bags have been used as grouting templates for cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar. The porous structure of nonwoven fabrics endowed the templates with breathability and water permeability. The standard requires that the volume expansion rate of CA mortar must be controlled within 1%–3%, which can generate expansion pressure to ensure that the cavities under track slabs are filled fully. However, the expansion pressure caused some of the water to seep out from the periphery of the filling bag, and it would affect the actual mix proportion of CA mortar. The differences in physical and mechanical properties between the CA mortar under track slabs and the CA mortar formed in the laboratory were studied in this paper. The relevant results could provide important methods for the research of filling layer materials for CRTS I type and other types of ballastless tracks in China.
Design/methodology/approach
During the inspection of filling layer, the samples of CA mortar from different working conditions and raw materials were taken by uncovering the track slabs and drilling cores. The physical and mechanical properties of CA mortar under the filling layer of the slab were systematically analyzed by testing the electrical flux, compressive strength and density of mortar in different parts of the filling layer.
Findings
In this paper, the electric flux, the physical properties and mechanical properties of different parts of CA mortar under the track slab were investigated. The results showed that the density, electric flux and compressive strength of CA mortar were affected by the composition of raw materials for dry powders and different parts of the filling layer. In addition, the electrical flux of CA mortar gradually decreased within 90 days’ age. The electrical flux of samples with the thickness of 54 mm was lower than 500 C. Therefore, the impermeability and durability of CA mortar could be improved by increasing the thickness of filling layer. Besides, the results showed that the compressive strength of CA mortar increased, while the density and electric flux decreased gradually, with the prolongation of hardening time.
Originality/value
During 90 days' age, the electrical flux of the CA mortar gradually decreased with the increase of specimen thickness and the electrical flux of the specimens with the thickness of 54 mm was lower than 500 C. The impermeability and durability of the CA mortar could be improved by increasing the thickness of filling layer. The proposed method can provide reference for the further development and improvement of CRTS I and CRTS II type ballastless track in China.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Ali, Susan Freeman, Lei Shen, Lin Xiong and Muhammad Adnan Zahid Chudhery
This study clarifies how intra-organizational social capital (IOSC) and unit-organizational ambidexterity (UOA), using resource-based view and dynamic capability theory, together…
Abstract
Purpose
This study clarifies how intra-organizational social capital (IOSC) and unit-organizational ambidexterity (UOA), using resource-based view and dynamic capability theory, together support organizational value creation. While there is research in strategic human resource management (SHRM) exploring the role of resources and its uses, there remains limited understanding of how resources are linked and their effective utilization in the service sector. This study aims to examine the mediating process linking employee-experienced service-oriented high-performance work systems (SHPWS) experienced by employees and service performance by integrating IOSC and UOA.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses time lagged data from managers and employees of different branches of Chinese state-owned banks. To test the proposed hypotheses, path analysis was applied.
Findings
The path analysis results reveal that employee-experienced SHPWS is an important antecedent of service performance. Moreover, IOSC (as resources) and UOA (uses) strongly mediate the theorized relationship.
Originality/value
This study attempts to refine theory and practice with clearer, more insightful and coherent means to better understand and help unpack the ‘black box’ between SHPWS-performance relationships through a new linkage model.
Details
Keywords
Huating Zhou, Yuwei Hou and Hong Wang
The purpose of this paper is to explore the social responsibility performance’s current situation, influencing factors and mechanisms of multinational companies (MNCs) in China…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the social responsibility performance’s current situation, influencing factors and mechanisms of multinational companies (MNCs) in China. The paper is based on the MNC’s social responsibility performance factors to find some relevant reasons for unsatisfied performance and on the multiple perspectives such as institutional distance and stakeholders, to provide feasible solutions for MNCs to assume civic responsibility and the high-quality development of the host country.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses general literature review and empirical analysis to analyze the way and degree of various factors which are affecting the social responsibility of MNC in China, and supplements the deficiencies of previous studies.
Findings
The paper reveals the influencing factors and mechanisms of MNCs’ social responsibility in China through the regression results. In addition, based on Research Report on Corporate Social Responsibility of China (Huang et al., 2013/2019), the paper also summarizes the performance and dynamic changes of MNCs social responsibility in the Chinese market in the past decade.
Originality/value
The paper enriches research on the social responsibility of MNCs in the background of non-western countries, dynamically describes the performance of MNCs’ responsibilities in a 10-year span and solves the problem of inconsistent research conclusions caused by too long time span. The paper also creates the “local enterprise responsibility level” to quantify the development of the host country’s responsibility, and identifies the “responsibility demonstration effect” of state-owned enterprises and private enterprises.
Details
Keywords
Vaclav Snasel, Tran Khanh Dang, Josef Kueng and Lingping Kong
This paper aims to review in-memory computing (IMC) for machine learning (ML) applications from history, architectures and options aspects. In this review, the authors investigate…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review in-memory computing (IMC) for machine learning (ML) applications from history, architectures and options aspects. In this review, the authors investigate different architectural aspects and collect and provide our comparative evaluations.
Design/methodology/approach
Collecting over 40 IMC papers related to hardware design and optimization techniques of recent years, then classify them into three optimization option categories: optimization through graphic processing unit (GPU), optimization through reduced precision and optimization through hardware accelerator. Then, the authors brief those techniques in aspects such as what kind of data set it applied, how it is designed and what is the contribution of this design.
Findings
ML algorithms are potent tools accommodated on IMC architecture. Although general-purpose hardware (central processing units and GPUs) can supply explicit solutions, their energy efficiencies have limitations because of their excessive flexibility support. On the other hand, hardware accelerators (field programmable gate arrays and application-specific integrated circuits) win on the energy efficiency aspect, but individual accelerator often adapts exclusively to ax single ML approach (family). From a long hardware evolution perspective, hardware/software collaboration heterogeneity design from hybrid platforms is an option for the researcher.
Originality/value
IMC’s optimization enables high-speed processing, increases performance and analyzes massive volumes of data in real-time. This work reviews IMC and its evolution. Then, the authors categorize three optimization paths for the IMC architecture to improve performance metrics.
Details
Keywords
Shanmugan Subramani and Mutharasu Devarajan
Light emitting diode (LED) has been the best resource for commercial and industrial lighting applications. However, thermal management in high power LEDs is a major challenge in…
Abstract
Purpose
Light emitting diode (LED) has been the best resource for commercial and industrial lighting applications. However, thermal management in high power LEDs is a major challenge in which the thermal resistance (Rth) and rise in junction temperature (TJ) are critical parameters. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the Rth and Tj of the LED attached with the modified heat transfer area of the heatsink to improve thermal management.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper deals with the design of metal substrate for heatsink applications where the surface area of the heatsink is modified. Numerical simulation on heat distribution proved the influence of the design aspects and surface area of heatsink.
Findings
TJ was low for outward step design when compared to flat heatsink design (ΔT ∼ 38°C) because of increase in surface area from 1,550 mm2 (flat) to 3,076 mm2 (outward step). On comparison with inward step geometry, the TJ value was low for outward step configuration (ΔTJ ∼ 6.6°C), which is because of efficient heat transfer mechanism with outward step design. The observed results showed that outward step design performs well for LED testing by reducing both Rth and TJ for different driving currents.
Originality/value
This work is authors’ own design and also has the originality for the targeted application. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the proposed design has not been tried before in the electronic or LED applications.
Details
Keywords
Yuhan Tang, Yuedong Wang, Jiayu Liu, Boya Tian, Qi Dong, Ziwei He and Jiayi Wen
In order to extend the application of the original octagonal Goodman–Smith fatigue limit diagram, which is commonly used for the evaluation of structure fatigue stress in…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to extend the application of the original octagonal Goodman–Smith fatigue limit diagram, which is commonly used for the evaluation of structure fatigue stress in engineering, a modification of it is proposed for the structure made of S355 steel (commonly used in high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) bogie frame).
Design/methodology/approach
The modification is made based on Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren e. V. (DVS) 1612 standard and the γ-P-S-N curve, with consideration of the fatigue evaluation requirements of different survival rates and confidence levels. The verification of the modification is performed for three welded joints and for the comparison with the experimental data.
Findings
The results indicate that the design survival rate, the design safety margin and the fatigue stress evaluation of welded joint types are all improved by using the modified diagram.
Originality/value
There are relatively few studies on modifying octagonal Goodman–Smith fatigue limit diagram. In this paper, a modified diagram is proposed and applied in order to ensure the safety and durability of key welded structures of rail vehicles.
Details
Keywords
Seyed Hadi Arabi, Mohammad Hasan Maleki and Hamed Ansari
The purpose of this study is to identify the drivers and future scenarios of Iran’s Social Security Organization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the drivers and future scenarios of Iran’s Social Security Organization.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is applied in terms of orientation and mixed in terms of methodology. In this research, the methods of theme analysis, root definitions, fuzzy Delphi and Cocoso were used. The theoretical population is the managers and senior experts of the social security organization, and the sampling method was done in a judgmental way. The tools of data collection were interviews and questionnaires. The interview tool was used to extract the main and subdrivers of the research and develop the scenarios.
Findings
Through theme analysis, 35 subdrivers were extracted in the form of economic, sociocultural, financial and investment, policy, marketing, environmental and legal themes. Due to the large number of subdrivers, these factors were screened with fuzzy Delphi. Eleven drivers had defuzzied coefficient higher than 0.7 and were selected for final prioritization. The final drivers were prioritized with the CoCoSo technique, and the two drivers of social security holdings governance and state of government revenues had the highest priority. Based on these two drivers, four scenarios of prosperity, resilient social security, unstable development and collapse have been developed.
Originality/value
Some of the suggestions of the research are: using the capacity of FinTechs and financial startups to invest the government revenues of the organization, using digital technologies such as business intelligence for more efficient decisions and developing corporate governance in the organization.
Details
Keywords
Prashant Anerao, Atul Kulkarni and Yashwant Munde
This paper aims to investigate the current state of biocomposites used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) with a focus on their mechanical characteristics.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the current state of biocomposites used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) with a focus on their mechanical characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
The study presents a variety of biocomposite materials that have been used in filaments for 3D printing by different researchers. The process of making filaments is then described, followed by a discussion of the process parameters associated with the FDM.
Findings
To achieve better mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts, it is essential to optimize the process parameters of FDM while considering the characteristics of the biocomposite material. Polylactic acid is considered the most promising matrix material due to its biodegradability and lower cost. Moreover, the use of natural fibres like hemp, flax and sugarcane bagasse as reinforcement to the polymer in FDM filaments improves the mechanical performance of printed parts.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the influence of critical process parameters of FDM like raster angle, layer thickness, infill density, infill pattern and extruder temperature on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed biocomposite.
Details