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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Cong Wei, Xinrong Li, Wenqian Feng, Zhao Dai and Qi Yang
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape of Kansei engineering (KE) within the domain of emotional clothing design. It explores the pivotal…
Abstract
Purpose
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape of Kansei engineering (KE) within the domain of emotional clothing design. It explores the pivotal technologies, challenges and potential future directions of KE, offering application methodologies and theoretical underpinnings to support emotional clothing design.
Design/methodology/approach
This study briefly introduces KE, outlining its overarching research methodologies and processes. This framework lays the groundwork for advancing research in clothing Kansei. Subsequently, by reviewing literature from both domestic and international sources, this research initially explores the application of KE in the design and evaluation of clothing products as well as the development of intelligent clothing design systems from the vantage point of designers. Second, it investigates the role of KE in the customization of online clothing recommendation systems and the optimization of retail environments, as perceived by consumers. Finally, with the research methodologies of KE as a focal point, this paper discusses the principal challenges and opportunities currently confronting the field of clothing Kansei research.
Findings
At present, studies in the domain of clothing KE have achieved partial progress, but there are still some challenges to be solved in the concept, technical methods and area of application. In the future, multimodal and multisensory user Kansei acquisition, multidimensional product deconstruction, artificial intelligence (AI) enabling KE research and clothing sales environment Kansei design will become new development trends.
Originality/value
This study provides significant directions and concepts in the technology, methods and application types of KE, which is helpful to better apply KE to emotional clothing design.
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Shufeng Tang, Zhijie Chai, Xin Wang, Hong Chang and Xiaodong Guo
In view of the unknown environmental parameters and uncertain interference during gripping by the manipulator, it is difficult to obtain an effective gripping force with the…
Abstract
Purpose
In view of the unknown environmental parameters and uncertain interference during gripping by the manipulator, it is difficult to obtain an effective gripping force with the traditional impedance control method. To avoid this dilemma, the purpose of this study is to propose an adaptive control strategy based on an adaptive neural network and a PID search optimization algorithm for unknown environments.
Design/methodology/approach
The method is based on a variable impedance model, and a new impedance model is established using a radial basis function (RBF) neural network to estimate unknown parameters of the impedance model. The approximation errors of the adaptive neural network and the uncertain disturbance are effectively suppressed by designing the adaptive rate. In the meantime, auxiliary variables are constructed for Lyapunov stability analysis and adaptive controller design, and PSA is used to ensure the stability of the adaptive impedance control system. Based on the Lyapunov stability criterion, the adaptive im-pedance control system is proved to have progressive tracking convergence property.
Findings
Through comparative simulations and experiments, the superiority of the proposed adaptive control strategy in position and force tracking has been verified. For objects with low flexibility and light-weight (such as a coke, a banana and a nectarine), this control method demonstrates errors of less than 10%.
Originality/value
This paper uses RBF neural networks to estimate unknown parameters of the impedance model in real-time, enhancing system adaptability. Neural network weights are updated online to suppress errors and disturbances. Auxiliary variables are designed for Lyapunov stability analysis. The PSA algorithm is used to adjust controller parameters in real-time. Additionally, comparative simulations and experi-ments are designed to analyze and validate the performance of controller.
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Xiaojian Jiang, Zhonggui Zhang, Jiafei Cheng, Yongjie Ai, Ziyue Zhang, Shuolei Wang, Shi Xu, Hongyu Gao and Yubing Dong
This study aims to fabricate the reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composite films with electric-driven two-way shape memory properties for…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fabricate the reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composite films with electric-driven two-way shape memory properties for deployable structures application. The effect of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and rGO on the structure and properties of the rGO/EVA composite films were systematically investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
The rGO/EVA composite films were fabricated by melting blend and swelling-ultrasonication method, DCP and rGO were used the crosslinking agent and conductive filler, respectively.
Findings
The research results indicate that the two-way shape memory properties of rGO/EVA composite films were significantly improved with the increase of DCP content. The rGO endowed rGO/EVA composite films with excellent electric-driven reversible two-way shape memory and anti-ultraviolet aging properties. The sample rGO/EVA-9 can be heated above Tm within 8 s at a voltage of 35 V and can be heated above the Tm temperature within 12 s under near-infrared light (NIR). Under a constant stress of 0.07 MPa, the reversible strain of the sample rGO/EVA-9 was 8.96% and its electric-driven shape memory behavior maintained great regularity and stability.
Research limitations/implications
The rGO/EVA composite films have potential application value in the field of deployable structures.
Originality/value
With the increase of DCP content, the two-way shape memory properties of rGO/EVA composite films were significantly improved, which effectively solved the problem that the shape memory properties of EVA matrix decreased caused by swelling. The rGO endowed rGO/EVA composite films with excellent electric/NIR driven reversible two-way shape memory properties.
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Chenglin Yue, Jiamin Du, Zixuan Zhang, Yuchen Zhang, Jianyuan Guo and Jie He
It is significant for station passenger flow organization, platform equipment layout and train running optimization to master platform passenger distribution characteristics of…
Abstract
Purpose
It is significant for station passenger flow organization, platform equipment layout and train running optimization to master platform passenger distribution characteristics of urban rail transit stations. The purpose of this paper is to master the characteristics of platform passenger flow distribution in urban rail transit stations and optimize the station passenger flow organization, platform equipment layout and train operation adjustment.
Design/methodology/approach
The model considers two types of passengers, with and without luggage, as well as their door selection and microscopic movement behavior. In addition, it improves the traditional social force model by incorporating passenger state transitions under same-platform-transfer scenarios, considering the influence of static obstacles and dynamic queues on passenger movement direction.
Findings
Based on this model, a dynamic simulation of platform passenger flow distribution was conducted using Beijingxi Railway Station as an example under same-platform-transfer scenarios, verifying the model’s effectiveness.
Originality/value
Complex scenarios, such as carrying luggage and same-platform-transfers, bring difficulties to the analysis of passenger distribution on platforms. Therefore, this paper proposes a simulation model for the dynamic distribution of subway platform passengers, taking into account the scenarios of carrying luggage and same-platform-transfers.
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Shiyuan Yang, Yan Yuan, Fu Yang, Longhua Yue, Jingsong Zhang and Tingting Xu
This study examines the relationship between guanxi human resource management (HRM) practices and psychological withdrawal behavior and its mechanism, and examines the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the relationship between guanxi human resource management (HRM) practices and psychological withdrawal behavior and its mechanism, and examines the mediating role of psychological contract breach and the moderating role of employee resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 287 three-stage questionnaires from 62 teams from public institutions, large state-owned enterprises and private enterprises in Sichuan Province, and used regression analysis, PROCESS and Amos structural equation model to test the research hypothesis.
Findings
Guanxi HRM practices positively influenced the employees’ psychological withdrawal behavior, and psychological contract breach played a mediating role in the relationship. Employee resilience not only moderated guanxi HRM practice and psychological contract breach but also moderated the mediating effect of psychological contract breach between guanxi HRM practice and psychological withdrawal behavior.
Originality/value
This study revealed the impact of guanxi HRM practices on employees’ psychological withdrawal behavior, which often serves as an early indicator of mental health issues. This finding has important implications for the research on relation-oriented HRM practices.
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We examine the impact of corporate sustainability performance (CSP) on corporate cash holdings, focusing on the moderating impacts of industry’s concentration, financial…
Abstract
Purpose
We examine the impact of corporate sustainability performance (CSP) on corporate cash holdings, focusing on the moderating impacts of industry’s concentration, financial constraints, and institutional environments.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis is conducted on a sample of 31 countries from 2002 to 2018. We use the pooled OLS regressions controlling for fixed effects. We further address endogeneity issues using an instrumental variable approach, the Difference-in-Differences regression based on an exogenous shock, and the propensity score matching.
Findings
We find that firms with superior CSP hold more cash. This result is valid after a series of tests for robustness and endogeneity issues, suggesting a causal effect of CSP on corporate cash holdings. In the cross section, the positive impact of CSP on cash holdings is more pronounced for firms operating in highly concentrated industries, but attenuated for firms with financial constraints and for those operating in countries with better institutional environments. We further show that CSP affects cash holdings through the channel of financial distress risk.
Practical implications
In making investment decisions, investors should not only examine corporate financial performance and sustainability profile, but also understand the related cash holding levels and financial distress costs. Corporate managers making decisions on levels of cash holdings should pay more attention to their sustainability behavior, especially for firms operating in concentrated industries and/or facing financial constraints. Governments and authorities can apply regulations to encourage firms to engage more in sustainable activities, as well as establish good institutional environments in the country.
Originality/value
Using a comprehensive international dataset, our paper contributes to two strands of literature: the economic impact of CSP and the driver of cash holdings. We further focus on the moderating role of industry concentration and firms’ financial constraints. Our international sample also allows us to exploit the effect of country-level informal institutions.
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Yue Bicheng, Naimeng Liu and Bin Liu
Choosing the proper selling format for online retail has long been a critical issue for many platforms to consider, whereas the emergence and popularity of live-streaming have had…
Abstract
Purpose
Choosing the proper selling format for online retail has long been a critical issue for many platforms to consider, whereas the emergence and popularity of live-streaming have had a massive impact on the platform's business. As a result, selecting the suitable operating strategy for the live channel has become another critical issue for platforms. In such a context, what will be the impact of live-streaming on selling formats?
Design/methodology/approach
In order to explore these issues, we identified two selling formats (wholesale reselling or agency selling) as well as two operating strategies (introduce or discard). Thereby, four channel-structures are constructed, namely the reselling-discard model (WN), the reselling-introduce model (WL), the agency-discard model (AN), and the agency-introduce model (AL). We comprehensively compare how different structures affect stakeholders' interests, consumer surplus, and social welfare through equilibrium analyses.
Findings
These results help clarify the impact of critical factors (e.g. self-effort attribute, cross-effort attribute, and commission ratio) on the choice of models. We find that regardless of the selling agreement between the manufacturer and the platform, the introduction of a live store is necessary; specifically, when the commission ratio is high, the platform's optimal decision is first to sign an agency agreement and then apply live selling (AL); conversely, when the commission ratio is low, the platform's optimal strategy is first to enable the live channel and then to select the reselling format (WL), together, this also reveals, from a theoretical perspective.
Originality/value
Our study includes the dual analysis of selling formats and channel operations, considering the inherent dual attributes of service efforts and the external competitive environment.
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Songbo Liu and Xi Wang
This study aims to explore the effect of leader self-deprecating humor on subordinate learning from failure by considering task reflexivity as an explanatory mechanism and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the effect of leader self-deprecating humor on subordinate learning from failure by considering task reflexivity as an explanatory mechanism and leader–subordinate value congruence as a boundary condition.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a multi-wave survey of 342 members from 61 teams in a large research institute in China. Given the nested data, we used multilevel path analysis to test our moderated mediation model.
Findings
The results show that leader self-deprecating humor has positive indirect effects on subordinate learning from failure via task reflexivity, and this mediation effect is stronger when leader–subordinate value congruence is higher.
Originality/value
This study extends the literature on learning from failure by illustrating how leader self-deprecating humor can influence subordinates’ learning from failure in the innovation context.
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Siavash Moayedi, Jamal Zamani and Mohammad Salehi
This paper aims to provide a full introduction, new classification, comparison and investigation of the challenges as well as applications of layerless 3D printing, which is one…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a full introduction, new classification, comparison and investigation of the challenges as well as applications of layerless 3D printing, which is one of the industry 4.0 pioneers.
Design/methodology/approach
Given the significance and novelty of uniform 3D printing, more than 250 publications were collected and reviewed in an unbiased and clear manner.
Findings
As a result, the majority of uniform parts printed in polymer form are known up to this point. In a novel division for better researchers’ comprehension, uniform printing systems were classified into three categories: oxygen inhibition (OI), liquid lubrication (LL) and photon penetration (PP), and each was thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, these three approaches were evaluated in terms of printing speed, precision and accuracy, manufacturing scale and cost.
Originality/value
The parameters of each approach were compared independently, and then a practical comparison was conducted among these three approaches. Finally, a variety of technologies, opportunities, challenges and advantages of each significant method, as well as a future outlook for layerless rapid prototyping, are presented.