Bayi Cheng, Xinyan Shi, Junwei Gao and Huijun Zhu
The purpose of this paper is to study the profit optimization of manufacturers who provide personalized products to customers, thus avoiding additional operational costs and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the profit optimization of manufacturers who provide personalized products to customers, thus avoiding additional operational costs and response times in the production process of personalized product design.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the authors present an integrated model for optimizing profit where the design and production of personalized products are both considered. The authors propose the concept of personalization level and four cases of personalization level are considered including top, high, medium and low levels. Polynomial-time optimal rules are provided for each level by analyzing 17 subcases where all possible personalized products are considered. Then, the authors compare the obtained profit of personalized products with the optimal profit of standardized products.
Findings
At low and high levels of personalization, personalized manufacturing is more profitable for specific products with specific characteristics. At the top and middle level of individuation, assuming that the product has certain characteristics, whether the best choice to produce personalized products depends on the level of individuation chosen by customers.
Originality/value
An important decision issue for manufacturers is whether to produce personalized or standardized products. In this study, the authors consider this decision problem and analyze the operational functions of personalized products. The authors hope to provide theoretical support in the operational management of manufacturers offering personalized products.
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Hanqun Song, Huijun Yang and Erose Sthapit
Using cognitive appraisal theory, this study aims to propose and test an integrated framework – comprising robotic service quality, robotic service authenticity, customer…
Abstract
Purpose
Using cognitive appraisal theory, this study aims to propose and test an integrated framework – comprising robotic service quality, robotic service authenticity, customer existential authenticity and customer revisit intention – on diners with experience using robotic technology in restaurants. The moderating role of robotic appearance is in the hypothesised relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was gathered through a Web-based survey delivered to 428 diners who had experience using robotic services in restaurants in China. The hypotheses were analysed using a structural equation model and multi-group analysis was used to analyse the moderating effect.
Findings
The findings indicate that functional service quality positively influences robotic service authenticity and existential authenticity. However, technical service quality only affects existential authenticity, which leads to revisit intention. Robotic appearance moderated the relationship between functional service quality and service authenticity.
Research limitations/implications
Restaurateurs should enhance robotic service authenticity, existential authenticity and revisit intention by improving robotic technical service collaborating with robot manufacturers and operators.
Originality/value
Focusing on cognitive appraisal theory, the findings serve as a starting point for investigating robotic service quality and authenticity in robotic service settings theoretically and empirically.
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Jieqi Guan, Yui-yip Lau, Huijun Yang and Lianping Ren
This paper aims to explore factors affecting young consumers’ purchasing of new smart products under the influence of social media.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore factors affecting young consumers’ purchasing of new smart products under the influence of social media.
Design/methodology/approach
Twenty semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with young consumers who used new media, and five extended interviews were conducted with popular smartwatch retailers in Macau.
Findings
The findings reveal that they tend to garner product information from multiple channels of communication. Social media exert the greatest influence. Reliable information, strong branding and interactions with vendors are also influential, although new product pre-announcements may be boring and difficult to understand.
Originality/value
This study presents new insights into diffusion of innovation theory and provides retailers launching smart products with a better understanding of their target young customers’ purchasing behavior.
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Huijun Yang, Yao-Chin Wang, Hanqun Song and Emily Ma
Drawing on person–environment fit theory, this study aims to investigate how the relationships between service task types (i.e. utilitarian and hedonic service tasks) and…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on person–environment fit theory, this study aims to investigate how the relationships between service task types (i.e. utilitarian and hedonic service tasks) and perceived authenticity (i.e. service and brand authenticity) differ under different conditions of service providers (human employee vs service robot). This study further examines whether customers’ stereotypes toward service robots (competence vs warmth) moderate the relationship between service types and perceived authenticity.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design, Study 1 examines a casual restaurant, whereas Study 2 assesses a theme park restaurant. Analysis of covariance and PROCESS are used to analyze the data.
Findings
Both studies reveal that human service providers in hedonic services positively affect service and brand authenticity more than robotic employees. Additionally, the robot competence stereotype moderates the relationship between hedonic services, service and brand authenticity, whereas the robot warmth stereotype moderates the relationship between hedonic services and brand authenticity in Study 2.
Practical implications
Restaurant managers need to understand which functions and types of service outlets are best suited for service robots in different service contexts. Robot–environment fit should be considered when developers design and managers select robots for their restaurants.
Originality/value
This study blazes a new theoretical trail of service robot research to systematically propose customer experiences with different service types by drawing upon person–environment fit theory and examining the moderating role of customers’ stereotypes toward service robots.
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Wu Huijun, Zhan Diao and Kaizuo Fan
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the durability of underwater non-dispersible concrete in seawater environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the durability of underwater non-dispersible concrete in seawater environment.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, ten groups of underwater non-dispersible concrete mixtures were designed, and the anti-dispersibility and fluidity of the mixtures were tested.
Findings
The durability test analysis shows that different pouring methods have different effects on the durability of concrete. The durability of concrete poured on land is better than that poured in water. Different mineral admixtures have different effects on the durability of concrete: the frost resistance of the underwater non-dispersible concrete specimens with silica fume is the best; the impermeability and chloride ion permeability of the non-dispersible underwater concrete specimens with waterproofing agent are the best; and the alternation of wetting and drying has adverse effects on the durability indexes of the non-dispersible underwater concrete.
Originality/value
The durability of underwater non-dispersible concrete is tested and the results can be used for reference in engineering practice.
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Huijun Yang, Hanqun Song, Qing Shan Ding and Hanjun Wang
Drawing on signalling theory and focusing on independent restaurants, this study aims to investigate how business signals (transparency information and exposure) affect business…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on signalling theory and focusing on independent restaurants, this study aims to investigate how business signals (transparency information and exposure) affect business transparency, food authenticity and, ultimately, purchase intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a 2 × 2 between-subject experimental design, Study 1 examines the recipe and an internet-famous restaurant, and Study 2 assesses the food supply chain and a celebrity-owned restaurant. Analysis of covariance and PROCESS are used to analyse the data.
Findings
The results suggest that while revealing information on recipes and food supply chains positively affects business transparency, exposure has no significant impact. Additionally, secret recipes and revealed food supply chains contribute to higher food authenticity, whilst being a celebrity owner or internet-famous restaurant negatively affects food authenticity.
Research limitations/implications
Restaurant managers must be strategic and selective about the kinds of business signals they wish to reveal to customers. Secret recipes lead to higher food authenticity, whereas the revealed recipes and revealed food supply chains elicit higher business transparency. Independent restaurants should not rely on celebrity owners or seek internet fame, as neither type of exposure contributes to transparency or authenticity.
Originality/value
This study advances the theoretical understanding of signalling theory relating to the determinants of transparency and food authenticity in a hospitality context. Contrary to previous studies, it reveals that exposure, as a transparency signal, has no impact on either business transparency or food authenticity. It extends knowledge and understanding of different types of independent restaurants, especially internet-famous restaurants.
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Huijun Li, Longbo Duan, Qirun Wang, Yilun Zhang and Bin Ye
The application of industrial robots in modern production is becoming increasingly widespread. In the context of flexible production lines, quickly and accurately identifying and…
Abstract
Purpose
The application of industrial robots in modern production is becoming increasingly widespread. In the context of flexible production lines, quickly and accurately identifying and grasping specified workpieces is particularly important. This study aims to propose a grasping scheme that combines traditional methods with deep learning to improve grasping accuracy and efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a dataset generation method is proposed, which constructs a point cloud dataset close to the real scene without the need for extensive data collection. Then, the 3D object detection algorithm PointPillars is improved based on the features of the scene point cloud, allowing for the analysis of part poses to achieve grasping. Finally, a grasp detection strategy is proposed to match the optimal grasp pose.
Findings
Experimental results show that the proposed method can quickly and easily construct high-quality datasets, significantly reducing the time required for preliminary preparation. Additionally, it can effectively grasp specified workpieces, significantly improving grasping accuracy and reducing computation time.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper is the integration of a novel dataset generation method, improvements to the PointPillars algorithm for 3D object detection and the development of an optimal grasp detection strategy. These advancements enable the grasping system to handle real-world scenarios efficiently and accurately, demonstrating significant improvements over traditional methods.
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Huijun Tu and Shitao Jin
Due to the complexity and diversity of megaprojects, the architectural programming process often involves multiple stakeholders, making decision-making difficult and susceptible…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the complexity and diversity of megaprojects, the architectural programming process often involves multiple stakeholders, making decision-making difficult and susceptible to subjective factors. This study aims to propose an architectural programming methodology system (APMS) for megaprojects based on group decision-making model to enhance the accuracy and transparency of decision-making, and to facilitate participation and integration among stakeholders. This method allows multiple interest groups to participate in decision-making, gathers various perspectives and opinions, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of architectural programming and promoting the smooth implementation of projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study first clarifies the decision-making subjects, decision objects, and decision methods of APMS based on group decision-making theory and value-based architectural programming methods. Furthermore, the entropy weight method and fuzzy TOPSIS method are employed as calculation methods to comprehensively evaluate decision alternatives and derive optimal decision conclusions. The workflow of APMS consists of four stages: preparation, information, decision, and evaluation, ensuring the scientific and systematic of the decision-making process.
Findings
This study conducted field research and empirical analysis on a practical megaproject of a comprehensive transport hub to verify the effectiveness of APMS. The results show that, in terms of both short-distance and long-distance transportation modes, the decision-making results of APMS are largely consistent with the preliminary programming outcomes of the project. However, regarding transfer modes, the APMS decision-making results revealed certain discrepancies between the project's current status and the preliminary programming.
Originality/value
APMS addresses the shortcomings in decision accuracy and stakeholder participation and integration in the current field of architectural programming. It not only enhances stakeholder participation and interaction but also considers various opinions and interests comprehensively. Additionally, APMS has significant potential in optimizing project performance, accelerating project processes, and reducing resource waste.
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Jiacheng Zhou, Jinglin Shi, Lei Xu, Fuwen Zhang, Zhigang Wang, Qiang Hu and Huijun He
The reliability of solder joints is closely related to the growth of an intermetallic compound (IMC) layer between the lead-free solder and substrate interface. This paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The reliability of solder joints is closely related to the growth of an intermetallic compound (IMC) layer between the lead-free solder and substrate interface. This paper aims to investigate the growth behavior of the interfacial IMC layer during isothermal aging at 125°C for Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn/Cu (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wt.%) solder joints with different In contents and commercial Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu/Cu solder joints.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn/Cu (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wt.%) and commercial Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu/Cu solder were prepared for bonding Cu substrate. Then these samples were subjected to isothermal aging for 0, 2, 8, 14, 25 and 45 days. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the soldering interface reaction and the difference in IMC growth behavior during the isothermal aging process.
Findings
When the concentration of In in the Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn/Cu solder joints exceeded 2 Wt.%, a substantial amount of InSb particles were produced. These particles acted as a diffusion barrier, impeding the growth of the IMC layer at the interface. The growth of the Cu3Sn layer during the aging process was strongly correlated with the presence of In. The growth rate of the Cu3Sn layer was significantly reduced when the In concentration exceeded 3 Wt.%.
Originality/value
The addition of In promotes the formation of InSb particles in Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn/Cu solder joints. These particles limit the growth of the total IMC layer, while a higher In content also slows the growth of the Cu3Sn layer. This study is significant for designing alloy compositions for new high-reliability solders.
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In order to solve the current imbalance of academic resources within the discipline, this article builds a three-dimensional talent evaluation model based on the…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to solve the current imbalance of academic resources within the discipline, this article builds a three-dimensional talent evaluation model based on the topic–author–citation based on the z index and proposes the ZAS index to evaluate scholars on different research topics within the discipline.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the sample data of the CSSCI journals in the discipline of physical education in the past five years, the keywords were classified into 13 categories of research topics including female sports. The ZAS index of scholars on topic of female sports and so on was calculated, and quantitative indexes such as h index p index and z index were calculated. Comparative analysis of the evaluation effect was performed.
Findings
It is found that compared with the h index and p index, the z index achieves a better balance between the quantity, quality and citation distribution of scholars' results and effectively recognizes that the citation quality is higher and the number of citations of each paper is more balanced. In addition, compared to the z index, this article is based on a ZAS index model with an improved three-dimensional topic–author–citation relationship in research fields such as female sports.
Originality/value
It can identify some outstanding scholars who are engaged in small-scale or emerging topic research such as female sports and are excellent in different research areas. Talents create an objective and fair evaluation environment. At the same time, the ranking ability of ZAS indicators in the evaluation of talents is the strongest, and it is expected to be used in practical evaluations.