Hsiu Fen Tsai and Shih-Chieh Fang
This study aims to examine the phenomenon of the risk–return paradox from the resources side of the firm. The authors emphasize the moderating role of risk-taking capabilities in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the phenomenon of the risk–return paradox from the resources side of the firm. The authors emphasize the moderating role of risk-taking capabilities in investigating the relationship between risk-taking and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Building on the disciplines of the resource-based view, the moderating effects of risk-taking capabilities on performance were tested by using Taiwan listed companies' data from information technology and electronics industries. Based on the data from 216 firms for periods from 2003 to 2007, this study runs a hierarchical moderated regression analysis to test the hypotheses in the context of diversification.
Findings
The results of this study emphasize that risk-taking and its relationship with performance are context-specific. Significantly, it is contingent on the firm's risk-taking capabilities endowment. The findings also indicate that some aspects of risk-taking capabilities moderate the relationship between risk-taking and performance.
Originality/value
This paper emphasizes that risk-taking capability is an essential factor in investigating the risk–return paradox. It constructs the dimensions of risk-taking capability in terms of absorptive capacity, network resources and organizational slack. Firms equipped with a high level of risk-taking capabilities benefit from risk-taking activities and should, therefore, embrace risk.
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Bao-Rong Chang, Hsiu-Fen Tsai, Yun-Che Tsai, Chin-Fu Kuo and Chi-Chung Chen
The purpose of this paper is to integrate and optimize a multiple big data processing platform with the features of high performance, high availability and high scalability in big…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to integrate and optimize a multiple big data processing platform with the features of high performance, high availability and high scalability in big data environment.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the integration of Apache Hive, Cloudera Impala and BDAS Shark make the platform support SQL-like query. Next, users can access a single interface and select the best performance of big data warehouse platform automatically by the proposed optimizer. Finally, the distributed memory storage system Memcached incorporated into the distributed file system, Apache HDFS, is employed for fast caching query results. Therefore, if users query the same SQL command, the same result responds rapidly from the cache system instead of suffering the repeated searches in a big data warehouse and taking a longer time to retrieve.
Findings
As a result the proposed approach significantly improves the overall performance and dramatically reduces the search time as querying a database, especially applying for the high-repeatable SQL commands under multi-user mode.
Research limitations/implications
Currently, Shark’s latest stable version 0.9.1 does not support the latest versions of Spark and Hive. In addition, this series of software only supports Oracle JDK7. Using Oracle JDK8 or Open JDK will cause serious errors, and some software will be unable to run.
Practical implications
The problem with this system is that some blocks are missing when too many blocks are stored in one result (about 100,000 records). Another problem is that the sequential writing into In-memory cache wastes time.
Originality/value
When the remaining memory capacity is 2 GB or less on each server, Impala and Shark will have a lot of page swapping, causing extremely low performance. When the data scale is larger, it may cause the JVM I/O exception and make the program crash. However, when the remaining memory capacity is sufficient, Shark is faster than Hive and Impala. Impala’s consumption of memory resources is between those of Shark and Hive. This amount of remaining memory is sufficient for Impala’s maximum performance. In this study, each server allocates 20 GB of memory for cluster computing and sets the amount of remaining memory as Level 1: 3 percent (0.6 GB), Level 2: 15 percent (3 GB) and Level 3: 75 percent (15 GB) as the critical points. The program automatically selects Hive when memory is less than 15 percent, Impala at 15 to 75 percent and Shark at more than 75 percent.
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Bao Rong Chang, Hsiu-Fen Tsai, Chi-Ming Chen and Chien-Feng Huang
The physical server transition to virtualized infrastructure server have encountered crucial problems such as server consolidation, virtual machine (VM) performance, workload…
Abstract
Purpose
The physical server transition to virtualized infrastructure server have encountered crucial problems such as server consolidation, virtual machine (VM) performance, workload density, total cost of ownership (TCO), and return on investments (ROIs). In order to solve the problems mentioned above, the purpose of this paper is to perform the analysis of virtualized cloud server together with shared storage as well as the estimation of consolidation ratio and TCO/ROI in server virtualization.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces five distinct virtualized cloud computing servers (VCCSs), and provides the appropriate assessment to five well-known hypervisors built in VCCSs. The methodology the authors proposed in this paper will gives people an insight into the problem of physical server transition to virtualized infrastructure server.
Findings
As a matter of fact, VM performance seems almost to achieve the same level, but the estimation of VM density and TCO/ROI are totally different among hypervisors. As a result, the authors have the recommendation to choose the hypervisor ESX server if you need a scheme with higher ROI and lower TCO. Alternatively, Proxmox VE would be the second choice if you like to save the initial investment at first and own a pretty well management interface at console.
Research limitations/implications
In the performance analysis, instead of ESX 5.0, the authors adopted ESXi 5.0 that is free software, its function is limited, and does not have the full functionality of ESX server, such as: distributed resource scheduling, high availability, consolidated backup, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery. Moreover, this paper do not discuss the security problem on VCCS which is related to access control and cryptograph in VMs to be explored in the further work.
Practical implications
In the process of virtualizing the network, ESX/ESXi has restrictions on the brand of the physical network card, only certain network cards can be detected by the VM. For instance: Intel and Broadcom network cards. The newer versions of ESXi 5.0.0 and above now support parts of Realtek series (Realtek 8186, Realtek 8169, and Realtek 8111E).
Originality/value
How to precisely assess the hypervisor for server/desktop virtualization is also of hard question needed to deal with it crisply before deploying new IT with VCCS on site. The authors have utilized the VMware calculator and developed an approach to server/desktop consolidation, virtualization performance, VM density, TCO, and ROIs. As a result, in this paper the authors conducted a comprehensive approach to analyze five well-known hypervisors and will give the recommendation for IT manager to choose a right solution for server virtualization.
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The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of absorptive capacity (understanding, assimilating and applying u‐learning) perceptions on behavioral intention to use…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of absorptive capacity (understanding, assimilating and applying u‐learning) perceptions on behavioral intention to use u‐learning through path analysis and applies the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a theoretical foundation, simultaneously improving the model by adopting prior mobile experience as a meaningful moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 212 students in Taiwan and various relationships in the research model were tested using the partial least squares approach.
Findings
The findings show that perceived usefulness and ease of use are determinants of student acceptance of u‐learning. Absorptive capacity (understanding, assimilating and applying u‐learning) perceptions influence perceived usefulness and ease of use of u‐learning. Additionally, assessment of the moderating effect of prior mobile experience on model relationships reveals insights into the determinants of behavioral intention to use u‐learning.
Practical implications
Personal absorptive capacity to understand, assimilate, and apply u‐learning affects student perceptions of usefulness and ease of use of u‐learning, which in turn influence usage intentions. Thus, students should be offered demonstrations of how to operate u‐learning. More importantly, training courses on various mobile and context‐aware services should be provided to students to equip them with comprehensive knowledge of u‐learning, improve their real‐world observational skills, reduce anxiety associated with u‐learning, and increase their confidence in using u‐learning.
Originality/value
Theoretically, while drawing upon the TAM, this study aims to provide a model that capable of understanding the determinants of behavioral intention to use u‐learning. From the practical perspective, the findings should provide further insight into student behaviors resulting, leading to more effective strategies for developing a u‐learning environment.
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Gwo‐Guang Lee, Hsiu‐Fen Lin and Jung‐Chi Pai
To examine the influence of environmental factors (environmental uncertainty and trading partners' influence) and organizational factors (CEO/CIO relationship and internet‐based…
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the influence of environmental factors (environmental uncertainty and trading partners' influence) and organizational factors (CEO/CIO relationship and internet‐based IOS maturity) on the internet‐based interorganizational systems (IIOS) planning success and whether more leads to superior organizational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data gathered from 202 IS executives in large Taiwanese organizations were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs. Moreover, the structural equation modeling technique was used to evaluate the research model.
Findings
One of the environmental factors (trading partners' influence) and two organizational factors significantly influence the IIOS planning success. The results also indicate that the success of IIOS planning enables the firm to achieve organizational‐level outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies could seek an enhanced understanding of the effects on IIOS planning of the environmental and organizational factors investigated in this study through structured interviews and case studies of IS executives dealing with ongoing or recently completed IIOS planning projects.
Practical implications
IIOS planning is an organizational and inter‐organizational process. Top management and IS executives considering IIOS involves not only technical innovations, but also considerable environmental and organizational changes.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to IIOS planning research by clarifying the effects of both environmental and organizational factors on the success of IIOS planning, and provides a valuable reference for e‐business managers and IIOS planners, as well as researchers interested in IIOS planning and management.
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Holly Chiu, William Hampton-Sosa and Tomas Lopez-Pumarejo
Instructors had to adapt to the online teaching environment after the higher education institutions were closed due to the pandemic. The authors surveyed and interviewed…
Abstract
Instructors had to adapt to the online teaching environment after the higher education institutions were closed due to the pandemic. The authors surveyed and interviewed instructors to understand how the quality of instructional technologies affected compatibility and psychological availability, which further affected their online teaching satisfaction and online teaching intention. The results showed that both information quality and service quality were positively associated with compatibility, while system quality was positively associated with psychological availability. Also, both compatibility and psychological availability were positively associated with online teaching satisfaction. Compatibility and online teaching satisfaction were associated with online teaching intention. The results from both open-ended questions and in-depth interviews provide support to the quantitative model and present a more complete picture of what instructors experienced during the lockdown.
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Hsiu-Fen Lin and Kai-Lin Chang
The purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluation model to determine the relative weights of key factors influencing international market development (IMD) success through…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluation model to determine the relative weights of key factors influencing international market development (IMD) success through analysis network process (ANP) during group decision-making. An empirical case of the Taiwan bulk shipping industry is used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature review is performed to generate 20 key success factors (KSFs) along with four factor categories in IMD (such as organizational capability, environmental scanning, international strategy and internationalization behavior). Then, ANP is applied to develop an evaluation model that prioritizes the relative importance linking the above four factor categories with 20 evaluated KSFs.
Findings
With respect to the final weights for factor categories, “international strategy” and “environmental scanning” are the two most important criteria, followed by “organizational capability” and “internationalization behavior”. The results also showed that by reviewing the global weights of the 20 KSFs of IMD, “service as competitive advantage”, “market potential” and “risk taking” have the highest rankings.
Practical implications
The findings indicate that firm expansion into international markets typically depends on a successful international strategy. Hence, to enhance their global market competitiveness, Taiwan bulk shipping firms should focus their efforts on planning international market entry strategy and prioritizing shipping services with high-potential target markets.
Originality/value
Theoretically, the study results can provide both theoretical basis and empirical evidence, indicating the relative weights and priorities of KSFs of IMD for the Taiwan bulk shipping industry. From the managerial perspective, the analytical results can help managers focus on main factors and identify the best policy to improve their IMD practice and performance.
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To enhance one's understanding of the evolution of knowledge management (KM), this study seeks to develop a research model to examine the impact of individual (knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
To enhance one's understanding of the evolution of knowledge management (KM), this study seeks to develop a research model to examine the impact of individual (knowledge self‐efficacy, openness in communication, reciprocal benefits), organizational (top management support, organizational rewards, and sharing culture), and information technology contexts (KM system infrastructure and KM system quality) on the KM evolution along three stages (KM initiation, implementation, and institutionalization).
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data from 241 managers (in charge of KM practices in their companies) in large Taiwanese firms were collected and used to test the research model using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.
Findings
The results reveal that the attributes for individual‐organizational‐technological contexts have different impacts on three stages of KM evolution. In particular, knowledge self‐efficacy, top management support, and KM system quality have positive effects on all three KM evolution stages.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should include structured interviews and case studies of managers dealing with ongoing or recently completed KM planning projects to help understand the practical usefulness of the research model.
Practical implications
Creating an organizational climate characterized by top management support and knowledge‐sharing culture is likely to assist both management and employees in socializing and interacting with one another, thus driving KM effectiveness. Managers should strive to enable employees to propose ideas for new opportunities and foster a positive social interaction culture for implementing KM initiatives.
Originality/value
Theoretically, this study aims to provide a research model that is capable of understanding the antecedents of the stage‐based KM evolution. From a managerial perspective, the findings of this study provide valuable guidelines to policy‐makers and practitioners in implementing KM and accelerating KM evolution.
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By extending the existing service quality dimensions and reflecting the low-cost carriers (LCCs) context, the purpose ot this study aims to develop the research model to examine…
Abstract
Purpose
By extending the existing service quality dimensions and reflecting the low-cost carriers (LCCs) context, the purpose ot this study aims to develop the research model to examine whether passenger satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and behavioral intentions of LCCs across low- and high-experience passengers.
Design/methodology/approach
Data collected from 320 passengers (180 for low-experience passengers and 140 for high-experience passengers) to test the research model. The partial least square structural equation modeling approach was used to perform the path modeling and multi-group analysis.
Findings
The results confirm that passenger satisfaction mediates the relationship between four service quality constructs (tangible features, service reliability, quality of personnel and online ticketing service) and behavioral intentions (repurchase and recommendation intentions) for both low- and high-experience passengers. However, convenient flight schedule has a significant influence on passenger satisfaction only for low-experience passengers.
Practical implications
The results of multi-group analysis indicated that passenger satisfaction exerts stronger effect on recommendation intentions for low-experience passengers. LCCs managers' priority should be placed on providing satisfying service experiences to less experienced passengers. Improved passenger satisfaction through superior service quality motivates low-experience passengers to recommend LCCs, thus increasing the positive word-of-mouth promotion.
Originality/value
Theoretically, this study is first considering both low- and high-experience LCCs passenger perceptions to examine how passenger satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and post-purchase intentions. From the managerial perspective, the findings can provide useful management insights into developing multi-faceted strategies that allow LCCs firms to restore passenger confidence and retain their repurchase intentions.
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This study aims to develops the decomposed model to examine the influence of knowledge management orientation (KMO) dimensions (organizational memory, knowledge sharing, knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develops the decomposed model to examine the influence of knowledge management orientation (KMO) dimensions (organizational memory, knowledge sharing, knowledge absorption and knowledge receptivity) on balanced scorecard outcomes (learning and growth, internal process, customer satisfaction and financial performance).
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data from 244 managers (in charge of KM projects in their companies) in large Taiwanese firms were collected and used to test the decomposed model using the structural equation modeling approach.
Findings
This study finds that knowledge sharing is the strongest predictor of internal process performance, while knowledge absorption is pivotal in improving customer satisfaction. The results also show that non-financial performance measures (i.e. learning and growth, internal process and customer satisfaction) directly and indirectly affect financial performance through cause-and-effect relationships.
Practical implications
In an increasingly dynamic environment, the building of internal knowledge stocks is likely insufficient, but knowledge must be moved between a firm and external entities (e.g. customers, business partners and education and research institutes) (i.e. building knowledge flows) to achieve increased customer satisfaction and financial performance.
Originality/value
Theoretically, the findings of this study suggest that the decomposed approach helps to understand the complex relationships embodied in the KMO–performance link, which cannot be surmised using a composite model. From the managerial perspective, the findings of this study may help academics and managers design and sustain KMO implementation throughout the organization to achieve higher effectiveness, efficiency and profitability.