The purpose of this paper is to explore how consumers’ trust is enhanced by e-commerce-based agribusiness companies. It also aims to shed light on the role of social commerce in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how consumers’ trust is enhanced by e-commerce-based agribusiness companies. It also aims to shed light on the role of social commerce in improving consumers’ trust.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the research purpose, an in-depth multiple case study is performed. In this study, three cases in short food supply chain (SFSC) in China are selected, and they are all e-commerce agribusiness companies. They adopted common ways to build up, maintain and reinforce consumers’ trust.
Findings
It is revealed that the companies innovatively adopted social commerce, both online and offline, to overcome the trust problems usually faced by e-commerce companies. It is also shown that offline contact with potential consumers is an important first step for agribusiness e-commerce entrepreneurs to build up trust with consumers.
Research limitations/implications
By adopting a multiple case study method, the research has limited generalizability to other types of SFSCs. Since the findings are from Chinese agribusiness e-commerce companies, the generalization to other sectors must be done with caution.
Practical implications
Some managerial implications are given as follows: first, offline contact with consumers could be realized through different channels. Taking advantage of existing social network or trying to find consumers in urban communities might be effective ways. Second, trust building with consumers is not an easy task, managers need to emphasize trust building, trust maintaining, as well as trust reinforcing with consumers. In agri-food sector, managers might need to specifically address the importance of food safety and quality so as to not lose consumer trust in one night.
Originality/value
The study has mainly two contributions: first, it has managerial implications for agribusiness e-commerce entrepreneurs, addressing the important role of social presence in building up consumer trust. Second, it contributes to social presence and social relations literature by providing new empirical evidence from e-commerce in agri-food sector and in developing countries.
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Chen Ji, Ni Zhuo and Songqing Jin
Farm income in the agricultural sector is susceptible to natural and market risks. A large body of literature has studied the effects of cooperative membership on household…
Abstract
Purpose
Farm income in the agricultural sector is susceptible to natural and market risks. A large body of literature has studied the effects of cooperative membership on household welfare, technical efficiency, productivity and production behavior, yet little has been known about the impact of cooperative membership on farm income volatility. This paper aims to fill this research gap by investigating the relationship between cooperative membership and farm income volatility of Chinese pig farmers and drawing policy implications.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines the effect of cooperative membership on farm income volatility, using data from a two-round survey of pig farmers in China. The authors employ an endogenous switching regression model to address the selection bias issues associated with unobserved factors simultaneously affecting farmers' participation in agricultural cooperatives and income earning activities.
Findings
Using household panel from a two-round survey of 193 pig farmers in China, this analysis highlights two key findings: (1) agricultural cooperative membership has significant and positive effect on farm income stability and (2) the impact of cooperative membership on farm income stability varies with production scale.
Originality/value
This research makes two contributions to the literature. First, this study contributes to the scant literature exploring the relationship between agricultural cooperatives and farm income stability. Second, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that explores such relationship in a livestock sector. The pig sector in China and around the developing world has been increasingly challenged by multifaceted risks (e.g. price fluctuations, epidemic diseases, environmental regulations), and understanding the role of agricultural cooperatives in farm income stability of pig farmers is of great practical and policy significance.
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H. Lukman, L. Dye and J.E. Blundell
The prevalence of obesity in China is currently one of the lowest in the world, but it is increasing, particularly in urban areas. The incidence of obesity in China is…
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity in China is currently one of the lowest in the world, but it is increasing, particularly in urban areas. The incidence of obesity in China is approximately four to five times lower than in the UK and USA respectively. Several dietary studies have found that dietary fat consumption in China is lower than in Western countries, but is currently increasing. In addition, Chinese in more affluent countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, and Chinese immigrants in the USA are consuming greater amounts of dietary fat than Chinese in China. This increased intake of fat in Chinese is probably due to transition from the traditional Chinese eating patterns to those typical of Westerners. The change in overall dietary intake is likely to have an impact on obesity, health and economy of these nations. This is an appropriate time to examine the relationship between diet and obesity with special reference to Chinese communities in different parts of the world.
Ya'nan Lou, Pengkun Quan, Haoyu Lin, Zhuo Liang, Dongbo Wei and Shichun Di
This purpose of this paper is to design a peg-in-hole controller for a cable-driven serial robot with compliant wrist (CDSR-CW) using cable tensions and joint positions. The peg…
Abstract
Purpose
This purpose of this paper is to design a peg-in-hole controller for a cable-driven serial robot with compliant wrist (CDSR-CW) using cable tensions and joint positions. The peg is connected to the robot link through a CW. It is required that the controller does not rely on any external sensors such as 6-axis wrist force/torque (F/T) sensor, and only the compliance matrix’s estimated value of the CW is known.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the peg-in-hole assembly system based on a CDSR-CW is analyzed. Second, a characterization algorithm using micro cable tensions and joint positions to express the elastic F/T at the CW is established. Next, under the premise of only knowing the compliance matrix’s estimate, a peg-in-hole controller based on force/position hybrid control is proposed.
Findings
The experiment results show that the plug contact F/T can be tracked well. This verifies the validity and correctness of the characterization algorithm and peg-in-hole controller for CDSR-CWs in this paper.
Originality/value
First, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no relevant work about the peg-in-hole assembly task using a CDSR-CW. Besides, the proposed characterization algorithm for the elastic F/T makes the peg-in-hole controller get rid of the dependence on the F/T sensor, which expands the application scenarios of the peg-in-hole controller. Finally, the controller does not require an accurate compliance matrix, which also increases its applicability.
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Nacira Mecheri, Messaoud Benounis and Houcine Barhoumi
This work aims to determine iron (III) in real water by using a new amperometric sensor on the basis of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to test and characterize a new modified selective…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aims to determine iron (III) in real water by using a new amperometric sensor on the basis of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to test and characterize a new modified selective platinum electrode.
Design/methodology/approach
In this review, the authors focus on testing and characterizing several polymeric membranes by using cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry (SWV) methods to differentiate the nature of plasticizers (2-Nitrophenyl octyl ether [NPOE], Di-n-octyl phthalate, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, PEG. The authors have evaluated the possibility of using crown ether and three zeolite ionophore (faujasite [FAU], Chabazite and ZSM-5) matrixes as novel materials for the selective determination of iron (III) using SWV for the best membranes.
Findings
The results demonstrated that the modified platinum electrode presents linear dependence of amperometric signal with a wide linear range of 10−9 to 10−4 mol.L−1 for iron determination, revealing a detection limit of 10−10 mol.L−1 and amperometric sensibility of 58.58 µA/mol.L−1. The slope of the membrane plasticized with PEG calibration curve is six times higher than that of the other membranes. It was noticed that when the crown ether and the three zeolite ionophores were used, as a new detective material for iron with the membrane plasticized with PEG, the expected results were highly proven. The modified platinum electrode showed high selectivity to iron (III) when the heavy metal ions such as Ni (II), Al (III), Zn (III), Cd (II), Gd (II) and Cu (II) were present.
Originality/value
The utility of the method and the efficiency of the best membrane sensor have been accurately tested by the determination of iron in real water samples of Hassi Messaoud, south of Algeria.
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J.N. Chakraborty, Priyanka Kumari Dhaka, Akshit Vikram Sethi and Md Arif
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) respond with a change in their shape against a specific stimulus by memorizing their original shape and are reformed after deformation most often by…
Abstract
Purpose
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) respond with a change in their shape against a specific stimulus by memorizing their original shape and are reformed after deformation most often by changing the temperature of the surrounding without additional mechanical efforts. In the coming years, these polymers indeed will be in limelight to manufacture textile materials which will retain their shape even after prolonged use under disturbed conditions. This study aims at defining shape memory materials and polymers as well as their technological characteristics and also highlights application in various fields of textiles.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used to explain these SMPs have been carried out starting with the discussion on their properties, their physical nature, types, viz., shape memory alloys (SMAs), shape memory ceramics, shape memory hybrid, magnetic shape memory alloy, shape memory composites, shape memory gels and SMP along with properties of each type. Other related details of these polymers, such as their advantages, structure and mechanism, shape memory functionality, thermally responsive SMPs and applications, have been detailed.
Findings
It has been observed that the SMPs are very important in the fields of wet and melt-spun fibers to offer novel and functional properties, cotton and wool fabric finishing, to produce SMP films, foams and laminated textiles, water vapor permeable and breathable SMP films, etc.
Originality/value
The field of SMPs is new, and very limited information is available to enable their smooth production and handling.
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Taghreed Y. Abu-Salim, Puneet Agarwal, Eman Abu Elrub, Linda Haoum and Maryam Hasan Almashgari
The success rate of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the service industries is dismally poor, and most organisations discontinue LSS initiatives prematurely. This paper aims to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
The success rate of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the service industries is dismally poor, and most organisations discontinue LSS initiatives prematurely. This paper aims to identify the LSS barriers (LSSBs) and analyse their interaction via a hierarchical model developed by using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and Fuzzy Matriced Impacts Croise’s Multiplication Appliqué à un Classement (MICMAC). These allow the LSS execution and implementation to be much more effective and avoid the high cost of implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A structural review of the literature and interviews with experts and professionals from the service industries in the UAE supplied data wherewith to identify LSSBs. Sixteen LSSBs were determined and analysed using ISM and the MICMAC approach to discover the strong drivers and highly dependent barriers. The Fuzzy set was included in the MICMAC analysis to obtain a more precise output and create an effective hierarchical model of the barriers.
Findings
The research findings suggest that the top barriers to LSS implementation in service industries are lack of top management commitment, lack of customer focus, resistance to change management and lack of alignment between the LSS and organisational strategy. A deeper analysis using the Fuzzy-MICMAC approach categorises these barriers on the basis of their driving power and dependency.
Research limitations/implications
The relationships between paired LSSBs were obtained through an experts’ interpretations of limited numbers in one country. Conducting a large-scale survey with a more comprehensive demographic or deep focus in one service industry might deepen our understanding of the interactions of LSSBs and models.
Practical implications
The developed ISM that model suggests that the dependencies and relationships among the barriers must be accurately determined so as to remove the collaborative effect of barriers on the implementation process is at the earliest opportunity. This would improve service companies’ competitive advantage and profitability, drive out waste and reduce the cost associated with poor quality. Similarly, academicians may advocate ways in various issues can contribute to improve LSSBs for amended LSS implementation now that business services are booming in the fourth industrial revolution.
Originality/value
The structural model was developed holistically on the basis of the inputs from practitioners and academicians to ensure its practical validity. Though the model has theoretical foundations, its practical applicability is a key factor in its development, so this approach was helpful for practitioner wanted to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and be able to deploy LSS concepts smoothly in service industries. The results support the proposition that top management is a crucial factor for LSS project implementation, whatever the complexity of the research methodology and the nature of the service industries.
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Mcxin Tee, Lee-Yen Chaw and Sadia Mehfooz Khan
Sustainable tourism will be an appropriate strategy to be promoted during the post COVID-19 pandemic, as this is a turning point for the tourism industry to grab the unique chance…
Abstract
Sustainable tourism will be an appropriate strategy to be promoted during the post COVID-19 pandemic, as this is a turning point for the tourism industry to grab the unique chance to have a true reset by focussing on achieving long-term sustainability and a shift from a ‘me to we’ economy. To support sustainable tourism and foster future success in the tourism industry, the process of integrating green knowledge and knowledge management can begin with entrepreneurial education in higher education institutions (HEIs). However, empirical research on university students' green entrepreneurial intention in sustainable tourism has not been exhaustively studied. Additionally, there is a need to further explore knowledge management process and entrepreneurial learning in HEIs. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze knowledge management as a technique to explore the green entrepreneurial intention of students in HEIs in sustaining Malaysia's tourism post COVID-19 pandemic. Exploratory research with quantitative analysis was conducted through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship between green entrepreneurial knowledge and green entrepreneurial intention in sustainable tourism among university business students. Additionally, knowledge revision and conceptual change positively and significantly influence green entrepreneurial knowledge and green entrepreneurial intention in sustainable tourism. However, knowledge application has no impact on green entrepreneurial knowledge and green entrepreneurial intention. The results of this study also reveal that green entrepreneurial knowledge does not have a mediation effect on green entrepreneurial intention. The present work contributes by going beyond the study of entrepreneurial intention, as the research focusses on interconnection among these three major areas: knowledge management, sustainable tourism, and entrepreneurship education post COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the combination of these diverse aspects in this study provides insights to educators and policy makers to investigate the importance of green entrepreneurial knowledge and benefits of knowledge management that can be integrated into entrepreneurship education for current and future sustainable tourism development.
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Jet-Chau Wen, Kuo-Chyang Chang, Shao-Yang Huang, Chia-Chen Hsu, Keng-Yu Chang and Wen-Ni Chen
Rivers flowing through the land are a source of life. They have different importance and functions such as for drinking, sailing, irrigating crops, generating electricity…
Abstract
Rivers flowing through the land are a source of life. They have different importance and functions such as for drinking, sailing, irrigating crops, generating electricity, sightseeing, fishing, and so on. In addition, animals like amphibians, birds, and mammals also live and propagate near the river environment. Therefore, rivers are ecosystems for some animals and plants that are special, rare, or on the brink of extinction (Water Resources Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, 2006).
Guiwen Liu, Ziyi Qin, Hongjuan Wu, Ling Jia and Jihuan Zhuo
Prefabricated building (PB) has been a pivotal force in advancing global building industrialization and sustainability. However, the PB supply chain operation faces significant…
Abstract
Purpose
Prefabricated building (PB) has been a pivotal force in advancing global building industrialization and sustainability. However, the PB supply chain operation faces significant challenges of exhausting negotiations, poor communication and imperfect information, representing high transaction costs (TCs). Existing literature inadequately addresses governance behaviors to mitigate TCs. This study aims to explore PB supply chain inefficiencies through the lens of TC theory, examining the nuanced relationships between hybrid governance behaviors and TCs and exploring effective governance strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theoretical frameworks of governance behavior and TCs, this study employed semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys with PB experts in Anhui, China. Subsequently, integrated backpropagation neural network and ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify critical governance behaviors and explore boundaries for TCs reduction.
Findings
TCs of the PB supply chain are elevated (1) from communication and coordination; (2) during the construction and approval stages. Investigation of how governance behaviors influence the TCs indicated that (1) enterprises exert more influence than local governments; (2) governance effectiveness in the transaction and transaction environment dimensions outweighs stakeholder influence and (3) functional TCs exist in PB, associated with component manufacturing, PB contract negotiation and learning cost.
Originality/value
This study extends understanding of TCs in PB by providing nuanced insights into the nature and timing of TCs and elucidates how governance structures shape TCs. Functional TCs intrinsic to PB were identified when exploring the optimization boundaries. These insights equip local governments and enterprises with actionable knowledge to prioritize effective governance behaviors and measures.