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1 – 10 of 90Yanmei Xu, Yanan Zhang, Ziqiang Wang, Xia Song, Zhenli Bai and Xiang Li
Unlike traditional industries, the e-cigarette is an epoch-making innovative product originating in China and occupying an absolute competitive advantage in the international…
Abstract
Purpose
Unlike traditional industries, the e-cigarette is an epoch-making innovative product originating in China and occupying an absolute competitive advantage in the international market. The traditional A-U model describes the laws and characteristics of technological innovation in developed countries. In contrast, the inverse A-U model depicts the process of “secondary innovation” in late-developing countries through digestion and absorption. This paper aims to find out that if the e-cigarette, as a “first innovation” industry in a late-developing country, conform to the A-U model or conform to the “inverse A-U model”.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper takes the patent data of e-cigarettes from 2004 to 2021 as the research object, and uses Python’s Jieba segment words to divide product innovation and process innovation, and then uses statistical analysis methods to conduct empirical analyses on these data.
Findings
Thus, an improved A-U model suitable for the e-cigarette industry is proposed. In this model, product innovation in the e-cigarette industry appeared earlier than process innovation, but the synchronous development of product and process innovation is not lagging. The improved A-U model in the e-cigarette industry is not only different from the traditional A-U model but also does not conform to the inverse A-U model.
Research limitations/implications
It is conducive to expanding and clarifying the theoretical contribution and applicable boundaries of the A-U model and has sparked thinking and exploration of the A-U model in e-cigarettes and emerging industries.
Practical implications
On this basis, suggestions on the development path and countermeasures of the e-cigarette industry are put forward.
Originality/value
Based on the e-cigarette industry, this paper takes patents as the research object and provides the method of dividing product innovation and process innovation, and proposes an A-U model suitable for the e-cigarette industry on this basis. By comparing the traditional A-U model with the inverse A-U model in latecomer countries, the background and causes of e-cigarette A-U model heterogeneity are analyzed from different stages and overall morphology. Based on this, the heterogeneity characteristics of e-cigarette innovation are summarized and sorted out.
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Nalinda Dissanayaka, Hamish Alexander, Danilo Carluccio, Michael Redmond, Luigi-Jules Vandi and James I. Novak
Three-dimensional (3D)printed skulls for neurosurgical training are increasingly being used due to the widespread access to 3D printing technology, their low cost and accuracy, as…
Abstract
Purpose
Three-dimensional (3D)printed skulls for neurosurgical training are increasingly being used due to the widespread access to 3D printing technology, their low cost and accuracy, as well as limitations and ethical concerns associated with using human cadavers. However, little is known about the risks of airborne particles or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released while drilling into 3D-printed plastic models. The aim of this study is to assess the level of exposure to airborne contaminants while burr hole drilling.
Design/methodology/approach
3D-printed skull samples were produced using three different materials (polyethylene terephthalate glycol [PETG], white resin and BoneSTN) across three different 3D print processes (fused filament fabrication, stereolithography [SLA] and material jetting). A neurosurgeon performed extended burr hole drilling for 10 min on each sample. Spot measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) were recorded, and air samples were analysed for approximately 90 VOCs.
Findings
The particulate matter for PETG was found to be below the threshold value for respirable particles. However, the particulate matter for white resin and BoneSTN was found to be above the threshold value at PM10, which could be harmful for long periods of exposure without personal protective equipment (PPE). The VOC measurements for all materials were found to be below safety thresholds, and therefore not harmful.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the safety of 3D-printed materials for burr hole surgical drilling. It recommends PETG as a safe material requiring minimal respiratory control measures, whereas resin-based materials will require safety controls to deal with airborne particles.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the alternative accounts produced by Green Earth Volunteers (GEV), a Chinese environmental non-governmental organisation, over a 10-year…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the alternative accounts produced by Green Earth Volunteers (GEV), a Chinese environmental non-governmental organisation, over a 10-year period in the context of their campaign to create visibilities about hydroelectric dam projects along the Chang Jiang.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on conceptions of the human–nature relationship, including those evident in ancient Chinese philosophy and mythology, and the Chinese way of viewing and resolving conflict, this paper offers an interpretive analysis of the alternative accounts of GEV in terms of their form and content.
Findings
In terms of their content, the alternative accounts reflect elements of interrelated thinking, being underpinned by a recognition of the relationship between humans and nature, which is evident in Confucianism, Taoism and ancient Chinese mythology. The strategies adopted by GEV are a non-confrontational but feasible way to promote their ecological beliefs in the Chinese context.
Practical implications
The study suggests that social and environmental accounting (SEA) in developing countries is steeped in local cultural and philosophical traditions that need to be considered and incorporated into the design of alternative accounts.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the very limited literature that offers qualitative analyses of SEA in developing countries.
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Shin-Yuan Hung, Jacob Chia-An Tsai, Kuanchin Chen, Charlie Chen and Ting-Ting Yeh
The purpose of this study is to examine tacit knowledge sharing within information systems development (ISD) projects by exploring the combination of social interdependence theory…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine tacit knowledge sharing within information systems development (ISD) projects by exploring the combination of social interdependence theory and regulatory focus theory (RFT).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted on 198 ISD professionals to investigate the effect of social interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing. The survey data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the results were discussed.
Findings
This study reveals that team members tend to share tacit knowledge in a way characterized by cooperative interdependence, and different patterns of social interdependence have an impact on tacit knowledge sharing. The RFT explains the disparities in attitude toward tacit knowledge sharing. Specifically, individuals with a prevention-focused orientation positively moderate the impact of competitive interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing, while those with a promotion-focused orientation have a negative moderating effect on the effect of competitive interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing. Moreover, promotion-focused individuals negatively moderate the effect of cooperative interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing.
Originality/value
The study identifies important aspects of social interdependence in ISD projects that affect the management of tacit knowledge. Furthermore, the study shows that the influence of cooperative and competitive interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing is moderated by the regulatory focus of an individual, providing new insights into ISD knowledge management.
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Yueh-Min Huang, Ding-Chau Wang, Ho-Yuan Hsieh and Yong-Ming Huang
The purpose of this paper is to investigate what factors can affect individuals’ knowledge sharing on social media from the perspectives of personality traits and social capital.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate what factors can affect individuals’ knowledge sharing on social media from the perspectives of personality traits and social capital.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model was developed with reference to the personality traits theory and the social capital theory. Accordingly, a questionnaire was designed to collect the individuals’ ideas on knowledge sharing on social media and further test the model. The questionnaire was then distributed to two LINE groups. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach.
Findings
Personality traits not only directly affect knowledge sharing, but also indirectly influence it via social capital. Of all personality traits, agreeableness, openness and extraversion directly and indirectly influence knowledge sharing.
Research limitations/implications
Knowledge sharing is undertaken by individuals and social groups. It starts with individuals and then diffuses to other members of a group.
Practical implications
Group managers have to identify the members who are friendly, open-minded or extroverted and encourage them to act as the bellwethers for knowledge sharing under an effective regulatory regime, through which intra-group knowledge sharing can be promoted.
Originality/value
This study introduces a new model to explore knowledge sharing on social media from individual and social perspectives. It illustrates what will affect individuals’ knowledge sharing on social media.
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Jingyu Cheng, Minxi Wang, Lilin Wu and Xin Li
The purpose of this paper is to explore the high-quality development (HQD) strategy of Chinese mineral resource enterprises, which is important for Chinese mineral resource…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the high-quality development (HQD) strategy of Chinese mineral resource enterprises, which is important for Chinese mineral resource enterprises to improve the efficiency and benefit of resource utilization, reduce the intensity of resource and energy consumption and gradually form resource-saving and environment-friendly enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
This study establishes an evaluation index system with four dimensions: economy, environment, society and management innovation. The entropy value method assigns weights to them and then uses the system dynamics (SD) model for case simulation.
Findings
The results of the SD simulation conclude that the fulfillment of social responsibility and the implementation of management innovation can accelerate the realization of HQD of mineral resource enterprises; profitability plays a crucial role in economic indicators; the improvement of energy-saving volume has the most significant impact on environmental benefits; the social contribution is the key element to measure social indicators; and the sales rate of core products has the most significant impact on the benefits of management innovation.
Originality/value
Based on the few studies on the evaluation of the development strategy of mineral resource enterprises, this study establishes an evaluation index system that considers the interactions between indicators, combines the entropy value method with SD and uses the SD model to comprehensively and systematically analyze the impact and degree of each factor on the HQD of mineral resource enterprises.
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Weiling Jiang, Jie Jiang, Igor Martek and Wen Jiang
The success of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is highly correlated to the successful management of risks encountered during the operation phase. PPP projects are…
Abstract
Purpose
The success of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is highly correlated to the successful management of risks encountered during the operation phase. PPP projects are especially exposed to risk due to the long operation period over which revenues need to be generated to recoup substantial initial investment and operational running costs. Despite the critical impact of risk exposure, limited research has been specifically undertaken on the matter of operational risk management. This study seeks to address this oversight by identifying and evaluating operational risk management strategies for PPPs.
Design/methodology/approach
Vulnerability theory is the theoretical lens used, with context drawn from Chinese PPP projects. Based on the data collected from expert interviews and questionnaires, 28 operational risk management strategies are identified. A fuzzy synthetic method is employed to analyze the effectiveness of the 28 strategies.
Findings
The findings reveal that providing an exit mechanism clause into the contract, establishing a comprehensive performance evaluation mechanism and developing a clear compensation mechanism are the top three effective strategies. This study also reveals that risk mitigation approaches that reduce vulnerability prove more effective than attempts to reduce external threats. Specifically, strategies aimed at managing contract, political, technical and financial risk are the most effective.
Originality/value
The findings of this study extend current knowledge regarding the risk management of PPP projects. They also offer a reference by which practitioners may select effective operational risk management pathways and thereby, galvanize the sustainable development of PPPs.
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Boon-Liat Cheng, Tat-Huei Cham, Zijie Gao, Mohd Fairuz bin Abd Rahim, Teck Chai Lau and Michael M. Dent
The surge in pharmaceutical and health supplement usage among consumers aims to enhance personal well-being. This growing opportunity for pharmaceutical brands has resulted in…
Abstract
Purpose
The surge in pharmaceutical and health supplement usage among consumers aims to enhance personal well-being. This growing opportunity for pharmaceutical brands has resulted in increased market share and intensified industry competition. Using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study aims to identify the factors influencing Malaysians’ choices regarding pharmaceutical and health supplements. In addition, the variable of past behaviour was incorporated to account for consumer decisions based on prior experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
Using purposive sampling, 300 questionnaires were gathered and analysed via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and structural equation modelling technique via Analysis of Moment Structures software to validate the reliability of each variables and the postulated relationships within the research framework.
Findings
Results revealed a pronounced impact of past behaviour on the intention to consume pharmaceutical and health supplements. The mediating role of perceived behavioural control in bridging past behaviour and consumption intention was also ascertained. Notably, the findings support the inclusion of past behaviour in the TPB as a pivotal determinant of intention.
Originality/value
The insights gleaned underscore the escalating trend of pharmaceutical consumption in Malaysia, providing strategies to enhance and maintain the competitive edge and market position of pharmaceutical brands.
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Bradley J. Olson, Satyanarayana Parayitam, Matteo Cristofaro, Yongjian Bao and Wenlong Yuan
This paper elucidates the role of anger in error management (EM) and organizational learning behaviors. The study explores how anger can catalyze learning, emphasizing its…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper elucidates the role of anger in error management (EM) and organizational learning behaviors. The study explores how anger can catalyze learning, emphasizing its strategic implications.
Design/methodology/approach
A double-layered moderated-mediated model was developed and tested using data from 744 Chinese CEOs. The psychometric properties of the survey instrument were rigorously examined through structural equation modeling, and hypotheses were tested using Hayes's PROCESS macros.
Findings
The findings reveal that anger is a precursor for recognizing the value of significant errors, leading to a positive association with learning behavior among top management team members. Additionally, the study uncovers a triple interaction effect of anger, EM culture and supply chain disruptions on the value of learning from errors. Extensive experience and positive grieving strengthen the relationship between recognizing value from errors and learning behavior.
Originality/value
This study uniquely integrates affect-cognitive theory and organizational learning theory, examining anger in EM and learning. The authors provide empirical evidence that anger can drive error value recognition and learning. The authors incorporate a more fine-grained approach to leadership when including executive anger as a trigger to learning behavior. Factors like experience and positive grieving are explored, deepening the understanding of emotions in learning. The authors consider both negative and positive emotions to contribute to the complexity of organizational learning.
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Mengyao Fan, Xiaojing Ma, Lin Li, Xinpeng Xiao and Can Cheng
In this paper, the complex flow evaporation process of droplet impact on the liquid film in a horizontal falling film evaporator is numerically studied based on smoothed particle…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the complex flow evaporation process of droplet impact on the liquid film in a horizontal falling film evaporator is numerically studied based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. The purpose of this paper is to present the mechanism of the water treatment problem of the falling film evaporation for the high salinity mine water in Xinjiang region of China.
Design/methodology/approach
To effectively characterize the phase transition problem, the particle splitting and merging techniques are introduced. And the particle absorbing layer is proposed to improve the nonphysical aggregation phenomenon caused by the continuous splitting of gas phase particles. The multiresolution model and the artificial viscosity are adopted.
Findings
The SPH model is validated qualitatively with experiment results and then applied to the evaporation of the droplet impact on the liquid film. It is shown that the larger single droplet initial velocity and the smaller single droplet initial temperature difference between the droplet and liquid film improve the liquid film evaporation. The heat transfer effect of a single droplet is preferable to that of multiple droplets.
Originality/value
A multiphase SPH model for evaporation after the droplet impact on the liquid film is developed and validated. The effects of different factors on liquid film evaporation, including single droplet initial velocity, single droplet initial temperature and multiple droplets are investigated.
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