Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a monocular visual measurement system for autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) for unmanned aerial vehicle, which can process images from an infrared camera to estimate the pose of the drogue in the tanker with high accuracy and real-time performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Methods and techniques for marker detection, feature matching and pose estimation have been designed and implemented in the visual measurement system.
Findings
The simple blob detection (SBD) method is adopted, which outperforms the Laplacian of Gaussian method. And a novel noise-elimination algorithm is proposed for excluding the noise points. Besides, a novel feature matching algorithm based on perspective transformation is proposed. Comparative experimental results indicated the rapidity and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Practical implications
The visual measurement system developed in this paper can be applied to estimate the pose of the drogue with a fast speed and high accuracy and it is a feasible measurement strategy which will considerably increase the autonomy and reliability for AAR.
Originality/value
The SBD method is used to detect the features and a novel noise-elimination algorithm is proposed. Besides, a novel feature matching algorithm based on perspective transformation is proposed which is robust and accurate.
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Keywords
Vane-Ing Tian, Felix Tang and Alan C.B. Tse
This paper aims to develop a culturally sensitive model based on the Chinese Confucian philosophy and normative ethics, which emphasizes the wholehearted social responsibility of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a culturally sensitive model based on the Chinese Confucian philosophy and normative ethics, which emphasizes the wholehearted social responsibility of a Junzi (a noble man). Analogous to the popular marketing concept and strategic marketing orientation concepts, the authors define the Junzi concept as a business philosophy and Junzi orientation as the implementation of this philosophy. It proposes a Junzi orientation has a positive influence on companies' performances.
Design/methodology/approach
An 18-item scale comprising five dimensions: (1) Ren – benevolence, humaneness; (2) Yi – appropriateness, righteousness; (3) Li – propriety, harmonious differentiation; (4) Zhi – wisdom, knowledge management; and (5) Xin – integrity, trustworthiness, was developed to measure Junzi orientation. A total of 423 questionnaires were collected from different industries in Hong Kong, and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted.
Findings
The multidimensional behavioral construct of Junzi orientation scale was reliable and valid. The data supported that Junzi orientation has a positive influence on companies' performances.
Practical implications
The paper suggests that Junzi orientation could enhance a firm's competitive advantage.
Originality/value
This paper develops a culturally sensitive business orientation scale based on Chinese Confucianism and normative ethics.
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Tzong‐Ru (Jiun‐Shen) Lee and Toong‐Chinn Venice Koh
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the reason behind a sustainable guanxi network through the introduction of the collaborative strategy in the Taiwanese shoe industry.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the reason behind a sustainable guanxi network through the introduction of the collaborative strategy in the Taiwanese shoe industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature review in the area of Chinese business culture, and guanxi network is used to elaborate the information obtained from the company.
Findings
This paper highlights that the belief of sincerity and trustworthiness has refined to the organization culture that supports the sustainability of Taiwanese guanxi network. Besides, the transaction cost theory, resource‐based view, and specific relationship investment has become a hinder strategy for Taiwanese organization to maintain the business relationship. This paper introduces an interesting collaborative strategy between three parties, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier, the machinery manufacturer, and the end‐user (the branding). Although there is no direct business flows between the end‐user and the machinery manufacturer, the specific relationship investment between these two parties are tight and cannot be separated. This has ensured the proper business flows between the OEM supplier and the end‐user as well as the OEM supplier and the machinery manufacturer.
Originality/value
This paper illustrates that a guanxi network is not sufficient to ensure a long‐term business relationship to be established. Indeed, the organization culture as well as the consideration on the transaction cost and resources from each party does have a great impact on the collaboration relationship to be successful.
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Knowledge input development and innovation implementation are new features of industrial technology innovation. The purpose of this study is to find the process of coordination…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge input development and innovation implementation are new features of industrial technology innovation. The purpose of this study is to find the process of coordination and ecological spiral in the ambidextrous innovation of industrial technology.
Design/methodology/approach
To design the model of industrial technology ambidextrous innovation based on knowledge ecology spiral, an input-output model of knowledge for ambidextrous innovation and a spiral model of knowledge ecology were constructed based on an improved Lotka-Volterra model. Then, the equilibriums in different knowledge inputs and the spiral evolution of knowledge ecology were analyzed. Finally, the ambidextrous coordination mechanism of the core organization was revealed.
Findings
By coordinating the knowledge inputs and the knowledge ecology spiral, enterprises extend the R&D investments in the innovation chain, which will facilitate the knowledge inputs of the exploitative and exploratory innovation. Implementing the ambidextrous coordination in the technology innovation chain and the knowledge ecology chain has the advantage of promoting knowledge inputs, mobility and ecological spiral. Meanwhile, it can achieve the “multi-source, integration and coordination” development of industrial technology innovation.
Originality/value
The two-element innovative knowledge input coordination model and the knowledge ecological spiral model based on the improved Lotka-Volterra model are constructed, which extends the modeling way of the traditional knowledge input-output profit model. It is expected to reduce the amount of knowledge input of a single member and provide theoretical reference for improving the efficiency of knowledge input by constructing the inter-dependent regenerative and inter-generative knowledge interaction.
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Shuang Ren and Ying Zhu
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the contemporary paradigm of business leadership vis-à-vis China’s reform and transitional context.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the contemporary paradigm of business leadership vis-à-vis China’s reform and transitional context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs an evidence-based approach to explore the business leadership issues influenced by economic reform and within the context of societal transition in China. A qualitative research method was adopted based on in-depth interviews with a number of middle managers from a variety of Chinese enterprises, including state-owned, domestic-private and foreign-invested enterprises. Content analysis of several rounds of interviews added depth to the data analysis.
Findings
The findings complement existing thoughts and illustrate concepts, issues, and characteristics not yet emphasized in mainstream literature. General patterns and associated characteristics of business leadership in China, as well as specific patterns associated with different forms of enterprise ownerships, are identified.
Research limitations/implications
The study makes a timely and necessary contribution that enriches context-specific understandings of business leadership against the backdrop of surrounding economic, social, and cultural changes.
Practical implications
The study enriches understandings of commonalities and differences in leadership across the globe, facilitating working collaboratively to achieve common goals in a global community.
Originality/value
The study offers new insights into business leadership by linking contextual, personal, and cognitional factors together and demonstrates some unique characteristics of leadership styles in transitional economies like China.
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Xin‐long Chen and Di Yang
The purpose of this paper is to examine the attitude control problem of a certain and big flexible satellite with unmodeled dynamics and unknown bounded disturbances and control…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the attitude control problem of a certain and big flexible satellite with unmodeled dynamics and unknown bounded disturbances and control input saturation; and to present a design method of robust adaptive controllers (RACs).
Design/methodology/approach
First, using the Lyapunov stability theory, it is shown that the proposed adaptive controller can guarantee the stability of the nonlinear system. Then, the parameters regulation method of the RAC is introduced. Finally, an RAC is designed for the object satellite model consisted of all the error‐source models.
Findings
The simulation results are compared with other results that are derived by using the typical PID controller. It is proved that the designed RAC has some properties of quickly response, high steady‐state precision and strong robustness.
Originality/value
The paper is of value in presenting a design method of RACs aiming at the object satellite with uncertainties and control input saturation.
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Carol X.J. Ou, Robert M. Davison, Xuepan Zhong and Yi Liang
This paper aims to develop a research model that explains how instant messaging (IM) technologies enable employees to be empowered.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a research model that explains how instant messaging (IM) technologies enable employees to be empowered.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses survey of 253 Chinese work professionals with respect to their use of IM tools at work.
Findings
IM does empower work teams via shaping the social networks and facilitating knowledge sharing in the workplace, resulting in heightened team performance.
Research limitations/implications
The survey was conducted in China so generalization to other national contexts is tentative. It focuses on the bright side of IM, but neglects the dark side, e.g. security concerns and work interruptions.
Practical implications
IM is not only a social tool, it also has the potential to contribute to work teams. However, IM cannot achieve better work performance alone. Its contribution to strengthen the social networks at work is also critical. These social networks at work can enable employees to overcome psychological barriers to knowledge sharing.
Originality/value
Studies of IM in the workplace have not previously considered social network perspectives, nor the value of such IM‐facilitated social networks for work performance. This large scale survey of work professionals across four locations in China provides evidence for the considerable positive impacts of IM on work.
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Atif Saleem Butt and Ahmad Bayiz Ahmad
The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts that emerge between managers of buying and supplying firms when a personal relationship (friendship, etc.) is present between…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts that emerge between managers of buying and supplying firms when a personal relationship (friendship, etc.) is present between them in the supply chain context.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a case study methodology and relies on data obtained from 30 qualitative interviews with managers of buying and supplying firms, having a personal relationship within inter-firm relationships to promote the interest of the firm.
Findings
Results from this study reveal conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms due to the presence of a personal relationship between them. Specifically, results suggest that managers face ego conflict, supplier’s selection conflict and conflict on accepting late deliveries when they rely on personal relationships, which are themselves embedded within inter-firm relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This study has some limitations. First, this study examines behavioural patterns in Australian cultural context. Second, results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population.
Practical implications
Firms can use the findings to understand conflicts, which arise between managers of buying and supplying firms, as a result of a personal relationship between them in the supply chain.
Originality/value
This is, perhaps, the first study contributing to the supply chain relationship literature by unveiling conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms, when a personal relationship is present between them.
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Weinan Zheng, Peng Xiao and Andrew Madden
Academic contention occurs when research evidence is amenable to more than one interpretation. China has a long tradition of Shang Que (商榷), in which authors argue for their…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic contention occurs when research evidence is amenable to more than one interpretation. China has a long tradition of Shang Que (商榷), in which authors argue for their preferred interpretation. The modern form of this tradition is the Shang Que article, which often takes the form of research papers in Chinese-language journals and which tends to be question-oriented. Shang Que articles usually take the views of a particular author or article as the focus of independent and complete criticism by another, independent, academic. This paper explains the role of Shang Que articles in Chinese scholarship and their influence on international academia.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was used to explore the characteristics and evolution of Chinese Shang Que articles using 30,577 articles published between 1979 and 2018. Microsoft Excel and Gephi were used for data analysis and visualization.
Findings
Findings suggest a decline in the number of Shang Que articles and an increase in the number of co-authors. Shang Que articles remained particularly prominent in Philosophy and Humanities and Social Sciences, where they focused on local issues such as classical Chinese, the Sinicization of Marxism and Chinese literature. This suggests that the number of Shang Que articles is related to the degree of internationalization of a research field.
Originality/value
Shang Que articles, which have been influenced by academic paradigms in English, are a fusion of China's Shang Que tradition and of the modern academic system. Through considering Shang Que articles, this paper explores the benefits of local academic traditions in non-English-speaking cultures.
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Otmar Varela, Sonya Premeaux and Naeem Bajwa
Human capital and boundaryless career theory prevail in studies that examine objective and subjective career success respectively. However, evidence indicating that each framework…
Abstract
Purpose
Human capital and boundaryless career theory prevail in studies that examine objective and subjective career success respectively. However, evidence indicating that each framework offers superior suitability for its respective career outcome is unclear. The purpose of this study is to contrast the predictive validity of the frameworks with respect to both career success criteria.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample involved 182 management faculty in the USA. The authors relied on hierarchical regression analyses to test the study hypotheses.
Findings
Results indicate that human capital outperforms mobility across career success criteria. Yet, this study found that industry segment amplifies the effect of mobility on career success.
Research limitations/implications
While findings primarily speak to the superiority of human capital as a career success antecedent, the significant effect of the industry segment as moderator of mobility calls for a granular definition of the setting where careers are analyzed. Replication of findings across industries are needed before assuming the generalization of results.
Practical implications
Findings reveal the relevance of early career movements for professional careers in academe.
Originality/value
Despite the extensive use of human capital and mobility as antecedents of career success, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that directly contrasts the predictive validity of these competing antecedents.