Gui Ling Sui and Bin Yao
The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach of quantitative assessment of academic value and demand of journals for a discipline.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach of quantitative assessment of academic value and demand of journals for a discipline.
Design/methodology/approach
This study defines relative citation rate (RCR) and utilization rate (UR) of journals cited by a discipline with a case of inorganic chemistry discipline in Jilin University, ranks the journals in decreasing order of RCR and UR, and analyzes the RCR and UR curves with mathematical statistics and physics.
Findings
The RCR and UR curves can be expressed as: RCR(n)=N1exp(−n/t(N1))+N2exp(−n/t(N2))=64.54exp(−n/1.98)+31.14exp(−n/23.11) and UR(n)=Y1exp(−n/t(Y1))+Y2exp(−n/t(Y2))=85.06exp(−n/108.6)+12.94exp(−n/705.8). The parameters t(N1), t(N2), t(Y1) and t(Y2) can be used to assess quantitatively academica value and demand of journal for a discipline and to determine core journals of the discipline.
Research limitations/implications
This approach is used to quantitatively assess academic value and demand of journals for a discipline.
Practical implications
This approach may provide useful information for journal management of library.
Originality/value
The present work is original.
Details
Keywords
Xianbo Zhao, Bon-Gang Hwang and Sui Pheng Low
The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge-based decision support system for enterprise risk management (KBDSS-ERM) for Chinese construction firms (CCFs) to facilitate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge-based decision support system for enterprise risk management (KBDSS-ERM) for Chinese construction firms (CCFs) to facilitate their ERM implementation. The specific objectives of the KBDSS-ERM are: first, assess the ERM maturity in a CCF; second, visualize the ERM maturity assessment results; third, provide action plans for improving the ERM implementation along the maturity continuum; and finally, generate a printable ERM maturity assessment report.
Design/methodology/approach
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 was used to develop the KBDSS-ERM. Based on literature review and structured interviews, 191 action plans for improving ERM implementation were identified and included in the knowledge base. A fuzzy ERM maturity model, including 16 maturity criteria and 66 best practices, was embedded into the KBDSS-ERM. A total of ten experts from ten different CCFs, who were not involved in the survey or the development of the action plans, were invited to validate the KBDSS-ERM.
Findings
The validation results indicated that the results of the KBDSS-ERM were consistent with the expert judgments, and that the KBDSS-ERM had the accuracy ranging from 92.9 to 83.7 percent in assessing the maturity criteria and the overall ERM maturity of CCFs. In addition, the experts recognized the KBDSS-ERM as being a robust, convenient and useful tool for ERM implementation in CCFs.
Research limitations/implications
First, the maturity criteria and ERM best practices that were identified in this study may not be exhaustive even though close attention was paid in the research methodology adopted to circumvent this risk. Additionally, as the applicability of the best practices and the importance of the maturity criteria were checked in the context of CCFs, one should be cautious when the KBDSS-ERM is being applied in other construction firms outside of the CCFs domain.
Practical implications
Using the KBDSS-ERM, the management can clearly understand its ERM implementation as well as the strengths and weaknesses, and obtain the action plans recommended by the KBDSS-ERM. Thus, with the information from the KBDSS-ERM, the management would make better decisions relating to ERM. In addition, while using the KBDSS-ERM, the staffs need to read the ERM best practices, which allows them to learn the ERM fundamentals and produce practical or innovative ideas relating to ERM. Thus, the KBDSS-ERM would contribute to the organizational learning of companies.
Originality/value
The primary contribution is the provision of 191 specific action plans that could be followed to enhance ERM practice. These action plans are arguably the first to be presented for the construction industry and therefore add to existing knowledge of ERM, now embedded in the KBDSS. In addition, the KBDSS-ERM is also the first computerized ERM tool developed specifically for construction firms. Although the KBDSS-ERM is primarily designed for CCFs, the implications of this study are not limited to CCFs because researchers and practitioners could adopt the research method of this study to develop KBDSSs for other construction firms.
Details
Keywords
Asks on whose behalf the black woman poet in the USA speaks, what type of language she uses and what audience she has. Points out that an earlier lack of tradition meant that…
Abstract
Asks on whose behalf the black woman poet in the USA speaks, what type of language she uses and what audience she has. Points out that an earlier lack of tradition meant that originally white styles of language were used and aimed at the white audience. Looks at the rise of the blues era and the “blueswoman”. Considers the work of Phillis Wheatley, Alice Dunbar Nelson, Anne Spencer and Angelina Grimke together with Margaret Walker and singers such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Finally, outlines the development of a political era and the growing sexual freedom of black women and the impact their writings.
Details
Keywords
Kwok Wah Ronnie Lui and Sarojni Choy
This paper aims to report on a study that used the practice theory lens to understand how Chinese ethnic culture influences restaurant workers' learning through engagement in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report on a study that used the practice theory lens to understand how Chinese ethnic culture influences restaurant workers' learning through engagement in everyday work practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple case study approach was used. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and site observations. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify how workers learnt the sayings, doings and relatings in their workplaces.
Findings
The findings show that the ethnic culture of the participants influences and enriches their learning in practice settings such as small Chinese restaurants.
Research limitations/implications
The understandings presented here need to be verified through more research in different regions and nations. In addition, cross-cultural studies on other ethnic restaurants may contribute to deeper understandings of the influences of ethnic culture on practice-based learning.
Social implications
The research contributes to understanding the influence of ethnic culture on practice-based learning.
Originality/value
The understandings gained from the findings of this study form a useful basis for curriculum development and instructional design of training programmes for practice-based as well as work-integrated-learning components of vocational curriculum. Furthermore, awareness of the strengths of the ethnic culture is of interest to owner/managers of small Chinese restaurants to afford supportive learning environments for workers.
Details
Keywords
Lakshmi Devaraj, Thaarini S., Athish R.R. and Vallimanalan Ashokan
This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of thin-film temperature sensors (TTS), focusing on the interplay between material properties and fabrication techniques. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of thin-film temperature sensors (TTS), focusing on the interplay between material properties and fabrication techniques. It evaluates the current state of the art, addressing both low- and high-temperature sensors, and explores the potential applications across various fields. The study also identifies challenges and highlights emerging trends that may shape the future of this technology.
Design/methodology/approach
This study systematically examines existing literature on TTS, categorizing the materials and fabrication methods used. The study compares the performance metrics of different materials, addresses the challenges encountered in thin-film sensors and reviews the case studies to identify successful applications. Emerging trends and future directions are also analyzed.
Findings
This study finds that TTS are integral to various advanced technologies, particularly in high-performance and specialized applications. However, their development is constrained by challenges such as limited operational range, material degradation, fabrication complexities and long-term stability. The integration of nanostructured materials and the advancement of wireless, self-powered and multifunctional sensors are poised to drive significant advancements in this field.
Originality/value
This study offers a unique perspective by bridging the gap between material science and application engineering in TTS. By critically analyzing both established and emerging technologies, the study provides valuable insights into the current state of the field and proposes pathways for future innovation in terms of interdisciplinary approaches. The focus on emerging trends and multifunctional applications sets this review apart from existing literature.
Details
Keywords
Ahmet Usakli and Kemal Gurkan Kucukergin
The purpose of this study is to review the use of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in the field of hospitality and tourism and thereby to assess…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review the use of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in the field of hospitality and tourism and thereby to assess whether the PLS-SEM-based papers followed the recommended application guidelines and to investigate whether a comparison of journal types (hospitality vs tourism) and journal qualities (top-tier vs other leading) reveal significant differences in PLS-SEM use.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 206 PLS-SEM based papers published between 2000 and April 2017 in the 19 SSCI-indexed hospitality and tourism journals were critically analyzed using a wide range of guidelines for the following aspects of PLS-SEM: the rationale of using the method, the data characteristics, the model characteristics, the model assessment and reporting the technical issues.
Findings
The results reveal that some aspects of PLS-SEM are correctly applied by researchers, but there are still some misapplications, especially regarding data characteristics, formative measurement model evaluation and structural model assessment. Furthermore, few significant differences were found on the use of PLS-SEM between the two fields (hospitality and tourism) and between the journal tiers (top-tier and other leading).
Practical implications
To enhance the quality of research in hospitality and tourism, the present study provides recommendations for improving the future use of PLS-SEM.
Originality/value
The present study fills a sizeable gap in hospitality and tourism literature and extends the previous assessments on the use of PLS-SEM by providing a wider perspective on the issue (i.e. includes both hospitality and tourism journals rather than the previous reviews that focus on either tourism or hospitality), using a larger sample size of 206 empirical studies, investigating the issue over a longer time period (from 2000 to April, 2017, including the in-press articles), extending the scope of criteria (guidelines) used in the review and comparing the PLS-SEM use between the two allied fields (hospitality and tourism) and between the journal tiers (top-tier and other leading).