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1 – 10 of 518
Article
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Hong Yuan, Jun Han, Huaqiang Lu, Junhui Li and Lan Zeng

Due to its inexpensive production costs, low stress concentration and maintenance-friendliness, the adhesive bonded pipe joint is frequently utilized for pipe connection. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to its inexpensive production costs, low stress concentration and maintenance-friendliness, the adhesive bonded pipe joint is frequently utilized for pipe connection. However, further theoretical analysis is needed to understand the debonding failure mechanism of such bonded pipe joints under axial tension.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, based on the bi-linear cohesive zone model, the integrated closed-form solutions were derived by considering the axial stiffness ratio and failure stage to determine the relative interfacial slip, interfacial shear stress and relationship of tension–displacement in the bonded pipe joint.

Findings

Additionally, solutions for the critical bonded length and the ultimate load capacity were put forth. Besides, the numerical study was conducted to verify the theoretical solutions regarding the load–displacement relationship. The interfacial shear stress distribution at different failure stages was presented to understand the interfacial shear stress transmission and debonding process. The effect of bonded length on the ultimate load and ductility of pipe joints was also discussed.

Originality/value

The findings in this study can give a reference for the design of bonded pipe joints in their actual engineering applications.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2024

Etelvina Nabais and Mário Franco

This study aims to understand the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), analysing their current practices in the social, environmental and economic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), analysing their current practices in the social, environmental and economic domain.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil this objective, an exploratory, qualitative approach was adopted, using the multiple case study methodology and focusing on eight cases (SMEs) in Portugal. Data were collected through interviews, since this technique allows proximity and interaction with decision makers and those responsible for firms’ sustainability.

Findings

From content analysis of the interviews held, the results show that SMEs are aware of and committed to sustainability and that the external context and some of its particularities have a significant impact on their sustainable development. These SMEs undertake various practices of a social, environmental and economic nature, highlighting especially environmental ones such as efficient resource consumption, using more sustainable resources, recycling waste and waste management.

Practical implications

This study contributes greater knowledge of the phenomenon of SMEs’ sustainable development and identifies practical examples that could increase this firm segment’s awareness of the importance of sustainable practices associated with developing their business.

Originality/value

In this study, new and innovative sustainability practices are presented in the SMEs. The authors can underline that this study contributes to reinforcing the theory about the topic investigated by adding knowledge about sustainable development in the SME context. It deepens knowledge in this scientific area, which can be spread in the scientific community and among SMEs.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 32 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2023

Zhenkuo Ding, Meijuan Li, Xiaoying Yang and Wanjun Xiao

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how absorptive capacity mediates the relationship between ambidextrous organizational learning and performance among small and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how absorptive capacity mediates the relationship between ambidextrous organizational learning and performance among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the resource-based view (RBV) and the dynamic capability approach, this paper uses the resource-capability-performance framework to construct the theoretical model of this study and tests the theoretical model with the questionnaire survey data of 189 SMEs in mainland China.

Findings

Ambidextrous organizational learning has different effects on SMEs' performance in terms of survival performance and growth performance. Both exploitative learning and exploratory learning have positive effects on absorptive capacity, and absorptive capacity has positive influences on both the survival performance and growth performance of SMEs. Absorptive capacity plays different mediating roles in the relationships between ambidextrous organizational learning and SMEs' performance: absorptive capacity plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between exploratory learning and SME growth performance, while absorptive capacity plays complete mediating roles in other relationships.

Practical implications

Managers must stress the use of exploratory learning in order to promote SMEs' growth performance. However, to foster both absorptive capacity and SME performance in terms of survival and growth, managers must pay more attention to take advantage of ambidextrous organizational learning. Government as policymakers should create a favorable environment that enable SMEs to benefit much more from the deployment of ambidextrous organizational learning and absorptive capacity.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to theorize and test the mediating role of absorptive capacity in the linkage between ambidextrous organizational learning and SME performance in terms of survival and growth. Additionally, this study also is the first to provide empirical support for the impact of ambidextrous organizational learning on absorptive capacity among SMEs.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 May 2022

Thais Assis de Souza, Guilherme Alcântara Pinto, Luiz Guilherme Rodrigues Antunes and André Grützmann

Regarding the premises of open innovation (OI) in terms of knowledge sources, this paper aims to discuss how to manage the existing sources of knowledge in supply chains.

2585

Abstract

Purpose

Regarding the premises of open innovation (OI) in terms of knowledge sources, this paper aims to discuss how to manage the existing sources of knowledge in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review was developed focusing on studies related to supply chain and OI, seeking to understand the relationships between them, supporting the innovative discussion.

Findings

The SIPOC-OI was proposed as a tool to support the management of knowledge sources present in the supply chain, promoting efficiency to the company and improving its innovative capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual proposal should be empirically verified to understand the management tool's obstacles and benefits for a company's innovation performance. Additionally, it would be useful to understand the results of this proposal in the relationships between agents of the chain, as well as the direction (inbound, outbound or coupled). Additionally, relevant points were highlighted as future agendas.

Practical implications

The point of view based on OI treats the collaboration's aspects and its benefits to agents, which becomes an essential factor in improving the entire chain's integration and performance.

Originality/value

The analysis of the flow of knowledge in supply chains from an OI perspective is an innovation in theory. Besides, the multidisciplinary proposal is expressed in the framework developed as it is based on a tool from engineering. Supply chain competencies/mindset is important to develop OI as well as is the contrary – there is a mutual practical and theoretical relevance between the integration of the concepts.

Details

Innovation & Management Review, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2515-8961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2019

Mário Franco and Margarida Rodrigues

The purpose of this study to focus on sustainable entrepreneurship practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thus aiming to understand the reasons owners-managers…

897

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study to focus on sustainable entrepreneurship practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thus aiming to understand the reasons owners-managers implement them as well as the benefits they provide after considering the three domains of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted using two Portuguese cases (SME). Data were obtained from interviews and documentary analysis.

Findings

From content analysis of the interviews held, the results obtained show that both SMEs studied are concerned about sustainable practices and development. They have competences directing them towards a sustainable entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The study contributes to understanding the benefits of adopting sustainable entrepreneurial practices in the SME context and helping these firms’ managers reformulate more appropriate and effective strategies and actions to ground these firms in a process of continuous improvement, especially in reducing their environmental footprint.

Originality/value

Although SMEs are numerous and central in the dynamics of the world economy, sustainable entrepreneurial practices have not been studied as a vehicle to reduce the ecological footprint. This holds particularly true for the realm of SMEs.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2022

Jun Yang, Pei Zhang, Lihuizi Su, Fuan Yan and Zhou Yong

The aim of this work was to propose a method to prepare composite phosphate conversion coating (CPCC), including ternary phosphate conversion coating (TPCC) and binary phosphate…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this work was to propose a method to prepare composite phosphate conversion coating (CPCC), including ternary phosphate conversion coating (TPCC) and binary phosphate conversion coatings (BPCC), with one-step chemical conversion and to reveal and compare the corrosion resistance between TPCC and BPCC.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, a calcium–manganese–zinc (Ca–Mn–Zn) TPCC was prepared on the surface of magnesium alloy (MA) AZ91D with one-step chemical conversion method; for Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC, its microstructure was characterized with scanning electron microscope observation and scanning tunneling microscope detection, and its composition was characterized with energy dispersion spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Particularly, the corrosion resistance of Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC and its comparison with Ca–Mn, Ca–Zn and Mn–Zn BPCCs were clarified with electrochemical and immersion measurements.

Findings

Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC, which was composed of Ca, Mn, Zn, P and O, exhibited a mud-shaped with cracks microstructure, and the average crack width, terrain fluctuation and coating thickness were 0.61 µm, 23.78 nm and 2.47 µm, respectively. Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC provided good corrosion resistance to MA AZ91D; in NaCl solution, the total degradation of Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC consumed eight days; corrosion products with poor adhesion peeled out from Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC-coated MA AZ91D spontaneously. Besides, the corrosion resistance of Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC was better than that of Ca-Mn@BPCC, Ca-Zn@BPCC or Mn-Zn@BPCC.

Originality/value

The successful preparation of Ca-Mn-Zn@TPCC on MA AZ91D surface confirmed the proposed method to prepare CPCC with one-step chemical conversion was feasible; at the same time, it was further confirmed that for phosphate conversion coating, ternary coating had better corrosion resistance than binary coating did.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 69 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Pilar Mosquera, Maria Eduarda Soares and Teresa Alvadia

The well-being of individuals is an essential issue of sustainability research. This study aims to focus on the particular case of teleworkers and the work conditions which may…

Abstract

Purpose

The well-being of individuals is an essential issue of sustainability research. This study aims to focus on the particular case of teleworkers and the work conditions which may hinder their well-being. More specifically, this study analyses the impact of social isolation and work overload on the work engagement and life satisfaction of teleworkers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

With a sample of 188 workers from the Portuguese banking sector, the authors use structural equations modelling to test a conceptual model. The authors carry out data analysis with partial least squares.

Findings

Social isolation and work overload are both negatively associated with the three dimensions of work engagement, namely, vigour, absorption and dedication. In turn, vigour is positively associated with life satisfaction. Social isolation and work overload are indirectly associated with life satisfaction through vigour. Results from multi-group analysis show that the negative relationship between social isolation and dedication is stronger for less senior teleworkers. By contrast, the negative relationship between work overload and dedication is stronger for more senior teleworkers. Additionally, the positive relationship between vigour and life satisfaction is stronger for permanent workers than for temporary ones.

Originality/value

This study tests the assumptions of the job demands-resources under the novel conditions of telework during COVID-19, focusing its ubiquitous conditions – social isolation and work overload. For human resources managers, this study highlights the need to take seniority and job stability in consideration when devising onboarding and working arrangement strategies for teleworkers.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2020

Neelika Arora and Suman Lata

With the usage of social media and Web 2. 0, YouTube channels currently play a pivotal role in supporting a traveler’s destination visit. Travelers create their YouTube channels…

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Abstract

Purpose

With the usage of social media and Web 2. 0, YouTube channels currently play a pivotal role in supporting a traveler’s destination visit. Travelers create their YouTube channels and share their past experiences in the form of videos, which helps other potential travelers to support their destination visit. The purpose of this paper is to understand how travelers adopt information through YouTube channels and how it influences the traveler’s intention to visit a destination.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was constructed and empirically tested by using a sample of 486 respondents who watch YouTube channels before visiting a destination. Further, the hypotheses of this study were validated with the help of structural equation modeling using partial least squares. The respondents in this study were from Delhi.

Findings

This paper found comprehensiveness, relevance, timeliness, source expertise and attitude as the most significant predictors of a traveler’s destination visit intention through YouTube channel adoption. Further, source trustworthiness and accuracy were not found to be statistically significant.

Research limitations/Implications

The findings of this paper were based on data taken from the local respondents in Delhi. Further, it analyzed the influence of only seven dimensions on destination visit intention, which could have excluded some important factors that influence tourists’ destination visit intention.

Practical implications

This paper has provided implications for YouTube vloggers and tourists. The result proves that while making decisions regarding destination visit, tourists thinks critically and scrutinize the content of YouTube channels prior to deciding a destination. So, vloggers should provide relevant, comprehensive and accurate destination information through their videos to tourists.

Originality

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first in the Indian context to examine the adoption of YouTube channels before visiting destinations through information adoption models with additional constructs.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2020

Hailin Lan, Shuo Liu, Manli Huang and Ping Zeng

The past 40 years of reform and opening up have seen the role of core competence receive unprecedented attention because of the impact of the new normal economy as well as the…

Abstract

Purpose

The past 40 years of reform and opening up have seen the role of core competence receive unprecedented attention because of the impact of the new normal economy as well as the pressure of transformation and upgrading. Few Chinese enterprises have effectively constructed core competence, and there is also a lack of strategic perspective and contextual embedding of its construction process in theory. This study aims to analyse the unique contextual characteristics of China in the transitional period and the impact on the core competence construction of Chinese enterprises and proposes its construction mechanism for Chinese enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Through theoretical deduction and speculation, this paper analyses the process of concept formation, clarifies the concept, analyses its connotations and structure and emphasises its relativity. Based on a review of the theoretical research on the core competence construction process and an analysis of dual contextual impact, this paper puts forward a mechanism for core competence construction.

Findings

The results reveal that four specific characteristics of entrepreneurs in balancing and coping with the dual nature of external context constitute the key driving force for a Chinese enterprises’ core competence construction; under the influence of this driving force, the core competence construction mechanism includes process mode, knowledge source, management mode and key success factors.

Originality/value

Approaching it from a Chinese context, this study deepens the concept of core competence; enriches and develops the research related to the core strategic research proposition of its construction; and provides positive significance for Chinese enterprises to effectively build, develop and strengthen core competence and enhance their international competitiveness.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

Tao Lan, Xiaodong Feng and Zhimin Zeng

This study aims to focus on understanding how the characteristics of the bed and breakfast (B&B) host responses to online reviews impact the subsequent business performance of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on understanding how the characteristics of the bed and breakfast (B&B) host responses to online reviews impact the subsequent business performance of review volume, including volume, timeliness and length of responses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study constructs a theoretical framework to model for the relationships among characteristics of the B&B host responses, heterogeneity of B&B houses and subsequent reviews. The model is then examined by an econometric model using data from Ctrip.com.

Findings

Prompt and lengthy responses to online reviews increase the number of subsequent reviews, and the effects are larger for higher level houses. The main theoretical contribution is to build a model explaining how multiple attributes of the host responses can affect business performance and how these effects are moderated by the class levels of B&B houses, which are empirically tested by real data.

Practical implications

This study highlights managerial implications of host responses for online B&B business practices. For the higher-quality B&B houses, based on price and reviews, lengthy and timely responses are necessary, as tourists expect increased customer service from these hosts.

Originality/value

The research provides insights in understanding the mechanism of B&B host responses on subsequent reviews. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the moderating effect of price and volume of online reviews on responses.

共享民宿房主对在线评论的反应如何影响后续评论:房屋等级的调节效应

摘要 -- 目的

本研究旨着重探讨民宿房主对网上评论的回应特性如何影响评论量的后续经营绩效, 包括回复数量、及时性和回复的长度。

方法 -- 本研究首先构建理论框架, 对民宿房主的在线回应特征、民宿房屋的异质性特征与后续评论之间的关系进行建模。该模型通过一个计量经济学模型对从携程网收集的数据进行了检验.

研究结果 -- 本研究的结果显示, 对在线旅游评论提供及时和冗长的回复, 可能会增加未来的预订数量, 从而增加后续的评论,并且这个影响随着房屋等级的提高而增加。本文的主要理论贡献是建立一个模型来解释房屋主人在线回应的多重属性如何影响他们的经营绩效, 以及这些影响是如何被房屋等级所调节的,并通过真实数据对理论进行了验证。

研究意义 -- 该研究有助于将研究重点从在线评论和口碑转移到管理层的回应效应。我们的研究结果印证了之前的研究关于评论量可以影响口碑信息说服力及其他口碑相关特征(如管理层回应)影响的结论。

管理启示 -- 本研究的结果, 向民宿房主提供了具体的管理启示, 为网上民宿商业管理提供参考。对于价格更高、在线声誉较高的B&B房屋, 应提供更多及时的回应, 因为游客期望得到更友好的客户服务。

原创性 -- 这项研究提供了关于民宿房主在线回应对后续评论量影响机制的探索。并将是首次尝试验证价格和在线评论量对在线回复影响的调节作用。

Entendiendo cómo las respuestas de los dueños de establecimientos de B&B a las opiniones de los turistas en línea promoverán las opiniones subsiguientes: Los efectos moderadores del nivel de clase de los establecimientos de B&B

Resumen

Propósito -- Este estudio se centra en comprender cómo las características de las respuestas de los anfitriones de alojamientos B&B influyen en el rendimiento empresarial de volumen de reseñas; esto incluye el número de respuestas, la puntualidad de la respuesta y la duración de la misma.

Metodología -- En primer lugar, el estudio construye un marco teórico para establecer un modelo de relación entre las características de las respuestas de los anfitriones de alojamientos, heterogéneos de alojamientos B&B y las revisiones posteriores. A continuación, el modelo es examinado por un modelo econométrico a partir de los datos recogidos en ctrip.com.

Resultados -- Se ha demostrado que las respuestas rápidas y extensas a las reseñas en línea pueden aumentar potencialmente el número de reseñas posteriores, y tuvieron un mayor impacto en las viviendas de gran altura. La principal contribución teórica de este trabajo es construir un modelo para explicar cómo los múltiples factores de la respuesta de los anfitriones pueden afectar a su rendimiento empresarial y cómo estos efectos son moderados por las nivel de los alojamientos B&B, través de los datos reales de la prueba empírica.

Implicaciones prácticas -- Proporciona una referencia para la práctica empresarial de los alojamientos B&B en línea, al informar sobre las implicaciones específicas de gestión para los anfitriones de alojamientos B&B. En el caso de las casas de alojamientos B&B de mayor nivel, con precios más altos y más reseñas en línea, se deberían dar más respuestas oportunas, ya que los turistas esperan de los anfitriones un servicio de atención al cliente más amable.

Originalidad -- La investigación permite comprender el mecanismo de las respuestas de los anfitriones de alojamientos B&B en las reseñas posteriores. Sería el primer intento de demostrar el efecto moderador del precio y el volumen de las reseñas en línea sobre el impacto de las respuestas.

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