Linhai Wu, Qipeng Hu, Jianhua Wang and Dian Zhu
In China, a major grain producer, rice losses during harvest cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of rice harvest losses in major grain-producing…
Abstract
Purpose
In China, a major grain producer, rice losses during harvest cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of rice harvest losses in major grain-producing areas in China by a sampling survey, and to further analyze the main factors influencing rice harvest losses using an ordered multinomial logistic model.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, data were collected using a multi-stage sampling method from ten major rice-producing provinces/regions in China. On this basis, five counties were selected from each of these provinces/regions. In the actual survey, house numbers were randomly selected, and then corresponding farmer households were visited by trained investigators.
Findings
The survey found that 56.22 percent of respondents believed that rice harvest losses were 4 percent or lower in China, though there were differences among the provinces. The proportion of family business income, planting scale, mechanization level, timely harvest, and operational meticulousness had negative effects on rice harvest losses. On the other hand, farmers’ experience of employment as migrant workers had a positive effect on rice harvest losses. In addition, bad weather and short handedness during harvest significantly increased rice harvest losses.
Originality/value
The meaning of rice harvest losses was defined based on previous research findings on the definition of grain harvest losses and the realities in China. The current rice harvest losses in different areas in China were analyzed based on sampling survey data from 957 farmers in ten provinces in China.
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Linhai Wu, Hongsha Wang and Dian Zhu
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the actual consumer demand for traceable pork by investigating consumer preferences for pork with combined levels of traceability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the actual consumer demand for traceable pork by investigating consumer preferences for pork with combined levels of traceability information based on differences in individual consumer preferences, in order to support the government in decision making regarding the gradual construction of safe food markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Combinations of four types of traceability information, including farming, slaughter and processing, distribution and sales, and government certification, with price were randomly designed. To identify consumer preferences for these attribute combinations of traceable pork, 215 consumers in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province were investigated using a real choice experiment and the mixed logit model.
Findings
Significant heterogeneity was observed in consumer preferences for traceable pork. The information of farming, slaughter and processing, distribution and marketing, and government certification could significantly improve consumer utility. Moreover, consumers had the highest preference for government certification information.
Originality/value
Although numerous studies have been performed on consumer preferences for food safety attributes using a real choice experiment, almost none of them focus on Chinese consumers. Therefore, this study is an attempt to fill this gap. The conclusions of this study can serve as a reference for the Chinese government in developing safe food consumption policies. Although Chinese consumers have cried out for improvement of pork safety, they have different preferences for traceability information; thus, the government must promote traceable food step-by-step, using consumer preferences as a starting point.
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Xiaolin Liu, Lingling Xu, Dian Zhu and Linhai Wu
– The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer attitudes toward and willingness to pay (WTP) for traceability of tea in China.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer attitudes toward and willingness to pay (WTP) for traceability of tea in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the payment card method to elicit WTP for certified traceable tea and logistic regression model to analyze the factors that affected consumers’ WTP.
Findings
The results revealed that most consumers in China were concerned over tea safety; however, their WTP for certified traceable tea was limited. Only income and the degree of concern over tea safety affected the consumer’s WTP for certified traceable tea greatly. When it came to consumers’ WTP a positive price premium, income level, education, and attitude toward traceability of tea significantly influenced the actual premium consumers were willing to pay.
Practical implications
The Chinese government and tea producers should pay attention when implementing tea traceability system. First, raising the consumers’ income contributes to the premiums that consumers are willing to pay for certified traceable tea. Second, social groups, consumer organizations and tea producers should popularize knowledge of tea traceability. Third, given the low price premiums that consumers are willing to pay, the establishment of viable traceability of tea in China requires the producers and the government to bear some of the cost associated with the implementation of this system.
Originality/value
In past studies on WTP for certified traceable food, the study is focussed on meat in developed countries, and the research has expanded range of study, by conducting a survey in China to determine consumers’ WTP for certified traceable tea, and by empirically examining the main factors that influence the willingness of consumers to pay a price premium for certified traceable tea, as well as the premium that these consumers are willing to pay.
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Yunxia Zhu, Ravi Bhat and Pieter Nel
Business is about building relationships and hence relationship building is becoming increasingly important for cross‐cultural management. Current research findings in this area…
Abstract
Business is about building relationships and hence relationship building is becoming increasingly important for cross‐cultural management. Current research findings in this area have mainly focused on relationship marketing or on cultural dimensions of business relationships. This preliminary study attempts to break the boundary and aims to explore relationship building from a culture‐specific perspective while in corporating a social constructivist dimension. Specifically, it compares relationship building across four cultures including European, New Zealand, Chinese, Indian and South African cultures. The research method is interpretive, based on an analysis of interview results with business executives from the four target cultures.
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He-nan Bu, Zhu-wen Yan and Dian-Hua Zhang
The purpose of this study is to improve the global optimization ability of the Tabu search (TS) algorithm, and then improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy of rolling…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improve the global optimization ability of the Tabu search (TS) algorithm, and then improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy of rolling schedule in tandem cold rolling.
Design/methodology/approach
A case-based reasoning–Tabu search hybrid algorithm (CBRTS) has been presented. First, the case-based reasoning technology was adopted to obtain high-quality initial solution and then the TS algorithm was used for global optimization.
Findings
The optimization effect of CBRTS is compared with that of the traditional TS algorithm, and the analysis result indicates that the CBRTS has a faster convergence rate than TS, and the optimization results are closer to the global optimal. Meanwhile, the rolling schedule calculated by CBRTS is more reasonable, which can increase the production efficiency while giving full play to the capacity of equipment.
Originality/value
A CBRTS hybrid algorithm is presented. The strong dependence of the TS algorithm on the initial solution has been solved. The rolling schedule multi-objective optimization functions are established. The proposed algorithm is applied in a 1,450-mm tandem cold rolling production line. The improved method can reduce about half the iterations compared with the traditional one.
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He-Nan Bu, Hong-Gen Zhou, Zhu-Wen Yan and Dian-Hua Zhang
In the process of cold rolled strip, there is tight coupling between flatness control and gauge control. The variation of the roll gap caused by the change of bending force will…
Abstract
Purpose
In the process of cold rolled strip, there is tight coupling between flatness control and gauge control. The variation of the roll gap caused by the change of bending force will lead to the change of rolling force. Furthermore, it can cause a deep impact on the control accuracy of strip exit thickness and exit crown. The purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy of the bending force preset value for cold rolled strip.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the bending force preset control strategy with considering of rolling force was proposed for the first time and the preset objective function of bending force was established on the basis of the two-objective optimization of bending force and rolling force. Meanwhile, the multi-objective intelligent algorithm – INSGA-II – was used to solve the objective function.
Findings
The proposed bending force multi-objective preset model has been tested in a 1,450 mm tandem cold rolling line. The analyzed results of field data show that the deviations of strip exit thickness and exit crown are reduced effectively by using the improved model, and at the same time, more reasonable bending force preset values are obtained, which can enhance the accuracy of flatness preset control.
Originality/value
A preset model of bending force with considering flatness and gauge is proposed in this paper and the multi-objective function of bending force preset is established on the basis of the two-objective optimization of bending force and rolling force. The value lies in proposing a new decoupling method of rolling force and bending force.
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Liang Wang, Shoukun Wang and Junzheng Wang
Mobile robots with independent wheel control face challenges in steering precision, motion stability and robustness across various wheel and steering system types. This paper aims…
Abstract
Purpose
Mobile robots with independent wheel control face challenges in steering precision, motion stability and robustness across various wheel and steering system types. This paper aims to propose a coordinated torque distribution control approach that compensates for tracking deviations using the longitudinal moment generated by active steering.
Design/methodology/approach
Building upon a two-degree-of-freedom robot model, an adaptive robust controller is used to compute the total longitudinal moment, while the robot actuator is regulated based on the difference between autonomous steering and the longitudinal moment. An adaptive robust control scheme is developed to achieve accurate and stable generation of the desired total moment value. Furthermore, quadratic programming is used for torque allocation, optimizing maneuverability and tracking precision by considering the robot’s dynamic model, tire load rate and maximum motor torque output.
Findings
Comparative evaluations with autonomous steering Ackermann speed control and the average torque method validate the superior performance of the proposed control strategy, demonstrating improved tracking accuracy and robot stability under diverse driving conditions.
Research limitations/implications
When designing adaptive algorithms, using models with higher degrees of freedom can enhance accuracy. Furthermore, incorporating additional objective functions in moment distribution can be explored to enhance adaptability, particularly in extreme environments.
Originality/value
By combining this method with the path-tracking algorithm, the robot’s structural path-tracking capabilities and ability to navigate a variety of difficult terrains can be optimized and improved.
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Seyi S. Stephen, Ayodeji E. Oke, Clinton O. Aigbavboa, Opeoluwa I. Akinradewo, Pelumi E. Adetoro and Matthew Ikuabe
The chapter explored integrating smart construction techniques in achieving stealth construction objectives, emphasising the development of building cross-sections, visibility…
Abstract
The chapter explored integrating smart construction techniques in achieving stealth construction objectives, emphasising the development of building cross-sections, visibility management, energy transmission optimisation, and countermeasure implementation. It delved into the multifaceted aspects of smart construction towards achieving stealth construction goals, including environmental protection, enhanced construction safety, accelerated construction duration, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic considerations. Furthermore, the chapter underscores the importance of leveraging innovative approaches and advanced technologies to meet the evolving demands of stealth construction projects and pave the way for sustainable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing built environments.
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Dominicus Wahyu Pradana and Dian Ekowati
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the resilience literature to integrate the fragmented views and provide a more comprehensive understanding. This study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the resilience literature to integrate the fragmented views and provide a more comprehensive understanding. This study aims to fill the gaps in the literature by discussing scientific contributions and highlighting the main issues in previous research findings regarding the definitions, dimensions and concepts that make up organizational resilience. This research highlights organizational resilience from a capabilities perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the systematic literature review method by searching all previous studies studying organizational resilience from 2014 to 2023. In total, there are 28 articles reviewed from the Scopus database.
Findings
This study found that resilience is a complex concept and has many definitions and dimensions. This study also conceptualizes organizational capability with a pyramid, which illustrates the basic framework of the six stages of the resilience process and hierarchically forms organizational resilience.
Research limitations/implications
First, the keyword search strings on the repository database are currently limited to a few keywords. Need to broaden the range of keywords so as to produce a more comprehensive review. Second, the exclusion of books, book chapters and conference papers limits research findings and results. These sources are likely to enrich resilience development from various perspectives. Even though Scopus is the largest repository database, the research findings are not yet fully generalizable. Future researchers can add data from WoS, Ebsco or other databases. Literature obtained from various databases that can provide broader results.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this study are to provide a basis for managers in making decisions for organizational sustainability. Managers can consider each stage in the resilience capability pyramid as a reference for making strategic plans and relational orientation toward organizational members.
Originality/value
This research provides a hierarchical perspective on organizational resilience capabilities. For academics and practitioners, this study provides a critical and comprehensive systematization of the limited academic literature on resilience. This study also offers opportunities for further research to overcome the limitations of empirical testing of resilience capability construction using various theories and methodologies.
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Muhamad Nafik Hadi Ryandono, Tika Widiastuti, Eko Fajar Cahyono, Dian Filianti, A. Syifaul Qulub and Muhammad Ubaidillah Al Mustofa
Zakat is an important Islamic economic instrument that plays significant role in Sustainable Development Goals. Accordingly, Zakat Institutions must manage zakat in a proper and…
Abstract
Purpose
Zakat is an important Islamic economic instrument that plays significant role in Sustainable Development Goals. Accordingly, Zakat Institutions must manage zakat in a proper and efficient manner. This study aims to examine the efficiency of Zakat Institutions based on their clusters which are government, business and social organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses three quantitative methods: data envelopment analysis (DEA), free disposal hull and super-efficiency DEA. The analytical method is based on production approach, variable return to scale assumption and output orientation. The sample consists of 14 Zakat Institutions from three clusters: Zakat Institutions managed by government, Zakat Institutions managed by corporation and Zakat Institution managed by social organizations.
Findings
The results revealed that all of three techniques culminate the same ranking order of efficiency. Zakat Institution managed by the government is the most efficient Zakat Institution, with the average value of 0.87 by using three approaches combined. Meanwhile, Zakat Institutions owned by company and social institutions cluster are in second and third position, with the average value of 0.65 and 0.4, respectively, based on the results of the three approaches. This study contends that the level of efficiency of Zakat Institutions may be supported by clusters (affiliations) in their management.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s limitation is the inadequacy of the required data. Nonetheless, this study provides insights to improve the efficiency of Zakat Institutions based on their clusters. Zakat Institutions in each cluster can improve their efficiency by optimizing inputs to produce multiple outputs.
Originality/value
This study enhances research on the efficiency of Zakat Institutions using three methods to assess the consistency and strength of Zakat Institutions’ efficiency values. In addition, this study examines the efficiency level of Zakat Institutions based on their clusters.