Search results
1 – 10 of 238Ying Zhang, Puzhen Xiong, Shiyu Rong, Mark Frost and Wei Zhou
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of knowledge management within multinationals during the post COVID-19 era, with particular consideration given to the relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of knowledge management within multinationals during the post COVID-19 era, with particular consideration given to the relationship between the cultural intelligence of top managers and knowledge-oriented leadership using fear of COVID-19 as a moderating factor.
Design/methodology/approach
Derived from upper echelons’ theory and research on knowledge management success (KMS), a theoretical model and associated hypotheses have been developed and tested. Structural equation modeling was used with statistics collected from 288 top managers and executives of multinational corporations dominated by knowledge-intensive industries through a network investigation.
Findings
Results indicate that the levels of executives’ cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership contribute to KMS, while knowledge-oriented leadership acts as a mediator between them. In addition, the fear of COVID-19 of senior executives negatively affects both the direct and mediated influence of cultural intelligence on KMS.
Research limitations/implications
The current research uses an empirical approach to examine cross-border KMS. Further research is needed to develop more comprehensive measurement tools for KMS and more detailed research by further developing the subdimensions of cultural intelligence. In addition, this paper used cross-sectional research that limits the capability to establish causal relationships over time.
Originality/value
The research explores the “human side” of the key antecedents of KMS, fills the gap in research about the impact of cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership on the achievement of KMS, paves the way for emerging knowledge-oriented leadership from the initial phase to the mature phase and contributes to the literature on environmental uncertainty and crisis, using the COVID-19 as a representative context.
Details
Keywords
Minglong Xu, Song Xue, Qionghua Wang, Shaoxiang He, Rui Deng, Zenong Li, Ying Zhang, Qiankun Li and Rongchao Li
This study aims to improve the stability and obstacle surmounting ability of the traditional wall-climbing robot on the surface of the ship, a wheel-track composite magnetic…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to improve the stability and obstacle surmounting ability of the traditional wall-climbing robot on the surface of the ship, a wheel-track composite magnetic adsorption wall-climbing robot is proposed in this paper.
Design/methodology/approach
The robot adopts a front and rear obstacle-crossing mechanism to achieve a smooth crossover. The robot is composed of two passive obstacle-crossing mechanisms and a frame, which is composed of two obstacle-crossing magnetic wheels and a set of tracks. The obstacle-crossing is realized by the telescopic expansion of the obstacle-crossing mechanism. Three static failure models are established to determine the minimum adsorption force for the robot to achieve stable motion. The Halbach array is used to construct the track magnetic circuit, and the influence of gap, contact area and magnet thickness on the adsorption force is analyzed by parameter simulation.
Findings
The prototype was designed and manufactured by the authors for static failure and obstacle crossing tests. The prototype test results show that the robot can cross the obstacle of 10 mm height under the condition of 20 kg load.
Originality/value
A new structure of wall-climbing robot is proposed and verified. According to the test results, the wall-climbing robot can stably climb over the obstacle of 10 mm height under the condition of 20 kg load, which provides a new idea for future robot design.
Details
Keywords
Ying Zhang, Fei Shen, Jean Carlos Paredes and Cong Wang
College students who are interested in experiencing and learning about other cultures could be potential agents to ongoing social and policy initiatives in promoting societal…
Abstract
Purpose
College students who are interested in experiencing and learning about other cultures could be potential agents to ongoing social and policy initiatives in promoting societal changes. As universities intensify their efforts toward embracing cultural diversity, it is imperative to gauge how these diversity initiatives resonate with students' developmental stage and pursuits in diverse campus climates. However, what kinds of educational experiences/contexts students choose for enhancing cultural competence, and how seeking diversity experiences might benefit college students in emotional wellbeing and cognitive skills, are under-investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
This study explores the relationships among college students' diversity-seeking behaviors, cultural competence, perspective-taking, and flourishing. A total of 359 college students from a STEM-focused university participated in this study. Students were recruited from classes over four semesters, from 2021 to 2023.
Findings
Students exhibited moderate to high levels of interest in seeking diversity in their learning experiences. Results from the structural equation modeling showed that higher levels of diversity-seeking in learning were associated with higher levels of perceived cultural competence, as well as higher levels of perspective-taking and flourishing.
Originality/value
This research delves into experiential and extracurricular dimensions of learning diversity, bridging a significant gap in academic literature. This study also elucidates the links between aspects of diversity engagement, cultural competence, and positive outcomes for college students, which underscores the significance of diversity-focused educational opportunities in higher education. Such opportunities are instrumental in enhancing cultural proficiency and further implications on cognitive growth and emotional well-being.
Details
Keywords
Ying Zhang and Cong Cheng
This study seeks to explore the relationship between performance relative to aspiration and SMEs' internationalization speed, and moderating effects of top management's policy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to explore the relationship between performance relative to aspiration and SMEs' internationalization speed, and moderating effects of top management's policy knowledge and institutional distance between the above relation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study tests the authors’ hypotheses using data on Chinese manufacturing SMEs over a 5-year period from 2013 to 2017. The authors leverage archival panel data on publicly listed companies on the SME Board, GEM and New OTC Market in the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. The authors then collected data from the WIND and ZEPHYR databases.
Findings
The results confirm a U-shaped relation between performance relative to aspiration and SMEs' internationalization speed, and show that this relation is steepening by top management's policy knowledge in home country but flattening by institutional distance as environmental dynamics.
Originality/value
The study findings contribute to the international business field by exploring how a firm's risk situation in internationalization can change, thereby influencing SMEs' international expansion.
Details
Keywords
Yongsheng Zhao, Jiaqing Luo, Ying Li, Caixia Zhang and Honglie Ma
The combination of improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) model for intelligent monitoring of the bearing performance of the hydrostatic turntable.
Abstract
Purpose
The combination of improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) model for intelligent monitoring of the bearing performance of the hydrostatic turntable.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes an artificial neural network model based on IPSO algorithm for intelligent monitoring of hydrostatic turntables.
Findings
The theoretical model proposed in this paper improves the accuracy of the working performance of the static pressure turntable and provides a new direction for intelligent monitoring of the static pressure turntable. Therefore, the theoretical research in this paper is novel.
Originality/value
Theoretical novelties: an ANN model based on the IPSO algorithm is designed to monitor the load-bearing performance of a static pressure turntable intelligently; this study show that the convergence accuracy and convergence speed of the IPSO-NN model have been improved by 52.55% and 10%, respectively, compared to traditional training models; and the proposed model could be used to solve the multidimensional nonlinear problem in the intelligent monitoring of hydrostatic turntables.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0081/
Details
Keywords
Xi Jin, Hui Xu, Qifeng Zhao, Hao Zeng, Bing Lin, Ying Xiao, Junlei Tang, Zhen Nie, Yan Yan, Zhigang Di and Rudong Zhou
This study aims to report the development and experimental evaluation of two kinds of PANI@semiconductor based photocathodic anti-corrosion coating, for application on stainless…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to report the development and experimental evaluation of two kinds of PANI@semiconductor based photocathodic anti-corrosion coating, for application on stainless steel substrates.
Design/methodology/approach
PANI was in situ chemical polymerized on TiO2 and BiVO4 particles, and FT-IR and SEM/EDS were used to understand the characteristics and elemental distribution of the composite particles. Composite coatings, which consisted of epoxy, PANI@TiO2 or PANI@BiVO4 and graphene, were prepared on the 304L stainless steel. Photoelectrochemical response measurement, electrochemical tests and immersion tests were used to assess the anti-corrosion performance of the prepared coatings in 45°C 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. And the corrosion protection mechanism was further explained by combining with surface observation.
Findings
The photoelectrochemical response tests revealed the good photocathodic effect of the coatings, and the reversible oxidation-reduction properties of PANI (pseudocapacitive effect) leading to the repeated usage of the coatings. Consequently, the anti-corrosion mechanism of the composite coating is attributed to the physical barrier effect of the coating, the anodic protection effect of PANI and the photocathodic and energy store effect.
Originality/value
These kind coatings could prevent corrosion from day to night for stainless steel, which has great engineering application prospects on stainless steel corrosion protection.
Details
Keywords
Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby, Nurul Aini Binti Mehat, Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi and Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi
Although the importance of entrepreneurial culture (EC) has been recognized, it remains unclear how EC affects sustainable competitive performance (SCP). This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Although the importance of entrepreneurial culture (EC) has been recognized, it remains unclear how EC affects sustainable competitive performance (SCP). This study aims to explore how EC affects SCP via the mediating role of innovation capability (IC) and the moderating role of digital marketing capability (DMC).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on data gathered from manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling via SmartPLS software.
Findings
The analysis results indicate that EC affects IC, which in turn has a positive effect on SCP. In addition, IC mediates the EC-SCP relationship. Importantly, DMC positively moderates the EC–SCP relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This study combines IC, DMC and SCP under resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory into a single framework. Results confirm EC's impact on SMEs' manufacturing sector SCP, with IC mediating this link. However, the cross-sectional design restricts deeper respondent analysis.
Practical implications
This study offers SME managers/owners and decision-makers insights on enhancing EC for better performance and competitive edge. It highlights IC's crucial role in translating EC into innovation and value creation. Policymakers can also use these findings to design programs for SMEs in emerging markets.
Social implications
This study underscores the significance of EC adoption not only to generate a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm but also to increase the social as well as economic well-being of the firm, especially in the context of emerging economies, such as Malaysia; which are characterized by diverse ethnic groups contributing to their unique social fabric.
Originality/value
This work fills the knowledge gap by providing empirical evidence for the mediating and moderating role of IC and DMC, respectively, in the link between EC and SCP, thus significantly contributing to emerging markets, where managers seek to enhance their understanding of using EC for fostering SCP.
Details
Keywords
Huimin Li, Mengxuan Liang, Han Han and Wenjuan Zhang
This paper aims to study the initial trust of the owner to the contractor, establish the initial trust mechanism, explore the factors that affect the initial trust of the owner to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the initial trust of the owner to the contractor, establish the initial trust mechanism, explore the factors that affect the initial trust of the owner to the contractor and analyze its influence mechanism. Based on this, it is easy for the owners and contractors to take targeted measures to improve the initial trust, which is conducive to the sustainable development of the project.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of reading a large amount of literature, this paper constructs the occurrence mechanism of the owner's initial trust to the contractor from the five factors of trust propensity, trust belief, trustee’s characteristics, institution-based trust, trust motivation and from the perspective of the owner using the structural equation model for questionnaire survey and empirical analysis.
Findings
The results of this paper show that the institution-based trust, the trustee’s characteristics and the trust belief of the trustor clearly have a positive effect on trust motivation, and the trustee’s characteristics have the most significant effect on the trust motivation. The influence of trust propensity on trust motivation was not significant.
Originality/value
This paper studies the occurrence mechanism of the owner's initial trust in the contractor, discusses its influencing factors and analyzes the influence of these factors on the initial trust, which enriches the theoretical system of initial trust research. The results of this study can help owners and contractors to develop targeted measures to build good initial trust.
Details
Keywords
Shilei Cui, Donasius Pathera, Yajuan Li and Xiaoqiang Jiao
Smallholders are essential in ensuring food security; however, smallholder-dominated food production often involves high resource-environmental costs. This study analyzed the…
Abstract
Purpose
Smallholders are essential in ensuring food security; however, smallholder-dominated food production often involves high resource-environmental costs. This study analyzed the factors that differentiate horticultural practices, willingness to adopt technology and social networks between optimized practices (OPT) and farmer practices (FP) to provide localized and systematic solutions for the sustainable apple production.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the approach of smallholder-dominated sustainable apple production, 257 apple producers in the Bohai Bay region, a major apple planting area in China, were investigated. Life cycle assessment (LCA), emergy analysis and social network analysis methods were used for evaluation.
Findings
The results showed that the net economic profit and emergy sustainability index (ESI) in OPT was 15.8 × 104 RMB·ha-1 and 1.2, respectively, which were 126.9 and 128.0% higher than FP. In contrast, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under OPT was 29.3% lower than those under FP. OPT has a higher percentage of adoption of scientific fertilizer application and water-saving irrigation technologies compared to FP. OPT has strong learning abilities, more social resources (such as technical training and sharing technical experience with others) and connections with stakeholders in the apple supply chain. Optimizing smallholders' social capital, willingness to adopt technology, behavioral willingness and technological awareness can promote sustainable apple production.
Originality/value
Considering the horticultural practices employed by smallholders in conjunction with their social networks, these factors contributed to the transition of smallholder-led apple production toward sustainability. The findings provided viable options and a theoretical basis for smallholder-dominated crop production to move toward sustainability, with significant implications for policymakers.
Details
Keywords
Zhenlei Yang, Yuzhou Du, Bo Ma, Qian Wang and Chao Yang
The purpose of this study is to campare the corrosion behavior of Az91 films and bulk sample, in the objective to provide reference for the corrosion resistance improvement of Mg…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to campare the corrosion behavior of Az91 films and bulk sample, in the objective to provide reference for the corrosion resistance improvement of Mg alloys.
Design/methodology/approach
AZ91 films with various thickness values are produced by magnetron sputtering technique, and the corrosion behavior was characterized by immersion tests and electrochemical measurements.
Findings
The AZ91 films exhibited a preferred orientation with basal planes parallel to the surface and increased densification with the increase of thickness, and a superior corrosion resistance for the AZ91 films compared with the bulk sample.
Originality/value
The preferred (0002) basal planes in AZ91 films benefited the corrosion resistance and the nanoscale AZ91 films facilitated the development of a dense passivation film. Consequently, AZ91 film exhibited a superior corrosion resistance.
Details