Guanxi is believed to be a striking feature that helps to enter a profitable and growing Chinese market. Though many have guanxi well‐defined and classified, the core value…
Abstract
Purpose
Guanxi is believed to be a striking feature that helps to enter a profitable and growing Chinese market. Though many have guanxi well‐defined and classified, the core value undermined within the Confucianism that constructs guanxi networks, the mechanism of how guanxi works, and the factors that make them sustainable and durable in Chinese societies have rarely been discussed thoroughly. From the socio‐cultural view, this study seeks to examine guanxi and its role in business.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used a combination of qualitative research approaches, namely interviews, and questionnaire for survey. The quantitative research approaches was also chosen to test and discuss for the results consistency.
Findings
The result suggests guanxi, the unique cultural character of Chinese, does not simply connect the social networks; it also plays the role in setting the rules in doing business in Chinese society.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides an inner view which offers insights that should prove helpful to academics in management and related disciplines as well as to practitioners engaged in Chinese business.
Originality/value
Monitoring the mechanism of Chinese social‐culture and gaining an understanding of how guanxi plays as the internal and external factors in business.
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Gustav Jansson, Robert Lundkvist and Thomas Olofsson
This paper aims to describe how the experience feedback (EF) from building projects contributes to product platform development in house-building companies. House-building…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe how the experience feedback (EF) from building projects contributes to product platform development in house-building companies. House-building companies seek improvements to decrease costs, improve flow and decrease variability. Industrialised concepts using predefinitions in product platforms have provided a way of storing and reusing knowledge in project-based house-building organisations. However, the innovation in platforms is mainly incremental and based on EF from implementations in projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data were gathered via interviews, archival studies and observations, and analysed to identify the underlying structures used to manage the incorporation of EF during platform development. Four different EF channels were studied at one Scandinavian house-builder. The data are explained using an analytical framework based on diffusion of innovation, product platforms and EF.
Findings
EF is distributed over the value chain to improve the platform over time. By using multiple channels with differing contents, it is possible to balance client demands and variation with production efficiency. Platform development using feedback channels provides opportunities for double-loop learning. Operative work on projects and the strategic decisions made by developers continuously improve the platform through a combination of knowledge pull and push.
Originality/value
A combination of different EF channels and strategies for developing knowledge pull are shown to be essential for the incremental development of product platforms in project-based house-building organisations. The development of product platforms requires a shift away from the construction industry’s dominant project focus towards a more product-oriented view of house-building. Integrating the design phase with the supply chain enables variety but also creates a need for continuous platform development.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in solder joint stress when subjected to mechanical bending. The analytical theory pertaining to the stresses in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in solder joint stress when subjected to mechanical bending. The analytical theory pertaining to the stresses in the solder joint between the components (including the molding compound, the chip and the substrate) was described, and the printed circuit board (PCB) with a discontinuity function when the PCB assembly is subjected to mechanical bending was developed. Thus, the findings reported here may lead to a better understanding of the solder joint failure based on the Physics of Failure model.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses the analytical model for calculating the stress in solder joints, as well as presents a simulation model that can be used for calculating the strain energy density of solder joint. First, the multilayer plate theory is used in discussing the composite material for the component, including the molding compound, the silicon chip and the substrate, or the PCB, including the copper layers, the fiber and the epoxy. Finally, the complete structure of the analytical model developed as a part of this current work is presented.
Findings
For the analytical model of multilayer structures in which the interconnection layer is discrete, mechanical bending has been modeled with respect to varying silicon chip length. The analytical model that describes the stress of the outermost solder joint experiences is chosen, as this is the typical solder joint failure. The analytical model can be applied to discrete solder joints, which are evaluated by calculating the matrix form. Owing to its use of the matrix equation, the analytical model can be highly combinatorial and thus more capable of calculating the solution.
Research limitations/implications
The analytical solution based on a simple concept was presented and validated using the finite element model for the stress experienced by solder joints subjected to mechanical bending. To verify that the simulation represents a real PCB case, the authors use the finite element method (FEM) to compare their case with the multilayer plate theory. Owing to the good agreement between the theory and simulation results, the authors conclude that the multilayer plate theory can be correctly applied in multilayer PCB and be used in an analytical model for the PCB assembly subjected to mechanical bending.
Practical implications
Owing to the good agreement between the theory and simulation results, the authors conclude that the multilayer plate theory can be correctly applied in multilayer PCB and be used in an analytical model for the PCB assembly subjected to mechanical bending.
Social implications
The analytical model is validated with the FEM model and provides the way to physically examine the solder joint failure mechanism. In this paper, the analytical model is developed as a means to assess the solder joint stress subjected to mechanical bending.
Originality/value
The analytical model treats the solder joint as discrete and has been successfully validated against the finite element model. The complete structure model (the second analytical model) is presented to discuss the effects of varying silicon chip length on the normal stress in solder joints. When the silicon chip length exceeds to 80 per cent of the total package length, the stress of the outermost solder joint increases rapidly. The design analysis findings have suggested that the failure of the outermost solder joint subjected to mechanical bending on the PCB assembly can be reduced by analyzing the analytical model.
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Lina Zhong, Mengyao Zhu, Meiling Li, Alastair M. Morrison and Liyu Yang
This paper aims to compare the differences between single- and multi-person interactions in virtual tourism, underpinned by the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to compare the differences between single- and multi-person interactions in virtual tourism, underpinned by the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework and media richness theory (MRT).
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, quantitative data gathered from questionnaires applied to 558 individuals was analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The moderating role of interaction type was tested through multigroup analysis (MGA).
Findings
The results showed that vividness positively influenced telepresence, perceived attractiveness and authentic experiences; telepresence positively affected authentic experiences and perceived attractiveness; and authentic experiences and perceived attractiveness positively impacted willingness to visit in both interaction groups. A difference was detected between the two groups in that perceptions of media vividness were more easily transformed into a willingness to visit through telepresence in the multi-person interaction group. Interaction type moderated the effect of vividness on telepresence. The vividness of the media had a more significant effect on telepresence among those who participated in virtual tourism together.
Originality/value
In this study, a model was developed to explain how media vividness affected willingness to visit by considering the relationships between telepresence, authentic experiences and perceived attractiveness in virtual reality, as well as the social interaction aspect.
研究目的
本研究旨在比较虚拟旅游中单人和多人互动的差异, 基于刺激-有机体-反应(S-O-R)框架和媒介丰富度理论(MRT)。
研究方法
本研究对 558 名受试者的问卷调查数据进行了定量分析, 采用 PLS-SEM 模型分析, 并通过多群组分分析(MGA)测试了互动类型的调节作用。
研究发现
研究结果显示, 生动性对临场感、感知吸引力和真实体验有正向影响; 临场感对真实体验和感知吸引力有正向影响; 真实体验和感知吸引力对参观意愿有正向影响。两组之间的差异在于, 在多人互动组中, 媒介生动性更容易通过临场感转化为参观意愿。互动类型调节了生动性对临场感的影响, 参与虚拟旅游的多人群体中, 媒介的生动性对临场感的影响更为显著。
研究创新
本研究构建了一个模型, 解释了在虚拟现实中, 媒介生动性如何通过临场感、真实体验和感知吸引力的关系影响参观意愿, 同时考虑了社会互动的因素。
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Despite the prevalence of luxury brand extension in the service industry, customers tend to be skeptical of the value of the extended brand. This study aims to investigate whether…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the prevalence of luxury brand extension in the service industry, customers tend to be skeptical of the value of the extended brand. This study aims to investigate whether a parent luxury service brand significantly alters customers’ predicted quality, identity and attitude toward the extended brand.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypotheses in a developing country.
Findings
The results show that the parent brand’s brand distinctiveness positively and significantly signals the identity and quality of the extended brand. The model also identifies the mediating effects of quality as it signals the relationship between customers’ perception of the parent brand and attitude toward the extended service brand. As expected, as the quality of the extended brand improves, so does attitude toward the extended hotel brand. By contrast, the perceived identity of the extended brand does not significantly increase support for a positive attitude toward the extended brand.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing consumer marketing literature by suggesting future research directions and brand extension strategies for luxury hotel brand companies in developing countries.
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The purpose of the paper is to analyze the active suppression of the aeroelastic vibrations of ailerons with strongly nonlinear characteristics by neural network/reinforcement…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to analyze the active suppression of the aeroelastic vibrations of ailerons with strongly nonlinear characteristics by neural network/reinforcement learning (NN/RL) control method and comparing it with the classic robust methods of suppression.
Design/methodology/approach
The flexible wing and aileron with hysteresis nonlinearity is treated as a plant-controller system and NN/RL and robust controller are used to suppress the nonlinear aeroelastic vibrations of aileron. The simulation approach is used for analyzing the efficiency of both types of methods in suppressing of such vibrations.
Findings
The analysis shows that the NN/RL controller is able to suppress the nonlinear vibrations of aileron much better than linear robust method, although its efficiency depends essentially on the NN topology as well as on the RL strategy.
Research limitations/implications
Only numerical analysis was carried out; thus, the proposed solution is of theoretical value, and its application to the real suppression of aeroelastic vibrations requires further research.
Practical implications
The work shows the NN/RL method has a great potential in improving suppression of highly nonlinear aeroelastic vibrations, opposed to the classical robust methods that probably reach their limits in this area.
Originality/value
The work raises the questions of controllability of the highly nonlinear aeroelastic systems by means of classical robust and NN/RL methods of control.
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Pejman Ghasemi Poor Sabet and Heap-Yih Chong
New methods have been introduced as revolutionary approaches in the construction industry, such as off-site manufacturing (OSM) and building information modelling (BIM). Although…
Abstract
Purpose
New methods have been introduced as revolutionary approaches in the construction industry, such as off-site manufacturing (OSM) and building information modelling (BIM). Although these approaches can provide many benefits, there are still barriers to meeting the expectations of improved construction productivity via their implementation. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to critically review the capabilities of OSM and BIM techniques, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review approach was adopted, where 100 peer-reviewed journal articles were collected to analyse the capabilities of OSM and BIM, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement as assessed by key productivity indicators (KPrIs).
Findings
The results reveal seven BIM-based capabilities and six OSM-based capabilities, as well as 12 potential OSM–BIM interactions that have significant potential for satisfying KPrIs.
Originality/value
An integrated framework has also been developed to clarify and conceptualise the roles of OSM–BIM interactions in their designated KPrIs. The research has developed insightful and practical references for strategic planning and management in OSM–BIM-based projects.
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Narpat Ram Sangwa and Kuldip Singh Sangwan
The purpose of this paper is to review various themes of leanness, leanness assessment approaches, leanness assessment areas, and their evolution by a systematic literature review…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review various themes of leanness, leanness assessment approaches, leanness assessment areas, and their evolution by a systematic literature review (SLR).
Design/methodology/approach
The eight types of literature review methodologies are identified and compared. The SLR is selected after critically analyzing the eight types of literature reviews. A four-phased SLR (i.e. plan, do, analyze/synthesize, and propose) has been carried out based on the peer-reviewed journal and conference articles on leanness assessment.
Findings
The existing literature on leanness assessment shows the lack of review-based papers on lean assessment. This study attempts to build a two-fold contribution to the field of leanness assessment: first, various types of themes, approaches, and assessment areas are identified; second, a framework for leanness assessment is proposed. The study shows that the research on leanness assessment is mainly empirical using qualitative judgment. The paper traces the changes in scope, areas, and approaches to leanness assessment. The scope of leanness assessment broadened from manufacturing process assessment to whole supply chain assessment including manufacturing process. The focus of earlier assessment was manufacturing and financial areas which now includes human resource, administration, new product development, suppliers, and customers also. Tool and technique based assessment has given way to outcome-based assessment using non-financial and qualitative parameters.
Research limitations/implications
One of the limitations of the study is that literature search was mainly focused on peer-reviewed articles published in English language only; therefore, some papers in others languages may have been missed. Apart from this, the SLR has been conducted for the manufacturing sector only.
Practical implications
The study is expected to be useful for the lean practitioners to identify the causes of reported lean failures. Moreover, the authors also expect that the conducted SLR will provide the passage to the practitioners for not only fostering the concepts on leanness assessment but also provide the vital and significant knowledge about the leanness assessment to the managers for enhancing organizational performance.
Originality/value
As per the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SLR on leanness assessment. It is expected that this paper will help the researchers working in the area of lean manufacturing to identify new areas of research.
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Hae Jin Gam, Huantian Cao, Cheryl Farr and Lauren Heine
The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement a new sustainable apparel design and production model, cradle to cradle apparel design (C2CAD), that provides guidelines for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement a new sustainable apparel design and production model, cradle to cradle apparel design (C2CAD), that provides guidelines for apparel designers and manufacturers to solve some of the sustainability problems related to apparel production.
Design/methodology/approach
The C2CAD model was developed by integrating McDonough and Braungart's “cradle to cradle” model into existing apparel design and production models. Knitwear design and production was used to implement the C2CAD model as a proof of concept. The performance and cost of the C2CAD knitwear were evaluated.
Findings
The C2CAD model has four main steps: problem definition and research; sample making; solution development and collaboration; and production. Following the four steps and with an international collaboration similar to current apparel industry practices, “Four‐season sustainability” children's knitwear prototypes were developed. Produced with an acceptable manufacturing cost, the products have good mechanical and color fastness performance.
Practical implications
The C2CAD model provides practical guidelines for apparel designers and manufacturers and allows them to address all three pillars in sustainable development: economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
Originality/value
The C2CAD is the first apparel design and production model that emphasizes sustainability in addition to functional, expressive, and aesthetic considerations. The production process of “Four‐season sustainability” children's knitwear demonstrated the implementation of C2CAD model in sustainable apparel design and production.