Yiyuan Mai, Chan Xiong and Xiaobin He
This study aims to examine, by drawing upon resource dependence theory and upper echelon theory, how entrepreneurs’ socioeconomic statuses and political characteristics influence…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine, by drawing upon resource dependence theory and upper echelon theory, how entrepreneurs’ socioeconomic statuses and political characteristics influence the establishment of formal political ties by new ventures, and how these relationships are moderated by new ventures’ degrees of innovation and internationalization.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical research approach is used in this paper. This is because this model evaluates the interaction effects between the socioeconomic statuses and political characteristics of entrepreneurs and the market strategies of their new ventures. Moderated multiple regression models were used to test our hypotheses with data from 2,297 new ventures in China.
Findings
Using a questionnaire survey about new ventures in China, it was found that entrepreneurs’ socioeconomic statuses and political characteristics are positively related to the establishment of formal political ties by new ventures. It was also found that this positive relationship is stronger when new ventures have a higher degree of internationalization, while the relationship between the socioeconomic statuses of entrepreneurs’ and the establishment of formal political ties by new ventures is weaker when new ventures have a higher degree of innovation.
Research limitations/implications
This research provides a deeper insight into the personal roles that are played in the establishment of formal political ties and it advances the research into new ventures’ competitive strategies.
Practical implications
This study reveals the situations in which formal political ties are connected with new-venture advantages in China, and it will help entrepreneurs establish and use formal political ties strategically to correspond with the different strategies of new ventures.
Originality/value
This research distinguishes the effects of two types of personal status on the establishment of formal political ties by new ventures, and it contributes to an understanding of the situations under which entrepreneurs should establish formal political ties. The findings will also be helpful for entrepreneurs who are choosing how to combine their market and non-market strategies.
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Michael Greenwich and Betty L. Jahr‐Schaffrath
Introduces a process capability index which indicates theincapability of a process to meet its specifications. This incapabilityindex is obtained by a transformation of the C*pm…
Abstract
Introduces a process capability index which indicates the incapability of a process to meet its specifications. This incapability index is obtained by a transformation of the C*pmindex, and it is more informative than C*pm. This transformation allows one to separate information concerning the process variation from information concerning the departure from the process target. As a result, departure from the process target can be assessed without process variation, and vice versa. Presents a number of practical estimators and confidence bounds (intervals).
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Michael Greenwich and Hwa Nien Chen
Introduces a practical method of constructing confidence intervals for the Cpk index. Constructs these confidence intervals based on the asymptotic normality of estimators for the…
Abstract
Introduces a practical method of constructing confidence intervals for the Cpk index. Constructs these confidence intervals based on the asymptotic normality of estimators for the sub‐indices of the Cpk index. As a result, the underlying distribution of the quality characteristic of interest need not be normal nor be known. Explains these sub‐indices and the Cp index and presents numerical examples and results of simulation studies of the confidence intervals.
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Yan-Chun Zhang, Wu-Zan Luo, Ming Shan, Dong-Wen Pan and Wen-Jie Mu
The aims of this study are to conduct a systematic review of public–private partnership (PPP) studies published from 2009 to 2019, to compare the results with Ke et al. (2009) who…
Abstract
Purpose
The aims of this study are to conduct a systematic review of public–private partnership (PPP) studies published from 2009 to 2019, to compare the results with Ke et al. (2009) who reviewed the PPP literature published from 1998 to 2008, and to trace the evolution of the PPP knowledge in the past two decades. This study also presents the possible directions that the PPP research may go towards in the future, arguably.
Design/methodology/approach
This study carried out a top journal-based search to identify the quality PPP articles published from 2009 to 2019. A total of 12 top-tier construction journals were systematically searched in the database of web of science (WOS), from which 279 PPP articles were identified for review.
Findings
The number of the identified articles, the titles of the journals, institutions, the most cited papers, and prevalent research methods were analyzed and compared. The existing PPP studies in construction journals were classified into seven streams. Through analysis of the PPP research status and gaps, five future research directions were revealed.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by revealing the research trend of PPP from 2009 to 2019. It presents the change of PPP development trend in the past decade through comparison with Ke et al. (2009). It also reveals the major research streams and points out the directions that the PPP research may go towards in the future. Moreover, this study is helpful to the practice as well. It can enhance the practitioners' understanding of the PPP development in the past decade. In addition, it identified the research institutions contributing the most in the area of PPP, which may serve as valuable reference for practitioners to locate the best institutions for consultancy or collaboration.
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Xiaozhi Ma, Albert P.C. Chan, Hengqin Wu, Feng Xiong and Na Dong
Although various concepts and techniques are introduced to the built environment to achieve a substantially efficient building production, the effective application of these…
Abstract
Purpose
Although various concepts and techniques are introduced to the built environment to achieve a substantially efficient building production, the effective application of these methods in projects is of immense significance to the field of building construction. Among these initiatives, lean construction and building information modelling (BIM) are mainstream endeavours that share many common principles to improve the productivity of the built environment. This study aims to explore and explain how BIM-based integrated data management (IDM) facilitates the achievement of leanness in a built environment project.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is conducted through an ethnographic-action research that relies on the design-science approach and case study through a collaborative research project. As participants of the project, the researchers of this study cooperate with the practitioners to design the project approach and production workflows. Research data and evidence are obtained via participative observation, including direct observation, results of activities, unstructured meetings and self-analysis.
Findings
In this study, the project and production perspectives clarify the building design and production process, as well as analyse how BIM facilitates the achievement of leanness in building design and construction. BIM-based frameworks for IDM have been developed to handle miscellaneous information and data, as well as enhance multidisciplinary collaboration throughout the project life cycle. The role of the integrated BIM model as an information hub between the building design and building construction has been identified.
Research/limitations implications
The project and production views of building and construction are used in this study because the research purpose is to link the BIM-based IDM to lean construction. Although this mixed approach can slightly undermine the theoretical foundation of this study, a substantially comprehensive understanding can be gained as well.
Practical implications
This study provides a new perspective to understand how BIM-based IDM contributes to lean construction.
Originality/value
This study provides new insights into IDM in a built environment project with project and production views and presents BIM-based frameworks for IDM to achieve lean construction through the BIM process.
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Lorenzo Pratici, Simone Fanelli, Andrea Francesconi and Antonello Zangrandi
Despite the advent of New Public Management theories over three decades ago, doubts persist regarding the practical implementation of these principles in the public health-care…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the advent of New Public Management theories over three decades ago, doubts persist regarding the practical implementation of these principles in the public health-care context. Challenges arise particularly from the type of system where this phenomenon is analyzed. In the Italian context, for instance, it can be arduous to define universally applicable organizational behaviors, given the interregional disparity that characterizes such a system. Furthermore, the professional identity of clinician-managers influences the perception of what “being a manager” means. This paper, thus, using the Italian context as a reference, aims to delineate what is the perception of Italian public hospitals clinician-middle-managers in terms of their responsibilities and tasks.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey-questionnaire was distributed to 6,011 Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in Italian public hospitals, representing 100% of such role holders in the country. With a response rate of 16.7%, 1,005 responses were obtained. The questionnaire assessed CMOs' attitudes toward specific activities relevant to clinician-management, ranked from most to least important. Activities were derived from literature and categorized to discern management styles. Subgroups based on geographical location and professional orientation were also identified to isolate regional effects and professional identity influences.
Findings
Results suggested that activities associated with a collaborative approach are perceived as most important. Furthermore, it clearly emerges the difference based on professional orientation of CMOs. However, it could not be appreciated the same level of difference basing the analysis on regional disparities.
Originality/value
The interest in the role of middle management in healthcare organizations has increased over the years. Nevertheless, currently the authors believe that not many studies are focused on defining what “being a manager” means for clinician-managers themselves, rather than explaining what clinician-managers shall do.
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Senmao Xia, Yu Xiong, Min Zhang, James Cornford, Yipeng Liu, Ming K. Lim, Dongmei Cao and Fengwen Chen
The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the mechanisms through which Chinese National Science Parks' (NSPs) services facilitate returnee entrepreneurs' (REs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the mechanisms through which Chinese National Science Parks' (NSPs) services facilitate returnee entrepreneurs' (REs) acquisition of resources for their new ventures. Resource acquisition is crucial for new ventures, but it inevitably leads to significant costs increase. Although the NSPs offer various services to REs to reduce these costs, they still struggle to find the right mix of services.
Design/methodology/approach
From the transaction cost's perspective, an exploratory multiple-case study was conducted with data collected from six NSPs in China.
Findings
The results reveal that four types of NSP services (mentoring and training, social event, promotion of REs and accreditation of resource holders (RHs)) have both individual and joint effects on reducing REs' resource acquisition costs. Specifically, the “accreditation of RHs” service directly helps REs reduce search costs. The combination of “accreditation of RHs”, “promotion of REs” and “social event” services help REs and RHs to establish guanxi. Further, guanxi, working along with the “mentoring and training” service, helps REs to reduce contracting, monitoring and enforcement costs.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to explore the matching mechanisms between science parks’ services and entrepreneurs' cost reduction. This helps reconcile the inconsistent findings on science parks' effect by explaining why some NSPs are able to provide strong support to REs while others are less successful. In addition, the findings are useful for NSPs to develop the right mix of tailored services for REs. Finally, REs will find this study useful to evaluate which NSP is a more suitable location for their new ventures.
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Weiling Jiang, Jie Jiang, Igor Martek and Wen Jiang
The success of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is highly correlated to the successful management of risks encountered during the operation phase. PPP projects are…
Abstract
Purpose
The success of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is highly correlated to the successful management of risks encountered during the operation phase. PPP projects are especially exposed to risk due to the long operation period over which revenues need to be generated to recoup substantial initial investment and operational running costs. Despite the critical impact of risk exposure, limited research has been specifically undertaken on the matter of operational risk management. This study seeks to address this oversight by identifying and evaluating operational risk management strategies for PPPs.
Design/methodology/approach
Vulnerability theory is the theoretical lens used, with context drawn from Chinese PPP projects. Based on the data collected from expert interviews and questionnaires, 28 operational risk management strategies are identified. A fuzzy synthetic method is employed to analyze the effectiveness of the 28 strategies.
Findings
The findings reveal that providing an exit mechanism clause into the contract, establishing a comprehensive performance evaluation mechanism and developing a clear compensation mechanism are the top three effective strategies. This study also reveals that risk mitigation approaches that reduce vulnerability prove more effective than attempts to reduce external threats. Specifically, strategies aimed at managing contract, political, technical and financial risk are the most effective.
Originality/value
The findings of this study extend current knowledge regarding the risk management of PPP projects. They also offer a reference by which practitioners may select effective operational risk management pathways and thereby, galvanize the sustainable development of PPPs.
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Yi-Hsuan Lee, Chan Hsiao, Hsin-Yi Chan and I-Chen Lee
The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how brand-specific transformational leadership (TFL) and transactional leadership (TRL) enhance employee-based brand equity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how brand-specific transformational leadership (TFL) and transactional leadership (TRL) enhance employee-based brand equity (EBBE) by influencing employees’ perceived brand value congruence (EPBVC).
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed hierarchical linear modeling and chose moderating variables that are primarily related to the working environment: person–job fit (PJF) and person–group fit (PGF). The sample included managers and employees of the largest domestic bank in Taiwan.
Findings
Questionnaires were distributed to banking staff in the service industry. The results imply that both brand-specific TFL and brand-specific TRL require the mediation of PJF and PGF to influence EBBE, which then influences brand equity. Without these mediators, brand-specific TFL and brand-specific TRL have no effects on EBBE.
Originality/value
Compared to the results from other studies, these results imply a unique discovery that both brand-specific TFL and brand-specific TRL require the mediation of PJF and PGF to influence EPBVC, which in turn influences EBBE. Without these mediators, brand-specific TFL and brand-specific TRL do not have any effects.
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Shang Zhang, Jie Duan and Riza Yosia Sunindijo
The COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding control measures have harmed the mental health of professionals working in the construction industry. Existing research has also…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding control measures have harmed the mental health of professionals working in the construction industry. Existing research has also indicated that demographic characteristics are leading variables causing differences in individual’s perceptions on mental health and psychosocial hazardous factors. Combining these, this research aims to compare the differences and similarities of the perceived mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazards among construction professionals with different demographic characteristics during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire survey, data were collected from 531 construction professionals working in Chinese construction companies, which were analyzed quantitatively using mean score comparative analysis, Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test, as well as Spearman’s correlation analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that construction professionals with different ages, years of working experience and positions are exposed to different psychosocial hazards, resulting in different mental health conditions during the pandemic. Age and years of working experience are also strong predictors of the level of depression and anxiety experienced by construction professionals; that is, mental ill health tends to decrease with the increase of age and experience. Male department/unit heads, working in a company office environment for a private company and aged 31–40 years old with 11–20 years of working experience, tend to have the best mental health condition. In contrast, psychosocial hazards are more likely to produce the most serious impact on male site-based construction professionals working for a state-owned company, either with less than one year of working experience or in a senior management position.
Originality/value
Despite the significant contribution of the construction industry to the global economy, the differences and similarities of the mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazards among construction professionals with different demographic characteristics during the pandemic remain unknown. This research, therefore, reveals the mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazard impacts among different types of construction professionals during the pandemic. Specifically, this research unveils the important personal characteristics which are closely associated with poor mental health and the stronger impacts of psychosocial hazards on the mental health of construction professionals during the pandemic. The results are valuable for governments and construction companies to formulate targeted mental health intervention strategies during future public health emergencies.