Zhenyao Cai, Dandan Wu, Ying Xin, Yang Chen and Haining Wu
The purpose of this study is to investigate how and why formal mentoring support reduces newcomers' intention to leave from the perspective of uncertainty reduction theory.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how and why formal mentoring support reduces newcomers' intention to leave from the perspective of uncertainty reduction theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Time-lagged data were collected from two sources, mentors and newcomers, and 193 paired data sets were included in the analysis.
Findings
The results showed that formal mentoring support was positively related to newcomers' person–organisation fit (P–O fit) and person–job fit (P–J fit). In addition, P–O fit and P–J fit mediated the relationship between formal mentoring support and newcomers' intention to leave. Moreover, newcomers' uncertainty avoidance orientation strengthened the relationship between formal mentoring support and perception of fit, and it strengthened the indirect effect between formal mentoring support and newcomer's intention to leave, via the perception of fit.
Originality/value
This study enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanism between formal mentoring support and newcomers' intention to leave. Moreover, it demonstrates that uncertainty avoidance orientation is an important boundary condition during the process of organisational socialisation. The findings also contribute to the organisational socialisation and the mentoring literature by providing evidence from a blue-collar sample.
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Aiping Jiang, Qingxia Li, Jinyi Yan, Leqing Huang and Haining Wu
The purpose of this paper is to focus on finding the optimal maintenance interval and the minimum maintenance cost for redundant system, considering environment factors.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on finding the optimal maintenance interval and the minimum maintenance cost for redundant system, considering environment factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose a decision model with environment-based preventive maintenance for the repairable redundant system. Referring to the k-out-of-n model and Proportional Hazard Model, the reliability analysis is completed for the redundant system affected by internal and external issues. Meanwhile, the maintenance cost for the redundant system is divided into two categories: the fixed maintenance cost involving whole system replacement at the time of system failure, and the cost to replace failure components when the system still functions.
Findings
Upon the required reliability analysis, an optimal maintenance interval that minimizes the average maintenance cost per unit time is identified. The simulation results indicate that the optimal maintenance interval with consideration of environmental factors is significantly shorter than that without consideration of these factors, with the maintenance cost increase within 10 percent.
Practical implications
The redundant systems have widely been used in industries including the aero craft control system and warship power system. The model could be applied in the more real case considering the types of components and the operation environment, and help production managers better maintain machines by increasing the safety and reliability of the redundant model with the more frequent inspection.
Originality/value
Previous research of redundant system always focuses on internal degradation, while ignoring the reliability analysis for a redundant system with various multiple components under the influence of environment. However, this work could fill the theoretical gap, i.e. simultaneously consider both environmental and internal factors for a redundant system with non-homogeneous components. Meanwhile, the proposed superior model increases the reliability and safety of the k-out-of-n model with reasonable cost. Production managers could benefit a lot from this as well.
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Shih-Jung Juan and Eldon Y. Li
This study proposes an integrated model to explore the relationships between dynamic capability and supply chain resilience (SCRE) and the relationships' impacts on firms'…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes an integrated model to explore the relationships between dynamic capability and supply chain resilience (SCRE) and the relationships' impacts on firms' financial performance with supply chains (FPwSC) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on resource-based theory and knowledge-based theory, the dynamic capability is classified into resource-based dynamic capability (RBDC) and knowledge-based dynamic capability (KBDC). The study collects 158 useable survey samples from manufacturers in Taiwan and analyzes the samples with the structural equation model.
Findings
The results show that knowledge is power; KBDC is crucial for FPwSC, SCRE and RBDC. In addition, SCRE mediates the relationship between KBDC and FPwSC. Finally, RBDC significantly suppresses FPwSC.
Research limitations/implications
Future researchers could replicate this study in other industries and expand this to other countries to generalize the results.
Practical implications
A firm with KBDC can adopt and implement strategies that exploit its internal strengths to respond to environmental opportunities, overcome internal weaknesses and mitigate external threats. Furthermore, a firm should fully utilize SCRE with proactive and reactive strategies. Exercising a firm's KBDC could facilitate SC collective intelligence to handle the risk of SC disruption and vice versa.
Originality/value
The study is the first to combine KBDC, RBDC and SCRE into an integrated model for FPwSC. Moreover, this study reveals that resilience relies on knowledge, not resources, as evidenced by SCRE being affected significantly by KBDC but not RBDC.
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Deepak Kumar, B.V. Phani, Naveen Chilamkurti, Suman Saurabh and Vanessa Ratten
The review examines the existing literature on blockchain-based small and medium enterprise (SME) finance and highlights its trend, themes, opportunities and challenges. Based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The review examines the existing literature on blockchain-based small and medium enterprise (SME) finance and highlights its trend, themes, opportunities and challenges. Based on these factors, the authors create a framework for the existing literature on blockchain-based SME financing and lay down future research paths.
Design/methodology/approach
The review follows a systematic approach. It includes 53 articles encompassing multiple dimensions of blockchain-based SME finance, including peer-to-peer lending platforms, supply chain finance (SCF), decentralized lending protocols and tokenization of assets. The review critically evaluates these approaches' theoretical underpinnings, empirical evidence and practical implementations.
Findings
The review demonstrates that blockchain-based SME finance holds significant promise in addressing the credit gap by leveraging blockchain technology's decentralized and transparent nature. Benefits identified include reduced information asymmetry, improved access to financing, enhanced credit assessment processes and increased financial inclusion. However, the literature acknowledges several challenges and limitations, such as regulatory uncertainties, scalability issues, operational complexities and potential security risks.
Originality/value
The article contributes to the growing knowledge of blockchain-based SME finance by synthesizing and evaluating the existing literature. It also provides a framework for the existing literature in the area and future research paths. The study offers insights for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking to understand the potential of blockchain technology in filling the SME credit gap and fostering economic development through improved access to finance for SMEs.
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Gang Sheng, Huabin Wu and Xiangdong Xu
The implementation of the digital economy has had a considerable influence on the manufacturing industry, and this paper aims to address the important issues of how to capture the…
Abstract
Purpose
The implementation of the digital economy has had a considerable influence on the manufacturing industry, and this paper aims to address the important issues of how to capture the opportunities presented by digital innovation and promote the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry, as well as the improvement of quality and efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces and cities between 2010 and 2021, this study establishes the panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model and uses impulse response function analysis to evaluate the influence of the digital economy on the high-quality transformation and upgrading of China's small home appliance industry across five dimensions under the digital economy.
Findings
The development of digital infrastructure has not demonstrated a noteworthy capacity for advancing the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry. Furthermore, digital industrialization has exerted a minimal restraining influence on this process. Nevertheless, digital governance has consistently exhibited a substantial impact on facilitating the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry. While both industrial digitization and digital innovation hold significant potential for promoting the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry, their sustainability remains limited.
Practical implications
The organization should logically join independent innovation and open innovation, construct an industrial ecosystem for the profound convergence of the digital economy and compact household appliances, use digital-wise science and technology to empower the establishment of brand effects, strengthen the portrayal of the digital standard framework for the intelligent compact household appliance industry, advance the development of a public stage for computerized administrations in the compact household appliance industry and develop a strategy ecosystem for computerized assets in the compact household appliance industry.
Originality/value
This study offers systematic evidence of the relationship between the digital economy and the development of the small home appliance industry. The results of this research contribute to the literature on the impact of the digital economy on the manufacturing sector and provide a logical explanation for the transformation and upgrading of the small home appliance industry within the context of the digital economy.
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While comprehensive study abroad preparation encompasses a wide array of elements, the purpose of this study is to highlight a short-term study abroad (STSA) teacher’s preparatory…
Abstract
Purpose
While comprehensive study abroad preparation encompasses a wide array of elements, the purpose of this study is to highlight a short-term study abroad (STSA) teacher’s preparatory learning experience documented through self-reported video diary reflections.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a self-study methodology, using a series of self-recorded video diaries focused on preparation learning. The video diaries serve as visual and auditory self-reflective stimuli, providing insights into preparation practices that may benefit novice STSA teachers.
Findings
The findings highlight the importance of understanding both the “self” and ensuring early expectations through video reflections, which can enhance traditional methods in STSA professional development.
Originality/value
This study presents an alternative STSA professional development approach using self-recorded teacher video diaries to advance practice and share insights.
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Paresha Sinha, Michèle E.M. Akoorie, Qiang Ding and Qian Wu
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the motivations for offshore outsourcing encountered by manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and their suppliers in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the motivations for offshore outsourcing encountered by manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and their suppliers in China. The paper explores the motivations and challenges encountered by SMEs choosing to outsource their manufacturing activities and why their suppliers engage with them.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study method was utilized. The authors obtained perspectives of SME managers as well as the suppliers for each of the cases, conducting in‐depth interviews in order to obtain comprehensive information about their outsourcing activities. Then, cross‐case analysis was carried out using content analysis techniques to identify key themes for the motivations to undertake offshore outsourcing.
Findings
The results showed that the first rationale for offshore outsourcing relates to increasing efficiency and labor cost reduction while holding quality constant. The second rationale is to maintain flexibility in resource allocation providing both manufacturing SMEs and their suppliers with an opportunity to enter new markets. For both manufacturing firms and their suppliers building a relationship through networks and alliances was the key to the success (learning orientation) of the partnership.
Practical implications
The managerial implications of the findings are that first, from the perspective of client firms, the most important factor for success in manufacturing offshore outsourcing was maintaining good relationships with suppliers. The benefits of having close relationships with suppliers for outsourcing firms helped them to secure the quality of their products. The second managerial implication is from the perspective of the supplier firms. Supplier firms which were also aware of the transaction cost implications of their delivery while improving their own international image by supplying international clients. The evidence supplied suggests that supplier firms can benefit from using networks to assist them to gain international exposure.
Originality/value
While there are numerous studies on offshore outsourcing by multinational enterprises (MNEs) and large enterprises, there are relatively fewer studies on manufacturing offshore outsourcing by SMEs. Using the three theoretical lenses of the transaction cost approach, the core competences and the alliances, networks and internationalization approach, the paper offers insights on the reasons for and outcomes of a group of SMEs decision to undertake offshoring‐manufacturing activities in China. Also, the paper examines the manufacturing offshore outsourcing issues from the perspective of the suppliers to these SMEs.
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Using bibliometric techniques, the author analyzes a dataset of 276 articles on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs) published in 13 management and international business…
Abstract
Using bibliometric techniques, the author analyzes a dataset of 276 articles on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs) published in 13 management and international business journals. The author assesses the scientific impact and visualizes the intellectual landscape of research on CBMAs by analyzing publication and citation data and interconnections between publications. First, the author assesses annual publication trends and identifies highly cited articles and productive journals in the dataset that have significantly contributed to our understanding of CBMAs. Second, the author identifies main themes in recent research on CBMAs by focusing on frequently used keywords in publications. Third, the author identifies clusters of related research and explores their interrelationships to outline emerging trends, new perspectives, and directions for future research on CBMAs. Overall, this chapter contributes to the understanding of CBMAs by documenting the progress made to date and providing important insights for future research.
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Abla Chaouni Benabdellah, Kamar Zekhnini, Anass Cherrafi, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Anil Kumar and Jamal El Baz
Blockchain technology (BT) is creating a new standard for all business operations. It can assist businesses in handling the complexity of circular digital supply chain (DCM…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain technology (BT) is creating a new standard for all business operations. It can assist businesses in handling the complexity of circular digital supply chain (DCM) management. Despite this optimistic view, several barriers hinder its implementation. In this regard, this study contributes to Industry 4.0, circular economy (CE), the viability with a critical emphasis on its potential ramifications and influence on the future agenda while using BT technology in the supply chain (SC). In addition, the research reduces the knowledge gap by investigating and ranking the key barriers to the deployment of BT in viable circular digital supply chains (VCDSCs) and studies their interdependencies and causal relationships. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The barriers to BT adoption in the VCDSC are identified through a thorough literature review and considering viability performance. These barriers are then classified using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. Decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is then employed to examine the cause/effect, correlation, and connection among the 14 barriers selected barriers from the AHP classification to estimate each barrier's overall degree of impact over the others.
Findings
This paper identifies and analyzes the BT adoption barriers in the VCDSC as well as examines how the key barriers interact. As a result, according to the AHP/DEMATEL method, the most prominent influencing barriers to the BT implementation in the VCDSC are “Data transparency,” “Market competition,” “Missing infrastructure,” “Lack of standardization,” “Complex protocol,” “Lack of industry involvement,” “Financial constraints,” “Missing infrastructure,” “Data transparency” and “Interoperability.” The outcomes offer a potential path for identifying important barriers as well as insight into the implementation of BT in the SC while integrating different capabilities such as viability, sustainability and CE principles.
Practical implications
Managers and researchers will benefit from this research by gaining an understanding of the challenges that must be prioritized and examined for BT to be implemented successfully in the VCDSC.
Originality/value
The use and implementation of blockchain-enabled VCDSC continue to face challenges despite an increase in relevant practice and research. Despite the benefits of BT, managers struggle to apply such technology in the context of their company. In this respect, this paper uses an integrated AHP–DEMATEL for categorizing the BT barriers as well as the interrelationship between them. In this respect, this paper presents the BT barriers studied are those related to the use of BT in the SC while integrating different paradigms such as viability, digitalization and CE. While many studies look at the barriers to BT adoption; none of them has ever included the viable capability, which means the ability to “react agilely to positive changes, be resilient to absorb negative events and re-cover after disruptions and survive at long-term periods.” The study concludes with insightful comments based on the findings and suggestions for eradicating those obstacles and their associated effects.
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Yaokuang Li, Li Ling, Juan Wu, Daru Zhang and Weizhong Fu
This paper aims to investigate the role of informational and relational mechanisms on equity crowdfunding investors' conformity behaviors by focusing on a relational culture of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the role of informational and relational mechanisms on equity crowdfunding investors' conformity behaviors by focusing on a relational culture of China.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of 108 financing projects and 7,688 investment records from a union of Chinese equity crowdfunding platforms are gathered. Lead investors' response to a campaign and follow-investors’ former links explain investors' conformity by social network analysis (SNA) and ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis.
Findings
The results show that informational and relational influences drive conformity in Chinese equity crowdfunding. Moreover, the informational influence weakens in a highly centralized structure of linked investors.
Research limitations/implications
The results add new knowledge to follow-investors’ conformity behaviors in equity crowdfunding and enrich the literature on conformity theory by finding the contextual effect of information-influenced conformity and the adaption of conformity theory to cultural uniqueness. Besides, this preliminary work also suggests opportunities for future research.
Practical implications
The paper inspires new consideration on a strategical use of follow-investors’ conformity mentality to promote successfully financing and reminds platform managers to be alert to the interference of small groups formed based on informal relationships to the normal financing order.
Originality/value
This is the first study that discovers the non-informational influence and the limited influence of information on equity crowdfunding conformity through contextual concerns.