Search results
1 – 8 of 8Xiaoxiao 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.
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
Keywords
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
Keywords
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
Keywords
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
Keywords
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
Keywords
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
Keywords
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
Keywords
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