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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2024

Zhenshuang Wang, Tingyu Hu, Jingkuang Liu, Bo Xia and Nicholas Chileshe

The sensitivity and fragility of the construction industry’s economic system make the economic resilience of the construction industry (ERCI) a key concern for stakeholders and…

Abstract

Purpose

The sensitivity and fragility of the construction industry’s economic system make the economic resilience of the construction industry (ERCI) a key concern for stakeholders and decision-makers. This study aims to measure the ERCI, identify the heterogeneity and spatial differences in ERCI, and provide scientific guidance and improvement paths for the industry. It provides a foundation for the implementation of resilience policies in the construction industry of developing countries in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The comprehensive index method, Theil index method, standard deviation ellipse method and geographic detector model are used to investigate the spatial differences, spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and the influencing factors of the ERCI from 2005 to 2020 in China.

Findings

The ERCI was “high in the east and low in the west”, and Jiangsu has the highest value with 0.64. The Theil index of ERCI shows a wave downward pattern, with significant spatial heterogeneity. The overall difference in ERCI is mainly caused by regional differences, with the contribution rates being higher by more than 70%. Besides, the difference between different regions is increasing. The ERCI was centered in Henan Province, showing a clustering trend in the “northeast-southwest” direction, with weakened spatial polarization and a shrinking distribution range. The market size, input level of construction industry factors, industrial scale and economic scale are the main factors influencing economic resilience. The interaction between each influencing factor exhibits an enhanced relationship, including non-linear enhancement and dual-factor enhancement, with no weakening or independent relationship.

Practical implications

Exploring the spatial differences and driving factors of the ERCI in China, which can provide crucial insights and references for stakeholders, authorities and decision-makers in similar construction economic growth leading to the economic growth of the national economy context areas and countries.

Originality/value

The construction industry development is the main engine for the national economy growth of most developing countries. This study establishes a comprehensive evaluation index on the resilience measurement and analyzes the spatial effects, regional heterogeneity and driving factors on ERCI in the largest developing country from a dynamic perspective. Moreover, it explores the multi-factor interaction mechanism in the formation process of ERCI, provides a theoretical basis and empirical support for promoting the healthy development of the construction industry economy and optimizes ways to enhance and improve the level of ERCI.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2021

Zhenshuang Wang, Wanchen Xie and Jingkuang Liu

The growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in a significant increase in construction and demolition waste (CDW), and regional differences in CDW generation are gradually…

Abstract

Purpose

The growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in a significant increase in construction and demolition waste (CDW), and regional differences in CDW generation are gradually increasing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the regional differences in CDW generation and the driving factors that influence CDW generation in different areas of China. To provide a systematic advisement for local governments to select the appropriate policy, reduce CDW generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The generation of CDW was calculated by region, based on the area estimation method, from 2005 to 2018. The relationship between CDW generation and economic development, and the driving factors of CDW generation in different regions of China, was investigated using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model and the STIRPAT theoretical model.

Findings

CDW generation of China increased at the average annual growth rate of 10.86% from 2005 to 2018. The main areas of CDW generation were concentrated in the eastern and central regions, while the proportion of CDW generation in the northeast region decreased gradually, and the changes varied significantly across different regions. The EKC between CDW generation and economic development was established for the whole country, North China, Northeast China, East China, Central South China, Southwest China and Northwest China. Three main factors based on the STIRPAT theoretical model were identified and explained into a framework to reduce CDW generation. The results provided a useful theoretical basis and data support guide for devising effective policies and regulations for the Chinese context.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can ultimately support policymakers and waste managers in formulating effective policies for waste management strategies and CDW-specific legislation. Additionally, it can help the coordinated reduction of CDW generation across regions in China and can support construction enterprises (in their development strategies), similar developing economies and foreign firms planning to operate in China.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field through the STIRPAT model on driving factors of CDW generation in the Chinese context, in different regions.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 April 2022

Longzhen Ni, Liang Fang and Wenhui Chen

The aim of this study is to depict the spatial pattern of the development level of China's state-owned forest farms, thereby providing theoretical reference and empirical evidence…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to depict the spatial pattern of the development level of China's state-owned forest farms, thereby providing theoretical reference and empirical evidence for the improvement of the corresponding development policies.

Design/methodology/approach

A development evaluation index system was established in this paper to comprehensively measure the development level of China's state-owned forest farms based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model analysis framework and the actual situation of state-owned forest farms by using the entropy weight - technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (entropy weight TOPSIS) evaluation method and exploratory spatial analysis method.

Findings

Studies show that the state-owned forest farms in China are generally not well developed. The pressure system that represents the input level displays an apparent restrictive effect on provinces whose comprehensive score <0.15. The response system, which represents development dynamism, has an apparent restrictive function on the provinces whose comprehensive score is 0.35. In terms of the specific spatial characteristics, the V-shape displayed by southwest–northwest and southeast–northwest has an inward trend of gradual reduction, with high-low agglomeration and low-low agglomeration correlation effects as well as apparent basin characteristics.

Originality/value

In this paper, the development level and spatial pattern of state-owned forest farms in China were accurately depicted, and the development path support and decision-making basis were provided for improving the overall development level of state-owned forest farms in China.

Abstract

Details

Energy Economics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-780-1

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Shudong Zhou, Wenkui Zhou, Guanghua Lin, Jing Chen, Tong Jiang and Man Li

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of future climate change and the corresponding adaptation activities on grain production and its regional distribution in China.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of future climate change and the corresponding adaptation activities on grain production and its regional distribution in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applied the Chinese Agricultural Policy Analysis model, in combination with the findings from agronomic literature with highly detailed agricultural census data, to conduct equilibrium analysis under alternative impact (seasonal drought and climate warming) scenarios and adaptation scenarios (promoting water-saving irrigation, introducing new varieties, and the integrated) associated with climate change.

Findings

Simulation results indicate that climate change-induced seasonal drought and the resulting yield reduction will incur substantial losses to China’s grain production (by ~8 percent at a national scale). The application of water saving techniques can be an effective solution to seasonal drought. Introducing new varieties will increase the combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption will increase combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption constitute an effective approach to offsetting the negative effects of climate change on grain production.

Research limitations/implications

Simulation results indicate that climate change-induced seasonal drought and the resulting sown area reduction will incur substantial losses to China’s grain production by approximately 8 percent, despite farmers’ adaptation activities of switching from water use-intensive crops to drought-tolerant crops to mitigate this negative effect. The application of water saving techniques is an effective solution to seasonal drought; it can lead to a nationwide increase in the sown area by 3.48 percent and in the grain production by 4.15 percent. Introducing new varieties will increase grain outputs and change the spatial distribution of crop production across the country. The combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption will increase the national grain production by 19.6 percent, and thus constitute an effective approach to offsetting the negative effects of climate change on grain production.

Originality/value

Results from this study provide practical implications formulate strategies in response to climate change. Central government should reinforce the policies such as new varieties promotion and improve the subsidy method to guide the introduction of new varieties.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Geng Cui and Qiming Liu

As one of the big emerging markets, China’s enormous population and rapid increase in consumer spending have attracted many multinational corporations (MNCs). Meanwhile, the…

22373

Abstract

As one of the big emerging markets, China’s enormous population and rapid increase in consumer spending have attracted many multinational corporations (MNCs). Meanwhile, the misconception of China as a homogeneous market often leads to difficulties in assessing market demand and enacting effective strategies. Examines the diversity among Chinese consumers across seven regional markets. Data from a national survey suggest that consumers from various regions are significantly different from one another in terms of purchasing power, attitudes, lifestyles, media use, and consumption patterns. MNCs need to take a cautionary approach when expanding into the inland regions, and must adapt to the local market conditions and devise sustainable strategies.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Awais Ali, Fu Qiang and Sadia Ashraf

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of ownership structure on firm valuation and performance across different geographical regions within mainland China.

1121

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of ownership structure on firm valuation and performance across different geographical regions within mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors classify China in six geographical regions and use cross-sectional data of companies with A-shares listed on domestic stock exchanges in China for the year-end 2015. Using data from CSMAR and Wind database, they use multivariate regression technique and analytically compare the consistency of relationship between operational variables of ownership structure with corporate performance and evaluation.

Findings

The authors find that institutional ownership and state ownership negatively affect market valuation throughout various geographical regions of China. Further, in East, Northwest, South Central and Southwestern parts of China, managerial ownership and concentration of shareholding among top ten shareholders positively influence return on equity (ROE). Interestingly, institutional shareholding negatively affects return on assets (ROA), while institutional ownership has a neutral effect on profitability margin in Northeast China. Although in northern part of China, this relationship is slightly positive. In East China region, state ownership and ownership concentration are directly proportional to profitability margin.

Practical implications

As some of the findings exhibit weak state of market efficiency in some regions, the study may also be useful in identifying arbitrage opportunities across different regions. Moreover, this study suggests that regions with the same business environment and conditions anywhere around the globe invite same or similar ownership structure for better firm performance and valuation.

Originality/value

The study provides unique understanding of relationship between ownership structure, market valuation and firm performance in various parts of China and will be an addition to the relevant literature. Given a change in company’s ownership structure and considering its region of incorporation, this study will help investment analysts in assessing performance and market valuation of the firm. It will also assist several classes of investors, financial institutions and international businesses in making their investment decisions.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 January 2018

Kun (Michelle) Yang and Michael J. Pisani

This study aims to explore “what impact does competition from informal enterprises have on formal firms” within the Chinese economic and business environment.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore “what impact does competition from informal enterprises have on formal firms” within the Chinese economic and business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study utilizing the cross-sectional survey data “2012 China Enterprise Survey” conducted by the World Bank. The survey is composed of approximately 200 business-related questions across the spectrum of business operations. In all, 2,700 privately owned Chinese firms are included in the logistic regression analysis.

Findings

Results show the impact of informal firm competition upon formal firms in China are influenced by geographical location, industry sector, ownership profile, governmental ownership, online presence and the extent of obeying labor regulations or the time spent in handling the governmental regulatory environment. There is a competitive and complementary simultaneous intertwined relationship between formal and informal economy. It occurs in a formal economy not fully divorced from the structural inertia of the planned economy as it transitions to a market-based economy.

Practical implications

This paper extended the assumption of institutional theory and presented it as a dynamic view of the evolution of organizations. It contributes by offering a simultaneous dual relationship between the formal and informal economy. It also adds one more potential feature of populations in the population ecology theory.

Originality/value

This exploratory paper empirically examines the impacts of informal sector enterprises on formal sectors firms in China and proposes a dual force effect of the informal economy to the formal economy given the current Chinese institutional environment. The study also provides a platform for further research on the interactions between the formal and informal sectors in emerging markets.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2022

Xiao-Long Gan, Kexin Xie, Hanqiu Liu, Raufdeen Rameezdeen and Tao Wen

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the policy instruments used by the China's Government on prefabricated construction (PC) development, with the aim to clarify the pattern…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the policy instruments used by the China's Government on prefabricated construction (PC) development, with the aim to clarify the pattern and discover the focus of the policy instruments using the methods of bibliometric analysis and content analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a thorough screening by all researchers, 25 policies were identified from 1995 to 2021 were selected and analysed. The external attribute analysis clarified the issuing year, organisation, and the format of each policy. The content analysis was adopted firstly to analyse the policy instrument. An analysis framework including environmental instruments, supply instruments and demand instruments was applied in categorising and counting of each policy instrument. The bibliometric analysis was then carried out to extract keywords of the policy instruments, construct a co-word network and complete the cluster analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the policies lack consistency and had relatively low authority. The results of content analysis show that the policy system relies heavily on environmental and supply instruments, whilst the use of demand instruments seems to be grossly inadequate. The results of the bibliometric analysis identify the core ideas of each policy instrument category, discuss the existing problems and then put forward the corresponding countermeasures.

Research limitations/implications

This study comprehensively and systematically analysed the policy instruments on facilitating the development of PC in China which broaden the research perspectives of the PC development by introducing the methods of political science. The research findings afford helpful information for future policy adjustments and elucidate the effective delivery of policies to facilitate PC development for developing countries.

Originality/value

This study provides an in-depth understanding of policy instruments used by China's Government on PC development. By integrating the policy instrument analysis framework into the mixed methods of content analysis and bibliometric analysis, this study provides an innovative way to conduct policy instrument analysis.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 May 2022

Sam Yuqing Li and Qingwen Xu

Building social capital between groups of people and developing social enterprises that integrate social goals into commercial business models are rapidly adopted as innovative…

Abstract

Building social capital between groups of people and developing social enterprises that integrate social goals into commercial business models are rapidly adopted as innovative poverty relief mechanisms across countries. Together, the translation of social relationships into increased accessibility to resources, and the entrepreneurial dynamics resulting in additional services and goods, are thought to meet the survival and developmental needs of poor families and communities. However, the socio-economic contexts, in which new public policies and initiatives have been taken, vary from country to country. In China, its strong Confucian culture, state-led development strategy, weak civil society, and hierarchical social relationships have contributed to a value structure of social capital, but decreased the efficiency of business practice in social enterprise. This chapter presents a case study of Rural Cooperative Program, a poverty relief initiative in China’s southwest Guizhou Province. With the introduction of China’s new policies in welfare and rural development, this chapter presents evaluation results of whether social enterprises and entrepreneurship can improve poor villagers’ socio-economic wellbeing and promote sustainable development of poor rural villages in China, and to what extent social capital has been mobilized to facilitate the Rural Cooperative Program.

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