Tan Hai Dang Nguyen, Nicholas Chileshe, Raufdeen Rameezdeen and Anthony Wood
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate strategies that external stakeholders can employ to affect construction project outcomes and, second, to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate strategies that external stakeholders can employ to affect construction project outcomes and, second, to identify essential requirements for utilising each strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
A new theoretical framework of stakeholder influence strategies was proposed and applied. The research design is a multi-case study, comprising four cases in the construction industry in Vietnam.
Findings
Seven specific strategies were found, including inputs withholding, inputs compromising, communication, direct action, coalition building, conflict escalation and credibility building. When possessing project inputs, stakeholders can affect a project directly via a withholding or compromising strategy. Communication is available to those who have basic communicating skills; however, direct action is only employed by groups that include a large number of members. Objectors must have common interests or goals with their potential allies for using coalition building. Conflict escalation is restricted to communities having distinctive characteristics which can be used to create new problems sensibly, while credibility building is used by parties possessing adequate resources and expertise.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s generalisability may be limited by the main source of data and the types of projects in the selected cases.
Practical implications
This study provides directions for project managers to predict stakeholder influence by taking project inputs and utilisation requirements of the strategies into consideration.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first investigations on stakeholder-attributes-related requirements for utilising influence strategies in projects.
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Hai Tan, Yanbao Guo, Junqiang Wang, Deguo Wang and Yongjie Cui
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of additive particle size on the anti-corrosion behaviors of polyurethane (PU) coating.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of additive particle size on the anti-corrosion behaviors of polyurethane (PU) coating.
Design/methodology/approach
The graphite (Gr) and poly-graphite (PGr) were used as large size additive and small size additive, respectively. The immersion test and electrochemical test were used to study the corrosion behaviors.
Findings
In the immersion test, the surface of the bare steel sample was corroded uniformly. However, for the steel samples with coatings, the surfaces were corroded locally. This phenomenon showed that the coating can isolate artificial sea-water and samples and then decreased the corrosion rate. Furthermore, the most severe corrosion was observed on the sample with the Gr/PU coating compared with other anti-corrosion coatings. The results of the electrochemical measurements indicated that the corrosion rate of the sample with PGr/PU coating was approximately two times lower than that of the sample with the Gr/PU coating and the sample with PGr/PU coating was hardest to be corroded.
Originality/value
To have a more objective and direct recognition of the particle size effect on the coating quality.
Hai Tan, Deguo Wang and Yanbao Guo
Abundant oil and gas reservoirs in the deep-water are the valuable non-renewable energy sources. However, sea-water could enhance the corrosion of marine equipment such as…
Abstract
Purpose
Abundant oil and gas reservoirs in the deep-water are the valuable non-renewable energy sources. However, sea-water could enhance the corrosion of marine equipment such as submarine pipe trees. Various coatings, for example, polyurethane (PU) coatings are sprayed on the steel surfaces to enhance the anti-corrosion performance. Thus, to improve the anti-corrosion behavior of PU coatings in sea-water is imperative.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the corrosion behaviors of 4130 carbon steel with and without PU coatings were discussed by electrochemical mean in sea-water. And the graphene additive in different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 per cent) were also studied. A series of characterized methods were introduced to identify the anti-corrosion performances of 4130 carbon steel with and without coatings, respectively.
Findings
The results showed that the anti-corrosion property of 4130 carbon steel can enhance obviously with the PU coatings. The graphene additive can further improve the anti-corrosion behaviour of PU coatings and in the concentration of 0.6 per cent the PU/graphene coatings worked best.
Originality/value
This is beneficial for enhancing the service life of marine equipment in an eco-friendly method.
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Zi Qian Li, Hai Chen Tan, Chimay Anumba and Fah Choy Chia
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a web-based system that provides an efficient means for managing suppliers’ performance which also facilitates the leveraging of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a web-based system that provides an efficient means for managing suppliers’ performance which also facilitates the leveraging of suppliers’ knowledge for the benefit of the on-going projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Case study approach is adopted. In total, 12 semi-structured interviews are conducted with Malaysia-based public listed construction companies to study their current practice and the requirements for the development of an information and communication technology (ICT) aided system for the purpose. Subsequently, a web-based system for managing suppliers’ performance is developed using ASP.net and MSSQL database.
Findings
Most of the case study companies are found to have low levels of ICT adoption and still resort to handling the majority of the tasks involved in the selection and management of suppliers’ performance manually. An ICT-based system that can improve the recording of important information about the suppliers, provide a function for supplier selection and facilitate the capture of useful reusable knowledge of the suppliers is needed.
Originality/value
The paper has shown empirically that a web-based suppliers’ performance management system eases the supplier selection process and the monitoring of suppliers’ performance. In addition, it demonstrates how such systems can be designed to capture and facilitate the leveraging of suppliers’ knowledge, and how suppliers’ knowledge contribution can be recognised as part of their performance. The system adopts a novel two-way communication model which provides the suppliers the access to their own performance records to identify room for improvements.
Details
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Yanbao Guo, Hai Tan, Deguo Wang and Tao Meng
With the rapid development of rail transportation and energy-delivery systems, such as buried oil and gas pipelines and high-voltage transmission lines, the alternating current…
Abstract
Purpose
With the rapid development of rail transportation and energy-delivery systems, such as buried oil and gas pipelines and high-voltage transmission lines, the alternating current (AC) corrosion of buried steel pipelines is becoming more serious. This paper aims to study the corrosion behaviours of Q235 buried steel pipelines induced by the alternating stray current, with a set of indoor simulated experiment apparatuses.
Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion of the coating holidays of the buried steel pipelines at various AC current densities from 0 to 200 A/m2 in the soil-simulating environment was revealed by the electrochemical and weight-loss methods.
Findings
The results showed that the corrosion potential of the steel shifted negatively obviously and the corrosion rate of the steel increased with the increasing of AC current density. At a low AC current density, the negative deviation of the corrosion potential of the steel was small and the increase of corrosion rate was slight. However, the negative deviation of the corrosion potential was remarkable and the corrosion rate was greatly increased at a relative higher AC current density. The geometrical shape of the corrosion images indicated the corrosion forms changed from uniform corrosion to local corrosion due to the increase of AC interference.
Originality/value
Investigation results are of benefit to provide a new strategy to forecast and evaluate the AC-induced corrosion of the buried pipelines which could improve the safety of pipeline transportation.
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Yanbao Guo, Hai Tan, Deguo Wang and Siwei Zhang
Ocean exploration is of importance and in great demand throughout the world. This results in a huge challenge in tribology in the marine environment. Moreover, polymeric materials…
Abstract
Purpose
Ocean exploration is of importance and in great demand throughout the world. This results in a huge challenge in tribology in the marine environment. Moreover, polymeric materials with large molecules or macromolecules play an important role in marine equipment.
Design/methodology/approach
The tribological performance of sea-water-eroded polyether polyurethane (PU) was systematically studied by using a multi-specimen test machine for different durations from 0 to 60 days. Surface characterization technologies, such as scanning electric microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy, were used to analyze the PU samples.
Findings
It can be found that the COF measured against 316 steel increases with the testing load because of the change of contact areas for the original PU samples. The effect of hydrodynamic lubrication and heat resulted in the decline of the COF with the increase in testing speed. The COF of PU sample immersed for 20 days was the lowest compared with other samples. With the immersion time increased to 60 days, the COF increased first and then decreased. The reduced COF of PU resulted in improved anti-wear performance of the PU sample.
Originality/value
These results enhanced the comprehension of the tribological performances of PU immersed in sea-water.
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Huynh Nguyen Bui, Nam Phuong Phung, My Linh Le and Tan Hai Dang Nguyen
This paper aims to present a hybrid review combining the theory, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) framework and bibliometric analysis of international business…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a hybrid review combining the theory, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) framework and bibliometric analysis of international business research from 1991 to 2023, shedding light on the field’s growth, trends and key contributors.
Design/methodology/approach
Relevant papers were selected using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses model. Initially, this paper conducted a descriptive analysis to identify prolific institutions, countries and journals. Using bibliometric techniques and the TCCM framework, this paper analyzed theory, context and method visualized through word clouds and keyword co-occurrence. The characteristic aspect was analyzed using bibliographic coupling to identify major themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the most significant factors in international business research.
Findings
The analysis of a data set comprising 5,644 documents reveals a steady increase in the annual growth rate of publications, highlighting the growing significance of international business in the global economy. First, this paper noticed a significant increase in publications in leading international business journals, with the Journal of International Business Studies being the most prolific. Second, using the TCCM framework, this paper discovered that the resource-based view, institutional theory, transaction cost theory and internalization theory are predominant in international business research. Most studies have concentrated on firm or enterprise-level entities, followed by country-level analyses. This paper also identified six main themes: (1) innovation and strategy, (2) market, (3) HR impact and leadership, (4) marketing, (5) internationalization and (6) entrepreneurship. Quantitative methods have been the most frequently used research design, followed by qualitative and mixed methods.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers researchers and practitioners a roadmap for future investigations, collaboration and innovation in international business, thereby advancing the knowledge and understanding of this complex field within a globally interconnected economy.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into growth and trends, identifying journals, clustering research topics and enhancing theoretical and methodological understanding in the field of international business.
Details
Keywords
Peiqi Ding, Weili Xia, Zhiying Zhao and Xiang Li
Build-operate-transfer (BOT) contracts are widely used in the construction and operation of charging piles for new energy vehicles worldwide and stipulate that governments grant…
Abstract
Purpose
Build-operate-transfer (BOT) contracts are widely used in the construction and operation of charging piles for new energy vehicles worldwide and stipulate that governments grant charging pile operators franchises for a certain period of time to invest in the construction and operation of the charging piles. The charging piles are then transferred to governments when the concession expires. To encourage charging pile operators to build and operate charging piles, governments usually provide two kinds of subsidies, namely construction and operating subsidies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors establish a typical game model to study the optimal BOT contract between a government and a charging pile operator and their preferences for the two kinds of subsidies.
Findings
First, the authors show that there are substitution and complementarity effects between the concession period and the subsidy level. Second, the operator prefers the construction subsidy (operating subsidy) when the additional operating cost is low (high). The government prefers the operating subsidy (construction subsidy) when consumer sensitivity to the number of charging piles is low (high) and the concession period is short or long (moderate). Finally, the adjusted joint subsidy can not only improve social welfare but also that the charging pile operator can obtain the same profit as under the operating subsidy at a lower subsidy amount.
Originality/value
This work develops the first analytical model to study two subsidies in the construction and operation of charging piles and investigate the optimal BOT contract and subsidy preferences. The insights are compelling not only for the charging pile operator but also for policymakers in practice from a circular economy perspective.
Details
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Shien Chue and Stephen Billett
Work-study programmes aim to support young adults transitioning from tertiary education to work and contribute to enhancing their employability. The purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Work-study programmes aim to support young adults transitioning from tertiary education to work and contribute to enhancing their employability. The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed analysis of the learning experiences of trainees in work-study programmes within the broad field of engineering.
Design/methodology/approach
The data gathering procedures used interviews with participants of a specific work-study programme and conducting thematic analyses to identify and understand the motivations of these adults for enrolling in work-study programmes and their associated workplace learning experiences. Fifty-two alumni of electrical and logistics engineering programmes completed 12 months of a separate work-study programme and consented to participate in an hour-long interview. They elaborated upon their work-learn experiences to explicate their work-learn needs and challenges in those interviews.
Findings
Findings include workplaces facilitated skills development through providing combinations of work tasks comprising both routine and novel work assignments; challenging circumstances at the workplace provided trainees with opportunities to develop adaptive capacities; and engaging in non-routine work processes fosters integration into the engineering workplace community.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the existing literature by exemplifying how routine engineering activities are practical affordances through which engineering trainees construct knowledge and dispositions for engaging in challenging, non-routine engineering work. Such experiences are crucial in preparing trainees for advanced roles in logistics or electronic sectors.