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1 – 10 of over 2000Rameshkumar Subramanian, T.P. Arjun and K.A. Ashique Ali
Personal financial management is gaining momentum in modern society, as it plays a vital role in shaping the financial behaviour of people looking forward to adequate financial…
Abstract
Personal financial management is gaining momentum in modern society, as it plays a vital role in shaping the financial behaviour of people looking forward to adequate financial well-being. Hence, people in general and the weaker sections of society in particular are expected to show desirable financial behaviour for achieving individual as well as societal well-being. The present study investigates the impact of socio-economic characteristics on the financial behaviour of migrant workers who have migrated to the state of Tamil Nadu. The primary data were collected using the interview schedule from 200 migrant workers selected using the snowball sampling technique. The results show that migrant workers have mediocre financial behaviour. Furthermore, it is also found that migrant workers’ financial behaviour is not influenced by their socio-economic characteristics, such as gender, age, marital status, family type, and family income. However, the level of education has a significant positive role in shaping the financial behaviour of the migrant workers. The study outlines the need for specially engineered financial education for migrant workers.
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Ryley McConkey, Nikhila Kalia, Eugene Yee and Fue-Sang Lien
Industrial simulations of turbulent flows often rely on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models, which contain numerous closure coefficients that need to be…
Abstract
Purpose
Industrial simulations of turbulent flows often rely on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models, which contain numerous closure coefficients that need to be calibrated. This paper aims to address this issue by proposing a semi-automated calibration of these coefficients using a new framework (referred to as turbo-RANS) based on Bayesian optimization.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors introduce the generalized error and default coefficient preference (GEDCP) objective function, which can be used with integral, sparse or dense reference data for the purpose of calibrating RANS turbulence closure model coefficients. Then, the authors describe a Bayesian optimization-based algorithm for conducting the calibration of these model coefficients. An in-depth hyperparameter tuning study is conducted to recommend efficient settings for the turbo-RANS optimization procedure.
Findings
The authors demonstrate that the performance of the k-ω shear stress transport (SST) and generalized k-ω (GEKO) turbulence models can be efficiently improved via turbo-RANS, for three example cases: predicting the lift coefficient of an airfoil; predicting the velocity and turbulent kinetic energy fields for a separated flow; and, predicting the wall pressure coefficient distribution for flow through a converging-diverging channel.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first to propose and provide an open-source black-box calibration procedure for turbulence model coefficients based on Bayesian optimization. The authors propose a data-flexible objective function for the calibration target. The open-source implementation of the turbo-RANS framework includes OpenFOAM, Ansys Fluent, STAR-CCM+ and solver-agnostic templates for user application.
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Teng Ma and Kexin Zhao
The use of digital technology is crucial for building resilience and shaping competitive advantages in project-based organizations (PBOs). The purpose of this study is to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of digital technology is crucial for building resilience and shaping competitive advantages in project-based organizations (PBOs). The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of digital elements on organizational resilience and resilience enhancement paths in PBOs represented by the construction industry in the context of digitization.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses multivalue-set qualitative comparative analysis (mvQCA). First, we collect digitization keywords from the annual reports of PBOs in the construction industry and classify them as process digitization, digital technology application and production intelligence while also considering word frequency statistics as antecedent conditions. Second, through a literature review and the use of the data collected, we define organizational resilience as the ability of organizations to defend, resist, recover and develop. Then, we use the mvQCA approach to examine how digital antecedent variables collectively advance PBO resilience.
Findings
By collecting data on 79 listed Chinese construction companies and utilizing mvQCA, we identify five combinations of conditions that produce high levels of organizational resilience, and the solution coverage is 1. These methods are (1) digital technology application-oriented, (2) process digitalization-oriented, (3) digitized multifactor coupling, (4) process digitization and digital technology application-driven and (5) process digitalization and production intelligence-driven.
Originality/value
These findings have important theoretical and practical implications for revealing the digital-driven path to high levels of PBO resilience. In theory, this study enriches the research on organizational resilience and expands the application scope of organizational resilience theory and the QCA method. Furthermore, this study provides new ways and ideas for PBOs to effectively integrate and utilize internal and external digital resources to increase their levels of organizational resilience.
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Kryzelle M. Atienza, Apollo E. Malabanan, Ariel Miguel M. Aragoncillo, Carmina B. Borja, Marish S. Madlangbayan and Emel Ken D. Benito
Existing deterministic models that predict the capacity of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams have limited applicability because they were based on accelerated tests that…
Abstract
Purpose
Existing deterministic models that predict the capacity of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams have limited applicability because they were based on accelerated tests that induce general corrosion. This research gap was addressed by performing a combined numerical and statistical analysis on RC beams, subjected to natural corrosion, to achieve a much better forecast.
Design/methodology/approach
Data of 42 naturally corroded beams were collected from the literature and analyzed numerically. Four constitutive models and their combinations were considered: the elastic-semi-plastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic models for steel, and two tensile models for concrete with and without the post-cracking stresses. Meanwhile, Popovics’ model was used to describe the behavior of concrete under compression. Corrosion coefficients were developed as functions of corrosion degree and beam parameters through linear regression analysis to fit the theoretical moment capacities with test data. The performance of the coefficients derived from different combinations of constitutive laws was then compared and validated.
Findings
The results showed that the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.90) was achieved when the tensile response of concrete was modeled without the residual stresses after cracking and the steel was analyzed as an elastic-perfectly-plastic material. The proposed procedure and regression model also showed reasonable agreement with experimental data, even performing better than the current models derived from accelerated tests and traditional procedures.
Originality/value
This study presents a simple but reliable approach for quantifying the capacity of RC beams under more realistic conditions than previously reported. This method is simple and requires only a few variables to be employed. Civil engineers can use it to obtain a quick and rough estimate of the structural condition of corroding RC beams.
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Chee Hua Chin, Jacqueline Wei-Chi Wong and Wei Chiang Chan
This study aims to propose a research framework grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the new service experiences in the medical industry through examining…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose a research framework grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the new service experiences in the medical industry through examining the intention to use online-to-offline (O2O) medical platforms. It focuses on the connections between immediacy of connection, context-based affordability, reliability and perceived convenience and perceived usefulness. This study also looks at how these determinants affect users’ intentions to use O2O medical platforms, with a particular emphasis on the moderating effect of customer online reviews.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was a quantitative research endeavour grounded in the TAM model that analysed usage intention of O2O medical platforms. Conducted in Sarawak, within the Borneo region, a total of 251 rows of data were collected by questionnaire and underwent initial analysis using SPSS, followed by a more in-depth two-stage partial least squares structural equation model analysis conducted with SmartPLS4.
Findings
According to this study’s findings, perceived usefulness and perceived convenience are significantly impacted by the proposed predictors – immediacy of connection, context-based affordability and reliability. Furthermore, intention to use O2O medical platforms was discovered to have a positive and significant impact from perceived usefulness and perceived convenience. It is noteworthy that the association among perceived convenience and perceived usefulness – which leads to usage intention of O2O medical platforms – did not show the moderating effect of customer online reviews.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggested that context-based affordability, immediacy of connection and reliability need to be focused on by the information and communication technology developers, policymakers and medical professionals, as these variables can influence perceived convenience and usefulness, which will further impact the intention to use O2O medical platforms.
Originality/value
The formulated research framework holds significance in comprehending the usage intention of O2O medical platforms among consumers in Sarawak. O2O medical platforms have experienced global growth; however, limited studies were found in the Malaysian context. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the intention to use O2O medical platforms in a relatively understudied area, specifically in Sarawak, an island located in Borneo, Malaysia.
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Jovito Jose P. Katigbak and April Joy E. Dopeño
Informality in the tourism sector of the Philippines is a pervasive phenomenon, yet only few studies have explored the former's contribution to the latter, especially at the local…
Abstract
Informality in the tourism sector of the Philippines is a pervasive phenomenon, yet only few studies have explored the former's contribution to the latter, especially at the local level. Hence, this chapter utilizes a tourism value chain model developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Directorate-General for Development and Cooperation (DEVCO) to determine the presence and examine the role of the informal sector in various spheres of Binondo's tourism industry. Findings reveal that informality is thriving in the areas of transportation, food and beverage, handicraft, leisure, excursion, tours, and support services. Conversely, they are inexistent or less visible in the accommodation and tourism assets in destination segments. Moreover, the fragmented tourism value chain of Binondo is heavily shaped by three primary challenges, namely, difference in perception between decision-makers and economic actors, resistance to change by the informal sector, and lack of relevant data to support evidence-based policymaking. To address these issues, the local government of Manila City may hence consider the following policy options: (i) mainstream a “whole-of-locality” approach, (ii) conduct an industry mapping of Binondo's tourism value chain, (iii) facilitate linkages between formal and informal businesses, (iv) develop shared infrastructure and extend capacity-building to the informal sector, and (v) employ a regulatory sandbox approach.
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Shenbei Zhou, Wudie Atinaf Tiruneh and Moges Assefa Legese
This research looks at the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance, considering the immediate mutual interaction and the potential…
Abstract
Purpose
This research looks at the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance, considering the immediate mutual interaction and the potential mediation of specific variables like green innovation and green human resource management (GHRM).
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares path modeling was used to investigate a sample of 460 respondents in multinational textile manufacturing companies in Ethiopia.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal a direct and positive relationship between CSR and environmental performance. In addition, the researchers observed an indirect effect on the relationship by using GHRM and green innovation as mediators.
Research limitations/implications
The study applied a cross-sectional methodology, and experts are not sure that CSR, GHRM, and green innovation in Textile manufacturing companies provide the same results over time. Consequently, future researchers can utilize the same method of investigation to see if outcomes change or stay the same over time. Second the study was conducted in Ethiopia. As a resut, it is possible that our study results will not be generalizable to other emerging nations. We propose expanding research to include more nations with developing markets.
Practical implications
Executives of textile manufacturing companies can adopt the present study framework of performance in developing economies to reduce waste, pollution and air emissions, and conserve water, energy and nonrenewable resources that enhance environmental performance.
Originality/value
The discovery of the present research makes significant contributions to the literature on the impact of CSR on environmental performance as a pioneering study by incorporating CSR, GHRM, green innovation and environmental performance under one research model in an emerging economy context.
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Zifeng Wang, Zhiyuan Ning and Fei Wu
The purpose of this study is to provide evidence that government financing behavior has an impact on the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) of enterprises.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide evidence that government financing behavior has an impact on the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) of enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses debt data from local government financing vehicles to measure the local government debt in China. Based on the data of listed manufacturing firms in China from 2010 to 2018, this paper uses the Tobit model to verify the impact of local government debt and firms' OFDI.
Findings
The results indicate that local government debt impedes firms' OFDI, with a more pronounced impact on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and those with higher political connections. Furthermore, our study suggests that the dampening effect of local governments on firms' OFDI is mitigated in regions following the implementation of the Local Government Debt Management Act.
Originality/value
This study verifies the negative impact of local government debt activity on firms' overseas investments. This is not due to debt crowding out, but rather to the fact that local governments prefer to keep resources locally to stimulate the economy. This paper offers novel insights into the theoretical mechanisms by which local government behavior influences firms' investment activities in emerging markets.
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Jingjing Sun, Ziming Zeng, Tingting Li and Shouqiang Sun
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a major public health emergency worldwide. How to effectively guide public opinion and implement precise prevention and control is a hot topic…
Abstract
Purpose
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a major public health emergency worldwide. How to effectively guide public opinion and implement precise prevention and control is a hot topic in current research. Mining the spatiotemporal coupling between online public opinion and offline epidemics can provide decision support for the precise management and control of future emergencies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on analyzing the spatiotemporal coupling relationship between public opinion and the epidemic. First, based on Weibo information and confirmed case information, a field framework is constructed using field theory. Second, SnowNLP is used for sentiment mining and LDA is utilized for topic extraction to analyze the topic evolution and the sentiment evolution of public opinion in each coupling stage. Finally, the spatial model is used to explore the coupling relationship between public opinion and the epidemic in space.
Findings
The findings show that there is a certain coupling between online public opinion sentiment and offline epidemics, with a significant coupling relationship in the time dimension, while there is no remarkable coupling relationship in space. In addition, the core topics of public concern are different at different coupling stages.
Originality/value
This study deeply explores the spatiotemporal coupling relationship between online public opinion and offline epidemics, adding a new research perspective to related research. The result can help the government and relevant departments understand the dynamic development of epidemic events and achieve precise control while mastering the dynamics of online public opinion.
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Fernando Kaname Westphal, Paulo Roberto Feldmann and Valdete de Oliveira Mrtvi
This study aims to investigate the role of interfirm communication on the complementary effect between corporate political action (CPA) and research and development (R&D…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the role of interfirm communication on the complementary effect between corporate political action (CPA) and research and development (R&D) investments under transaction costs.
Design/methodology/approach
A quasi-experiment study design was used, combining business game simulation and a public goods experiment with communication as a controlled variable. A fixed-effect regression analysis was performed on panel data collected from 72 students.
Findings
The findings indicate that collective CPA is positively and significantly associated with R&D investments, particularly when interfirm communication is present. Conversely, for non-communicating firms, the effect is limited to the relationship between individual CPA and R&D investment.
Research limitations/implications
Despite advancing the research on political ties and innovation, the study acknowledges limitations related to framing effects and institutional variability.
Practical implications
The complementary effects indicate that institutional arrangements (i.e. business associations) may foster interfirm communication and cooperation in CPA efforts, mitigating opportunistic behaviours and legitimising CPA strategy towards innovation.
Social implications
This study contributes to understanding how firms’ political and R&D decisions can positively impact innovation, despite the challenges of ex post transaction costs.
Originality/value
The positive effect of communication on political action and cooperation on firms’ innovation, even in weak institutional environments, is highlighted. An innovative methodological approach combining business games and economic experiments was used to examine participants’ decisions under transaction costs.
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