Qiang Cui, Xiao Liu, Zhen Zhang, Xiaoqin Li and Shasha Yang
This study aims to propose a new composite metal fin structure to enhance heat transfer efficiency during the phase change energy storage (PCES) process in a hot water oil…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose a new composite metal fin structure to enhance heat transfer efficiency during the phase change energy storage (PCES) process in a hot water oil displacement system.
Design/methodology/approach
PCES numerical unit is developed by varying the radii of annular fins and the number of corrugated fins. The impact of the finned structure on melting characteristics, energy storage performance and rate of heat storage is analyzed.
Findings
This study indicate the presence of non-uniform melting behavior in PCES unit during the heat charging process, which can be mitigated by increasing the number of corrugated fins and the radius of annular fins.
Originality/value
The impact of the finned structure on melting characteristics, energy storage performance and rate of heat storage is analyzed. This study indicates the presence of non-uniform melting behavior in PCES unit during the heat charging process, which can be mitigated by increasing the number of corrugated fins and the radius of annular fins.
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Zheng Joseph Yan, Jin Luo and Ziran Chen
This study aims to examine an important mechanism in the policy-led institutional transitions in China, namely, Te Shi Te Ban (Special Treatments for Special Matters) – an…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine an important mechanism in the policy-led institutional transitions in China, namely, Te Shi Te Ban (Special Treatments for Special Matters) – an institutional device that facilitates policy implementation. The discussions are contextualized based on the latest chapter of China’s institutional transition, known as the reform initiative of Fang Guan Fu (i.e. the FGF reform: delegate power, streamline administration and optimize government services), which is a policy regime introduced in 2018 to improve the state-market relationship for better socioeconomic development.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theoretical lens of proto-institutions and institutional work and using real-life examples from mass media, this perspective paper examines the effects of the Special Treatments in the institutional transition under the FGF Reform.
Findings
The Special Treatments are the proto-institutions purposively adopted by the regulators in China to innovate, supervise and renovate the rules and norms during policy implementation. They produce both incremental and radical institutional effects which allow for a more efficient and effective policy-led institutional transition.
Originality/value
This study contributes to institutional theory in the Chinese management context. Foremost, this study introduces the concept of proto-institutional work and shows how proto-institutions can serve as a mechanism to support and manage the process of institutional transition. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to study the FGF Reform – the latest reform initiative in China and theorize an under-researched but important mechanism in its institutional environment – the Special Treatments for Special Matters.
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Mershack Opoku Tetteh, Albert P.C. Chan, Ernest Effah Ameyaw, Amos Darko, Sitsofe Kwame Yevu and Emmanuel B. Boateng
Management control is needed in international joint ventures (IJVs) for successful management and performance. While IJV management control and performance concept has been widely…
Abstract
Purpose
Management control is needed in international joint ventures (IJVs) for successful management and performance. While IJV management control and performance concept has been widely explored, in the construction sector, the core understanding of the design of the two concepts is still lacking. This has resulted in the neglect of important questions and directions for research and practice improvement. This study aims to conduct a critical survey of prior studies addressing the conceptualization of management control and performance in IJVs and to propose a framework for studying the performance implications of management control in international construction joint ventures (ICJVs).
Design/methodology/approach
Using Scopus database and search terms, a systematic desktop search was conducted to retrieve empirically related peer-reviewed papers for this study.
Findings
Drawing on the transaction cost, institutional and relational logic, the first inclusive hypothetical model for studying the relationship between different dimensions of management control mechanism and multiple performance criteria in ICJVs is presented. The model proposes a measurement method for both the management control and performance and explains how they can be established in ICJVs.
Practical implications
The proposed framework provides a methodology to understand the dynamics of management control and performance implications in ICJV. Specifically, uncovering the critical paths will assist ICJV frontliners to approach management control in a more holistic and systematic way to promote achievement of ICJV goals.
Originality/value
The study gives a firm ground to the construction industry, which is accurate and educational for related fields concentrating on several other forms of cooperative relationships.
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This paper aims to determine whether performing an emotional intelligence (EI) intervention improves employees’ self-perceived emotional–social competencies (ESC) to achieve…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine whether performing an emotional intelligence (EI) intervention improves employees’ self-perceived emotional–social competencies (ESC) to achieve relational outcomes in firms based in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a qualitative, interpretive approach through purposive sampling, this paper explored the impacts the Strengths Deployment Inventory (SDI) 2.0 intervention might have upon Chinese employees regarding ESC and relational outcomes. Data was collected from 18 semi-structured interviews with Chinese executives and individual contributors.
Findings
The findings suggested that ESC could be developed and improved in Chinese employees. The SDI 2.0 intervention may effectively bring about positive EI shifts and relevant attitudinal and behavioral changes related to work relationships.
Practical implications
The developed ESC and relational outcomes provide practitioners with insight to better understand the role training plays in organizational effectiveness, as well as to implement the SDI 2.0 program in human resource practices of Chinese organizations to develop personnel and promote high-quality work relationships.
Originality/value
This study gains significance by highlighting the effectiveness of the SDI 2.0 intervention in enhancing respondents’ ESC with relational outcomes from the perspectives of Chinese firms. Thus, supporting the effectiveness of EI training in the Chinese workplace and introducing the EI training literature the SDI 2.0 tool.
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Hong-Sen Yan, Zhong-Tian Bi, Bo Zhou, Xiao-Qin Wan, Jiao-Jun Zhang and Guo-Biao Wang
The present study is intended to develop an effective approach to the real-time modeling of general dynamic nonlinear systems based on the multidimensional Taylor network (MTN).
Abstract
Purpose
The present study is intended to develop an effective approach to the real-time modeling of general dynamic nonlinear systems based on the multidimensional Taylor network (MTN).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present a detailed explanation for modeling the general discrete nonlinear dynamic system by the MTN. The weight coefficients of the network can be obtained by sampling data learning. Specifically, the least square (LS) method is adopted herein due to its desirable real-time performance and robustness.
Findings
Compared with the existing mainstream nonlinear time series analysis methods, the least square method-based multidimensional Taylor network (LSMTN) features its more desirable prediction accuracy and real-time performance. Model metric results confirm the satisfaction of modeling and identification for the generalized nonlinear system. In addition, the MTN is of simpler structure and lower computational complexity than neural networks.
Research limitations/implications
Once models of general nonlinear dynamical systems are formulated based on MTNs and their weight coefficients are identified using the data from the systems of ecosystems, society, organizations, businesses or human behavior, the forecasting, optimizing and controlling of the systems can be further studied by means of the MTN analytical models.
Practical implications
MTNs can be used as controllers, identifiers, filters, predictors, compensators and equation solvers (solving nonlinear differential equations or approximating nonlinear functions) of the systems of ecosystems, society, organizations, businesses or human behavior.
Social implications
The operating efficiency and benefits of social systems can be prominently enhanced, and their operating costs can be significantly reduced.
Originality/value
Nonlinear systems are typically impacted by a variety of factors, which makes it a challenge to build correct mathematical models for various tasks. As a result, existing modeling approaches necessitate a large number of limitations as preconditions, severely limiting their applicability. The proposed MTN methodology is believed to contribute much to the data-based modeling and identification of the general nonlinear dynamical system with no need for its prior knowledge.
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Xiaosong (Jason) Wu, Wei (Wayne) Huang, James Jiang, Gary Klein and Shan Liu
Two challenges faced by automotive component design projects within contracted design agencies are (1) specification changes requested by the manufacturers and (2) product…
Abstract
Purpose
Two challenges faced by automotive component design projects within contracted design agencies are (1) specification changes requested by the manufacturers and (2) product information or core technology knowledge leakage to external actors. We examine the effects of targeted boundary activities that address these challenges under the contingencies of environmental uncertainty and project complexity.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on Boundary management theory, a bidirectional model of boundary buffering was conceptualized in the context of design agency teams developing automotive components. A survey is derived from the proposed model. Regression analysis is performed using empirical data from 234 auto component design projects in Chinese design agencies.
Findings
Boundary buffering activities that strengthen outside-in boundaries and inside-out boundaries directly improve the final design quality. Further, the magnitude of effect for outside-in buffering on design quality is enhanced under environmental uncertainty, while the impact of inside-out buffering on design quality is enhanced under project complexity.
Research limitations/implications
Boundary activities should consider differences in boundary targets, directional flow of information, and context of scope.
Practical implications
Automotive component design agents should attend to both outside-in and inside-out boundary buffering, especially under conditions of environmental uncertainty or project complexity.
Originality/value
The proposed bidirectional view on boundary buffering adds perspective to team boundary management theory. Specific contingencies include common risk elements of project complexity and environmental uncertainty not typically associated with the need for buffering activities.
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Weidong Lei, Dandan Ke, Pengyu Yan, Jinsuo Zhang and Jinhang Li
This paper aims to correct the existing mixed integer programming (MIP) model proposed by Yadav et al. (2019) [“Bi-objective optimization for sustainable supply chain network…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to correct the existing mixed integer programming (MIP) model proposed by Yadav et al. (2019) [“Bi-objective optimization for sustainable supply chain network design in omnichannel.”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 972–986].
Design/methodology/approach
This paper first presents a counterexample to show that the existing MIP model is incorrect and then proposes an improved mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the considered problem. Last, a numerical experiment is conducted to test our improved MILP model.
Findings
This paper demonstrates that the formulations of the facility capacity constraints and the product flow balance constraints in the existing MIP model are incorrect and incomplete. Due to this reason, infeasible solutions could be identified as feasible ones by the existing MIP model. Hence, the optimal solution obtained with the existing MIP model could be infeasible. A counter-example is used to verify our observations. Computational results verify the effectiveness of our improved MILP model.
Originality/value
This paper gives a complete and correct formulation of the facility capacity constraints and the product flow balance constraints, and conducts other improvements on the existing MIP model. The improved MILP model can be easily implemented and would help companies to have more effective distribution networks under the omnichannel environment.
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An Yan, Zhanzhi Ren, Feng Pei and Xiaoxi Zhu
This study aims to examine the effect of self-construal on solo dining intentions and its underlying mechanism through consumer emotions. Furthermore, the study also investigates…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of self-construal on solo dining intentions and its underlying mechanism through consumer emotions. Furthermore, the study also investigates the moderating effect of the composition of other diners on the relationship between self-construal and solo dining intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
A 2 (self-construal: independent vs interdependent) × 2 (other diners: solo diners vs social diners) between-subjects experimental design was adopted to test the hypotheses. The data were collected from 317 Chinese consumers, followed by an analysis using IBM SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0.
Findings
The findings indicate that consumers with an independent self-construal are more likely to have the intention to dine alone at a restaurant. Nevertheless, this effect is contingent upon the composition of other diners. The effect is significant only when nearby diners are social diners, and perceived enjoyment partly mediates the relationship. Conversely, when nearby diners are also solo diners, consumers' self-construals do not significantly affect their solo dining intentions. Moreover, the results indicate that consumers generally experience low levels of perceived stress when dining alone.
Originality/value
This study incorporates individual personality traits into research on solo diners and highlights the crucial role of positive emotions in solo dining, which provides insights for relevant enterprises to develop effective marketing strategies.
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Gwen M. Wittenbaum, Kay Yoon and Andrea B. Hollingshead
Groups typically are composed of members with different knowledge, information, and expertise. Group discussion provides the means by which members can communicate their unique…
Abstract
Groups typically are composed of members with different knowledge, information, and expertise. Group discussion provides the means by which members can communicate their unique knowledge to reach better group decisions, develop a shared system for remembering and retrieving knowledge, and establish their expertise through enacted performance. In this chapter, three streams of research are reviewed that explore knowledge communication in groups: Hidden profiles, transactive memory systems, and a performative view of expertise. Each of these three research streams complements and informs the other. Across these three research streams, 10 major research findings are identified. We offer three research directions that include integrating these research streams, examining knowledge communication in the context of emerging technology (e.g., artificial intelligence), and studying effects of knowledge diversity in conjunction with surface-level diversity (e.g., member race).
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The goal of this article is to examine the current trends of political cinema in postcolonial Hong Kong. Many leaders of the Hong Kong mainstream cinema have accepted the Chinese…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this article is to examine the current trends of political cinema in postcolonial Hong Kong. Many leaders of the Hong Kong mainstream cinema have accepted the Chinese authoritarian rule as a precondition for expanding into the ever-expanding Mainland film market, but a handful of conscientious filmmakers choose to make political cinema under the shadow of a wealthy and descendant industry, expressing their desire for democracy and justice and critiquing the unequal power relations between Hong Kong and China.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper consults relevant documentary materials and cinematic texts to contextualize the latest development of political cinema in Hong Kong. It presents an in-depth analysis of the works of two local independent filmmakers Herman Yau and Vincent Chui.
Findings
This study reveals a glimpse of hope in the current films of Herman Yau and Vincent Chui, which suggests that a reconfiguration of local identity and communal relationship may turn around the collective despair caused by the oppressive measures of the Chinese authoritarian state and the end of the Umbrella Movement in late 2014.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the small sample size, this paper highlights the rise of cinematic localism through a closer look at the works of Hong Kong independent filmmakers.
Practical implications
This study reveals an ambivalent mentality in the Hong Kong film industry where critical filmmakers strive to assert their creativity and agency against the externally imposed Chinese hegemonic power.
Originality/value
This investigation is an original scholarly study of film and politics in postcolonial Hong Kong.