Shangjie Feng, Buqing Cao, Ziming Xie, Zhongxiang Fu, Zhenlian Peng and Guosheng Kang
With the continuous increase in Web services, efficient identification of Web services that meet developers’ needs and understanding their relationships remains a challenge…
Abstract
Purpose
With the continuous increase in Web services, efficient identification of Web services that meet developers’ needs and understanding their relationships remains a challenge. Previous research has improved recommendation effectiveness by using correlations between Web services through graph neural networks (GNNs), while it has not fully leveraged service descriptions, limiting the depth and diversity of learning. To this end, a Web services recommendation method called LLMSARec, based on Large Language Model and semantic alignment, is proposed. This study aims to extract potential semantic information from services and learn deeper relationships between services.
Design/methodology/approach
This method consists of two core modules: profile generation and maximizing mutual information. The profile generation module uses LLM to analyze the descriptions of services, infer and construct service profiles. Concurrently, it uses LLM as text encoders to encode inferred service profiles for enhanced service representation learning. The maximizing mutual information model aims to align the semantic features of the services text inferred by LLM with structural semantic features of the services captured by GNNs, thus achieving a more comprehensive representation of services. The aligned representation serves as an input for the model to identify services with superior matching accuracy, thereby enhancing the service recommendation capability.
Findings
Experimental comparisons and analyses were conducted on the Programmable Web platform data set, and the results demonstrated that the effectiveness of Web service recommendations can be significantly improved by using LLMSARec.
Originality/value
In this study, the authors propose a Web service recommendation approach based on Large Language Model and semantic alignment. By extracting latent semantic information from services and effectively aligning semantic features with structural features, new representations can be generated to significantly enhance recommendation accuracy.
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Abhinav Srivastava, Srabanti Mukherjee, Biplab Datta and Tanmoy Bag
This study aims to investigate the impact of conspicuous consumption on the subjective well-being (SWB) of Indian bottom of the pyramid (BOP) consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of conspicuous consumption on the subjective well-being (SWB) of Indian bottom of the pyramid (BOP) consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study followed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Focus group discussions were conducted with 72 Indian BOP consumers. Thematic analysis resulted in 21 categories and 9 themes.
Findings
This study revealed three distinct categories of consequences related to the effects of conspicuous consumption on SWB at the BOP. Conspicuous consumption can either enhance or diminish the BOP consumers’ SWB and sometimes even simultaneously have constructive and adverse effects (a double-edged sword). This study presents a conceptual model examining the consequences of conspicuous consumption at the BOP through the lenses of social comparison and compensatory consumption theories.
Originality/value
The literature has classified the consequences of conspicuous consumption at the BOP as constructive or adverse effects. This study reveals that conspicuous consumption at the BOP can be a double-edged sword. This study indicates that social comparison drives compensatory consumption at the BOP, which impacts the SWB of BOP consumers. Such an amalgamation of the theories of conspicuous consumption, social comparison and compensatory consumption is the unique contribution of this research. The implications for practice and policy are discussed.
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Kexin Wang, Yubin Pei, Zhengxiao Li and Xuanyin Wang
This paper aims to present an unmarked method including entire two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) methods to recover absolute 3D humanoid robot poses from multiview…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an unmarked method including entire two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) methods to recover absolute 3D humanoid robot poses from multiview images.
Design/methodology/approach
The method consists of two separate steps: estimating the 2D poses in multiview images and recovering the 3D poses from the multiview 2D heatmaps. The 2D one is conducted by High-Resolution Net with Epipolar (HRNet-Epipolar), and the Conditional Random Fields Humanoid Robot Pictorial Structure Model (CRF Robot Model) is proposed to recover 3D poses.
Findings
The performance of the algorithm is validated by experiments developed on data sets captured by four RGB cameras in Qualisys system. It illustrates that the algorithm has higher Mean Per Joint Position Error than Direct Linear Transformation and Recursive Pictorial Structure Model algorithms when estimating 14 joints of the humanoid robot.
Originality/value
A new unmarked method is proposed for 3D humanoid robot pose estimation. Experimental results show enhanced absolute accuracy, which holds important theoretical significance and application value for humanoid robot pose estimation and motion performance testing.
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Ashok Chermala, Padmanav Acharya and Rohit Kumar Singh
Building a robust cold chain logistics system boosts the company’s profits in various ways. Any cold chain logistics company needs well-organised and efficient management of cold…
Abstract
Purpose
Building a robust cold chain logistics system boosts the company’s profits in various ways. Any cold chain logistics company needs well-organised and efficient management of cold chain logistics to produce high-quality products, ensure that the product reaches the customer without any changes to the quality, and do so promptly. This paper aims to identify factors influencing cold chain logistics performance design. These factors are further helpful in analysing the behaviour intentions of stakeholders on increasing the cold chain logistic performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a thorough literature review to identify the variables that affect the performance of the cold chain logistics design. The factors were identified using exploratory factor analysis and empirically analysed using confirmatory factor analysis. The study also used structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine cold chain logistics performance determinants. Data was collected from 380 respondents working in the cold chain.
Findings
This study selected the factors influencing CCL performance, including five main factors and 22 sub-factors. Distribution, warehouse inventory storage, quality, demand, and technology affect the CCL’s performance. The results confirmed the theoretical model and proved that the factors significantly positively impact CCL performance.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies should focus on actual case studies to confirm the usefulness of the parameters found, examine how they affect performance growth, provide important insights into how to improve overall business performance and assist in identifying crucial research hotspots.
Practical implications
The study provides insight into issues regarding performance development in cold chain logistics for various stakeholders associated with the cold chain logistics industry, including practical managers, academics, and consultants. It also argues in favour of giving problems with CCL performance a higher priority. Policymakers interested in the service sector, like the Indian Department of Commerce and MSMEs, make up a modest additional audience for this work.
Social implications
Indian meat industry can be organised by implementing this methodology. This work benefits the government to get more transparent transaction and data digitalisation, which comes into account of GST.
Originality/value
There is a lack of significant quantitative literature suggesting modification strategies for factors affecting processed meat and chicken products in storage and transportation levels in India. Thus, this work tried to fill this gap and add the food chain logistics literature that helps practitioners and scholars enhance the food supply chain in developing countries.The framework developed for this study is where its originality lies. A detailed examination of cold chain logistics is included in the paper.
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Md. Abu Issa Gazi, Md. Ibrahim, Abdullah Al Masud and Syed Muhammod Ali Reza
The current study aims to investigate how young smartphone users in Bangladesh relate their brand experiences to brand loyalty. In addition, we want to visualize the direct and…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study aims to investigate how young smartphone users in Bangladesh relate their brand experiences to brand loyalty. In addition, we want to visualize the direct and mediating effects of brand satisfaction, brand love and brand advocacy in our model.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers examined the hypotheses by employing structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS and Decision Analyst STATS, version 2.0, with a sample size of 470 Bangladeshi smartphone users. The authors constructed the conceptual model by drawing upon both theoretical and empirical foundations. The researchers obtained data by utilizing an adopted and self-administered pre-structured questionnaire distributed via an online platform.
Findings
The results showed that brand experience greatly influences brand satisfaction, love, advocacy and loyalty, all of which have a significant impact on users’ brand loyalty across the country. The findings also suggested that the function of brand satisfaction as a critical mediator in the link between brand experience and brand loyalty was significant.
Originality/value
This experiment contributes to the body of knowledge by focusing on emotional brand attachments like brand satisfaction, love and advocacy and proposing that they can mediate experience and loyalty in the mobile market. The study also helps managers and executives better understand the primary drivers of smartphones, which are essential for generating and sustaining consumers’ happiness and loyalty in today’s highly competitive consumer market.
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Yujia Deng, Kaixin Zheng, Zhen He and Min Zhang
The advent of digital technologies has ushered in a new era of quality management (QM) known as Quality 4.0 (Q4.0). The successful implementation of Q4.0 requires the involvement…
Abstract
Purpose
The advent of digital technologies has ushered in a new era of quality management (QM) known as Quality 4.0 (Q4.0). The successful implementation of Q4.0 requires the involvement of both leaders and employees. Leadership plays a critical role in motivating employees involved in quality practices. However, the mechanisms by which leadership inspires quality professionals to engage in continuous learning and remain vigorous in their roles are not well understood. This study aims to determine the impact of Q4.0 leadership on thriving at work (TAW) among quality professionals and to identify the underlying mechanisms.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilising the identity theory and social identity theory, a multilevel TAW model was developed. This study surveyed 63 team leaders and 243 subordinates, who are quality professionals working for companies implementing Q4.0. Multilevel structural equation modelling (MSEM) was applied to assess the hypotheses.
Findings
The study finds that Q4.0 leadership enhances TAW among quality professionals. The linkage between Q4.0 leadership and TAW is mediated by work group identification (WGI) at the group level and job identification (JI) at the individual level.
Practical implications
Insights from this study will enable organisations to make informed decisions regarding the leadership styles that best support TAW among quality professionals. By understanding the mechanisms linking Q4.0 leadership to TAW, organisations can foster both WGI and JI, ultimately enhancing engagement and performance in quality initiatives.
Originality/value
This study offers a novel contribution to the QM field by examining the role of Q4.0 leadership in motivating and sustaining the engagement of quality professionals. Exploring the relationships between Q4.0 leadership, WGI, JI and TAW helps to deepen our understanding of how Q4.0 leadership can enhance TAW among quality professionals.
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Biao He, Vincent Homburg and Rune Halvorsen
This study aims to identify Chinese municipal agencies’ and cadres’ drivers to implement government websites’ accessibility upgrades, and to explain how these drivers are…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify Chinese municipal agencies’ and cadres’ drivers to implement government websites’ accessibility upgrades, and to explain how these drivers are interrelated to shape the implementation outcome.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a single case study using qualitative interviews, online follow-up conversations, fieldwork observations and policy documents in the capital municipality MD of J Province, East China. The authors analyzed the case from the theoretical perspectives of institutional pressures, organizational capacity and individual intentions.
Findings
Coercive pressure through policy mandate and benchmark incentivized the responsible agency and cadres in MD to initiate the implementation of the accessibility upgrades and “meet the set targets.” The responsible agency’s enhanced organizational capacity and local cadres’ engagement allowed them to “outperform” as their eventual way of achieving the mandate requirements. The implementation outcome resulted from the interplay of all levels of incentives. Coercive pressure predominantly drove the launch of the upgrade project, meanwhile significantly influencing the organizational- and individual-level incentives that additionally explained the outperformance.
Originality/value
This study provides a nuanced, in-depth understanding of how sedimented factors and especially their interrelationships drive the implementation of e-government initiatives and shape the implementation outcome in Chinese municipal agencies.
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Weisheng Lu, Liupengfei Wu, Zhongze Yang, Ziyu Peng and Louis Chu
This study aims to develop an agile blockchain as a service (aBaaS) framework for construction projects, which will support blockchain design, deployment and operation in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop an agile blockchain as a service (aBaaS) framework for construction projects, which will support blockchain design, deployment and operation in a flexible, agile and cost-effective manner.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a design science research method. The aBaaS framework is then substantiated through two case studies pertinent to construction projects.
Findings
It is found to be highly flexible, achieving high completion rates in customizing the design, deployment and visualization of blockchain systems within given periods. Also, the aBaaS framework is highly agile and cost-effective, capable of responding to changes with low person-day units and labor cost.
Research limitations/implications
Limited sub-service components are built in design management as services (DMSs), deployment as services (DESs) and visualization as services (VISs) of aBaaS framework.
Practical implications
This research offers a reference for those aiming to realize the potential of blockchain in construction projects.
Originality/value
Firstly, it introduces a novel, flexible modular-build DMSs method to help system developers design blockchain systems for projects. Secondly, it improves the blockchain deployment methods by offering plug-and-play DESs for projects. Thirdly, it accelerates the visualization processes for blockchain users in projects by offering them flexible, click-to-go and cost-effective VISs.
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Yuangao Chen, Liyan Tao, Shuang Zheng, Shuiqing Yang and Fujun Li
The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing viewers’ engagement intention in travel live streaming (TLS) from a perceived value perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing viewers’ engagement intention in travel live streaming (TLS) from a perceived value perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed-methods approach. In Study 1, 48 semistructured interviews were analyzed based on grounded theory and perceived value theory, and a research framework was established to investigate the impact of viewers’ engagement intentions in TLS. In Study 2, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to empirically validate survey data from 255 TLS viewers.
Findings
Through an analysis of the interview content, it was found that the expertise and interaction of the live streamer in TLS as well as the immersion, aesthetics and novelty of the live streaming scene are key influencing factors that affect the engagement of TLS viewers. This finding was confirmed through empirical research.
Practical implications
This research provides practical suggestions for live streamers, TLS platforms and local government to increase viewer engagement. Specifically, it provides methods and directions for the individual improvement of live streamers, further promotes the development and construction of the platform and underscores the importance of government initiatives in policy support and regulatory framework development.
Originality/value
This study focuses on the less-researched field of TLS. Using a mixed-methods approach combining interviews and PLS-SEM, this study explores the key factors that affect the engagement of TLS viewers based on the characteristics of live streamers and live streaming scenes.
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Tahiru Azaaviele Liedong, Daniel E. Aghanya and Abubakr Saeed
Despite politicians sometimes playing an active agentic role in firms’ resource dependency and in the outcomes of corporate political activity (CPA), there is limited research on…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite politicians sometimes playing an active agentic role in firms’ resource dependency and in the outcomes of corporate political activity (CPA), there is limited research on the supply-side dynamics of political markets and the contingent role of normative institutions. This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial regulatory engagement (MRE) − a type of CPA − and access to bank finance, and how this relationship is moderated by country-level religiosity and religion policy regime.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from over 37,000 firms in 43 sub-Saharan African countries and drawing on resource dependency and institutional theories, the authors deploy robust and sophisticated statistical analyses to test their hypotheses.
Findings
This study finds that MRE has a positive impact on access to bank finance. This effect is stronger in countries with more formal religion restriction where morality does not inhibit politicians’ discriminatory behaviour. However, this effect is weakened in countries where high levels of religiosity and more formal religion support curtail amoral rent provision.
Originality/value
These findings shed light on how firms’ use of CPA to manage resource dependency is affected by the influence of institutional religiosity on the agency of politicians. This study offers important theoretical contributions to the literature and generate useful implications for managers and policymakers.