Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of review group’s content-related and environment-associated attributes on information adoption intention of information readers. In addition, this study further investigates the effects of these determinants in different websites with different commercial attributes (i.e. online stores and third party forums).
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a structured online survey to collect data from an online store and a third party forum in China; totally 302 responses were collected.
Findings
The empirical results confirm that all of the five determinants significantly affect the information adoption intention of information readers. Furthermore, the authors found that four of the determinants have distinct effects in different websites.
Originality/value
The findings of this study validate the significant moderating role of website attributes in readers’ information processing. Information readers use distinct criteria to evaluate the received review information; electronic word-of-mouth determinants have varying effects on different websites with different commercial attributes.
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Yun Xu, Jiafen Liu, Jing Wu and Chuan Luo
The purpose of this paper is to examine how use of industry standards and community socialization contribute to the operational, strategic and environmental performances of supply…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how use of industry standards and community socialization contribute to the operational, strategic and environmental performances of supply chain partners.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 216 firms in China that have implemented RosettaNet standards. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses forming the research model.
Findings
The empirical analysis suggests that use of industry standards and community socialization is central to achieving greater supply chain performances. The results show that the use of industry standards and community socialization enhance inter-organizational knowledge sharing and trust, which eventually improve performances of supply chain partners.
Originality/value
The study makes several contributions to the literature. First, it highlights the importance of standards consortia, which not only develop and promote industry standards, but also improve community socialization. Second, the research examines how use of industry standards could influence the operational, strategic and environmental performances of supply chains, and thus fills the research gap in related literature. Third, this paper explores how industry standards can be used as boundary objects to span organizational boundaries and enable greater supply chain partnerships.
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Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to find out the university students' health information service needs in post-COVID-19 age and then consider how to do the health information services well and promote it in further work.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses Kano model to design a questionnaire about university students' health information service needs from academic library and investigates 243 students from seven universities in China. The data generated were analyzed using a statistical tool and presented in tables.
Findings
The results show the students' different requirements level of health information services from academic library as must-be requirements, one-dimensional requirements, attractive quality attributes and indifferent quality in post-COVID-19 age.
Research limitations/implications
The questionnaire design and the scale of respondents have limitation, such as only focus on Chinese university, have not characteristically research on different group of students. It could optimize to cover more worldwide university students and refer to different groups of students' needs in further research.
Originality/value
The paper expands and deepens the theory about university library health information service and provides a practical reference and proposes some suggestions for academic libraries on how to carry out health information services and give the social health institutions inspiration on how to promote the health services, especially in post-COVID-19 age.
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Xiao-feng Zhang, Xiao-juan Zhang, Lei Li, Gui-quan Li and You-min Xi
This study aims to focus on the authority formation process of Chinese enterprise leaders, with the purpose of finding out how an ordinary newly established firm leader develops…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the authority formation process of Chinese enterprise leaders, with the purpose of finding out how an ordinary newly established firm leader develops into a real top leader and achieves the status of legitimacy in a well-known enterprise.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on constructivist grounded theory, this paper investigates the formation mechanism of entrepreneurial authority in China by using the rich data of Liu Chuan-zhi’s leader activities.
Findings
In the “evolution” path of authority formation, leaders continually consolidate and improve their authority through two classes of exceptional management activities: “emergency rescue” and “promotion activities”. The successful realization of exceptional management activities benefits from a leader’s management experience accumulation and relationship maintenance with the government. In the “design” path of authority formation, leaders consolidate and improve their authority by exercising their position of power. Leaders’ legitimacy is reflected by making strategic decision and demonstrating discretion of position power. Additionally, passing on an inspiring leader’s thoughts and ideas to an organization’s members is accomplished through the construction of organization culture, institutionalization and convention.
Research limitations/implications
First, the findings are based on only Liu Chuan-zhi’s case. The authors still need more cases to compare and develop the findings and seek theoretical saturation in a broader sense. Second, the qualitative analysis is based on secondary data and future research could consider the introduction of interviews, video and other types of research data.
Originality/value
Under the parallel paths which are “evolution” and “design”, the dynamic leader authority formation model in China is founded.
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Ruizhi Li, Fangzhou Wang, Siqi Liu, Ruiqi Xu, Minghao Yin and Shuli Hu
Maximum k vertex cover problem is a significant combinatorial optimization problem with various applications, such as transportation planning, social networks and sensor…
Abstract
Purpose
Maximum k vertex cover problem is a significant combinatorial optimization problem with various applications, such as transportation planning, social networks and sensor placement. Up to now, no practical algorithm has ever been proposed to solve this problem. Therefore, this paper aims to present an efficient local search algorithm LSKVC combining three methods for it.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the quick incremental evaluation method is proposed to update the related vertex scores following each addition or removal incrementally rather than recalculating them, which can speed up the algorithm. Second, the configuration checking method forbids vertices whose configuration has not changed since the last removal from being added into the candidate solution again, which can avoid the cycling problem effectively. Third, the two-stage exchange method swaps the pairs of inside and outside vertices separately rather than simultaneously, which can guarantee the tradeoff between the accuracy and complexity of the algorithm.
Findings
The proposed algorithm LSKVC is compared with the traditional GRASP algorithm and the well-known commercial solver CPLEX on DIMACS and BHOSLIB benchmarks. For the best solutions, the LSKVC algorithm is significantly superior to GRASP and CPLEX on DIMACS instances and the CPLEX solver fails, and the LSKVC algorithm slightly outperforms GRASP on the BHOSLIB instances. In addition, we undertake comparative studies of the offered methodologies and demonstrate their efficacy.
Originality/value
In previous research, the focus on the maximum k-vertex cover problem primarily centered around exact algorithms and approximation algorithms, with limited application of heuristic algorithms. While heuristic algorithms have been well-explored for the closely related Minimum Vertex Cover problem, they have seen limited application in the context of the maximum k-vertex cover problem. Consequently, existing algorithms designed for the Minimum Vertex Cover problem do not exhibit satisfactory performance when applied to the maximum k-vertex cover problem. In response to this challenge, we have undertaken algorithmic improvements specifically tailored to address this issue.
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Hao Shen, Yu Gao, Chuan Liu and Xiangru Chen
Integrating the coopetition perspective with institutional theory, this study aims to determine how balanced patterns (BPs) and combinative patterns (CPs) of coopetition impact…
Abstract
Purpose
Integrating the coopetition perspective with institutional theory, this study aims to determine how balanced patterns (BPs) and combinative patterns (CPs) of coopetition impact firms’ new product development (NPD) and how these effects are contingent on the various types of interactions between firms and the institutional environments in which they are embedded.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the hypotheses, 303 firms in China were surveyed. Based on the responses, the proposed model was estimated using structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate that CP of coopetition enhances NPD but a BP of coopetition impedes NPD. Further, the results suggest that obtaining government support positively moderates the effect of the CP on NPD but negatively moderates the effect of the BP. Conversely, influencing government policy negatively moderates the effect of the CP but positively moderates that of the BP on NPD.
Research limitations/implications
The findings indicate that different patterns of inter-firm coopetition may have different effects on NPD, thus, providing a holistic and dynamic understanding of the contingent value of coopetition for NPD. The findings also suggest that the complex effects of coopetition on NPD are influenced by institutional interactions, introducing further contingencies to the process of coopetition-based innovation.
Practical implications
This study provides guidelines for managers seeking to fully understand and capitalize on the dual nature of coopetition: they should be cautious about the different patterns of competition – cooperation interaction and manage their interactions with institutional environments to increase the benefits and avoid the potential damage that different types of coopetition may bring.
Originality/value
This study offers direct insights into the balanced nature of coopetition and opens up an avenue for further exploration of the specific effects of cooperation dominance and competition dominance on firm performance in the business-to-business context. Moreover, the proposed contingency model offers a potential interface between institutional and coopetition research on NPD in marketing and strategic fields.
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Yubo Guo, Jinchan Liu, Chuan Chen, Xiaowei Luo and Igor Martek
Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to the procurement of global infrastructure projects. Moreover, a price mode based on a cluster of core concessionary items is key…
Abstract
Purpose
Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to the procurement of global infrastructure projects. Moreover, a price mode based on a cluster of core concessionary items is key to the delivery of value-for-money and successful project outcomes. However, existing research has yet to fully identify PPP concessionary items, nor yet described the range of practical price modes. This study provides taxonomy of core concessionary items impacting PPP projects, systematically classifies price modes, and assesses the applicability and risk impacts of those price modes on PPP projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a comparative case study method in analyzing core concessionary items and alternative price modes. China is taken as the context, as it is one of the world’s largest PPP markets. In ensuring research validity and reliability, diverse data sources are utilized, with a graphic content analysis tool developed to capture the structure of price modes.
Findings
Eight PPP price modes are identified. These are: (1) UP (Unit Price) mode, (2) ALS (Annual Lump Sum) mode, (3) IRR (Internal Rate of Return) mode, (4) RP (Return for Investing Capital (RIC) - Profit Rate of O&M (PROM)) mode, (5) RFP (RIC - Financing Interest Rate (FR) - PROM) mode, (6) RFPL (RIC - FR - PROM - Lower Limit of User Charge (LLoUC)) mode, (7) RFL (RIC - FR - Lump Sum/Fixed Unit Price O&M Contract (LSOM/FUP)) mode, and (8) RFLL (RIC - FR - LSOM/FUP - LLoUC) mode. Other main findings are as follows: (1) Five risk allocation configurations can be achieved via these price modes. Yet while different price modes enable the allocation of specific risks, these do not always align with contracting parties’ original intentions. (2) IRR and RP modes may be less applicable in general because of their vulnerability in allocating critical risks and capacity for spurring opportunistic behavior.
Originality/value
By depicting the paths by which concessionary items in price modes affect cash flow, a systematic analysis of price modes was conducted exposing structural characteristics, along with risk allocation choice implications. The study is unique in: (1) Providing a systematic classification of PPP price modes used in PPP projects, (2) Presenting a comprehensive identification and streamlining of concessionary items in PPP practice, and (3) Analyzing the risk effects of different price modes. Together, these outcomes offer a hitherto unavailable perspective on PPP project risk management. The value of the study lies in the following: (1) Existing studies employ diverse concessionary items, but their applicability varies. This study offers an overarching framework facilitating decision-making in selecting appropriate PPP price modes and in determining concessionary items. (2) This study adds to the understanding of PPP price modes in significant ways that will aid local governments and potential sponsors in crafting and administrating more workable contract designs.
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Chin Lung Hsu and Judy Chuan-Chuan Lin
This study combines uses and gratifications theory and flow theory to create an integrated model that predicts continuance intention to use and satisfaction with livestreaming…
Abstract
Purpose
This study combines uses and gratifications theory and flow theory to create an integrated model that predicts continuance intention to use and satisfaction with livestreaming services.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model was empirically evaluated using survey data collected from 304 users about their perceptions of livestream services.
Findings
The results indicate that gratifications such as entertainment, informativeness and sociability were all positively related to satisfaction. The authors find that flow mediates the impact of interactivity and telepresence on satisfaction. Notably, sociability gratification and satisfaction had a significant impact on a user's intention to continue to use livestreaming services and accounted for 77% of the variance.
Originality/value
The study adds to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the uses and gratifications theory and flow theory in live stream services. In addition, the findings may provide useful insights for live stream services streamers and marketers.
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Shamas‐ur‐Rehman Toor and Stephen O. Ogunlana
Large‐scale construction projects pose several challenges for successful completion. There seems to be no general agreement among researchers on what are the critical success…
Abstract
Purpose
Large‐scale construction projects pose several challenges for successful completion. There seems to be no general agreement among researchers on what are the critical success factors (CSFs) on construction projects. Success factors vary across various projects, let alone countries. This paper attempts to elicit the perception of construction professionals on CSFs appertaining to large‐scale construction projects in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaire surveys and interviews were conducted with project managers, deputy project managers, and line managers to gather their perception on CSFs.
Findings
Results of 76 questionnaire surveys and 35 interviews revealed that factors related to project planning and control, project personnel, and involvement of client were perceived to be critical for the success of large‐scale construction projects in Thailand. Participants also showed their high concern for sufficient resources, adequate communication, mutual understanding of stakeholders on project goals, and award of bids to the “right” designers and contractors.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted on a single large‐scale construction project in Thailand, and hence, findings should be interpreted in context of Thai construction industry. The study also did not consider any specific procurement methods under which the project was being developed. Participants were asked about their general perception about CSFs on large‐scale construction projects.
Practical implications
Results from this study can be used as guidelines to ascertain CSFs on other large‐scale projects in Thailand. Project managers can also use this study to evaluate their current project and compare the perceived and real success factors for knowledge management exercises.
Originality/value
The paper captures the perception of construction professionals about CSFs in large‐scale projects in Thailand. It also presents a model for conceptual illustration of CSFs by differentiating the process domain from performance domain.
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Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior…
Abstract
Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior of E-payment systems that employ smart card technology becomes a research area that is of particular value and interest to both IS researchers and professionals. However, research interest focuses mostly on why a smart card-based E-payment system results in a failure or how the system could have grown into a success. This signals the fact that researchers have not had much opportunity to critically review a smart card-based E-payment system that has gained wide support and overcome the hurdle of critical mass adoption. The Octopus in Hong Kong has provided a rare opportunity for investigating smart card-based E-payment system because of its unprecedented success. This research seeks to thoroughly analyze the Octopus from technology adoption behavior perspectives.
Cultural impacts on adoption behavior are one of the key areas that this research posits to investigate. Since the present research is conducted in Hong Kong where a majority of population is Chinese ethnicity and yet is westernized in a number of aspects, assuming that users in Hong Kong are characterized by eastern or western culture is less useful. Explicit cultural characteristics at individual level are tapped into here instead of applying generalization of cultural beliefs to users to more accurately reflect cultural bias. In this vein, the technology acceptance model (TAM) is adapted, extended, and tested for its applicability cross-culturally in Hong Kong on the Octopus. Four cultural dimensions developed by Hofstede are included in this study, namely uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, individualism, and Confucian Dynamism (long-term orientation), to explore their influence on usage behavior through the mediation of perceived usefulness.
TAM is also integrated with the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to borrow two constructs in relation to innovative characteristics, namely relative advantage and compatibility, in order to enhance the explanatory power of the proposed research model. Besides, the normative accountability of the research model is strengthened by embracing two social influences, namely subjective norm and image. As the last antecedent to perceived usefulness, prior experience serves to bring in the time variation factor to allow level of prior experience to exert both direct and moderating effects on perceived usefulness.
The resulting research model is analyzed by partial least squares (PLS)-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The research findings reveal that all cultural dimensions demonstrate direct effect on perceived usefulness though the influence of uncertainty avoidance is found marginally significant. Other constructs on innovative characteristics and social influences are validated to be significant as hypothesized. Prior experience does indeed significantly moderate the two influences that perceived usefulness receives from relative advantage and compatibility, respectively. The research model has demonstrated convincing explanatory power and so may be employed for further studies in other contexts. In particular, cultural effects play a key role in contributing to the uniqueness of the model, enabling it to be an effective tool to help critically understand increasingly internationalized IS system development and implementation efforts. This research also suggests several practical implications in view of the findings that could better inform managerial decisions for designing, implementing, or promoting smart card-based E-payment system.