Shuwen Wang, Feiyan Yan and Ao Chen
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing (LST) and residual stress on functional surfaces.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing (LST) and residual stress on functional surfaces.
Design/methodology/approach
Three different surface textures (circular dimple, elliptical dimple and groove) with two different textured area ratios (10 and 20 per cent) are designed and fabricated by a Picosecond Nd YAG Laser machine. The friction and wear performance of textured specimens is tested using a UMT-2 friction and wear testing machine in mixed lubrication.
Findings
Test results show that elliptical dimples exhibit the best performance in wear resistance, circular dimples in friction reduction and grooves in stabilization of friction. The surfaces with larger textured area density exhibit better performance in both friction reduction and wear resistance. The improved performance of LST is the coupled effect of surface texture and residual stress.
Originality/value
The findings of this study may provide guidance for optimal design of functional surface textures in reciprocating sliding contacts under mixed or hydrodynamic lubrication, which can be used in automotive and other industrial applications.
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Xiaoming He and Ao Chen
This paper aims to explore the impact of a firm’s political connections on its economic value added (EVA) performance while treating connection heterogeneity and product…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the impact of a firm’s political connections on its economic value added (EVA) performance while treating connection heterogeneity and product diversification as moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on data collected from 1,143 Chinese manufacturing listed firms in China’s A-share market from 2012 to 2017, this study conducted panel data analysis to investigate proposed relationships.
Findings
The findings provide evidence that political connections promote EVA performance of enterprises and both connection heterogeneity and product diversification negatively moderate the political connections – EVA performance relationship.
Originality/value
Drawing sights from the resource-based view, this study investigates the influence of corporate political connections on EVA performance, considering contingent factors of connection heterogeneity and corporate strategy (i.e. product diversification). It, thus, contributes to the literature on political connections by providing additional evidence to explaining the inconclusive findings on the political connections–firm performance relationship and extending prior research by emphasizing the moderating roles of connection heterogeneity and corporate strategy. It also complements prior research on EVA performance by exploring its antecedents.
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Muhammad Qiyas, Muhammad Ali Khan, Saifullah Khan and Saleem Abdullah
The aim of this study as to find out an approach for emergency program selection.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study as to find out an approach for emergency program selection.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have generated six aggregation operators (AOs), namely picture fuzzy Yager weighted average (PFYWA), picture fuzzy Yager ordered weighted average, picture fuzzy Yager hybrid weighted average, picture fuzzy Yager weighted geometric (PFYWG), picture fuzzy Yager ordered weighted geometric and picture fuzzy Yager hybrid weighted geometric aggregations operators.
Findings
First of all, the authors defined the score and accuracy function for picture fuzzy set (FS), and some fundamental operational laws for picture FS using the Yager aggregation operation. After that, using the developed operational laws, developed some AOs, namely PFYWA, picture fuzzy Yager ordered weighted average, picture fuzzy Yager hybrid weighted average, PFYWG, picture fuzzy Yager ordered weighted geometric and picture fuzzy Yager hybrid weighted geometric aggregations operators, have been proposed along with their desirable properties. A decision-making (DM) approach based on these operators has also been presented. An illustrative example has been given for demonstrating the approach. Finally, discussed the comparison of the proposed method with the other existing methods and write the conclusion of the article.
Originality/value
To find the best alternative for emergency program selection.
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Nan Lin, Yanlong Zhang, Wenhong Chen, Dan Ao and Lijun Song
The paper advances the argument that social capital operates on both the supply and demand sides of the labor market. Organizations have significant needs for employees with…
Abstract
The paper advances the argument that social capital operates on both the supply and demand sides of the labor market. Organizations have significant needs for employees with social capital capacity and skills as they do with human capital. We articulate a theory on why organizations have such needs and how social capital may be differentially and strategically deployed to different positions. Specifically, three types of positions (the top positions, the edge positions, and the exchange-oriented positions) are identified with such needs. We formulated two hypotheses derived from the theoretical articulation: (1) the deploying hypothesis – organizations are expected to strategically recruit and deploy workers with social capital capacity and skills to such key internal and edge positions and (2) the institutional contingency hypothesis – organizations in the more competitive environment (e.g., the private sector) are more likely to show such differential deployment than those in the less competitive environment (e.g., the state sector). The hypotheses were subjected to an empirical examination with a set of firm data from China. Both hypotheses were confirmed. Further, we also found evidence for differential deployment of human capital (education and experience) and hierarchical capital (statuses of prior positions and organizations) in different sectors. We discuss the implications of the theory and findings for future research on organizations in different economic sectors beyond China and how a theory of deploying various types of capital – social capital, human capital, and hierarchical capital – in different economic sectors may be developed.
Lei Zhu, Jinting Sun, Lina Zhang, Jing Du, Dezhi Li and Xianbo Zhao
It is a complex and dynamic process to provide high-quality rural infrastructure. However, there lacks a holistic performance evaluation method for rural infrastructure provision…
Abstract
Purpose
It is a complex and dynamic process to provide high-quality rural infrastructure. However, there lacks a holistic performance evaluation method for rural infrastructure provision that reflects changing rural social needs and takes a village as a whole. This study aims to develop a holistic and dynamic performance evaluation model for rural infrastructure in Mainland China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study established an evaluation index system by combining the lifecycle theory and the economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity (4E) theory. This study developed an evaluation model by using the analytic network process (ANP) and matter-element analysis theory (MEAT). The model was validated by two representative villages in Mainland China.
Findings
The developed model can reflect dynamic social needs and effectively evaluate the overall infrastructure provision performance of a village. The weight of indicators reflects the changes in Mainland China’s contemporary rural social needs, with particular emphasis on the impact and output performance. The evaluation result shows that the overall performance of the representative villages was excellent but had a tendency toward good. Although the output performance was excellent, different input, process and impact performances resulted in different downgrade trends.
Originality/value
This study provides a theoretical basis for disaggregating the complex issue of the performance of rural infrastructure provision. The results can be used by relevant authorities to make a holistic and dynamic evaluation of the performance of rural infrastructure provision and timely revise planning and management policies.
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Xindang He, Run Zhou, Zheyuan Liu, Suliang Yang, Ke Chen and Lei Li
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of a non-contact full-field optical measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of a non-contact full-field optical measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC).
Design/methodology/approach
The approach of this review paper is to introduce the research pertaining to DIC. It comprehensively covers crucial facets including its principles, historical development, core challenges, current research status and practical applications. Additionally, it delves into unresolved issues and outlines future research objectives.
Findings
The findings of this review encompass essential aspects of DIC, including core issues like the subpixel registration algorithm, camera calibration, measurement of surface deformation in 3D complex structures and applications in ultra-high-temperature settings. Additionally, the review presents the prevailing strategies for addressing these challenges, the most recent advancements in DIC applications across quasi-static, dynamic, ultra-high-temperature, large-scale and micro-scale engineering domains, along with key directions for future research endeavors.
Originality/value
This review holds a substantial value as it furnishes a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to DIC, while also spotlighting its prospective applications.
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Mainak Ranjan Chaki, Sanjib Biswas, Banhi Guha, Dragan Pamucar and Gautam Bandyopadhyay
“Know thyself” helps one to decide the career goal of his/her life and enables one to become self-concordant. In this context, the present work aims to discern the childhood…
Abstract
Purpose
“Know thyself” helps one to decide the career goal of his/her life and enables one to become self-concordant. In this context, the present work aims to discern the childhood interests (CI) of the HR professionals vis-à-vis their relevance.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study is grounded on two theoretical perspectives such as Socio-Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Holland Theory of Career Choice (HTCC). In this regard, a mixed methodology has been applied. The research has been carried out in two phases. In the first phase, a focused group of experienced HR professionals was interviewed to understand their CI and their relevance to the HR profession through a qualitative analysis method such as narrative analysis. In the second phase, an Intuitionistic Fuzzy Number-based Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) is applied to find out the dominant CI based on the ratings given by 423 Indian HR professionals.
Findings
All professionals agreed that their CI have helped them perform in their profession. The research identifies five themes or main attributes of personality: Creative (Aesthetic-Non Verbal/Cultural), Communicative (Verbal/ Expressive Activities), People friendliness (Social Contribution), Socially Inclusive (Sociological leadership interest) and Physical Activity (Kinesthetic interests) with 24 subattributes (i.e. childhood interests). It is found that intrinsic interests in societal contributions have been a dominant feature since the childhood days of HR professionals. In all cases, FUCOM shows a very small DFC value <0.00005.
Practical implications
The research provides an important direction to the decision-makers for policy making and aspiring professionals an essential impetus to career planning.
Originality/value
This study is a rare one to discern CI using a mixed methodology for Indian HR professionals.
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Thirty years of rapid development and economic change have created organizations and work relations in China that would have been unthinkable at the start of transition. In…
Abstract
Thirty years of rapid development and economic change have created organizations and work relations in China that would have been unthinkable at the start of transition. In December of 1978, the Chinese Communist Party agreed with Deng Xiaoping to allow agricultural privatization, a stark contrast to the communes of Mao Zedong's era. This change established the financial foundation that would lead to development in eastern, coastal cities and that would ultimately fuel an extraordinary transformation of China's economy and its global position. As a result, organizational structures have changed, and new organizational forms have emerged. There have also been dramatic changes in the way work organizations behave and in the nature and implications of work. This volume provides a glimpse into the state of organizations and work at the 30-year mark. The contributors are top scholars in the field, including many who have observed and studied China's transition for decades, who are drawing on some of the most up-to-date and innovative data sources available. The chapters are samples of the current work of these researchers that, taken together, provide a snapshot of the state of research on China's organizations and work behaviors as transition enters its fourth decade.
Firms report varied levels of success in relation to using alliances to aid in new product development (NPD). This study aims to investigate internal processes that might…
Abstract
Purpose
Firms report varied levels of success in relation to using alliances to aid in new product development (NPD). This study aims to investigate internal processes that might influence the experience of alliance success. Specifically, this study investigates the role of mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the alliance orientation (AO)–new product success relationship, while also investigating the impact of the level and consistency of AO. The primary goal is to understand the importance of a firm’s maintaining a consistent focus upon alliance scanning, coordination and learning.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted to collect data from 141 Taiwanese electronics companies. The proposed model and hypotheses were tested using path analysis in analysis of moment structures.
Findings
AO improves the success of new products indirectly through the enhancement of product program innovativeness and NPD decision-making flexibility. The positive effect of AO on product program innovativeness and NPD decision-making flexibility is heightened when a firm consistently carries out a series of alliance management activities, including alliance scanning, coordination and learning. Market turbulence and the intensity of competition differentially affect the association between product program innovativeness and NPD decision-making flexibility and new product success.
Research limitations/implications
The measures were self-reported and may result in the threat of common method bias. While this study focused upon protecting against and assessing this bias, collecting data from multiple sources would have helped to eliminate the bias. Further, the sample consisted of Taiwanese electronics firms. This makes it difficult to generalize this study’s findings to other industrial contexts.
Practical implications
While AO may be viewed as a dynamic capability, product program innovativeness and NPD decision-making flexibility represent competitive advantage in NPD program and process, respectively. Managers should not focus only on competitive advantage in NPD while overlooking the development of dynamic capabilities, as this study’s results demonstrate that both elements must work in tandem. AO is relevant at higher levels of the organizational hierarchy, while product program innovativeness and decision-making flexibility are operational, demanding cross-functional coordination and involvement within a firm. Senior executives ought to not only confirm the appropriate provision of their resources to activities and actions associated with product program innovativeness and decision-making flexibility in NPD but also continually monitor and assess whether the inputs of AO lead to desirable competitive advantage in the context of NPD.
Originality/value
This study sheds light on the underlying mechanism through which AO improves new product success. This research proposes two different aspects of AO, level and consistency, and empirically identifies their interactive effect in the context of NPD. The findings offer specific guidelines for the assessment and implementation of AO to improve new product success. Consistency, especially, has not been investigated in relation to alliance-generated new product success.
Details
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Huakang Liang and Xiaoxiao Shi
The demanding nature of construction industry poses serious health risks to construction workers. In recent years, construction health management (CHM) has gained much attention…
Abstract
Purpose
The demanding nature of construction industry poses serious health risks to construction workers. In recent years, construction health management (CHM) has gained much attention to ensure a healthier and safer workplace. However, there is still lack of a systematic review to bring together the disaggregated studies and determine the development status of this research field. As essential for addressing health issues in construction industry, a bibliometric and content-based review on of previous CHM studies would be presented in this paper.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 753 journal articles published in Web of Science core collection from 1990 to 2020 were examined using a systematic review. Bibliometric analysis concentrated on the analysis of publication and citation pattern of CHM research while content analysis was employed to identify main health hazards, levels of analysis and topical focuses.
Findings
The results indicated that the USA was the leading country in this research domain. Five health hazards together with 17 research topics at different levels of analysis were classified to allow researchers to track the structure and temporal evolution of the research field. Finally, three emerging trends and a set of research agenda were proposed to guide future research directions.
Originality/value
It is the first to highlight the issues of occupational health management from the perspective of construction workers. It contributes to the field of construction health management by clarifying the knowledge structure, emerging trends and future research directions. It offers valuable guidance and in-depth understanding to researchers, practitioners and policymakers to further promote construction workers' health performance.