Flávio Cunha, Jose Dinis-Carvalho and Rui M. Sousa
This study aims to identify the perception of people in a Portuguese company regarding the main barriers to the effectiveness of the existing performance measurement system (PMS…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the perception of people in a Portuguese company regarding the main barriers to the effectiveness of the existing performance measurement system (PMS) and whether those perceptions are dependent of people’s hierarchical levels, education levels, work shifts, gender and department.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data was collected through structured interviews (adapted to three levels of interviewees in the company hierarchy) and Likert scale questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis of the collected data was performed as well as a chi-square test.
Findings
The results provide an insight on the perception of barriers to the PMS effectiveness in the company. After performing interviews and questionnaires it was possible to identify that the main perceived barriers were: poor communication system and issues on target definition, lack of trained resources, employee involvement, indicators understanding and use for improvement.
Practical implications
This study is the starting point to develop actions aiming to eliminate, or at least mitigate, the impact of the barriers on the PMS effectiveness.
Originality/value
PMSs play an essential role in an organization, so it is essential to identify what hinders its effectiveness. This study opens the discussion by diagnosing the company’s perception of the barriers to PMS effectiveness.
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Yamin Xie, Zhichao Li, Wenjing Ouyang and Hongxia Wang
Political factors play a crucial role in China's initial public offering (IPO) market due to its distinctive institutional context (i.e. “economic decentralization” and “political…
Abstract
Purpose
Political factors play a crucial role in China's initial public offering (IPO) market due to its distinctive institutional context (i.e. “economic decentralization” and “political centralization”). Given the significant level of IPO underpricing in China, we examine the impact of local political uncertainty (measured by prefecture-level city official turnover rate) on IPO underpricing.
Design/methodology/approach
Using 2,259 IPOs of A-share listed companies from 2001 to 2019, we employ a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the channel (voluntarily lower the issuance price vs aftermarket trading) through which political uncertainty affects IPO underpricing. We check the robustness of the results using bootstrap tests, adopting alternative proxies for political uncertainty and IPO underpricing and employing subsample analysis.
Findings
Local official turnover-induced political uncertainty increases IPO underpricing by IPO firms voluntarily reducing the issuance price rather than by affecting investor sentiment in aftermarket trading. These relations are stronger in firms with pre-IPO political connections. The effect of political uncertainty on IPO underpricing is also contingent upon the industry and the growth phase of an IPO firm, more pronounced in politically sensitive industries and firms listed on the growth enterprise market board.
Originality/value
Local government officials in China usually have a short tenure and Chinese firms witness significantly severe IPO underpricing. By introducing the SEM model in studying China IPO underpricing, this study identifies the channel through which local government official turnover to political uncertainty on IPO underpricing.
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Ayşe Meriç Yazıcı and Hüseyin Çiçeklioğlu
The purpose of this study is to examine how green innovation awareness is integrated into corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and what regulatory role environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how green innovation awareness is integrated into corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and what regulatory role environmental ethics plays in this process. This study evaluates how green innovation shapes the environmental, social and economic responsibilities of businesses and its impact on achieving sustainable development goals.
Design/methodology/approach
The population of this study consists of four field operation centers of a nuclear power plant operating in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The sample consists of 397 employees in the field operation center using simple random sampling method.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed positive and significant relationships between the variables. According to the results obtained from both models, green innovation awareness and environmental ethics variables have a positive and significant effect on CSR, but environmental ethics does not have a moderating role in the effect of green innovation awareness on CSR.
Originality/value
This study is important in that it will help to clarify the gray areas in the literature by developing recommendations for practitioners, researchers and professionals in line with the research results. In addition, the fact that the research was conducted in the field studies of a nuclear power plant, which is one of the best places to address the issues of green innovation, CSR and environmental ethics, increases its importance.
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Muzammil Hussain, Trong Tuan Luu and Timothy Marjoribanks
Healthcare is a service industry where fulfilling the needs of patients (customers) is challenging. Various factors, including cost, system complexity, staffing behaviours and…
Abstract
Purpose
Healthcare is a service industry where fulfilling the needs of patients (customers) is challenging. Various factors, including cost, system complexity, staffing behaviours and technological advances, play vital roles. Drawing upon social exchange theory, this study seeks to determine how paternalistic leadership (authoritarianism, benevolence and morality) influences employee service innovative behaviour and counterproductive work behaviour via perceived supervisor support in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the study investigates the role of the public service motivation of individuals as a moderating factor in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A pilot study and a main study were conducted to test the hypotheses. We collected data from healthcare professionals in Pakistan’s large public, private and semi-government hospitals. We applied bootstrapping with 5,000 replications and structural equation modelling to analyse the data.
Findings
Results indicate that authoritarianism was negatively associated with service innovative behaviour, whereas benevolent and moral behaviours were positively associated with service innovative behaviour via perceived supervisor support (mediation). Our findings shed light on the moderating role of public service motivation.
Originality/value
This empirical quantitative study has several theoretical and practical implications. Findings of our study provide evidence that a paternalistic leadership style can influence both positive (service innovative behaviour) and negative (counterproductive working behaviour) working behaviours simultaneously via perceived supervisor support at an individual level in the service (healthcare) industry. This study also highlights the moderating role of public service motivation as an individual motivation factor.
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Rui Zhang, Zehua Dong, Yanjun Zhang, Liuhu Fu and Qiaofeng Bai
This paper aims to propose a new ultrasonic detection method for stainless steel weld defects based on complex synergetic convolutional calculation to solve two problems in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a new ultrasonic detection method for stainless steel weld defects based on complex synergetic convolutional calculation to solve two problems in the ultrasonic detection of austenitic stainless steel weld defects. These include ignoring the nonlinear information of the imaginary part in the complex domain of the signal and the correlation information between the amplitude of the real part and phase of the imaginary part and subjective dependence of diagnosis model parameters.
Design/methodology/approach
An ultrasonic detection method for weld defects based on complex synergetic convolution calculation is proposed in this paper to address the above issues. By mapping low-density, 1D detection samples to a complex domain space with high representation richness, a multi-scale and multilevel complex synergetic convolution calculation model (CSCC) is designed to match and transform samples to mine amplitude changes, phase shifts, weak phase angle changes and amplitude-phase correlation features deeply from the detection signal. This study proposed an Elite Sine-Cosine Sobol Sampling Dung Beetle Optimization Algorithm, and the detection model CSCC achieves global adaptive matching of key hyperparameters in 19 dimensions. Finally, a regulative complex synergetic convolutional calculation model is constructed to achieve high-performance detection of weld defects.
Findings
Through experiments on a self-developed Taiyuan intelligent detection and information processing weld defect dataset, the results show that the method achieves a detection accuracy of 92% for five types of weld defects: cracks, porosity, slag inclusion and unfused and unwelded components, which represent an average improvement of 11% relative to comparable models. This method is also validated with the PhysioNet electrocardiogram public dataset, which achieves better detection performance relative to the other models.
Originality/value
This method provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for developing and applying intelligent, efficient and accurate ultrasonic defects detection technology.
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Hongjie Lin, Faqun Qi, Yuxin Liu, Xiang Chen and Wenfei Zha
This paper aims to develop an optimal maintenance and spare parts policy for an urban micro wind power system, focusing on two urban micro wind farms (UMWF). The reliability and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop an optimal maintenance and spare parts policy for an urban micro wind power system, focusing on two urban micro wind farms (UMWF). The reliability and efficiency of these systems are sought to be enhanced by considering the relationship between urban wind parameters and wind turbine degradation.
Design/methodology/approach
A proportional hazards (PH) model is utilized to describe how urban wind conditions impact turbine degradation. The maintenance strategy includes preventive maintenance (PM), corrective maintenance (CM) and opportunistic maintenance (OM). A multi-objective optimization algorithm is developed to optimize the joint policy of OM plans and spare parts resource allocation.
Findings
The proposed maintenance and spare parts policy effectively balances the trade-offs between PM, CM and OM strategies. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the policy improves the reliability of UMWF, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while ensuring the availability of spare parts when needed. The results show a significant enhancement in system performance compared to traditional maintenance approaches.
Originality/value
A novel maintenance policy and spare parts management approach for urban micro wind power systems is proposed. A multi-objective optimization algorithm is developed to optimize the OM schedule and maintenance spare parts resource management strategy for wind farms in urban wind environments.
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Taeho Park, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Kofi Agyekum, Anita Odame Adade-Boateng, Patrick Manu, Emmanuel Adinyira and Selorm Adukpo
This paper aims to investigate the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management practices of construction companies in South Korea to ascertain specific components and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management practices of construction companies in South Korea to ascertain specific components and practices that need improvement for successful OSH performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research strategy was adopted. A close-ended questionnaire survey covering 45 OSH management practices was sent to 324 contractors; 108 responses were gathered, representing a response rate of 33.3%. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and Pearson’s chi-square test.
Findings
The findings revealed that there is a moderate level of implementation of OSH management practices among construction firms in South Korea. However, there is a significant disparity in terms of implementation between large enterprises on the one hand and small to medium enterprises on the other. Furthermore, a few of the business characteristics (i.e. the size of companies and certification to OHSAS 18001) were closely associated with the extent of the implementation of OSH management practices.
Practical implications
This research uncovers the OSH management practices that are poorly implemented and lays the foundation for appropriate measures to improve OSH in South Korean construction companies. It suggests an effective strategy for communicating health and safety issues to workers, training safety managers, reviewing risk assessments, reviewing the health and safety plan, incentivising workers by rewarding good behaviour and having a penal mechanism for employees not adhering to the rules.
Originality/value
The study provides insights into an under-investigated South Korean construction industry topic. It offers additional insight into state-of-the-art health and safety management practices in the construction industry in South Korea. Furthermore, it establishes which components of OSH management practice require improvement in the Korean context. This is also one of the few studies in OSH which establishes the association between the construction business characteristics and OSH management in the South Korean construction domain.
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This study analyzes whether industry relatedness between a corporate borrower and its group peers significantly affects that firm's borrowing cost.
Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzes whether industry relatedness between a corporate borrower and its group peers significantly affects that firm's borrowing cost.
Design/methodology/approach
A regression analysis is run on bank-loan data of a sample of Indonesian companies for 2010–2020. The main variables of interest are the natural logarithms of the borrowing firm's number of affiliates classified within either similar 2- or 4-digit GICS industries, and the Caves weighted index of these firms' related diversification. This index measures how firms in a group are diversified in relation to the borrower. The dependent variable is the all-in credit spread, stated in basis points, over the LIBOR or similar benchmark, as of the loan issuance date.
Findings
Findings support the industry-relatedness hypothesis and contradict the risk-reduction hypothesis and show that banks charge lower loan spreads on a borrowing firm that either operates within a similar industry as its affiliate or diversifies into related sectors or industries. Consistent with the co-insurance-effect hypothesis, the results also underline the importance of the parent and first-layer firms as supporting instead of the tunneling vehicles within business groups. These conclusions hold even after segregating the sample and using the loan maturity as the dependent variable.
Originality/value
This study uses a unique diversification measurement based on the borrowing firm's sector or industry, relative to other group members, and offers new insights on business group diversification and bank loan costs.
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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.
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Yifan Zhan, Tian Xiao, Tiantian Zhang, Wai Kin Leung and Hing Kai Chan
This study examines whether common directors are guilty of contagion of corporate frauds from the customer side and, if so, how contagion occurs. Moreover, it explores a way to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines whether common directors are guilty of contagion of corporate frauds from the customer side and, if so, how contagion occurs. Moreover, it explores a way to mitigate it, which is the increased digital orientation of firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Secondary data analysis is applied in this paper. We extract supply chain relations from the China Stock Market and Account Research (CSMAR) database as well as corporate fraud data from the same database and the official website of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Digital orientations are estimated through text analysis. Poisson regression is conducted to examine the moderating effect of common directors and the moderated moderating effect of the firms’ digital orientations.
Findings
By analysing the 2,096 downstream relations from 2000 to 2021 in China, the study reveals that corporate frauds are contagious through supply chains, while only customers’ misconduct can contagion to upstream firms. The presence of common directors strengthens such supply chain contagion. Additionally, the digital orientation can mitigate the positive moderating effect of common directors on supply chain contagion.
Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of understanding supply chain contagion through corporate fraud by (1) emphasising the existence of the contagion effects of corporate frauds; (2) understanding the potential channel in the process of contagion; (3) considering how digital orientation can mitigate this contagion and (4) recognising that the effect of contagion comes only from the downstream, not from the upstream.