The commercial sharing service (CSS) represents an emerging business model in which users pay a minor fee to rent a product for a short period of time. Fashion CSSs enable…
Abstract
Purpose
The commercial sharing service (CSS) represents an emerging business model in which users pay a minor fee to rent a product for a short period of time. Fashion CSSs enable individuals to rent various garments and accessories with the goal of enhancing one’s public image while saving money. Marketers have strived to popularize fashion CSSs, but concerns related to contamination have thwarted their efforts. Based on face consciousness theory, this research examines how consumers’ desire to enhance their public image (i.e. to “gain face”) can attenuate the negative impacts of contamination concerns and thus facilitate fashion CSS usage.
Design/methodology/approach
Two scenario-based studies were conducted to collect data. Participants were recruited via online survey platforms in mainland China. The hypotheses were tested by partial least squares (PLS) path modeling and linear regression analysis.
Findings
The analysis results revealed a two-stage mediation model. Contamination concerns were found to inhibit consumers’ participation in fashion-sharing by increasing their perceived risk, which further decreased the perceived value of the CSS. However, consumers’ desire to gain face can mitigate the negative (direct and indirect) effects of contamination concerns on CSS usage, facilitating CSS adoption.
Originality/value
Our findings suggest that eliciting consumers’ desire to gain face can promote fashion CSS usage and attenuate the negative impacts of contamination concerns. Moreover, consumers are less risk-averse and less concerned about shared pieces being contaminated when they seek to enhance their face through fashion products. Practical implications for fashion marketers are discussed.
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Gulasekaran Rajaguru, Sheryl Lim and Michael O'Neill
This review investigates the effects of temporal aggregation and systematic sampling on time-series analysis, focusing on their influence on data accuracy, interpretability and…
Abstract
Purpose
This review investigates the effects of temporal aggregation and systematic sampling on time-series analysis, focusing on their influence on data accuracy, interpretability and statistical properties. The purpose of the study is to synthesise existing literature on the topic and offer insights into the trade-offs between these data reduction techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is based on an extensive review of theoretical and empirical studies covering univariate and multivariate time series models, focusing on unit roots, ARIMA, GARCH, cointegration properties and Granger Causality.
Findings
The key findings reveal that while temporal aggregation simplifies data by emphasising long-term trends, it can obscure short-term fluctuations, potentially leading to biases in analysis. Similarly, systematic sampling enhances computational efficiency but risks information loss, especially in non-stationary data, and may result in biased samples if sampling intervals coincide with data periodicity. The review highlights the complexities and trade-offs involved in applying these methods, particularly in fields like economic forecasting, climate modelling and financial analysis.
Originality/value
The originality and value of this study lie in its comprehensive synthesis of the impacts of these techniques across various time series properties. It underscores the importance of context-specific applications to preserve data integrity, offering recommendations for best practices in the use of temporal aggregation and systematic sampling in time-series analysis.
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Wei Deng, Qiaozhuan Liang, Wei Wang and Yue Zhang
This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the moderating role of gender equality.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine relationships based on a sample of 6,843 women across eight developing countries drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).
Findings
The findings suggest that capability and opportunity perceptions positively affect NBFE and OBFE. Family responsibility burden positively affects NBFE and has a U-shaped relationship with OBFE. Household income negatively affects NBFE but positively affects OBFE. Gender equality weakens the U-shaped relationship between family responsibility burden and OBFE but strengthens the positive relationship between capability perception and NBFE and between opportunity perception and NBFE.
Research limitations/implications
The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support that consider the distinct antecedents and mechanisms of NBFE and OBFE, as well as the importance of promoting gender equality and entrepreneurial education to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. A limitation of this study is the reliance on older data from the GEM, which may not fully capture the current dynamics of developing societies. While the study provides valuable insights, future research should incorporate more recent data to enhance the applicability of the results.
Originality/value
This study deepens the understanding of antecedents of NBFE and OBFE, breaking through the existing literature that neglects the heterogeneity of female entrepreneurship (FE).
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Abdul Hameed Pitafi, Fazeelat Masood and Sheena Pitafi
The present research aims to explore the influence of enterprise social media (ESM) features on employee agility through knowledge sharing and hiding. ESM strain was taken as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The present research aims to explore the influence of enterprise social media (ESM) features on employee agility through knowledge sharing and hiding. ESM strain was taken as a moderator in the association among knowledge sharing, knowledge hiding and employee agility. Communication visibility theory is used to underpin the hypothesized research model.
Design/methodology/approach
Data is collected from 374 Chinese employees working in different companies. A structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied using AMOS software 21.0.
Findings
Findings illustrate that ESM features namely analysis, tracking and communication are significantly connected to knowledge sharing and negatively to knowledge hiding. Knowledge sharing is significantly related to employee agility while knowledge hiding is negatively linked to employee agility. Further, ESM strain strengthens the negative connection between knowledge hiding and employee agility. However, ESM strain has an insignificant moderating effect in the connection between knowledge sharing and employee agility.
Practical implications
The current research has practical implications for ESM users and ESM-enabled organizations. For individuals who use ESM to promote knowledge within an organization, this study highlights the important functioning of ESM features that include analysis, tracking and communication. For managers, this study suggests the use of ESM features to promote knowledge sharing and inhibit knowledge hiding.
Originality/value
The current research investigates how ESM features are associated with employee agility in the workplace. This study proposes that knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding are the mediators of the effect path between ESM features and employee agility. Moreover, the present study extends to ESM literature by highlighting the moderating role of ESM strain using communication visibility theory as a theoretical lens. Lastly, this study quantifies the benefits of ESM features to help organizations train agile employees.
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Lianfeng Shen, Jinhua Sun, Lei Miao, Haiping Gu, Shuzhen Qiao, Lei Wang and Wei Wei
The application of galvanized steel is widespread across industries due to its protective zinc coating that protects against atmospheric corrosion. However, previous studies have…
Abstract
Purpose
The application of galvanized steel is widespread across industries due to its protective zinc coating that protects against atmospheric corrosion. However, previous studies have primarily focused on long-term corrosion rates rather than the full-scale corrosion behavior of the zinc. This paper aims to study the full-scale corrosion evolution of galvanic steel under simulated marine atmospheric environment using real-time EIS measurement.
Design/methodology/approach
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides an advanced method in monitoring such behavior. Therefore, the EIS method has been used to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the corrosion behavior of galvanic steel in a full-time manner.
Findings
The results indicate that the corrosion process of galvanic steel can be divided into three stages: an initial stage with an increased corrosion rate, a subsequent stage with a reduced corrosion rate, and finally a third stage with the lowest and constant corrosion rate. The evolution of corrosion resistance is closely related to changes in composition and structure of the patina layer. In the initial stage, galvanized steel undergoes the formation of soluble ZnCl2 and needle-like Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O, which promotes the generation and maintenance of an electrolyte layer, consequently leading to an increase in corrosion rate. With prolonged corrosion time, there is a continuous accumulation of Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O within the patina layer, which reduces the content of soluble components and promotes the development of a denser inner layer, thus enhancing corrosion resistance.
Originality/value
This work holds significance in the monitoring of corrosion, understanding the evolution of corrosion and predicting the lifespan of galvanized steel.
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Ching Yee Yeap, Benjamin Wei Wang Tan, Fei Sia Chan, Koh Wei Wong, Wee Yin Koh and Ban-Hock Khor
Protein-energy wasting is a common complication among patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. This study aims to develop a homemade oral nutrition supplement (ONS) to…
Abstract
Purpose
Protein-energy wasting is a common complication among patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. This study aims to develop a homemade oral nutrition supplement (ONS) to fulfill the energy and protein requirements of these patients.
Design/methodology/approach
Three formulations of homemade ONS were developed using soybean milk, whey protein isolates and canola oil. Two of these formulations were flavored with pineapple and honeydew juices, respectively. The energy and macronutrient contents were determined using proximate analyses, and mineral contents were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The acceptance of homemade ONS for five attributes, namely color, taste, odor, consistency and overall acceptability, was assessed using the nine-point hedonic scale.
Findings
The homemade ONS provided 198–212 kcal and 8.4–9.6 g protein per 100 mL, which were comparable to commercial products. Similarly, the sodium (45–65 mg/100 mL) and phosphorus (56–66 mg/100 mL) contents were on par with commercial products. However, the potassium content of homemade ONS was higher, ranging from 141 to 155 mg per 100 mL. The sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation added with honeydew juice had a similar degree of acceptance as the commercial ONS, while formulations containing pineapple juice and without added fruit juice were less favored.
Originality/value
A few studies have investigated the development of food products for individuals with kidney failure on dialysis. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to focus on developing a homemade ONS specifically tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of hemodialysis patients. In addition, this research included a comprehensive assessment of the beverage’s nutritional content and sensory attributes.
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Saiyara Nibras, Tjong Andreas Gunawan, Garry Wei-Han Tan, Pei-San Lo, Eugene Cheng-Xi Aw and Keng-Boon Ooi
Consumers nowadays are no longer bystanders in the process of production but are proactive collaborators with the power to co-create value with brands. This study aims to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumers nowadays are no longer bystanders in the process of production but are proactive collaborators with the power to co-create value with brands. This study aims to explore the impact of social commerce on the co-creation process of brand value in a social commerce setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted online to gather 300 eligible responses. The data were empirically validated using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method.
Findings
The results indicated that brand engagement (BEN) is vital to brand co-creation (BCC) in social commerce, which could be driven by social-hedonic value (SHV) and social information sharing (SIS).
Research limitations/implications
This study stresses the influence of consumer autonomy in the process of BCC by probing the role of SIS. Moreover, by considering the prevailing trend in social media, this study offers a nuanced perspective on the values of social commerce from the viewpoint of SHV.
Practical implications
This study may serve as a useful guide for practitioners to improve their digital outreach strategy on social commerce to forge stronger relationships, encourage further engagements and promote value co-creation within their brand community.
Originality/value
This examines the effect of relationship quality (RQU) and BEN on BCC through a relational viewpoint.
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Yan Jiang, Dayong Lv, Suyu Hao, Xiaokun Wei and Youyi Wu
This paper explores the linkage of digital infrastructure to the cost of debt.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the linkage of digital infrastructure to the cost of debt.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the implementation of the “Broadband China” policy that improves digital infrastructure as an exogenous shock and exploits the difference-in-differences method (DID).
Findings
Empirical analyses show that digital infrastructure leads to increased firms’ borrowing costs, which is robust to several robustness checks. In addition, we find that this unfavourable effect can be attributed to intensified market competition led by digital infrastructure construction. Cross-sectional analysis shows that this effect is greater for non-SOEs and smaller firms. Finally, we offer additional evidence of the unfavourable effect by showing that digital infrastructure construction leads to decreased fundamentals.
Originality/value
Our paper unveils how digital infrastructure construction affects firms’ business strategy in using private debts and extends the determinants of firms’ borrowing costs.
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Chee Wei Cheah, Soo Yeong Ewe and Helen Hui Ping Ho
This study advances network brokerage theory by examining both benefits-driven and altruistic brokerage behaviors within the mutual fund retail markets of emerging economies.
Abstract
Purpose
This study advances network brokerage theory by examining both benefits-driven and altruistic brokerage behaviors within the mutual fund retail markets of emerging economies.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a methodological combination of netnographic observations and in-depth interviews with fund investors, social influencers, sales agents and staffs from do-it-yourself (DIY) investment platforms, it uncovers the digital evolution of the mutual fund industry.
Findings
Our findings illuminate a significant pivot from traditional retail channels to third-party DIY investment platforms, a change accelerated by the recent pandemic. This shift underscores a critical theoretical extension by spotlighting the altruistic actions of social influencers, or key opinion leaders (KOLs), challenging the prevalent focus on solely benefits-driven motives in network brokerage literature. Furthermore, the study reveals a diminishing significance of arbitrage network brokering amidst the industry’s digital overhaul.
Originality/value
Concluding with an insightful discussion on its implications to policymakers and practitioners and acknowledging potential limitations, this research offers valuable perspectives for understanding the dynamics of network brokerage in the context of digital transformation within consumer financial markets.
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Furong Ruan, Nanping Feng, Fenfen Wei, Ruxiang Zhao and Shanlin Yang
Effective risk management is critical to successfully developing complex products and systems (CoPS) but is often hampered by the unclear understanding of risks’ effect on…
Abstract
Purpose
Effective risk management is critical to successfully developing complex products and systems (CoPS) but is often hampered by the unclear understanding of risks’ effect on outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate how do diverse project risks jointly affect innovation performance in both adverse and positive ways within the CoPS context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study performs a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on 98 CoPS projects encompassing eight industries to investigate how diverse risks based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework jointly affect innovation performance within CoPS projects among integrators and complementors.
Findings
The results reveal three configurations for high performance. Specifically, technology-oriented and market-driven, technology-oriented and resource-driven for project integrators and technology-oriented, resource and relationship co-driven for project complementors. We also identified four configurations for low performance. Particularly, technology triggered for project integrators, resource and relationship co-triggered, resource triggered and relationship triggered for project complementors.
Originality/value
Theoretically this study makes a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature on risk and performance management in CoPS projects by investigating the correlation between risks and project performance. From a practical perspective, both project integrators and complementors can utilize these insights to enhance their risk-management techniques in CoPS projects.