Kelvin Henry Kyissima, Gong Zhang Xue, Thales Pacific Yapatake Kossele and Ahmed Ramadhan Abeid
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the corporate capital structure stability of listed firms in China during the period 1990–2013.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the corporate capital structure stability of listed firms in China during the period 1990–2013.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses panel data from a sample of 716 firms that have been listed in China for at least 15 years. A fixed-effects panel data regression model with time effects is used in the estimation.
Findings
The findings show that size, profitability and investment opportunities have a significant influence on capital structure, whereas the tangibility of assets is not found to be significant. Few industries show significance in explaining differences and variation in leverage ratios.
Social implications
It is recommended by this study that corporate managers of listed firms in China should consider leverage ratios variation while choosing the capital structure.
Originality/value
This study can be helpful in assisting companies to make financing decisions and setting up strategies relevant in their growth and profitability. The study will also have a significant assistance to bring to light corporate issues to policy makers, especially in the areas of both equity and debt financing, particularly the bond market. To the society, this study will show the nature of Chinese-listed companies, and it can assist individual investors in making decisions regarding companies in which they hold investments and in making meaningful comparisons with other companies. The paper also aims at contributing to the existing literature on the empirical study on capital structure.
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Anan Zhang, Shi Chen, Fan Zhang, Xuliang Zhang, Hongwei Li and Xue Gong
It is very indispensable for the various control centers of multi-transmission system owners (TSOs) grids to coordinate their reactive power optimization (RPO) efforts. However…
Abstract
Purpose
It is very indispensable for the various control centers of multi-transmission system owners (TSOs) grids to coordinate their reactive power optimization (RPO) efforts. However, such coordinated equilibrium point is comparatively hard to achieve unless one TSO control center could obtain all grids’ information in detail, which may lead to confidential issue and heavy communicating load. The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution to optimizing the reactive power control efforts among multi-TSOs grids with a mathematic interconnection model and reasonable communication cost.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the interconnected power network equation, the stability-related optimum reactive power injection and the power-loss-related optimum reactive power injection were derived, respectively. Furthermore, according to the decomposition-and-coordination-based computing methodology, a coordinated RPO model for interconnected TSOs was designed, taking into consideration both the static voltage stability and economy.
Findings
The extreme values for the indicator L of power grid voltage stability and active power loss function were found and proved to be minimums. According to these extreme values, an expression for the reactive power injection at interconnected nodes between TSOs grids was obtained, and a coordinated strategy of RPO was established, which could take the static voltage stability and economy into consideration without confidential concern.
Originality/value
The existence of minimum values for indicator L of voltage stability and power loss was demonstrated, respectively. And the method presented in this paper can ensure the safety of information among different TSO grids, i.e. avoiding confidential issues. In particular, the coordinated control method can be implemented on the local power grid without knowing all of the parameters of its interconnection.
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Since China’s “opening-up” in the late 1970s, Singapore has played a major role in enhancing China’s engagement with the world, especially in economic terms. This traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
Since China’s “opening-up” in the late 1970s, Singapore has played a major role in enhancing China’s engagement with the world, especially in economic terms. This traditional relationship is well manifested in the third government-to-government (G–G) project under the BRI, which is known as the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative (CCI). The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: despite Singapore’s initial reluctance to agree on a third G–G project with China, why did Singapore eventually decide to join the CCI?
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on archives of over 700 Chinese language media reports and over 400 English language media reports, as well as private interactions with scholars interested in Sino-Singapore relations and with both sides’ officials in charge of the CCI project.
Findings
The paper finds that it is the goal of connecting the region, along with the need to maintain Singapore’s relevance to China and the regional economy that led to Singapore’s participation in the third G–G project. This paper also uses this case to analyse the changes that are taking place in the bilateral economic relations.
Originality/value
Despite wide media coverage, op-ed commentaries and respective government statements, there are a limited number of academic studies on the rationale of the third G–G project and contemporary Sino-Singapore relations in the literature. The scholarship has not addressed the rationale for Singapore’s changing attitude towards CCI and the manner in which the CCI has improved cooperation (or upgraded cooperation to a broader and regional level).
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The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and genealogical resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the historical evolution and value of Chinese genealogical records, with the focus on researching the Islamic Chinese names used by the people living in Guilin. The highlight of this paper includes the analysis and evolution of the Islamic Chinese names commonly adopted by the local people in Guilin. It concludes with the recommendations on emphasizing and making the best use of genealogical records to enhance the research value of Chinese overseas studies.
Findings
The paper covers the history of Islam and describes how the religion was introduced into China, as well as Muslims' ethnicity and identity. It also places focus on the importance of building a research collection in Asian history and Chinese genealogy.
Research limitations/implications
This research study has a strong subject focus on Chinese genealogy, Asian history, and Islamic Chinese surnames. It is a narrow field that few researchers have delved into.
Practical implications
The results of this study will assist students, researchers, and the general public in tracing the origin of their surnames and developing their interest in the social and historical value of Chinese local history and genealogies.
Social implications
The study of Chinese surnames is, by itself, a particular field for researching the social and political implications of contemporary Chinese society during the time the family members lived.
Originality/value
Very little research has been done in the area of Chinese local history and genealogy. The paper would be of value to researchers such as historians, sociologists, ethnologists and archaeologists, as well as students and anyone interested in researching a surname origin, its history and evolution.
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Lu Yang, Baofeng Huo and Yuxiao Ye
This study aims to empirically test the direct effects of three types of information technology (IT) use on three dimensions of supply chain coordination (SCC). It further…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically test the direct effects of three types of information technology (IT) use on three dimensions of supply chain coordination (SCC). It further explores the spillover effects of IT use on coordination beyond its domain across the SC. Besides, this study probes into the moderating effects of environmental uncertainty (EU).
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to examine data collected from 202 firms in Hong Kong. Furthermore, multi-group SEM analysis with a series of invariance tests was used to test the moderating effects of EU.
Findings
Internal, supplier and customer IT use have direct effects on internal, supplier and customer coordination, respectively. Besides, IT use generates forward spillover effects beyond its domain along the forward physical flow in an SC. EU positively moderates the relationships between external IT use and SCC but does not shape the effectiveness of internal IT use in enhancing SCC. Moreover, under a high EU, the spillover effects of IT use on coordination can be intensified. Besides, the spillover effects further expand to benefit coordination on a larger scale of the SC under a high EU.
Originality/value
This study contributes by revealing that in addition to direct effects, IT use in a specific domain could generate spillover effects on coordination beyond its domain throughout an SC. More importantly, it contributes by explaining the difference in the effectiveness of IT use under different levels of EU using multi-group SEM analysis.
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Minglong Xu, Song Xue, Qionghua Wang, Shaoxiang He, Rui Deng, Zenong Li, Ying Zhang, Qiankun Li and Rongchao Li
This study aims to improve the stability and obstacle surmounting ability of the traditional wall-climbing robot on the surface of the ship, a wheel-track composite magnetic…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to improve the stability and obstacle surmounting ability of the traditional wall-climbing robot on the surface of the ship, a wheel-track composite magnetic adsorption wall-climbing robot is proposed in this paper.
Design/methodology/approach
The robot adopts a front and rear obstacle-crossing mechanism to achieve a smooth crossover. The robot is composed of two passive obstacle-crossing mechanisms and a frame, which is composed of two obstacle-crossing magnetic wheels and a set of tracks. The obstacle-crossing is realized by the telescopic expansion of the obstacle-crossing mechanism. Three static failure models are established to determine the minimum adsorption force for the robot to achieve stable motion. The Halbach array is used to construct the track magnetic circuit, and the influence of gap, contact area and magnet thickness on the adsorption force is analyzed by parameter simulation.
Findings
The prototype was designed and manufactured by the authors for static failure and obstacle crossing tests. The prototype test results show that the robot can cross the obstacle of 10 mm height under the condition of 20 kg load.
Originality/value
A new structure of wall-climbing robot is proposed and verified. According to the test results, the wall-climbing robot can stably climb over the obstacle of 10 mm height under the condition of 20 kg load, which provides a new idea for future robot design.
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Ervina Efzan Mhd Noor and Amares Singh
The aim of the present study was to gather and review all the important properties of the Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) solder alloy. The SAC solder alloy has been proposed as the alternative…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study was to gather and review all the important properties of the Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) solder alloy. The SAC solder alloy has been proposed as the alternative solder to overcome the environmental concern of lead (Pb) solder. Many researchers have studied the SAC solder alloy and found that the properties such as melting temperature, wettability, microstructure and interfacial, together with mechanical properties, are better for the SAC solder than the tin – lead (SnPb) solders. Meanwhile, addition of various elements and nanoparticles seems to produce enhancement on the prior bulk solder alloy as well. These benefits suggest that the SAC solder alloy could be the next alternative solder for the electronic packaging industry. Although many studies have been conducted for this particular solder alloy, a compilation of all these properties regarding the SAC solder alloy is still not available for a review to say.
Design/methodology/approach
Soldering is identified as the metallurgical joining method in electronic packaging industry which uses filler metal, or well known as the solder, with a melting point < 425°C (Yoon et al., 2009; Ervina and Marini, 2012). The SAC solder has been developed by many methods and even alloying it with some elements to enhance its properties (Law et al., 2006; Tsao et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2002; Gain et al., 2011). The development toward miniaturization, meanwhile, requires much smaller solder joints and fine-pitch interconnections for microelectronic packaging in electronic devices which demand better solder joint reliability of SAC solder Although many studies have been done based on the SAC solder, a review based on the important characteristics and the fundamental factor involving the SAC solder is still not sufficient. Henceforth, this paper resolves in stating all its important properties based on the SAC solder including its alloying of elements and nanoparticles addition for further understanding.
Findings
Various Pb-free solders have been studied and investigated to overcome the health and environmental concern of the SnPb solder. In terms of the melting temperature, the SAC solder seems to possess a high melting temperature of 227°C than the Pb solder SnPb. Here, the melting temperature of this solder falls within the range of the average reflow temperature in the electronic packaging industry and would not really affect the process of connection. A good amendment here is, this melting temperature can actually be reduced by adding some element such as titanium and zinc. The addition of these elements tends to decrease the melting temperature of the SAC solder alloy to about 3°C. Adding nanoparticles, meanwhile, tend to increase the melting temperature slightly; nonetheless, this increment was not seemed to damage other devices due to the very slight increment and no drastic changes in the solidification temperature. Henceforth, this paper reviews all the properties of the Pb-free SAC solder system by how it is developed from overcoming environmental problem to achieving and sustaining as the viable candidate in the electronic packaging industry. The Pb-free SAC solder can be the alternative to all drawbacks that the traditional SnPb solder possesses and also an upcoming new invention for the future needs. Although many studies have been done in this particular solder, not much information is gathered in a review to give better understanding for SAC solder alloy. In that, this paper reviews and gathers the importance of this SAC solder in the electronic packaging industry and provides information for better knowledge.
Originality/value
This paper resolves in stating of all its important properties based on the SAC solder including its alloying of elements and nanoparticles addition for further understanding.
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Fang Liu, Junbang Lan, Weichun Zhu, Yuanyuan Gong and Xue Peng
Drawing upon social comparison theory, this paper explores the (in)congruence effect of leader and follower overqualification on leader's downward envy, which in turn leads to…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing upon social comparison theory, this paper explores the (in)congruence effect of leader and follower overqualification on leader's downward envy, which in turn leads to leader undermining behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Using two-wave, multi-sourced data gathered in China, a polynomial regression was conducted on 301 leader-follower dyads.
Findings
Results show asymmetrical incongruence effects, indicating greater leader's downward envy when leader overqualification was lower than follower overqualification. In addition, by increasing downward envy, leader-follower (in)congruence in overqualification has an indirect positive effect on leader undermining behavior.
Practical implications
This study highlights the importance of being conscious of both parties’ overqualification levels to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Meanwhile, training for both parties is crucial, offering a holistic understanding of leader-follower overqualification differences and downward envy, as well as skills to manage “triggers” of leader undermining.
Originality/value
Our study is among the first to examine the effects of overqualification from a leader-follower dyadic congruence perspective. It suggests that leader's downward envy and undermining behaviors toward followers are influenced by both follower and leader overqualification.
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Abdelkebir Sahid, Yassine Maleh and Mustapha Belaissaoui
Consumer co-creation is a relational process through which consumers’ experiences, resources and knowledge are exchanged. This study aims to investigate the indirect effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumer co-creation is a relational process through which consumers’ experiences, resources and knowledge are exchanged. This study aims to investigate the indirect effects of social capital on consumer co-creation behaviors, especially citizenship behaviors, through psychological ownership.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was designed to measure social network, trust and shared vision, psychological ownership and citizenship behaviors; it was completed by 527 users of the Ctrip. Using data from the survey, a PLS model was constructed to depict the relationships between the key variables.
Findings
The results showed psychological ownership mediated the relationship between social capital and citizenship behaviors. Specifically, the chain-mediating effects of social capital dimensions (i.e. social network, shared vision and trust) on citizenship behaviors through psychological ownership were validated.
Practical implications
The rise of social media as a platform for consumer co-creation calls for a fundamental rethinking of traditional approaches to collaboration between companies and consumers. This study offers several suggestions for tourism companies to better engage with consumers on social media platforms.
Originality/value
This study extends current research by introducing social capital theory as a theoretical foundation for exploring tourism social media and determining the mediating role of psychological ownership between social capital and citizenship behaviors.