Kai Feng, Shengnan Wang, Lina He and Yongxin Li
This study investigated the impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) on emotional exhaustion among Chinese registered construction engineers by examining the mediating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) on emotional exhaustion among Chinese registered construction engineers by examining the mediating role of active management by exception (AMbE) and the moderating role of self-esteem.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 304 registered construction engineers, the study applies the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to explore how LMX, AMbE and self-esteem interact to influence emotional exhaustion.
Findings
The findings indicate a significant negative relationship between LMX and emotional exhaustion, suggesting that higher-quality exchanges between leaders and members reduce emotional exhaustion. Additionally, AMbE was found to mediate this relationship, where high-quality LMX relationships decrease the extent of AMbE, subsequently lowering emotional exhaustion. Self-esteem was also found to moderate the relationship between AMbE and emotional exhaustion, with high self-esteem exacerbating the negative impact of AMbE and low self-esteem buffering this impact.
Originality/value
These results extend the JD-R model by incorporating leadership quality and management style as critical factors influencing emotional well-being. The study underscores the need for balanced management approaches that consider both supportive and corrective behaviors and highlights the importance of tailoring interventions based on individual differences in self-esteem. The findings provide valuable insights for both theory and practice in managing stress and enhancing the well-being of professionals in high-stress industries. Future research should aim to replicate these findings with larger samples to further validate and extend the results.
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Kai Feng and Xueyuan Zhao
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of misalignment on the static and dynamics characteristics of bump-type foil bearings (BFBs). High-speed and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of misalignment on the static and dynamics characteristics of bump-type foil bearings (BFBs). High-speed and high-temperature oil-free turbomachinery can be realized with the use of gas foil bearings (GFBs). GFBs have a flexible supporting structure; thus, they can tolerate a higher degree of misalignment compared with rolling element bearings.
Design/methodology/approach
A test rig for GFBs has been developed to measure the effects of misalignment on the structure characteristics of bump-type foil bearings. The link-spring model, which is the foil structure model presented previously by the authors, is used as a basis in the present study to predict the static and dynamic performances of the foil structure. In general, predictions of the dynamic characteristics exhibit good agreement with the measurements acquired from the dynamic load tests.
Findings
Results from the static tests show that GFBs develop high stiffness when the misalignment angle increases. Moreover, the dynamic characteristics of GFBs are identified by considering the test bearing supported by a non-rotating shaft as a one-degree-of-freedom system. The results indicate that the dynamic characteristics of GFBs strongly depend on excitation frequency and excitation amplitude because of the variation in the dynamic friction force within the foil structure. The structural stiffness and equivalent viscous damping increase with an increase in the misalignment angle.
Originality/value
The present study focuses on the misalignment of GFBs and investigates experimentally the effects of misalignment on the structure characteristics of GFBs.
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Donghua Zhao, Weizhong Guo, Baibing Zhang and Feng Gao
The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the manufacturing principle and show advantages of this approach, especially for larger parts with large Z steps in the build, such as 2 mm stepwise.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces 3D sand mould printing, compares and analyses technological process and existing fabrication approaches among available technologies first. Then, a new approach of 3D sand mould printing is proposed to improve build speed. In addition, the proposed system will be analysed or benchmarked against existing systems.
Findings
A new approach based on line forming of sand mould printing is put forward by reviewing and analysing available technologies, to improve build speed from the aspect of basic moulding movement instead of optimization of moulding methods and process parameters. The theoretical calculation and analysis shows that build speed can be improved greatly, and it is more suitable for the manufacture of large-scale casting’s sand mould when considering dimensional accuracy and printing error, as well as uniformity of each layer.
Research limitations/implications
The specific implement scheme of line forming and nozzle’s specific structure of this new approach need further study.
Practical implications
Much higher build speed of 3D sand mould printing with new approach brings evident implication for moulds companies and manufacturing industry, having a far-reaching influence on the development of national economy.
Originality/value
This paper reviews available technologies and presents a new approach of 3D sand mould printing for the first time. Analysis of the new approach shows that this new method of sand mould printing can boost build speed greatly. So, its application prospect is great.
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Chaman Lal Bansal and Shalini Aggarwal
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the specific legislative and judicial approaches of each of the BRICS countries toward recourse to public policy exception in the context…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the specific legislative and judicial approaches of each of the BRICS countries toward recourse to public policy exception in the context of recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Further, it points out the critical areas which need immediate attention to make these countries attractive destinations for parking of investments by international parties.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is a conceptual paper that provides knowledge of the critical areas which needs immediate attention to make BRICS countries attractive destinations for parking of investments by international parties. The first part of the paper examines a guide map to the international business community to devise their dispute adjudication strategies before committing investments in any of BRICS economies. The second part examined the variegated notions of the concept of public policy exception and the existence of differences in judicial approaches. The next parts analyzed the specific legislative and judicial approaches of each of BRICS countries toward recourse to public policy.
Findings
The BRICS countries need to spell out the universal principles applicable to construing the notion of public policy. It would reduce conflicts between national laws and help the municipal courts in determining the issue of enforceability of foreign awards by reference to a common yardstick. Hence, until a harmonized approach to public policy toward foreign awards is developed at an international level, the BRICS countries may take initiative to set up an inter-regional arbitration council to resolve intricate cases occurring in the field of application of public policy exception to foreign arbitral awards.
Originality/value
The paper is an original work of the author.
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Mianzhi Yang, Qing Hui, Qingru Yang, Mengwei Fan and Xin Li
China has recently introduced a new audit law that aims to increase the scope of audit supervision and raise the standards for preventing risks in auditing national public…
Abstract
Purpose
China has recently introduced a new audit law that aims to increase the scope of audit supervision and raise the standards for preventing risks in auditing national public projects. This paper presents a systematic research study on the causes of audit risks in national public projects and discusses the process by which these causes contribute to the emergence of such risks. Furthermore, the paper investigates the core risk sources in various types of national construction project audit. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for auditors of national construction projects in risk avoidance when conducting audits.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors carefully selected five national public audit projects from China and performed a comprehensive analysis of 85 relevant audit documentation. The textual analysis was conducted using Nvivo12 software, and the grounded theory approach was adopted for generalization purposes.
Findings
Based on the research results, the findings suggest that there are five key causes contributing to the audit risk of national construction projects: professional competence, risk awareness, management capacity, level of attention and deliberate fraud. The most critical factor identified is management capability, with 59.93% of the data supporting this view. This conclusion was based on an analysis of state-owned enterprises, administrative organs and public institutions. Building upon this, a framework titled “the mechanism of audit risk factors with management capability as the core” was constructed.
Originality/value
This paper employs qualitative analysis methods to examine national construction projects in China, contributing new literature to the theoretical study of audit risk management. The article also provides practical recommendations for auditors on how to mitigate audit risks and improve the quality of audit services in national project governance.
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Sui Pheng Low, Shang Gao and Jun Kai Ang
There have recently been an increasing number of scientific studies exploring the effectiveness of practising Chinese geomancy or feng shui in the built environment. However…
Abstract
Purpose
There have recently been an increasing number of scientific studies exploring the effectiveness of practising Chinese geomancy or feng shui in the built environment. However, these are rather generic studies focusing mainly on urban planning, architecture and interior design. The impetus for this present research stems from the lack of understanding relating to the practice of feng shui in Facilities Management (FM). Bridging these two disciplines, this study examines the relevance of and relationship between feng shui and FM principles.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted, the results of which affirm the validity of the assimilated relationships between the two disciplines. Interviews with three groups of experts – the feng shui practitioners, facilities managers and feng shui practitioners who are also building professionals – were also conducted to verify the assimilation of the two disciplines with a view to draw new perspectives for better understanding.
Findings
The principles of feng shui and FM were studied, and the validity of the relationships between 15 feng shui principles and three FM activities were examined. The latter relates specifically to building fabric cleaning, routine external site/lot cleaning and road and pavement cleaning. It was found that specific feng shui principles and scenarios appear to influence the three FM activities. The statistical analysis shows that the means of specific feng shui scenarios in relation to FM activities were consistently higher than those of the feng shui principles. The one-sample t-test indicates that all the feng shui principles were significant in affecting the three FM activities.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides a better understanding of the relevance of feng shui principles influencing FM principles. It also revealed the challenges and limitations in bridging the relationships between these two disciplines.
Originality/value
This study is the first investigation to examine the relevance and relationship between feng shui and FM practice. This serves to encourage further research to determine how feng shui design implementation will affect the ease of conducting FM activities. If the relationship is established, as is the case from this study, then the implementation of feng shui principles in building design can be encouraged to positively influence the ease of conducting FM activities downstream in the occupancy stage. This can serve to contribute to the improvement of sustainable building design. It can also contribute to the scientific investigation of feng shui, which has so far been largely overlooked in built environment studies. Such studies can help to demystify and provide logical and scientific interpretations of how feng shui principles actually work.
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Chun-Mei Kai, Feng-Jun Zhang, Cong-Liang Cheng and Qian-Bao Chen
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different factors on mud performance, find the best conditions and synthesize a new type of anti-collapse drilling polymer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different factors on mud performance, find the best conditions and synthesize a new type of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud with higher stability. The anti-collapse mechanism of drilling polymer mud was also suggested.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploring the influence of different molecular weight thickeners, filtrate reducers, soda ash addition and film-forming components on the mud performance, so as to obtain the best ratio of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud.
Findings
The results show that the use of vegetable glue, sulfonate copolymer and vegetable fiber powder can synthesize a high-viscosity, high-stability, collapse-resistant mud. When the mass ratio of vegetable fiber powder: vegetable glue: sulfonate copolymer is 40:1:2, the mud viscosity is 21.2 s, the fluid loss in 30 min is only 12.5 mL, and the mud film thickness is 1.5 mm, which is one ideal anti-collapse polymer mud.
Originality/value
Compared with ordinary polymer mud and bentonite mud, this anti-collapse polymer mud not only uses vegetable glue instead of traditional tackifiers but also effectively uses vegetable fiber powder produced from waste wood, which is environmentally friendly and highly stable specialty. It can effectively improve the safety and quality of construction during drilling in water-sensitive geology.
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This study aims to examine the problems encountered during the establishment of the Central Police Academy (CPA) under the Nationalist regime from 1936 to 1949. While the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the problems encountered during the establishment of the Central Police Academy (CPA) under the Nationalist regime from 1936 to 1949. While the authoritarian party-state unified the police academies by forceful means, this catalyzed the cleavage between the schools of police studies and resulted in power struggles over police education, intellectual thought, collectivity and even the national reform of police administration. More than narrating the progress of power consolidation, this study attempts to identify the problems underlying the factional strife and to reveal the interwoven pattern of these power struggles, exploring the confusion regarding what the police is, a question that troubled Chinese policemen from the mainland to Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explains the emergence of the factional strife from the beginning of the preliminary growth of the Police Academies in Nanking and Chekiang. It widely makes use of the official archives from Japan Center for Asian Historical Records and Historica Academia to show the dynamic situation in police education and administration. Rather, the official publications of the Police Academies and their affiliated associations reveal the hidden political agenda behind a unified framework as the party-state claimed. Moreover, official gazettes, memorials and newspapers are also used to strengthen the core argument of this study.
Findings
This paper examines the impact of the factional strife between the police leaders Dai Li and Li Shizhen on the CPA from 1936 to 1949. It illustrates that the establishment of the CPA ostensibly unified the nationwide police force but triggered power struggles over the control of the police administration. More importantly, it also shows how the factions strove for larger shares of power under the supreme doctrines that Chiang Kai-shek and the party-state imposed.
Originality/value
The failure of police education to become powerful was a special case among other more typical institutions. The governors coercively merged the police academies and created robust conditions for growth under the shelter of state authority. The police force did not follow the same path of national monopoly as what recent studies found but drifted apart with its vested interests and incompatible beliefs. Hence, the greater the demand for centralized control by the state, the greater the tension of the factional strife.
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Pei-Ju Wu, Mu-Chen Chen and Chih-Kai Tsau
Cargo loss has been a major issue in logistics management. However, few studies have tackled the issue of cargo loss severity via business analytics. Hence, the purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Cargo loss has been a major issue in logistics management. However, few studies have tackled the issue of cargo loss severity via business analytics. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide guidance about how to retrieve valuable information from logistics data and to develop cargo loss mitigation strategies for logistics risk management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a research design of business analytics to scrutinize the causes of cargo loss severity.
Findings
The empirical results of the decision tree analytics reveal that transit types, product categories, and shipping destinations are key factors behind cargo loss severity. Furthermore, strategies for cargo loss prevention were developed.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework of cargo loss analytics provides a research foundation for logistics risk management.
Practical implications
Companies with logistics data can utilize the proposed business analytics to identify cargo loss factors, while companies without logistics data can employ the proposed cargo loss mitigation strategies in their logistics systems.
Originality/value
This pioneer empirical study scrutinizes the critical cargo loss issues of cargo damage, cargo theft, and cargo liability insurance through exploiting real cargo loss data.