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Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Zhipeng Liang, Chunju Zhao, Huawei Zhou, Yihong Zhou, Quan Liu, Tao Fang and Fang Wang

The spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process of concrete arch dams are related to the construction quality and duration, especially for pouring blocks with a…

Abstract

Purpose

The spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process of concrete arch dams are related to the construction quality and duration, especially for pouring blocks with a continuous high-strength and high-density construction process. Furthermore, the complicated construction technology and limited space resources aggravate the spatial–temporal conflicts in the process of space resource allocation and utilization, directly affecting the pouring quality and progress of concrete. To promote the high-strength, quality-preserving and rapid construction of dams and to clarify the explosion moment and influence degree of the spatial–temporal conflicts of construction machinery during the pouring process, a quantification method and algorithm for a “Conflict Bubble” (CB) between construction machines is proposed based on the “Time–Space Microelement” (TSM).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the concept of a CB is proposed, which is defined as the spatial overlap of different entities in the movement process. The subsidiary space of the entity is divided into three layered spaces: the physical space, safe space and efficiency space from the inside to the outside. Second, the processes of “creation,” “transition” and “disappearance” of the CB at different levels with the movement of the entity are defined as the evolution of the spatial–temporal state of the entity. The mapping relationship between the spatial variation and the running time of the layered space during the movement process is defined as “Time–Space” (TS), which is intended to be processed by a microelement.

Findings

The quantification method and algorithm of the CB between construction machinery are proposed based on the TSM, which realizes the quantification of the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate and efficiency loss rate of the construction machinery at any time point or time period. The risk rate of spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process was calculated, and the outbreak condition of spatial–temporal conflict in the pouring process was simulated and rehearsed. The quantitative calculation results show that the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate and efficiency loss rate of construction machinery at any time point or time period can be quantified.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical support for the quantitative evaluation and analysis of the spatial–temporal conflict risk in the pouring construction process. It also serves as a reference for the rational organization and scientific decision-making for pouring blocks and provides new ideas and methods for the safe and efficient construction and the scientific and refined management of dams.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2024

Yue Wang, Ming Liu, Joe Viana and Nonhlanhla Dube

Providing quality emergency supplies is crucial to mitigate and respond to emergencies. However, despite government and consumer oversight of emergency supplies’ quality, a…

Abstract

Purpose

Providing quality emergency supplies is crucial to mitigate and respond to emergencies. However, despite government and consumer oversight of emergency supplies’ quality, a troubling trend persists among some enterprises to sacrifice product quality for financial gain. This paper examines the influence of strategy selections among governments, enterprises, and consumers to enhance the quality of emergency supplies.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop a tripartite evolutionary game model consisting of three stakeholders: government, enterprises, and consumers, considering factors including subsidies and penalties. After analysing three stakeholders’ strategic choices to ascertain system stability, parametric analyses were conducted.

Findings

Excessive or insufficient subsidies are not conducive to encouraging enterprises to adopt an authentic production strategy; excessive subsidies may result in consumers enduring counterfeiting. Furthermore, the government’s supervision strategy can stabilise the system quickly, suggesting that consumer reporting cannot replace government supervision. Additionally, incentivising enterprises to adopt an authentic production strategy can be achieved by increasing penalties and enhancing compensation while reducing consumer reporting, government supervision, and raw materials costs.

Originality/value

We present a preliminary exploration of how to promote the production of qualified emergency supplies in the early stages of an emergency event. The model and findings proposed in this paper can be generalised and applied to various emergency events, including epidemics and earthquakes.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2023

Ying Zhao, Hongdi Xu, Guangyan Liu, Yanting Zhou and Yan Wang

Digital transformation and innovation-driven development have become an international consensus. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of relationships, mechanisms…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital transformation and innovation-driven development have become an international consensus. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of relationships, mechanisms and economic consequences between digital transformation and enterprise innovation quality in order to provide a benchmark for developing countries to implement digital transformation strategies and innovation-driven strategies and provide a major support for economic recovery in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.

Design/methodology/approach

Using microdata from A-share listed enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2021, this study examines the relationship between digital transformation and enterprise innovation quality and further reveals the internal logic and economic consequences of digital transformation to improve enterprise innovation quality through the mediating effect and moderating effect models.

Findings

The results demonstrate that digital transformation is beneficial for improving enterprise innovation quality. The heterogeneity test demonstrates that digital transformation has a larger effect on improving enterprise innovation quality in non-state-owned enterprises and eastern enterprises in China. The mechanism test demonstrates that digital transformation can improve enterprise innovation quality by improving internal control quality and analyst attention. Furthermore, with the increase in enterprise innovation inputs, digital transformation plays a significantly stronger role in improving enterprise innovation quality. The extended analysis demonstrates that digital transformation can significantly improve enterprise financial performance by improving innovation quality.

Research limitations/implications

First, the construction of the core explanatory variable digital transformation index in this study is based on the Python data analysis software, which calculates the frequency of digital transformation in the text of the business situation analysis portion of the annual report of the listed companies and then obtains the degree of digital transformation of the company in this year. There may be some deviation from the degree of digital transformation in the actual production and operation of enterprises. Second, in addition to internal control quality and analyst attention, are there other mediating mechanisms for the impact of digital transformation on the quality of enterprise innovation? Third, whether the moderating effect of innovation input on digital transformation and innovation quality is related to human capital factors of the research and development (R&D) team, such as the technical background of R&D personnel, etc.

Originality/value

This study enriches the relevant theories of digital transformation and broadens the research boundaries of digital transformation and enterprise innovation. This study's result provides an empirical basis for enterprises to improve enterprise innovation quality and financial performance from the perspective of digital transformation at the micro level and points out specific practical directions, combining theory with practice.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2024

Bingcheng Liu, Junyou Song and Wei Geng

This study aims to enhance an enterprise’s private cloud services by optimally determining the ownership of cloud computing resources and responsibility for maintenance and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to enhance an enterprise’s private cloud services by optimally determining the ownership of cloud computing resources and responsibility for maintenance and operations. The core objective is to identify the most cost-effective private cloud deployment model at the intersection of technology and business considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates three ownership and responsibility models, each encompassing decisions related to candidate data center locations, resource provisioning, and demand placements. Drawing from the cloud computing literature, these models are referred to as deployment models. The research formulates a private cloud deployment model selection problem and introduces an established Lagrangian-relaxation-based optimization approach, combined with a novel greedy relieving-pooling heuristic, to facilitate model selection.

Findings

This study identifies the optimal deployment model for a representative instance using real test-bed data from the US, demonstrating the private cloud deployment model selection problem. Various numerical examples are analyzed to explore the influence of environmental parameters. Generally, the virtual PC model is optimal for low demand arrival rates and resource requirements, while the on-premises PC model is preferable for higher values of these parameters. Additionally, the virtual PC model is found to be optimal when enroute latency coefficients are large.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by formulating an optimization problem that integrates performance, financial, and assurance metrics for enterprises. The introduction of a solution approach enables enterprises to make informed decisions regarding ownership and responsibility design. The study effectively bridges the gap between academic research and industry demands from a business perspective.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Wei Chen, Zhuzhang Yang, Hang Yan and Ying Zhao

The construction industry is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous sectors in the world. Despite extensive research on safety management, a critical issue remains that…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous sectors in the world. Despite extensive research on safety management, a critical issue remains that insufficient attention is devoted to safety practices in rural areas. Notably, accidents frequently occur during the construction of rural self-built houses (RSH) in China. Safety management tends to be overlooked due to the perceived simplicity of the construction process. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that China currently lacks comprehensive laws and regulations governing safety management in RSH construction. This paper aims to analyze the behavior of key stakeholders (including households, workmen, rural village committee and the government) and propose recommendations to mitigate safety risks associated with RSH construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies evolutionary game theory to analyze the symbiotic evolution among households, workmen and rural village committee, in situations with or without government participation. Additionally, numerical simulation is utilized to examine the outcomes of various strategies implemented by the government.

Findings

Without government participation, households, workmen, and rural village committee tend to prioritize maximizing apparent benefits, often overlooking the potential safety risks. Numerical simulations reveal that while government involvement can guide these parties towards safer decisions, achieving the desired outcomes necessitates the adoption of reasonable and effective strategies. Thus, the government needs to offer targeted subsidies to these stakeholders.

Originality/value

Considering that during the construction phase, stakeholders are the main administrators accountable for safety management. However, there exists insufficient research examining the impact of stakeholder behavior on RSH construction safety. This study aims to analyze the behavior of stakeholders about how to reduce the safety risks in building RSH. Thus, the authors intend to contribute to knowledge in this area by establishing evolutionary game model. Firstly, this study carried out a theoretical by using tripartite evolutionary game to reveal the reasons for the high safety risk during building RSH. Practically, this research points out the important role of households, workmen and rural village committee in improving safety management in rural areas. Besides, some suggestions are proposed to the government about how to reduce construction safety risks in rural areas.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2024

Chun Liu, Qi Zhao, Dogan Gursoy and Hong Zheng

This study aims to investigate how source attractiveness (including platform credibility, product appeal and streamer attractiveness) and information quality impact viewers’…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how source attractiveness (including platform credibility, product appeal and streamer attractiveness) and information quality impact viewers’ cognition and flow state. Additionally, it examines how these factors influence the development of consumer attitudes and behaviors toward livestreamed tourism shopping, as well as the moderating roles of perceived risk and personal characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mixed-methods research design was used. In addition to a literature review, 15 interviews were conducted to identify measurement items for the subsequent questionnaire survey. Sample 1 (n = 209) was used to refine these measurement items, whereas Sample 2 (n = 227) was used to evaluate the measurement model and test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Findings reveal that source attractiveness (streamer attractiveness, tourism product attractiveness and platform credibility) and information quality significantly influence customers’ behavior formation, with cognition and flow state acting as mediators. Findings further confirm the moderating effect of perceived risk in a livestreamed shopping environment.

Practical implications

The findings provide new insights into how consumers select livestreamed shopping platforms. As viewers assess the credibility and trustworthiness of each component to form their perception of the overall platform’s credibility, companies should market their products through credible platforms, studios and stores with extensive reach. It is also critical to collaborate with streamers who are sincere, trustworthy, knowledgeable and professional. Since perceived risk lowers consumer behavioral intentions, live streamers, platforms and merchants should offer convincing and credible arguments to alleviate viewers’ perceived risks.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on livestreamed shopping by broadening the conceptualization of source attractiveness to include three dimensions: streamer attractiveness, product attractiveness and platform attractiveness. Furthermore, it differentiates itself from existing studies by integrating and adopting multidimensional measurements of cognition (perceived usefulness and ease of use) and flow state (control, enjoyment, curiosity and concentration).

目的

本研究旨在探讨信息源吸引力(平台可信度、产品吸引力和主播吸引力)和信息质量如何影响旅游购物直播观众的认知和心流体验。本研究进一步探讨了这些因素如何影响旅游直播购物消费者的态度与行为。本研究还检验了感知风险和个人特征的调节作用。

设计/方法/途径

采用顺序混合研究方法。基于文献和15次深度访谈确定了问卷调查中使用的测量项目。样本1 (n= 209)用于净化测量项目。样本2 (n= 227)用于评估测量模型并验证假设。

研究发现

信息源吸引力(主播吸引力、旅游产品吸引力和平台可信度)和信息质量显著影响消费者行为, 其中认知和心流起中介作用。研究结果进一步证实了感知风险的调节作用。

实践价值

研究结果为消费者如何选择直播购物平台提供了新的见解。由于观众对每个组成部分的可信度进行评估, 从而形成他们对整个平台可信度的看法, 因此公司应该通过可靠的平台、直播间和具有广泛影响力的店铺来营销他们的产品。与真诚、值得信赖、知识渊博、专业的主播合作也至关重要。由于感知风险会降低消费者的行为意愿, 因此主播、平台和商家应该提供令人信服和可信的论据, 以减轻观众的感知风险。

原创性

本研究将信息源吸引力的概念扩展到三个维度:主播吸引力、产品吸引力和平台可信度, 从而丰富了直播购物相关研究。通过整合并采用认知(感知有用性和感知易用性)和心流体验(控制、愉悦、好奇和沉浸)的多维测量, 本研究进一步区别于现有研究。

Objetivo

Este estudio investiga cómo el atractivo de la fuente (incluida la credibilidad de la plataforma, el atractivo del producto y el atractivo del emisor) y la calidad de la información influyen en la cognición y el estado de flujo de los espectadores. Además, examina cómo influyen estos factores en el desarrollo de las actitudes y los comportamientos de los consumidores hacia las compras turísticas retransmitidas en directo, así como los papeles moderadores del riesgo percibido y las características personales.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se empleó un método de investigación mixto secuencial. Además de una revisión bibliográfica, se realizaron 15 entrevistas para identificar los ítems de medición para la posterior encuesta por cuestionario. La muestra 1 (n = 209) se utilizó para refinar estos ítems de medición, mientras que la muestra 2 (n = 227) se utilizó para evaluar el modelo de medición y probar las hipótesis propuestas.

Resultados

Resultados revelan que el atractivo de la fuente (atractivo del emisor, atractivo del producto turístico y credibilidad de la plataforma) y la calidad de la información influyen significativamente en la formación del comportamiento de los clientes, con la cognición y el estado de flujo actuando como mediadores. Resultados confirman además el efecto moderador del riesgo percibido en el entorno de las compras en directo.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los Resultados aportan nuevos conocimientos sobre cómo seleccionan los consumidores las plataformas de compras en directo. Dado que los espectadores evalúan la credibilidad y la fiabilidad de cada componente para formarse su percepción de la credibilidad global de la plataforma, las empresas deberían comercializar sus productos a través de plataformas, estudios y tiendas creíbles con un amplio alcance. También es fundamental colaborar con streamers que sean sinceros, dignos de confianza, informados y profesionales. Dado que el riesgo percibido disminuye las intenciones de comportamiento de los consumidores, los streamers en directo, las plataformas y los comerciantes deben ofrecer argumentos convincentes y creíbles para aliviar los riesgos percibidos por los espectadores.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio hace avanzar la literatura sobre las compras en directo ampliando la conceptualización del atractivo de la fuente para incluir tres dimensiones: el atractivo del streamer, el atractivo del producto y el atractivo de la plataforma. Además, se diferencia de los estudios existentes al integrar y adoptar mediciones multidimensionales de la cognición (utilidad percibida y facilidad de uso) y el estado de flujo (control, disfrute, curiosidad y concentración).

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Xin Fan, Yongshou Liu, Zongyi Gu and Qin Yao

Ensuring the safety of structures is important. However, when a structure possesses both an implicit performance function and an extremely small failure probability, traditional…

Abstract

Purpose

Ensuring the safety of structures is important. However, when a structure possesses both an implicit performance function and an extremely small failure probability, traditional methods struggle to conduct a reliability analysis. Therefore, this paper proposes a reliability analysis method aimed at enhancing the efficiency of rare event analysis, using the widely recognized Relevant Vector Machine (RVM).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the principles of importance sampling (IS), this paper employs Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) to ascertain the optimal design point. This approach not only guarantees precision but also facilitates the RVM in approximating the limit state surface. When the U learning function, designed for Kriging, is applied to RVM, it results in sample clustering in the design of experiment (DoE). Therefore, this paper proposes a FU learning function, which is more suitable for RVM.

Findings

Three numerical examples and two engineering problem demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Originality/value

By employing the HHO algorithm, this paper innovatively applies RVM in IS reliability analysis, proposing a novel method termed RVM-HIS. The RVM-HIS demonstrates exceptional computational efficiency, making it eminently suitable for rare events reliability analysis with implicit performance function. Moreover, the computational efficiency of RVM-HIS has been significantly enhanced through the improvement of the U learning function.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Monojit Das, V.N.A. Naikan and Subhash Chandra Panja

The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the prediction of cutting tool life. Tool life is typically estimated by predicting the time to reach the threshold flank wear…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the prediction of cutting tool life. Tool life is typically estimated by predicting the time to reach the threshold flank wear width. The cutting tool is a crucial component in any machining process, and its failure affects the manufacturing process adversely. The prediction of cutting tool life by considering several factors that affect tool life is crucial to managing quality, cost, availability and waste in machining processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has undertaken the critical analysis and summarisation of various techniques used in the literature for predicting the life or remaining useful life (RUL) of the cutting tool through monitoring the tool wear, primarily flank wear. The experimental setups that comprise diversified machining processes, including turning, milling, drilling, boring and slotting, are covered in this review.

Findings

Cutting tool life is a stochastic variable. Tool failure depends on various factors, including the type and material of the cutting tool, work material, cutting conditions and machine tool. Thus, the life of the cutting tool for a particular experimental setup must be modelled by considering the cutting parameters.

Originality/value

This submission discusses tool life prediction comprehensively, from monitoring tool wear, primarily flank wear, to modelling tool life, and this type of comprehensive review on cutting tool life prediction has not been reported in the literature till now. The future suggestions provided in this review are expected to provide avenues to solve the unexplored challenges in this field.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2024

Ming-Yang Li, Zong-Hao Jiang and Lei Wang

The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze the dynamics of the government-enterprise grain joint storage mechanism, particularly, focusing on profit-driven speculative…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze the dynamics of the government-enterprise grain joint storage mechanism, particularly, focusing on profit-driven speculative behaviors exhibited by enterprises within this context. The study aims to understand the various factors influencing the behavior of stakeholders involved in grain storage, including government storage departments, agent storage enterprises and quality inspection agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a tripartite evolutionary game model to investigate profit-driven behaviors in government-enterprise grain joint storage. It analyzes strategies of government departments, storage enterprises and quality inspection agencies, considering factors like supervision costs and speculative risks. Simulation analysis examines tripartite payoffs, initial probabilities and the impact of digital governance levels to enhance emergency grain storage effectiveness.

Findings

The study finds that leveraging digital governance tools in government-enterprise grain joint storage mechanisms can mitigate risks, enhance efficiency and ensure the security of grain storage. It highlights the significant impact of supervision costs, speculative risks and digital supervision levels on stakeholder strategies, offering guidance to improve the effectiveness of emergency grain storage systems.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its integration of digital governance tools into the analysis of the government-enterprise grain joint storage mechanism, addressing profit-driven speculative behaviors. Through a tripartite evolutionary game model, it explores stakeholder strategies, emphasizing the impact of digital supervision levels on outcomes and offering insights crucial for enhancing emergency grain storage effectiveness.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2024

Xiaowei An, Sicheng Ren, Lunyan Wang and Yehui Huang

The purpose of this paper is to explore the support for multi-party collaboration in project construction provided by building information modeling (BIM). Based on the perspective…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the support for multi-party collaboration in project construction provided by building information modeling (BIM). Based on the perspective of value co-creation, the research results can provide support for the collaborative application and contract design of BIM platform.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an evolutionary game model involving the owner, designer and constructor is constructed by using prospect theory and evolutionary game theory. Through simulation analysis, the evolution law of the strategy choice of each party in the collaborative application of BIM platform is discussed and the key factors affecting the strategy choice of all parties are analyzed.

Findings

The results show that there is an ideal local equilibrium point with progressive stability in the evolutionary game between the three parties: “the construction party shares information, the designer receives the information and optimizes the project and the owner does not provide incentives”; in addition, the opportunistic behaviors of the design and construction parties, as well as the probability of such behaviors being detected and the subsequent punishment have a significant impact on the evolutionary outcome.

Originality/value

This method can provide support for the collaborative application and contract design of BIM platform.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000