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Article
Publication date: 4 October 2018

Yuqin Liu, Lanling Han, Bo Jiang and Xiaoyan Su

The aim of this paper is to solve the problem of lack of real context in JFL (Japanese as Foreign Language) classroom with video corpus-based teaching. It also offers reference…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to solve the problem of lack of real context in JFL (Japanese as Foreign Language) classroom with video corpus-based teaching. It also offers reference for the development of video corpus.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed an intelligent Japanese online video corpus, namely the JV Finder, which is a corpus of Japanese films and TV series. The authors applied the JV Finder to JFL teaching to solve the problem of lack of real context and designed several teaching experiments to validate its benefits.

Findings

The results of teaching experiments show that the video corpus-based teaching significantly improves the learning effect. The JV Finder can help students memorize vocabularies and understand the meaning of new vocabularies in a better way.

Research limitations/implications

There are still some differences in language context between real life and films, which cannot fully reflect the state of native speaker in real life. Meanwhile, the number of students participating in this experiment is relatively small, so the universality of the result need further study.

Practical implications

This study combined linguistics with software engineering to solve the problem of lack of real context. Video corpus-based teaching not only can be used in Japanese teaching field but also provide value for other foreign language teaching.

Social implications

The JV Finder has obtained Chinese national patent license (patent no. 20131118). The video corpus (the JV Finder) has a far-reaching impact on JFL teaching.

Originality/value

This paper provides an intelligent Japanese online video corpus. It is applied to JFL teaching to solve the problem of lack of real context. The findings show that the video corpus can significantly improve the effectiveness of Japanese learning.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2018

Xuzhong Su, Xinjin Liu and Xiaoyan Liu

Pneumatic compact spinning is the most widely used compact spinning method at present, in which the negative pressure airflow is used to condense the fiber in order to decrease…

Abstract

Purpose

Pneumatic compact spinning is the most widely used compact spinning method at present, in which the negative pressure airflow is used to condense the fiber in order to decrease the spinning triangle and improve the yarn qualities. Therefore, the research on flow field in the condensing zone is always the emphasis for pneumatic compact spinning. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

By using finite element method (FEM), the flow field in two kinds of pneumatic compact spinning was studied. Taking three kinds of cotton yarns as examples, with the help of high-speed camera system OLYMPUS i-SPEED3, the motion trajectory of fiber strand in the condensing zone was obtained. Three-dimensional physical models of the condensing zone of the two compact spinning systems were obtained according to the measured parameters of practical spinning systems.

Findings

It is shown that on the both left edge of B1 line and right edge of B2 line, the airflow inflows to the center line of suction slot, and the condensed effects are produced, correspondingly. In the condensing zone, there are three condensing processes acting on the fiber strand, including the rapid condensing effects in the front condensing zone, the adequately condensing effects in the middle condensing zone, and stable output effects in the back condensing zone.

Originality/value

By using FEM, numerical simulations of three-dimensional flow field in condensing zone for two kinds of pneumatic compact spinning with lattice apron were presented, and corresponding spun yarn qualities were analyzed.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2018

Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Shams Rahman, Tamgid Ahmed Chowdhury, Caroline Chan, Xiaoyan Yang and Qingxin Su

A major transformation in retail logistics over the few years is backed by enormous improvements in internet technologies. It is now easy for e-retailers to entertain delivery…

Abstract

Purpose

A major transformation in retail logistics over the few years is backed by enormous improvements in internet technologies. It is now easy for e-retailers to entertain delivery progression, or consumers can share use-experience with future customers and thereby reducing information asymmetry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of different signals on consumer behavior in the presence of information asymmetry, in the context of online group buying (OGB) markets in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the lemon market theory (LMT) and signaling theory, the study develops a research model of the OGB consumers’ context in China, which is validated using data from an online survey. A total of 528 responses are used for data analysis applying structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings of the study show that perceived vendor quality (PVQ) and perceived product quality (PPQ) have significantly positive effects on intention to purchase from OGB websites. PVQ is associated with perceived reputation and perceived trustworthiness (PT) of vendor, and the determinants of PPQ are quality assurance information of products, and information about mer-chants. Further, PT has a mediating effect, while asymmetry of information has a moderating effect.

Research limitations/implications

The research model is valid as a generic OGB model that can be investigated in other contexts to understand the generalizability of the findings. Future research is needed to incorporate additional relevant factors (e.g. price, advertising activity/investments) that may help increase the acceptability of the model to a wide range of e-commerce contexts. Two of the control variables (gender and prior internet experience) were found to be significant; this could be further examined in future studies to determine the relative impact on each causal relationship.

Originality/value

Whereas prior studies in the domain of consumer service proposed different signaling mechanisms that were believed to eliminate information asymmetry from a market, the study sheds light on the effectiveness of the signals in the OGB context. This is a unique effort that applies and extends LMT and signaling theory in OGB context by theorizing the associated dimensions and their causal effects.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 48 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Min Zuo, Jiangnan Qiu and Jingxian Wang

Online collaboration in today's world is a topic of genuine interest to Internet researchers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of group knowledge heterogeneity…

Abstract

Purpose

Online collaboration in today's world is a topic of genuine interest to Internet researchers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of group knowledge heterogeneity (GKH) in open collaboration performance using the mediating mechanisms of group cognition (GC) and interaction to understand the determinants of the success of online open collaboration platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Study findings are based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the formal mediation test and moderating effect analysis from Wikipedia's 160 online open collaborative groups.

Findings

For online knowledge heterogeneous groups, open collaboration performance is mediated by both GC and collaborative interaction (COL). The mediating role of GC is weak, while the mediating role of COL is strengthened when knowledge complexity (KC) is higher. By dividing group interaction into COL and communicative interaction (COM), the authors also observed that COL is effective for online open collaboration, whereas COM is limited.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that for more heterogeneous large groups, group interaction would explain more variance in performance than GC, offering an in-depth understanding of the relationship between group heterogeneity and open collaboration performance, answering what determines the success of online open collaboration platforms as well as explaining the inconsistency in prior findings. In addition, this study expands the application of Interactive Team Cognition (ITC) theory to the online open collaboration context.

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2022

Xiwei Zhang and Xiaoyan Liang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the power dynamics between the client firm and the supplier firm in the information technology outsourcing (ITO) supplier chain…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the power dynamics between the client firm and the supplier firm in the information technology outsourcing (ITO) supplier chain influence the supplier firm's human resource management (HRM) practices, particularly talent retention.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study approach was adopted comprising four supplier firms, three client firms and a total of 53 interviews. The transaction cost economics (TCE) is the theoretical lens that guides the interpretation of our findings.

Findings

The power dynamics between client and supplier firms in the ITO supply chain is one underpinned by TCE theory, characterised by an asymmetric client-dominated, transactional relationship, with the client firms controlling the “why”, the “what”, and the “how” dimensions of their collaboration. This “three-dimensional control” led to high talent turnover in supplier firms, which boomerangs to perpetuate the power dynamic, forming “vicious cycles of talent turnover” in the ITO supplier chain.

Originality/value

No previous study has analysed power dynamics as an external factor on ITO supplier firms' talent retention. The construct of the “three-dimensional-control” offers a framework to study power dynamics in the ITO supplier chain. The study’s framework of the “vicious cycles of talent turnover” is the first that explains the mechanisms through which the power dynamics in the ITO influences supplier's talent retention.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 52 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Chuanmin Mi, Lin Xiao, Sifeng Liu and Xiaoyan Ruan

With respect to the multiple-attribute decision-making problem with subjective preference for a certain attribute whose weight-value range have been given over other attributes…

Abstract

Purpose

With respect to the multiple-attribute decision-making problem with subjective preference for a certain attribute whose weight-value range have been given over other attributes whose weight values are unknown, a method based on the mean value of the grey number is proposed to analyse the decision-making problem. This method is used to choose a supply-chain partner under the condition that the decision makers have a preference for a certain attribute of various alternatives. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the middle value of the preferred attribute’s weight-value range is supposed to be its weight value according to the content of the mean value of the grey number. Second, to reflect the decision maker’s subjective preference information, an improved optimisation model that requests the minimum deviation between the actual and expected numerical value of each attribute is constructed to assess the attributes’ weights. Third, the correlated degree and the correlation matrix, which are determined by the weight values of all attributes, are used to rank all the alternatives.

Findings

This paper provides a method for making a decision when decision makers have a preference for a certain attribute from an array of various alternatives, and the range of the certain attribute’s weight value is given but the weight value of the other attributes is unknown. When applied to supply-chain partner selection, this method proves feasible and effective.

Practical implications

This method is feasible and effective when applied to supply-chain partner selection, and can be applied to other kinds of decision-making problems. This means it has significant theoretical importance and extensive practical value.

Originality/value

Based on the mean value of the grey number, an optimisation model is built to determine the importance degree of each attribute, then the correlated degree of each alternative is combined to rank all the alternatives. This method can suit the decision makers’ subjective preference for a certain attribute well.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 December 2021

Shaohan Cai, Xiaoyan Wang, Yongchao Ma, Xinyue Zhou and Zhilin Yang

This study aims to explore the overall relationship between a boundary spanner and a partner firm, i.e. boundary spanner closeness to partner firm. Drawing on consumer-service…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the overall relationship between a boundary spanner and a partner firm, i.e. boundary spanner closeness to partner firm. Drawing on consumer-service provider relationship literature and the tripartite model of affect-behavior-cognition, the authors identify three key dimensions of such closeness, namely, boundary spanners’ relational ties, customer-specific capabilities and accommodative behaviors, and examine their effects on exchange outcomes in turbulent versus stable environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the effects of three dimensions of boundary spanner closeness on various exchange outcomes (i.e. retailers’ cooperation, satisfaction and willingness for investment) using two industries as exemplars, characterized by distinct levels of environmental turbulence – the retailing networks of a major cell phone company and a petroleum company in China.

Findings

The results indicate that the three dimensions individually and jointly affect exchange outcomes and the interplay of customer-specific capabilities and relational ties affect exchange outcomes differently across industry turbulence.

Originality/value

The existing literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of the function of boundary spanners, which serve as a key relational interorganizational governance component. By identifying three key dimensions of boundary spanner closeness and examining their effectiveness in promoting exchange outcomes, this study advances the understanding of the role of boundary spanners in interorganizational governance.

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2019

Wei Zhang, Weiwei Lv, Xiaoyan Li and Jiming Yao

In this study, the oxidative degradation performance of indigo wastewater based on electrochemical systems was explored. The decolourization degrees, removal rate of chemical…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the oxidative degradation performance of indigo wastewater based on electrochemical systems was explored. The decolourization degrees, removal rate of chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand of the indigo wastewater after degradation were evaluated and optimized treatment conditions being obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

The single factor method was first used to select the electrolyte system and electrode materials. Then the response surface analysis based on Box–Behnken Design was chosen to determine the influence of four independent variables such as FeCl3 concentration, NaCl concentration, decolourization time and voltage on the degradation efficiency.

Findings

On the basis of single factor experiment, the electrode material of stainless steel was selected in the double cell, and the indigo wastewater was electrolyzed with FeCl3 and NaCl electrolytes. The process conditions of electrochemical degradation of indigo wastewater were optimized by response surface analysis: the concentration of FeCl3 and NaCl was of 16 and 9 g/L, respectively, with a decolourization time of 50 min, voltage of 10 V and decolourization percentage of 98.94. The maximum removal rate of chemical oxygen demand reached 75.46 per cent. The highest ratio of B/C was 3.77, which was considered to be more biodegradable.

Research limitations/implications

Dyeing wastewater is bringing out more and more pollution problems to the environment. However, there are some shortcomings in traditional technologies such as adsorption and filtration. As a kind of efficient and clean water treatment technology, electrochemical oxidation has been applied to the treatments of various types of wastewater. The decolourization and degradation of indigo wastewater is taken as an example to provide reference for the treatment of wastewater in actual plants.

Practical implications

The developed method provided a simple and practical solution for efficiently degrading indigo wastewater.

Originality/value

The method for the electrochemical oxidation technology was novel and could find numerous applications in the degradation of printing and dyeing wastewater.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2024

Xiaoyan Ding

Enterprises use social media for their daily work. The use of social media in the workplace is crucial for social connections, the growth and evolution of the enterprise, and it…

Abstract

Purpose

Enterprises use social media for their daily work. The use of social media in the workplace is crucial for social connections, the growth and evolution of the enterprise, and it opens up new avenues for voice behavior. Employee voice involves the expression of ideas or opinions towards enterprise and is beneficial for employee work and enterprise development. Extant studies of voice behavior usually focus on the leadership and employee factors. However, the internal mechanism of voice behavior, especially the interrelationship between different kinds of social media use and voice behavior has not been well investigated. To fill that research gap, this study analyzes the internal mechanism of voice behavior, taking the effects of social media use and social capital into consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation model, this study collected data from employees using social media and analyzed the data using the software of Smartpls 3.0, SPSS and AMOS, in order to analyze the internal mechanism of voice behavior among employees.

Findings

Based on social capital theory, this study investigates the relationship between social media use, social capital and voice behavior, and provides some insights into the mechanism of voice behavior. The social media use, social capital and voice behavior are divided into several kinds in order to clarify the internal mechanism of voice behavior more comprehensively. The empirical results show that: (1) Social media use for both work and social-related purposes could positively affect employees’ promotive and prohibitive voice behaviors. (2) Social capital mediates the relationship between social media use and voice behavior. (3) In the process of social media use influencing employees’ voice behavior, employees of different genders and ages show significant differences in social capital and voice behavior.

Originality/value

This study explored the internal mechanism of voice behavior, which could help to elicit the relationship between social media use and voice behavior. By integrating the roles of social capital, individual differences, this study could uncover the deep internal mechanism of employee voice behavior more comprehensively, broadening social capital theory and enriching the researches of voice behavior among employees.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

XiaoYan Jin and Sultan Sikandar Mirza

Digitalization is increasingly important for promoting authentic CSR practices. Firms with higher CSR levels motivate their employees to pursue their goals and demonstrate their…

Abstract

Purpose

Digitalization is increasingly important for promoting authentic CSR practices. Firms with higher CSR levels motivate their employees to pursue their goals and demonstrate their social responsibility. However, the literature has not adequately examined how firm-level digitalization influences corporate sustainability from a governance perspective. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how digitalization affects CSR disclosure, a key aspect of sustainability, at the firm level. Furthermore, this study also aims to investigate how governance factors, such as management power, internal control and minority shareholder pressure, moderate this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a fixed effect model with robust standard errors to analyze how digitalization and CSR disclosure are related and how this relationship is moderated by governance heterogeneity among Chinese A-share companies from 2010 to 2020. The sample consists of 2,339 firms, of which 360 are SOEs and 1,979 are non-SOEs. To ensure robustness, this study has excluded the observations in 2020 to avoid the effects of COVID-19 and used an alternative measure of CSR disclosure based on the HEXUN CSR disclosure index. Furthermore, this study also explores the link in various corporate-level CSR settings.

Findings

The regression findings reveal that: First, Chinese A-share firms with higher digitalization levels disclose less CSR information. This finding holds for both SOEs and non-SOEs. Second, stronger management power has a negative moderating effect that weakens the link between digitalization and CSR disclosure, and this effect is mainly driven by SOEs. Third, internal control attenuates the negative association between firm digitalization and CSR disclosure, which is more pronounced in SOEs. Finally, minority shareholders exacerbate the negative relationship between digitalization and CSR disclosure, and this effect is more evident in non-SOEs. These results are robust to excluding the potential COVID effect and using an alternative HEXUN CSR disclosure index measure.

Originality/value

Digitalization and sustainability have been widely discussed at a macro level, but their relationship at a micro level has been largely overlooked. Moreover, there is hardly any evidence on how governance heterogeneity affects this relationship in emerging economies, especially China. This paper addresses these issues by providing empirical evidence on how digital transformation influences CSR disclosure in China, a context where digitalization and CSR are both rapidly evolving. The paper also offers implications for both practitioners and policymakers to design appropriate digital strategies for firm development from diverse business perspectives.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

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