Yu-Qian Zhu, Holly Chiu and Eduardo Jorge Infante Holguin-Veras
This study aims to debunk the myth that knowledge sharing will harm one’s competiveness, and argues, from the learning theory perspective, that sharing knowledge benefits both…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to debunk the myth that knowledge sharing will harm one’s competiveness, and argues, from the learning theory perspective, that sharing knowledge benefits both knowledge sharers and knowledge recipients.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 233 respondents across a variety of industries in Taiwan and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares analysis.
Findings
The results showed that both knowledge sharers and knowledge recipients benefitted from knowledge sharing, developing deeper and wider knowledge, leading to better performance, and that the benefits were greater for the knowledge sharers.
Practical Implications
It is suggested that managers advocate knowledge sharing as a learning activity for both knowledge sharers and knowledge recipients. Regular knowledge sharing activities are advised, with knowledge sharers engaged fully in active learning, and knowledge recipients encouraged to take a more active role, by not only listening but also starting to share themselves.
Originality/value
This research adds to the knowledge management literature by investigating the results of knowledge sharing for both the sharer and recipient through a learning theory lens. It challenges the conventional view that employees will be worse off if they share knowledge, and debunks it with theoretical argument and empirical evidence. It offers insights into the impact on knowledge breadth and depth at the individual level, which was previously only studied at the organizational level.
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Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the factors influencing the evolution of emerging technology innovation network (ETIN) in combination with the key attributes and life cycle of emerging technologies, particularly the impact of multiple knowledge attributes and technology life cycle on the ETIN evolution.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collects 5G patent data and their citation information from the Derwent Innovations Index to construct a 5G technology innovation network (5GIN) as a sample network and conducts an empirical analysis of the 5GIN using the temporal exponential random graph model (TERGM).
Findings
The results indicate that during the 5GIN evolution, the network scale continues to expand and exhibits increasingly significant core-periphery structure, scale-free characteristic, small-world characteristic and community structure. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the multiple knowledge attributes based on the key attributes of emerging technologies, including knowledge novelty, coherence, growth and impact, have a significant positive influence on the ETIN evolution. Meanwhile, the temporal evolution of ETIN is also found to be correlated with the life cycle of emerging technologies.
Originality/value
This study extends the exploration of emerging technology research from a complex network perspective, providing a more realistic explanatory framework for the factors influencing ETIN evolution. It further highlights the important role that multiple knowledge attributes and the technology life cycle play within this framework.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore what organizational adaptability means in the digitized context and to discuss how manufacturing companies achieve organizational adaptability during the digital transformation process.
Design/methodology/approach
By conducting semi-structured interviews and acquiring archive data from a typical Chinese manufacturing company, this paper gathers extensive data. Based on this, a single-case study methodology is used to investigate organizational adaptability in digital transformation.
Findings
This study identifies the process by which companies achieve organizational adaptability during digital transformation and deconstructs organizational adaptability into three dimensions: structural adaptability, operational adaptability and governance adaptability. This study also explores how organizational adaptability is affected by digital capabilities.
Originality/value
This study proposes a process model to demonstrate how organizational adaptability may be attained during digital transformation and redefines organizational adaptability in the context of digitization.
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Yu-Qian Zhu and Kritsapas Kanjanamekanant
Robotic process automation (RPA) has been widely implemented to automate digital tasks. The resulting new type of human–bot co-working environment, however, has been understudied…
Abstract
Purpose
Robotic process automation (RPA) has been widely implemented to automate digital tasks. The resulting new type of human–bot co-working environment, however, has been understudied. This paper investigated how the depth and breadth of RPA deployment impact employees' job autonomy and work intensification, as well as perceived RPA performance. It further examined how job autonomy, work intensification, and perceived RPA performance predict burnout and continuance intention to use RPA.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data collected from online survey of 128 RPA users, whose organizations have already gone live on RPA, partial least squares is used in the validation of the conceptual model and analysis.
Findings
The analytical results indicate that RPA deployment breadth and depth affect work intensification differently, and RPA deployment breadth and depth significantly predict perceived RPA performance. While work intensification increases burnout, job autonomy alleviates the burnout of employees. Finally, job autonomy and perceived RPA performance are both positive predictors of continuance intention to use RPA.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by investigating how co-working affects employees' autonomy and quality of work. It also advances the research on technology deployment by showing how deployment breadth and depth differently affect employees' evaluations of work-related aspects. Third, it extends the applicability of job demand-resource model into technology deployment and continuance technology use literature, by illustrating the importance of a job resource such as job autonomy. Finally, it provides firms with RPA implementation strategies.
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Hongkang Liu, Qian Yu, Yongheng Li, Yichao Zhang, Kehui Peng, Zhiqiang Kong and Yatian Zhao
This study aims to get a better understanding of the impact of streamlined high-speed trains (HSTs) with geometric uncertainty on aerodynamic performance, as well as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to get a better understanding of the impact of streamlined high-speed trains (HSTs) with geometric uncertainty on aerodynamic performance, as well as the identification of the key parameters responsible for this impact. To reveal the critical parameters, this study creates a methodology for evaluating the uncertainty and sensitivity of drag coefficient induced by design parameters of HST streamlined shapes.
Design/methodology/approach
Bézier curves are used to parameterize the streamlined shape of HSTs, and there are eight design parameters required to fit the streamlined shape, followed by a series of steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. Combining the preparation work with the nonintrusive polynomial chaos method results in a workflow for uncertainty quantification and global sensitivity analysis. Based on this framework, this study quantifies the uncertainty of drag, pressure, surface friction coefficient and wake flow characteristics within the defined ranges of streamline shape parameters, as well as the contribution of each design parameter.
Findings
The results show that the change in drag reaches a maximum deviation of 15.37% from the baseline, and the impact on the tail car is more significant, with a deviation of up to 23.98%. The streamlined shape of the upper surface and the length of the pilot (The device is mounted on the front of a train’s locomotive and primarily serves to remove obstacles from the tracks, thereby preventing potential derailment.) are responsible for the dominant factors of the uncertainty in the drag for HSTs. Linear regression results show a significant quadratic polynomial relationship between the length of the pilot and the drag coefficient. The drag declines as the length of the pilot enlarges. By analyzing the case with the lowest drag, the positive pressure area in the front of pilot is greatly reduced, while the nose tip pressure of the tail is enhanced by altering the vortices in the wake. The counter-rotating vortex pair is significantly attenuated. Accordingly, exerts the impacts caused by geometric uncertainty can be found on the wake flow region, with pressure differences of up to 900 Pa. The parameters associated with the shape of the upper surface contribute significantly to the uncertainty in the core of the wake separation region.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of streamlined HSTs with geometric uncertainty on aerodynamic performance, as well as the identification of the key parameters responsible for this impact. Based on this study, future research could delve into the detailed design of critical areas in the streamlined shape of HSTs, as well as the direction of shape optimization to more precisely and efficiently reduce train aerodynamic drag under typical conditions.
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Mebrahtu Tesfagebreal, Li Chang, Siele Jean Tuo and Yu Qian
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corruption level in steering the business–government relations (BGRs) in developing countries. It also examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corruption level in steering the business–government relations (BGRs) in developing countries. It also examines the moderating effect of firm size.
Design/methodology/approach
Using robust tobit and probit models, this study tests the response behavior of 9787 firms from 23 African countries to their government's policy and regulations and the direct effect of corruption control level in their response decisions. The authors also perform several other additional analyses to ensure the robustness of the findings, including change analysis, two-stage model and recursive bivariate model.
Findings
The result shows that corruption level is among the significant factors that drive BGRs exponentially. The finding points out that, there is a strong alliance of business and government in more corrupt countries. Moreover, the impact of corruption level exacerbates when the firm is bigger.
Research limitations/implications
Managers should focus more on activities that create long-term sustainable advantage. Valuable time of the senior managers should not waste on negotiating government policies to earn a short term advantages.
Practical implications
It is evident that legal and transparent government alliances can lead to economic rent for firms. However, it is important to note that any alliance based on corruption and illegality is short-lived and ultimately detrimental to long-term prosperity. Therefore, it is crucial for firms to prioritize ethical business practices and build relationships with governments that prioritize transparency and accountability.
Social implications
Given the detrimental impact of corruption on economic progress, it is crucial for Africa policy-makers to prioritize reforms aimed at reducing its adverse effect. By implementing ethical and transparent business practices, countries can attract more investment and promote economic growth.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature on the passive form of political connectivity/activity and to what extend corruption level affect the political activities of firms.
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Haizhou Yang, Seong Hyeon Hong, Yu Qian and Yi Wang
This paper aims to present a multi-fidelity surrogate-based optimization (MFSBO) method for computationally accurate and efficient design of microfluidic concentration gradient…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a multi-fidelity surrogate-based optimization (MFSBO) method for computationally accurate and efficient design of microfluidic concentration gradient generators (µCGGs).
Design/methodology/approach
Cokriging-based multi-fidelity surrogate model (MFSM) is constructed to combine data with varying fidelities and computational costs to accelerate the optimization process and improve design accuracy. An adaptive sampling approach based on parallel infill of multiple low-fidelity (LF) samples without notably adding computation burden is developed. The proposed optimization framework is compared with a surrogate-based optimization (SBO) method that relies on data from a single source, and a conventional multi-fidelity adaptive sampling and optimization method in terms of the convergence rate and design accuracy.
Findings
The results demonstrate that proposed MFSBO method allows faster convergence and better designs than SBO for all case studies with 49% more reduction in the objective function value on average. It is also found that parallel infill (MFSBO-4) with four LF samples, enables more robust, efficient and accurate designs than conventional multi-fidelity infill (MFSBO-1) that only adopts one LF sample during each iteration for more complex optimization problems.
Originality/value
A MFSM based on cokriging method is constructed to utilize data with varying fidelities, accuracies and computational costs for µCGG design. A parallel infill strategy based on multiple infill criteria is developed to accelerate the convergence and improve the design accuracy of optimization. The proposed methodology is proved to be a feasible method for µCGG design and its computational efficiency is verified.
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Abdullahi Muazu, Qian Yu and Qin Liu
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth, using the threshold variables of non-renewable energy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth, using the threshold variables of non-renewable energy consumption, urbanization level and per-capita income.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a panel threshold regression model, on combined African countries and divided African countries into five regions (northern, western, central, southern and eastern Africa). The study used panel data from 54 African countries, from 1990 to 2018.
Findings
This study established a threshold interval where the significant negative impact of renewable energy consumption on the economic growth of combined African countries is different at each split asymmetric phase, meaning the relationship is negative and non-linear. Further, the study established the threshold effect of divided African countries into regions, revealed a negative effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth and compared the differences of threshold effect and coefficient in the regions, which further highlight the varying resource and renewable energy development across African countries.
Practical implications
This study recommends strategies and investment priorities on energy transition, through optimizing renewable energy in Africa, hence aggressive investment in the renewable energy sector is highly encouraged especially for the oil-producing state to promote clean and sustainable energy.
Originality/value
The contribution of this study is the establishment of a non-linear panel threshold model to examine the asymmetric effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth which to the best of the authors’ knowledge is pioneer research in Africa. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of renewable energy consumption’s effect on the economic growth of all the regions in Africa.
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Ranran Zhang, Jinjin Liu and Yu Qian
This research aims to examine which cooperative contract (wholesale-price contract or cost-sharing contract) can more effectively upgrade the green degree of product and promote…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to examine which cooperative contract (wholesale-price contract or cost-sharing contract) can more effectively upgrade the green degree of product and promote demand when considering consumer reference price effect under different power structures.
Design/methodology/approach
This research investigates a dyadic green supply chain composed of one manufacturer and one retailer. Four Stackelberg game models with a cost-sharing contract or a wholesale-price contract are built in retailer-led and manufacturer-led scenarios, respectively. Using backward induction, the optimal green decision under each model is obtained. In addition, the optimal cooperative contract is proposed by comparing these four models.
Findings
It is found that under consumer reference price effect, a cost-sharing contract outperforms a wholesale-price contract in upgrading product greenness and promoting demand. Under any single contract, the retailer-led situation is more conducive to improving product greenness than the manufacturer-led situation. Moreover, consumer reference price effect would reduce the sharing ratio of a cost-sharing contract when the manufacturer dominates, but it could mitigate the problem of double marginalization by reducing wholesale and retail prices under both types of contracts, which would enhance consumer surplus.
Originality/value
It is a new attempt to incorporate consumer reference price effect and power structure into a green supply chain framework and proposes a novel demand function that simultaneously emphasizes consumer reference price effect, consumer environmental awareness and product green attribute. In addition, it provides managerial insights for business managers to choose green cooperative contracts with consumer reference price effect under different power structures.
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Liangqiang Li, Boyan Yao, Xi Li and Yu Qian
This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review promptness and review motivation as well as reviewed contents.
Design/methodology/approach
To evaluate the customers’ responses regarding their shopping experiences, in this paper, the “purchase-review” promptness is studied to explore the temporal characteristics of users’ reviewing behavior online. Then, an aspect mining method was introduced for assessment of review text. Finally, a theoretical model is proposed to analyze how the customers’ reviews were formed.
Findings
First, the length of time elapsed between purchase and review was found to follow a power-law distribution, which characterizes an important number of human behaviors. Within online review behaviors, this meant that a high frequency population of reviewers tended to publish relatively quick reviews online. This showed that the customers’ reviewing behaviors on e-commerce websites may have been affected by extrinsic motivations, intrinsic motivations or both. Second, the proposed review-to-feature mapping technique is a feasible method for exploring reviewers’ opinions in both massive and sparse reviews. Finally, the customers’ reviewing behaviors were found to be mostly consistent with reviewers’ motivations.
Originality/value
First, the authors propose that the “promptness” of users in posting online reviews is an important external manifestation of their motivation, product experience and service experience. Second, a semi-supervised method of review-to-aspect mapping is used to solve the data quality problem in mining information from massive text data, which vary in length, detail and quality. Finally, a huge amount of e-commerce customers’ purchase-review promptness are studied and the results indicate that not all product features are responsible for the “prompt” posting of users’ reviews, and that the platform’s strategy to encourage users to post reviews will not work in the long term.