Mingyu Lei, Yanliang Li, Fei Lv, Dian Xiao, Jialiang Liu and Qing Yang
This study is dedicated to systematically collating the distribution and utilization circumstances of geothermal resources in China. Moreover, it endeavors to formulate a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study is dedicated to systematically collating the distribution and utilization circumstances of geothermal resources in China. Moreover, it endeavors to formulate a comprehensive utilization scheme for geothermal resources during the construction and operation phases of the railway, thereby furnishing robust support and valuable reference for the holistic utilization of geothermal resources along the railway corridor.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an in-depth analysis of the extant utilization of geothermal resources in China, it is discerned that the current utilization modalities are relatively rudimentary, bereft of rational planning and characterized by a low utilization rate. Concurrently, by integrating the practical requisites of railway construction and operation and conducting theoretical dissections, a comprehensive utilization plan for the construction and operation periods of railway is proffered.
Findings
In light of the railway’s construction and operation characteristics, geothermal utilization models are categorized. During construction, comprehensive modalities include tunnel illumination power generation, construction area heating, tunnel antifreeze using shallow geothermal energy, tunnel pavement antifreeze and construction concrete maintenance. During operation, they comprise operation tunnel antifreeze, railway roadbed antifreeze, railway switch snow melting and deicing, geothermal power station establishment and railway hot spring health tourism planning.
Originality/value
According to the characteristics and actual needs of railway construction and operation, it is of great significance to rationally utilize geothermal resources to promote the construction and operation of green railways.
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Xueyun Zhong, Abdullah Al Mamun, Qing Yang, Naeem Hayat and Mohd Helmi Ali
Three-dimensional (3D) food printers are revolutionizing food production with personalized, sustainable and efficient meal creation. This study aims to explore the factors driving…
Abstract
Purpose
Three-dimensional (3D) food printers are revolutionizing food production with personalized, sustainable and efficient meal creation. This study aims to explore the factors driving consumer intentions to purchase three-dimensional (3D) food printers. These innovative devices are gaining popularity for their ability to produce intricate, customizable food designs with remarkable precision and convenience. By leveraging the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, the research examines key variables such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions (FCD), hedonic motivation and perceived product value. The aim is to understand how these factors shape consumer behavior and decision-making, providing insights into the adoption dynamics of 3D food printers for professional and domestic use.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 973 valid responses through an online survey. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
Performance expectancy, social influence and perceived product value significantly enhance consumers’ intention to purchase 3D food printers. In contrast, effort expectancy, FCD and hedonic motivation show no statistically significant impact on their usage intention.
Research limitations/implications
Companies in the 3D food printing industry should prioritize improving product performance and leveraging social influencers to spark consumer interest. Educating the public about the benefits of 3D food printing is essential for building market acceptance and demand. Governments should contemplate implementing policies and regulations encouraging companies to invest in research and development in this field. This study acknowledges its limitations and recommends directions for future research.
Originality/value
This study establishes its originality by integrating hedonic motivation and perceived product value with the original UTAUT framework to investigate Chinese households’ intentions to use a 3D food printer.
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Abdullah Al Mamun, Mohammad Nurul Hassan Reza, Qing Yang and Norzalita Abd Aziz
Implementing big data analytics (BDA) for supply chain ambidexterity (agility and adaptability) and green supply chain (GRSC) presents various organizational challenges. These…
Abstract
Purpose
Implementing big data analytics (BDA) for supply chain ambidexterity (agility and adaptability) and green supply chain (GRSC) presents various organizational challenges. These include leveraging BDA capabilities to balance agility and adaptability, integrating this combined approach with GRSC and aligning these efforts to enhance firm performance. This study explores the associations between BDA, supply chain agility and adaptability, GRSC and their impact on firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Incorporating a resource-based view and contingency theory, we developed a research framework and validated it with data from 355 Chinese firms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that BDA capabilities had direct impact on supply chain agility and adaptability, GRSC and firm performance. Moreover, the combination of supply chain agility and adaptability affected GRSC; which in turn significantly influenced firm performance. Supply chain agility and adaptability mediated the relationship between BDA capabilities and GRSC. Additionally, GRSC mediated the relationship between BDA capabilities, supply chain agility and adaptability and firm performance.
Originality/value
This study offers both a theoretical and empirical examination of the relationships between BDA capabilities, supply chain agility and adaptability, GRSC and firm performance. By assessing the direct and mediating effects of these factors on China’s industrial sector, it presents new theoretical and practical insights into BDA and GRSC, thereby enhancing the value of the existing literature.
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Suling Zhu, Min Li, Yujie Shi, Qinnan Weng, Bowen Liu and Zhenhua Zhang
To maximize health synergistic benefits and provide a scientific foundation for enhancing air pollution control policies, this research proposed a causal inference framework with…
Abstract
Purpose
To maximize health synergistic benefits and provide a scientific foundation for enhancing air pollution control policies, this research proposed a causal inference framework with a decomposition ensemble prediction model for comprehensive policy assessment.
Design/methodology/approach
We introduced the CD-OASVR-Ensemble-CC method, a policy assessment approach that combined machine learning-based decomposition ensemble prediction (CD-OASVR-Ensemble) with counterfactual contrast (CC) analysis. The CD-OASVR-Ensemble model incorporated support vector regression (SVR) optimized through swarm intelligent optimization algorithms (OA), complete ensemble empirical model decomposition of adaptive noise (CD) and a linear ensemble model (Ensemble). This approach was applied to analyze patterns in historical PM2.5 data and predict the future trend. The predicted PM2.5 served as a counterfactual trend, enabling an evaluation of the policy’s environmental and health effects.
Findings
Analysis of prediction errors confirmed the proposed CD-OASVR-Ensemble model’s accuracy and robustness in predicting PM2.5 levels. The findings indicated that the implementation of “Regulation 2019” led to a significant reduction in PM2.5 concentration, preventing an estimated 7,960 premature deaths and saving approximately 2,602.95 m yuan in health-related economic costs.
Originality/value
This study introduces an innovative framework for evaluating the environmental effect of policies, with a specific emphasis on health synergistic benefits.
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Ai Su, Xiaotong Cai, Xue-Song Liu, Xiang-Nan Tao, Lei Chen and Rui Wang
The development of an effective corporate vision is a necessary issue for corporate performance, and it is a key issue for corporate sustainable development as well. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The development of an effective corporate vision is a necessary issue for corporate performance, and it is a key issue for corporate sustainable development as well. The recognition of questions like “what is the role of corporate vision in corporate performance” is directly related to the attitude and practice of entrepreneurs and managers toward the development of corporate vision as well as the effectiveness of the corporate vision itself. To better answer the questions concerning the role of corporate vision development and effectively guide the practice of corporations, the authors study the pathways and mechanisms by which corporate visions operate to assist businesses in achieving high performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The article completes the construction of indicators to measure each dimension of the corporate vision in line with social cognitive theory and analyzes the relationship between corporate vision and corporate performance by combining qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) research methods. The article provides insights into the logic of constructing and adjusting corporate visions from a process perspective.
Findings
The mechanisms by which corporate visions can be articulated, accepted and transformed within the organization are also the means by which corporate visions can improve corporate performance. In a dynamic environment, the corporate vision setting and acceptance process integrates the requirements of various stakeholders, leading to the adjustment and acceptance of the corporate vision. As a result, the vision has continuous validity in a changing environment. Both start-ups and non-start-ups can benefit from the guidance provided by a strong corporate vision in overcoming a variety of issues and obstacles to produce strong business performance.
Originality/value
This is the first study that shows the relationship between corporate vision and corporate performance from a process perspective. The authors are interested in understanding which characteristics for building a corporate vision are more accepted by organizational members and, in turn, create high corporate performance. The authors also explore the conditions for corporate vision acceptance. This research has positive implications for shedding some light on the mechanisms by which corporate visions improve corporate performance.
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Xiaomin Liu, Qing Yao, Defeng Yang and Xia Jiang
Consumers often face trade-offs between important product attributes. Previous research suggests that individuals tend to prioritize attribute differences that are easily…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumers often face trade-offs between important product attributes. Previous research suggests that individuals tend to prioritize attribute differences that are easily processed and aligned. This paper aims to examine the contexts in which nonalignable attribute differences can positively impact consumers’ perceptions of products.
Design/methodology/approach
Four lab experiments were conducted to explore how consumer preferences for superior-alignable versus superior-nonalignable products vary based on purchase occasions, with a specific focus on routine and special occasions.
Findings
Consumers tend to prefer superior-nonalignable products on special occasions and superior-alignable products on routine occasions. This is driven by stronger uniqueness motives on special (vs routine) occasions, as consumers associate nonalignable attribute differences more closely with product specialness. The research also explores the moderating roles of consumers’ need for uniqueness (NFU) and psychological ownership. Consumers with higher levels of NFU consistently prefer superior-nonalignable products, regardless of the occasion type. Additionally, when consumers feel psychological ownership of products with superior-alignable attributes, the perceived specialness of these products increases, reducing the influence of occasion type on consumer preferences for attribute alignability.
Originality/value
This research emphasizes the importance of aligning product attribute differences with specific purchase occasions in marketing strategies.
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Shaojie Lai, Laifeng Yang, Qing Sophie Wang and Hamish Anderson
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of state capital participation (SCP) on the corporate environmental engagement (CEE) of privately controlled listed…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of state capital participation (SCP) on the corporate environmental engagement (CEE) of privately controlled listed firms in China.
Design/methodology/approach
We use a sample of 20,133 firm-year observations from 2009 to 2021. We use three different measures to proxy corporate environmental engagement and two different measures to proxy for state capital participation. We employ a difference-in-difference regression model to estimate the effect of state capital participation on corporate environmental engagement.
Findings
Using a sample of 20,133 firm-year observations from 2009 to 2021, we find that SCP significantly increases corporate expenditure on environmental protection, corporate environmental performance and ESG ratings. Specifically, SCP increases environmental investment capacity and attracts more media coverage, online attention and analysts’ following, which leads to better environmental engagement. Further analyses show that after state shareholders exit privately controlled firms, CEE deteriorates, while private capital injection in state-owned firms has no significant impact on CEE. The positive effect of SCP is stronger in privately controlled firms with local government ownership, a larger number of state shareholders, longer state shareholder holding periods, those without politically connected managers and firms operating in heavy pollution industries. Lastly, we show that minority government ownership reduces firm-level toxic emissions and enhances financial performance.
Research limitations/implications
We enrich the literature on the role of minority state ownership in corporate financial and environmental performance.
Originality/value
We enrich the literature on the role of minority state ownership in corporate financial and environmental performance. In light of the escalating environmental concerns and the growing emphasis on corporate environmental responsibility, this study highlights the beneficial role of minority government ownership in driving environmental performance. By providing resources and attracting external scrutiny, the government, as a minority shareholder, can significantly enhance the environmental engagement of privately controlled firms.
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Zhenxu Guo, Qing’e Wang, Haofei Jing and Qixin Gao
Mega construction projects (megaprojects) require technological innovation cooperation (TIC) to address complex construction demands and the interests of multiple stakeholders…
Abstract
Purpose
Mega construction projects (megaprojects) require technological innovation cooperation (TIC) to address complex construction demands and the interests of multiple stakeholders. Although TIC has been extensively discussed at the firm level, a significant gap remains in understanding megaprojects at the project level. This paper aims to identify TIC’s influencing factors and transmission paths and discuss stakeholders’ TIC mechanisms at the project level.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on case analysis, expert interviews, literature analysis and the Delphi method, this paper identifies the influencing factors of TIC in megaprojects at the project level. A structural system of these influencing factors is constructed by interpretive structural modeling (ISM), developing various mechanisms for TIC from bottom to top. The Matriced’ Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) method validates the driving forces and dependencies of the influencing factors, clarifying their roles and positions within the system. Additionally, the TIC mechanism is constructed.
Findings
The research findings identify 26 influencing factors categorized into four hierarchical levels: cooperative relationships, cooperative behavior, cooperative performance and technological innovation risks. Regarding direct factors, resource sharing affects goal congruence and communication effectiveness in megaprojects, affecting TIC’s satisfaction and trust. Most factors exist in the middle layer, and bridging the upper and lower levels depends on stakeholder collaboration. The root factors in the independent group significantly impact TIC, including policy circumstances, high technical requirements and limited site conditions. Addressing these issues influences improvements in other factors. The development of a digital resource-sharing platform, the enhancement of innovation incentives, the optimization of benefit distribution mechanisms and the improvement of risk-sharing mechanisms are essential for the effective operation of the TIC mechanism.
Originality/value
This study contributes to identifying and classifying challenges and opportunities in TIC. It explores transmission paths for enhancing TIC and presents strategies for successfully implementing and delivering megaprojects.
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Xiaofan Wei, Qing Xu and Huan Chen
This study aims to explore the perceptions of follower identities among Chinese youth and the formation of these identities within the context of use and gratification theory and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the perceptions of follower identities among Chinese youth and the formation of these identities within the context of use and gratification theory and mediated relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews were conducted with 22 individuals who followed digital influencers on various social media platforms, and a general inductive approach was followed to analyze the collected data.
Findings
The research uncovered that influencers’ followers view themselves as learners, advisees, surveillants, friends and sponsors, aligning these identities with their reasons for following influencers. These reasons are classified as either emotionally or functionally driven. The study further highlights the critical role these motivations and identities play in influencing the followers’ intentions to buy products and brands endorsed by influencers. Followers motivated by utilitarian reasons focus more on the product’s functionality and practical value, whereas those attracted to influencers for their unique personalities and perceived personal connections place greater importance on the products’ symbolic value.
Originality/value
Despite the widespread attention the influencer market has garnered, scant literature has deeply explored the psychological mechanisms behind individuals’ behavior in following influencers and their subsequent purchasing intentions. This study introduces new insights into influencer marketing by focusing on followers’ psychological motivations, offering a refined understanding of their impact on the dynamics of digital marketing.
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Guozhang Xu, Wanming Chen, Yongyuan Ma and Huanhuan Ma
Drawing on the tenets of institutional theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Confucianism on technology for social good, while also considering the…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the tenets of institutional theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Confucianism on technology for social good, while also considering the moderating influence of extrinsic informal institutions (foreign culture) and intrinsic formal institutions (property rights).
Design/methodology/approach
This study constructs a comprehensive database comprising 9,759 firm-year observations in China by using a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2016 to 2020. Subsequently, the hypotheses are examined and confirmed, with the validity of the results being upheld even after conducting endogenous and robustness tests.
Findings
The findings of this study offer robust and consistent evidence supporting the notion that Confucianism positively affects technology for social good through both incentive effect and normative effect. Moreover, this positive influence is particularly prominent in organizations with limited exposure to foreign culture and in nonstate-owned enterprises.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the literature by fostering a deep understanding of technology for social good and Confucianism research, and further provide a nuanced picture of the role of foreign culture and property rights in the process of technology for social good in China.