Stuart Cooper and Suzana Grubnic
The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability in a public services context.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability in a public services context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents a case study of the impact of the Health and Social Care Act (2012) on the practices of Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) members. It draws upon multiple data sources, including in-depth interviews with the members, comprehensive archival data published by the HWB (2011–2019), and observations of HWB public meetings. We utilise the concept of dynamic duality (Li, 2008) to further theorise the relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability and how they mutually transform one another.
Findings
The case illustrates the role of formal and non-formal processes of accountability at a HWB in England. Moreover, the case study reveals the relationship and interaction between the formal and non-formal accountability processes and how they change and transform each other over time. We find that whilst non-formal accountability processes were strengthened by a historical legacy of partnership working, over time the dynamics at play led to the development of formal accountability processes through more sophisticated performance systems, which in turn transformed non-formal accountability processes.
Originality/value
The paper presents a more holistic conceptualisation than articulated in prior accountability literature, dynamic duality, on the relationship between formal and non-formal accountability processes. Through application of this conceptualisation to a HWB in England, the paper spotlights the inter-relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability, and how they have the potential to transform each over an extended time-period.
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Xiaojun Chu and Yating Gu
This paper aims to enhance the predictability of stock returns. Existing studies have used investor sentiment to forecast stock returns. However, it is unclear whether…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to enhance the predictability of stock returns. Existing studies have used investor sentiment to forecast stock returns. However, it is unclear whether high-frequency intraday investor sentiment can enhance the forecasting performance of low-frequency stock returns.
Design/methodology/approach
Thus, we employ the MIDAS model and the high-frequency intraday sentiment extracted from the Internet stock forum to forecast Chinese A-shares returns at daily frequency.
Findings
The results illustrate that high-frequency sentiment data are better than daily sentiment data in predicting daily stock returns, and the sentiment in non-trading hours has been proved superior to those in trading hours.
Originality/value
First, our study adds to the growing literature on investor sentiment. We are the first to construct a proxy for high-frequency investor sentiment using intraday postings collected from Chinese Internet stock forum. Second, we confirm that sentiment in non-trading hours has a stronger predictive ability than those in trading hours. Third, we also contribute to the performance comparison of MIDAS-class models. The good performance of U-MIDAS is confirmed in our empirical applications.
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Enhui Yan, Jianlin Wu and Jibao Gu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how complementors’ marketing capability and technology capability affect their performance. Drawing on social capital theory, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how complementors’ marketing capability and technology capability affect their performance. Drawing on social capital theory, the authors examine platform network centrality as a mediator and platform reputation as a moderator of the relationships between these two capabilities and complementor performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collects data by questionnaire from 154 Chinese firms adopting e-commerce platforms. Hierarchical multiple regression is used to test the hypotheses of this study.
Findings
This study finds that complementors’ marketing capability and technology capability positively affect performance by increasing their platform network centrality. Moreover, platform reputation positively moderates the relationship between platform network centrality and complementor performance, and it strengthens the mediating role of platform network centrality.
Originality/value
This paper emphasizes the critical role of marketing capability and technology capability on complementor performance. It explores the improvement path of complementor performance from the perspective of network position, which is a key element for complementors to effectively leverage their capabilities to build competitive advantage.
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This study aims to investigate patterns of information use among undergraduate engineers as they progress through their academic programs. The primary objective was to discern how…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate patterns of information use among undergraduate engineers as they progress through their academic programs. The primary objective was to discern how second and fourth-year students differ in their use of different types of information while performing specific tasks, namely, conducting labs, composing reports and undertaking projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used an online questionnaire to collect data, focusing on the comparative analysis of second and fourth-year engineering students’ information use. The analytical framework comprised a chi-square test, residual analysis and exploratory data analysis, for evaluating statistical significance and identifying trends over time.
Findings
The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in information use between second and fourth year undergraduates. Notably, fourth year students exhibited a preference for disciplinary genres, such as journal articles, patents and technical reports. This coincided with a decline in fourth year students’ use of educational genres, including textbooks and instructors’ handouts, notes and slides. These shifts in information use were observed consistently across all three tasks.
Originality/value
The uniqueness of the study resides in its innovative approach to exploring information use by investigating the relationship between genres and tasks over the course of students’ academic programs. The research introduces a novel approach for visualizing changes in information use. By describing the evolving preferences of undergraduate students from novice to emerging professional, this study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced ways in which information is used throughout the levels of engineering education.
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Lei Zhu, Jinting Sun, Lina Zhang, Jing Du, Dezhi Li and Xianbo Zhao
It is a complex and dynamic process to provide high-quality rural infrastructure. However, there lacks a holistic performance evaluation method for rural infrastructure provision…
Abstract
Purpose
It is a complex and dynamic process to provide high-quality rural infrastructure. However, there lacks a holistic performance evaluation method for rural infrastructure provision that reflects changing rural social needs and takes a village as a whole. This study aims to develop a holistic and dynamic performance evaluation model for rural infrastructure in Mainland China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study established an evaluation index system by combining the lifecycle theory and the economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity (4E) theory. This study developed an evaluation model by using the analytic network process (ANP) and matter-element analysis theory (MEAT). The model was validated by two representative villages in Mainland China.
Findings
The developed model can reflect dynamic social needs and effectively evaluate the overall infrastructure provision performance of a village. The weight of indicators reflects the changes in Mainland China’s contemporary rural social needs, with particular emphasis on the impact and output performance. The evaluation result shows that the overall performance of the representative villages was excellent but had a tendency toward good. Although the output performance was excellent, different input, process and impact performances resulted in different downgrade trends.
Originality/value
This study provides a theoretical basis for disaggregating the complex issue of the performance of rural infrastructure provision. The results can be used by relevant authorities to make a holistic and dynamic evaluation of the performance of rural infrastructure provision and timely revise planning and management policies.
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Hazwani Shafei, Rahimi A. Rahman, Yong Siang Lee and Che Khairil Izam Che Ibrahim
Amid rapid technological progress, the construction industry is embracing Construction 4.0, redefining work practices through emerging technologies. However, the implications of…
Abstract
Purpose
Amid rapid technological progress, the construction industry is embracing Construction 4.0, redefining work practices through emerging technologies. However, the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies to enhancing well-being are still poorly understood. Particularly, the challenge lies in selecting technologies that critically contribute to well-being enhancement. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies to enhancing well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
A list of Construction 4.0 technologies was identified from a national strategic plan on Construction 4.0, using Malaysia as a case study. Fourteen construction industry experts were selected to evaluate the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies on well-being using fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The expert judgment was measured using linguistic variables that were transformed into fuzzy values. Then, the collected data was analyzed using the following analyses: fuzzy TOPSIS, Pareto, normalization, sensitivity, ranking performance and correlation.
Findings
Six Construction 4.0 technologies are critical to enhancing well-being: cloud & real-time collaboration, big data & predictive analytics, Internet of Things, building information modeling, autonomous construction and augmented reality & virtualization. In addition, artificial intelligence and advanced building materials are recommended to be implemented simultaneously as a very strong correlation exists between them.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study lies in a comprehensive understanding of the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies to enhancing well-being. The findings can assist researchers, industry practitioners and policymakers in making well-informed decisions to select Construction 4.0 technologies when targeting the enhancement of the overall well-being of the local construction industry.
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Jolanta Walas-Trębacz, Joanna Krzyżak, Agnieszka Herdan, Djoko Budiyanto Setyohadi, Josephine Selle Jeyanathan and Anish Nair
This article presents findings on the relationship between social interactions in remote learning environments and the perceived effectiveness of remote learning. Specifically, it…
Abstract
Purpose
This article presents findings on the relationship between social interactions in remote learning environments and the perceived effectiveness of remote learning. Specifically, it examines the impact of teacher-student interactions and student-student interactions on perceived effectiveness of remote learning, with a focus on how students’ attitudes towards remote education mediate this relationship. Additionally, it explores the moderating effects of cultural context and study form (full-time vs part-time) on these dynamics.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research design was used, employing a structured survey questionnaire to collect data from a diverse group of students from Poland, India, Indonesia and the UK. The study involved 1,883 students and analysed the data using statistical methods to assess both mediation and moderation effects. The study employed data obtained from a survey of universities in four countries conducted between 2021 and 2022.
Findings
The results emphasise the significant influence of both teacher-student and student-student interactions on students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of remote learning. Positive attitudes towards remote learning were found to mediate this relationship, amplifying the beneficial effects of social interaction. Furthermore, the study reveals that cultural context and study form moderate these relationships, with varying impacts observed across different cultural backgrounds and study arrangements. The study has implications for theory, research, policy implementation and practice in improving education programs.
Research limitations/implications
The comparative analysis included only four countries, which may have affected the overall representativeness of the results. Because the study is limited to students from Poland, India, Indonesia and the UK, the findings may not fully capture the diversity of remote learning experiences across other cultural and socioeconomic contexts. As a result, there may be challenges in generalising these findings to all higher education settings globally. Future research is recommended to include a more extensive sample from additional countries and regions to validate the current results and enhance their generalisability. Therefore, it is worth continuing research in this area, considering more countries and potential moderating factors.
Originality/value
This research contributes original insights into the dynamics of remote learning during a global crisis, offering an understanding of how social interactions, student attitudes and contextual factors shape perceived effectiveness. These findings provide critical guidance for educators, policymakers and institutions seeking to optimise remote education strategies in diverse cultural and educational settings.
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Jinqiang Zhu, Lu Xin and Mengyi Li
This study aimed to investigate the underlying boundary conditions under which boundary-spanning behaviour has a positive or negative effect on innovative behaviour.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the underlying boundary conditions under which boundary-spanning behaviour has a positive or negative effect on innovative behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-wave and multi-source research design was adopted to collect data. Data were analysed using the multilevel structural equation modelling and latent moderated structural equation approach.
Findings
The results showed that boundary-spanning behaviour was significantly and negatively associated with employees' innovative behaviour via ego depletion when employees' intrinsic motivation or organisational support was low. Additionally, boundary-spanning behaviour was significantly and positively associated with employees' innovative behaviour via ego depletion when employees' intrinsic motivation or organisational support was high.
Originality/value
This research suggests that the consequences of boundary-spanning behaviour are conditional, explaining the contrasting conclusions in this regard.
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Lin Zhang, Jinyu Wang, Xin Wang and Yingju Gao
Based on the perspective of knowledge management, this study aims to discuss how to build cross-city emergency management collaboration mechanism in major emergencies and explore…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the perspective of knowledge management, this study aims to discuss how to build cross-city emergency management collaboration mechanism in major emergencies and explore the important role of knowledge management in emergency management collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theoretical analysis of knowledge management and the typical case study of cross-city emergency management collaborative rescue, this study provides an in-depth analysis of how these cities achieve high emergency management performance through multidimensional and multilevel knowledge collaboration, thus revealing the mechanism of knowledge transfer, integration and sharing in achieving high emergency management performance.
Findings
Through analyzing typical cases, this study finds that building a smooth mechanism for multichannel emergency rescue information can promote the diversification of knowledge transfer methods, building a platform-based integration mechanism for emergency rescue information can enhance knowledge integration capabilities and building a linkage mechanism for emergency rescue materials between cities can promote knowledge-sharing level, thereby improving emergency management performance level.
Research limitations/implications
This study has great significance for how to build cross-city emergency management collaboration mechanism in the digital era. In the future, the authors need to further discuss the following two aspects in depth: research on the impact of cross-city emergency management collaboration mechanism on improving the knowledge management capabilities of government emergency management departments; and research on the impact mechanism of knowledge management capabilities on city resilience.
Originality/value
Through case analysis of cross-city emergency management collaborative rescue for major emergencies in China in recent years, this study proposes three specific strategies for cross-city emergency management (smooth, integration and linkage mechanisms) and reveals that these three strategies are essentially aimed at improving the government’s knowledge management level.
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Benjamin Kwakye, Frank Gyamfi-Yeboah, Ebenezer Afrane and Jannat Abbas
The primary objective of establishing customary land secretariats (CLSs) is to enhance land governance at the local level. However, many have questioned the effectiveness of CLSs…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of establishing customary land secretariats (CLSs) is to enhance land governance at the local level. However, many have questioned the effectiveness of CLSs after their establishment and the probable factors accounting for their inefficiencies. In this paper, we examine the impacts of socioeconomic indicators on sustainable CLSs in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
We employed a mixture of cointegration techniques namely the dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and the canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), contemporaneous with graphical analysis using secondary data from the Duayaw Nkwanta CLS.
Findings
From the Johansen Cointegration test, the study found land transaction recordings to be cointegrated with the explanatory variables. Local demand for land, land access, average land values and the rate of unemployment were discovered as the principal impacting factors on the CLS. Also, evidence from the graphical analysis depicts that there is a significant improvement in the acquisition of land by women: and land transaction recordings have kept rising after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical implications
We conclude that to promote local land governance for the rural-urban poor and the underrepresented, sustaining the CLSs post-establishment in the local communities is of utmost importance.
Originality/value
This paper serves as one of the maiden editions to apply econometrics in customary land administration in Ghana for long-term policy directions. Besides, it serves as a reflection on the existing performance of the CLSs based on the available dataset.