Qian Zhang, Zhipeng Liu and Siliang Yang
The construction industry is notorious for high risks and accident rates, prompting professionals to adopt emerging technologies for improved construction workers’ health and…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is notorious for high risks and accident rates, prompting professionals to adopt emerging technologies for improved construction workers’ health and safety (CWHS). Despite the recognized benefits, the practical implementation of these technologies in safety management within the Construction 4.0 era remains nascent. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms influencing the implementation of Construction 4.0 technologies (C4.0TeIm) to enhance CWHS in construction organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon integrated institutional theory, the contingency resource-based view of firms and the theory of planned behavior, this study developed and tested an integrated C4.0TeIm-CWHS framework. The framework captures the interactions among key factors driving C4.0TeIm to enhance CWHS within construction organizations. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey among 91 construction organizations and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
The results reveal that: (1) key C4.0TeIm areas are integrative and centralized around four areas, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing, Internet of Things and extended reality; and (2) external coercive and normative forces, internal resource and capability, business strategy, technology competency and management (BST), organizational culture and use intention (UI) of C4.0 technologies, collectively influence C4.0TeIm-CWHS. The findings confirm the pivotal roles of BST and UI as mediators fostering positive organizational behaviors related to C4.0TeIm-CWHS.
Practical implications
Practically, it offers actionable insights for policymakers to optimize technology integration in construction firms, promoting industrial advancement while enhancing workforce well-being.
Originality/value
The novel C4.0TeIm-CWHS framework contributes to the theoretical discourses on safety management within the C4.0 paradigm by offering insights into internal strategic deployment and compliance challenges in construction organizations.
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Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the factors influencing the evolution of emerging technology innovation network (ETIN) in combination with the key attributes and life cycle of emerging technologies, particularly the impact of multiple knowledge attributes and technology life cycle on the ETIN evolution.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collects 5G patent data and their citation information from the Derwent Innovations Index to construct a 5G technology innovation network (5GIN) as a sample network and conducts an empirical analysis of the 5GIN using the temporal exponential random graph model (TERGM).
Findings
The results indicate that during the 5GIN evolution, the network scale continues to expand and exhibits increasingly significant core-periphery structure, scale-free characteristic, small-world characteristic and community structure. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the multiple knowledge attributes based on the key attributes of emerging technologies, including knowledge novelty, coherence, growth and impact, have a significant positive influence on the ETIN evolution. Meanwhile, the temporal evolution of ETIN is also found to be correlated with the life cycle of emerging technologies.
Originality/value
This study extends the exploration of emerging technology research from a complex network perspective, providing a more realistic explanatory framework for the factors influencing ETIN evolution. It further highlights the important role that multiple knowledge attributes and the technology life cycle play within this framework.
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Yupeng Mou, Yali Ma, Duanyang Guo and Zhihua Ding
With the development of e-commerce network platforms, platform enterprises have mostly completed the first stage of user accumulation during the start-up period. How to enhance…
Abstract
Purpose
With the development of e-commerce network platforms, platform enterprises have mostly completed the first stage of user accumulation during the start-up period. How to enhance users’ stickiness and stimulate their continual participation in platform business activities through innovation and platform design has become a decisive factor for platform enterprises. To increase the motivation of e-commerce platform users, this paper explores the positive impact of gamified rewards on platform user stickiness by dividing the gamified rewards design into social and functional rewards, and studies the mediating role of self-identification and the moderating role of perceived goal progress and information disclosure.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies the “S-O-R” (stimulus–organism–response) model as the theoretical basis for constructing a model of user stickiness for e-commerce platforms and subdivides gamified reward design into social rewards and functional rewards to explore how they affect platform user stickiness and the boundaries of the influencing mechanism.
Findings
It turns out both types of gamified rewards promote users’ perception of self-identification, which in turn affects the intention to continue using the platform. In addition, platforms with designs about users’ quantified self-behavior – perceived goal progress in the gaming experience can effectively enhance the effectiveness of users’ gamification rewards. Information disclosure moderates the relationship between the two types of gamification design and self-identification. For functional reward designs and social reward designs, information disclosure can improve users’ self-identification and therefore enhance users’ stickiness.
Originality/value
This study verifies the impact of gamification design on platform user stickiness, confirming the mediating role of self-identification and the moderating role of perceived goal progress and information disclosure, which has theoretical and practical implications for how platform enterprise can maintain user activity in the digital context.
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Xiaoli Wu, Lianying Zhang and Cailin Zhang
This research focuses on exploring a psychological mechanism between abusive supervision and job engagement via job insecurity and job alternative to understand how frontline…
Abstract
Purpose
This research focuses on exploring a psychological mechanism between abusive supervision and job engagement via job insecurity and job alternative to understand how frontline construction workers' perceived abusive supervision impacts on their work engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on the conservation of resources theory (COR) to postulate that workers' job insecurity acts as a mediation between abusive supervision and work engagement, and the perception of job alternative moderates the impact of abusive supervision on job insecurity. This study empirically tests survey data from 357 frontline construction workers and adopts partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed model.
Findings
This paper proved the dark-side of abusive supervision, dual character of job insecurity and moderating role of job alternative. The game-changing mediation effects of job insecurity were examined, which suggested that work engagement would be higher when abusive supervision stimulates stronger job insecurity. Furthermore, the result indicated that the relationship between abusive supervision and job insecurity should be weaker when job alternative is high.
Practical implications
This research suggests construction project managers (CPMs) must take steps such as enhancing supervisors' emotional management skills to control frequency of abuse and thus lessen compromising engagement. Moreover, overall understanding frontline workers' job insecurity is meaningful for better construction performance management.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the disputed leadership style (abusive supervision) and positive psychology knowledge (work engagement) in construction projects by unveiling the psychosocial mechanism (game-changing effects of job insecurity) of construction frontline workers positive engaged feeling. This study highlights the function of personal and job resources in process of resource conservation.
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Alvar Castello Esquerdo, Andrei Panibratov and Daria Klishevich
Drawn from the push–pull perspective, this research aims to identify the determinants of Chinese technology's outward foreign direct investments (OFDI) into the Eurasian region.
Abstract
Purpose
Drawn from the push–pull perspective, this research aims to identify the determinants of Chinese technology's outward foreign direct investments (OFDI) into the Eurasian region.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors argue that contrary to the extant literature, technology-driven OFDI from emerging-market multinationals (EMNEs) do not always seek developed countries, and EMNEs' technology investments in emerging economies are rising indicating that there are factors in these economies that can prove attractive. The authors recognize the influence of the macroeconomic environment and the interaction of home and host-country institutional contexts that influence the location choice of EMNEs technology-driven OFDI into other emerging economies, mediated by the industry sector and firm's ownership structure. The authors test our hypotheses using a sample of 1,656 observations of Chinese MNEs' tech-investments in the Eurasian region from 2005 to 2019.
Findings
The study results indicate that bilateral diplomatic relations pave the way of the host-country institutional environment for Chinese MNEs uncovering the role of the Chinese government as an OFDI facilitator. This study also unveils a lower technology level of the Chinese MNEs' investments in the Eurasian region connoting an interest in market opportunities exploitation through their existing technologies – through its comparative advantage in the global markets – rather than strategic assets acquisition aiming at augmenting their technological capabilities. This trend is similar to that of other major foreign direct investment (FDI) source countries.
Originality/value
This research contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics and the location choice of technology investments from EMNEs into other emerging economies that have received scant attention in the literature. In addition, it extends the institutional theory by analyzing how home-country institutions, through bilateral diplomatic relations, may smooth the host country institutional environment for home-country MNEs' foreign investments and contributes as well to the debate on the applicability of the existing theoretical framework in the case of emerging-market MNEs.
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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.
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Fan Zhang, Junqi Shen, Shengsun Hu, Hui Geng and Shunxing Wang
A 3D finite element (FE) model based on the double ellipsoidal heat source was developed to investigate the evolution of temperature and stress fields during the multilayer and…
Abstract
Purpose
A 3D finite element (FE) model based on the double ellipsoidal heat source was developed to investigate the evolution of temperature and stress fields during the multilayer and multi-pass wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. This paper aims to investigate the evolution of temperature and stress fields during the multilayer and multi-pass wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process by developing a 3D finite element (FE) model based on the double ellipsoidal heat source.
Design/methodology/approach
Experimental thermal cycle curves and residual stresses were obtained by thermocouples and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The validity of the model was verified by the corresponding experimental results.
Findings
The deposition process of the upper pass led to the partial remelting of the lower deposited pass. The thermal process of the current-deposited pass alleviated the stress concentration in the previous-formed passes. A more uniform temperature distribution could be obtained by using the reciprocating deposition path. Compared to the reciprocating deposition path, the peak values of the transverse and longitudinal tensile residual stresses of the deposited sample under the unidirectional deposition path were reduced by 15 MPa and increased by 13 MPa, respectively. The heat conduction in the deposited passes could be improved by extending the inter-pass cooling time appropriately. With an increase in the inter-pass cooling time, the longitudinal residual stress in the middle region of sample along longitudinal and transverse directions showed increase and decrease–increase trends, respectively, while the transverse residual stress exhibited decrease trend.
Originality/value
This study enhances the understanding of temperature and stress fields evolution during the multilayer and multi-pass cold metal transfer-WAAM processes of magnesium alloy and provides the reference for parameter optimization.
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Zihao Ye, Georgios Kapogiannis, Shu Tang, Zhiang Zhang, Carlos Jimenez-Bescos and Tianlun Yang
Built asset management processes require a long transition period to collect, edit and update asset conditions information from existing data sets. This paper aims to explore and…
Abstract
Purpose
Built asset management processes require a long transition period to collect, edit and update asset conditions information from existing data sets. This paper aims to explore and explain whether and how digital technologies, including asset information model (AIM), Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, can enhance asset conditions assessment and lead to better asset management.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed methods are applied to achieve the research objective with a focus in universities. The questionnaire aims to test whether the integration of AIM, IoT and blockchain can enhance asset condition assessment (ACA). Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to the quantitative data. The mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, skewness and range of the data group were calculated. Semi-structured interviews were designed to answer how the integration of AIM, IoT and blockchain can enhance the ACA. Quantitative data was analysed to define and explain the essential factors for each sub-hypothesis. Meanwhile, to strengthen the evaluation of the research hypothesis, the researcher also obtained secondary data from the literature review.
Findings
The research shows that the integration of AIM, IoT and blockchain strongly influences asset conditions assessment. The integration of AIM, IoT and blockchain can improve the asset monitoring and diagnostics through its life cycle and in different aspects, including financial, physical, functional and sustainability. Moreover, the integration of AIM, IoT and blockchain can enhance cross-functional collaboration to avoid misunderstandings, various barriers and enhance trust, communication and collaboration between the team members. Finally, costs and risk could be reduced, and performance could be increased during the ACA.
Practical implications
The contribution of this study indicated that the integration of AIM, IoT and blockchain application in asset assessment could increase the efficiency, accuracy, stability and flexibility of asset assessment to ensure the reliability of assets and lead to a high-efficiency working environment. More importantly, a key performance indicator for ACA based on the asset information, technology and people experience could be developed gradually.
Originality/value
This study can break the gap between transdisciplinary knowledge to improve the integration of people, technology (AIM, IoT and blockchain) and process value-based ACA in built asset management within universities.
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Chengxia Liu, Jiawen Gu, Lan Yao and Ying Zhang
As an ancient art form, embroidery has strong practicality and artistic value. However, current embroidery style migration models produce images with unclear textures and a lack…
Abstract
Purpose
As an ancient art form, embroidery has strong practicality and artistic value. However, current embroidery style migration models produce images with unclear textures and a lack of stitch detail. So, in this paper, we propose a cyclic consistent embroidery style migration network with texture constraints, which is called Texture Cycle GAN (TCGAN).
Design/methodology/approach
The model is based on the existing Cycle GAN network with an additional texture module. This texture module is implemented using a pre-trained Markovian adversarial network to synthesize embroidery texture features. The overall algorithm consists of two generative adversarial networks (for style migration) and the Markovian adversarial network (for texture synthesis).
Findings
Qualitative and quantitative experiments show that, compared with the existing convolutional neural network style transfer algorithm, the introduction of the texture-constrained embroidery style transfer model TCGAN can effectively learn the characteristics of style images, generate digital embroidery works with clear texture and natural stitches and achieve more realistic embroidery simulation effects.
Originality/value
By improving the algorithm for image style migration and designing a reasonable loss function, the generated embroidery patterns are made more detailed, which shows that the model can improve the realism of embroidery style simulation and help to improve the standard of embroidery craftsmanship, thus promoting the development of the embroidery industry.
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Yulius Shan Romario, Chinmai Bhat, Yu-Yang Lin, Wojciech Macek, Maziar Ramezani and Cho-Pei Jiang
This research focuses on developing a dual-nozzle slurry-based extrusion 3D printer capable of fabricating intricate zirconia structures. The designed 3D printer combines material…
Abstract
Purpose
This research focuses on developing a dual-nozzle slurry-based extrusion 3D printer capable of fabricating intricate zirconia structures. The designed 3D printer combines material extrusion and photopolymerization technologies to improve material diversity, precision and cost-effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The 3D printer design incorporates ultraviolet curing to instantly cure extruded zirconia slurry thereby, eliminating the need for a step-wise curing procedure. Printing parameters were optimized to achieve high-quality prints, and supports made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol were used for intricate geometries. The printability and mechanical properties were evaluated for two different zirconia slurry compositions: 70 / 30 and 80 / 20 powder-to-resin weight percentages. The printed green body was subjected to a two-phase sintering process.
Findings
The 3D printer fabricated structures with features subtending angles greater than 50 degrees and a filling density above 80% without any supports. Shrinkage analysis showed the 80 / 20 composition resulted in higher density parts, with shrinkage ratios of 25.23%, 26.23% and 27.26% along the X, Y and Z axes, respectively. The sintered objects displayed hardness (1525 HV) and flexural strength (117 MPa), with minimal porosity.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the development of a cost-effective dual-nozzle 3D printer that can effectively fabricate functional parts with complex material compositions and geometries that can cater to the futuristic requirements of high-end industries.