Cong Duc Tran, Tin Trung Nguyen and Jo-Yu Wang
Corporate governance plays a critical role in solving agency problems. However, previous findings on how governance mechanisms lead to high firm performance are inconclusive…
Abstract
Purpose
Corporate governance plays a critical role in solving agency problems. However, previous findings on how governance mechanisms lead to high firm performance are inconclusive. Additionally, this relationship has not been well addressed in the context of transitional countries where governance systems and mechanisms are weak, leaving a gap for research. Hence, this study aims to shed light on the effects of four key governance components, namely, ownership concentration, chief executive officer duality, board size and gender diversity, on firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reports on the econometric panel data analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 1,424 firm-year observations from listed companies in Vietnam covering the period of 2010–2017.
Findings
The econometric panel data analysis confirmed the net effects of single solitary governance components. FsQCA revealed equifinal configurations of components that explain high firm market- and accounting-based performance.
Practical implications
These findings are relevant for firms in transitional and emerging markets, aiming to adopt the most suitable internal mechanisms to pursue their performance objectives and for regulators interested in enhancing the advantages of the capital market.
Originality/value
This study provides empirical evidence that firm performance can be improved when the appropriate corporate governance mechanisms are selected. As there are equifinal paths leading to the desired outcome of high performance, firms from different industrial and national contexts should mindfully apply any uniform corporate governance code.
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Cong Duc Tran, Pham Tien Thanh and Duong The Duy
Innovation allows firms to gain or maintain their competitive advantages in both domestic and international markets. However, the findings on the association between innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation allows firms to gain or maintain their competitive advantages in both domestic and international markets. However, the findings on the association between innovation and export vary depending on countries, samples, time, variables and methods used for empirical analysis. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of different types of innovation on export in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy in the context of global integration.
Design/methodology/approach
For empirical analysis, the authors use a sample of manufacturing SMEs in Vietnam in 2013 and 2015. Because the firms do not engage in innovation at random in the research sample, the authors use propensity score matching to account for self-selection bias. The authors also use different matching estimators to ensure robust results.
Findings
Innovation activities are found to be positively associated with the probability of engaging in export activities. The effects are mainly contributed by the adoption of new technology or process.
Practical implications
This research underscores the importance of public interventions and policies designed to promote innovation and export in the SMEs.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is one of the early attempts to examine the association between different types of innovation and export in SMEs in a developing economy.
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Tin Trung Nguyen, Tony Cat Anh Hung Nguyen and Cong Duc Tran
During the challenging time of lockdown and isolation due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), contact-tracing apps have played a critical role in health communication and…
Abstract
Purpose
During the challenging time of lockdown and isolation due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), contact-tracing apps have played a critical role in health communication and preventive healthcare. This study proposed and tested an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) with key health factors (i.e. health risk perception from COVID-19, health information orientation to COVID-19 and health consciousness) to understand individuals' adoption of COVID-19 contact-tracing apps.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage online survey was conducted to collect data on US individuals’ intention and actual use of COVID-19 contact-tracing apps. The sample comprises 288 valid responses. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were employed as the complementary approaches.
Findings
The findings from PLS-SEM revealed that health risk perception, health information orientation and perceived usefulness have positive net effects on behavioral intention, which, in turn, affects actual use. The results from fsQCA highlighted the explanatory power of the extended TAM to COVID-19 contact-tracing app adoption.
Originality/value
Although TAM is considerably effective in measuring technology acceptance, the phenomenon is highly context-driven. How technological and health factors simultaneously motivate the use of contact-tracing apps has not been well documented. The present study offers some implications for practitioners concerned about fostering the adoption of mobile health services in the time of COVID-19. Methodologically, this study is among the first to blend PLS-SEM and fsQCA to measure the explanatory power of a structural model.
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This chapter provides information on the development of Vietnamese education under the influence of global forces based on the analysis of relevant education research and policies…
Abstract
This chapter provides information on the development of Vietnamese education under the influence of global forces based on the analysis of relevant education research and policies using Wolhuter’s frameworks. In the process of coming up with ways to develop education in the face of different influences of globalization, besides having reactions with patterns commonly found in countries around the world, Vietnam also has responses that reflect its own political, sociocultural and economic characteristics. The state still plays a controlling role in education at all levels and many culture-related features that have existed throughout the country’s history have hardly changed, namely aspects related to teachers, learners and teaching and learning methods. To sustain its education in the globalized era, Vietnam must make more efforts in various aspects such as the link between education and employment, the logic of education objectives, the feasibility and appropriateness of curricula, quality of education, especially of higher education and equality in education for underprivileged groups.
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Hieu Thi Ngo, Le Duc Niem, Phong Cong Tran, Truc Thanh Nguyen, Dung Thi Doan and Huyen Thi Ngo
This paper aims at identifying perceived factors and measuring opinions about the factors' impact on academic staff development (ASD) at Tay Nguyen University (TNU), Dak Lak…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at identifying perceived factors and measuring opinions about the factors' impact on academic staff development (ASD) at Tay Nguyen University (TNU), Dak Lak, Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method, the multiple regression model (ordinary least squares (OLS)) and a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. A sample of 70 managerial staff, 374 lecturers and 512 students of TNU was surveyed to obtain data.
Findings
The EFA showed that opinions concerning university autonomy (UA) and university social responsibility (USR) were positively correlated. With the above two factors united as responsible autonomy (RA), the OLS indicated perceptions that RA and internal driving factor (IF) had significant and positive impacts on the ASD, while external driving factor (EF) was found to have a perceived negative influence on ASD.
Research limitations/implications
The results indicated that there appears to be a close relationship between UA and USR, and these can be considered as a factor that has apparent impacts on the ASD of the university.
Practical implications
The degree of UA and USR of TNU should be enhanced through awareness of the university's academic staff, the application of a suitable evaluation system and the efficiency of university's regulations. In addition, efforts should be made to improve internal factors such as the dissemination of educational philosophy, the suitability of strategic plans, the development of key performance indicators KPIs and the building of organizational culture – all of which will help to heighten the university’s ASD. At the same time, TNU should endeavor to quickly transform aspects of administration and management to meet the shifting requirements of the autonomous environment and competitive features of the market economy. In particular, there is a need for the academic staff themselves to have increased capacity to adapt to these changes.
Social implications
The authors' results have a broader application to not only the case of TNU but to other situations in developing countries where universities are in transitional stages as governments assign increasing autonomy and responsibility to them.
Originality/value
This paper suggests that the academic staff of TNU should be provided with both professional autonomy and adaptive capacity to foster research and educational innovation in the market-based higher education system of Vietnam. More generally, if true, the paper suggests that an increase in the degree of UA and USR should be combined with the efforts to improve the internal environments such as disseminating educational philosophy, mission, vision and strategies and building organizational culture.
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Xuan Hau Doan, Trung Thanh Le, Cong Doanh Duong, Thi Phuong Linh Nguyen, Duc Dung Tran and Thi Phuong Hien Tran
This study aims to integrate predictions from clinical psychology and UPPS impulsivity with the theory of planned behaviors (TPB) to draw a conceptual framework and test the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to integrate predictions from clinical psychology and UPPS impulsivity with the theory of planned behaviors (TPB) to draw a conceptual framework and test the prediction that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, impulsivity would contribute to the prediction of the reasoned cognitive process of entrepreneurship over and above key predictors from an extended TPB model.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a sample of 2,482 students from 14 universities/institutes in Vietnam; confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the validity and reliability. Then, regression analysis with PROCESS macro approach (5,000 bootstrap sample and 95% confidence interval) was employed to estimate the association paths and multiple mediators.
Findings
The study reveals that ADHD symptoms and impulsivity substantially contribute to the exploration of an entrepreneurial intention throughout TPB predictors, with those higher in ADHD symptoms and impulsivity having higher intentions to engage in business venturing. Moreover, UPPS impulsiveness might valuably be incorporated with TPB predictors while predicting behaviors that are often examined as the process of rational cognitive strategies business venturing.
Practical implications
This study showed that a start-up business can be seen as a career choice for students who exhibit extensive ADHD symptoms to use their talents effectively, thus contributing to creating value for society and improving personal well-being.
Originality/value
This article stood to make contributions to entrepreneurship literature by investigating the effects of ADHD symptoms, four impulsivity traits on an entrepreneurial intention via three precursors in TPB, including attitude toward entrepreneurship, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.
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Thi Van Hoa Tran, Cong Doanh Duong, Thanh Hieu Nguyen, Thi Song Lam Tran and Trong Nghia Vu
The purpose of our study is to examine the direct and mediating effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of our study is to examine the direct and mediating effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance and sensation seeking (UPPS) impulsivity traits on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention as well as to test the moderation impact of ADHD symptoms in the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and start-up intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The stratified random sampling was approached to recruit the data from 2,566 university students in Vietnam. Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the reliability and validity of scales. Then, Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to test direct effects, while PROCESS macro was approached to test moderation and mediation impacts.
Findings
The study found evidence that ADHD symptoms, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance are significantly and directly conducive to the formation of entrepreneurial intention. Yet, ADHD symptoms might weaken the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy was also found to partially mediate the link between sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance and intention to become an entrepreneur.
Practical implications
The findings provide constructive recommendations for policymakers and educators to nurture and foster university students’ entrepreneurial activities as well as to restrain the negative effects of ADHD symptoms on youths.
Social implications
Understanding the impacts of psychiatric symptoms, such as ADHD and UPPS impulsivity, on entrepreneurial activities provide useful insights to individuals with ADHD symptoms, the community and the society to restrain the detrimental impacts of psychological disorder symptoms and consider entrepreneurship as a career choice.
Originality/value
The study is expected to have a significant contribution to psychological entrepreneurship literature by broadening our horizons of the links between psychiatric symptoms and entrepreneurial intentions. Especially, this study reveals that ADHD symptoms and UPPS impulsive traits are significantly correlated with intention to become entrepreneurs and the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention become weaker when the degree of ADHD symptoms is high.
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Le-Nguyen Duc Chinh and Martin Hayden
Vietnam is firmly committed to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals articulated in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Goal 4 concerns quality…
Abstract
Vietnam is firmly committed to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals articulated in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Goal 4 concerns quality education, and target 4.3 refers to ensuring access by all men and women to quality and affordable technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university education. In 2017, the Prime Minister issued a directive that included five actions to be taken by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training to achieve target 4.3 in the context of the higher education sector. This chapter provides an opportunity to review some challenges the Ministry faces in implementing the five actions specified.
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Supen Kumar Sah and Anup Ghosh
The purpose of this article is to carry out the thermal buckling analysis of power and sigmoid functionally graded material Sandwich plate (P-FGM and S-FGM) under uniform, linear…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to carry out the thermal buckling analysis of power and sigmoid functionally graded material Sandwich plate (P-FGM and S-FGM) under uniform, linear, nonlinear and sinusoidal temperature rise.
Design/methodology/approach
Thermal buckling of FGM Sandwich plates namely, FGM face with ceramic core (Type-A) and homogeneous face layers with FGM core (Type-B), incorporated with nonpolynomial shear deformation theories are considered for an analytical solution in this investigation. Effective material properties and thermal expansion coefficients of FGM Sandwich plates are evaluated based on Voigt's micromechanical model considering power and sigmoid law. The governing equilibrium and stability equations for the thermal buckling analysis are derived based on sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT) and inverse trigonometric shear deformation theory (ITSDT) along with Von Karman nonlinearity. Analytical solutions for thermal buckling are carried out using the principle of minimum potential energy and Navier's solution technique.
Findings
Critical buckling temperature of P-FGM and S-FGM Sandwich plates Type-A and B under uniform, linear, non-linear, and sinusoidal temperature rise are obtained and analyzed based on SSDT and ITSDT. Influence of power law, sigmoid law, span to thickness ratio, aspect ratio, volume fraction index, different types of thermal loadings and Sandwich plate types over critical buckling temperature are investigated. An analytical method of solution for thermal buckling of power and sigmoid FGM Sandwich plates with efficient shear deformation theories has been successfully analyzed and validated.
Originality/value
The temperature distribution across FGM plate under a high thermal environment may be uniform, linear, nonlinear, etc. In practice, temperature variation is an unpredictable phenomenon; therefore, it is essential to have a temperature distribution model which can address a sinusoidal temperature variation too. In the present work, a new sinusoidal temperature rise is proposed to describe the effect of sinusoidal temperature variation over critical buckling temperature for P-FGM and S-FGM Sandwich plates. For the first time, the FGM Sandwich plate is modeled using the sigmoid function to investigate the thermal buckling behavior under the uniform, linear, nonlinear and sinusoidal temperature rise. Nonpolynomial shear deformation theories are utilized to obtain the equilibrium and stability equations for thermal buckling analysis of P-FGM and S-FGM Sandwich plates.