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Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Xiaoxiao Qiu, Shuaitong Liang, Shujia Wang, Shen Qian, Hongjuan Zhang, Xue Mei Ding and Jiping Wang

This paper explores what factors influence household textile washing behaviour and how these factors relate to greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use stage.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores what factors influence household textile washing behaviour and how these factors relate to greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use stage.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey related to textile summer washing and care behavior was conducted among households in 16 administrative districts of Shanghai. This study used the modified Consumer Lifestyle Approach framework of the washing and care ecosystem. The research hypotheses were established by selecting related factors from four aspects: household demographic characteristics, economy and consumption characteristics, washing machines and detergents characteristics.

Findings

First, we have demonstrated how some course factors do not significantly affect greenhouse emissions. None of the demographics, detergent-related activities, economy and consumption constructs significantly affect greenhouse emissions. Second, we have identified that washing machine and related activities has a direct positive effect on GHG emissions. The washing machine is not only the de facto carrier of all washing activities but also the core of washing activities. Washing machine is crucial in reducing greenhouse emissions and adjusting consumer behaviors.

Originality/value

This paper conducts a study related to the washing and care behavior of households in Shanghai. The paper examines the factors influencing household washing behavior and the relationship between these factors and greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use phase.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2022

Heshu Huang, Jiping Zhang, Ji Yan, Yu Gong and Liukai Wang

The purpose of this research is to investigate the R&D investment (RDI) of manufacturing firms from the perspective of supply chain network, especially the effect of firms' supply…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the R&D investment (RDI) of manufacturing firms from the perspective of supply chain network, especially the effect of firms' supply chain network structures (network power and network cohesion) on its RDI, and further to explore the contingency conditions of this effect within the context of Chinese manufacturing supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect a large sample of Chinese manufacturing firms over the period 2014–2019 and construct a large-scale supply chain network, and finally obtain 2,390 firms from 20,483 observations. Ordinary least squares regression was adopted to analyse how supply chain network structures affect RDI in manufacturing firms.

Findings

It is surprising that firm's supply chain network structures have a negative effect on RDI. In addition, knowledge and technology intensity (KTI) positively moderate the relationship between network cohesion and RDI.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the innovation stream from the perspectives of supply chain network, and provides the empirical findings that the negative role of a firm's supply chain network structure on its RDI for the first time. The rationale for these negative effects is straightforward according to the social capital theory that manufacturing firms with a high level of social capital that are possibly to accept established patterns of thinking and behaviour, causing them to decrease the enthusiasm of RDI.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2024

Wenfan Su, Zhifeng Gao, Songhan Li and Jiping Sheng

The study aims to investigate consumer preferences across 25 attributes of plant-based milk (PBM) products and examine the key predictors and underlying mechanisms of consumer…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to investigate consumer preferences across 25 attributes of plant-based milk (PBM) products and examine the key predictors and underlying mechanisms of consumer purchase decisions of PBM alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a multidimensional approach to investigate consumer preferences and the determinants of PBM purchasing decisions. Drawing on data from 819 online surveys conducted in the Jing-Jin-Ji region of China in 2021, we measured consumer preferences across 25 specific attributes and other individual characteristics. Purchasing decisions were framed as a two-stage process – the decision to purchase (frequency) and the decision on how much to pay (WTP). The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) model was utilized to examine these dimensions separately, and the selected predictors were incorporated into OLS linear and Heckman’s two-stage regression analyses to establish the underlying mechanisms.

Findings

The findings indicate that consumers exhibit a strong preference for freshness and the absence of spoilage, followed by taste experiences such as taste and aroma. Preferences for milk preservation significantly increase the purchase frequency of PBM, while preference for calorie content has a negative and significant impact. Preferences for milk preservation, aroma and processing methods can also significantly increase WTP. Preferences vary across PBM categories. Social influence, knowledge and advertising exposure positively impact purchase frequency and WTP. Consumers with low food neophobia tend to be more responsive to product-related factors, such as freshness, calorie content and processing methods, in their purchase decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by comprehensively examining the determinants of consumer purchase decisions for PBM alternatives. The findings provide practical implications for marketers and policymakers, highlighting the strategic product attributes, consumer segments and marketing levers that can effectively target and cater to consumer preferences for PBM alternatives.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Jiping Niu, Salih Zeki Ozdemir and Young Un Kim

The timeliness and quality of information provided to board members are crucial for them to effectively monitor and advise a firm. This study examines the influence of board…

Abstract

Purpose

The timeliness and quality of information provided to board members are crucial for them to effectively monitor and advise a firm. This study examines the influence of board composition and structure on (1) the board’s actions to mitigate the information asymmetry problem by implementing enterprise information systems (EIS) and (2) the board of directors’ awareness of information asymmetry, their perception of its causes and their efforts to address it.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research employs a mixed-methods approach. First, using data from 115 publicly listed Chinese companies, we empirically assess the likelihood of top-level EIS modules adoption at the firm level. Subsequently, through 23 semi-structured interviews, we aim to gain deeper insights into the behavioral motivations behind directors’ attempts to reduce information asymmetry.

Findings

The study reveals that boards with a higher number of independent directors or with a strategy committee – indicative of a greater concern regarding information asymmetry problems – are more inclined to adopt top-level EIS modules. Additionally, we identify three primary sources of information asymmetry that directors consider significant in prompting the adoption of top-level EIS modules to alleviate perceived information asymmetry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both the corporate governance and information systems literature. The implementation and utilization of EIS at the board level have not been extensively explored previously. Moreover, while the issue of information asymmetry at the board level is recognized as a critical governance challenge, the ways in which directors perceive and address this issue remain largely unknown. Our research seeks to illuminate this relatively less-explored area.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 11 July 2024

Susan Grantham and Manolo Iachizzi

This study aimed to realign the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) curriculum at an Australian university with communication industry standards and student career goals. It proposes…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to realign the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) curriculum at an Australian university with communication industry standards and student career goals. It proposes practical suggestions for a third-year communications studies WIL course that will effectively prepare students for professional success by integrating insights from industry and students.

Design/methodology/approach

It analyses free-text feedback from student experience of course surveys (n = 20), semi-structured interviews with industry partners (n = 8), and conducts a detailed review of existing WIL course materials. Drawing from the Employability Capital Growth Model (ECGM) as a theoretical framework, the study explores the findings for links to capital.

Findings

The findings emphasise the need for WIL programs to better align with the industry’s evolving demands, incorporating practical, real-world experiences to enhance skill development and workforce readiness. Feedback from students and industry partners aligns with the ECGM framework and underscores the importance of integrating coaching and mentoring into the curriculum to support employability. Based on these insights, an integrated set of practical suggestions is presented.

Originality/value

This project fills a gap in WIL scholarship by focussing on a communication studies environment, ensuring it aligns with industry demands while prioritising student engagement. By ethically involving industry partners and integrating student feedback, the suggestions set out a curriculum that is both current and resonates with learner experience and career readiness. It bridges the academic-professional divide, preparing students as confident, skilled professionals ready to enter the workforce.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Haibo Xu, Ahmad Albattat, Jeong Chun Phuoc and Baogui Wang

The purpose of this study is that the teaching style of college physical education (PE) teachers affects the establishment of college students' exercise habits.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is that the teaching style of college physical education (PE) teachers affects the establishment of college students' exercise habits.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the teaching style scale for 32 PE teachers and the autonomic motivation and exercise habits scale for 320 college students in the form of self-report.

Findings

Chinese college PE teachers mainly use the teacher-centered reproduction style, and the practice style is the most frequently used; The overall teaching style of college PE teachers was significantly negatively correlated with autonomous motivation and exercise habits. PE teachers' teaching style can negatively affect college students' autonomous motivation, and college students' autonomous motivation can positively affect their exercise habits.

Originality/value

There is a significant negative correlation between the teaching style of college PE teachers and the exercise habits of college students. However, it cannot directly affect the establishment of college students' exercise habits, but is achieved through the mediating role of college students' autonomous motivation.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Robin Thomas, Laurent Gerbaud, Herve Chazal and Lauric Garbuio

This paper aims to describe a modelling and solving methodology of a (static converter–electric motor–control) system for its sizing by optimization, considering the dynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a modelling and solving methodology of a (static converter–electric motor–control) system for its sizing by optimization, considering the dynamic thermal heating of the machine.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrical drive sizing model is composed of two simulators (electrical and thermal) that are co-simulated with a master−slave relationship for the time step management. The computation is stopped according to simulation criteria.

Findings

This paper details a methodology to represent and size an electrical drive using a multiphysics and multidynamics approach. The thermal simulator is the master and calls the electrical system simulator at a fixed exchange time step. The two simulators use a dedicated dynamic time solver with adaptive time step and event management. The simulation automatically stops on pre-established criteria, avoiding useless simulations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper aims to present a generic methodology for the sizing by optimization of electrical drives with a multiphysics approach, so the precision and computation time highly depend on the modelling method of each components. A genetic multiobjective optimization algorithm is used.

Practical implications

The methodology can be applied to size electrical drives operating in a thermally limited zone. The power electronics converter and electrical machine can be easily adapted by modifying their sub-model, without impacting the global model and simulation principle.

Originality/value

The approach enables to compute a maximum operating duration before reaching thermal limits and to use it as an optimization constraint. These system considerations allow to over constrain the electrical machine, enabling to size a smaller machine while guaranteeing the same output performances.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Daniel Sidney Fussy

This article reports on a study that explored how the Tanzanian government can support the development of research-intensive universities in its higher education system.

Abstract

Purpose

This article reports on a study that explored how the Tanzanian government can support the development of research-intensive universities in its higher education system.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through document analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews with participants obtained from national higher education departments, senior university leadership offices and academic staff in both public and private universities.

Findings

The study identified four essential systemic elements for developing research-intensive universities (RIUs): diversification of universities based on their core functions, allocation of financial resources according to research performance, relaxation of university governing systems and accrediting universities based on research outcomes.

Practical implications

The study identified essential systemic elements that could address the issue of developing RIUs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These elements present a potential solution for developing a diverse higher education system capable of sustaining RIUs, offering opportunities to produce innovative knowledge, develop diverse skills and meet the needs of a range of students, employers and businesses.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of knowledge on how LMICs can develop well-functioning RIUs. The study also contributes to the ongoing debates among higher education stakeholders, including governments, academics, students and the community, on the changing dynamics of higher education and its role in national and regional development.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

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