Yongxiong Li, Junying Hu and Xiankang Zhong
This study aims to shed light on the corrosion behavior of X80 steel when sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and permeating hydrogen interact.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to shed light on the corrosion behavior of X80 steel when sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and permeating hydrogen interact.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, electrochemical tests were conducted between 25 and 55 °C, and the surface morphology of the specimen was observed using scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional photos. The composition of the oxide film was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Findings
Under the condition of 6 MPa simulated natural gas (15% H2), the content of S-containing compounds (FeS and FeSO4) in the corrosion products on the surface of the specimen decreases from 60.8% to 54.4%. This finding indicates that hydrogen permeation inhibits the metabolic processes of SRB in this environment. By comparing the hydrogen-uncharged specimen, it was found that under the condition of 6 MPa simulated natural gas (15% H2) hydrogen charging, the uniform corrosion on the X80 surface was weakened, and the protection of the oxide film on the specimen surface in this environment was better than that without hydrogen charging.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, most of these existing studies have focused on the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of materials and very little is known about corrosion behavior in the hydrogen environment. In this study, a self-designed small gas phase hydrogen charging device was used to study the X80 surface corrosion behavior in the environment of the H2-doped natural gas pipeline.
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August Raimy Sjauw-Koen-Fa, Vincent Blok and Onno S.W.F. Omta
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of smallholder supply chains on sustainable sourcing to answer the question how food and agribusiness multinationals can best…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of smallholder supply chains on sustainable sourcing to answer the question how food and agribusiness multinationals can best include smallholders in their sourcing strategies and take social responsibility for large-scale sustainable and more equitable supply. A sustainable smallholder sourcing model with a list of critical success factors (CSFs) has been applied on two best-practise cases. In this model, business and corporate social responsibility perspectives are integrated.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary data of the value chain analyses of the two smallholder supply chains of a food and agribusiness multinational have been applied. Both cases were of a join research program commissioned by the multinational and a non-governmental organization using the same methods and research tools. Similarities, differences and interference between the cases have been determined and assessed in order to confirm, fine tune or adjust the CSFs.
Findings
Both cases could be conceptualized through the smallholder sourcing model. Most CSFs could be found in both cases, but differences were also found, which led to fine tuning of some CSFs: building of a partnership and effective producers organization, providing farm financing and the use of cross-functional teams in smallholder supplier development programs. It was also concluded that the smallholder sourcing model is applicable in different geographical areas.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study are based on just two cases. More best-practise cases are recommended in order to confirm or to adjust the developed sourcing model and the CSFs.
Originality/value
This paper/research fills the need in sustainable supply chain management literature to study supply chains that comply with the triple bottom line concept, rather than supply chains that are just more “green.”
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Li Feng, Junying Liu, Zhixiu Wang and Yanyan Hong
The regulatory landscape surrounding international construction projects presents significant challenges, and contractors are still struggling to pay a painful price for their…
Abstract
Purpose
The regulatory landscape surrounding international construction projects presents significant challenges, and contractors are still struggling to pay a painful price for their performance in the project. While existing research has identified various causes of contractor compliance, the intricate interplay of these factors and their impact on compliance remain largely elusive. The motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA) framework may hold the key to determining what factors can foster induced contractor compliance in international projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 124 valid data samples from practitioners involved in large-scale international contracting projects through expert interviews and questionnaire surveys. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to analyze the diverse combinations of contractor compliance factors.
Findings
The study identifies seven key factors that contribute to compliance behavior among international construction contractors: economic motivation, social motivation, normative motivation, legal completeness, deterrent sanctions, organizational learning and compliance management ability. The interplay of these factors promotes compliance in the following ways: When international construction contractors are influenced by both social and normative motivations, they exhibit a higher level of compliance. In situations where regulatory systems are relatively weak, the ability to manage compliance becomes the primary driver of compliance behavior for businesses. A comprehensive legal framework creates a conducive environment for contractors to improve their compliance through organizational learning.
Research limitations/implications
The findings offer guidance for international construction contractors in enhancing compliance by considering factors such as motivations, legal frameworks, organizational learning and compliance management. This can lead to improved risk management and performance in international projects.
Social implications
This research enhances fair and ethical practices in international construction by identifying compliance drivers, fostering positive social impact, mitigating negative consequences and empowering local communities. It informs legal and regulatory reform, encourages improved business practices and contributes to knowledge advancement in the field. Overall, the findings have the potential to positively impact the social fabric of international construction projects.
Originality/value
This study has made an important contribution to the field of compliance theory by integrating theories from multiple disciplinary domains and constructing a new theoretical framework from the perspectives of motivation, opportunity and capability. By elucidating how these factors interact and influence compliance behavior among international construction contractors, this research aids in understanding the complex dynamics of contractor compliance behavior and provides theoretical reference for compliance governance within the construction industry.
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Abstract
Purpose
A high-precision gyroscope is an important tool for accurate positioning, and the amplitude stability and frequency tracking ability of the drive control system are important and necessary conditions to ensure the precision of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes. To improve the precision of MEMS gyroscopes, this paper proposes a method to improve the amplitude stability and frequency tracking ability of a drive control system.
Design/methodology/approach
A frequency tracking loop and an amplitude control loop are proposed to improve the frequency tracking ability and amplitude stability of the drive control system for a MEMS gyroscopes. The frequency tracking loop mainly includes a phase detector, a frequency detector and a loop filter. And, the amplitude control loop mainly includes an amplitude detector, a low-pass filter and an amplitude control module. The simulation studies on the frequency tracking loop, amplitude control loop and drive control system composed of these two loops are implemented. The corresponding digital drive control algorithm is realized by the Verilog hardware description language, which is downloaded to the application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) platform to verify the performances of the proposed method.
Findings
The simulation experiments in Matlab/Simulink and tests on the ASIC platform verify that the designed drive control system can keep the amplitude stable and track the driving frequency in real time with high precision.
Originality/value
This study shows a way to design and realize a drive control system for MEMS gyroscopes to improve their tracking ability. It is helpful for improving the precision of MEMS gyroscopes.
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Junying Liu, Yuqing Wang and Zhixiu Wang
This research aims to build a three-tiered driver system that entices contractor rule violations and explores the importance and the relationships among these drivers, hence…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to build a three-tiered driver system that entices contractor rule violations and explores the importance and the relationships among these drivers, hence providing theoretical support for the contractor rule violations governance.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review based on fraud diamond theory identified drivers from Pressure, Opportunity, Rationalization and Capability that drive contractor rule violations. In the Chinese context, through feedback, discussion and analysis of semistructured interviews with ten experts, an improved three-tiered driver system was drafted. Based on this system, a survey was conducted and scored with experts to provide the data for this research. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to determine relationships and influences between factors, and the DEMATEL-based analytic network process method was used to weigh these factors.
Findings
This paper systematically studied the drivers of contractor rule violations, specifically, the results showed that pressure had an important driving effect across the driver system, and those five factors – poor cultural atmosphere, weak internal control, prior experience, moral disengagement and information asymmetry – had the most influence on contractor rule violations. The results also indicated the strong effect pressure has on enticing rule violations and revealed that culture atmosphere and internal company governance played crucial roles in the occurrence of rule violations.
Practical implications
This study provided construction practitioners with a robust tool to analyze the drivers of contractor rule violations. The rule violation drivers in the construction practice scenes identified in this study can provide more direct and effective violation-related guidance for contractors, regulators and the industry.
Originality/value
Based on the new perspective of fraud diamond, this paper systematically bulit a three-tiered driver system combining theory with practice. This study contributed to understand the driver mechanism of contractor rule violations especially the importance of internal factors of contractors, which provided theory reference for compliance governance of construction industry.
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Zhipeng Cui, Junying Liu, Bo Xia and Yaxiao Cheng
International construction joint ventures (ICJVs) have been widely used as a temporary arrangement in many projects all over the world, especially in megaprojects. Within ICJVs…
Abstract
Purpose
International construction joint ventures (ICJVs) have been widely used as a temporary arrangement in many projects all over the world, especially in megaprojects. Within ICJVs, the national culture difference between partners affects their cooperation significantly. However, prior research has provided contradictory empirical evidence regarding these impacts. To address this problem, the purpose of this paper is to introduce cultural intelligence that judges an individual’s capability to function and manage effectively in culturally diverse settings as a moderating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple regression analysis and moderated multiple regression were undertaken to test proposed hypotheses. A questionnaire survey was conducted with international construction practitioners who had experiences of managing or participating in ICJVs.
Findings
The result of multiple regression analysis revealed that difference in national culture has significant negative effects on information exchange, shared problem solving and flexibility when asking for changes, thus effecting cooperation within ICJVs. Meanwhile, cultural intelligence of members can weaken these negative influences.
Practical implications
First, given that national culture difference affects negatively on the cooperation within ICJVs, it needs to be regarded as one of vital resources of risk which should be prevented and managed when attending ICJVs; Second, managers should build a series of mutually agreeable regulations and rules to lessen the negative effect of national culture difference; Third, it is recommended that ICJV management teams contain as many work-experienced members as possible and members within ICJVs, especially new staff, receive cross-cultural training termly to facilitate the cooperation between partners.
Originality/value
This research reveals the moderating effects of cultural intelligence on the relationship between national culture difference and cooperation in ICJVs as well as provides practical implications for ICJV managers to deal with national culture difference and reduce its negative impact on cooperation within ICJVs.
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Shui Bo Zhang, Junying Chen and Yafan Fu
The purpose of this paper is to unpack the “black box” of the relationship between contract and inter-organizational trust, both theoretically and empirically. Two mediators…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to unpack the “black box” of the relationship between contract and inter-organizational trust, both theoretically and empirically. Two mediators, namely perceived safeguard and restriction, are identified to build up two seemingly contrary possible paths between contract and trust from current literature. Both paths are tested in the context of Chinese construction industry due to our access to sample.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 295 contractor-subcontractor relationships from Chinese construction industry was conducted. A three-step multiple regression model was employed to test the mediating effect of perceived safeguard and restriction. Then, a hierarchical regression model was used to test the possible moderating effect of bilateral transaction-specific investment.
Findings
The empirical results support the mediating effect of perceived safeguard between contract and trust in the construction subcontracting industry. Bilateral transaction-specific investments enhance the positive effect of contract on safeguard perception.
Originality/value
Theoretically, this study contributes to governance literature by opening up the “black box” of the relationship between contract and trust. It provides a better understanding of how and when contract complexity impacts trust, instead of simply focusing on whether contract and trust act as complements or substitutes. Practically, this study provides guidelines for construction firms to decide the degree of contract complexity under various degrees of bilateral transaction-specific investments to enhance the other party’s trust, so as to improve performance outcomes.
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Zhixiu Wang, Junying Liu and Xinya Guan
Although the global construction industry has made great contributions to economic development, industry corruption is a challenge for governments all over the world. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Although the global construction industry has made great contributions to economic development, industry corruption is a challenge for governments all over the world. This paper aims to investigate the causal complexity of organizational corruption by exploring the configuration effect of multiple induced conditions of corruption in the construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is focused on bribery, a specific form of corrupt behavior through a scenario-based survey role-playing game in which participants encounter bribery. A total of 400 Chinese construction sector participants were randomly recruited to complete this survey.
Findings
Compared with studies that have identified a number of factors associated with corruption in the construction sector, this study found asymmetry and complexity in the causality of organizational corruption. That is, when a variable causing corruption changes from one condition to its opposite – for example, from fierce to mild competition – the degree of corruption is not necessarily reduced as one may expect.
Practical implications
Anti-corruption measures should not rely solely on the net effects of discrete conditions and the interactions between multiple factors should not be ignored. In other words, anti-corruption strategies should not be implemented in isolation of their context, and pairing control measures with configurations is critical in controlling corruption. Finally, multiple configuration paths should be reconsidered when considering the degree of corruption reduction.
Originality/value
This study proposes a comprehensive analysis framework for addressing organizational corruption in the construction sector by investigating configuration effects of multiple induced conditions and offers a useful method for addressing corruption.
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Junying Liu, Sen Lin and Yingbin Feng
Construction insurance has been advocated as a useful financial means to transfer risks and mitigate potential project losses. However, there is a general reluctance to purchase…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction insurance has been advocated as a useful financial means to transfer risks and mitigate potential project losses. However, there is a general reluctance to purchase construction insurance in China. The purpose of this paper is to develop an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to understand and predict contractors’ construction insurance purchasing intention.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The respondents comprise 130 project directors/managers and contract managers/administrators who were involved in or familiar with the construction insurance purchasing or managing. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study developed an extended TPB model to explain the contractors’ intention formation. The results indicated that the insurance purchasing intention was mainly influenced by attitudes and subjective norm, rather than perceived behavioral control. The analyses also revealed that the added variables (risk perception and past experience) had a significant impact on the attitudes and perceived behavioral control.
Originality/value
This study identified the factors leading to Chinese contractors’ low willingness to purchase construction insurance by extending the TPB model to the context of construction insurance purchasing. The extended TPB model may serve as a theoretical framework and basis for the Chinese contractors, insurers, and regulators to understand the root causes of contractors’ low willingness to purchase construction insurance and make joint efforts to address the risks and insurance in the construction industry.
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Xiaolong Lu, Xudong Sui, Xiao Zhang, Zhen Yan and Junying Hao
This study aims to investigate the effect of V doping on the microstructure, chemical stability, mechanical and vacuum tribological behavior of sputtered MoS2 coatings.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effect of V doping on the microstructure, chemical stability, mechanical and vacuum tribological behavior of sputtered MoS2 coatings.
Design/methodology/approach
The MoS2-V coatings are fabricated via tuning V target current by magnetron sputtering technique. The structural characteristic and elemental content of the coatings are measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, electron probe X-ray micro-analyzer, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer. The hardness of the deposited coatings are tested by a nanoindentation technique. The vacuum tribological properties of MoS2-V coatings are studied by a ball-on-disc tribometer.
Findings
Introducing V into the MoS2 coatings results in a more compact microstructure. The hardness of the coatings increases with the doping of V. The MoS2-V coating deposited at a current of 0.2 A obtains the lowest friction coefficient (0.043) under vacuum. As the amount of V doping increases, the wear rate of the coating decreases first and then increases, among which the coating deposited at a current of 0.5 A has the lowest wear rate of 2.2 × 10–6 mm3/N·m.
Originality/value
This work elucidates the role of V doping on the lubrication mechanism of MoS2 coatings in a vacuum environment, and the MoS2-V coating is expected to be applied as a solid lubricant in space environment.