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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 24 January 2025

Yunchen Gong, Peng Zhang, Kaiping Peng and Xiaolei Zhang

This study aims to develop a comprehensive measurement that consists of the most significant indicators of team effectiveness. Based on the input-mediator-outcome model, this…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive measurement that consists of the most significant indicators of team effectiveness. Based on the input-mediator-outcome model, this measurement assesses two main aspects related to team effectiveness: team processes and emergent states (TPES).

Design/methodology/approach

The scale was developed and validated following three major steps. First, items were generated through literature reviews and expert reviews. Second, a pretest was conducted to refine the scale among 755 Chinese employees recruited on a survey service platform. Finally, in the evaluation section, 3,950 samples were used for scale validation, including a predictive validity test examining the relationship between TPES and team outcomes among 3,550 participants in paired samples (team members and leaders), from 381 work teams from several private companies in IT industries in China.

Findings

The TPES scale measures the team members’ interactions and the team status, consists of five dimensions: goal and role, collaboration, innovation, motivation and cohesiveness, showing acceptable reliability, validity and model fit. The five dimensions show significant positive effects on team performance and members’ satisfaction.

Originality/value

This novel measure of team process and emergent state tailored to IT companies provides a way to comprehensively diagnose a team’s strengths and/or weaknesses, thus suggesting directions for team development.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2025

Nuo Cheng, Haoxuan Li, Renxin Wang, Peng Zhang, LiCheng Jia, Guojun Zhang, Wendong Zhang and Yuhua Yang

This paper aims to present the design of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based three-dimensional combined vector hydrophone tailored for unmanned underwater vehicles…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based three-dimensional combined vector hydrophone tailored for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The proposed design addresses the left-right ambiguity inherent in conventional MEMS hydrophones and enhances acoustic sensing capabilities to support improved UUV performance in underwater environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel MEMS-based three-dimensional vector hydrophone (M3DH) is proposed, integrating a highly sensitive MEMS chip with a piezoelectric ceramic-based scalar channel. A theoretical model of the hydrophone’s packaging was developed, and its acoustic performance was analyzed through COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 simulations. Experimental validation of the hydrophone’s sensitivity and directional characteristics was conducted in a standing wave tank.

Findings

The MEMS-based three-dimensional combined hydrophone (M3DH) achieved a triaxial vector channel sensitivity of −175.6 dB at 800 Hz (re 1 V/µPa) and a scalar channel sensitivity of −186.3 dB (0 dB = 1 V/µPa). In addition, at 500 Hz, the vector channel exhibited a distinct “8”-shaped directivity pattern, whereas the scalar channel maintained a circular omnidirectional response. The hydrophone demonstrated excellent acoustic performance in three-dimensional space, effectively providing comprehensive acoustic information for small underwater platforms.

Originality/value

This research addresses the left-right ambiguity issue in MEMS hydrophones by presenting an MEMS-based three-dimensional combined hydrophone designed for integration into UUVs, offering an innovative solution to enhance underwater acoustic sensing capabilities in small platforms.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2025

Peng Zhang, Guochang Liu, Haoxuan Li, Nuo Cheng, Xiangzheng Kong, Licheng Jia, Guojun Zhang, Wendong Zhang and Renxin Wang

Currently, various detection technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles are highly susceptible to environmental impacts. Wake detection technologies have gradually gained…

Abstract

Purpose

Currently, various detection technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles are highly susceptible to environmental impacts. Wake detection technologies have gradually gained attention and development. However, the clarity of detection results remains a challenge. This paper aims to present the design of a MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor. Compared to similar sensors, the MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor offers improved propeller wake measurement capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor inspired by the fish lateral line system is designed. This paper discusses the working principle of the sensor. Finite element simulation is used to determine the optimal dimensions of the sensor’s sensitive chip and packaging structure. In addition, the wake environment is simulated for performance testing.

Findings

Flow velocity calibration test results confirm that the MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor exhibits high sensitivity, achieving 1727.6 mV/(m/s). Vector capability tests show that the data consistency in the same direction reaches 91.8%. The sensor demonstrates strong vector detection capability.

Practical implications

The MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor plays a critical role in the formation control of unmanned underwater vehicle fleets and target detection.

Originality/value

This study focuses on applications for unmanned underwater vehicles. It enhances the detection capabilities of unmanned underwater vehicles. This is of significant importance for future deep-sea target detection.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 December 2024

Lagan Jindal

This study aims to comprehensively examine sustainable mutual funds (SMFs) research by conducting a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of articles spanning…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to comprehensively examine sustainable mutual funds (SMFs) research by conducting a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of articles spanning 33 years from 1991 to 2023. This review seeks to uncover the principal contributors and the structural framework of knowledge within the realm of business, finance and management research concerning SMFs.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the “Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR)” methodology, the author selected 597 documents for the analysis and collected the bibliographic information from the Scopus database. The author uses RStudio and VOSviewer software to address five research questions.

Findings

The findings indicate a notable expansion in research concerning SMFs within high-quality journals over the last 33 years. The review illuminates the principal contributors in SMFs research by using performance analysis based on journal, article, author, country and institution criteria. By using science mapping techniques, the author identifies five prevailing themes and outlines future research prospects in the domain of SMFs.

Practical implications

This review paper can serve as a roadmap for future researchers, aiding them in discerning the trending research topics within this domain.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that comprehensively provides an overview of different variants, diverse strands and research hotspots of SMFs literature. The study offers insight into the evolution of SMFs, showcasing their progression from a segmented market to a prominently specialized domain in the contemporary landscape.

Details

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4179

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2025

Xinyi Kong, Yueyi Zhang, Chenyuan Lu and Jing Hu

Since the “Standards + Certification” regional quality brand initiative has become a key component of China’s efforts to promote a quality-driven economy, this paper aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

Since the “Standards + Certification” regional quality brand initiative has become a key component of China’s efforts to promote a quality-driven economy, this paper aims to examine the effect of perception, trust and satisfaction toward the regional quality brand on consumer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 401 consumers who have bought “Zhejiang Manufacturing” regional quality brand products. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was applied to assess the relationship of the research model.

Findings

The results show that brand perception, trust and satisfaction toward regional quality brands all significantly positively impact both consumer behavioral and attitudinal loyalty. Further, the results confirmed that brand trust and satisfaction fully mediate the relationship between brand perception and behavioral loyalty and partially mediate the relationship between brand perception and attitudinal loyalty.

Originality/value

This study presents a conceptual model on the impact of perception toward regional quality brands on consumer loyalty in a field where little research has been done. It offers a consumer-focused analysis that advances the theoretical and empirical knowledge of regional quality brands.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 February 2025

Izabela Postingel Falcetti, Andrea Lago da Silva and Maciel M. Queiroz

Over recent years, public health threats, economic losses and crises of confidence resulting from adverse events along the global food chains have pressured food traceability…

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Abstract

Purpose

Over recent years, public health threats, economic losses and crises of confidence resulting from adverse events along the global food chains have pressured food traceability systems to operate more efficiently. Based on that, this paper aims to expand the body of knowledge on the connection between Industry 4.0 technologies and food chain traceability and how they have been integrated.

Design/methodology/approach

Before conducting a systematic literature review (SLR), we consulted academic experts in traceability and Industry 4.0 technologies to define the leading 4.0 technologies adopted. We then developed protocols and criteria for article selection. Based on the developed codebook, we performed a content analysis, refining it through discussions with experienced researchers.

Findings

This paper identified seven Industry 4.0 technologies applied in conjunction with support and device systems. These combinations hold promise for generating value for food chain traceability systems. Value for the food supply chain originates from five sources: trust, process improvement, data processing, security, sustainability and regulation. Besides, three barriers to implementing such traceability technologies were identified: resources, lack of structure, stakeholders and values.

Research limitations/implications

While this study focused specifically on the food chain, the technology combinations, values, barriers and categories identified herein can inform analyses for other chains, e.g. the pharmaceutical chain. Moreover, due to the recent growth of this topic, some existing values and barriers may not have been fully explored and the technology combinations may vary slightly.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide food chain professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the values and corresponding barriers associated with employing Industry 4.0 traceability technologies. This knowledge can be leveraged to develop effective strategies and implement improvements in traceability, thereby benefiting society and addressing identified barriers.

Originality/value

This study expands the literature on using Industry 4.0 technologies for traceability in food chains, providing valuable directions to build safer, more efficient, transparent and potentially more sustainable food chains. Additionally, we provide promising avenues for future research.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Zhichuan Tang, Xuan Xu, Feifei Wang, Lekai Zhang and Min Zhu

Targeting the common functions of the Zhejiang Library website, elderly individuals were invited to complete six experimental tasks on the improved website interfaces, and…

497

Abstract

Purpose

Targeting the common functions of the Zhejiang Library website, elderly individuals were invited to complete six experimental tasks on the improved website interfaces, and subjective data (PAD emotion scale and usability evaluation) and objective data (eye movement data) were recorded to verify the effects of graphic layout and navigation position on the information-seeking experience of elderly individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the effect of the graphic layout and navigation position of the Zhejiang Library’s website interface on the emotional state, perceived usability and information-seeking time of elderly individuals, with the aim of providing guidance and suggestions for the elderly-oriented reform of the public library website.

Findings

The experimental results show that the graphic layout has a significant effect on the emotional state and perceived usability of elderly individuals, and the navigation position has a significant effect on the information-seeking time; the interaction between graphic layout and navigation position exerts a significant effect on the information-seeking time of elderly individuals. The eye movement data show that elderly individuals have a better information-seeking experience when the top navigation bar and image-text matched arrangement are used for the interface layout.

Originality/value

This study adopts a new approach combining subjective data and eye movement data to evaluate the effect of the public library website’s interface layout on the information-seeking experience for older people. The findings can provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for the elderly-oriented reform of public library websites. They can also provide scientific design suggestions for age-friendly interface layouts of other Internet products and service applications.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2025

Xiaofeng Su, Shuping Zhang and Yifan Feng

The development of regional public brands for agricultural products necessitates compelling narratives that resonate deeply with consumers. Given the distinctiveness of…

Abstract

Purpose

The development of regional public brands for agricultural products necessitates compelling narratives that resonate deeply with consumers. Given the distinctiveness of agricultural products, consumers prioritize the inherent connection to roots and heritage when making purchasing decisions. Therefore, crafting brand narratives must emphasize this root appeal, namely, consumers’ information appeal preference, to positively influence consumers’ brand perceptions and underscore the value of regional public brands. This study investigates this phenomenon through the lens of cue utilization theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Four experiments were conducted for this purpose. Study 1 examined the stimulus materials for brand story type (typical vs atypical). The purpose of study 2 was to verify whether the experimental material could be used to categorize participants' information appeal preferences (geographic vs cultural). Study 3 employed a between-subjects design with a 2 (brand story: typical vs atypical) × 2 (consumers’ information appeal preferences: cultural vs geographic) factorial design. Study 4 used a between-subjects design of 2 (brand story: typical and atypical) × 2 (consumers’ information appeal preferences: cultural vs geographic) × 2 (culturally derived power perception: individual and social).

Findings

The findings indicated that the type of brand story and consumers’ information appeal preferences interact with consumers’ brand attitudes toward regional public brands for agricultural products. In addition, a sense of place was found to mediate the interaction between the type of brand story and consumers’ information appeal preferences. Furthermore, culturally derived power perceptions moderated this mechanism.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights into marketing regional public brands for agricultural products by categorizing their brand stories into typical and non-typical narratives.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2025

Lokweetpun Suprawan, Wanny Oentoro and Sarinya L. Suttharattanagul

This study aims to investigate the interrelationship among consumers, celebrities and brands within social media environments. It proposes a theoretical framework based on an…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interrelationship among consumers, celebrities and brands within social media environments. It proposes a theoretical framework based on an integrative approach that combines parasocial relationship theory and the meaning transfer model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 342 Generation Z fans, and structural equation modeling was used for the analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that social media use strongly affects celebrity worship, but its impacts on brand love and online brand advocacy are weak. Celebrity worship significantly influences brand love; however, the relationship with online brand advocacy is nonsignificant, highlighting the crucial mediating role of brand love. The mediating effects of celebrity worship and brand love significantly strengthened the relationship between social media use and online brand advocacy.

Originality/value

By using an integrative approach, this study advances the understanding of the dynamics of consumer–brand relationships, revealing the serial mediating path that highlights the roles of celebrity worship and brand love.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Hugo Gobato Souto and Amir Moradi

This study aims to critically evaluate the competitiveness of Transformer-based models in financial forecasting, specifically in the context of stock realized volatility…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to critically evaluate the competitiveness of Transformer-based models in financial forecasting, specifically in the context of stock realized volatility forecasting. It seeks to challenge and extend upon the assertions of Zeng et al. (2023) regarding the purported limitations of these models in handling temporal information in financial time series.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a robust methodological framework, the study systematically compares a range of Transformer models, including first-generation and advanced iterations like Informer, Autoformer, and PatchTST, against benchmark models (HAR, NBEATSx, NHITS, and TimesNet). The evaluation encompasses 80 different stocks, four error metrics, four statistical tests, and three robustness tests designed to reflect diverse market conditions and data availability scenarios.

Findings

The research uncovers that while first-generation Transformer models, like TFT, underperform in financial forecasting, second-generation models like Informer, Autoformer, and PatchTST demonstrate remarkable efficacy, especially in scenarios characterized by limited historical data and market volatility. The study also highlights the nuanced performance of these models across different forecasting horizons and error metrics, showcasing their potential as robust tools in financial forecasting, which contradicts the findings of Zeng et al. (2023)

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the financial forecasting literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the applicability of Transformer-based models in this domain. It offers new insights into the capabilities of these models, especially their adaptability to different market conditions and forecasting requirements, challenging the existing skepticism created by Zeng et al. (2023) about their utility in financial forecasting.

Details

China Finance Review International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1398

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000