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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2009

Huimin Ma, Yibing Peng and Yongjiang Shi

The main purpose of this paper is to develop the theoretical links and empirically examine the association between IT and R&D performance, and their study is to answer management's

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Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to develop the theoretical links and empirically examine the association between IT and R&D performance, and their study is to answer management's questions: how should IT resources be organized and managed to enhance the process performance?

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is consistent with the process perspective to the question of IT business value, but this approach is extend. A basic premise of this paper is that the knowledge management (KM) capability could be a critical mediator between IT capability and process performance.

Findings

The results indicate that an organization's KM capability is dependent on IT capabilities, and variation in business process performance is explained by KM capability.

Research limitations/implications

On the one hand, control variables were not included in this study. In fact, firm size might influence process performance. On another hand, the empirical analysis was conducted in the context of one specific process in the manufacturing industry; thus, the generalizability of the results may be limited.

Practical implications

The results indicated that IT managers have to clearly understand the strategic thrust of the organization and institute mechanisms to ensure that IT capabilities are channeled toward the areas important to the organization.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the IT literature by introducing KM capability as a critical mediator between IT capabilities and business process performance, this study improves our understanding of the true business value of IT.

Details

Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2013

Tianjiao Shang and Yongjiang Shi

The purpose of this paper is to propose a research design that seeks to explore the evolutionary pathways of the emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry through employing the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a research design that seeks to explore the evolutionary pathways of the emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry through employing the business ecosystem framework, which focuses on the interaction between firms, government officials, industrial associations and customers; and at the same time to identify the necessary strategic capabilities behind such emergence.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research methodology will be employed such that multiple case studies will be carried out through the implementation of interviews with companies, industrial players and policy makers.

Findings

The research findings of this paper include a comprehensive depiction of the emerging business ecosystem structure of the EV industry, which contributed in building the main elements of the proposed conceptual research framework.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings of this paper are based on one province in China; also the business ecosystem of the emerging EV industry may differ in different regions across the country.

Practical implications

Practically, this research would be able to provide a tool for industrial players and policy makers through the formulation of a capability maturity model, which allows the evaluation of the capabilities of the corresponding ecosystem players, so as to permit the assessment of their positions with the provision of guidelines benefiting the advancement of emerging industries.

Originality/value

This paper offers original theoretical contributions through developing strategic capabilities of emerging business ecosystems and is the first to provide a comprehensive structure on the low‐speed EV industry in China.

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Ke Rong, Yongjiang Shi and Jiang Yu

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which firms nurture the business ecosystem for the development of emerging industries.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which firms nurture the business ecosystem for the development of emerging industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative research methodology with multiple case studies, namely two groups of companies in the PC and mobile business ecosystems.

Findings

This paper argues that industry renewal or emergence relies on the convergence and evolutionary process of the relevant business ecosystems. It analyzes the challenges faced by emerging industries, especially uncertainty issues concerning technology, application, and market. To deal with these uncertainty issues, firms within business ecosystems have developed two kinds of strategies: the core‐firm platform strategy and the niche‐firm supplementary strategy with an integrated supply chain. By using such strategies, firms together follow a three‐step process, including adjustment, adoption, and convergence, to help nurture the emerging industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study only conducts interviews with industrial practitioners in the mobile computing business ecosystem, without covering other stakeholders.

Practical implications

First, the study describes the platform and supplementary strategies to deal with industry uncertainties; second, the analysis also identifies a three‐step collective behavior to achieve industry convergence.

Originality/value

The paper extends the study of business ecosystem theory into supply chain management by embedding different roles and strategies as well as collective behavior into a dynamic business environment.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 113 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2010

Sheng Zhu and Yongjiang Shi

The purpose of this paper is to explore an indigenous innovation phenomenon – entitled the Shanzhai phenomenon – which has emerged in the Chinese mobile phone industry, and to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an indigenous innovation phenomenon – entitled the Shanzhai phenomenon – which has emerged in the Chinese mobile phone industry, and to understand its value creation network and operational mechanism, as well as to recognize its policy implications in regional and industrial developments.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the Shanzhai phenomenon emerged from the end of 2008, detailed understanding of its systems and operational mechanism is still very limited, partly because of its secrecy and dynamics in the value chain operations. Based on characteristics of the Shaizhai phenomenon, the paper focuses on three levels of the phenomenon – regional historical, regional industrial specific, and typical Shanzhai mobile phone project levels – to pursue a comprehensive understanding of the Shanzhai system and its emerging environments. At the regional and industrial level, the combined approaches of interview and secondary data collection is adopted. At the Shanzhai project level, a case study approach is conducted by focusing on the project and its whole value chain, from the idea creation towards detailed product design, production and integration, as well as its distribution.

Findings

Chinese government has called for indigenous innovation to upgrade Chinese manufacturing capability and value creation as well as appropriation. Based on the fast growth of the Chinese indigenous mobile phone industry in the last two years, the Shanzhai manufacturing system is recognized as a new positive alternative way for Chinese manufacturing companies to achieve this aim. Behind the Shanzhai phenomenon, there is a strong globally specialized and collaborated network enabling the down‐stream Chinese small‐ and medium‐sized mobile phone companies to very quickly respond to customers' demands or lead the demands. This new type of alternative innovation system is transforming unaffordable luxury goods into affordable for normal consumers. Because of its mass volume and involvement, however, government policies to harness the energy and development direction become essential.

Research limitations/implications

This research is just a very early stage of preliminary observation. From the methodology perspective, it provides background information about Shanzhai phenomenon and an in‐depth case study about a Shanzhai project. Comprehensive understandings of the Shanzhai phenomenon in terms of its behaviours, systems constructs and patterns, trajectories in the future and implications for policies will be achieved only at a much later date.

Practical implications

ShanZhai manufacturing might be one possible alternative innovative paradigm in some sectors of China.

Originality/value

This is the first academic research paper to offer relatively comprehensive and systematic observations about the emerging ShanZhai manufacturing system in the largest developing country.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy in China, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-552X

Keywords

Content available

Abstract

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2024

Yongjiang Xue, Wei Wang and Qingzeng Song

The primary objective of this study is to tackle the enduring challenge of preserving feature integrity during the manipulation of geometric data in computer graphics. Our work…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to tackle the enduring challenge of preserving feature integrity during the manipulation of geometric data in computer graphics. Our work aims to introduce and validate a variational sparse diffusion model that enhances the capability to maintain the definition of sharp features within meshes throughout complex processing tasks such as segmentation and repair.

Design/methodology/approach

We developed a variational sparse diffusion model that integrates a high-order L1 regularization framework with Dirichlet boundary constraints, specifically designed to preserve edge definition. This model employs an innovative vertex updating strategy that optimizes the quality of mesh repairs. We leverage the augmented Lagrangian method to address the computational challenges inherent in this approach, enabling effective management of the trade-off between diffusion strength and feature preservation. Our methodology involves a detailed analysis of segmentation and repair processes, focusing on maintaining the acuity of features on triangulated surfaces.

Findings

Our findings indicate that the proposed variational sparse diffusion model significantly outperforms traditional smooth diffusion methods in preserving sharp features during mesh processing. The model ensures the delineation of clear boundaries in mesh segmentation and achieves high-fidelity restoration of deteriorated meshes in repair tasks. The innovative vertex updating strategy within the model contributes to enhanced mesh quality post-repair. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that our approach maintains the integrity of original, sharp features more effectively, especially in complex geometries with intricate detail.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the novel application of a high-order L1 regularization framework to the field of mesh processing, a method not conventionally applied in this context. The value of our work is in providing a robust solution to the problem of feature degradation during the mesh manipulation process. Our model’s unique vertex updating strategy and the use of the augmented Lagrangian method for optimization are distinctive contributions that enhance the state-of-the-art in geometry processing. The empirical success of our model in preserving features during mesh segmentation and repair presents an advancement in computer graphics, offering practical benefits to both academic research and industry applications.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 October 2010

Wei Zhang, Yongjiang Shi and Xiaobo Wu

This paper aims to answer two research questions: what latecomer advantages and disadvantages they had, and what strategies they employed to utilize the advantages or to surmount…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to answer two research questions: what latecomer advantages and disadvantages they had, and what strategies they employed to utilize the advantages or to surmount the disadvantages.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviews of the literatures on latecomers' characteristics and the notable rise of Taiwanese thin‐film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) panel manufacturers in the global manufacturing contexts, this research project combined secondary industrial sector data analysis and individual company case study (AUO Ltd) approaches in order to build a conceptual framework and identify latecomers' (dis)advantages.

Findings

This paper advances the existing literature on latecomer advantages and disadvantages by reviewing the spectacular rise of Taiwanese TFT‐LCD panel manufacturers and reveals the importance of some unexplored source of latecomer advantage such as the competition dynamics which is proved to be vital for Taiwanese firms to successfully penetrate into the market. The paper finds the influence of technological regime and argues that the incremental technological advance rather than radical innovation provides latecomers with opportunity to utilize the learning curve effect. It has also discovered new forms of latecomer advantages, for example the free‐rider effect of improved equipment due to suppliers' own learning curve. This paper illustrates the necessity of adequate exploration on technology and product features to understand firms' strategic behaviors. Moreover, the subtle tactics found in this case study may enlighten other latecomers.

Research limitations/implications

The study leaves a number of questions unanswered which warrant more attention. First, the theoretical arguments and experiences from this single case are not easily extendable to the other industries. Broader investigation should be helpful to discover the mechanism between latecomer advantage, strategy and performance. Second, the study of latecomer (dis)advantages and strategies should take the firm features into account to get a whole picture. Third, the examination of interactions between latecomer (dis)advantages and more detailed analytical framework are needed.

Originality/value

Although latecomers' characteristics and strategies have been discussed for many years since Asia economy emerged, TFT‐LCD industry is a relatively new and fast growing industry. How can a latecomer play an important role in emerging industry growing phase? This is novel in contrast with classical latecomer's model in established industry.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy in China, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-552X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2012

Milla Laisi, Olli‐Pekka Hilmola and Mikko Sutela

The purpose of this paper is to understand the changes in Swedish and Finnish companies' traffic flows and evaluate the future prospects.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the changes in Swedish and Finnish companies' traffic flows and evaluate the future prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was implemented through web‐based questionnaire. Furthermore, numerous second‐hand sources were used to gain knowledge. Research was conducted in three parts: first research was executed in 2006, second in 2009 and the third was realized in 2010.

Findings

The main findings support previous studies arguing that the traffic between Europe and China will continue to grow in the future. However, contrary to earlier studies, the balance will change from eastbound to westbound traffic. The future prospects to Russian traffic are stated as a slight increase in demand: however, the balance is shifting from eastbound to westbound transport, and it is noted that the transport flows from Russia to Europe might increase in the near future.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical data were gathered from two North European countries, Sweden and Finland. To follow the development in the market, and in order to make more general conclusions, research should be extended to include other countries. Furthermore, economic downturn's influences on traffic flows and its development could be analyzed in a year's time.

Practical implications

The research aggregates data from three surveys and evaluates the companies' standpoints. The study results could be used to evaluate the companies' development trends in Finland and Sweden. In addition, the research provides valuable data for the business world, as well as for academia, by adducing the market actors' outlook.

Originality/value

The paper contributes actor‐level data to the subject, which previously has been scrutinized mainly via second‐hand data and literature analyses.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2012

Murugesan Punniyamoorty, Ponnusamy Mathiyalagan and Ganesan Lakshmi

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new composite model using structural equation modelling (SEM) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for the selection of suppliers.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new composite model using structural equation modelling (SEM) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for the selection of suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the authors have made an attempt to arrive at the supplier selection score using SEM and AHP. An attempt has been made to develop a new composite model using SEM and AHP technique, based on the survey of 151 respondents. Attributes' weightage are found out using cluster analysis.

Findings

Based on the output from the composite model, cluster analysis has been carried out to find out the strengths and weakness of each supplier on the influencing factors. Based on these findings, the supplier can improve on factors where they lag and can maintain the factors where they excel.

Originality/value

In this paper the authors have made an attempt to arrive at the supplier selection score using SEM and AHP.

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2009

Yong Lin, Li Zhou, Yongjiang Shi and Shihua Ma

The purpose of this paper is aimed at understanding and identifying the context, capability requirements, and configurations (3Cs) of modular supply networks in the Chinese…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is aimed at understanding and identifying the context, capability requirements, and configurations (3Cs) of modular supply networks in the Chinese automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In an attempt to specify the main elements of modular supply networks, a case study and 3C framework approach analyze different network contexts. The framework considers not only the capabilities of product design, production, inbound logistics, and information sharing, but also the configuration of the role structure, process structure, and information structure that helps achieve these capabilities.

Findings

This paper analyzes two types of modular supply network, directly reflecting the degrees of involvement in the modularity logic of the module supplier and the automaker, which largely depend on their corporate strategy toward technology innovation. In a fully integrated module supply network, the module supplier needs sufficient capability for upstream supply network integration and modularization, whereas in the partly integrated module supply network, a third‐party logistics provider plays an important role with regard to production capability.

Research limitations/implications

This paper investigates four modules. The practical tools for configuring the modular supply network can be specified in more detail in further research.

Originality/value

The 3C framework described herein contributes to theory in the fields of supply chain management and modularity, and it assists in further expanding the theory of SCM.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

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