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1 – 10 of 38The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of perceived benefits, i.e. utilitarian value, hedonic value and social value, as well as perceived risk, on purchase intention…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of perceived benefits, i.e. utilitarian value, hedonic value and social value, as well as perceived risk, on purchase intention in social commerce context.
Design/methodology/approach
To cast light on the factors motivating users’ intention to purchase in the context of social commerce, data of 277 users of social commerce in China were collected via an online survey.
Findings
Results show that satisfaction significantly and positively affects users’ purchase intention in social commerce context. In addition, utilitarian, hedonic and social values have significant and positive impacts on satisfaction and purchase intention; and utilitarian value is found to be the most salient factor influencing purchase intention, while hedonic value has the greatest effect on satisfaction. Moreover, perceived risk significantly and negatively affects satisfaction.
Originality/value
Extant research on social commerce has mainly focused on investigating how the general perceived value affects user behavior, but has less considered different dimensions of perceived value. Moreover, prior studies have explored the roles of utilitarian and hedonic values on user behavior; however, there is a lack of research on the effect of social value. The current study attempts to fill these research gaps.
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G. M. Han and X. Q. Deng
Color is the dominant element of visual communication design. For cities, color is one of their characteristics. Improving the overall style of a city through the control and…
Abstract
Color is the dominant element of visual communication design. For cities, color is one of their characteristics. Improving the overall style of a city through the control and planning of architectural color has been a hot issue in urban control and planning in recent years. Considering color pollution in urban planning, we analyze the important role of color in visual communication design from the perspective of the visual communication concept of media art. The current situation of residential building colors in Shanghai City is investigated. We determine the residents’ preferences and requirements related to architectural exterior color on the basis of a data analysis of color and material selection, color matching, composition, and others. This study changes the traditional architectural color design concept that centers on individuals and lacks overall control. Specifically, we construct a set of multi-scale color controlling and planning systems at the macro-, meso-, and micro-scales. We also guide and control the urban architectural color such that it is in accordance with the systematic color planning strategy. This method enables the systematic and holistic external color planning of urban residential buildings.
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– The purpose of this study is to explore the general and specific gratifications obtained from using microblog and WeChat.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the general and specific gratifications obtained from using microblog and WeChat.
Design/methodology/approach
To shed light on the difference of gratifications to use microblog and WeChat, 18 interviews with social media users in China were conducted.
Findings
Results reveal that three types of gratifications were obtained from using both microblog and WeChat: content gratification, social gratification and hedonic gratification. Also, the strength and components of each gratification for microblog and WeChat were different. Content gratification plays the most salient role in using microblog, while social gratification is the most important for WeChat usage. In addition, content gratification of microblog usage is related to information seeking and information sharing, while social gratification of WeChat usage is constituted by private social networking and convenient communication. Furthermore, content gratification of WeChat usage refers to high-quality information provided and information sharing, and entertainment and passing time develop hedonic gratification of microblog usage, while that of WeChat usage refers to entertainment.
Originality/value
Extant research has mainly focused on the gratifications of one social media and lacks studies comparing the motivations in using different social media. Also, only little research has identified the components of different gratifications and how they affect the adoption of different social media. The current study attempts to fill these research gaps.
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Xiaojun Wu, Weijun Liu and Michael Yu Wang
The representation of Heterogeneous Object (HO) is divided into two categories: Data model (DM) and material evaluation paradigm (MEP). A hybrid methodology with geometry model…
Abstract
The representation of Heterogeneous Object (HO) is divided into two categories: Data model (DM) and material evaluation paradigm (MEP). A hybrid methodology with geometry model and volumetric dataset to represent heterogeneous properties is proposed in this paper. Geometry model of an object can guarantee the accuracy of the final HO slices; and volumetric dataset lends the flexible manipulability and other advantages to HO representation. Two MEPs, namely distance field (DF) based and Fixed Reference Features & Active Grading Source(s) (FRF&AGS) are presented to facilitate the process of HO representation according to the designer)s input parameters. The DM can be modified interactively with users until the final satisfactory result is obtained. In this paper, a scheme of HO slicing is described. In this method, we utilize the slices contour of geometrical model as constraint to reconstruct the HO slices, which can theoretically achieve the same accuracy with the geometrical shape. Some examples of Heterogeneous object represented with our scheme are provided.
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This study aims to examine the linear and non-linear effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement on trade receivables of listed firms in China. Furthermore, this…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the linear and non-linear effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement on trade receivables of listed firms in China. Furthermore, this paper analyzes whether CSR explains the provision for doubtful trade receivables.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a sample of listed firms in China over the period from 2008 to 2015. System generalized method of moments is used to estimate dynamic panel models.
Findings
CSR is positively related to trade receivables, in line with previous studies in this field. Nonetheless, the investigation of the non-linear effect of CSR reveals that CSR has an inverted U-shaped relationship with trade receivables. This implies that at low levels, CSR is more likely to be a tool to mitigate risk and/or build a trusting relationship between suppliers and buyers; whereas, at high levels, CSR is more prone to be subject to agency cost. The authors further find that CSR has a U-shaped relationship with the provision for bad trade receivables, which substantiates the above link between CSR and trade receivables.
Originality/value
Previous studies have extensively examined the link between trade credit extension and firm performance and determinants of trade credit. CSR can be connected to trade receivables in some ways, but very little effort has been exerted in verifying this relationship. In addition, CSR is linearly linked to trade receivables in previous literature, but theoretically, it can be expected to have a non-linear relationship with trade receivables. Furthermore, CSR has not been examined as a determinant of the provision for doubtful trade receivables. The authors aim to void the gaps here by using a sample of listed firms in China.
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Jun Qin, Shuxin Bai, Weijun Zhang, Zhuofeng Liu and Hailiang Wang
The purpose of this paper is to characterize and understand the effects of polymer binder, thixotropic agent, solvent and organic medium content on the rheological properties of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to characterize and understand the effects of polymer binder, thixotropic agent, solvent and organic medium content on the rheological properties of silver pastes for screen printing front electrode films of solar cells.
Design/methodology/approach
Dispersions of silver particles (surface modified with oleic acid) in ethyl cellulose (EC) polymer solutions with and without thixotropic agent were prepared, and yield stress values were measured by setting shear stress to characterize the inter-particle interaction strength of pastes. Steady-state flow, three interval thixotropy shear test and oscillatory measurements were conducted to study the effect of EC polymer and thixotropic agent on viscosity, structure rebuilding and viscoelastic properties of electrode pastes. The effect of solvent was studied by investigating the steady viscosity of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) polymer solutions and Ag dispersions.
Findings
Weak flocculation network of silver particles was produced because of depletion flocculation. Besides the interaction between thixotropic agent micelles, EC polymer also has a significant interaction with thixotropic agent. Merely increasing EC polymer or thixotropic agent content is not the best way to prevent the layer printed from laying down. The effect of solvent on the viscosity of paste is mainly attributed to the difference of hydromechanics radius and configuration of CAB polymer in solvents. With the increase of organic medium content, the properties of electrode pastes were converted from rigidity to flexibility.
Originality/value
It is still a challenge to obtain high-quality front electrode films for crystalline silicon solar cells by screen printing, because of the difficulty in reducing shadowing losses while ensuring a low series resistance and high filling factor. The paste rheological properties are the key properties related to the paste’s passing ability through the meshes and resistance of paste spreading on the substrate. Organic medium as an important component of the paste is acknowledged to be used to tailor the paste’s rheological properties and have a great role in screen printing.
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Kwame Ansong Wadei, Chen Lu and Weijun Wu
This paper aims to draw upon motivated information processing theory to examine the sequential mediating roles of perspective taking and boundary spanning between transformational…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to draw upon motivated information processing theory to examine the sequential mediating roles of perspective taking and boundary spanning between transformational leadership and the creative performance of knowledge workers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was carried out on a sample, including a dyad of 398 knowledge workers and their immediate supervisors in four research institutes in southwest China. The authors tested the theoretical model using structural equation modeling (SEM) and Mplus 7.0 software.
Findings
The results support the mediation model in which perspective taking was found to significantly and positively mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and boundary spanning. Boundary spanning was found to significantly and positively mediate the relationship between perspective taking and creative performance. Moreover, both perspective taking and boundary spanning were found to mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and creative performance.
Practical implications
The study findings imply that the transformational leadership behaviors of managers or supervisors nurture knowledge workers' perspective taking and their boundary spanning activities leading to creative performance.
Originality/value
The findings contribute new knowledge to the relationship between transformational leadership and creative performance by uncovering the causal chain of a cognitive mechanism (perspective taking) with a behavioral mechanism (boundary spanning).
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Asad Ullah Khan, Zhiqiang Ma, Mingxing Li, Liangze Zhi, Weijun Hu and Xia Yang
The evolution from emerging technologies to smart libraries is thoroughly analyzed thematically and bibliometrically in this research study, spanning 2013 through 2022. Finding…
Abstract
Purpose
The evolution from emerging technologies to smart libraries is thoroughly analyzed thematically and bibliometrically in this research study, spanning 2013 through 2022. Finding and analyzing the significant changes, patterns and trends in the subject as they are represented in academic papers is the goal of this research.
Design/methodology/approach
Using bibliometric methodologies, this study gathered and examined a large corpus of research papers, conference papers and related material from several academic databases.
Findings
Starting with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data (BD), Augmentation Reality/Virtual Reality and Blockchain Technology (BT), the study discusses the advent of new technologies and their effects on libraries. Using bibliometric analysis, this study looks at the evolution of publications over time, the geographic distribution of research and the most active institutions and writers in the area. A thematic analysis is also carried out to pinpoint the critical areas of study and trends in emerging technologies and smart libraries. Some emerging themes are information retrieval, personalized recommendations, intelligent data analytics, connected library spaces, real-time information access, augmented reality/virtual reality applications in libraries and strategies, digital literacy and inclusivity.
Originality/value
This study offers a thorough overview of the research environment by combining bibliometric and thematic analysis, illustrating the development of theories and concepts during the last ten years. The results of this study helps in understanding the trends and future research directions in emerging technologies and smart libraries. This study is an excellent source of information for academics, practitioners and policymakers involved in developing and applying cutting-edge technology in library environments.
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Dehai Liu, Weijun Xu, Hongyi Li, Weiguo Zhang and Weiguo Wang
The purpose of this paper is to understand the root cause of a large number of quality problems in the current Chinese construction market.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the root cause of a large number of quality problems in the current Chinese construction market.
Design/methodology/approach
Information economics theory is used to analyze the cause of construction quality problems related to the specific case of the Wenchuan earthquake of China.
Findings
The single low price competition in the construction tender market leads to the serious adverse selection and moral hazard behavior of bidding firms. The main solution to this problem is the introduction and improvement of an independent inspection/supervision mechanism.
Originality/value
The paper systematically analyzes the evaluation method of the lowest price winning bidding policy, which is the fundamental cause of adverse selection and moral hazard problems in the Chinese construction market.
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Social movements are made up of organized groups and individuals working together to accomplish shared objectives. Under what circumstances do active groups build and break their…
Abstract
Social movements are made up of organized groups and individuals working together to accomplish shared objectives. Under what circumstances do active groups build and break their coalitions? Five conditions have been identified in the literature as influencing coalition formation: common identity, resources, organizational structure, historical connection, and institutional setting. Whereas coalition dynamics within a movement wave are best understood in terms of institutional opportunities and threats, further research is needed to determine how and to what extent these contextual elements influence coalitions. This chapter examines how threats posed by indiscriminate and selective repression affect the shape and structure of interorganizational coalitions during the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protests in Hong Kong. The analysis relies on an original political event dataset and an organization-event network dataset. These datasets were produced utilizing syntactic event coding techniques based on Telegram posts, which Hong Kong protesters used to distribute information, plan future actions, and crowdsource news. Furthermore, Telegram provides detailed information about state activities, event-level coalitions, and violent groups, which is difficult to access from other sources. This study investigates the coalition networks across the movement's four stages, each of which was marked by a particular type and degree of repression. The findings indicate that indiscriminate and selective repression have varied effects on coalition networks. A wide coalition disintegrates as a result of indiscriminate repression. Selective repression, however, leads to the formation of coalitions around activist groups targeted by repression.
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