Hsiao-Han Lu and Wei-Jen Huang
This study aims to examine the effects of network externalities and diffusion of innovation on users’ perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment, and in turn subjective…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of network externalities and diffusion of innovation on users’ perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment, and in turn subjective well-being and intention to use in the smart living context.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore different types of smart living services, the data collected come from surveying 512 users of smart home services and 570 users of smart living apps. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data, and post hoc interviews are conducted to provide insights into our conceptual model of smart living services.
Findings
Compatibility and perceived service complementarity are the most influential determinants of users’ perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment toward smart living services. Perceived usefulness has a greater impact on users’ intention to use and their subjective well-being than perceived enjoyment. Interestingly, perceived enjoyment exerts a stronger influence on subjective well-being than on intention to use.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence in the context of smart living services, contributing to transformative service literature by extending the understanding of technology use and its influence on user well-being into a less explored service context. This study also advances users’ intention to use and subjective well-being of technology adoption in the service context by integrating perspectives from network externalities and diffusion of innovation.
Details
Keywords
Zhenzong Zhou, Geoffrey Shen, Jin Xue, Chengshuang Sun, Yongyue Liu, Weiyi Cong, Tao Yu and Yaowu Wang
This study aims to develop an improved understanding of the formation of citizens' purchase intention to increase the adoption of prefabricated housing (PH).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop an improved understanding of the formation of citizens' purchase intention to increase the adoption of prefabricated housing (PH).
Design/methodology/approach
An integrative model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and norm activation model (NAM) was proposed based on previous studies. To verify the conceptual model, an analysis was conducted after data collection from a questionnaire survey. Lastly, findings were presented by explaining the formation of purchase intention in the egoistic and altruistic contexts. Practical implications were likewise discussed.
Findings
Findings manifest that citizens' purchase intention is influenced by egoistic and altruistic cognitions. An effective strategy is to show citizens the pro-environmental features of PH to promote its adoption because they value the environmental performance of housing. Meanwhile, consumers' social fitness also plays an essential role in decision-making, and the dual contradiction in the PH market is revealed.
Originality/value
This study extends the knowledge of psychological decision-making theories in the field of purchase intention toward PH by proposing an integrative framework of TPB and NAM. Results indicate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of consumers' decision-making in the PH domain. Moreover, results of this research contribute to specifying and refining the applicable contexts of TPB and NAM by adding two antecedents: subjective knowledge and environmental concern. This research contributes to the literature by being one of the first to investigate purchase intention toward a high-cost product with invisible technological innovation.
Details
Keywords
Peggy M.L. Ng, Kam Kong Lit, Jason K.Y. Chan, Cherry Tin Yan Cheung and Ellesmere T.K. Choy
The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying mechanisms influencing the social entrepreneurial intentions of individuals in China, adopting social capital theory…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying mechanisms influencing the social entrepreneurial intentions of individuals in China, adopting social capital theory, bottom-up and people-based approach. The interrelated effects of intellectual capital (social community trust, social capital bonding and social participation) on social innovation tendency were measured.
Design/methodology/approach
We recruited 502 Chinese individuals by utilising a reliable survey platform in China. This study used structural equation modelling as an analytical approach to examine the influence of social capital on social innovation and social entrepreneurship intention.
Findings
The findings showed that social innovation tendencies mediate the relationship between social community trust, social capital bonding and social participation and the social entrepreneurial intentions of individuals. The findings support the tested hypotheses that social innovation tendencies are the key mechanism to translate into stronger social entrepreneurial intentions. An iterative framework emphasising transparency and open collaboration among stakeholders, which are vital for fostering social entrepreneurial intentions, was proposed.
Originality/value
This is a novel empirical study to apply social capital theory to the field of social enterprises in the Chinese context using structural equation modelling, bottom-up, people-based approach and iterative model. The findings offer valuable practical insights for entrepreneurial and SME practices to foster social entrepreneurship through a people-based approach, emphasising the importance of fostering trust, strengthening social bonds, and encouraging active social participation.
Details
Keywords
Thi Hong Vinh Cao, Dae Seok Chai, Linh Phuong Nguyen, Hanh Thi Hien Nguyen, Caleb Seung-hyun Han and Shinhee Park
This study aimed to examine the impact of learning organization (LO) on job satisfaction and individual performance in Vietnamese enterprises. The study further explores the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine the impact of learning organization (LO) on job satisfaction and individual performance in Vietnamese enterprises. The study further explores the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between learning organization and employee performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 653 employees from various types of organizations in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was implemented to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results revealed that the proposed research model was supported. Results indicated that LOs positively influenced employees’ job satisfaction and the broader range of their individual performance. In addition, employees’ job satisfaction motivated them to achieve higher performance levels. The study also found a mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between LO and employee performance. The results underscore the importance of implementing an LO culture for individual outcomes such as job satisfaction and employee performance in the Vietnamese cultural context, which is based on socialism and Confucianism.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationships among LO, job satisfaction and individual employee performance in the Vietnamese context. The results offer a deeper understanding of the LO concept in the Vietnamese cultural context and highlight the cultural impact on the LO concept and its effects. The results suggest how the LO concept is applied in the Vietnamese context.
Details
Keywords
Preenithi Aksorn, Kampanat Burimat, Bupavech Phansri and Surangkana Trangkanont
This study aims to identify the factors and strategies that motivate Thai construction professionals to adopt Blockchain Technology (BT). Previous research highlights BT’s…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the factors and strategies that motivate Thai construction professionals to adopt Blockchain Technology (BT). Previous research highlights BT’s characteristics but lacks focus on the features most persuasive for Thai construction professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Q methodology with 28 participants from the academic, construction and advanced technology sectors, this study explores their perceptions on BT adoption and addresses the gap in identifying persuasive features for Thai construction professionals.
Findings
The analysis identified eight distinct professional groups, each with unique perceptions of BT’s motivating factors. Based on these insights, seven strategies were proposed to promote BT adoption. A key finding is that BT adoption is influenced not only by professionals’ roles, positions and accountability but also by their existing technological competencies.
Research limitations/implications
The use of Q methodology, while insightful, may not capture the full complexity of attitudes toward BT adoption. Additionally, the focus on the Thai construction industry and the small sample size may limit its generalizability to other cultural and economic contexts.
Practical implications
Identifying professional categories based on BT preferences and implementing strategies – such as automated systems, smart contracts, education centers and pilot projects – can enhance productivity in the Thai construction industry, drawing on global practices to address local challenges.
Originality/value
– With Thailand’s extensive infrastructure projects supporting ASEAN’s transportation hub vision, integrating blockchain is expected to enhance productivity and project outcomes, contributing to Thailand’s national infrastructure development goals.
Details
Keywords
Jianbo Zhu, Jialong Chen, Wenliang Jin and Qiming Li
Promoting technological innovation is important to address the complexity of major engineering challenges. Technological innovations include short-term innovations at the project…
Abstract
Purpose
Promoting technological innovation is important to address the complexity of major engineering challenges. Technological innovations include short-term innovations at the project level and long-term innovations that can enhance competitive advantages. The purpose of this study is to develop an incentive mechanism for the public sector that considers short-term and long-term efforts from the private sector, aiming to promote technological innovation in major engineering projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study constructs an incentive model considering the differences in short-term and long-term innovation efforts from the private sector. This model emphasizes the spillover effect of long-term efforts on current projects and the cost synergy effect between short-term and long-term efforts. It also explores the factors influencing the optimal incentive strategies for the public sector and innovation strategies for the private sector.
Findings
The results indicate that increasing the output coefficient of short-term and long-term efforts and reducing the cost coefficient not only enhance the innovation efforts of the private sector but also prompt the public sector to increase the incentive coefficient. The spillover effect of long-term innovation efforts and the synergy effect of the two efforts are positively related to the incentive coefficient for the public sector.
Originality/value
This research addresses the existing gap in understanding how the public sector should devise incentive mechanisms for technological innovation when contractors acting as the private sector are responsible for construction within a public-private partnership (PPP) model. In constructing the incentive mechanism model, this study incorporates the private sector's short-term efforts at the project level and their long-term efforts for sustained corporate development, thus adding considerable practical significance.
Details
Keywords
Mahesh Babu Purushothaman, Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, Samadhi Samarasekara and Ali GhaffarianHoseini
This paper aims to highlight the factors affecting health and safety (H&S) and the SMART Technologies (ST) used to mitigate them in the construction industry through a range of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the factors affecting health and safety (H&S) and the SMART Technologies (ST) used to mitigate them in the construction industry through a range of selected papers to encourage readers and potential audiences to consider the need for intelligent technologies to minimize the risks of injuries, illnesses and severe harm in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a double systematic literature review (SLR) to analyse studies investigating the factors affecting H&S and the ST in the construction industry using databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and Emerald Insight publication.
Findings
The SLR identified “fatal or focus five factors” that include objects Fall from heights (FFH) and trapped between objects; Falls, Trips and slips (FTS); Machinery/Equipment Malfunction and Moving Equipment; Pollutants: Chemicals, Airborne Dust, Asbestos; and Electrocution. The ST includes Safety Boots/SMART Glasses/SMART Helmet/SMART Vests/SMART PPE/SMART Watch, Mobile Apps, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Wearable Technology/Mobile Sensors help mitigate the risk posed by “Fatal five”. However, other factors within the scope of ST, such as Weather Conditions, Vibrations, Violence, Disease and illness, Fire and Explosion and Over Exertion, are yet to be adopted in the field.
Research limitations/implications
SLR methodology limitations of not obtaining the most updated field knowledge are critical and are offset by choosing 72% of H&S and 92% of SM review literature post-2017. Limitations to capturing articles because of the restriction of database access: only English language search and journals that are not a part of the databases selected are acknowledged. However, key database search that recognizes rigorous peer-reviewed articles offset these limitations. The researcher’s Bias is acknowledged.
Practical implications
This paper unravels the construction H&S factors and their interlinks with ST, which would aid industry understanding and focus on mitigating associated risks. The paper highlights the Fatal five and trivial 15, which would help better understand the causes of the H&S risks. Further, the paper discusses ST’s connectivity, which would aid the organization’s overall H&S management. The practical and theoretical implications include a better understanding of all factors that affect H&S and ST available to help mitigate concerns. The operating managers could use the ST to reduce H&S risks at every construction process stage. This paper on H&S and ST and relationships can theorize that the construction industry is more likely to identify clear root causes of H&S and ST usage than previously. The theoretical implications include enhanced understanding for academics on H&S factors, ST and gaps in ST concerning H&S, which can be expanded to provide new insights into existing knowledge.
Originality/value
This paper highlights all factors affecting H&S and ST that help mitigate associated risks and identifies the “Fatal five” factors. The paper is the first to highlight the factors affecting H&S combined with ST in use and their interactions. The paper also identified factors within the ST scope that are yet to be explored.
Details
Keywords
Naimatullah Shah and Bahadur Ali Soomro
Measuring and understanding the dynamics of democracy as well as democratic attitudes of people have become a big challenge for every democratic state. The study proposes the…
Abstract
Purpose
Measuring and understanding the dynamics of democracy as well as democratic attitudes of people have become a big challenge for every democratic state. The study proposes the investigation of middle-class peoples’ attitudes towards democracy in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a deductive approach based on cross-sectional data from Pakistan’s middle-class people. The researchers use a survey questionnaire through a convenience sampling technique. Finally, the study utilizes 1854 samples to conclude the findings.
Findings
The evidence confirms that trust in public institutions and political engagement positively and significantly impact peoples’ democratic attitudes. In addition, the investigation witnessed the preference for democracy also supports understanding middle-class peoples’ democratic attitudes.
Practical implications
The study would provide an endorsement for politicians of Pakistan to perceive the inclination of middle-class people towards democracy. The study would guide the researchers and policymakers and intellectualize the middle-class peoples’ opinions and attitudes. Moreover the study would support reflecting the public confidence in decision making and ability to deliver. Finally the study findings would contribute to the literature of political science and democracy to understand democratic attitudes mainly focusing on middle-class populations.
Originality/value
This study empirically confirms the Pakistani middle-class peoples’ attitudes towards democracy.
Details
Keywords
Yangze Liang and Zhao Xu
Monitoring of the quality of precast concrete (PC) components is crucial for the success of prefabricated construction projects. Currently, quality monitoring of PC components…
Abstract
Purpose
Monitoring of the quality of precast concrete (PC) components is crucial for the success of prefabricated construction projects. Currently, quality monitoring of PC components during the construction phase is predominantly done manually, resulting in low efficiency and hindering the progress of intelligent construction. This paper presents an intelligent inspection method for assessing the appearance quality of PC components, utilizing an enhanced you look only once (YOLO) model and multi-source data. The aim of this research is to achieve automated management of the appearance quality of precast components in the prefabricated construction process through digital means.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins by establishing an improved YOLO model and an image dataset for evaluating appearance quality. Through object detection in the images, a preliminary and efficient assessment of the precast components' appearance quality is achieved. Moreover, the detection results are mapped onto the point cloud for high-precision quality inspection. In the case of precast components with quality defects, precise quality inspection is conducted by combining the three-dimensional model data obtained from forward design conversion with the captured point cloud data through registration. Additionally, the paper proposes a framework for an automated inspection platform dedicated to assessing appearance quality in prefabricated buildings, encompassing the platform's hardware network.
Findings
The improved YOLO model achieved a best mean average precision of 85.02% on the VOC2007 dataset, surpassing the performance of most similar models. After targeted training, the model exhibits excellent recognition capabilities for the four common appearance quality defects. When mapped onto the point cloud, the accuracy of quality inspection based on point cloud data and forward design is within 0.1 mm. The appearance quality inspection platform enables feedback and optimization of quality issues.
Originality/value
The proposed method in this study enables high-precision, visualized and automated detection of the appearance quality of PC components. It effectively meets the demand for quality inspection of precast components on construction sites of prefabricated buildings, providing technological support for the development of intelligent construction. The design of the appearance quality inspection platform's logic and framework facilitates the integration of the method, laying the foundation for efficient quality management in the future.
Details
Keywords
Mingda Ping, Xiangrui Ji, Yan Liu and Weidong Wang
To supply temporary pressure testing devices with favorable performance for emergency environments, this paper aims to present a pressure sensor with a central boss and…
Abstract
Purpose
To supply temporary pressure testing devices with favorable performance for emergency environments, this paper aims to present a pressure sensor with a central boss and straight-annular grooves. The structural feature is modeled and optimized by neural network-based method, and the device prototype is fabricated by 3D printing techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The study initially compares mechanical properties of the proposed structure with two conventional designs using finite element analysis. The impacts from structural dimensions on sensor performance are modeled using a Backpropagation neural network and optimized through genetic algorithms. The sensing diaphragm is fabricated using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, while the piezoresistors and necessary interconnects are realized with screen printing techniques.
Findings
The experimental results demonstrate that the fabricated sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 2.8866 mV/kPa and a nonlinearity of 6.81% within the pressure range of 0–100 kPa. This performance is an improvement of 118% in sensitivity and a decrease of 54% in nonlinearity compared to flat diaphragm structure, highlighting the effectiveness of proposed diaphragm configuration.
Originality/value
This research offers a holistic methodology that encompasses the structural design, optimization and fabrication of pressure sensors. The proposed diaphragm and corresponding modelling method can provide a practical approach to enhance the measurement capabilities of pressure sensors. By leveraging SLA printing for diaphragm and screen printing for circuit, the prototype can be produced in a timely manner.