Search results

1 – 10 of 573
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Ákos Nagy and Noémi Krátki

This study aims to explore the ways that social enterprises (SE) create value by embedding themselves in networks through the process of social innovation (SI). The processes of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the ways that social enterprises (SE) create value by embedding themselves in networks through the process of social innovation (SI). The processes of achieving common social missions were studied through selected organizations using an open approach to SI. Novel operational structures as well as unique forms of created value were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Two organizations embedded in local and international networks were studied and were chosen due to their SI profiles. The study was based on qualitative exploratory research. In-depth analysis was conducted through interviews, open discussions, document analysis as well as personal observation to understand the dynamic interrelatedness of the main factors influencing success of SI ventures.

Findings

This paper identified the role of SI in SEs embedded in networks. Furthermore, the social value creation processes of these organizations as well as the value they create were explored. Based on the findings, SI is rooted in the personality of the included members of the network. The tools of collaboration are platforms that connect the network members to each other. The embedded organizations apply the concept of community sharing with the aim of social value creation.

Research limitations/implications

By focusing mainly on system design principles, the sample consists of mainly those at the core of organizations in facilitator roles, leaving peripheral actor perceptions to be determined by secondhand observations.

Originality/value

While providing a general summary of factors influencing SI activities from extent literature, the paper mainly contributes by providing deeper insight into complex models of SI practices used by SEs. The paper further contributes to popularizing the growing role of SI activities in SEs.

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Kai Deng, Liang Zhang, Chen Chen, Xiao Lu, Lei Sun and Xing-Yu Guo

This study aims to explore the feasibility of adding Si3N4 nanoparticles to Sn58Bi and provides a theoretical basis for designing and applying new lead-free solder materials for…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the feasibility of adding Si3N4 nanoparticles to Sn58Bi and provides a theoretical basis for designing and applying new lead-free solder materials for the electronic packaging industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Sn58Bi-xSi3N4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 Wt.%) was prepared for bonding Cu substrate, and the changes in thermal properties, wettability, microstructure, interfacial intermetallic compound and mechanical properties of the composite solder were systematically studied.

Findings

The experiment results demonstrate that including Si3N4 nanoparticles does not significantly impact the melting point of Sn58Bi solder, and the undercooling degree of solder only fluctuates slightly. The molten solder spreading area reached a maximum of 96.17 mm2, raised by 19.41% relative to those without Si3N4, and the wetting angle was the smallest at 0.6 Wt.% of Si3N4, with a minimum value of 8.35°. When the Si3N4 nanoparticles reach 0.6 Wt.%, the solder joint microstructure is significantly refined. Appropriately adding Si3N4 nanoparticles will slightly increase the solder alloy hardness. When the concentration of Si3N4 reaches 0.6 Wt.%, the joints shear strength reached 45.30 MPa, representing a 49.85% increase compared to those without additives. A thorough examination indicates that legitimately incorporating Si3N4 nanoparticles into Sn58Bi solder can enhance its synthetical performance, and 0.6 Wt.% is the best addition amount in our test setting.

Originality/value

In this paper, Si3N4 nanoparticles were incorporated into Sn58Bi solder, and the effects of different contents of Si3N4 nanoparticles on Sn58Bi solder were investigated from various aspects.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Linus Jonathan Vem, Imm Siew Ng, Murali Sambasivan and Tee Keng Kok

The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of spiritual intelligence (SI) based on its four dimensions (critical existential thinking (CET), personal meaning…

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of spiritual intelligence (SI) based on its four dimensions (critical existential thinking (CET), personal meaning production (PMP), transcendental awareness (TA) and conscious state expansion (CSE)) on teachers' turnover intention (TI) through sanctification of work (SoW) and job satisfaction (JS).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from multiple intelligence theory, this study adopted a cross-sectional design to explore the hypothesized relationships. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to 367 teachers working in public schools in Plateau State, Nigeria, and 290 out of the retrieved copies were useable. The data collected were analyzed using variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM), Smart-PLS 4.

Findings

The results suggest that SI does not significantly influence TI, while SoW and JS mediate the relationship between SI and TI.

Practical implications

The result suggests that SoW and JS are significant mechanisms through which SI predicts teachers' TI. This highlights the need for educational policymakers to integrate spiritual literature as well as imbibe spiritual practices such as prayers, meditations and yoga either at work or privately to enhance the development of SI among teachers.

Originality/value

The results offer an insightful understanding of SI and how it influences work outcomes. The mechanism roles of SoW and JS explain the process by which one's perceived numinous object, activity event and job experience influence a job decision.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Nimesha Sahani Jayasena, Daniel W.M. Chan and Mohan Kumaraswamy

The widespread lockdown restrictions brought by the global COVID-19 epidemic inculcated a culture of “work-from-home”. However, most rural areas lack reliable and effective…

Abstract

Purpose

The widespread lockdown restrictions brought by the global COVID-19 epidemic inculcated a culture of “work-from-home”. However, most rural areas lack reliable and effective community amenities including transportation, health and education, thereby impeding healthy living and productive employment. Therefore, the underlying goal of this research is to investigate the development of smart infrastructure (SI) in non-urban areas. However, governments' resource limitations must be addressed to develop SI, which urges the research on the potential for public-private partnerships (PPP) to supplement public sector resources when necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examined and evaluated the “benefits and enablers” and “barriers” to deploying PPPs to create SI in non-urban areas, using a thorough literature review, five expert interviews and analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-based questionnaire responses. The AHP technique and content analysis were used to analyse the results and generate the conclusions.

Findings

The availability of a favourable investment climate and legal framework were identified as the significant factors among the “benefits and enablers” of adopting PPP in SI developments in non-urban areas, while low community acceptance of the private sector involvement, and community culture and values were identified as the significant factors among the “barriers”. These highlight the significance of removing barriers connected to community culture and “values”.

Originality/value

The findings and conclusions of this study provide a strong foundation to support the growth of SI in non-urban settings, facilitating more sustainable development that is more evenly distributed in the post-COVID-19 future.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2023

Chen Chen, Liang Zhang, Xi Huang and Xiao Lu

The purpose of this study is to delve into the mechanism of Si3N4 nanowires (NWs) in Sn-based solder, thereby furnishing a theoretical foundation for the expeditious design and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to delve into the mechanism of Si3N4 nanowires (NWs) in Sn-based solder, thereby furnishing a theoretical foundation for the expeditious design and practical implementation of innovative lead-free solder materials in the electronic packaging industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the effect of adding Si3N4 NWs to Sn58Bi solder in various mass fractions (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 Wt.%) for modifying the solder and joining the Cu substrate. Meanwhile, the melting characteristics and wettability of solder, as well as the microstructure, interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) and mechanical properties of joint were evaluated.

Findings

The crystal plane spacing and lattice constant of Sn and Bi phase increase slightly. A minor variation in the Sn58Bi solder melting point was caused, while it does not impact its functionality. An appropriate Si3N4 NWs content (0.2∼0.4 Wt.%) significantly improves its wettability, and modifies the microstructure and interfacial IMC layer. The shear strength increases by up to 10.74% when adding 0.4 Wt.% Si3N4 NWs, and the failure mode observed is brittle fracture mainly. However, excessive Si3N4 will cause aggregation at the junction between the solder matrix and IMC layer, this will be detrimental to the joint.

Originality/value

The Si3N4 NWs were first used for the modification of lead-free solder materials. The relative properties of composite solder and joints were evaluated from different aspects, and the optimal ratio was obtained.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2023

Alex Tawse, Leanne Atwater, Dusya Vera and Steve Werner

Strategy implementation is a critical component of firm performance and middle managers play a key role in the implementation process. This study was conducted to enhance the…

Abstract

Purpose

Strategy implementation is a critical component of firm performance and middle managers play a key role in the implementation process. This study was conducted to enhance the authors’ understanding of how middle managers influence strategy implementation (SI) effectiveness by investigating the impact of leadership and work team coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study was conducted using interviews and survey data gathered from executive managers, middle managers and work team members within a large municipal organization undergoing a major strategic change.

Findings

Middle manager transformational and instrumental leadership have a direct positive impact on work team SI effectiveness. Additionally, middle manager transformational leadership has an indirect positive effect on work team SI effectiveness through coordination.

Practical implications

The study offers insights into managers and practitioners seeking to improve SI effectiveness by highlighting the importance of middle manager leadership development and the coordination of interdependent tasks within work teams.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insight into an important but previously unstudied relationship between middle manager leadership and SI effectiveness. The work also helps bridge the chasm between leadership research and strategy research by linking leadership behavior to SI effectiveness – a key ingredient of firm performance.

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2023

Guoli Wang and Chenxin Ma

Motivated by the wide application of procurement strategies in retailing, this paper aims to examine the effect of procurement strategies on decisions and profits and strategic…

Abstract

Purpose

Motivated by the wide application of procurement strategies in retailing, this paper aims to examine the effect of procurement strategies on decisions and profits and strategic inventory (SI) is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The game-theoretic models are developed under a two-period fresh product supply chain (FSC), and consist of the mode of purchasing products only in the first period without SI (Scenario S), the mode of purchasing products in every period without SI (Scenario T) and the mode of purchasing products in every period with SI (Scenario TS).

Findings

Conducting the calculating and comparing, some major findings can be concluded. In general, two-period purchasing strategies (Scenarios T and TS) promote a higher freshness-keeping effort than the single buying strategy (Scenario S). Regarding the pricing strategy, SI and Scenario S can both contribute to obtaining a lower wholesale price, the retailer's pricing is relatively complicated and hinges on the consumer's sensitivity to freshness-keeping effort and the holding cost. Besides, comparing the sales quantity and the profit, the authors find that Scenario TS stimulates more demands and brings more profits for the manufacturer. However, Scenario TS is not the optimal selection for the reason that SI sometimes hurts the retailer and even the whole supply chain. Whereas, when the holding cost is in a certain range, Scenario TS will lead to a win-win situation.

Originality/value

The main findings of this study can give the enterprises some advice on the procurement strategies of fresh products and the decisions of pricing and the freshness-keeping effort.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2018

A. Syafiq, A.K. Pandey, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan, Syed Shahabuddin and Nasrudin Abd Rahim

This paper aims to investigate the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of difference alkyl chain of silanes with silicon (Si) micro- and nanoparticles.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of difference alkyl chain of silanes with silicon (Si) micro- and nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

Sol-gel methods have been used to design superhydrophobic glass substrates through surface modification by using low-surface-energy Isooctyl trimethoxysilane (ITMS) and Ethyl trimethoxysilane (ETMS) solution. Hierarchical double-rough scale solid surface was built by Si micro- and nanoparticles to enhance the surface roughness. The prepared sol was applied onto glass substrate using dip-coating method and was dried at control temperature of 400°C inside the tube furnace.

Findings

The glass substrate achieved the water contact angle as high as 154 ± 2° and 150.4 ± 2° for Si/ITMS and Si/ETMS films, respectively. The Si/ITMS and Si/ETMS also were equipped with low sliding angle as low as 3° and 5°, respectively. The Si micro- and nanoparticles in the coating system have created nanopillars between them, which will suspend the water droplets. Both superhydrophobic coatings have showed good stability against high temperature up to 200°C as there are no changes in WCA shown by both coatings. Si/ITMS film sustains its superhydrophobicity after impacting with further temperature up to 400°C and turns hydrophobic state at 450°C.

Research limitations/implications

Findings will be useful to develop superhydrophobic coatings with high thermal stability.

Practical implications

Sol method provides a suitable medium for the combination of organic-inorganic network to achieve high hydrophobicity with optimum surface roughness.

Originality/value

Application of different alkyl chain groups of silane resin blending with micro- and nanoparticles of Si pigments develops superhydrophobic coatings with high thermal stability.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Shu-Hsien Liao, Da-Chian Hu and Hui-Ling Liu

An omni-channel is a retailing strategy that the behavior of companies adopts many retail channel types to combine and integrate cross-channel sales to meet the comprehensive…

Abstract

Purpose

An omni-channel is a retailing strategy that the behavior of companies adopts many retail channel types to combine and integrate cross-channel sales to meet the comprehensive needs of customers in shopping, entertainment and social networking both online and offline. This leads to several research questions of retailing omni-channel in this study. First, do channel brand trust (CBT) and store image (SI) affect re-patronage intentions through customer satisfaction (CS)? Second, regarding online rating (OR) and online involvement (OI), will CS be determined by consumer perception as well as the relevance of those attributes to the customer's re-patronage intentions? Third, do OR and OI have a role in exploring the moderating effect in the research model? Fourth, if there are positive effects from this relationship, it can generate a positive power return online. In addition, online-to-offline moves on a path for case firm omni-channel with customers' OR and OI with a reciprocal positive influence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to investigate the relationship between CBT, SI, CS and re-patronize intention in an omni-channel. By using structural equation models (SEMs), this study aims to investigate offline-to-online and online-to-offline re-patronizing in the Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) omni-channel (N = 1,642). Two moderated mediation models are investigated in this study.

Findings

This study first found that CBT and CS use SI to influence re-patronize intention in the omni-channel. SI plays a mediating role in this process; OR and OI influence the relationships of CBT, CS and re-patronize intention with two moderating roles.

Originality/value

This study first found that there is a reciprocal way with two paths in an omni-channel, starting with offline-to-online, in terms of confirming the relationship of CBT, CS and re-patronize intention in an omni-channel. There are positive effects from this relationship, and it can generate a positive power return online. In addition, we found that online-to-offline moves on a path that has a stronger influence of re-patronize intention for omni-channel with customers' OR and OI.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 52 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2023

Devid Jegerson, Fauzia Jabeen, Hanan H. Abdulla, Jayaprada Putrevu and Dalia Streimikiene

The study examines the impact of emotional intelligence on service innovation capabilities. Furthermore, it explored the mediating role of diversity climate and the moderating…

Abstract

Purpose

The study examines the impact of emotional intelligence on service innovation capabilities. Furthermore, it explored the mediating role of diversity climate and the moderating role of innovation culture.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire helped to collect data from 257 public sector employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The proposed hypotheses were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Building on the ability model, the study found that employees' emotional intelligence has a positive impact on diversity climate; that diversity climate does not mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and service innovation capabilities and that innovation culture has a moderating effect between diversity climate and service innovation capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper clarifies the emotional intelligence of the workforce and its ability to influence innovation culture and diversity climate in public organisations, ultimately benefiting service innovation capability research. As such, the study contributes to the literature by proposing and analysing some antecedents of service innovation capabilities in the context of public organisations. The study also offers policymakers information on what prevents innovation, which they can use to raise the bar on service quality requirements in the public sector.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

1 – 10 of 573