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1 – 10 of 45
Article
Publication date: 9 July 2019

Yan Yu, Ben Qianqian Liu, Jin-Xing Hao and Chuanqi Wang

Prior literature indicates conflicting effects of online product information, which may complicate or simplify consumer purchase decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is…

Abstract

Purpose

Prior literature indicates conflicting effects of online product information, which may complicate or simplify consumer purchase decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how different online product information (i.e. the choice set size and the popularity information and its presentation) affect consumers’ decision making and the related market outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies on information-processing theories and social learning theory. By stepwise conducting two 2×2 within-subject factorial design experiments, this research examines the effects of the choice set size, product popularity information and product presentation on consumers’ decision making and the aggregated market outcomes.

Findings

The results show that product popularity information led consumers to either simplify or complicate their decision strategy, depending on the size of the choice sets. Additionally, presenting products by their popularity in descending order resulted in consumers making decisions with a larger decision bias. The results also show that the presence of product popularity was more likely to forge a “superstar” structure in a large market.

Practical implications

The research suggests that e-retailers and e-marketplace operators should carefully utilize product popularity information. Multiple mechanisms that shape different shopping environments with different orders are necessary to create a long-tailed market structure.

Originality/value

This study found the mixed effects of product popularity information when it is presented in different environments (i.e. the large/small choice set and the sorted/randomized product presentation). The overuse of popularity information may induce consumers’ decision bias.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2024

Shuliu Wang, Qianqian Liu, Jin Wang, Nana Chen, JunHang Chen, Jialiang Song, Xin Zhang and Kui Xiao

This study aims to investigate the role of aluminium (Al) in marine environment and the corrosion mechanism of galvalume coatings by conducting accelerated experiments and data…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of aluminium (Al) in marine environment and the corrosion mechanism of galvalume coatings by conducting accelerated experiments and data analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were subjected to accelerated corrosion for 136 days via salt spray tests to simulate the natural conditions of marine environment and consequently accelerate the experiments. Subsequently, the samples were examined using various test methods, such as EDS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the obtained data were analysed.

Findings

Galvalume coatings comprised interdigitated zinc (Zn)-rich and dendritic Al-rich phases. Corrosion was observed to begin with a Zn-rich phase. The primary components of the corrosion product film were Al2O3 and Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O. It was confirmed that the role of Al was to form a dense protective film, thereby successfully blocking the entry of corrosive media and protecting the iron substrate.

Originality/value

This study provides a clearer understanding of the corrosion mechanism and kinetics of galvalume coatings in a simulated marine environment. In addition, the role of Al, which is rarely mentioned in the literature, was investigated.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 71 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Yuanpeng Cheng, Zili Li, Yalei Zhao, Yazhou Xu, Qianqian Liu and Yu Bai

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the corrosion behaviour of API X65 pipeline steel in the simulated CO2/oil/water emulsion using weight loss technique, potentiodynamic…

301

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the corrosion behaviour of API X65 pipeline steel in the simulated CO2/oil/water emulsion using weight loss technique, potentiodynamic polarization technique and characterization of the corroded surface techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The weight loss analysis, electrochemical study and surface investigation were carried out on API X65 pipeline steel that had been immersed in the CO2/oil/water corrosive medium to understand the corrosion behaviour of gathering pipeline steel. The weight loss tests were carried out in a 3L autoclave, and effects of temperature, CO2 partial pressure, water cut and flow velocity on the CO2 corrosion rate of API X65 pipeline steel were studied. Electrochemical studies were carried out in a three-electrode electrochemical cell with the test temperature was 60°C, and the CO2 partial pressure was 1 atm by recording open circuit potential/time and potentiodynamic polarization characteristics. The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of corrosion product scales were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The phases of corrosion product scales were investigated using X-ray diffraction.

Findings

The results showed that water cut was the main controlling factor of API X65 steel corrosion under the conditions of CO2/oil/water multiphase flow, and it had significant impact on corrosion morphology. In the case of higher water cut or pure water phase, general corrosion occurred on the steel surface. While water cut was below 70 per cent, corrosion morphology transformed into localized corrosion, crude oil decreased corrosion rate significantly and played a role of inhibitor. Crude oil hindered the corrosion scales from being dissolved by corrosive medium and changed dimension and accumulation pattern of the crystal grain, thickness and structure of the corrosion scales; thus, it influenced the corrosion rate. The primary corrosion product of API X65 steel was ferrous carbonate, which could act as a protective film at low water cut so that the corrosion rate can be reduced.

Originality/value

The results can be helpful in selecting the suitable corrosion inhibitors and targeted anti-corrosion measures for CO2/oil/water corrosive environment.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 64 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 28 October 2014

27

Abstract

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2022

Qianqian Cao, Lujuan Li, Hao You and Hao Liu

The contact behaviors of droplets on confined surfaces influence significantly their dynamics and morphological transition induced by the electric field. This paper aims to delve…

Abstract

Purpose

The contact behaviors of droplets on confined surfaces influence significantly their dynamics and morphological transition induced by the electric field. This paper aims to delve into the electric stress, electric field distribution, flow field and evolution of droplet neck to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrohydrodynamics of droplets in confined environment is numerically analyzed based on finite volume method (FVM) combining with volume-of-fluid (VOF) method for two-phase interface capturing. Numerical solutions are obtained through solving electrohydrodynamics model coupling fluid dynamics with electrostatics.

Findings

It was found that the droplet neck with high interfacial curvature undergoes different transition depending on the contact angle. At large domain height, the droplets on the surfaces with the contact angle of θ < 90° tend to break up into smaller droplets adhered on top and bottom surfaces. The detachment of droplets is identified when the contact angle is much greater than 90°. Notably, the droplets at θ = 90° exhibit asymmetrical shape evolution, but for other cases there is symmetrical shape of droplets during transition process. With decreasing the domain height, no obvious deformation through driving the contraction of the droplet neck is observed.

Originality/value

It remains unclear how the electric field parallel to the surfaces affects the shape transition and electrohydrodynamics of confined droplets when changing the contact angle. In this paper, the authors study the electrohydrodynamics of droplets in confined space when the electric field is exerted parallel to contact surfaces. In particular, the authors consider the effect of the surface wettability on the droplet deformation. The problem is solved through FVM combining with the VOF method to implement the capturing of two-phase interfaces. The results indicate that the electrohydrodynamic behaviors of droplets are sensitive to the contact properties of droplets on the surfaces, which has not been reported in previous works.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2022

Feiyang Guan, Wang Tienan, Qianqian Fan and Linlin Liu

This study aims to explore the effect of competitive aggressiveness on firm performance and the moderating effect of firm 2019s ego-network structures in the international…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of competitive aggressiveness on firm performance and the moderating effect of firm 2019s ego-network structures in the international coopetition network.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of strong cooperation of the global automobile industry in recent years, this study uses the global automobile firms in Factiva database as samples to test hypotheses using the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model.

Findings

This study finds that there is different relationship between the number and variety of competitive actions and firm performance. In addition, ego-network structures have different coefficients for the number and variety of competitive actions.

Originality/value

The conclusions provide theoretical support and policy suggestions for firms to develop effective competitive strategies according to ego-network structures in the international coopetition network.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2020

Hui Liu, Miroslaw J. Skibniewski, Qianqian Ju, Junjie Li and Hongbing Jiang

This study aims to explore the innovative capabilities of building information modeling (BIM) in construction projects. The objectives are to construct an inclusive conceptual…

1699

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the innovative capabilities of building information modeling (BIM) in construction projects. The objectives are to construct an inclusive conceptual framework of BIM-enabled construction innovation, identify the status and trends of innovation-related research in BIM publications, synthesize research pertaining to BIM-enabled construction innovation and discover core research requirements in the related body of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a comprehensive theoretical framework, named innovation pyramid, comprising context, actor, artifact, process, structure and innovative task for exploring and analyzing the innovative capability of BIM in construction projects. Accordingly, mixed methods were used to perform a systematic review of research on the topic of BIM-enabled construction innovation.

Findings

The findings reveal that BIM innovation-related articles have predominantly considered BIM as an innovation from a technological standpoint, while the innovative capabilities of BIM have remained under-researched with a fragmented research focus. Fertile grounds for research have emerged and call for research pertaining to entities of “structure” and “innovative task” as well as interaction, interrelations and mutually adjusting effect among the entities.

Practical implications

The framework proposed may be useful for subsequent research design and for assisting project management practitioners in the use of BIM to achieve innovation more efficiently.

Originality/value

This research provides an insight into the innovative capabilities of BIM based on the BIM–collaboration–construction innovation logic chain. It contributes to the body of knowledge by devising an inclusive conceptual framework of BIM-enabled construction innovation, synthesizing the state of the art and exposing the research needs in this area.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 July 2018

Mengwei Tu

Abstract

Details

Education, Migration and Family Relations between China and the UK: The Transnational One-Child Generation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-673-0

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2024

Qianqian Ju, Yan Wang, Hui Liu, Xiaoyun Du and Yifei Li

Stakeholders in complex capital projects are characterized by complicated interactions, adversarial short-term relationships and cooperative demand for deliverables. Unhealthy…

Abstract

Purpose

Stakeholders in complex capital projects are characterized by complicated interactions, adversarial short-term relationships and cooperative demand for deliverables. Unhealthy interfaces between stakeholders often lead to significant interface conflicts, which gradually become apparent in the construction stage. However, stakeholder interface health (SIH) has not been well understood and measured in the construction industry by either scholars or practitioners. It is essential to identify unhealthy interface relationships between stakeholders by comprehensively assessing SIH for enhancing project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study provided a comprehensive framework to assess SIH. The assessment was based on Wuli-Shili-Renli theory. Moreover, the CRITIC and Grey-TOPSIS methodologies were applied to precisely evaluate the SIH level. Besides, graph-based interface networks were developed to visualize SIH. At last, the framework was applied to a mass rapid transit project in China to test the validity of the study.

Findings

The result showed that stakeholder interfaces with strict contract constraints are healthier. On the other hand, IM behaviors make up for the soft coordination mechanism without contract constraints to a certain extent. The results of the case study were consistent with the actual project practices. The proposed framework provided a useful IM tool for assessing and visualizing SIH.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that only the mass rapid transit project was selected for empirical analysis to validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. It is recommended that the proposed framework be applied to other types of complex capital projects to further discussions in IM.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study introduces a comprehensive framework to measure the health of stakeholder interfaces in complex capital projects, which helps to provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for stakeholder interface management.

Social implications

Practically, applying SIH assessment to existing interface management procedures can help the project manager identify interface conflicts between stakeholders in time and eventually contribute to the improvement of PM performance. At the same time, the interface management team tracks the responsibilities of unhealthy interface stakeholders and requires them to take measures to improve the SIH level. Stakeholder interfaces with lower health scores should be given more attention. The proposed framework can serve as a novel IM approach to identify weaknesses in IM and take targeted management measures to alleviate unhealthy stakeholder interface relationships.

Originality/value

The study provides an innovative method for scientifically and accurately assessing SIH. This research can help scholars and practitioners in the project management field facilitate the diagnosis of unhealthy interface relationships and provide decision support for the project management theoretical foundation.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2022

Yiwei Zhao, Yindong Sun, Qianqian Zhou, Caiyun Cui and Yong Liu

The aim of this paper is to research the acceptance mechanism of building information modeling (BIM) technology and to explore the differences among…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to research the acceptance mechanism of building information modeling (BIM) technology and to explore the differences among Architecture/Engineering/Construction (A/E/C) professionals with different individual characteristics. The proposed acceptance mechanism of BIM technology is intended to be used by industry stakeholders to propose decisions and measures, and improve the degree of BIM adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional hypothesis testing is adopted by the current study to empirically research the specific mechanism of A/E/C professionals accepting BIM technologies. In the one phase, a conceptual model based on technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology organization environment (TOE) theory was established and a large-scale questionnaire survey was conducted. In the other phase, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze acquired sample data, so as to empirically test the validity of the proposed linkage.

Findings

The results show first that perceived ease of use has no significant influence on perceived usefulness, and perceived usefulness has no significant effect on behavior intention as well. Second, BIM technical features and government BIM policies have positive effects on perceived usefulness, BIM technical features and organization supports have positive effects on perceived ease of use. Third, the BIM acceptance mechanism of A/E/C professionals is diverse from respondents with different characteristics, e.g. regions and working time.

Originality/value

The authors highlight the large sample size, as well as the nationwide context, of the questionnaire survey. Meanwhile, acceptance differences among A/E/C professionals with different demographic characteristics have been clarified using profound data and t-test. The findings of this study enrich the research on the acceptance mechanism of BIM technology, and contribute to relevant stakeholders taking targeted measures to promote the effective application of BIM technology nationwide.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

1 – 10 of 45