Le Zhang, Ziling Zeng and Kun Gao
The purpose of this paper is to optimize the design of charging station deployed at the terminal station for electric transit, with explicit consideration of heterogenous charging…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to optimize the design of charging station deployed at the terminal station for electric transit, with explicit consideration of heterogenous charging modes.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors proposed a bi-level model to optimize the decision-making at both tactical and operational levels simultaneously. Specifically, at the operational level (i.e. lower level), the service schedule and recharging plan of electric buses are optimized under specific design of charging station. The objective of lower-level model is to minimize total daily operational cost. This model is solved by a tailored column generation-based heuristic algorithm. At the tactical level (i.e. upper level), the design of charging station is optimized based upon the results obtained at the lower level. A tabu search algorithm is proposed subsequently to solve the upper-level model.
Findings
This study conducted numerical cases to validate the applicability of the proposed model. Some managerial insights stemmed from numerical case studies are revealed and discussed, which can help transit agencies design charging station scientifically.
Originality/value
The joint consideration of heterogeneous charging modes in charging station would further lower the operational cost of electric transit and speed up the market penetration of battery electric buses.
Details
Keywords
Mingjie Hao, Yiming Bie, Le Zhang and Chengyuan Mao
The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic control method to improve bus schedule adherence under connected bus system.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic control method to improve bus schedule adherence under connected bus system.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed a dynamic programming model that optimally schedules the bus operating speed at road sections and multiple signal timing plans at intersections to improve bus schedule adherence. First, the bus route was partitioned into three types of sections: stop, road and intersection. Then, transit agencies can control buses in real time based on all collected information; i.e. control bus operating speed on road sections and adjust the signal timing plans through signal controllers to improve the schedule adherence in connected bus environment. Finally, bus punctuality at the downstream stop and the saturation degree deviations of intersections were selected as the evaluation criteria in optimizing signal control plans and bus speeds jointly.
Findings
An illustrative case study by using a bus rapid transit line in Jinan city was performed to verify the proposed model. It revealed that based on the proposed strategy, the objective value could be reduced by 73.7%, which indicated that the punctuality was highly improved but not to incur excessive congestion for other vehicular traffic.
Originality/value
In this paper, the authors applied speed guidance and the adjustment of the signal control plans for multiple cycles in advance to improve the scheduled stability; furthermore, the proposed control strategy can reduce the effect on private traffics to the utmost extend.
Details
Keywords
Hector Martin, Ashlee Miller, Amrita Milling and Marie Martin
Business-to-government corruption has destroyed many businesses and debilitated numerous countries. The paradox of plenty, or the curse of resources, is exacerbated in emerging…
Abstract
Purpose
Business-to-government corruption has destroyed many businesses and debilitated numerous countries. The paradox of plenty, or the curse of resources, is exacerbated in emerging oil and gas economies, where corruption is rampant. Corruption most frequently occurs within the tendering stage of construction projects and the current debate fails to arrest this ubiquitous boundless construct in small island developing states (SIDSs). The purpose of this study is to explain how the unique features of SIDS contributes to an understanding of B2G corruption during construction tendering.
Design/methodology/approach
This study elucidates corruption in the tendering process through the lens of collective action and principal–agent theories. Interviews with three experts and a questionnaire survey with 115 practitioners evaluated corruption in Trinidad’s construction industry. Principal component analysis reduced 33 corruption variables to 5 primary causes. In addition, the relative importance of potential solutions for curtailing corruption was assessed.
Findings
The derived factors highlight that governance within SID oil and gas economies, inadequate tender procedures and practices, reprehensible business growth strategies, unethical misconduct and the social networking context characterise public infrastructure tendering. The recommendations for minimising corruption in tendering are grounded in behaviour and deterrence theories and infused with technological advances.
Research limitations/implications
Using surveys and interviews circumvents the limitation of the inability to measure corruption because of the confines of respondents’ recall triggers. However, corruption is mediated by cultural norms, which limits the generalisation of the findings.
Originality/value
The study concludes that corruption results from a lack of transparency in the construction supply chain. It leads to an awareness gap between project stakeholders, which is a major risk factor and source of mistrust. The result is a lack of traceable processes and coordination among stakeholders. Consequently, the study fills the gap in responsible socio-economic consumption in SIDSs.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deformation-induced martensite on electrochemical corrosion behaviors of 304 austenitic stainless steel in a simulated…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deformation-induced martensite on electrochemical corrosion behaviors of 304 austenitic stainless steel in a simulated primary water environment of a pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant with boric acid and lithium hydroxide contaminated with chloride by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Mott–Schotty curves and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Design/methodology/approach
The effects of deformation-induced martensite transformation on electrochemical corrosion behaviors of 304 austenitic stainless steel was investigated in a simulated primary water environment of a pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant with boric acid and lithium hydroxide contaminated with 0.1 M Cl− by potentiodynamic polarization, EIS, Mott–Schotty curves and XPS in this paper.
Findings
The results revealed that the martensitic phase contents increased with the level of cold deformation. The general corrosion current density and the corrosion potential increased and decreased, respectively, with the increase of cold deformation degree. However, the pitting potential decreased as the cold deformation increased up to 20 per cent, then a slight increase was observed at 35 per cent cold working. It was found from Mott–Schottky curves and XPS analysis that as the cold deformation degree increased from 0 to 35 per cent, the doping concentrations of the oxide films increased; however, the film thickness decreased, which indicates that both density and integrity of the films are degraded significantly as the deformation degree increases, and this ultimately contributes to the significant increment of the general corrosion rate and reduction of the pitting corrosion resistance.
Originality/value
The effects of deformation-induced martensite transformation on electrochemical corrosion behaviors of 304 austenitic stainless steel was investigated in a simulated primary water environment of a pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant with boric acid and lithium hydroxide contaminated with 0.1 M Cl− by potentiodynamic polarization, EIS, Mott–Schotty curves and XPS in this paper.
Details
Keywords
Over the past 20 years, entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have emerged as a significant research field, inspiring several scholars to provide valuable contributions. The chapter…
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have emerged as a significant research field, inspiring several scholars to provide valuable contributions. The chapter aims to map the current state of literature by highlighting the most prominent research strands and the main theoretical lenses employed in the research field. By carrying out a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, the study examines articles published over a period of 27 years. The time frame from 1996 to 2023 offers an extensive outlook of the field’s evolution and current trends, resulting in the identification of five research strands and different future research avenues. From the analysis of prior research works, this study provides an in-depth examination of the complex nature of EEs. The results hold theoretical and practical implications. From the scholars’ point of view, they offer future research directions to move the current level of knowledge forward. From the entrepreneurs’ perspective, they provide valuable insights to address ongoing challenges and catch new opportunities within the dynamic panorama of EEs. Therefore, the insights are poised to drive future research, inform policymakers, and enhance business strategies aimed at fostering resilient EEs. In other words, the purpose is to provide readers with a well-rounded understanding over the state of the literature on EEs and the research strands that deserve further exploration.
Details
Keywords
The chapter systematises the leading conceptual frameworks for assessing the overall performance of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). To provide a detailed examination, a…
Abstract
The chapter systematises the leading conceptual frameworks for assessing the overall performance of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). To provide a detailed examination, a descriptive analysis of the Italian landscape has been developed. This context has been chosen to address some contradictions. Despite its long history of industrial districts, it is consistently below the European average in the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI). Through a comprehensive exploration, the chapter identifies the key factors that might contribute to fostering its outcomes. The economic environment, entrepreneurial cultural attitude, institutional frameworks, and resource availability, such as finance and human capital, have been explored to measure the performance of the Italian EE. This in-depth country-level analysis offers invaluable insights for practitioners, scholars, and policymakers engaged in understanding the dynamics of EEs. The findings not only shed light on the salient traits of the Italian context but also contribute to the broader academic debate on the various factors that influence entrepreneurial activity, productive entrepreneurship, and the creation of aggregate value. Upon completing the chapter, readers will be able to increase their understanding on how to measure complex systems. This knowledge enables more informed decisions and supports the creation of conducive environments. Indeed, actors living in EEs can acquire the needed tools to appraise and enhance these ecosystems effectively.
Details
Keywords
Noel Scott, Brent Moyle, Ana Cláudia Campos, Liubov Skavronskaya and Biqiang Liu
Muhammad Usman Shehzad, Jianhua Zhang, Sajjad Alam, Ziao Cao, Fredrick Ahenkora Boamah and Mubashir Ahmad
Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV), the purpose of the study is to examine the impact of collaborative culture (CC) on frugal innovation (FI). It also advances insight into…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV), the purpose of the study is to examine the impact of collaborative culture (CC) on frugal innovation (FI). It also advances insight into the pathways for stimulating distinct aspects of innovation capacity by assessing the mediating effects of knowledge management (KM) processes and the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the data gathered from 430 participants from 80 Pakistani manufacturing and service firms, this study used structural equation modeling to evaluate hypotheses in the established research model.
Findings
The findings reveal that CC positively fosters the KM processes and different aspects of FI. The results indicated the positive direct impact of KM processes on frugal functionality (FF) and frugal cost (FC) while insignificant on the frugal ecosystem (FE). This study found partial mediation of KM processes on the relationship among CC, FF and FC, but the KM process does not mediate the relationship between CC and FE. The results also demonstrated that POS moderation enhances the impacts of CC on KM processes and FF while notably weakening the impacts of CC on FC and FE.
Research limitations/implications
To understand the crucial role of knowledge capital in companies’ innovation capability, future research should examine the mediating function of KM capability (knowledge process capability and knowledge infrastructure capability) and moderating role of environmental turbulence in the relationship between CC and different aspects of innovation capability.
Practical implications
This study significantly advances a better understanding of the relationship between CC and specific facets of innovation capacity by emphasizing the importance of driving the KM process and improving POS.
Originality/value
This study has contributed to the theoretical and practical efforts on KBV, emphasizing the critical importance of CC in fostering a conducive environment for KM processes and innovation.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Usman Shehzad, Jianhua Zhang, Phong Ba Le, Khalid Jamil and Ziao Cao
Given the importance of frugal innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in developing countries, this study aims to explore the role of IT resources on frugal…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the importance of frugal innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in developing countries, this study aims to explore the role of IT resources on frugal innovation through the mediating roles of knowledge sources and to what extent the relationship between sources of knowledge and frugal innovation is strengthened or weakened under the moderating effects of market turbulence.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an empirical study. Data were gathered from 355 SME employees of Pakistan through a questionnaire survey; the variance-based PLS-SEM approach was used to analyze the data.
Findings
Findings reveal the significant impacts of IT resources on different aspects of frugal innovation, namely, frugal functionality (FF), frugal cost (FC) and frugal ecosystem (FE). Moreover, the paper highlights the mediating roles of sources of knowledge in the relationship between IT resources and frugal innovation in frugal functionality and frugal cost. Findings also revealed that the moderation of market turbulence strengthens the effects of sources of knowledge on frugal functionality and ecosystem, but surprisingly weakens the relationship between sources of knowledge and frugal cost.
Research limitations/implications
To bring a deeper understanding of the significant role of IT and knowledge sources, future research should examine the potential moderating role of environmental factors or perceived organizational support or mediating role of knowledge management processes in the relationship between IT resources and frugal innovation.
Practical implications
The paper provides a valuable understanding and novel approach for directors of SMEs in developing countries to improve their frugal innovation capability through IT and knowledge resources.
Originality/value
This study contributes to bridging research gaps in the literature and advances how IT resources, directly and indirectly, help firms improve frugal innovation capability via mediating roles of sources of knowledge.
Details
Keywords
Sherani, Jianhua Zhang, Muhammad Riaz, Fredrick Ahenkora Boamah and Sher Ali
The study aims to explore the impact of tacit knowledge sharing (TKS) factors and its consequences in the form of technological innovation capabilities (TICs) within Pakistani…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore the impact of tacit knowledge sharing (TKS) factors and its consequences in the form of technological innovation capabilities (TICs) within Pakistani software small–medium enterprises (SSMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon the social exchange theory (SET), the study used a quantitative approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test hypotheses with 220 valid data collected from 23 Pakistani software SSMEs.
Findings
The peer influence (PI) has positive and significant effect on collaborative culture (CC), willingness to share tacit knowledge (WSTK) and TICs. Organizational trust (OT) has a positive and significant impact on CC and TIC. Whereas, CC possessed positive and significant effect on WSTK and insignificant on TIC. Furthermore, WSTK has positive and significant effect on TIC. Finally, WSTK partially mediates the relationship between PI and TIC whereas WSTK fully mediates the relationship between CC and TIC.
Research limitations/implications
The study enriches the research on knowledge sharing and TIC. This research investigates the precursors of tacit knowledge-sharing willingness and their consequences in software SMEs; future studies need to examine tacit knowledge-seeking willingness and its consequences not only in software enterprises but also in other industrial sectors. Besides, it needs to evaluate types of innovative capabilities in software SMEs.
Practical implications
The study suggested that the practitioners need to strengthen TKS in the form employees’ updated skills and expertise which ultimately fosters software enterprise’s innovative capabilities to attain competitive advantages in a specific industry.
Originality/value
This research is one of the few studies to examine the potential antecedents of WSTK and their final effects within software SMEs in the form of TICs. As currently it is observed, an incredible increase of skills oriented innovations in firms particularly in the software domain and IT industry. Therefore, this study emphasizes how PI, OT and WSTK positively affect TIC of Pakistani software SMEs. However, the study could be considered as a guideline for the academia and practitioners who attempt to strengthen the technological innovations capabilities in software SMEs.